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.