'Her Secret Hope' - A Season in Pinecraft 3 - by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

About the book:

She left home to find herself--instead she found true love

Almost two years after Lilly Kurtz first visited Pinecraft, Florida, she's decided to make a fresh start there. She's ready to be new-and-improved Lilly, a Lilly without a past, a Lilly with no secrets. At first, everything goes well. She gets a job, her coworkers feel like family, and she enjoys reconnecting with her friends. But it turns out the past is reluctant to be left behind.

When Lilly meets hardworking farmer Eddie Byler, she can't get him off her mind. But then she discovers that Eddie isn't staying long in Pinecraft--and he actually lives just a few miles from her hometown in Ohio. Lilly doesn't want him to know about the life she's left . . . and she can't imagine following him back to a place where she's never felt accepted.

Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?

My review:

This was a cute story about a girl needing a second chance in life.  Lilly was such a sweet person who'd been made to fell less than.  It was fun to see her bloom in Pinecraft.  I liked Eddie, too, though he could be a bit pushy or sometimes say the wrong thing, which I guess made him human.  Eddie had had his heart broken so he was hesitant to trust, especially when Lilly didn't want to tell him about her past.  I loved his grandmother, who was a real hoot!  She livened up everything.  I also liked the secondary story about Nancy, the owner of the inn, and the chef.  They really rounded out the interesting characters; we got to see some of her friends. the main characters in prior books, too!  This book worked well as a stand-alone, though.  Learning to trust God and ask for guidance were a couple of the issues a few of the characters struggled with and worked through.  The setting was amazing, of course!  I really hope I get to see it one day.  I would recommend this story if you like Amish romances.

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

           The Author

1. 

   © The New Studio/You See Photography, Inc. www.TheNewStudio.net

   Shelley Shepard Gray

   Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, including Her Heart's Desire, Her Only Wish, and Her Secret Hope. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a...

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Mesmerizing! 'The Warsaw Sisters' - by Amanda Barratt

 

About the book:

A richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls, along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation.

But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.

My review:

I could not put this book down.  Even in this season of wanting to watch happy Christmas movies, I did not want to tear myself away.  The writing was so well done; I could feel the sisters' emotions so deeply as they dealt with loss and yet kept moving forward.  There were happy times, too, as they fell in love and hoped for what their futures would be.  Their determination to do the right thing, along with so many others who risked their lives, was inspiring.  I learned so much about what the Polish people endured during the Nazi occupation; it was so much more than I had thought.  Their resilience and fighting spirit were something to behold.  I loved the historical note where we learn more of the facts and especially about Irena Sendler, an amazing woman whose story you should read or watch and who makes a cameo in this book!  This story showed the beautiful bond sisters share, even if they keep secrets, or misunderstandings push them apart for a while.  It also shows the strength of the Polish people, especially the Jews, as they fought for survival and a better tomorrow.  Amanda Barratt is a must-read for me!  I highly recommend this book!

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

      The Author

1. 

   Emerson Kloostra

   Amanda Barratt

   Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas, including The White Rose Resists (a 2021 Christy Award winner) and Within These Walls of Sorrow. She is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of...

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Enjoyable! 'Lost and Found' - by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

About the book:

Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver--and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge. 
 
Micah thought he was over Trudy's older sister, Shelley, who shattered his heart by running away to Nashville to pursue a singing career. Then out of the blue, she started leaving alarming messages for him. 

So when the bishop asks for volunteers to scout a potential church relocation in Tennessee, Micah jumps at the opportunity. Despite scant details, he's confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don't want to be found. 

But what he discovers in Tennessee is far from what he expects.

My review:

This was another enjoyable visit to Stoney Ridge where we can catch up with friends from past books and get to know new ones.  I liked Trudy and felt for her as she feels invisible to her parents, who were grieving over their other daughter who had left, and to Micah as she hoped he would start to love her before he shut her out.  I liked her determination to stop a local pond from being ruined by construction.  I admired Micah wanting to help Shelley, even though she hurt him, but I thought he should have asked for help.  There was a little bit of suspense as I was worried about Shelley and what kind of situation Micah was walking into.  I liked that mental health and illness were talked about and the fact that sometimes people need actual treatment.   There was also a little romance.  I always appreciate the bishop, David, and the depth of his faith as he guides his flock.  There were also interesting write-ups about birds throughout.  I recommend this book if you like Amish fiction or birds!

I received this book free 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 the award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 books, including The Sweet Life and The Secret to Happiness, as well as many beloved contemporary romance and Amish romance series. She is also the author of several...

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Absolutely Wonderful! 'On Moonberry Lake' - by Holly Varni

 

About the book:

Cora Matthews's life is a mess. A broken engagement and the unexpected death of her mother have left her wondering if things will ever return to normal. Whatever "normal" is.

It certainly isn't what she finds at Moonberry Lake. After she receives her family's dilapidated lakefront lodge as an inheritance--with a surprising condition attached--Cora finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.

As Cora works to put her life back together, she must decide if she is willing to let go of the past, open her heart to love, and embrace the craziest version of family and home she could ever have imagined.

My review:

This was such a wonderful story!  I absolutely loved the quirky characters; they made me laugh out loud with the crazy things they said and did.  So many of them also had a lot of wisdom that both Cora and I learned from.  The setting was beautiful and peaceful and it was fun watching the lodge get renovated.  I liked the mystery of Cora trying to figure out why her mother took her away when she was a child and never came back.  There was a sweet romance that didn't disappoint!  There were touching moments that made me cry.  I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next!

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. 

   Melissa White Photography

   Holly Varni

   Holly Varni is a native Minnesotan of strong Norwegian descent, who was raised in the Lutheran Church that Garrison Keillor made a career depicting. Between the lutefisk, grumpy grandparents, and crazy neighbors who mowed their lawn wearing pajamas, the seed...

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Another Winner! 'Creed' - Minnesota Marshalls 5 - by Susan May Warren

 

About the book:

He's a criminal—who must become a prince to save the princess he loves. But will she have to become a criminal to save him?

In the heart-pounding conclusion to the epic Minnesota Marshalls series, Princess Imani finds herself once again in peril as she becomes the target of a deadly plot. She needs Creed – only problem is, he’s facing charges in Lauchtenland. But he’s not going to let that stop him from protecting her…even if he has to become a fugitive. But who is trying to kill her? Together, they race against time to unravel a web of deceit and conspiracy that seems to entrap the entire family. As their journey takes them from the palace to the high mountains, and finally back to Minnesota, Imani and Creed must discover the truth before tragedy destroys everything—and everyone—they love.

Read the thrilling finale of the Minnesota Marshalls series, where the fate of a family and destiny of a kingdom hang in the balance.

My review:

This was another wonderful story by one of my favorite authors!  It's amazing to me how she can weave together so many characters that she's brought to life in this series and others and they show up to help each other and encourage each other.  You see their stories progress and you hate to say goodbye.  It's so much fun, though, wondering when you'll see them again as so many of her characters show up in different series.  There was so much action in this one and intrigue as Imani's life was in danger over and over and it seemed like an inside job, yet no one could figure out who it was.  There was amazing romance, of course, with more than one couple.  The spiritual struggle and growth is what really sets her books apart for me, though, as each of her characters have struggled with issues we all do, such as forgiveness and identity and belonging and purpose.  We may not become a princess or come from a rough background but we all can relate to these issues.  Her characters are so relatable and real, even if they are tough and some of them save the world fairly regularly!  I highly recommend this book and series and can't wait for where the next series takes us!

I received a free kindle copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

An Emotional Journey! 'Letters From My Sister' - by Valerie Fraser Luesse

 

About the book:

Two sisters. One mystery. A family changed forever.

At the turn of the twentieth century, sisters Emmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life when their well-ordered Alabama household gets turned upside down by the arrival of Lily McGee. Arrestingly beautiful, Lily quickly--and innocently--draws the wrong kind of attention.

After Lily has a baby, Callie witnesses something she was never meant to see--or did she? Her memory is a haze, just an image in her mind of Emmy standing on a darkened riverbank and cradling Lily's baby girl. Only when the sisters are separated does the truth slowly come to light--including a revelation that will shape the rest of Callie's life.

My review:

Well, I think this book took me through pretty much every emotion you can have! This was a well-written story that really sucked me in and I grew to care so much about the wonderful Bullock family.  Their mother, especially, is a force to be reckoned with and to be in awe of  but every member was special in some way.  They just loved each other so much but also really liked each other.  I admired the strong faith of Emmy and Callie as they turned to God for comfort and strength instead of getting bitter.  There was a wonderful romance, suspense and mystery that really kept the pages turning.  I also loved the scenery descriptions as Callie loved nature and storms and I just felt like I was there with her enjoying it.  It was wonderful seeing a white family and black family taking care of each other in the south but also sad seeing the disparity of how they would be treated by others in the community at the time.  I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it!

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

           The Author

1. 

   Mark Sandlin

   Valerie Fraser Luesse

   Valerie Fraser Luesse is the bestselling author of Missing Isaac, Almost Home, The Key to Everything, and Under the Bayou Moon. She is an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern...

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Amazing Conclusion! 'Countdown' - Extreme Measures 4 - by Lynette Eason

 

About the book:

A stalker out to finish what he started. A US Marshal who's vowed to protect.
And one woman determined to put the past in the past.

Flight paramedic Raina Price has been running so long it's hard to stop. To escape a dangerous stalker, she changed her name and disappeared, building a new life with the help of a friend from her time in juvie. It feels good to put her energies into saving people's lives, but because her stalker was never found, she's never stopped looking over her shoulder. And one can only run so far before the past finally catches up.

US Marshal Vincent Covelli's job is to hunt down fugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almost killed right in front of him, he vows to protect her at all costs--whether it's his job or not. Together they work to solve the mystery of Raina's past. But someone is out to make sure Raina doesn't live long enough to succeed.

My review:

Lynette Eason does it again!  She combines suspense and romance so wonderfully and I especially love the tough female characters who are definitely no damsels in distress!  Raina has a lot of secrets in her past and she wasn't always as tough as she is now.  She is really a survivor and determined to stay that way if her stalker ever caught up with her.  She also struggles with control and not wanting to ask people for help because of what had happened to other people in her past when they helped her but I liked how Vince reminded her that she wouldn't be responsible if something happened to him because God is in control, not her.  That's a good reminder for us all!  She prays at different times and I really liked Vince's wisdom as they discussed spiritual things.  Vince is a wonderful character as he's tough and puts her first while they're trying to stay alive but also trying to figure out what's going on.  He's wise, spiritually and otherwise, and patient.  There were some nice romantic moments and plenty of action as they went on the run, being shot at but also engaging in some hand to hand combat multiple times, along with some other crazy scenarios!  I also loved that we see characters from the prior books, which I also highly recommend!  This would work as a stand-alone, though.  There was one situation where I couldn't believe Raina wouldn't have done something when she was on such high alert as it's a good practice generally, much less if you have a stalker and are so terrified you've been on the run for so many years.  Everywhere else I felt like she was smart, tough and made good choices, though.  I highly recommend this book and the whole series!

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

       

           The Author

1. 

   Lynette Eason

   Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Extreme Measures, Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the...

   Continue reading about Lynette Eason 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Wonderful Slice of Americana! 'The All American' - by Susie Finkbeiner

 

About the book:

It is 1952, and nearly all the girls Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys--she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

When Bertha's father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she'll never forget.

Join award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner for a summer of chasing down your dreams and discovering the place you truly belong.

My review:

Another wonderful story from Susie Finkbeiner! This was a beautiful story about a close-knit family who suddenly finds themselves ostracized because of an accusation.  The story's told from two points of view, Bertha and her little sister, Flossie, who is a hoot!  She loved to read any fiction she could get her hands on, even if it was too old for her and she didn't understand the meanings.  She reminded me of her favorite heroine, Anne of Green Gables, and I loved her straightforwardness while also cringing at times from the things she said.  She just wanted to get at the truth as fast as possible and didn't try to be mean!  I really enjoyed all of the characters as they were written so well and you could see that they were people who cared about their fellow humans and tried to be kind and generous.  Both girls were at different points of life and were learning what kind of people they wanted to be and if dreams were worth it.  They also had to learn how to react when treated unfairly or when tragedy struck.  They were a Bible believing, church going family who talked about suffering and hard things but leaned into hope.  I laughed, I cried.  I cheered them both on and not just in the baseball games.  I do wish we would have had a little more wrap-up at the end as I wanted to know where everyone ended up.  A wonderful slice of Americana!  I highly recommend it!

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

           The Author

1. Susie Finkbeiner

   Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of All Manner of Things, which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, as well as Stories That Bind Us, The Nature of Small Birds, and other novels. Susie and her husband have three...

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Wonderful Conclusion! 'Ruby Jane' - Montana Marshalls 5 - by Susan May Warren

 

About the book:

She loved...and lost.

Ruby Jane never thought she'd meet the man of her dreams while running from the police in Russia. That he'd steal her heart on a train to Siberia. But loving a former CIA officer comes with a price...a life of danger. A life of high stakes.

A life where he simply disappears...

He has no memory of the man he was.

Mack Jones has no memory of his past...just the dark sense that he is hiding. And, he wants to stay that way. Mack likes the life he's built in a small tourist town, tucked away beyond the mountains, and has no desire to dig around in the gray areas of his memory.

When his place of business catches fire and Mack rescues the owner, he makes the news, which of course alerts the past he's hoping to outrun.

The only person who can help him is a mysterious woman he doesn't remember.

But a woman he desperately needs.

The surprising, thrilling conclusion to the Montana Marshall series.

My review:

This was a wonderful conclusion to the series!  I loved the idea of a man looking for a new life and having amnesia while the woman he loved won't give up believing he's alive.  It was suspenseful and a great story of redemption as Mack first struggled to find a path and then to rediscover his past and where his future should go.  There was great suspense and action.  There was the possible romance between Ruby Jane and Mack; will they pick up where they left off or go their separate ways?  What path will Mack choose?  This was an amazing book and series and I highly recommend them all!

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

Free Books for Kindle!

 

Free for kindle!

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Free for kindle!  Loved it!

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Free for kindle!  Loved it!

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Wonderful Romantic Suspense! 'Counter Attack' - A Pearl River Novel 1 - by Patricia Bradley

 

About the book:

Her next move just might be her last

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, than a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promise he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late?

My review:

I did not want to put this book down! I absolutely loved the suspense as there was so much action but also a great  investigation as Alexis and Nathan have no shortage of crimes to look into, past and present.  The story kept me guessing as I would think I knew who did something, then there'd be a twist, though I did figure out something major.  There was just so much going on in this book.  I admired Alex because not only did she have a tough childhood, she had a stressful job as an undercover detective, then was running her grandfather's sheriff's office.  She also was feeling the pull back toward her high school sweetheart but had ambitions and also fear of losing more people in her life after her parents died when she was a child.  She has faith in God but struggled with listening for His guidance instead of just doing what she planned.  Nathan had a strong faith. I liked that we got to see the baddie's viewpoint throughout the story as it upped the suspense.  There were also some sweet romantic moments.  I can't wait for the next book!  I highly recommend this one!

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

           The Author

1. 

   Patricia Bradley

   Patricia Bradley is the author of Counter Attack, as well as the Natchez Trace Park Rangers, Memphis Cold Case, and Logan Point series. Bradley is the winner of an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, a Selah Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award; she...

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This was a cute one!

Wonderful! 'The Swindler's Daughter' - by Stephenia H. McGee

 

About the book:

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away--in jail--Lillian is startled to find that he has left a business and all his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she arrives at her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by a woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye--and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers--and Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

My review:

I really enjoyed this story about dreams and second chances!  Lillian was a wonderful character and it's amazing she turned out as well as she did with the mother she had.  She was incredibly brave for thinking she could have a different life from what her mother planned for her.  It was fun seeing a dream become a reality and also watching Lillian and Jonah draw closer to each other even though they resisted it at first.  Jonah was very responsible and loyal to his mom and sisters but also felt like he'd failed them and that God had failed them to an extent, too.  He struggled with having faith whereas Lillian had faith but still needed guidance to know what God's plan was.  Jonah's mom and sisters brought some humor to the story and Lillian's extended family were wonderful people who really made this small town home.  There was some sweet romance and some action.  I can't wait for Stephenia McGee's next book!  I highly recommend it!

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

           The Author

1. 

   MJHarper Photography

   Stephenia H. McGee

   Stephenia H. McGee is the award-winning author of many stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South, including The Secrets of Emberwild. When she's not reading or sipping sweet tea on the front porch, she's a writer, dreamer, husband...

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Riveting! 'The Long March Home' - by Marcus Brotherton & Tosca Lee

 

About the book:

Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope.

Jimmy Propfield joined the army for two reasons: to get out of Mobile, Alabama, with his best friends Hank and Billy and to forget his high school sweetheart, Claire.

Life in the Philippines seems like paradise--until the morning of December 8, 1941, when news comes from Manila: Imperial Japan has bombed Pearl Harbor. Within hours, the teenage friends are plunged into war as enemy warplanes attack Luzon, beginning a battle for control of the Pacific theater that will culminate with a last stand on the Bataan Peninsula and end with the largest surrender of American troops in history.

What follows will become known as one of the worst atrocities in modern warfare: the Bataan Death March. With no hope of rescue, the three friends vow to make it back home together. But the ordeal is only the beginning of their nearly four-year fight to survive.

My review:

I didn't want to put this book down!  I was first excited to read this book for the topic and also for Tosca Lee, as I love her books!  While I knew this was going to be a difficult book to read because there would be tragedy, it was also a story about three best friends and a first love growing up together in a small town and all of the crazy escapades they got into.  The story's told from Jimmy's perspective, a preacher's kid who always tried to do the right thing but wanted to get away from his father's plans for him and from the fishbowl he lived in.  He struggled with his faith and had some growing up to do.  I liked how the story of their growing up and first love was interwoven with the war years and the incredibly tough experiences they went through so it didn't become too dark.  It's just so hard to imagine all they went through and how inhumanely they were treated.  They kept hope alive for each other and truly saved each other.  The characters were wonderfully written and leapt off the page.  I laughed, I cried.  I learned so much about what happened to the soldiers and the Filipino people and admire them all the more for what they went through.  Freedom truly wasn't free.  I highly recommend this book!

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

           The Authors

1. 

   © Ben Bender Photography

   Marcus Brotherton

   Marcus Brotherton is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author or coauthor of more than 25 books that have been called "fascinating," "brilliantly arranged,"...

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2. 

   Tosca Lee

   Tosca Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 novels, including The Line Between, The Progeny, The Legend of Sheba, and Iscariot. Lee's work has been praised as "deeply human,"...

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Amazing! 'Blind Trust' - The Snap Agency 3 - by Natalie Walters

 

About the book:

She's risking her life. He's risking his heart. It's unclear which is more dangerous.

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for being impulsive, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

My review:

I loved this exciting, suspenseful story with plenty of twists and turns and some romance thrown in!  The characters were amazing, from Lyla and her dedication to justice, which can make her a little too impulsive for Nicolas's taste, to Nicolas, who's reliable and steady and knows a quick decision can change someone's life in an instant.  The other members of their team were great, too, especially Kekoa, a Hawaiian man with a talent for tech and a love for food and goofiness.  I loved following the investigation as what they thought was the truth kept changing.  There was plenty of great action and some sweet romantic inklings as Lyla and Nicolas realized what the other really meant to them.  They're both Christians but Nicolas especially struggled with trust as he'd been burned before.  I wasn't lost at all coming in to the series on the third book even though I haven't read the first two but I can't wait to read them!  I highly recommend this book!

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. 

   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 

Expired Hope - Last Chance Fire & Rescue 2 - by Lisa Phillips and Megan Besing

 

About the book:

What will it cost him to save her from the flames?

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson is all about facing fears and surviving. After all, she’s been there, done that, and she’s ready for a new future in Last Chance County. Even if it includes helping the incoming Fire Chief confront his own issues to lead his fractured team.

Fire Chief Macon James has finally come home to do the job he’s always longed for, and he doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew. More, she’s put them in jeopardy by insisting she “train with them”—a liability that might just get them killed. The way he sees it, she’s just another counsellor, interfering in ways that destroy lives.

When an explosion destroys her car it seems Natalie is a magnet for trouble. Is she the target of a stalker? Macon has no choice but to stick around and find out. But getting close to Natalie means discovering her secrets…and risking the chance she’ll discover his.

But her so-called stalker isn’t giving up. And when his worst fears ignite, with Natalie right in the middle, Macon will have to become the leader the team so desperately needs if they hope to save her life.

The second breathtaking book in the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series!

My review:

I enjoyed this exciting story with a lot going on, from fires to a possible stalker to an explosion and kidnappings!  I liked how we got to know the characters at the fire station through a therapist's eyes as she tried to understand the dynamics between them and with Macon as the new chief.   She and Macon also felt very drawn to each other but both were running in the opposite direction at first.  Natalie really struggled with trying to help everyone, even people who weren't her clients and needed to realize she couldn't save everyone.  Macon had similar struggles as he felt immense guilt for past mistakes.  I enjoyed watching them realize that only God could be all they need while they also let themselves fall in love and imagine a happily ever after.  I enjoyed the action as we saw multiple fires but also some harrowing situations in Natalie's life!  I didn't feel lost with this being book two and not having read the first one.  I would recommend this book!

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

They Just Keep Getting Better! 'Holding On To Hope - Coastal Hearts 7 - by Janet W. Ferguson

 

About the book:

A fun road trip romance to the Grand Tetons!

Always the wedding planner, never the bride.

Hope Rodriguez loves planning weddings. There’s nothing more special than helping a bride become a princess for a day, but she’s not sure that’s her calling in life anymore.
If only she had her own special someone. Her only current prospect leaves her with more questions than answers about where she falls in his list of priorities.
Yet, when a lifelong friend asks her to plan a destination wedding across the country in only two weeks, she’ll have to figure out how to pull off the impossible…alone.

After being burned as a child and deserted by his family, Caleb Donnelly has an intimate relationship with pain. Despite all he’s endured, one ache refuses to leave him—the throbbing in his heart where Hope is concerned.
So when Hope needs help with their friend’s wedding, he can’t stop himself from volunteering to travel two thousand miles to Jackson, Wyoming.
As long as he keeps his feelings in check, he might not ruin their friendship. Because a beautiful woman like Hope could never love a scarred man like him. There’s no way their longtime friendship could ever become more.

When Hope and Caleb’s plans go up in flames, it’s their hearts that might never recover.

Grab your copy of Holding On to Hope...a Southern Contemporary Christian Romance novel from the Coastal Hearts Series.

My review:

This was my favorite story yet in this series!  I didn't want to put it down!  I just loved everything about the plot, from a good friend who's secretly in love to a rushed destination wedding Hope must plan to truly seeing her friend for the first time and realizing what a wonderful godly man he was.  It was great seeing Hope discover what a great guy Caleb was and how he was really there for her during all of this, especially as things kept going wrong.  He had the patience of a saint, was selfless, incredibly wise and really followed the Lord, plus he was cute!  I couldn't really understand why Hope was confused about another guy because there just seemed to be so many red flags with him.  I liked Hope, too, for her compassionate heart and giving nature but I also wondered how she could not have asked the guy she was dating what he thought about God or commitment after several months of dating.  There were some sweet romantic moments in the story but also adventure.  The scenery sounded incredible and almost felt like another character as it was so integral to the book.  I liked seeing other characters from the series show up, though this did work as a stand-alone.  I can't wait for the next one!  I highly recommend this book!

I received a free kindle copy from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

 

Wonderful Addition! 'Jonas' - Minnesota Marshalls 2 - by Susan May Warren

 

About the book:

Jonas Marshall is done storm-chasing, plagued with the memory of a terrible accident that paralyzed a fellow chaser, so the last thing he’s going to do is run into more danger. Now, he’s just a simple weatherman deploying dirigibles in an experiment to track weather patterns in Slovenia.

As far from danger as he can get.

But danger comes knocking in the form of hiker in need of rescue, and he can’t deny that her companion—beautiful Sibba Kovac—is a great distraction from the guilt that haunts him…until she paraglides right out of his life.

Probably for the best.

But danger still won’t leave him alone when a storm knocks his dirigibles out of the sky, and he happens upon one that looks tampered with…

It is. And worse, it’s carrying what could be radioactive waste. At least according to EOD expert Sibba…who finds herself face-to-face with the rescuer she can’t forget. But she’s not looking for him—her grandfather is missing, and she’ll stop at nothing to find him.

When her missing grandfather leads to the threat of a dirty bomb, she’s the only one who can stop it. And Jonas is the only man brave enough to run into danger with her. But she doesn’t have room in her heart to love him—not when she lives with death in her periphery. Can the right man, at the right time help her see beyond her fears to a future?

And if they have a chance to save the world, can Jonas let go of the woman he loves?

The thrilling second book in the epic romantic suspense of the Minnesota Marshalls!

My review:

I'm always excited to see a new book by Susan May Warren as she's one of my favorite authors and once again, I am not disappointed!  This story felt a little different to me because while Jonas loves adventure, he's not trained as a SEAL nor does he have a military background like her other recent characters.  However, that makes what he does in this book all the more exciting and slightly crazy as he runs into situations because he's trying to save someone and possibly also the world!  Both he and Sibba have some tragedy and regret in their respective pasts and they're both trying to figure out how to move on.  There's a lot of excitement and some danger plus romance!  I also liked the conversations Jonas and Sibba had about faith as she wasn't sure what she believed anymore but Jonas still had a strong faith in God but was struggling to trust Him.  It was fun to see old friends pop in and the various series intertwine.  You really can't go wrong with one of Susan's books!  I highly recommend it!

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

Another Wonderful Story! 'Under Fire' - Defend and Protect 3 - by Lynn H. Blackburn

 

About the book:

They'll protect the president at any cost--but who will protect their hearts?

USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend--and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.

Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president's protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light.

Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves and protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?

My review:

This was another wonderful addition to the series!  It was interesting following the agents as they tracked down threats to the president, all while Tessa seemed to be specifically targeted and you never knew when something was going to happen to threaten her life.  Meanwhile, it was cute watching Zane and Tessa flirt with each other and wonder if they would ever tell the other person how they felt!  I loved that they were best friends and loved and respected each other so much.  It was great seeing a healthy relationship where the other person was put first.  The romance was just wonderful.  The banter was a lot of fun and just the whole group of friends, from the guys she worked with to their wives, were amazing.  They listened, they had her back, they were just really there for her through it all.  Even more amazing, the group were Christians so prayed together before going on a call.  Both Tessa and Zane each prayed at different times for strength or wisdom and it was great to see Christians relying on each other and God.  I've really enjoyed all the books in the series and while this works as a stand-alone, you won't want to miss the others.  I highly recommend them all!

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

           The Author

1. 

   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 

Sweeter With You - The Heart of Moreland Manor 2 - by Mary A. Felkins

 

About the book:

A spirited bakery shop owner.

A cupcake-baking pro ball player.

A game-winning play to find love ever after.

SERENITY LEWIS has a serious problem. After several successful years, her trendy French Quarter bakery is failing—no thanks to a national chain that’s luring patrons by way of lower prices and ease of parking. She’ll do anything to keep her bakery alive. Or so she thinks ...

Philanthropic defensive end, OWEN WALKER is one concussion away from a career-ending injury. With headaches that sideline the blue chip player, he just might need to consider life off the gridiron. But working at a bakery during off season? That wasn’t the side hustle he had in mind. But if it’ll help the beautiful girl he knew in college, he’s all in.

Owen’s baking prowess and presence is a PR magnet, but it stirs Serenity’s desire for the only guy she ever considered letting into her heart.

Too bad she can’t give Owen what he wants most. Working alongside Serenity emboldens Owen to consider retirement faster than he can crack an egg in his palm. And accounting records prove the two make a winning team.

But when Serenity reveals her secret, will it send Owen running? Will the uncertain outcome of Owen’s head injuries be a justified reason to reject him first? Or will they huddle together and let love win the day?

My review:

This was a sweet love story, pun intended!  I enjoyed the banter and cupcake-making but felt for Serenity as she tried to protect her heart from a guy who'd already rejected her once and who she didn't want to allow close again.  I loved that Owen was a redeemed rogue, trying to treat women right and also loving to bake and competing for best cupcake against Serenity.  I was frustrated about his stubbornness to keep playing football no matter the cost and also frustrated that Serenity didn't tell him the truth about something incredibly important.  They both had faith in God and were tested in the story to do God's will, even though it hurt.  There was also a good salvation message given.  I did feel the story was a bit slow and a bit wordy.  Overall, the romance was great and there was a good message!  I'd recommend it.

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

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