Amazing Debut! 'Anything' - Mayberry University 1 - by Kristina Welch

 

About the book:

Two guarded hearts.
He’s breaking down walls and she’s building them higher—
A match made in Heaven, or a blueprint for disaster?

After the fiery downward spiral of senior year, Kit Talbot crash-lands on a quirky college campus where traditions rule and dorm floors act more like family. It’s just weird enough to keep her mind off the wreckage she’s leaving behind.
Enter Levi Whitaker, known as the swooniest guy on campus. Magnetic, confident, and far too much like the ex who sent her life into that PTSD-tainted nosedive. Levi seems to be everywhere, focused on her like she’s the only girl in the world—even indulging her sugar addiction with delivered treats. But Kit’s self-preservation instincts are sharper than ever, and she deflects him like Wonder Woman blocking bullets.

That is, until Levi’s quiet faith and humble apology start to break down Kit’s defenses. He loves Jesus in the dreamiest way, looks like wow, and ... somehow triggers the flashbacks she fights so hard to avoid. Every minute with him is a risk she isn’t sure she should take. Should she protect them both from the chaos of her life or learn a bravery that feels irresponsible?
As Kit fights to keep her life safe and manageable, she leans into her faith, clinging to the Bible verses God whispers to her heart. Clearly, he’s up to something, but the healing she prays for isn’t happening the way she wants.

Why is God silent on the prayer she needs most?

My review:

This was an amazing debut!  I loved all the fun pop culture references and great music referenced.  I had to stop listening to the book so I could look up some of these and found some great new bands to me!  This book was humorous and fun while also having a great spiritual message.  Kit has a hard time trusting for some reason.  Levi can't understand why she seems to be the only girl not interested in him but he knows she's worth pursuing.  Both of them try to listen for the Lord's leading and I loved all of the verses that came to Kit's mind and how she prayed throughout her day.  Her relationship with the Lord was inspiring.  They had a great friend group who were a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to reading about them in future books.  I liked that the story dealt with mental health and trauma but felt like Kit should have realized her options sooner.  The romance was very sweet and wonderful and I loved seeing how both of them grew throughout the story.  I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one!

No Place Like Home - Magnolia Bay 2 - by Betsy St. Amant

 

About the book:

The girl he always loved ran away to join...the circus. But will a homecoming give him a second chance at giving her a reason to stay in this unrequited love romance?

Magnolia Bay’s development director, Cade Landry, would do anything for his town—and his family. So when the mayor—who also happens to be his father—decides to retire, he talks Cade into running for his seat. But Cade is already up to his dimpled cheeks in the town’s post-hurricane revitalization fundraiser—Magnolia Days, featuring a flashy Cajun Circus. If Cade can’t put the bay back on the map as a tourist town, he’ll let the whole community down…and worse yet, his father.

Rosalyn Dupree is a famous aerialist with a secret—actually, quite a few of them. Much to Cade’s relief, she agrees to return to Magnolia Bay for the first time in years as a headliner for the Cajun Circus. But neither her charming former school rival Cade nor her parents know she’s broke, in debt, and nursing a knee injury...among other things. She’d love to move back to the bay for good, but the beloved sport that used to let her fly has become her cage.

Despite her best efforts at resisting, sparks fly between Cade and Rosalyn as they work together on the circus fundraiser. But when everyone’s secrets are revealed and worlds collide, will Rosalyn find forgiveness and restoration in a town being rebuilt? Or will there never be anywhere to truly call home?

My review:

This was a sweet love story set in a beautiful small town that's a little down on its luck after a hurricane.  Rosalyn and Cade's back story was very cute, rivals all through school but secretly had crushes on each other.  It was fun seeing them reminisce about pranks and school experiments gone wrong like volcanoes and the epic battle for valedictorian.  That's why it surprised me so much when the extent of Rosalyn's secrets came out.  She's obviously smart and I couldn't understand how she could have made so many poor choices or that she couldn't figure out some answers herself.  I can understand her struggle with perfectionism but not really Cade's struggle to live up to his family's legacy as I don't have any politicians in my family.  I can understand his trying to do everything himself as I struggle with that at work as well.  There were some cute romantic moments and some suspense.  Rosalyn felt distant from God but felt she had to fix her problems first and then she could come to Him, which I think most of us have felt at one time or another.  Cade was such a noble guy in so many ways, trying to help everyone.  I loved his food obsession.  I also loved the other quirky characters in town, especially the crabby barista, and the wonderful sense of community.  This town reminded me of the town from Gilmore Girls, which I loved.  This worked well as a stand-alone but I want to read the other books in the series as Cade's friends seemed great and their stories sound really cute!  I liked this story and would recommend it if you like romance.

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

Cozy Place to Visit! 'Meet Me at the Grand' - Jonathon Island 1 - by Lindsay Harrel

 

About the book:

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

She’s fighting to save her island’s legacy. He’s here to secure his family’s future. When their worlds collide, will they build something lasting—or tear each other apart?

Dani Sullivan is determined to revive Jonathon Island’s fading charm and reunite her fractured family. Her plan? Reopen the Grand Sullivan Hotel, a once-impressive landmark that’s been in disrepair for a decade. But without the funds to restore the hotel, Dani’s forced to accept help from Liam Stone—a big-city hotel developer whose sleek, modern vision is everything she’s trying to avoid.

Liam has never been one for small towns or rundown hotels, but this project isn’t just any job. His father’s health is declining, and if Liam can prove himself by turning the hotel around, he’ll finally earn the chance to take over the business so his dad can retire. But Jonathon Island is far from the high-end luxury projects he’s used to, and Dani’s fierce dedication to preserving its history clashes with everything Liam stands for.

As they battle over the future of the Grand, Liam starts to see Jonathon Island as more than just another project—it feels like the home he’s never had. But with his responsibilities pulling him back to Los Angeles, can he really stay? And can Dani trust him with her dream—and her heart?

A lot rides on the success of this project, but when emotions run high, will Dani and Liam find a way to work together—or will their differences tear them apart?

On Jonathon Island, love and loyalty are the ultimate balancing act.

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

My review:

This was a sweet story about finding a place to belong.  Liam was a sweet guy who worried about his dad's health and wanted to relieve his stress and get him to retire.  He was also tired of always being on the road and thought he had a plan and everything figured out.  Then he met Dani and started getting attached to Jonathon Island and its people and began to question what he thought he wanted.  Dani really wanted her family to come home after they had all scattered after their parents divorced and the hotel burned down.  She thought if she could just get the hotel rebuilt the same, they would come back and things could be how they were before.  They both had some growing to do, Liam with realizing he's not responsible for everything and Dani finally letting go of her unforgiveness and realizing she can't depend on other people or circumstances to be happy.  She needs to depend on God alone. Her wise aunt gave her that great advice.  There were other wise people in her life and Liam's, caring and advising them about their work and love lives. There were some sweet romantic moments but I didn't feel like I got to know Liam and Dani very well.  They were mostly focused on what to do about the hotel and figuring out the design.  We got to know them emotionally but not some of the little things that make up a personality.  Dani had faith but I wasn't sure where Liam stood as he did attend church there and had as a child.   Jonathon Island sounds like such a wonderful place, cozy and inviting and with a wonderful community.  I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!

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

The Shop Down the Lane - Letters from Lancaster County 1 - by Leslie Gould

 

About the book:

Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community's simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, former Amish man turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub--a move that Lois fiercely opposes.

Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a birdwatchers' circle letter under an alias--but unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they've found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever?

My review:

This was an interesting story with hints of You've Got Mail as two people who don't get along in real life were drawn to each other through anonymous letters.  The difference in this story, however, was that Lois and Moses share a history and that's why they don't get along.  The story was a bit slow for me and I'm not into birding so I wasn't as interested in those details.  I found it interesting to see how Lois was going to deal with her brother and her bishop and the pressure to move back to her brother's community and marry a man there.  I also liked seeing the relationships and interactions she had in the community.  I was a little frustrated when I found out the details of their past as I thought Moses, especially, really dropped the ball and some of the choices he made even now made me shake my head.  Because of those I had a hard time rooting for them.  I really felt for Lois and all she'd been through in her life.  There was a hint of romance and I felt that got wrapped up a little too quickly and easily.  You'd probably enjoy this story if you like Amish stories or birding.

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

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.