Another unforgettable heroine!
Like a dandelion in the wind, Hope Ladley blows from one farm to the next, helping cook for the field hands during the harvest. Illiterate and often twisting cliches and Bible verses into mind-boggling observations, Hope leaves widower Jakob Stauffer baffled by her unconventional ways. But her sunny disposition and unstinting love make changes of a different kind around the place. His little daughter and the pregnant sister he's shielding from an abusive husband adore Hope, and things are getting accomplished even if Hope's methods are unique.
Then Jakob's brother-in-law shows up and threatens the newfound peace and happiness of the farm. With Jakob's future uncertain and his heart tangled, can the farmer convince Hope to take root and remain as his wife?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last night I decided to go back and see what the oldest book on my Kindle was that I hadn't read. It turns out that it was Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake. It looked interesting so I settle in....and read until 4 am. Oops!

The Good:

The Bad:

The Summary:

If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

Stunning Yosemite National Park sets the stage for this late 1920s historical romance with mystery, adventure, heart, and a sense of the place John Muir described as "pervaded with divine light."

Watercolorist Olivia Rutherford fashioned her image as an avant-garde artist to appeal to the region's wealthy art-collectors. When she lands a lucrative contract painting illustrations of Yosemite National Park for a travel magazine including its nightly one-of-a-kind Firefall event, she hopes the money will lift Olivia and her sisters out of poverty.

After false accusations cost him everything, former minister Clark Johnson has found purpose as a backcountry guide in this natural cathedral of granite and trees. Now he's faced with the choice of becoming a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling?

As Clark helps open Olivia's eyes to the wonders of Yosemite, she discovers the people are as vital to the park's story as its vistas-- a revelation that may bring her charade to an end.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When this book landed on my front porch, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. In fact, I set it aside and read half a dozen other books before I spotted this one again and thought I had probably get around to reading it. I'm so glad that I did.

The Good - 

The Bad - 

The Summary - 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

Readers rabid for the sweet historical romances of Tracie Peterson and Tamara Alexander will flock to best-selling author Kim Vogel Sawyer's prairie-set heartwarmer of high society cast-off and the western town that welcomes her.

Abigail Grant grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father's illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can "marry up" with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose uncle was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he's put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the "little city gal" in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won't bring happiness?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, all. I have to start by saying that the above synopsis (taken from Goodreads) isn't correct. I actually changed a couple of the names, but I don't feel as if this gives an accurate feel for the book. Still, that's what was provided, so I've provided it for you...heh...Now, on to the review!

The Good - The characters. The author writes in such a way that before you know it, you feel as if you know each and every character as if they were your own neighbors and friends. I think that's incredibly important in a book. If you can't know a character, you can't connect and if you can't connect, you put the book down and walk away.

The Bad - Umm...I can't think of anything. The book moves at just the right pace, is easy to read, has wonderful characters and is one that I could read repeatedly.

The Summary - Kim Vogel Sawyer writes books that draw you in and don't let go until the final page. I can't recommend her books any higher than I already do. Go and pick this one up and I'm sure you won't regret it.





I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

The messenger's ghostly words tickled her ear and caused the shaking to cease. Mariella's eyes snapped open. The flame of fear was immediately snuffed out and replaced by something that burned even hotter-the spirit of power, tempered by love, directed by a sound mind. She lifted her chin and stared at the wall of churning blackness. It was then that the lightning struck. She basked in its power, for the lightning was hers. It is here in the depths of the mountain and the heights of the stars that the saga ends. One way or the other, it ends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is it! The end of The Ameron Chronicles! I can't believe that it's already over! I read this entire series in less than two weeks and now I'm bummed that there wasn't the next book in the next series to pick up by these two authors.

What did I like? What didn't I like is probably a better question. Every time I had a moment I was picking up this book. I had to know what was going to happen to all of the characters that I had come to know and to love. Would the two couples end up together? Would they defeat the bad guy(s)? Would they save the kingdom of Ameron? Would the chosen reclaim their lands? What role does the baby from an earlier book have in the future of this kingdom?

So many questions and I'm happy to report that most of those were answered. If I have one complaint, it's that not all of my questions were answered. The authors had assured me that this was the complete tale but based on this final book and especially the epilogue, it's clear that there were intentions to either have another book or to launch another series. I sincerely hope that's the case because it's going to bother me for ages that I don't know some of these answers.

Just like my other reviews, I can't help but tell you to bug these authors. Get this series and then "harass" the authors into writing additional books because you're going to want to know the answers that I want to know. The easiest way I've seen to reach the authors is via their Facebook page. Don't hesitate to buy the entire series at once. Heck, the holidays are coming. If you know of a fantasy lover, this would be a great gift!


If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

It is said that whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. These words are from the Ancient Texts so they must be true. The King of Ameron is a tale closer to truth than fiction of a land that has been given that warning. What happens to those who take heed...and to those who do not?

This continuation of the Ameron Chronicles sheds light on a land torn asunder by an evil within, that is no less dangerous than the evil lurking in the shadows. Brothers by birth, bound by the fire of circumstances, Thomas and Hank strive to save a reeling nation. But, to do so, they must accomplish the impossible!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Book three is where this series really grabs a hold of you and refuses to let go. Suddenly there are even more questions than there were before and you just keep reading hoping for some answers! The cast of characters continues to grow in size but somehow the authors write them in such a way that for the most part, there's no difficulty in keeping everyone sorted out. For those that get a bit confused, there's a cast of characters listing in the back of the book. I'm unsure as to why it's written the way that it is, but I'm sure that will come to light before the end of the series.

Hank and Thomas are doing what they can not only to survive but to bring along the kingdom with them. Each of them has their own roles and as each book progresses, we're dragged along (in the best of ways) on their emotional journeys as well as their physical ones. I honestly cannot wait to see what happens next. I have a million questions... Is Youngblood a good guy or a bad guy? Who is this mysterious assassin? What's happened to Thierry? What about the infant? Will the bad, icky creatures overrun the capital?

I guess I'll just have to keep reading to find out. If you'd like to read along with me, contact the authors via their Facebook page and convince them to sell you copies of this series!





If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

The sensation he felt walking through the passage was disturbing. The expected tingling flowed through his body as the mysterious blue light glowed about him. He tensed his muscles, but, as before in the upper catacombs, there was no pain. Thomas couldn't help but wonder at the nature of this magic... The epic adventure continues in The Princes of Ameron as Thomas fights to save his own life and the lives of strangers he has grown to cherish. Hank, his brother, struggles to keep the threads of darkness from his mind and to understand the awesome power laid at his feet...a power no man has the right to wield. Both men, blessed by the One and haunted by personal ghosts, strive to walk the path thrust before them...until a twist of fate allows them to choose another. In the sequel to The Heir of Ameron, the kingdom of Ameron falls deeper into the clutches of the evil Shanta Raau whose cryptic intentions and brutally dark armies leave an entire nation reeling in chaos. The two brothers, both with the only legitimate claims to the throne, are expected to deliver the realm from spiraling into the pit of darkness. Unfortunately, neither brother has any desire to wear the crown. One will have no choice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book 2! I'm so glad that I went back and bought the other 4 books in this series. Book 2 had me reading every single chance that I got. The plot has just enough twists and turns that I feel as if I'm learning things right alongside the characters. The series is quickly becoming a history lesson within what's currently happening within the kingdom. The characters are starting to discover who they are and their roles. The Christian themes were stronger within this book but even if you don't share those beliefs, it shouldn't take you outside of the story. Honestly, I can't get enough of this series. If you'd like to check it out, contact the authors via their Facebook page. Unfortunately, I think that direct from author is the only way to get your fingers on this series.

It's my hopes that once the drama with their publisher is resolved, they'll have the rights to these books and will re-issue them. These could do very well. I'll be keeping my eyes open for a website or further information for sure!


If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

As the kingdom of Ameron draws nearer to crisis, Thomas, the privileged son of a powerful lord, and Hank, the son of a humble farmer, are each called to a quest. Thomas must follow the king's wizard to a mysterious chamber filled with artifacts and writings that he does not understand. Hank is recruited to help with agricultural efforts to save an entire region from famine. What Thomas and Hank do not realize is that their destinies are entwined in ways they could never anticipate. As each learns more about himself, his past, and his family, the purposes of their lives are no longer clear. Thrust into an ancient conflict involving wizards and immortals, Hank and Thomas slowly and separately learn their value and their place in the world. In The Heir of Ameron, Thomas fights to survive as his wizard guide's motives become more and more suspect. Hank faces manipulation, seduction, and betrayal as he strives to restore economic prosperity to Ameron's capital. As the forces of darkness descend on Ameron, will these two very different men realize their connection and what must be done to restore peace to the kingdom? The Heir of Ameron is a richly detailed fantasy adventure, taking readers into a world of magic, intrigue, politics, and history.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wandering the aisles of Gen Con, Roger and I were called over to a table filled with books. I had just said that I wasn't stopping by book tables because my "to read" stack was already out of control. Knowing just how hard it can be to get people to stop though, I couldn't turn away from someone trying to get our attention.

I'm really glad I followed that instinct. The tale we were told about these folks' publisher is enough for me to be glad that I have Nick to do the publishing on our books. It was also enough to get me to purchase book 1 of this 5 book series.

I had only read a couple of chapters before I had decided that I needed to buy the other four books the following day. I didn't want to have to risk not being able to find them later if I decided that I wanted them. Let me tell you why...

The characters - Each one as unique as anyone not in a book and each one having something that draws you to them.

The plot - Continually moving but it never feels rushed and at the same time, it never felt as if it dragged.

This book kept me reading from page one to the last page. If I have any complaint it's that the book takes on a religious tone towards the end. I don't blame the authors for not pitching it as a Christian book, but the publisher doesn't list it as one which threw me off when it became a bit in your face. This didn't stop me from picking up book 2. If you like fantasy that is somehow a mixture of past and future, I suggest you contact the authors via their Facebook page. This book is well worth you taking a chance on it.


If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

With holidays approaching in the charming town of Appleton, and Daphne Ballinger's deadline to "get hitched" drawing closer, Daphne finds herself happily distracted with the unexpected tasks of "motherhood" Young Mabel is enjoying the attention, but the clock is ticking and unless love comes her way, Daphne's delightful life will start unraveling by spring.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book 3 in the series! I can't believe that I had this one on my shelf already as well. It might be time to take stock of what's sitting there, eh?

The Good: Another easy to read title and slowly some of those threads are starting to come together and it's becoming pretty clear to see how this series is going to end. I adore Mabel and I was so glad to see a bit of Daphne's best friend back in this book. She was very much missed in book two.

The Bad: Again, no identification that this is book #___ in a series. I really think that's important so that people know when the pick up the book. I will say that the author needs to watch for inconsistencies like who knows what, what houses are for sale/rent, and what people's names are. Both her
The Summary: If you've made it this far, you need to read this book as well, if only for Mabel's sake. Time is ticking...what's going to happen to Daphne, Mabel, Lucy, and Ethel?





If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column.

But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once I discovered that the story wasn't done in book 1, I realized that I had books 2 and 3 already on my shelf and could dive right in...just like we're about to do with the review!

The Good: I loved the addition of Sabrina in this book. She was a dose of "interesting air" on what was starting to feel like a sad neighborhood. Add in that little girl and her story and I was smitten. I could very much relate to parts of this book and what some of the characters were going through.

The Bad: I really missed Daphne's best friend in this book. It very much felt as if she had been forgotten. Of course, there's also the fact that again, this book is part of a series and in no way does it say book 2 on it. The only thing that may tip you off is where it says that it's another Dear Daphne story. That doesn't scream part of a series where you have to have read the previous books to me.

The Summary: Another easy, throw in your tote bag and laze in the hammock kind of book. If you don't mind cliffhanger series, go ahead and add this one to your to read pile.


If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.

And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This cover has been staring at me from my bookshelf and so I finally gave in and grabbed it. I have zero regrets. Let's get into the review!

The Good : The characters in this book are hard not to love. I found myself wishing that I'd had an Aunt Dee when I was growing up and I really could connect with Daphne as she struggles to find herself. The book moves smoothly and was perfect for a lazy afternoon along the river.

The Bad: The book ends rather abruptly without any of the plot threads being tied off. Luckily, a quick Amazon search showed me that this was book 1 of 4 in a series. Nowhere on the book does it actually say that.

The Summary: A fun, light read that will pull you in and keep you there to the end.


If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

It’s 1954 and the world is about to change—including the far Northwoods of Maine. But that change can’t happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of standing in as the “son” her father never had, Mercy’s ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is—as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.

When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead, their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe, at least not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope—in love, in her father, and in God Himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A bit slow to start, this book does pick up and it turned out to be a very enjoyable read! It's filled with a history that isn't so far in our past, but that many of us either didn't live through or have simply tried to move on from. If you're a Christian, you'll appreciate the character's morals and how they held onto their faith throughout the book. All in all, this was an enjoyable read and if I get the chance, I'm going to look for additional books in the series.



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

West Point History Comes Alive in this Warmhearted Romance

Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.

Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He's kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth's mother's money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn't fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It's too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won't she?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's been a while since I've curled up with this style of book and I discovered that I'd really missed it. The story itself was sweet and engaging without beating you about the head with the fact that it was Christian Historical Romance. I enjoyed Lucinda, but my favorite characters had to be Phoebe for her sweetness without it being over the top and the boys at West Point for their loyalty and sense of fun. I'm actually glad that I gave up reading this style of book because it made coming back all the more sweet.




If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn't know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it's not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player--whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field--they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

With the flair that has made her Last Chance books a favorite among readers of contemporary fiction, Cathleen Armstrong draws on the passion Americans have for the traditions of small-town high school football.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll be honest. I'd completely forgotten about this series of books. This sometimes happens as the mom of two boys who keep chaotic schedules. When I first started reading, I kept thinking that something seemed really familiar about the book and sure enough, I have read at least one of the other books in this series. In some ways, this made the book feel like coming home. I already knew most of the characters. I can't say that I always understood Jess' stubbornness, but I certainly know people like that so I did enjoy that she was another totally real character. I enjoyed her story with Andy and catching up with everyone else, but again I'm going to be honest. I didn't enjoy the ending. It seemed abrupt and that there were a lot of loose ends. Now, if there's going to be another book in this series, I'm okay with that. However, I did read that this is the last book in the series and it just doesn't feel concluded and that always leaves me feeling unsettled.

Still, if you enjoy every day life in a small town with some serious sports fanatics and love thrown into the mix...I can for sure recommend Last Chance Hero.


I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been slowly easing my way back into book reviews since life got so chaotic around here and I strongly believe that I made a good choice with this book! I loved the characters and the way that the author made everything feel so real. I was drawn into Sophie's life as if she were my best friend. I fell in love with little Lily Cate. Did I mention that there's a bit of mystery and intrigue involved? Honestly, I can't think of a single negative thing to say about this book. I loved the way that the romance aspect of this book didn't overtake the story, but worked alongside it to bring a well rounded book that had a bit of everything.

If you're a lover of historical romance, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to you. As a matter of fact, feel free to head on over to Amazon and pick it up right now. That way we can sit down and talk about it later!




I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

-------------------------
This is a tough one for me. I think that I was at least a third of the way into the book before I really started to enjoy it. Up until that point it was what I would dub as only okay. After that point, I started to become more interested and the book did hold me until the end. Overall, I'd say that the book pacing was slow and not enough time was actually spent covering the actual realities of when she was held captive. The entire portion of her returning to that area was actually a very minor thing so I felt a bit misled when it came to the book synopsis.

If I were to rate this, it'd be 3/5 stars. It's an okay book, but it really just didn't wow me.




I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

In a moment of decision, they will each face the truth of their own heart in God's presence

Tom must choose between the beautiful girl he loves and the call of God upon his life.

In utter despair and abandonment, Francis finds that Someone is already praying in his own dark Gethsemane. Never again will he need to hide his pain and insecurity behind a jest.

When James cannot escape the truth of who he is, waves of shame threaten to engulf him. He pours out his confession and grief to God and rises a newborn child of grace

They belonged to another century, yet their struggles are our own—finding our niche; coping with failure; living with impossible people; and changing when we realize that we are the impossible one. These humble seekers, called to live together in brotherhood, discover in the daily rhythm of their work and worship that the whole of life is a love story about a tender and passionate God. Rich with imagery and emotion, their tales depict love in action, and love given in the most trying of circumstances.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This series of books (The Hawk and the Dove, The Wounds of God, The Long Fall) had me from the first few sentences. I started reading and I couldn't put them down. It's pretty well known that I'm a lover of historical fiction, but I admit that I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this series. Well, as you've already discovered, I loved it.  The writing was down to earth and opened me up to a world that I'd never really experienced before. It's not often that I get to delve into the lives of monks living back in the 14th century and honestly, I'm hoping that I get another chance at another time.



I received copies of these books for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

Former frat boy Clay Walsh has given up his reckless lifestyle and settled down to run an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. Determined to put his partying ways behind him, Clay has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can't help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. New to the area, Amber finds herself surprisingly drawn to Clay and his noble ideas, but her own fears and deep wounds are difficult to overcome. Can they move beyond their differences and their pasts to attempt an "old-fashioned" courtship?


============================
Are you ready for a very different take on life? Let me introduce you to Clay, bad boy turned..well..old fashioned. He's changed his ways and he has his reasons. Enter Amber, his opposite in so many ways and their lives are never going to be the same. I enjoyed this book. It wasn't a page turner that kept me up all night, but it intrigued me and even after I finished it, it hung around in my memory, urging me to ponder its message. Is it one that I'm going to return to time after time? Most likely not, but it's a good read on a quiet afternoon.



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

Seraphina Darling has always struggled to stand out. With her weight issues at the forefront of her mind, Sephy prefers to place herself comfortably in the background. But when Sephy's best friend and older brother announce their engagement, she vows to make a permanent change in her appearance and her life.

Meanwhile her younger sister, Amy, lands her dream job: coordinating the restoration of the community theater's arts programs. As the deadline for the project's completion approaches, Amy continues to run herself ragged, struggling to delegate and trust anyone but herself.

As the Darling sisters move through tragedy and triumph, between shadows and the limelight, each must find a path into the freedom of who God intended her to be.

========================
Another night of lost sleep, another great book. Funny how the two happen to go hand in hand more often than not, isn't it? In this follow up book to All Right Here, Ms. Gardner kept me turning page after page. The characters were well written and I challenge any of you to find one that you don't relate to on some level. As someone whose family is comprised of just her and two teenage boys, reading about a large family was a fun change of pace. The best part? There's a third book coming!



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in "Texas Bride" magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?
Janice Thompson designs a romance sure to delight, with plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, a hilarious supporting cast, and more of the wedding biz world her readers adore.
Janice Thompson writes the sweetest love stories and Every Bride Needs a Groom is no exception. While the story itself was fairly predictable, I still enjoyed the characters and how every one of them had their own smaller story within the main story. Katie was sweet and honest to the bone, her family so incredibly small town that it was a bit like being back where I grew up, and those big city folks? Well, they're a whole bundle of fun all in themselves. The book moves at a quick pace, but not so quick that you feel as if you've been left behind. I especially appreciated the epilogue and how the book ended. I can't tell you why though. You're just going to have to read it yourself to find out.


I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons:

They say that what you don't know can't hurt you. They're wrong.

David Dryden, pastor of a high-profile church in London, is admired for his emphasis on the Christian family.

But all is not well in his own family. He and his wife, Fiona, have been glossing over his son Colom's erratic behavior. Then, when a commitment to die is discovered in Colom's room after the suicide of a school friend, David finds himself out of his depth--and Fiona, in panic, takes Colom and flees.

A wonderful, intelligent, and searching novel about the toxic nature of secrets, and the possibility of starting again.

==============================================
Whew! This book had me running the full gamut of emotions. As the mother of two teenage boys very close in age to Colom, it wasn't hard for me to relate to his mom, Fiona. I should warn you right up front that this isn't a fluff book on any level. It's the type of book that's going to draw you in and leave you feeling a bit wrung out when you're done. It tackles the complexities that make up human relationships and dysfunctional family dynamics in a way that will have you turning page after page. I don't know that this is one I'm going to pick up again soon, but it is one that's going to go up on my shelves.



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this book. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
If you like what you've read here, please share it with others using these buttons: