Took My Breath Away! 'The Other Sister' - by Jessica R. Patch

 

About the book:

She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life.

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

My review:

Wow!  This book was amazing!  I had read a suspenseful trilogy already by Jessica Patch that I loved so I was really excited when I saw this book come out and it did not disappoint!  It was so twisty and just when I thought I had it figured out, the rug was pulled out from under me and then it happened again!  It was incredibly suspenseful as Charlotte didn't know who to trust as she realized her sister's life was not what she made it appear to be.  She was constantly trying to analyze people's motives and what they said and did as she seemed to be in actual danger as Acelynn and she wasn't sure why.  There was a little bit of action, a little romance, a hint of faith but it was more of a clean read than a Christian story.  If anything, it makes you think about your own choices and the fact that we all make choices every day, right and wrong, good and evil.  It's also a good reminder that posts on social media can be misleading and that things are never as perfect as they seem.  It's good to find contentment and to not always be striving for more.  I loved that Asa Kodiak showed up from the other series I read and we got a peak into where his life has headed.  I highly recommend this psychological thriller!  Just maybe don't read it right before bed.

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

Enjoyable Trip Back to Hope Harbor! 'Sunrise Reef' - Hope Harbor 11 - by Irene Hannon

 

About the book:

After years of searching, Bren Ryan has found her place in Hope Harbor. Working as a barista suits her to a T, as does the laid-back vibe of her adopted town. Nothing is lacking in her life--except romance. But that's okay. Men are a complication she doesn't need.

Buttoned-up CPA Noah Ward isn't looking for love, either, when he arrives in town on a mission to convince his father to move closer to him. And he certainly doesn't intend to fall for the quirky, free-spirited woman who's taken up residence in his father's guest cottage. But when he finds himself sucked into her quest to help a struggling teen, might the two of them discover there's more to each other than meets the eye

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to the charming town of Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

My review:

This was an enjoyable trip back to Hope Harbor, a wonderful community where people look out for each other and where you just might find a new path in life.  It was amusing seeing opposites attract in Bren and Noah as she seems to be a flighty free spirit and Noah an uptight workaholic but they aren't as opposite as they seem.  As they get to know each other better they discover intriguing facets to each other's personalities.  While they had strong chemistry, I liked that they didn't let hormones run away with them but instead tried to keep level heads.  Bren, especially, should be applauded for looking at the situation realistically and logically.  They both had a strong faith so had a firm foundation there but living far apart was the biggest hurdle they faced, especially since Noah had been working toward partner at his CPA firm for years.  I enjoyed seeing Bren encourage a young newcomer to town who had car trouble by giving her a place to stay and it was a good reminder how some hope and a little boost up could make all the difference to someone.  She helped turn the girl's life around and by extension, her brother's. There were some amusing moments, especially how Bren and Noah met and also seeing a priest and a minister banter back and forth.  Charley was wise, as always, and I'm craving his tacos!  Bree's friend, Bev, was also delightful and Noah's dad was a great guy, too.  Between the down-to-earth people and the beautiful scenery, Hope Harbor is just a delightful place to visit again and again!  This book did work as a stand-alone but you won't want to read just one!  I recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author.  I wasn't compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

A Joy to Read! 'Some Like it Scot' - by Pepper Basham

About the book:

An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.

Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes--or even countries--was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she'd found her perfect match. But as she's nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she's starting to wonder where "home" actually is. Her own family hadn't felt like home since her sister's death left them all limping through life.

When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.

As Katie attempts to live "Edwardian," she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if "home" looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra "ayes" thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home?

My review:

This story was such a joy to read!  There were so many amusing situations Katie gets into plus the banter and puns were wonderful!  I loved that it took place in Scotland and Basham's descriptions really brought it to life.  It was so interesting learning more about the culture of Scotland plus seeing Katie and the other guests learning more about the Edwardian time period while being immersed in it was a lot of fun.  There were so many swoon-worthy moments as the grumpy Scot, Graeme (Graham) seems to show up everywhere she goes and sparks fly.  She's trying not to like him but she just keeps discovering qualities she likes and the same goes for him.  The story also dealt with some serious stuff as Katie and Graeme both have lost a sibling and issues with her family keep her traveling since she doesn't feel like she has a home anymore.  Graeme is trying to preserve what's left of his after losing his sister and then his fiance left; he's trying to keep things stable for his nephew but is he holding on too tight?  I loved that we get the story told in first person from both their perspectives so we really know what they're thinking.  They both have a faith in God but you see it grow for both of them throughout the story.  There were also great secondary characters, such as Graeme's adorable nephew, his wonderfully wise mother and the quirky people that make up this beautiful community.  Special mention goes to the book club, a group of elderly women who were a hoot!  There were just so many wonderful aspects to this book!  It's a definite 5 star read for me and I 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.

Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl - Vargas Ranch 6 - by Karen Baney

 

About the book:

They’ve secretly loved each other for years. He’s hung up on their age gap. She can’t get him to see her as the woman she’s become. Will they let go of their fear to find true love?

When former pro bull rider, Adan Franco, discovers he’s been named the guardian of a twelve-year-old boy, his world turns upside down. He must head to New Mexico to settle the estate. As he fumbles through his new status as a single dad, he leans on the woman he’s secretly loved for years.

Solana Vargas is desperate for Adan to see her as something other than his best friend’s kid cousin. At twenty-five, she’s matured into a devoted friend and loyal member of the Vargas clan. If only Adan could come to see her as wife material, all her dreams could come true.

Will helping him settle into life as a single dad finally force him to see her in a new light? Will they ever take a chance on love together?

My review:

This was a sweet story about a mutual unrequited love that might have never gone anywhere but for the boy Adan's made guardian of.  Solana is a selfless person anyway but also thinks maybe spending more time with Adan will open his eyes to the woman she's become.  She ends up taking time off of work to travel with both of them to help pack up the mother's house.  She ends up bonding more with both Adan and the boy but starts to wonder if Adan likes her for her or is just looking for a mother for him.  Solana seemed very kind and caring and the only thing holding Adan back was their age difference.  Adan seemed like a very wise and caring guy, even letting his reputation suffer to protect the boy.  They both have a strong faith in God with many mentions of prayer and getting godly advice from friends and family.  There was some sweet romance to the story and also helping the boy deal with grief.  This story works well as a stand-alone even though it's book six.  I would recommend this story if you like a sweet romance, however I wasn't that crazy about the narrators as I listened to the audiobook.  I didn't really like their voices or the lack of emotion they portrayed.

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

Amazing Start to a New Series! 'Jack' - The Minnesota Kingstons 1 - by Susan May Warren

 

About the book:

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape. The first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

My review:

I could not put this story down!  This has a couple of my favorite tropes plus I love the idea of Jack helping find missing people for a living.  You add in that one of my favorite authors is writing it and I knew I would not be disappointed!  I loved the romance and their history and the suspense was great as they worked together to find the missing bridesmaid, Penelope.  I also liked that the bridesmaid had a true crime podcast and they were trying to figure out if her disappearance was related to that or not.  There was some talk of God and faith and Jack had to look at his life and figure out some stuff about his past and his choices.  There was a hint of a romance brewing between Jack's brother and Penelope and the next book will focus on them.  There's also an intriguing subplot involving another brother and a woman he knew from his Navy Seal days as she sneaks around in disguises and believes she's trying to stop a terrorist plot and he doesn't seem to realize who she is.  I'm sure more will be uncovered in the next books!  It was such fun to see previous characters from other books but this book worked well as a stand-alone if you haven't read any of the other series.  I can't wait for the next installment!

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

Amazing Debut! 'The Color of Home' - by Kit Tosello

 

About the book:

The life she's designing may not be the life she's meant to live

Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, Audrey Needham is already on thin ice with her impossible-to-please boss when her great-aunt Daisy asks for support as her husband descends into Alzheimer's. Now Audrey is risking the career she worked hard to build as she returns to Charity Falls, Oregon.

Her feelings toward the idyllic small town are . . . complicated. While she has many good memories of her childhood summers there, Charity Falls is also the place where her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago.

Despite Audrey's intent to avoid emotional entanglement, something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain. The pull of home is hard to resist.

My review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel about a woman who thinks she knows what she wants out of life until she's thrown a curve ball that makes her question everything.  I loved how she went from this high-powered designer who's stressed out all the time to getting a job at the local hardware store and helping her great-aunt fix up her house and take care of her great-uncle.  She also befriends a little girl who's going through a hard time and meets an intriguing man, Cade.  As much as she loves it in the small town, it's hard because her father died there and her career is in California.  She's torn between two very different worlds.  I loved the quirky things she would think or say sometimes.  The book talk and music mentions were fun.  We also got her great-aunt's perspective of dealing with major changes in her life and her wisdom and gratefulness for the life she's had.  She also encouraged Audrey to reconnect with her faith as she'd let it drift away to a degree.   There was some great writing and life lessons along the way.   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. 

   © Ely Roberts

   Kit Tosello

   Kit Tosello is an award-winning writer of small-town contemporary fiction with a big heart, as well as inspirational essays and devotionals. With her eye trained on the beauty hiding in plain sight all around us, she arranges words with tenderness, humor, and...

   Continue reading about Kit Tosello 

Another Winner! 'Fiance Finale' - Love Off Script 3 - by Angela Ruth Strong

 

About the book:

Charlie Newberg is sure about one Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem, though—he's already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary.

But he's got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice for promoting his new film. Collaborating will give him the perfect chance to propose again, so he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign for the same kind of documentary Charlie left her—basically at the altar—for.

Despite Nicole's resistance, the two work well together. But Charlie's going to need more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give him a second chance. In fact, he might need to fall in love in a way he's never really understood.

My review:

This was such a fun book, mostly because you never knew what Charlie would say or do!  There were different twists and turns where you thought the story was going one way and then it didn't.  It was wonderful to see Charlie's sister, Meri, from the first book and catch up with her and Kai.  I haven't read book two yet but plan to soon; Charlie's friend's story sounds just as hilarious as him and his sister's.  The story does work as a stand-alone but Meri's story is not to be missed!  Both Charlie and Nicole have such growth throughout the book in different ways.  I loved that Charlie had this strong community around him who encouraged him when he needed it but also called him out on his mistakes and had real Godly wisdom about his purpose and about love.   Nicole is estranged from her dad for betraying their family and isn't sure if they'll ever reconnect.  She starts to understand the importance of community herself.  There were some good romantic scenes and also some hilarious ones.  I highly recommend this satisfying story!

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