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,...

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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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Wonderful Addition to Hope Harbor! 'Sea Glass Cottage' - A Hope Harbor Novel 8 - by Irene Hannon

 

About the book:

When painful pasts collide, can love overcome heartache--and triumph despite the odds?

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.

Can these two hurting souls open their hearts to a new beginning?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

My review:

It was so good to get back to Hope Harbor again!  It's a wonderful place filled with wonderful people and gorgeous scenery, not to mention great tacos!  I loved the characters and how they're both trying to fix the past.  It was amazing to see how Christi had transformed because of her faith and how much she cared about people now.  I also liked the secondary story about grieving parents who are separated and the little boy from a foster home who comes into their lives.  There were themes of forgiveness, second chances and trusting God and people again.  There were also a couple of sweet romances.  I just loved how this book was so positive.  You can go through hard times and there's always hope!  I can't wait to visit again!

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...

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