A Delight! 'Bookmarked for Love' - Checking Out Love 3 - by Sarah Monzon

 

About the book:

When children's librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library's children's programs, she's determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library's behalf. The bad news? She swore she'd never step foot in his office again. 
  
Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family's publishing empire, and now he must prove he's ready to take the helm by turning around the company's languishing children's imprint. That wouldn't be a problem, except he doesn't know the first thing about children's literature. But when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He'll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a best-selling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they're forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line. 

In her charming rom-com style, Sarah Monzon presents a story that will delight fans of bookish-themed reads and forced-proximity romance.

My review:

This was such a delightful story.  I loved that Martha was a plus-size woman who was confident in who she was and that she was just fine without a man.  I also loved her positive attitude, her love of books and her witty comebacks.  It was refreshing that they were a little older and not in their twenties as it seems like so many books focus on young love.   It was fun when books or shows were mentioned, especially some of my favorites or ones I now want to look into.  There was mention of prayer and Julien's grandmother's faith and it seemed to be something they were both leaning into.  Martha also had to decide if she was willing to forgive.  There were also some crazy, funny moments that made me laugh.  I loved how thoughtful Julian tried to be with her and that he was a man of integrity.  He worked too much but was also trying to get his dad to retire so it felt like he didn't have much of a choice.  There were some very sweet romantic moments.  This worked well as a stand-alone and I can't wait to read the first two.  I have the first one already.  I highly recommend it!

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

Wonderful! 'The Light of Stars' - by Jenelle Hovde

 

About the book:

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in both glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore her and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift—especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and decide if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.

Sweet historical romance filled with hope, faith, and an arranged marriage dynamic. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.

My review:

I really enjoyed this story with a little different take on the Regency period than I've read before.  I loved that India was brought into the equation, not only because the heroine was half Indian, half English, but because her intended grew up in India and he and his family were very involved in the East India Company.  There were rumors and accusations flying around about corruption and Sebastian was determined to get to the bottom of it.  He and Kitty both struggled with feeling like not enough because of how their grandfathers treated them but for different reasons.  Kitty was a firecracker who loved astronomy and her grandfather disapproved of both; she was fun to watch as you never knew what she would say next!  It was also fun to watch her and Sebastian banter.  I did feel like she could be too impulsive at times and brought more problems on herself because of it.  She also struggled with forgiving her grandfather for how she was treated and for past wrongs.  There were some good spiritual conversations and sweet romance.  I appreciated that real people were brought into the story, William Carey and William Wilberforce, one a missionary and the other an abolitionist who was instrumental in getting England to abolish their slave trade.  I liked seeing more of what was going on with the spiritual and social issues of the time.  This is my first book by Jenelle Hovde and it won't be my last!  I highly recommend it!

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

'The Eyes of River: An Appalachian Novel' - by Cindy K. Sproles

 

About the book:

In the shadowed hollers of the early-twentieth-century Appalachian Mountains, Lizzy Haney is on the run.

She's been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the United States Post Office to his late mother's friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy's dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin'. As she finds herself trusting Alton, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma often repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

My review:

This was an interesting, albeit disturbing, story about secrets and lies and some truths you don't want to face.  I liked the mystery aspect as first she's trying to find out what happened to River and then trying to learn the truth about her family.  It got darker than I expected and there was mention of some pretty terrible things so I'd say this was a gritty story.  We do see Lizzy grow and learn to wait and think sometimes instead of just react but she still made some epically dumb decisions.  While she was trying to understand the truth of her family and memories she'd buried long ago, she was also learning she could be loved and could accept help and that maybe God did exist and care after all.  There was action and danger but also introspection and some romance.  Alton had a strong faith and was very logical and level-headed.  I liked that Lizzy had to look past her preconceived notions of who he was.  My favorite people were the husband and wife team of Joe and Jerelene.  They had such love for everyone and put themselves to work helping people in need.  This story ended up not really being what I expected but it was interesting and you might like it if you like gritty historical fiction.

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

Enjoyable Debut! 'The Brunswick' - by Callie Murray

 

About the book:

In 1939 Georgia, far removed from the war brewing overseas, Cora Cain's world feels small—and shrinking. There, she runs The Brunswick, her family's once-grand hotel, which is now struggling as the town's general store. When Thomas Watkins arrives seeking work and solace after his mother's death, a connection sparks between them. Through Thomas, Cora glimpses a life beyond obligation and her war hero father's unpredictable moods.

But everything changes when Cora's asked to turn The Brunswick into a sanctuary for Jewish refugee children fleeing persecution in Germany. As Cora and Thomas prepare for the children's arrival, they struggle to confront their pasts—and the prejudice of their neighbors—as their fragile hope is put to the test.

Meanwhile, in Vienna, ten-year-old Charlotte is offered refuge in America. But even with the horrors she sees around her, Charlotte wonders how her parents could possibly send her away. As war's shadow begins to reach small-town Georgia, each person must face what love demands and decide what they must hold on to and what they must let go.

Inspired by true events.

My review:

I really enjoyed this peek into a new-to-me setting during World War II, the South.  I liked Cora and felt bad for her as she tried to keep her family above water by opening a general store since their hotel was failing.  She had so much responsibility and seemed to have a good attitude even while her dad wallowed in a seeming depression and didn't help at all and even when her own health seemed to start failing.  I admired Cora for deciding to help the Jewish children even though she didn't know how her father would react because of his bad experiences in the Great War.  I liked Thomas as well as he was kind, was very helpful and had great ideas for her business but who ended up having a secret.  I enjoyed her friend, Billie, a lot and the close community they had in their small town as many came together to help the children.  We also see what Vienna was like from a Jewish child's perspective as first Charlotte's father was arrested and then things became even more dangerous for her family and they had to make an impossible choice.  There's also culture shock as the children have to say goodbye to their families and everything they've known and come to America.  Most of the children don't even speak English but a woman comes who can translate.  It was interesting to see how everyone dealt with the challenges and there's suspense as you wonder whose parents will survive and also what Cora's dad will do when he finds out about the children.  There's also a very suspenseful situation involving Thomas that I don't want to give away.  There's some action and romance.  I also liked that the author's note said she's donating all of the royalties to organizations that support vulnerable children.  If you like historical fiction, you should check out this fascinating debut!

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

Suspenseful! 'The Targeted' - Secrets to Keep 3 - by Cara Putman

 

About the book:

Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?

When Chloe Ainsworth's older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe's abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won't allow them to suffer the way she did, but she's desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.


Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can't get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.


They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It's clear they're onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it's too late?

My review:

I really enjoyed this suspenseful story that kept me on the edge of my seat!  The stakes felt higher in this kind of story so I was even more on edge than in a different type of suspense because I kept worrying about what the coach was going to do and whether the girls were going to be safe.  Chloe also had a lot going on in her life, from her sister suddenly showing up to her mom's possible Alzheimer's diagnosis to trying to decide if she was going to start law school to deciding she wants to sue the coach who abused her and trying to figure out the steps she needs to take.  It felt like a lot and I wasn't even the one living it!  It was interesting to see behind the scenes at the law clinic as she and Dare tried to figure out what steps to take.  Besides their mutual interest in the law, they both had a strong faith and actually prayed together at one point; there were other mentions of prayer and depending on the Lord for strength or remembering He was good even in the hard times.  They were drawn to each other but were still trying to keep a professional distance because of the lawsuit.  I appreciated how respectful Dare was and that he wanted to make sure she felt respected with everything she had been through.  There were different suspenseful things happening in the story, from her sister disappearing again to creepy things happening to a murder.  One thing I got frustrated with was her lack of worry about her safety sometimes.  I kept wanting to yell, "lock the door!"  Even though this was book three, it worked pretty well as a stand-alone.  I'm looking forward to reading those.  I recommend this book if you like suspense!

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

Charming - 'Miss Beth Bettencourt' - by Eva Marie Everson

 

About the book:

It's 1962 in Bynum, Georgia, and Beth Bettencourt's world is turned upside down when she wakes to a man snoring in the guest bedroom.

She's home alone; her parents are traveling abroad, grieving her twin sister's unexpected death. Instead of accompanying them, Beth stayed in Bynum to tend to her kindergarten and closely guard her own heart.

A beautiful and beloved member of the community, Beth is an unusual specimen for her time as she nears thirty and remains unmarried. She holds deep-seated unforgiveness toward her twin, Elise, who ran off with Beth's beau. To make matters worse, Elise took their grandmother's ring, which had been promised to Beth.

But now a stranger enters her home and her world. David Patrick Martin seems ready to break down her walls of indifference and find the core of Miss Beth Bettencourt. But can he be trusted with Beth's past, her present, and more importantly, her future?

My review:

This was such an interesting story about a strong Southern woman who's been deeply hurt and is stuck in her life after being betrayed by her sister and soon-to-be fiance.  I couldn't imagine dealing with that betrayal and humiliation or how scary it must have been to wake up to hear someone snoring in your house when you're supposed to be alone!  She was calm and just did what needed to be done; she had that kind of personality but could also be funny and witty.  Then she decided to help David (Marty) which led to getting to know him and what a great guy he really was.  I admired her for helping him and standing her ground when gossip began to fly.  I absolutely loved her family's maid, Molly.  She was an older black woman with plenty of sass and whom Beth treated like family.  Pretty much any conversation Molly had with anyone made me smile as you weren't sure what she'd say next.  I liked that we were told the story from the three perspectives of Beth, David and Molly.  Marty was fascinating because he so multi-faceted.  He was handy and knew engines and could fix them, paint, cook, pray and read what a person was like.  He could also talk about feelings and hurts and encouraged Beth to forgive and let the hurts go.  He had a strong faith and helped reawaken Beth's own.  There was a little bit of romance as you see Beth and Marty start to fall for each other.  I also guessed at but liked the twist as there was a secret someone was keeping.  This story was just a fascinating slice of Southern culture in the 60s that showed what a difference one person could make in another's life.  I highly recommend it!

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

Witty Rom-Com Hits All the Right Notes! 'Brewed Awakening' - by Pepper Basham

 

About the book:

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

My review:

This was such a cute story! Where do I begin?  I loved the witty banter and not just between Finn and Daphne.  There were a lot of fun social media comments with funny hashtags from different people in the community and that really made the small town come alive and feel like everyone truly knew everyone.  Daphne and Finn were so cute together; besides the banter they invented mouth-watering recipes and had amazing chemistry.  I seriously wanted to try the food!  It sounded so good and I keep thinking about it, lol.  Finn and Daphne struggled to trust and open their hearts to each other as they were both protecting themselves from past hurts and Finn especially had his little girl to consider as well.  She was adorable and it was so sweet to see Daphne bonding with her, especially when she gets bullied for having a scar from her cleft lip surgery and Daphne finds words that show her her worth comes from God.  I liked that we're shown people who aren't all perfect-looking and another example of that was Daphne's brother, Jack, who has prosthetic legs.  Besides the romantic comedy, there was also some action as a hurricane is coming nearby and there's a worry about flooding.  Daphne prays and tried to trust God during all of this.  You really see the community come together during this time.  The faith element is on the lighter side in the story as it's mentioned they both attend church and a few other things.  Overall, this story was picture-perfect.  Swoon-worthy banter (and hero) with adorable daughter, amazing food and a quirky community that brings to mind Gilmore Girls.  I really hope there's a sequel!

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