Cute Novella Just in Time for Christmas! 'America's Favorite Christmastown - by Dawn Klinge

 

About the book:

YouTube vlogger Alexis Jacobson knows how to create the perfect aspirational Christmas for her viewers. She has made promotional videos for resorts and far-flung travel destinations for several successful years. Still, the fantasy she creates isn't real, nor is her relationship with her co-star and business partner. When keeping up the illusion gets to be too much, Alexis finds herself out of a job with no place of her own to call home. That's when Alexis's Oma asks for help getting some new vacation rentals in Icicle Creek up and running. Alexis agrees to return to the place she used to call home to stop Oma's plans. Someone Oma's age should be taking it easy, right? So when Alexis discovers Justin Karon is the real estate agent behind the proposed deal, she questions his motives. Appearances can be deceiving-as she would know. Justin seems like a great guy, and yes, Alexis had a crush on him back in high school, but a lot has changed since then. Despite her misgivings, sparks start to fly between these two. But are these feelings real? And will going home help Alexis re-discover the true spirit of Christmas?

My review:

This was  cute story about a young woman who wants a fresh start after her business partner leaves her high and dry.  I liked the plot about going back to your small town and helping your grandmother but we didn't get told any details.  The same thing happened with her helping create a video for the contest they entered.  A lot of cute moments could have been explored as they created it but we're just told they're going to and then it jumps to the end of the story.  I liked Alexis and how she was so protective of her grandmother and jumped in to help her.  Justin seemed like a great guy for helping her grandmother so much, among other things.  There's a brief mention of God's blessings but otherwise I would classify it more as  a clean read.  There's some romance.  Overall, if you're looking for a clean Christmas read you might want to check it out!

I received a free ebook of this book from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

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Don't Miss This Conclusion! 'Sundown' - Sky King Ranch 3 - by Susan May Warren

 

About the book:

He doesn't trust her . . . but he can't let her go it alone

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn't trust Tae, the mysterious woman his family rescued from an Alaskan blizzard. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, Colt can tell there is a troubled--and smart--woman.

A few of her stories prove true--they found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her tale of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her across Alaska show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

Colt will have to track her down and earn her trust before it's too late. It'll take the entire family to save the world from disaster.

The epic conclusion to Susan May Warren's Sky King Ranch trilogy.

My review:

What an amazing conclusion to the Sky King Ranch trilogy!  I loved that we're continuing the story of finding Tae and what's really going on with her.  There's such wonderful action and unexpected twists, along with swoony romance and a great faith message to top it off!  Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors because she just writes the characters so well they feel like they'll jump off the page and save the day!  She balances all of the elements so wonderfully and all of her books are this way.  This one works as a stand-alone but you don't want to miss the other two hero stories about Colt's brothers, not to mention the amazing, strong women in their lives.  I highly recommend them!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All my opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Susan May Warren

   Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst....

   Continue reading about Susan May Warren 

Wonderful Suspense Collection! 'Targeted' - by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn & Natalie Walters

 

About the book:

Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead--and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other--before it's too late.

My review:

This was such a wonderful collection from three fabulous romantic suspense authors!  I've read many of their books and it was such fun to see characters pop in from other stories.  I was especially excited about Daria Nevsky being a main character in Lynette Eason's story as I've adored her since she was introduced a while ago in a prior series as a teenager!  The stories work well as stand-alones, also, if you haven't read prior series but it's just more fun!  The suspense was great and I liked that the situations were so diverse.  They had just the right amount of romance and also strong faith as multiple characters prayed and discussed their faith in a good God even when bad things happened.  I highly recommend this collection!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Authors

1. 

   Lynette Eason

   Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Life Flight, Crossfire, and Critical Threat, as well as the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite...

   Continue reading about Lynette Eason

2. 

   Mary Denman

   Lynn H. Blackburn

   Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift...

   Continue reading about Lynn H. Blackburn

3. 

   Emilie Hendryx Haney

   Natalie Walters

   Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out and Fatal Code, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with...

   Continue reading about Natalie Walters 

Another Wonderful Romantic Suspense! 'Body of Evidence' - Triple Threat 3 - by Irene Hannon

 

About the book:

The dead don't give up their secrets easily

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of older residents whose demises appear to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths, as well as her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. And once they join forces to investigate, danger follows close behind. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

Queen of inspirational romantic suspense Irene Hannon closes out her bestselling Triple Threat series with this gripping tale of secrets revealed and romance sparked.

My review:

This was another wonderful romantic suspense by Irene Hannon and I've read quite a few!  I loved Grace immediately for her unusual job, her determination to get to the truth and her resolve to do the right thing when she thought Nate was involved with someone.  I also admired her and Nate's straightforwardness with each other in discussing faith and their values and their pasts.  There were some suspenseful moments and I liked that we got not only both Nate's and Grace's points of view but also the killer's.  There were some fun flirty moments and I also liked the banter between Grace and her sisters, the other two women who are main characters in this series.  This story works as a stand-alone if you haven't read the other two but all of Hannon's books are worth it!  I enjoyed the first and am going to read the second shortly.  I highly recommend this book if you like romantic suspense!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   © DeWeesePhotography.com

   Irene Hannon

   Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is...

   Continue reading about Irene Hannon 

Enjoyable! 'Anything But Plain' - Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

About the book:

Leaving Stoney Ridge feels unbearable--but how can she stay?

Impulsive Lydie Stoltzfus has always felt like a disappointment--a square peg in a round hole in her quiet Amish community. Leaving her family and church seems like her best move, even though it would mean leaving Nathan Yoder behind. Nathan claims he's in love with her, but she knows she's not good enough for him. And if she is ever in doubt, Nathan's father reminds her frequently.

Knowing Lydie is "between" jobs again, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. This gives Lydie time to figure out how she's going to say goodbye to Nathan--and it gives Dok ample time to recognize the symptoms of a disorder rare among the Amish. She offers Lydie treatment that has the potential to change her life.

But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

My review:

I enjoyed this story about an unusual Amish girl who doesn't finish her tasks and flits from one thing to another.  Lydie did get on my nerves a little when she would get so distracted with something she wouldn't finish what she was doing or how she blamed herself for things when she should have told the truth or explained about a situation.  I liked Nathan a lot and admired how caring and determined he 

was to take care of his part of the farm and make it organic.  He also saw many good qualities in Lydie she didn't see in herself.  Stoney Ridge was a wonderful place to visit again and it was fun to catch up with quirky characters and other favorites, like Lydie's dad, David.  He's usually pretty wise but his mom coming to stay really threw him for a loop.  She could be incredibly critical but he found lessons to learn when he looked for them.  There were themes of finding the place where you belong, loving your enemy and forgiveness.  There was a little bit of romance.  I recommend this book if you like Amish stories!  

I received a free copy of this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   © Dan Davis Photography

   Suzanne Woods Fisher

   Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including The Sweet Life, The Moonlight School, and A Season on the Wind, as well as the Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The...

   Continue reading about Suzanne Woods Fisher 

Unique Romantic Suspense! 'Dangerous Beauty' - by Melissa Koslin

 

About the book:

What is the price of freedom?

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers. But she can't stay safely in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Instead, he becomes the key to Liliana's rescue. If he can keep his secrets hidden, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

My review:

This was a fascinating story and unlike anything I've read before.  Liliana was incredibly smart and brave and had such a big heart.  It was amazing to see how Meric cared for her and tried to help her heal.  He was incredibly self-sacrificing and put himself in grave danger in order to help women but was also broken because of his past.  There was a marriage of convenience love story and quite a bit of suspense and action mixed in as they tried to figure out who was behind her kidnapping and realized she was still in danger.  Liliana had a strong faith to survive what she did and not view everyone as evil.  She prays a lot throughout the story, asking for wisdom and help and for other people.  Meric had turned away from God after finding out about his past but was coming around.  This is my second novel by Melissa Koslin and another one I'd highly recommend!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.   All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Melissa Koslin

   Melissa Koslin is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books....

   Continue reading about Melissa Koslin 

Wonderful New Series! 'Honor Bound' - Love & Honor 1 - by Hallee Bridgeman

 

About the book:

You can't override the heart

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to like anything about Rick and his team--but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

My review:

What a wonderful story and I'm so excited to find a new author!  I loved the action and witty banter of this book!  The writing was well-done and I could picture everything well.  Cynthia was a great character, so caring of her patients and willing to live in a place so different from her privileged lifestyle in the States.  Rick was amazing, a hero who was also respectful of Cynthia and all she went through.  They both had a strong faith yet disagreed about his work, at least at first.  There was sweet romance and I didn't want to put the book down for all of the reasons above!  I'm so excited for this new series!  I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Wonderful Novel About Second Chances! 'The Bridge Between Us' - Road to Refuge 3

 

About the book:

An Unexpected Reunion . . . A Second Chance at Love
Jesse Donovan is a changed man. Now a Christian and a successful building contractor, he’s dedicated to taking responsibility for his self-centered past. That includes welcoming the teenage boy he didn’t know he fathered. When the boy’s mother walks into Jesse’s office, their son has run away from home and is on a dangerous road, travelling with a friend who isn’t a friend at all.

Maeryn Scott once loved Jesse Donovan, only to be abandoned without even a goodbye. Her love for him died suddenly—or so she thought. Now, with her son in danger and determined to confront his father, Maeryn must face the conflicting needs of her son and her own heart. Who is Jesse now? Can she trust him? Falling in love again is the last thing Maeryn wants to do—especially with a man who will turn her world upside down.

My review:

This was a wonderful story about an incredibly hard situation.  I liked seeing the journey Maeryn and Tim, their son, was on and how they started out angry and distrusting of Jesse but saw the kind of man he had become and started to trust and believe he truly did love them.  I was a little frustrated with Tim and how he trusted his friend and made some potentially deadly choices.  I loved that we got the three points of view so we could get inside their heads.  The author wrote the emotions well.  There were also some really great conversations about faith and trusting God as Jesse had hit rock bottom before and really depended on God to fight his demons.  He was an amazing example to Maeryn and Tim and to me, too!  There was some sweet romance and a little action.  This is book three in the series and I remember enjoying the first one but hadn't read book two yet.  It's not required to enjoy this story.  I highly recommend it!

I received a free pdf copy of this book from Just Reads.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Another Winner! 'Crossfire' - Extreme Measures 2 - by Lynette Eason

 

About the book:

She's never lost a hostage. Surely she can manage to take care of her sister.

FBI special agent Julianna Jameson is a top-notch negotiator, but when her much younger sister, Dottie, needs a place to live while she finishes high school, Julianna's skills will be put to the test.

Former sniper Clay Fox left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life, he's working as a resource officer at a school. Dottie's school.

When Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister, he's impressed--and, if he's honest, a bit intimidated--by the calm, capable woman with the dark hair and blue eyes, and invites her to speak at the school.

But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Dottie is next in line.

My review:

This was another winner from Lynette Eason!  The suspense was amazing and I loved that we got to see what the bad guy was thinking throughout the book.  There was a crazy twist at the end plus some nice closure for Clay for a situation from his past.  I really liked Clay and how supportive he was of Julianna as she not only dealt with her demanding, dangerous job but also when she was going through tough stuff personally.  Julianna was so amazing, from her skill at negotiating to taking in her sister as her guardian to helping figure out what was really happening.  There was a little romance and many wonderful conversations about God's goodness, even amid suffering.  Clay was having a harder time after a tragedy so had turned his back on God, Dottie's never seen a need for God and Julianna prays regularly and has a strong relationship with the Lord so it was interesting to see them in different parts of their journeys and how events impacted their view of God and reactions to Him.  I really enjoyed Dottie, too, for her common sense and snark.  This is book two and we got to catch up with her friends from the first book and I'm definitely looking forward to the third.  You don't have to read them in order but I highly recommend both of them!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   © Mary Denman

   Lynette Eason

   Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Life Flight and Crossfire, as well as the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the...

   Continue reading about Lynette Eason 

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Highly Recommend! 'The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip' - by Sara Brunsvold

 

About the book:

A throwaway assignment is about to change two lives forever

Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she's been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who's just entered hospice care.

But there's more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she's not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it's a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that's just what Mrs. Kip will give her--but she's going to have to work for it.

My review:

What an amazing story and what an amazing woman!  Clara Kip was such a hoot and truly inspiring as she had such love and compassion for people.  She was always looking for what God wanted her to do and how He wanted her to serve but she wasn't always like that.  When her husband died young she wasn't a believer and was lost in grief and anger for many years.  We see glimpses into her life at different moments, at different turning points that changed her life's course and led her to where she was today.  It was interesting seeing how Aidyn changes throughout the story as she starts to really see Mrs. Kip and dives into her story.  It was fascinating learning about the Laotian refugee resettlement in Kansas City starting in the 70s as a result of the Vietnam War.  I laughed; I cried.  I was inspired!  Ill definitely be looking for more books by Sara Brunsvold!  I highly recommend this book!

I received a free copy from Revell.  I was not compensated for my review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Amelia Layton

   Sara Brunsvold

   Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find his fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara's recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for...

   Continue reading about Sara Brunsvold 

Another Winner! 'Sunburst' - Sky King Ranch 2 - by Susan May Warren

 

About the book:

When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt from terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others. And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--which would bind Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, the trouble they're fleeing has found them--again. It's clear anyone around Noemi is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her potential new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

My review:

This was another winner for Susan May Warren!  I especially loved how so much took place in another country so we got to see the customs and experience the culture but we got the best of both worlds because we also got to go back to the cozy town in Alaska where Sky King Ranch is located.  I loved catching up with Ranger's brothers, dad and the other townspeople.  The romance was very well-done as Ranger and Noemi never forgot each other but both had their reasons for not giving in to their feelings.  While Ranger's a Christian, Noemi's never felt like God saw her or cared.  She felt like she had to depend only on herself and with all of the action and escapes and miraculous rescues in this book she comes to believe God does care, just like Ranger does.  Ranger also struggled with a health diagnosis and what his future would hold.  There was so much action and excitement throughout the whole story.  This worked well as a stand-alone but the first book is just as wonderful so don't miss it!  I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Susan May Warren

   Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst....

   Continue reading about Susan May Warren 

Fascinating Suspense! 'Elysium Tide' - by James R. Hannibal

 

About the book:

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is the top neurosurgeon at the Royal London Hospital. He's also a workaholic, and after a blow-up with a colleague, his boss orders him to attend a medical symposium at the luxurious Elysium Grand on the island of Maui. During a midnight walk on the beach, Peter pulls a woman with a skull fracture from the water. Despite all his skill, she dies in his arms, leaving him with only one clue to what happened to her: the word "honu."

Obsessed with finding the cause of his patient's death--discovering what or who ripped the power over life and death from his surgeon's hands--Peter becomes entangled in an ongoing investigation. He also becomes a source of deep irritation to detective Lisa Kealoha, who has jurisdiction over the case.

The reluctant pair join forces, diving deep into Maui's evolving gang culture, and unearth a conspiracy that runs deeper than either could have imagined. Knowing too much is deadly--and they must catch the killer before the killer catches them.

My review:

I loved the investigation piece to this book and thought it was funny that Peter inserted himself into it even when Lisa told him not to.  He seemed like a good guy deep down but could be very off-putting and took a while to like.  Lisa, on the other hand, was a great cop and could be tough when needed but didn't hold a grudge  She was a Christian and Peter started to question his lack of faith.  There was a lot of great action and a hint that there might be more stories to come!  I look forward to it!  I also absolutely loved that it was set in Hawaii!  I recommend this story if you like investigations and suspense!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   DigiSmiles Photography

   James R. Hannibal

   James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. This former stealth pilot from Houston, Texas, has been shot at, locked up with surface-to-air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a three-time Silver Falchion...

   Continue reading about James R. Hannibal 

Gripping Romantic Suspense! 'Among the Innocent' - by Mary Alford

 

About the book:

When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah has left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after an Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning.

What will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

My review:

This was such a suspenseful story with a great blend of investigation, twists and romance to make me want to keep reading straight through!  The investigation was very interesting as they tracked down witnesses and tested evidence on their hunt for the killer.  The bad guy seemed to be everywhere!  It was very suspenseful with a lot of action.  I liked the twist but I felt like they should have looked into the possibility sooner.  Dalton had a strong faith in God that had gotten him through a lot whereas Leah had struggled with hers after her family died.  Leah started to evaluate that relationship and they both had to deal with their reluctance to open their hearts after losing people they loved.  This was a new author for me and it was such an exciting story.  I can't wait to read what she has next and check our her previous books!

I received a free copy of this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   © Jocelyn Lewis

   Mary Alford

   Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards,...

   Continue reading about Mary Alford 

Just as Wonderful as the First! Review and Giveaway of 'The Songs That Could Have Been' - Sedgwick County Chronicles 2 - by Amanda Wen

About the book:

 Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace.

After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control.
 
Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around?
 
When Lauren’s elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before—a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie’s past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives—and Rosie’s—forever. Along the way they’ll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.

The Songs That Could Have Been is full of the same deftly handled, resonant writing that readers and critics alike enjoyed in Amanda Wen's first book in the series, Roots of Wood and Stone. Fans of Lisa Wingate and Rachel Hauck will add Amanda Wen to their must-read shelves.

Click here to read an excerpt.

My review:

This was such a wonderful story, just as amazing as the first in the series!  I loved the dual timeline of modern-day and the 1950s.  It was especially touching that the grandchildren are trying to unearth memories that their grandmother with dementia has and can't remember.  This was a sweet love story of second chances as Lauren and Carter reconnect and she decides if she can trust him with her heart again after he broke it.  They both have some baggage from family issues and past bad decisions and struggle with forgiving themselves and believing they can move on from them.  They're both Christians but struggle to accept God's grace and give Him control of their lives and futures.  The past love story was especially interesting as their love's forbidden and even dangerous.  The struggles of both couples are written so well and touch on addiction, food disorders, racial issues, dementia and abuse but not in a heavy or overwhelming way.  I loved the hope that's portrayed, both in God and in a brighter future!  It was great seeing characters from the first book and it's not required to read the first one to enjoy this one but it's wonderful and you don't want to miss out!  I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for her next one!

I received this book free from Kregel Publications and Read with Audra.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

About the author:  Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist.   Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been.   In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.   To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

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A Story of Hope and Second Chances! 'When the Meadow Blooms' - by Ann H. Gabhart

 

About the book:

Hope blooms at Meadowland

If any place on God's earth was designed to help one heal, it is Meadowland. Surely here, at her brother-in-law's Kentucky farm, Rose and her daughters can recover from the events of the recent past--the loss of her husband during the 1918 influenza epidemic, her struggle with tuberculosis that required a stay at a sanatorium, and her girls' experience in an orphanage during her illness. At Meadowland, past troubles become rich soil in which faith can grow.

Dirk Meadows may have opened his home to his late brother's widow and her girls, but he keeps his heart tightly closed. The roots of his pain run deep, and the evidence of it is written across his face. Badly scarred by a fire and abandoned by the woman he loved, Dirk fiercely guards his heart from being hurt again.

But it may be that his visitors will bring light back into his world and unlock the secret to true healing.

My review:

This was such an interesting story about a new life for Rose and her girls and also for Dirk, who'd become a recluse after the fire.  The girls went through a lot, from losing their father and their mother getting sick to having to live in an orphanage with a mean headmistress.  I was so happy for them to find the wonderful farm at Meadowland but they discovered a mystery when they learned about the fire that burned Dirk and the question of where his fiance disappeared to.  It was interesting learning the facts of what happened as they pieced it together, along with some clues that showed up.  I liked both girls a lot but Sienna, especially, was a character as she loved animals and nature so much but also had this fairy-like quality to her.  There were a couple of subtle romances happening and also Dirk's journeying back to God after he'd turned his back after the fire.  Rose and the girls had a strong faith in God and brought hymn-singing and laughter back into Dirk's life.  He started to open his heart to them, too.  This ended up being a story of hope and second chances!  I highly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   © Memories by Chris

   Ann H. Gabhart

   Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Along a Storied Trail, An Appalachian Summer, River to Redemption, These Healing Hills, and Angel Sister, along with several Shaker novels--The Refuge, The Outsider,...

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Funny, Emotionally Satisfying Journey! 'All That Fills Us' - by Autumn Lytle

 

About the book:

The journey toward healing starts with a single brave step--but it is never walked alone

Mel Ellis knows that her eating disorder is ruining her life. Everyone tells her rehab is her best option, but she can't bring herself to go. Broke, broken, and empty in more ways than one, Mel launches one last-ditch effort to make hers a story worth telling. She will walk her own road to recovery along the lesser-known trails of the North American wilderness.

Though she is physically and mentally unprepared to face the difficulties that lay ahead, she sets off on foot from Michigan. Her goal? Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State. During the long journey, she meets strangers with their own stories, as well as ghosts from her past who can no longer be ignored. But though the land she travels threatens her success at every turn, it's her own dark thoughts she'll have to overcome in order to find peace in the life and the body she has been given.

My review:

I started out reading this book thinking what is up with this girl that she would go on this trip in her condition.  I thought she was crazy and while I still think so, it ended up being an amazing journey of self-discovery as she learned so much about herself and her flawed beliefs about God through the many people she met who took the time to care about her.  Each person she met had some wisdom for her she needed to hear and showed up at just the right moment when she couldn't go on.  I've never been up close with someone who I knew struggled with this mental illness so it was hard sometimes to hear the destructive thoughts Mel had about herself.  At the same time she was pretty funny and I felt like strangling her and laughing with her almost in the same breath.  I was pretty angry with her mom for some of the stuff she said and also sad because she doesn't understand grace at all, from God or how to give it.  There's a little bit of romance as Mel thought back on a past relationship.  The writing was wonderful and I'd highly recommend this book for the emotional and satisfying journey!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

About the author:

1. 

   Laurie Burin

   Autumn Lytle

   Autumn Lytle identifies with a strange group of humans who enjoy running long distances and writing even longer books. Along with being a forever-recovering anorexic and exercise addict, she is a weirdly good checkers player and finder of four-leaf clovers....

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Giveaway and Review of 'Midnight's Budding Morrow' - Regency Wallflowers 2 - by Carolyn Miller

 

About the book:

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue? Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he can't be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father's stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn't until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

My review:

This was another enjoyable story by Carolyn Miller!  She really knows how to pull you in and get invested in the characters.  I liked seeing how James changed and tried to do better but was frustrated sometimes by the misunderstandings between them.  I found myself getting angry at how people treated her, especially a couple of the servants and her father-in-law.  She was such a wonderful person and I wanted to see her respected and loved.  She endured too much sadness in her life already.  While she had faith in God, it took a blow after a tragedy and James was a newer Christian also, so struggling to find his way a bit.  This story was a little heavier than other Carolyn Miller books I've read, though I haven't read them all yet, as it dealt with depression though it didn't dwell on it too much.  There's some sweet romance and a wonderful portrayal of forgiveness and second chances.  This book worked well as a stand-alone, though I'd suggest reading the first book as it's very enjoyable, too.  I'd recommend this book!

I received this book free from Read with Audra & Kregel Publications.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

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