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

 

About the book:

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

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

My review:

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

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

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

 

About the book:

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


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


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

My review:

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

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

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

 

About the book:

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

My review:

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

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

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

 

About the book:

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

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

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

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

My review:

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

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

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

 

About the book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Rekindled romance
Fake fiancé
Forced proximity
Small town secrets

My review:

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

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

Wonderful Message for Teens! 'Into the Spotlight' - Finding Faith 1 - by Leslea Wahl

 

About the book:

The devastation of a ruined summer.

The gift of a second chance.

Can Josie learn the lessons she needs to discover her true self?

After a humiliating event and overwhelming peer pressure, 16-year-old Josie flees her home to spend the summer with her aunt on a South Carolina Island. Her fresh start turns into the summer of her dreams as friendships grow, romance blossoms, and a series of thefts surround her with excitement.

However, when tragedy strikes someone close to her, Josie realizes there are more important things than her reputation. As she sets out to solve the mystery she has become entangled in, she not only realizes the importance of relying on her faith but along the way also discovers who God wants her to be.

My review:

This was an amusing and intriguing book about a clumsy drama queen who realizes there's more to life than what her classmates think of her and that not everything revolves around her either.  I felt for Josie when she gets humiliated after just wanting to blend in with the crowd at school and I was jealous that she gets to visit her aunt on an island and be at the beach all summer.  She's a self-proclaimed theater geek but decides maybe she needs to change things up and be someone else for the summer.  She thinks there's hope for a summer romance with a cute older guy.  However, that's easier said than done when a guy from her school shows up and keeps ruining her plans.  

You really feel like you're in Josie's shoes throughout the story because of the first person narrative.  It makes everything feel more intense and as if it's happening to you.  I liked the humor as she thinks about past mishaps and some of the crazy things that have happened to her or that do happen throughout the story.  It was sweet how she became such good friends with the elderly neighbor and would go to him for his true stories and advice.  She started looking for how she could help people and decided to look into the thefts.  Meanwhile, her mom is sending her postcards from her book tour with Bible verses on them that seem to be just what she needs every time and the priest at church has some messages that speak to her about her lack of faith and makes her determined to change that.  It leans a little into being a Catholic book as there's mention of a priest and saying a Hail Mary but mostly it focuses on Bible verses and prayer when talking about faith.  There's some romance and suspense.  I liked the themes of people are not always what they seem and that it's important to be yourself.  There were a lot of great secondary characters as well.  I really enjoyed this story and think teens would as well.

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

Journaled With Love - by Erma M. Ullrey

 

About the book:

Lost words, found love — a misplaced journal may spark a happily-ever-after in this You’ve Got Mail-style Rom-Com
Macie Grammerly’s mother delivers an ultimatum—come home and work for the family business, or forfeit further financial support. Booted from her privileged jet-set life, Macie leaves sun-soaked Hawaii for Idaho. On her unglamorous bus ride to and from work, she pours her heart into her journal, writing about her dreams and the love she longs for.
Focused on his career, Ryan Tiggs’s five-year plan includes climbing to the top of a family-owned business. Then he can buy a car and move out of the garage apartment at his sister’s home. When he’s assigned the boss’s spoiled daughter as his intern, and they’re tasked with saving the floundering company, Ryan wonders if his days are numbered.
Everything changes when he finds a journal left on the bus. The anonymous writer’s vulnerability captivates him and sparks a secret email exchange that soon feels more real than anything else in his life.
As Macie and Ryan continue to work together, an undeniable attraction grows. Yet things are complicated by their individual online correspondence. When the truth is revealed, will they fight for the love they never saw coming or walk away from the one person who has always been there for them?

My review:

This was a cute story about co-workers who don't really get along in person but end up corresponding anonymously online and falling for each other.  This is one of my favorite plots and You've Got Mail is my favorite movie.  It was interesting to have a journal be the catalyst of them meeting online as Ryan really got a glimpse into the real Macie.  She acted kind of horrible to him at work and did or said things sometimes that didn't make sense.  It was hard to like her at first but she took some good advice from her sister and started seeming more humble and teachable instead of a know-it-all.  She did have some hard things happen to her when she was younger, like having lost her father who she was closer to and having dated a complete jerk who ends up being an in-law so she has to see him a lot.  These caused her to question her faith and turn away.  I also felt for her and the struggles with her mom, who was laying down the law and making her do a job she didn't know if she wanted, especially when she'd end up taking Ryan's job away just because she was the boss's daughter.  It would be a tough position.  

Ryan seemed too perfect for most of the story, from his looks to helping with his family, teaching Sunday school and a sweet but odd thing, getting a call by mistake from an elderly lady and calling her back and then taking her out to eat multiple times.  She was sweet, feisty, wise and a lot of fun.  I liked her a lot but I was surprised her daughters were so trusting of him so quick.  He seemed to have a strong faith but then it did bug me how he started acting at work, taking time off suddenly and not helping Macie when he should have since he figured he was on the way out anyway.  That just seemed petty.

This was a sweet romance and overall a cute story.  You might like it if you like romance and plenty of misunderstandings on the path to love.

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