Beautiful, Touching Story! 'A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro' - by Heather Norman Smith

 

About the book:

A small dose of kindness can go a long way

Andy Clark has always been different. But it isn't just the tumorous mass covering half his face that sets him apart—it's his quiet kindness. As an anonymous do-gooder in Flatsboro, North Carolina, Andy lives out what his mama taught him, even though she's no longer there.

Della Rose Miller, a well-known former beauty queen, escapes her crumbling marriage to arrogant Wade Miller and moves back to her hometown in hopes of finding reprieve. She and her daughter settle into a little Flatsboro apartment and quickly learn that they’re in the same complex as a childhood classmate whose heart Della Rose broke in third grade.

With her life turned upside down, Della Rose is uneasy about starting fresh, but when unassuming Andy turns his generosity toward her daughter, an unlikely friendship rekindles. When a heroic act suddenly pushes Andy into the spotlight, he risks his anonymity and quiet day-to-day habits to stand up for what's right.

As Della Rose navigates the end of her marriage and Andy continues his secret philanthropy, they navigate grief and trusting God. Heather Norman Smith weaves a charming and heartwarming Southern story to remind you of the power of simple kindness.

My review:

This was such a beautiful, touching story about the difference kindness can make in a person's life.  Andy was such a sweet guy, always sincere and caring about others.  He's had a hard life because of the tumorous mass that covers half his face, with some people scared or disgusted.  His own father left so his single mother raised him alone.  She was an incredible woman and taught him about faith and how to treat others.  We really get to know her even though she's passed because of letters she wrote as he grew up that he'd take out and read.  His grief over losing his best friend and roommate that he took care of was incredibly touching; he had Down syndrome and was always happy and full of joy.  Andy went through a lot of changes in the story.  Not only did he lose his best friend but a woman he knew when they were little kids moved in to the apartment building and he could tell she really needed a friend.  He also wanted to tackle a bigger philanthropy project and met a man down on his luck who could assist him.  We also get Della Rose's side of the story as she's dealing with being on her own for the first time in her life and needing to support her daughter.  Her husband becomes threatening and that creates an element of suspense in the story as I kept waiting for something to happen with him.  She also wondered if there could be something to faith after knowing Andy again and seeing the love of Jesus shine through him.  This was set in a small Southern town and that was another character in itself.  I laughed, I cried.  I highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for my review.  All opinions are my own.

Thrilling Suspense! 'Canyon of Deceit' - by DiAnn Mills

 

About the book:

A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy.

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.

My review:

This was an incredibly suspenseful story with twists and turns!  From tackling nature and its hazards on a dangerous mountain range to being chased multiple times while being shot at, the suspense didn't let up.  I also liked that there was some investigation to it as they tried to figure out if they could trust Rurik and find out what was actually going on.  I really admired Therese and her faith and how she put God first, even when she was really drawn to Blane when they had dated previously but broke up with him when he didn't share her faith.  She was also incredibly strong mentally and fit physically to guide them up and down slippery mountain peaks, all while searching for the child and dangerous men.  She also could keep her head about her and help in a crisis.  Blane was pretty impressive, too, with his skills as a Texas Ranger and with negotiating.  There were some good conversations about faith and they discovered there had been incidents in both their pasts that they blamed themselves for and couldn't seem to forgive themselves for.  There was some good advice about dealing with that, too.  There was also a little bit of romance.  I would highly recommend this book if you like suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Enjoyable Teen Read! 'Charting the Course' - Finding Faith 2 - by Leslea Wahl

 

About the book:

A ten-day Caribbean cruise might sound like a fabulous way to spend the holidays. But Liz would rather be anywhere than stranded on a ship for her estranged father’s high school reunion.

While an anonymous note, an onboard mystery, and a cute boy help turn the tide on the unwanted trip, Liz and her father drift even further apart. However, when Liz's reckless actions create a tsunami of unintended consequences, she recognizes that she's drowning in pent-up hurt and anger. As her carefully created façade begins to ebb away, she turns to her faith and sets off to chart a new course for her life.

My review:

I really enjoyed this story about a teen girl trapped on a cruise ship with a dad she's angry at and a bunch of strangers.  There was never a dull moment as Liz discovered mysterious notes that led her on a scavenger hunt plus got involved in another mystery to try and help someone.  There was a cute boy who was also incredibly nice and understanding; he seemed almost too perfect!  There was a hint of romance and a lot of other fun characters.  She also joined a competition plus doing excursions and just enjoying all the fun things on the ship made me feel like I was there with them.  I hadn't realized when I asked to review this book and the first one that they were Catholic books.  She mentioned praying to Mary, saints and the Holy Family, which I don't believe in.  Jesus said he's the only way to God and that He's interceding for us.  She does have her pray to Jesus and another character mentioned praying to God and also asking the Holy Spirit to guide their words when speaking to someone.  I liked that she realized she couldn't keep going on like she had and prayed for help.  She also confessed to a priest, which again the Bible says we just need Jesus for that.  Overall, I liked the story a lot and the Catholic parts were minimal.  There was also a surprise twist!  If you like a clean story about forgiveness and starting over, plus just a fun teen read, you should check it out!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.                  

Fascinating Addition to the Series! 'A Scheming in Parliament' - Of Cloaks and Daggers 2 - by Erica Vetsch

 

About the book:

Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he’s quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club.


Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?


Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

My review:

This was a fascinating addition to the series as we see Bertie and Philippa's story continue from the first book.  Bertie was trying to figure out if some corruption in the political realm was going on while Philippa continued to run the Eleos school.  While he made connections and learned what he could in his new role, Philippa was faced with a difficult decision.  I'm not as crazy about politics so that part didn't interest me as much but I found it fascinating when it seemed like there was something criminal going on involving captive women and they joined forces to save them.  I really admired their bravery, especially Philippa, as she didn't have training but put her life at risk anyway.  There was some suspense and action.  There was a little bit of romance as they became closer through the different situations and really learned what kind of person the other was and felt drawn to each other.  There was also a good presentation of the gospel.  I'd recommend reading the first book before this as it helps to understand the characters and their motivations better and it's always fun to see characters from other series' as well.  I'd definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Did Not Want to Put it Down! 'Girl Lost' - The King Legacy 1 - by Kate Angelo

 

About the book:

Luna Rosati found acceptance and a family during childhood, but when she became pregnant at seventeen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has left--the teenage daughter she's never met. Her mentor, Stryker, promises to reveal her daughter's identity, but first Luna must meet him in the old neighborhood, the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured.  
  
Special Agent Corbin King changed his surname to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together toward a greater mission. But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake.

My review:

This was a great suspenseful story that I did not want to put down!  The action started almost immediately and there were quite a few action scenes.  I also loved the police procedural aspect to the story as Luna, Corbin and their team follow the evidence and clues and discover something they weren't expecting.  Not only was the suspense wonderful but there was also great interactions between the characters as Luna and Corbin have a lot of history they needed to work through.  They also had a great group of law enforcement friends who were influenced by Stryker and brought out of bad situations or tough home lives to turn their lives around.  It seems the next book will be about another of their group.  There was some romance and also some good spiritual conversations as Luna was now a Christian but Corbin had a harder time believing in God.  The writing was great, also.  This wasn't my first Kate Angelo book and it won't be my last!  I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary kindle copy of the book from Netgalley.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Another Winner! 'Meant for Me' - Magnolia Bay 3 - by Betsy St. Amant

 

About the book:

He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience?

Lincoln “Linc” Fontenot enjoys working out, running his crawfish business, and the company of approximately three people. Zoey Lakewood has been at the top of that short list for years, the only bit of sunshine he ever allows to part his comfortably cloudy sky. But when Linc’s steady, quiet world is rocked by the unexpected guardianship of a teen girl, his friendship with Zoey becomes even more crucial. He needs help, bad...but maybe not as bad as Zoey.

Zoey’s never had a problem manifesting joy. But having just lost her home and her beignet business to an uninsured fire, for once she struggles to find the silver lining. She and Linc arrange to help each other out—as just friends, of course. She’ll provide teen-parenting assistance while he provides a place for her to get back on her feet. But one thing her friendship with Linc has never had to navigate is close proximity.

Tension—and chemistry—mount as they attempt to manage this sudden insta-family. But Zoey just lost everything, and she can’t risk losing her best friend, too. Will her friendship with Linc go up in flames like her beignet shop? Or will Linc and Zoey finally realize they were meant for each other?

My review:

This was such a cute story with some wonderful romantic moments as Linc and Zoey try to navigate their new normal, acting like nothing's changed when everything had.  It was fun to see them try to fight their feelings while failing miserably!  It was also sweet to see them bond with Amelia and try to make a stable home for her.  Linc struggled with feelings of abandonment himself from his childhood but had never told anyone about his past while Zoey tries to always be cheerful and upbeat, not being a burden to anyone.  I loved their witty banter but also their deep friendship.  Zoey had a strong faith while Linc struggled to believe anyone could choose him or stay; they both had some things to work through to grow.  This worked well as a stand-alone but it was fun to catch up with the other quirky members of the town and see how their stories progressed.  I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Wonderful Debut! 'Meet Me at Sunset Cove - Jonathon Island 5 - by Susan May Warren

 

About the book:

She needs a stunning comeback--not a reunion with the man got away...

Daisy Decker didn't plan to lose her hit home renovation show to her conniving co-host, but never mind…she has a plan to reboot her career. Step one, find herself a cute little house on the world's most adorable island. Step two, film herself giving the house a total "Decker" remodel and use it to restart her YouTube channel.

What she never factored in? That Hunter Barrett--the man who stole her heart and then ghosted her--would be standing between her and her dream project.
But it seems Hunter may be desperate to keep his treasured family home off the market. And Daisy's willing to make a deal.

Hunter won't sacrifice his heart for a house. Or will he?

Local contractor Hunter Barrett is not letting his family's home on Sunset Cove go without a fight, and he's especially not going to sell it to Daisy Decker, the woman who broke his heart years ago. But the family trust states that the house will hit the market the moment he turns 31, and there's nothing he can do to stop it.

He's out of options and out of time when Daisy approaches him with a wild proposal--a fake engagement that could solve both their problems. It's the last thing he wants, but with his family legacy on the line, can he really afford to say no?

But falling back in love is definitely not part of the plan…

Grab this charming Jonathon Island DIY story about second chances, a fake engagement, and discovering that sometimes the strongest foundations are built on the ruins of broken hearts.

The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren.


Rekindled romance
Fake fiancé
Forced proximity
Small town secrets

My review:

This was a wonderful debut and I actually didn't realize I wasn't reading a book by Susan May Warren until the end and realized I had misread who the author was!  It's her daughter's debut and they have a similar writing style, which is a huge compliment.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story!  I loved that I was back on Jonathon Island and getting to see a home renovation, no less.  It was great seeing a damaged and broken house brought back to life while also seeing two broken people fall in love and work through some of their trust issues, both with each other and with God.  Hunter's mom had left after a series of unfortunate incidents when he was a teenager and he struggles with trusting that people will stay while Daisy struggles with feelings of inadequacy.  You throw in their brief romantic history and that they're pretending to be engaged and that makes for some interesting tension, especially when it's in such a small town.  It was fun watching them get to know each other as people again along with having some sweet romantic moments.  Sometimes I felt that Daisy was a little too trusting, especially when her ex shows up and Hunter could be stubborn and should have listened to an explanation about a situation.  It was fun seeing the other townspeople again as some have had their own stories; I missed some books in this series but this worked well as a stand-alone.  I would highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.