Storing Up Trouble by Jan Turano – 4 Stars

This book had some laugh out loud moments.  It moved along quickly was an easy read and had romance, history, science, and a mystery all mixed up together.  What more could you ask for!  Fun reading about the beginnings of Marshall Fields.  They sure didn’t pay much and the rules for working there I wouldn’t have made it.  Fun read, I would recommend it. 

I received this book in the kindle format from NetGalley.com as an advanced read copy.  My comments and thoughts on this book are my own and freely given, not required. 

Description as found on NetGalley.com

When Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix's safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Love’s Mountain Quest by Misty M Beller - Four Stars

A young widow with a five-year-old son finds that he’s been kidnapped along with the woman watching him.  They were taken after a man is killed and they happened to see the gunman doing the killing.  Joanna enlists Isaac to take her to try and get them back.  They travel through very rough territory and Isaac soon has to reveal a secret about his past that will change how Joanna feels about him. He promised Joanna to get her son back and hopefully the other woman, and he’ll do just that no matter what happens.  They travel through such difficult terrain and he is injured, at that point I didn’t think he would be able to keep traveling.  I was quite invested in the characters in the book and wanted to continue reading all the way to the end to see how it would end.  There is a bit of a romance, the book is faith based, and based on the old west.  It was quite a yarn.  I gave it four stars.

I was given the book as an advance reader copy in the kindle format from NetGalley.com.  I wasn’t required to give a review and the thoughts and opinions on this book are my own and freely given.
#LovesMountainQuest. #NetGalley.com.

Description as found on NetGalley.com:

Young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler's Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing, with no lawman in town, she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help.

Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who's behind the kidnapping, and if he's right, he knows all too well the evil they're chasing.

As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.

Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere - 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this book.  The author had done an extensive dip into the history of telegraphy.  As I was a dancer in a past life, the character in this book explaining how to dance using Morse Code to hear the beats in music was genius. The book had history, a picture of what it was like to work in an office as a woman in that century, romance and a bit of Christian values.  The spinster’s handbook included in the story with its tips and tricks of the time and how the character used what she read in it on the men around her was very fun.  Reading how she had that backfire on her was rather a fun twist also.  The book held my interest and I finished it easily in one day.  I’ve read books by this author before and she always has more than just a simple romance, she likes to include more in her books to keep you learning also as you are reading.  She always does her research!

I received the book as an advance reader’s copy in the kindle format from NetGalley.com.  My opinions of the books and comments are my own and freely given.  They weren’t required in order to receive the book.  #LineByLine #NetGalley 

Description as found on NetGalley.com:

Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she's recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's also determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who's intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?

A Simple Wedding by Leigh Duncan - 4 Stars

An enjoyable romp of a book. Easily finished in one day.  I was kept interested in the storyline and in the characters.  I wanted to get to the end to find out how it finished although I had guessed part of the ending it was enjoyable.  I would recommend the book for a light read.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t make a movie of it.  I gave this book four stars.  


I received an advance read kindle format of this book through Netgalley.com.  There was no requirement that I leave a review, all thoughts and comments are my own freely given.  #ASimpleWedding #NetGalley.com

Description as found on NetGalley.com

Fall in love with Heart’s Landing, a romantic wedding destination, in the first book of a Hallmark series.

Jenny always dreamed of getting married at Heart’s Landing. But when she finally visits the charming small town, she’s there to make wedding arrangements for someone else: her cousin, who also happens to be her boss and a famous movie star. To keep the event secret and avoid a media circus, Jenny pretends she’s the one getting married.

Nick is intrigued by this bride-to-be who starts visiting his bakery every afternoon for sweet treats and conversation. He has to keep reminding himself that she’s already spoken for.

As Jenny deals with her cousin’s ever-changing demands, she tries to hide her attraction to Nick. Planning this wedding couldn’t be more complicated…and what will happen once the truth comes to light?

This funny, heartwarming romance includes a free original recipe for the best-ever Lemon Bars.

Take The Lead - Shelley Shepard Gray - The Dance With Me Series - 5 Stars

Take The Lead – Shelley Shepard Gray’s – The Dance With Me Series

Having been a dancer for several years and one still at heart I did enjoy reading this book and loved all of the little descriptions of different dance styles and quotes at the start of each chapter.  I did enjoy the characters in this book, they worked so well together and I was disappointed when the book ended.  I would read more of Shelly Shepard Gray’s Dance With Me Series and will be following her new books as they come out.  I love finding a new author!

I received this book in kindle format from NetGalley.com.  The thoughts above and comments on this book are my own and weren’t required in order to receive a copy of the book.  #TakeTheLead. #NetGalley

Description as found on Netgalley.com:

The new novel in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray's The Dance With Me Series

Growing up in foster care, Officer Traci Lucky had a rough start to life, but things are looking up now that she’s found a place in Bridgeport with two sisters she never knew she had. One night while on the job Traci finds Gwen, a pregnant teen caught up in a dangerous world of drugs, and takes her straight to the hospital. There Traci encounters the oh-so-charming Dr. Matt Rossi, who surprises Traci with his compassion—and his movie-star good looks.

A busy ob-gyn with a huge, meddling Italian family, Matt Rossi hasn’t had much time for love in his life. All that changes when he meets the beautiful Officer Lucky. He’s intrigued by her strength and the kind heart she tries to hide beneath her tough exterior.

When Matt confides that he needs to learn to waltz for his brother’s wedding, Traci reveals that her sister happens to be a ballroom dance teacher. Next thing they know, Matt and Traci are juggling busy careers, helping young Gwen with her pregnancy and personal safety, and learning to waltz together. But when Gwen’s escalating problems threaten to put all of them in danger, they wonder if they’ll ever find time for a little romance too.

Shelley Shepard Gray takes us back to Bridgeport, Ohio, a town where family comes in all different shapes and sizes, love has no limits, and community means everyone deserves a little help when they’re lost.

A Million Little Lies by Bette Lee Crosby - 4 Stars

I do love Bette Lee Crosby’s books and this one didn’t disappoint.  As someone whose very life growing up, had a life that I wanted to tell lies about, I understood this character very much.  I’m honest to a fault but I was able to find some things I connected with in the character of Suzanna Duff.  She starts telling lies after her Mother died when she was ten years old, and her Daddy starting coming home very drunk and out of control.  Suzanna was very lonely and she started lying to cover for her life when she is young and that grew out of control as she grew older.  Her lies threaten to destroy her life and she has to come to terms with it.  The book was a good read, with well fleshed out characters and a storyline that kept me going as Betty Lee Crosby’s books do.

I received this book free in the kindle format from Netgalley.com.  My comments and thoughts on this book are my own and I was not required to write a review in exchange for the book.  #AMillionLittleLies #NetGalley.com

Description as found on NetGalley.com:

A lifetime of lies, and a truth too painful to tell.

When Suzanna Duff was ten years old, she lost her mama, and that’s when the lies began. At first, they were just harmless little fibs, a way to hide her unbearable loneliness and the truth about a daddy who came home rip-roaring drunk every night. But in time, the lies grew bigger and now, when she is a grown woman with a daughter of her own, they threaten to destroy everything she loves.

The irony of this situation is that Suzanna never planned to stay in Georgia, she was simply passing through, looking for a fresh start in New Jersey. Attending that wake with her daughter Annie, was a fluke. An opportunity to enjoy a free meal. It should have entailed nothing more than a solemn nod and a brief expression of sympathy but, Ida Parker, the grieving widow mistook her for her the granddaughter who was carried off as an infant. Too embarrassed to do anything else, Suzanna played along. What harm was there in pretending to be someone else for a few hours? Hours turned into days and days into weeks; strangers became friends, love happened, and before long a year had flown by.

Now the past is standing on her doorstep and Suzanna must decide to leave here and disappear as she has done before, or tell the truth and break the hearts of those she loves most.

Summer At Orchard House by Ellyn Oaksmith – 5 Stars!!

Woohoo Loved This Book!  I’ve found a new author to love.  Her writing was so full of life, so descriptive, you learn about wine and grape vines, a romance that is a slow burn, so many laugh out loud moments. The main character Carmen is one sassy Latina. I loved the combination of Carmen with her sisters and her best friend. I can’t wait for Ellyn Oaksmith’s next book!

I received this book as a free kindle advance reader’s uncorrected copy from Netgalley.com.  My comments and thoughts on the book were my own and not required in exchange for the book.  #SummeratOrchardHouse. #Netgalley.com. #EllynOaksmith.

Description as found on Netgalley:

The Alvarez sisters have grown up and moved away—but now their father is in crisis, the family business is collapsing and it’s time to go home to Lake Chelan.

Carmen Alvarez is the reliable one. When her vulnerable father’s livelihood is threatened, she’s the person her sisters call. Abandoning her job in Seattle, Carmen races home to the family vineyard her dad built up from nothing to set things straight. But soon she’s fallen back in love with the dusty sage hills, the turquoise blue lake, the fragrant June orchards… Maybe she’s not just home for the summer?

Standing in the way of Carmen’s happiness is one very attractive obstacle: new neighbor Evan Hollister, who’s after her dad’s land. He’s arrogant, entitled and spoiled—everything Carmen hates—and she is all set to have a bit of fun driving him out of town so things can get back to normal. She isn’t ready for their relationship to get complicated…

But Evan is the least of Carmen’s worries. The business is falling apart and it starts to look like Carmen might lose much more than just her pride: employees have quit, the bank keeps calling and everything her father worked so hard for is slipping away. As she is pushed to breaking point, Carmen will learn that her true family are the people who will see her through the worst of times, and that love can be found in the most unlikely of places.

A heart-warming romance about embracing the unexpected, Summer at Orchard House will make you laugh, make you cry, and remind you that it’s never too late to start again. For fans of Robyn Carr, Carolyn Brown and Debbie Macomber.

The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray - 4 Stars!

Kendra Troyer left Walnut Creek when she was accepted into design school.  She stayed at home as long as she could taking care of the younger siblings in a home that was abusive.  She also wanted to avoid seeing Nate Miller ever again, a boy she said she would despise for the rest of her life after she heard him saying something about her home to others.  When a good friend died, she realizes she must return. She decides to stay to open a new shop in town, Walnut Creek.  She purchases a small home and then only does she run into Nate again, his shop is in the same location of town.  She tries to avoid him but that only seems to make him want to pursue her more.  He does apologize when she speaks with him long enough to tell him why she is not happy with him.  That doesn’t change things though, it takes a while through many trials and tribulations for her to change her opinion of Nate.  I figured out that this book was the fourth in a series that take place in Walnut Creek.  The comments at the beginning of each chapter were confusing to me and I didn’t see how they fit into the story line. Also there were other places where I wondered where a few characters stories were going to fit together towards the entire story.  They eventually did.  The book is based in an Amish Community so is faith based. 

I gave the book 4 Stars.  It was an advance reader copy from Netgalley.com in the kindle format.  My comments and opinions on the books are freely given.  #TheTrustworthyOne. #ShelleyShepardGray. #Netgalley.com.

Description

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to the charming and evocative Walnut Creek Series with an unforgettable novel following one broken young woman whose search for peace leads her back to her hometown, where she rediscovers her faith and reconnects with those she loves most.

Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoning, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay—far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life.

Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind.

Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined: her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistent in setting things right between them.

As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek?

The Apartment by K. L. Slater - 4 Stars

I did enjoy this mystery; it had many twists and turns and the characters were very well developed.  I did find towards the middle of the book that it reminded me of something else I had either read or watched in movie format.  I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Freya and Skye go through the husband/father divorce and then he dies.  His girlfriend being very creepy while he was living and after he died.  She blamed her at first for the things going wrong in their new home.  She then starts looking at the new landlord and his partner for the blame for all of the strange things going on in her apartment. She soon finds out things are not right and there are other places to look for the blame.

I received this book as an advance reader copy from Amazon Publishing UK through Netgalley.com.  All comments and opinions posted in regard to this book are my own and are freely given.  I enjoy helping authors get their books out there as they are newly published.  #TheApartment.  #KLSlater. #Netgalley.com.

Description

It’s an opportunity she can’t refuse. The woman before her tried…

Freya Miller needs a miracle. In the fallout of her husband’s betrayal, she’s about to lose her family home, and with it the security she craves for her five-year-old daughter, Skye. Adrift and alone, she’s on the verge of despair until a chance meeting with the charismatic Dr Marsden changes everything. He’s seeking a new tenant for a shockingly affordable flat in a fashionable area of London.

Adder House sounds too good to be true… But Freya really can’t afford to be cynical, and Dr Marsden is adamant she and Skye will be a perfect fit with the other residents.

But Adder House has secrets. Even behind a locked front door, Freya feels as if she’s being watched: objects moving, unfamiliar smells, the blinking light of a concealed camera… and it’s not long before she begins to suspect that her dream home is hiding a nightmarish reality. Was it really chance that led her here—or something unthinkably dark?

As the truth about Adder House starts to unravel, can Freya and Skye get out—or will they be locked in forever?

Revised edition: This edition of The Apartment includes editorial revisions.

Unveiling The Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer - 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this Christian Mystery.  Reading the book and unraveling the mystery, as well as reading about Newlyweds Sean and Meghan’s personal issues on having a baby or not, was very interesting.  It all boiled down to the love of the true Father in most instances.

Sean and Meghan both work in the cold case detective division. They were working on cases together but in this instance they were pulled apart to work with different partners which they really didn’t think they would enjoy and fought against, but in the end they found that working with different partners on different cases brought new and interesting angles to think about as they worked each day. I would absolutely recommend this book for those who enjoy this type of mystery. 

I received this book in kindle format as an advance reader copy promotion from Waterbrook and Multnomah through Netgalley.com.  All comments and opinions of this book are my own freely given.  #UnveilingThePast.  #KimVogelSawyer.

Description as found on Netgalley.com:

Mysteries, family secrets, and the love of a true Father are found at the heart of this gripping novel from the bestselling author of Bringing Maggie Home

Newlyweds Sean Eagle and Meghan DeFord are no strangers to pain and loss. As cold-case detectives, they know intimately the anguish family members endure after the murder or disappearance of a loved one. But when a new case hits too close to home, it threatens to pull loose the fragile cords of their young marriage.
 
Sheila Menke was just a girl when her father left for work and never returned. An investigation revealed he had embezzled enough to start a new life elsewhere, but Sheila could never accept the court’s criminalization of her father. Meghan reluctantly takes the case, secretly fearing it will stir up buried feelings about her own biological father. And while Sean investigates the mysterious death of two young brothers, he longs to start a family. But Meghan worries that with a negligent mother and an absentee father as her parenting examples, she might never be fit for motherhood.
 
As they delve deeper into the past, both Meghan and Sheila must choose to either stumble along the road of bitterness and resentment or walk the difficult path toward forgiveness and healing. When the cases begin to break wide open, these young women are poised to discover that while earthly fathers may fail, there is one in heaven who is a father to the fatherless.

Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn - 5 Stars

I loved this book. Such a compelling read. There was so much there to keep me thinking of how some of the suggestions in the book could help me in my marriage.  A new way to think about God in regard to a marriage.  I loved the character Christy and her husband and their help with Jennalyn and Joel.  I could have easily read this book in one day.  It was so hard to put down and go to sleep when I got into the book.  I recommend this book to anyone who likes faith-based women’s fiction books.  The characters are so well developed and they work together so well.  I loved the ending.  I absolutely give this book five stars!

I received this book as an advanced reader copy in the kindle format from The WaterBrook & Multnomah Fiction Team.  All comments and opinions on this book are my own and freely given.  I love to support great authors and publishing houses!

Description

From the bestselling author of Becoming Us comes a novel that asks: What does it mean to be truly known? In a marriage, in a friendship, or by a loving God?

After her mom passed away, Jennalyn was in the midst of moving, adjusting to life with a new baby, and helping her husband, Joel, work toward his dream job. At the time, she thought she’d processed her mother’s death, but only now that Jennalyn has two small children, a lovely new home, and a husband who is always working does she feel the full impact of what she has lost.

Even among her sweet circle of friends, the Haven Makers, grief silently overwhelms Jennalyn, until an unexpected encounter allows her to express herself in ways she hasn’t fully been able to with her husband. Even though Christy, Sierra, Emily, and Tess provide a soft place to land in times of tension, Jennalyn remains guarded, especially when Tess reveals she is tangled emotionally in a relationship that was thorny from the start.

Will the two women open up and remain honest with the others in their Haven Makers group? Or will their hesitation to truly be known, faults and all, keep them from holding on to the friendships that have been the sweetest gift during this season of life?

We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall – 4 Stars

Vivi an actress tries to make it as an actress but was promised a part in a major movie if she would go to the 1939 World’s Fair and work as a swimmer in the Aquacade.  Max dreams of making it as a journalist, hoping to win a contest in which she will have her next year of schooling paid for.  Instead she is sent by her Professor to work in the office of the 1939 Worlds Fair.  She finds that she won’t be writing articles, woman isn’t accepted as journalists at that time and all of the articles are given to her male partner.

The two girls have their paths cross and start to put their heads together so that they can get out of their individual assignments what they wish for.  There is much going on at the Worlds Fair as described in this book.  The characters are well written and believable.  The ending is a surprise.  They actually find that in the end, they can get what they wish for or rather what they hadn’t thought of to wish for.  The book was well researched, with much information regarding this first Worlds Fair.  I do wish she would have included more information on the fair but it’s obvious that she did delve into the history of this first event and she does include quite a bit of information from that time.  She included as much as she needed in order to back the story of these very different ladies and the story line she wanted to weave.

I did receive this book through Goodreads I believe in the mail.  The thoughts and opinions of this book are entirely my own and freely given.

Description As Found On Goodreads:

At the iconic 1939 New York World’s Fair, two ambitious young women—a down-on-her-luck actress and an aspiring journalist—form an unlikely friendship as they navigate a world of possibility and find out what they are truly made of during a glorious summer of spectacle and potential…

Gorgeous Vivi is about to begin filming her first starring role in a Hollywood picture when the studio head ships her off to New York as a favor to a friend. She’s assigned the leading role in the heralded Aquacade synchronized swimming spectacular at the World’s Fair, a fate she believes will destroy her film career. If she performs well, she’ll have another chance at stardom, but with everything working against her, will her summer lead to opportunity or failure?

Plucky Max dreams of becoming a serious journalist, but when her job at the New York Times doesn’t pan out, she finds herself begrudgingly working for the daily paper of the World’s Fair. As her ideas are continually overlooked by her male counterparts and her career prospects are put in jeopardy, Max must risk everything to change the course of her life.

When Max and Vivi’s worlds collide, they forge an enduring friendship. One that teaches them to go after what matters most during the most meaningful summer of their lives.

At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer

I just finished reading this book.  It was interesting to read about a female doctor at a time in history when they weren’t well accepted.  The book is well written, a clean historical romance, faith based, with suspense built in, I finished it in one day.  I found myself invested in the characters and wanted to see what happened to them in the end, so I stayed up last night reading it.  I would recommend the book to those who like this type of genre.

I received this book as an advance reader’s copy, the opinions and thoughts on this book are my own freely given.  I received this book in a kindle format from Netgalley.com.  I would give the book 5 stars.  #AtLovesCommand. #NetGalley.

Description

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

The Way Of Love by Tracie Petterson – 5 Stars

The Way Of Love by Tracie Petterson – 5 Stars

The story line was well researched.  Faith Kenner was the product of a rape by an Indian which I believe I read about in a previous book.  She has been passing for white for years.  She has always been helping her Mother and has the gift of healing those in need especially the native people living on the reservation.  She knows she’ll never be able to marry as Indian people are not allowed to marry anyone other than their own nationality.  She wants to go to Medical school and is accepted.  This book is all about having faith in God, romance, suspense, history and a little mystery.  What more could a person want.  I loved the ending.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in kindle format.  The opinion of this book and thoughts are my own and freely given.  I received the book through Netgalley.com.

#TheWayOfLove  #Netgalley.com  #TraciePetterson

Description

Faith Kenner is pursuing her dream to become a doctor at Willamette University's medical college so she can use her gift for healing to help those in need, especially the native populations forced onto reservations and then neglected. When she meets Andrew Gratton, a handsome riverboat captain who has been injured on his ship, she uses her skills to tend his wound, and a friendship grows between them. Andrew admires her strength and willingness to stand her ground, and Faith appreciates his intelligence and compassion. But Faith holds a secret that means their friendship can never become anything more, so she must bury her feelings for Andrew as best she can.

When her fellow students put together lectures to speak out against Oregon's racist laws and policies, Faith is eager to participate. But some powerful men have other plans for their state, and soon Faith is caught in the middle of a plot to push the local Indian tribes to rebel. As she and Andrew fight for the rights of others, their love for each other grows. Can they trust that God has a way toward love for them, or will her secret stand in the way of their one chance for true happiness?

A Marshal's Embrace (Marshals with Heart Book 3) by Dora Hiers (Goodreads Author), Tori Kayson (Goodreads Author) 5 Stars

A Marshal's Embrace (Marshals with Heart Book 3)
by Dora Hiers (Goodreads Author), Tori Kayson (Goodreads Author)

Clean romance with suspense and mystery added in.  I really enjoyed the book and finished it in one day.  I was surprised at the ending.  I really liked the characters they were well written, as was the story line.

I received the book as an advance reader copy, my thoughts and comments are my own freely given.

Description as found on Goodreads:

A flight medic and an acrophobic marshal…can they overcome their fears to embrace a forever love?

After an injury forces Deputy U.S. Marshal Ryker McLane off duty, he retreats to his hometown to recover and reevaluate his career. But that down time quickly disintegrates after someone threatens his childhood friend “Dane.” But Danae isn’t his best friend’s little sister anymore and protecting—and resisting—the beautiful and generous woman takes more energy than hunting down her attacker.

Flight Medic Danae Huntley has loved Ryker since the day he joined their motley family at Quiver Full Orphanage. But the marshal only looks at her as a sister, a pesky, troublesome younger sibling. Besides, her outlook on life—embracing it to the fullest, risks and all—drives the man crazy! But when the threats escalate and the wounded marshal refuses to leave her side, dreams of a real family sink roots deep in her heart.

Will Ryker recognize Danae for the strong independent woman she is? Can he learn to live by grace and accept that God shapes their path? Can they overcome their fears to embrace a forever love?

A fast-paced, action-packed romance by Heart Racing, God-Gracing Romance author, Dora Hiers! (less)A flight medic and an acrophobic marshal…can they overcome their fears to embrace a forever love?

After an injury forces Deputy U.S. Marshal Ryker McLane off duty, he retreats to his hometown to recover and reevaluate his career. But that down time quickly disintegrates after someone threatens his childhood friend “Dane.” But Danae isn’t his best friend’s little sister anymore and protecting—and resisting—the beautiful and generous woman takes more energy than hunting down her attacker.

Flight Medic Danae Huntley has loved Ryker since the day he joined their motley family at Quiver Full Orphanage. But the marshal only looks at her as a sister, a pesky, troublesome younger sibling. Besides, her outlook on life—embracing it to the fullest, risks and all—drives the man crazy! But when the threats escalate and the wounded marshal refuses to leave her side, dreams of a real family sink roots deep in her heart.

Will Ryker recognize Danae for the strong independent woman she is? Can he learn to live by grace and accept that God shapes their path? Can they overcome their fears to embrace a forever love?

A fast-paced, action-packed romance by Heart Racing, God-Gracing Romance author, Dora Hiers!

Just The Way You Are by Barbara Freethy - 5 Stars!

I absolutely love Barbara Freethy’s books.  She writes characters that are so well written that you are thoroughly invested in them as well as the outcome of the problems and joys in their lives as you read her books.  This book did not disappoint in fact I started reading it and never closed the book until I was finished.  Her endings leave you satisfied that you have read a book that wrapped everything up and ended the stories in the best possible way.  This book ended that way as well.  The description is shown below.  Pick this book up or any of her books, you won’t be disappointed!

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author, the thoughts and opinions are all of my own freely given.



Description:

Take a romantic journey to Tucker's Landing, Oregon, where Sam and Alli Tucker have made a life together ... a life about to be tested by the return of the only woman who can break them up ... Alli's sister, Tessa.

A baby brought them together — and even though Alli has always loved her strong, sexy husband Sam and the life they've built together, she has decided to set him free to follow his youthful dreams. It is no longer enough for her to be wife and lover when she knows she holds so little of his heart.

Sam has always dreamed of a life away from the close-knit world of Tucker's Landing, but marriage and fatherhood ended all that. Now Sam is torn between what was and what was meant to be. He must decide if it's time to rekindle the dreams of the past ... or accept Alli, and her love, just the way she is.

Don't miss this heartwrenching tale of a man torn between two sisters , the one he loved, the one he married ...


“Barbara Freethy has crafted a beautiful and emotionally satisfying story in Just the Way You Are. I was immediately drawn into these people’s lives and was unwilling to let them go until I had finished the story. The secondary characters are compelling and perfectly compliment the emotional attachment and age-old pain that Sam and Allie have to deal with in order to decide what to do with their future. I cannot recommend this book enough – it is a lovely story that will touch your heart.” Barb’s All Romance Bookstore

Healed By Grace by Jenna Brandt – 4.5 Stars

This book isn’t long you sure can finish it in a day.  In this day and age, something that takes you to another time and place showing that people who came through a very awful war that left so many with mental problems, nightmares, PTSD even though they didn’t know what that was at the time and seeing some come through it and find love and happiness together is a refreshing read.  The book gives hope and a feeling that love with prevail.  The characters are well written, you are invested in finding out how their story ends and it is a great read as usual.  I love Jenna Brandt’s writing.  This is a book in a series which I’ve not read any other books in the series and you don’t have to either, you’ll not miss anything.


I received an ARC from the author and have written this review of my own volition and all thoughts and comments on this book are my own and given freely.

Description as found on Goodreads:

Grace Abernathy helped wounded soldiers during the American Civil War. Now that it’s over, she has to find a way to move on. Her parents think having her stay with her cousins in Myrtle Grove, South Carolina, can help her do just that. She isn’t looking for love after what she went through, but when she spends time with a returning soldier she knew from a long time ago, she wonders if he might spark a rekindling in her heart.

Wyatt Hammond was conscripted to serve in the Confedrate military. Though he only served for a few months before the war ended, the horrors he saw during that time haunt him. He isn’t sure if he can ever be happy again, until he is reunited with an old flame who has the power to heal his broken heart.

Can Grace forget her painful past? Will Wyatt be able to let go of what he went through during the war? And what will happen when the man Grace is running from, finally catches up with her

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma – 4 Stars Christian True Crime

I did enjoy this book. It was based on true stories, with a little poetic license taken by the author.  She had to change a few things to make her story flow and have it work out the way she wanted it to.  She explains that at the end of the book. I didn’t really like the ending, it seemed abrupt to me although I don’t know how she would have written it differently.  I wasn’t sure how they would go about proving who had been making the family members sick, although I had figured out who had been doing it and how before the end of the book.  I wasn’t sure where science was at during that time period but learned exactly where things were as they proved how the family members were dying through the science.  I was amazed at how much men were able to make put women in their place still during that time period.  I just couldn’t be so submissive to men as they were then.  I guess women have come a long way. 

Description

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through a unique story of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.

When Harriet Peters came to Boston in 1882, the Robinson family took her in like one of their own, and Harriet became closer to Lizzie Robinson than her own siblings. Now, four years later, Lizzie is deathly sick, failing quickly just like several others in her family have done over the past few years. How can so many in one family die from the same mysterious illness? Harriet doesn’t have answers, but she is determined to help the family, bringing in a new-to-the-neighborhood doctor, Michael Wheaton.
           As Harriet and Michael close in on the answer, putting their own lives at risk, can the cause be found before anyone else dies?

I received this book through Netgalley.com as an advance reader copy in kindle format.  It was not required that I give a review.  The review I wrote were my own ideas given freely. I enjoy helping authors get the word out regarding their books.   #TheGreenDress.  #LizTolsma. #Netgalley

Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas – By Emily March – Book 2

I love to read Emily March books!  She writes great romance, that is not explicit, leaves things to the imagination and she writes characters that are really interesting, stories that have you invested in the endings, and if you wish you can find some of the characters from the previous book carried forward into the next so they are like old friends.  You can hear more about their story in the next book. Her books are complete though, if you haven’t read book one you can still read book two, each is a stand alone or a follow up.  I gave this book 4.5 Stars out of 5.

I received this advance reader copy of the book through St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley.com.  The opinions expressed are absolutely my own, freely given.  #EternitySpringsTheMcBridesofTexas #Tucker #EmilyMarch #Netgalley.com

Description

In Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas, New York Times bestselling author Emily March presents a brand new arc set in the Lone Star State that features a family-linked trilogy within the author's romantic series.

Hope springs eternal in this enchanting Texas town.

Meet Gillian Thacker. Her business: Bliss Bridal Salon. Her passion: Weddings. Her own wedding: It’s complicated. Life isn’t turning out like she’d planned. The last thing she wants is for a real-life hero to ride to her rescue when an unexpected event puts her entire future in Redemption, Texas, at risk. So what’s a broken-hearted bridal expert to do? Maybe a new set of survival skills is exactly what she needs…

Tucker McBride has been proud to call himself a U.S. Army Ranger. But now that his days of service are over, he’s decided to put his expertise to use by founding a wilderness skills training school. He sets up shop in Redemption, next to Bliss Bridal, and so begins life: Part Two. Marriage has been pretty low on his agenda, but as soon as he meets Gillian, Tucker can’t help but contemplate the ultimate challenge: Convincing the reluctant bride to take his hand and leap into the adventure of a lifetime. . .until death do they part.

“A brilliant writer you’ll love creates a world you’ll never want to leave.”—Susan Mallery, New York Times bestselling author

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks; Sarah Pekkanen 5 Stars

Shay Miller is just a lonely girl in a dead-end job, feels she loves her roommate but he’s in love with someone else.  She goes to work one day and while waiting for the subway she sees a woman jump to her death!  This book is so compelling so exciting such a great psychological thriller you won’t be able to put it down.  Don’t crack it open if you don’t have the time to finish it.  There are such brilliant details that you think can’t work out but they all do; they are all wrapped up in a finish you won’t believe until you get there.  This is an absolute must read!  If I could give it more than 5 Stars I would.

I received this book as an advanced copy through Netgalley.com and all opinions are my own freely given.  #YouAreNotAlone  #GreerHendricks #SarahPekkanen #Netgalley.com

Description

One of Newsweek's Most Anticipated Books of 2020
One of SheReads Most Anticipated Books of 2020
One of PopSugar's Most Anticipated Books of 2020
One of HelloGiggles’ Most Anticipated Books of 2020
One of Marie Claire’s Best Fiction by Women in 2020
One of Woman’s Day’s Best Fiction Books Coming Out in 2020

The electrifying #1 New York Times bestselling authors of THE WIFE BETWEEN US and AN ANONYMOUS GIRL return with a brand new novel of psychological suspense.

Shay Miller wants to find love, but it eludes her. She wants to be fulfilled, but her job is a dead end. She wants to belong, but her life is increasingly lonely.

Until Shay meets the Moore sisters. Cassandra and Jane live a life of glamorous perfection, and always get what they desire. When they invite Shay into their circle, everything seems to get better.

Shay would die for them to like her.
She may have to.

Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter – A Bluebell Inn Romance #2 5 Stars

Actress, Mia Emerson finds herself in the midst of a breakup of her engagement, and a scandal through no fault of her own.  She needs to leave town and get away, so she goes to North Caroline to Bluebell Inn, a place her grandparents once owned and the location of the honeymoon she never canceled.  She meets Levi Bennett who runs the Inn along with his younger sisters.  She has to get everyone involved in helping her to dodge the press while she is there.  She finds there is an old journal that hints there is a rare blue diamond necklace hidden somewhere in the Inn. There are also references to her grandparents. She and the others get caught up looking for the necklace and Mia and Levi find themselves drawn to each other, as they dodge the press.

Author Denise Hunter is such a great writer she creates characters there you get to know, are invested in the outcome of the story, it moves along well and you want to finish the book and finish their story.  She writes Christian Romance that is more about the romance and not as heavy in the Christian portion.  Her character Mia discovers she needs more faith in her life. 



I received an advanced copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Netgalley.com and have voluntarily read and reviewed it.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  #CarolinaBreeze #DeniseHunter #NetGalley.com

Description

A jilted bride. A struggling innkeeper. And a romantic mountain getaway that changes everything.

Rising Hollywood star Mia Emerson is looking for a safe place to land in the wake of a public breakup and scandal, and she finds it in the lake town of Bluebell, North Carolina—the location of her canceled honeymoon. She wants nothing more than to hide and wait for the tabloids to die down.

Soon after her arrival at the Bluebell Inn, Mia meets Levi Bennett, who runs the inn along with his two younger sisters. Drawn to one another from the start, Mia trusts Levi to keep her location from the press, and Levi confides in Mia about the financial state of the inn—a secret he’s been keeping from his sisters.

When Mia and Levi discover an old journal that hints at a rare diamond necklace hidden in the inn, they set off on a treasure hunt to find the long-lost heirloom. What they don’t expect to surface are feelings they thought were safely locked away. Mia and Levi must decide if falling in love again is too big a risk—or if it will uncover a treasure of its own instead.

This Bluebell Inn romance takes us to a quiet North Carolina retreat that holds more secrets than i

The Englisch Daughter A Novel Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

This book came in the mail on Saturday.  I opened the cover and started reading, until 1AM when I finished the last page.

This is the second book that I have read that was written by Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter Erin Woodsmall, and I feel as if it is their best book yet!  When there are two people discussing their feelings in the book or their response to another, it felt as if there were two voices speaking and two minds.  I learned a couple of things about myself in their hashing out the problems in the marriage between Jemima and Roy.  It’s personal but it helped me.  I loved this story and I thought it was so much more than just the usual Amish novel…. sometimes they can be fairly simple in their stories and struggles this book is absolutely not that. This book is so special, and the characters are so well developed and spiritual it’s a must read for anyone struggling with their beliefs, their marriages, or their interactions with others and their inner selves.   The description of the book is as found below.

About The Englisch Daughter:

A marriage is tested in this Old Order Amish novel of longing for renewed love and a path for forgiveness from the best-selling author of Gathering the Threads.

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She's set herself aside. Raising four children, she's followed all the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own.

But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone--and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman--her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy's child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down?

I received the book in the mail as part of the launch for this book through Multnomah and Waterbrook.  It was sent by Penquin Random House.  “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

About Cindy Woodsmall:

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.

About Erin Woodsmall:

ERIN WOODSMALL is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade.

Freed By Hope by Jenna Brandt – Civil War Series! Great Romance/History Read - 5 Stars

Hope and Davis were always friends as Davis’s sister is best friends with Hope.  So in seeing so much of Faith, Hope sees as much of Davis.  The relationship is in the early beginnings when the American Civil War started up and Hope’s Father came home having lost a leg as well as a son to the war.   He’s very embittered and verbally abusive, also absolutely against Hope having anything to do with Davis.  Davis really wants to join up and serve in the war although Hope and his Family are very much against it.  He doesn’t see that he’ll be able to marry Hope with her Father so against things.  This story portrayed the hardships people, soldiers and citizens alike, had to suffer due to the war.  The characters were really likeable and I enjoyed the story and the history.  It is a love story and although it is 2^nd in a series, I never read the first book or thought I was missing anything by not having read the previous story.  Jenna Brandt melded the story and history together well along with romance and the story was very well written.  It can be read in a few hours and I highly recommend it!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Description as shown on GoodReads:

Hope Hammond is best friends with Faith Abernathy and has grown up around her brother Davis. Recently, an attraction has surfaced between the friends. As the new relationship starts to form, problems caused by the American Civil War have reached a boiling point for the Hammond family, leaving little room for Hope to focus on love.

Davis Abernathy wants to be a soldier and fight for the Confederacy, but his family is against him joining the war effort. The only thing he wants more that serving with honor is to marry Hope, but their relationship can’t progress with her father refusing to let them be together. Frustrated, Davis makes a hasty decision that will change all their lives forever.

Can Hope’s family find a way to mend? Will Davis’s decision ruin his chance to be with Hope? And will the Civil War destroy any future the couple plans to have together?

*Author’s Note: This book was previously published under the title, Love’s Unending Grace while it was a part of Melissa Storm’s First Street Church Kindle World as well as Courted by a Soldier in The Rockwood Springs Series. Both versions were set in WWI but the book has been edited to remove references to that world and era and has been updated with new content, characters and historical information to reflect the civil war era. Names and places have been changed for historical accuracy

Pam of Babylon #1 by Suzanne Jenkins - Warning Mature Content 5 Stars!

Wow loved this book.  I have to put in a disclaimer if you are not comfortable with sexual terms in book this one is definitely not for you!  This book took me by surprise, just when I thought it couldn’t get much worse for the main character, Pam, it did and it kept coming!  Shocking is what I can say about the content of this book.  It is real though, gritty and things like this really do happen.  Although I don’t know if it is to this extent. This book turns into twenty books…..and I never have wanted to  buy or get on Kindle Unlimited any books entire series until now.  I am up to book four and it is still holding my interest and I’m still invested in the characters.   You could read any of the books out of turn and she gets you up to speed quickly without having you reread entire sequences of the prior books.  Great author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Description as found on Good Reads:

Warning readers! Mature content.

The first in a series of 21 books.

Deemed "an intriguing first novel" by Kirkus Reviews, this poignant tale follows Pam, a beautiful Long Island housewife who learns of her husband’s dark secrets only after his sudden death

Her seemingly perfect life is shattered when her husband dies of a heart attack and she comes face to face with his lies and infidelities.

This poignant, affecting drama follows a courageous widow who confronts the horror of a destructive marriage when the people her husband left behind come to share their painful stories