Showing posts with label christian romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christian romance. Show all posts

Friday, April 8, 2016

Book Review: Flirtation Walk

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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?

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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.


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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Book Review: Last Chance Hero

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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.

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

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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Book Review: Old Fashioned

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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?


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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.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Book Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom

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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.

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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.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Book Review: Remember the Lilies

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This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • One copy of Remember the Lilies
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/19. Winner will be announced at Liz's Remember the Lilies Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and WWII fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!   

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Irene and Rand come from very different walks of life. Will they find common ground in their fight to survive?

Irene has grown up in the jungle as a missionary with her Aunt Anita, but now she and countless others are imprisoned by Japanese soldiers at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in the Philippines. Irene and her aunt are safe there, and she keeps busy with her duty of delivering censored messages to the camp’s prisoners, but like everyone else, she prays for the war to end and for her freedom. Rand is a wealthy, womanizing American, whose attempted escape from the internment camp has put himself and others in danger. When Rand and Irene’s Aunt Anita meet one another in the hospital, Irene learns more of his story and her heart is determined to save his family. But the danger outside the walls of the hospital worsens every day, and life in this exotic place is anything but luxurious. Can Irene find Rand’s family before they disappear forever? And can a humble missionary woman and an arrogant man find common ground in the face of their biggest fears?

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How many of you have contemplated what happened to Americans living overseas when war broke out? I know that it's not something that I've spent a lot of time thinking about. This book will put you right into the middle of it. The intensely written imagery caused me to put this book down more than once, but I seemed to keep coming back to it. The book isn't without flaws though. There are some circumstances that just didn't seem realistic and the characters didn't seem as fleshed out as they could have been. So, this book is on my well, it was pretty good but perhaps not one that I'll return to time and time again.

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

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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Book Review: The Dandelion Field

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Get ready for Valentine's Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer's The Dandelion FieldThe handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn't believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning? 

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • The Dandelion Field
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.

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This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that s compromised when Raine reveals she s pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: The baby is mine.

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

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Romance is always a weakness for me, no matter if it's real life or in a book. This book was a solid source of reality, romance, being caught between people and just trying to survive. The characters were not only solid, but they were real. They had real emotions and real reactions. As a parent, I read the parent/child interactions and wondered what my own relationship with my boys will be like in a few years. As a single mom who has been in a few bad places, I understood Gin's desire to grab a suitcase and run. As a person who has been there for others and somehow wound up in between people, I understood Dan's plight. I think everyone can find some part of a character and relate to it. The dialogue was wonderfully written and the story moved along at a pace that didn't feel rushed and it didn't drag. Overall, a wonderful book of courage, hope and love.


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, February 6, 2015

Book Review: A Brush With Love

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They've helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

This hair stylist has adorned many a bride with the perfect bridal tresses. Now, she must overcome her past in order to realize that she, too, can find true love this January.







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Ahhh! It's back! You guys know I loved, loved, loved this series last year and I am so excited to see it back. Oddly enough, I'm reviewing it through a completely different outlet this time around, but I don't care! I love the fine folks that I get to work with and I love them even more since they brought this novella to my attention.

Now, looking at the book description above, I can imagine that you're all thinking something along the lines of, "But what is this book really about?"  I thought the same thing. It's about a girl..who meets a boy...hehe... Seriously, it's about this woman named Ginger, who like most of us, is somehow wounded by her past, including our main male. They meet again and it's time to find out if they can put the past in the past, heal and move towards the future. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but I will say that this novella is full of real turmoil and has characters that you'll find some small piece of yourself in. It is a Christian novella and you will see that in this novella. However, it isn't so in your face that, if you don't share those beliefs, it will get in the way of your enjoyment of the story.

Summary? The characters are relatable, the novella actually has really good closure, unlike some, and I'm already hoping to review the remainder of this year's series.


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Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Book Review: A November Bride

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Can a decades-long friendship marred by two romantic missteps ever lead to happily ever after?


Sadie McAllister’s clients know how lucky they are to have her: an ultra-fastidious personal chef who leaves behind a spotless kitchen and a week’s worth of mouth-watering meals.


Erik Davis, her best friend since middle school, is content to enjoy Sadie’s culinary skills too while maintaining their “friends only” status. Most of his energy is focused on his just-launched freelance business and casual dates that never come close to a commitment.


But when Sadie is offered a once-in-a-lifetime cooking job across country, Erik realizes maybe he’s taken his best friend for granted. Even more, he’s about to lose his only chance for lasting love.


How can Erik convince Sadie that the well-known adage “Marry your best friend” just might apply to them? With God’s help, can they both move past their assumptions about each other and their future? Should Sadie and Erik risk taking their relationship to the romantic point of no return? If they do, their decades-long friendship is as a good as done . . . unless it ends at the altar.

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The last book in this series! I'm so not ready for it to be over. I loved each and every novella, without fail. This one..obviously no exception. I loved Sadie and her ocd tendencies. They reminded me of myself during good times. Erik is a total doll and together, they're happily ever after. It's another sweet, fast read from this series and if you loved any of the others, you'll have no regrets picking this one up.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Monday, December 29, 2014

Book Review: The Princess Spy

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Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha---one of the few who speaks his language---understands the wild story. Margaretha finds herself unable to pass Colin's message along to her father, the duke, and convinces herself 'Lord Colin' is just an addled stranger. Then Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well, and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy---not only is she unable to keep anything secret, she's sure Colin is completely wrong about her potential betrothed. Though when Margaretha overhears Claybrook one day, she discovers her romantic notions may have been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well. It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook's wicked plot.

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While it appears that this is the 5th book in a series, this really does well as a standalone book. While it is supposed to be a retelling of The Frog Prince, I honestly never had that vibe. Of course, it's entirely possible that it's been too long since I read that particular fairy tale. What I did notice was a very well written book that is perfectly suitable for the teen and up set. There's adventure, a bit of romance and more than a bit of bravery involved as Colin and Margaretha race to save themselves, her family and her father's entire kingdom. In some ways, I felt as if it were a coming of age story as Margaretha finds her true self that was buried under all of the teasing that was done by her family. My suggestion? If you have an up and coming reader or if you yourself enjoy a twist on an old story, check out this series of books by Melanie Dickerson.

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

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Book Review: Love at Mistletoe Inn

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They've helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

An owner of a Victorian inn and charming rustic barn is used to creating the perfect setting for other couples nuptials. But when she falls head over heels for the new man in her life, will she be prepared to walk down that aisle?





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Ahhh! Another year in the bride series, except they're calling it the wedding series. I love love love love love these novellas and this one wasn't the exception to the rule. Hope had her reasons for how she was and what she did. So did John. Imagine both their surprise when their pasts came back to "haunt them". I loved these characters, especially Amity. I do hope that someone writes her story at some point. Honestly, if I keep reading, I'll just keep gushing. Just go get these.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Book Review: Quilted By Christmas

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Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey. October’s QOL release is a warm Christmas tale of God's steadfast love.

Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th.
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One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Two copies of Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey (One for you and one to give away as a gift!)
  • Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
  • Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 17th at the Quilts of Love blog.

Wait! There's more! RSVP for the "Merry Quilted" Quilts of Love Christmas Book Chat Party on December 9th and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors. Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn will be hosting a "merry" evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on December 9th!

A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.

Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.

When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?

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Last night, I couldn't sleep. My heart was heavy with the knowledge that this year, I wouldn't have the finances to provide Christmas for my children. I tried reading another book, just to put it down a few chapters in because I just couldn't get involved in the story. I was about to give up when I spotted this book on my kindle. I'm so glad that I did. Something about this story touched me and when I was done, I closed my eyes and drifted right off to sleep. Maybe it's because I could relate to Taryn, having come from a background where I always felt I was easy to forget. I can say for certain that the writing helped draw me in. Another amazing book in what is turning out to be a wonderful series. If you have the chance to pick this one up, don't hesitate.


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Thursday, November 13, 2014

Book Review: Romancing Redemption

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Facing a life of prostitution or homelessness, Rosie must make a choice centered on keeping her and her sister safe in the wilds of an unforgiving Montana land. With their background, the two girls need a fresh start.

In Colby, Montana opportunities are as thick as needles on a pine tree. Savvy and independent, Rosie decides to take a chance and start a business, earning her the respect of many town residents.
She catches the eye of two men. One interested in exploiting her past and one interested in redeeming her heart.

But Rosie’s secrets and who she really is shadow her hopes for happiness. Can a man love her most when her past refuses to leave?

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This book wasn't what I was thinking that it was going to be. First of all, I was expecting this to take place in the 1900s or more of an 'Old West' time period. In fact, for the first chapter, I wasn't sure when it was taking place. I kept flipping back to the front page to be sure it didn't say. Turns out that it's a modern day romance. Other than that, I only had one problem with the book. ..and I warn you that this is a bit of a spoiler, but not much. Rosie is very worried about her past and the type of person people think she may be and yet, she's very forward with Michael. Oops. That was more of a teaser than a spoiler, wasn't it? Well, I guess you'll just have to buy the book to find out what's happening there. All in all, a quick and easy read that sadly did have a "to be continued" type ending. With any luck, the next four books in this series will come my way and I can find out the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Book Review: Surprised By Love

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Shy and unattractive as a child, Megan McClare has always been teased by her classmates. But when she returns home from her senior year in Paris, the wallflower has suddenly blossomed into a beauty. With ambitions to become a lawyer or doctor, Megan accepts an internship at the district attorney's office only to discover that she will be working with Devin Caldwell, a boy who mercilessly mocked her at school--and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. She turns to her dear friend Bram Hughes for support and advice. But Bram's vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a kid sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?




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When I first picked up this book, my first thought was, "Wow, this one is thick."  It'd been a while since any book that I'd read had come close to 408 pages. Turns out that the amount of pages didn't seem to matter since it kept me up until nearly 4am reading it. I really ought to know better than to start books close to bedtime. If I had one complaint about this book, there was a bit more "I have to pray about this. You should pray about this." than I enjoy. Other than that, I enjoyed the characters and the story and to be honest, I'm a bit sad that this series is done.

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Thursday, November 6, 2014

Book Review: At Bluebonnet Lake

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Marketing maven Kate Sherwood’s world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is slow down to a crawl at Rainbow’s End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. But she cannot deny her ailing grandmother’s request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week (albeit fifty years ago). There Kate meets Greg Vange, the resort’s handyman. But there’s more to Greg than meets the eye–billions more, in fact, as he recently sold his successful software company and is at the resort in search of what’s next for his life.

Kate isn’t looking for romance, but she can’t deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. She even starts to see potential in the rundown resort. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate’s long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?

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It seems like it's been a while since I've read and reviewed a contemporary romance. It's been cookbooks, nonfiction, historical fiction and some Amish fiction thrown in for good measure. I'm okay with that but when this book came up next in my stack, I was good with a change of pace and that's just what this book delivered. I found Kate to be a very relatable character. Perhaps it's because I've always felt like I had to live up to someone else's dream for me. Perhaps it's just the name. ;)  Either way, I found the relationship between Sally and Kate to be sweet and genuine. I enjoyed the romances involved in the story and I'll be honest, the resort itself was one that I wanted to find and hide myself away in so that I could enjoy nature and just some down time from every day life. All in all, a very enjoyable read.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, October 30, 2014

Book Review: A February Bride

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Allie left the love of her life at the altar - to save him from a lifetime of heartbreak. When a Valentine's Day wedding brings them back together, she struggles against her family's destructive history. Can Allie ever realize that a marriage is so much more than a wedding dress?
History repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day - in the same dress passed down for generations and worn by all the women in her family - women with a long history of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus but fears she's destined to repeat her family's mistakes. She can't bear to hurt Marcus worse.
Marcus Hall never stopped loving Allie and can only think of one reason she left him at the altar - him. When the two are thrown together for his sister's Valentine's Day wedding, he discovers the truth and realizes their story might be far from over. Can Allie shuck expectation and discover who she is as a bride and in the Bride of Christ? And if she ever walks down the aisle, what dress will she wear?
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I've read a number of the novellas in this series and still, the opening to this book had me going, "Woah..what just happened there?" At first, I loved the idea of a wedding dress being passed down through the generations, but it didn't take me long to realize just how it could make a girl feel if that dress was tied to nothing but failure and bad memories. Thank goodness for Marcus' sister and her loving nature! I'm not going to give anything away here, but let's just say that her idea of wedding preparation had me laughing and seeing how his family never stopped loving her warmed my heart. This series is almost over, but it's never too late to pick up a good book.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Book Review: Becoming Bea

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Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

Leslie Gould is back with the latest book, Becoming Bea, in her Shakespeare-inspired series, The Courtships of Lancaster County. Don't miss the other books in the series, Courting Cate (retelling of The Taming of the Shrew), Adoring Addie (inspired by Romeo and Juliet), and Minding Molly (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

Leslie is celebrating the series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook party on November 11th.
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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • One copy each of the entire The Courtships of Lancaster County series: Courting CateAdoring Addie, Minding Molly, and Becoming Bea.
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/11. Winner will be announced at Leslie's 11/11 Becoming Bea Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Leslie and Amish fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

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I want to say that I loved this book, but sadly, I just can't. I will say that I liked this book, though! For some reason, I really had a harder time than usual diving into this one. I think it was somewhere around chapter 3 before it got to the point where I was really enjoying reading it. That being said, once I got into it, I did really enjoy the book. The title fits this book perfectly. You really do watch Bea grow up and become the woman that she's meant to be. None of the characters are perfect and that makes the story feel all that more real. This is the final book in the series, but not having read any of the others, I didn't have any problems with keeping up with who was who and what their individual personalities were. Another good Amish read, but perhaps reading the other books might have made this one easier to jump into.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Book Review: The Daughter of Highland Hall

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The Daughter of Highland Hall || Book 2, Edwardian Brides (Waterbrook Multnomah, October 2014)

What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor . . . what if it isn't enough?

Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain's elite.

When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London's East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love---and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served.
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Historical romance from a time period where everything seems to be changing...there are cars and yet debutante balls are a thing of normalcy. If you recall, I reviewed the first book in this series and very much enjoyed it. This book is absolutely no exception. I've never had my fingers crossed so hard for a character as I did for Jon. Watching Kate finally come into her own had me smiling and cheering. Meeting up with William and Julia again was a delight and as I turned the final pages, I couldn't help but wish that there were another book, just so I could keep reading. I'm thrilled to say that there is but bummed to report that it won't be out for an entire year!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Saturday, September 20, 2014

Book Review: Hidden in the Stars

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A quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large---and who his next victim will be.

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother's offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn't help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia's mother's "special" quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia's unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer---still at large---silence her forever?

Don't miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll. September's QOL release is a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, and family love bound together by a quilt and the story it tells.
Hidden in the Stars Robin Carroll Quilts of Love
Enter to win a "Night on the Town" (a $200 Visa cash card!) and RSVP for the "Fall into Fall" Quilts of Love Facebook party on 10/7.
One winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa cash card (The perfect accessory for a "night on the town"!)
  • A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
  • Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 7. Winner will be announced at the October 7th author chat party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll! RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on October 7th!

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I couldn't put this book down. I tossed it into my backpack on errand day, knowing I would bit sitting around during oil changes and tire changes. Once I started reading it, I actually wished these things took longer than they did! Sophia's strength during such a horrible time drew me in and the way that Julian and Charlie come to her aid, far beyond what their job entailed, made me feel a spark of hope for humanity. Even if you're not a fan of quilting, I can't see how you can't be a fan of this book.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Monday, July 7, 2014

Book Review: A June Bride

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It takes a reality TV show for Wynne to realize love isn't just a game.

Wynne Hardy never thought she'd get engaged on a reality TV show, but when she met Andy on The Rejection Connection, the two of them hit it off. Now he's asked her to marry him, much to the public's delight and fascination. They're all set to wed on live TV in a seaside ceremony at the height of the wedding season.

But just as Wynne thinks all her dreams are coming true, her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life at the worst possible time. Steve broke her heart years ago, and she's still sorting through her feelings for him. Her heart isn't as clear as her head that it's past time to move on-even though she's engaged to Andy.

At a local TV talk show appearance, Wynne meets Meredith, who won another reality TV show-Marathon Mom-proving herself nothing short of a superhero. As Wynne's beach wedding plans spin out of control, Meredith offers to help, unknowingly stepping on Wynne's secret feelings . . . and exposing some secrets Meredith has been keeping to herself. Can these two reality stars get real about their feelings? Will Wynne go through with her televised wedding and be the perfect June bride the network is looking for?

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Another quick and easy read, but I confess to not loving this one as much as I did the others in the series. It just felt under developed and truth be told, I think that it would have made a fantastic full length novel. Sadly, there were just too many unanswered questions.. Why did Wynne and Callum break things off? Why did she choose Andy on the show? Why did she let things go so far when she was so unsure? I'd love to see this expanded out into a full length novel that allows the characters to develop and for the reader to really get to know them. All in all, not a bad read, but not a favorite.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Saturday, July 5, 2014

Book Review: A May Bride

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She thinks she has prepared for her wedding all her life . . . but it seems she may have forgotten the most important part.

Ellie Martin, a country girl in Atlanta, has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life-a wedding just like the one her younger sister is planning back home. Their single mom will pay for Alexa's wedding, but Ellie started her own wedding fund years ago. She only needs to find a groom.

At a wedding at her church, Ellie bumps into a man who's one of the guests. She's noticed him around the neighborhood, but today he introduces himself as Gray Whitby. They embark on a whirlwind romance, but her mother doesn't trust freewheeling men like Gray.

When Ellie risks her own future for her sister's sake, Gray feels betrayed. Will he always play second fiddle to Ellie's family?

Will Ellie and Gray reconcile their differences so her dream wedding can come true, or will the romance they've begun come crashing down?

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I am completely adoring this series of novellas. I swear that as soon as I'm handed one, I've devoured it in a couple of hours. They're all really easy reads and as someone who can't resist a bit of romance, they've certainly not let me down. I loved every moment of this book. I loved how Ellie and Gray met and I loved how he encouraged her to be strong, even though he sometimes came across as a bit of a bully about it. My favorite character? Certainly not Ellie's mom...but the pastor at the church where Ellie sneaks in to do some gardening. If you haven't read this one yet, pick it up and find out just how sweet he really is.


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