5 Stars! 'Pride and Practicality' - by Pepper Basham

 

About the book:

Arianna Reeves knows how quickly admiration can turn into exile. One poorly placed trust, one disastrously charming rake, and she is no longer society's darling--but its favorite cautionary tale.

Now returned home--uninvited and unmistakably whispered about--Arianna is determined to make amends with her estranged family and do something useful with her thoroughly ruined life. Even if polite society would prefer she did it at a very great distance from anyone respectable.

Thomas Bridges, a principled clergyman with an inconvenient habit of thinking for himself, is already walking a narrow line. His congregation expects propriety, his mother expects matrimony, and both have very firm opinions about his future. Thomas, however, would prefer a life guided by conviction . . . even when it proves impractical.

When Arianna repeatedly--and quite disruptively--crosses his path, Thomas faces a dilemma no sermon prepared him for. She is not at all what she ought to be: not dull, not foolish, and--most dangerously--not someone he can overlook, but a kindred spirit who shares his passion for service and his troubling habit of defying society's expectations . . . all with good intentions, of course.

As their forbidden acquaintance deepens into something far more perilous than friendship, Arianna and Thomas must decide: preserve their reputations, or risk them entirely for the good of others—--and their own hearts.

Because in a society that measures worth by perfection, choosing grace, mercy, and love may cost them everything--and give them more than they ever hoped to find.

My review:

I loved, loved, loved this book!  Thomas was a wonderful hero, caring and witty, wanting to make a difference and coming to Arianna's rescue on several occasions.  I loved how much he wanted to help street children but also felt frustrated for him and Arianna as people believed lies and gossip.  Propriety and reputation were everything and one mistake, or perceived mistake, could cost you everything.  This book worked well as a stand-alone but I liked that we got to revisit characters from Sense and Suitability, namely her brother and family.  I just love Fia and her pet squirrel.  They were hilarious!  You also never quite knew what ridiculous phrase would come out of Thomas's mother's mouth.  Arianna also had a good heart but could be too impetuous so that felt frustrating sometimes.  She also felt like she needed to earn forgiveness and second chances as her father had been a cruel man who doled out love sparingly.  There were good conversations about faith and grace.  I loved all the chemistry and swoon-worthy moments they shared while trying to fight their attraction; there was even some exciting action.  This book truly had everything. I can't recommend it enough!

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

A Bookshop for Christmas - by Heidi Chiavaroli

 

About the book:

Seven estranged cousins. One ambitious project. A hundred ways it could all go very wrong.

When Brooke’s beloved grandparents die unexpectedly, their final wish brings her scattered family back to Hope Creek, including Jeremiah, the boy she once loved—the same boy who abandoned them when the Chilton clan disintegrated years ago. Despite the long-held grudges and awkward secrets that kept them all apart, Brooke and Jeremiah convince the Chilton cousins to help honor their grandparents’ last to take the old church they saved from destruction and turn it into a bookshop that will serve their beloved community.

And to do it all before Christmas.

But repurposing the church building may be easier than healing the deep wounds that tore their family apart. Secrets, both old and new, threaten to destroy Brooke and Jeremiah’s hope that this project could be a new beginning for all of them. With the bookstore’s opening day fast approaching and everyone’s lives upended, each cousin must discover for themselves that the greatest inheritance their grandparents left behind wasn’t a building—it was the gift of forgiveness, the power of second chances, and the enduring hope of Christmas.

My review:

This was a heartwarming story about cousins who want to bring their family and community together.  There had been enough drama in this family that the aunts and uncles had been estranged for years.  The cousins felt that fulfilling their grandma's dream of opening a bookshop in their old church building could serve to bring everyone together.  Brooke and Jeremiah grew closer as he renovated and she planned and they both wondered if they might not have a second chance after all.  Madison had some hard decisions to make after some dumb choices messed with her plans.  Delaney felt like she was losing her son as he didn't want to listen anymore and she wondered if he was ready to hear the truth about his birth.  When a decison threatened the future of the bookshop, can they learn to forgive and move on?  I loved the fun Christmas quotes at the beginning of each chapter and there was a good mix of themes from love to parenting to forgiveness to second chances.  The story had a little more family and personal drama than I'm used to in a Christmas story but it was also a full-length novel instead of a novella so it had time to dive deeper into different issues.  There were good faith conversations, especially about the true meaning of Christmas, and a little romance.  I would recommend if you like a deeper Christmas story or stories with romance and family dynamics.

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

Exciting Finale! 'To Win a Wager' - Best Laid Plans 3 - by Grace Hitchcock

 

About the book:

A Regency-era enemies-to-lovers romance set in the magnificent Scottish Isles

Tess Hale has always been taught to fend for herself, but she never needed to until the night bounty hunters come knocking. It's 1813 in Great Britain, and Tess's best laid plans crumble when her father sends her alone in the dead of night to an island cottage to escape them. She finds herself in a world of warring clans she didn't know existed.


After a decade as a spy separated from his clan, Jamie Malcom has a duty to fulfill as next in line as chief-but his absence means he must earn his people's loyalty. He pursues a treasure stolen from his clan long ago, and it leads him straight to Tess.


As Tess grapples with her past, Jamie vows to protect her future—but lies revealed shatter the trust they had been building. For purposes beyond themselves, they are thrust into a marriage neither of them wanted . . . at first.


In the finale to the Best Laid Plans series, Grace Hitchcock invites readers to the sweeping Highlands and beautiful Scottish Isles with a romance guaranteed to delight.

My review:

This book starts out with a bang and doesn't let up as Tess goes from one adventure to another on the run for her life!  I never knew quite what to expect in this story as circumstances kept changing and first she was in one place and then another.  I liked that she was so independent and tough but yet knew that she needed to depend on God.  Jamie, too, was a man of faith and tried to do what was right, for both Tess and his people.  Sometimes I was frustrated at both of their decisions, especially when Tess's life was in danger.  There was some fun banter and sweet romantic moments.  This book worked well as a stand-alone, though it was fun to see characters from the first two books.  I enjoyed the whole series and the unusual women who were the main characters.  I highly recommend it!

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

So fun! 'The Heartfelt Formula' - by Leslie Kirby Devooght

 

About the book:

She’s got a formula for love… but real life isn’t a Christmas movie.

After another breakup, Atlanta attorney Hope Elliot decides to stop waiting for her happily-ever-after and write it herself. Inspired by her beloved Christmas romance movies, Hope crafts The Heartfelt Formula: a foolproof plan including snowball fights, cookie baking, and a perfectly timed first kiss.

Trading the big city for coastal Georgia, Hope sets out to find her small-town soulmate. But the actors in her carefully plotted scenes keep shuffling—especially when Brennan Taylor, her ambitious co-counsel continues to fill in for Cole Walker, the carefree furniture maker, who Hope cast as her hero.

Between courtroom drama, a mismatched leading man, and a mistletoe mishap, Hope must decide if she’ll trust her formula or accept a plot twist that might leave her all alone, or perhaps, with the happiest ending of all.

A faith-filled romantic comedy for anyone who believes love, like Christmas, can still surprise you.

My review:

This was such a fun story and would make a great movie!  I loved the premise because I, too, am a huge fan of Hallmark, Great American Family and similar movies.  I had to laugh as yes, they may be formulaic, but actually trying to recreate scenes or manipulate an outcome you want is probably not going to go like you planned.  There were a lot of cute, Christmassy scenes that yes, you guessed it, didn't quite go as planned.  Sometimes Hope seemed so oblivious or stubborn as I thought how could she not see that or realize this.  I loved her generous and caring heart but was also surprised at what she ended up doing as there were a couple of twists.  I understood her wanting to control things but she started to learn to give that to God and start trusting Him with her life and future.  I also liked that she had some real conversations with her mom and others and found out some things she had misunderstood and that she realized she should start listening to good advice..  Brennan was a great guy who was a little too focused on work and seemed standoffish but that just goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover.  If you like rom-coms, do not pass this one up!

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

Wonderful Collection! 'The Last Noel' - by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh & Kimberley Woodhouse

 

About the book:

Christmas novellas from three award-winning suspense authors

The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.


"Do You See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker

Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?


"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh

Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?


"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse

When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?

My review:

This was a great romantic suspense collection about second chances at Christmas.  The action and suspense were plentiful along with some sweet romance.  There were also good faith-filled conversations as the characters were believers but might need some help forgiving or trusting God for the future.  I also liked that there was a wise person who gave great advice, whether a relative or friend.  There were some fun and festive Christmas traditions that really made the stories Christmasy and as a foodie, I loved the last story about Cajun-style food.  Now I need some!  I also enjoyed the tie-in to Woodhouse's Alaskan Cyber Hunter series, though you don't need to have read those to enjoy the story.  I liked that the stories ended with hope and that even though the characters went through hard things, they knew that God was in charge and that He would never leave them.  I highly recommend adding it to your Christmas collection!

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

Cute Rom-Com! 'One Wild Chance' - Chance Brothers Ranch 1 - by Grace Worthington

 

About the book:

She isn't supposed to care about the ranch.
She definitely isn't supposed to fall for the oldest Chance brother.
And she's absolutely not supposed to trust him with her heart a second time.

Summer Daniels built her life on land she doesn't own, for a family that could take it back the second Jaxon Chance decides he wants it. Even though she works for Lucky Chance Ranch, Wildflower Farms is hers—the one thing she's built entirely on her own. She's got no interest in reliving the past, and even less interest in the infuriating hockey player who broke her heart on his way out the door after high school.

Jaxon Chance built his whole identity on hockey. A career-ending injury just took that away, and it's sent him back to the last place he ever wanted to be—his family's horse farm, now failing under a mountain of debt. The only way to save it is to run the place alongside his three brothers, under the terms of a will that gives them no choice.

What he didn't plan on was Summer Daniels, running her business on his family's land, making him remember exactly what he walked away from.

But somewhere between their first fight and long days working the horses side by side, something shifts. Summer stops bracing for the day he leaves again. And Jaxon stops pretending he wants to go.

The farm is what brought him home. But she might be the reason he finally stays.

TROPES:
Rivals to lovers
Cowboy romance
Closed door romance
Grumpy sunshine
Second chance
Small town

ONE WILD CHANCE is book one in the Chance Brothers Ranch series—a sweet, closed-door, second-chance, rivals-to-lovers cowboy romance with grumpy/sunshine chemistry and forced proximity.

My review:

This was a fun rom-com about rivals Jaxon and Summer who compete over everything and have since they were teens.  He doesn't want to be back home and starts out cocky thinking he knows what the ranch needs but there are some amusing incidents where he finds out he needs to learn a thing or two.  It was also cute how they were drawn to each other like when they were younger but both try to resist, her more than him as she's sure he'll leave again.  Her father left when she was little so has a hard time believing a man will stay, especially one who's left once.  I enjoyed the laugh-out-loud banter between them and the swoony kisses.  It was sweet to see him helping a kid's hockey team and also how supportive he was of Summer's dream of turning the barn into a wedding venue.  It's not all fun and games as Summer's mom has Alzheimer's and she pays for her care plus sees her mom slip away more all the time.  This was a clean read and I don't believe it's faith based as I don't remember faith being mentioned.  I would recommend it if you like rom-com's.

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

Charming! 'New Beginnings in Shady Springs' - Shady Springs 4 - by Sarah Anne Crouch

 

About the book:

When the storm passes, can two guarded hearts believe in love again?

After six years of widowhood, high school biology teacher Clara Lewis has settled into a quiet life in Shady Springs, Arkansas, pouring her heart into her students, her church, and her garden. Romance, she tells herself, belongs to another season.

Sam Sullivan understands the safety of a guarded heart. A painful childhood and a broken engagement have convinced him that love is meant for others, not for him. Yet his long-hidden feelings for Clara become harder to ignore as they work together to encourage a withdrawn teen who needs them both.

Then a devastating tornado tears through Shady Springs, drawing Clara and Sam together in the storm’s aftermath as they help rescue the hurting, shelter the displaced, and rebuild the community they love. Amid the wreckage, Clara begins to wonder whether the steady, compassionate man beside her might be part of the new life God is offering.

But opening their hearts means facing old fears, unexpected competition, and the scrutiny of a small town that notices everything.

Perfect for fans of heartwarming Christian romance, this tender small-town story weaves together friendship, faith, grief, and healing as two guarded hearts must decide whether love is worth trusting again.

My review:

This was a sweet story about a second chance at love and realizing that maybe your story isn't over after all.  I enjoyed the small town feel to the story and I liked that love grew while Clara and Sam were helping the community, from helping clean up after the storm to planting a garden to help people in need and reaching out to a troubled teen, they were offering practical help while showing God's love.  I appreciated that faith was an integral part of their lives and they prayed and had conversations reflecting that.  However, they weren't perfect and both still had hang-ups to deal with, such as a fear of rejection or not being enough.  There was some suspense when the tornado came and some sweet romance as Clara started to have feelings for Sam and he realized there may be hope for him yet.  I loved the feeling of hope that permeated the story.  It worked well as a stand-alone even though it's book four and I didn't feel lost at all not having read the first three yet.  I would recommend this book if you like uplifting, feel good romance!

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

Enjoyable Debut! 'High Exposure' - Jagged Edges 1 - by Kelly Borjas

 

About the book:

The riveting start to an adventure-driven romantic suspense series from a debut author

Determined travel blogger Julia Stevens is on her final assignment in snowy Silverberg, Colorado. She's running from her past-and God-but the charm of small-town life brings little comfort when she's face-to-face with the winter sport that killed her sister, skiing. Upon her arrival in town, she discovers a dead body and is compelled to research the situation, give justice to the man's story, and kick off her new career in journalism.


Cade Haskins is back home after a failed mission and his subsequent retirement from the DEA. His father's declining health has pushed Cade to prioritize family, and he helps at the historic Silverberg Hotel on his dad's behalf. When Julia shows up at the hotel, Cade becomes her local contact. He quickly realizes she has a knack for sniffing around where she shouldn't, and he attaches himself to her side.


With the local death connected to a meth ring, Julia's investigation has unknowingly put a target on her back. As the danger increases and she begins to learn more about Cade and his family, she finds herself trusting the God she was running from. And Cade? He doesn't want to get dragged back into DEA work, but it seems like he may not have a choice if he wants to protect Julia . . . and his growing attraction to her.

My review:

I enjoyed this suspenseful start to a new series by a debut author!  The book starts almost right away with a mysterious death and dangerous incidents keep happening to Julia, ratcheting up the suspense.  I thought she was a little naive to write about the dead man when she didn't know what had happened to him and to keep writing about events; I also thought Cade could have warned her somehow without revealing too much or putting her in more danger but then again, she was trying to be a reporter so that could have made it worse.  She also had a stubborn streak and felt like she could take care of things on her own.  She and Cade had that in common.  While Cade was a strong believer, he struggled with letting go of control and felt like he had to handle everything himself.  Julia had turned away from God after her sister's death and, through talks with Cade and situations they found themselves in, had started to reach out to Him again.  I liked the moments of attraction and banter sprinkled in and that we got to read what they were both thinking.  The small town community felt cozy, especially nestled in the mountains and made me want to visit.  I liked that we got to know Cade's family and I look forward to reading about his sister more in the next book.  I recommend this story if you like romantic suspense!

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

Another Winner! 'Twilight Tactics' - Soldiers in Shadows 1 - by Lynette Eason

 

About the book:

FBI agent Collin "Sully" Sullivan arrives at Broken Chains Ranch with Ollie Callahan--a foster teen and sole witness to a mob hit. The ranch, started by Collin's cousin to provide a trauma recovery facility for veterans, should be a place he can keep Ollie safe until the trial. But what was meant as a peaceful haven becomes a battleground when armed attackers surround the property.

Survival expert Elena Thompson teaches wilderness skills at the ranch and coaches Ollie in self-defense, but soon the series of attacks on the ranch escalates into a full siege. The question is, Who are the attackers after? Ollie, the young witness? Or Elena, with her mysterious past? Cut off from help by tech skills superior to their own, Collin and Elena fight to keep everyone alive as secrets and danger close in.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason presents an action-packed start to a new series with twists and turns readers will never see coming.

My review:

This was a great start to a new series by one of my favorite authors!  I loved all of the action but that there was also a bit of a mystery, namely, who's the real target?  It felt like there were two situations escalating, which ratcheted up the tension.  I was surprised to learn about Elena's secrets; I wasn't expecting that.  I liked Sully and his determination to protect Ollie, no matter what, but felt sorry for a past bad experience he blamed himself for.  He prayed and had faith in God but also took too much on himself.  Ollie didn't know if she believed after all she'd been through but Elena had a strong faith.  There were some sweet romantic moments.  I liked the setting of the ranch and that they did horse therapy for vets.  I did question how they didn't figure out something sooner.  I also thought Elena, Sully and Ollie all made dumb decisions at different points.  Overall, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to book two!

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

Great Wrap-up to the Series! 'Fatal Finale' - The Erin Delaney Mysteries 3 - by Nancy Mehl

 

About the book:

When bestselling author Erin Delaney's novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter's arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film's production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can't reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms her worst fears--Erin has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The man's message comes with a Contact the police or FBI and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.

My review:

This was a great wrap-up to the series and while you could read this as a stand-alone, it's so much richer having read the first two and knowing how far Erin's come and what Kaely and Erin have been through together.  It's also great catching up with Kaely after reading her wonderful trilogy and seeing her story continue through this series.  This was another hard one to put down and I almost read it in one sitting but I had to get to bed!  The book starts off with a bang and the suspense doesn't let up as we see what Kaely goes through and then back to Erin trying to figure out the clues with some help.  The profiling is fascinating as you see them both trying to understand what's going on plus you get the kidnapper's point of view as well, which adds an extra layer of suspense.  The spiritual aspect was really well done for the whole series as Erin isn't a Christian and actually somewhat hostile in the beginning and her and Kaely have some great discussions about faith.  I liked that the gospel was clearly presented and even in this book where Erin is in a much different place, faith was still a very important part as she needs to lean on God to get through the stress and pressure as she races to save Kaely.  There's a hint of romance and also some action.  There were also some great discussion questions for your book club with questions that really make you think.  I highly recommend this book and the whole series and can't wait for her new one, which you get a sneak peak of as well!

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

Enjoyable Suspense! 'When the Silence Breaks' - Mercy Ridge 1 - by Elizabeth Goddard

 

About the book:

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of a deathbed confession connected to her brother's murder, she's determined to protect her remaining family. Under further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she heads to the Pacific Northwest looking for a guide who knows the mountains like the back of their hand.

Ryder Goodwin, a wilderness guide and former Navy SEAL, quit guiding for the family business after his father's death in a tragic mountain accident. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her, and he can't stand by while someone brings danger to this small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming winter storm. With her brother's killer closing in, their search for answers now shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it out involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.

My review:

This was an enjoyable start to a new series full of plenty of action and suspense and some romance, too!  Ryder was pretty impressive as he seemed to always have a plan and was good at thinking on his feet when the plan suddenly changed.  He was handsome, fit and had survival skills yet was also caring, considerate and optimistic.  He seemed pretty perfect except for some baggage where his dad's death was concerned.  Sarah seemed over her head with what she had gotten herself into.  I would have thought she would have had more skills with her background but maybe I misunderstood what her experience actually was.  She was gorgeous, fit and caring, though, yet with baggage of her own.  There were some twists in the story.  I enjoyed the mystery of what they were trying to find and it's connection to history.  There was some mentions of faith as it seemed like Ryder had a steady faith; Sarah had been struggling with hers.  There was a little bit of romance.  I'm looking forward to the next one.  If you enjoy romantic suspense check it out! 

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

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.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

'Secrets of the Desert Rose' - by Marilyn Turk

 

About the book:

Three Women. Two generations. Their friendship survived the war. Their secret survived even longer.

Monique and Audrey, one French and one British, grow up in French Algiers on the coast of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Best friends, they keep each other’s secrets into adulthood when World War II changes their world and Algiers sides with the Hitler-based Vichy government. Audrey joins Charles DeGaulle’s resistance army, the French Foreign Legion, while Monique stays to work in the underground resistance aiding the Allied invasion of North Africa.

In present day, American born great-granddaughter Nicole, a graduate student in archaeology, goes to North Africa for an internship. The now centenarian Monique (Mimi), debilitated by a stroke, urges her to find the Desert Rose. Nicole finds different types of desert roses, but none are the right one until she stumbles onto information that hints the desert rose might not be a flower after all. While Sami, her instructor in Algiers, helps her find the desert rose, he also has to protect her from people who want the heirloom ring Nicole wears which has its own secret.

Will Nicole find the secret before it’s too late?

My review:

This was an interesting dual-timeline story that really made French Algiers come alive!  I could picture the sights and hear the sounds as Nicole gets to finally travel there and experience the place Mimi told her stories about.  I liked following Nicole and Sami from place to place as they explore but I thought there would have been more research or investigation to her quest.  Monique and Audrey's stories were interesting as they both want to help win the war but in different ways.  They experienced a lot of excitement and challenges.  I really enjoyed learning about what was going on during World War II in this part of the world and how they were affected.  Monique had a close family that faith was a big part of while Audrey had distant parents and struggled to understand Monique's faith.  There didn't seem to be much character development; it felt like Monique and Audrey were the same people they were when they were kids.  This was more of an action story where it felt like the three ladies were always on the go.  I was also surprised by a twist and felt like there wasn't really any closure or big reveal to a secret or to what's next for Nicole.  There was some romance.  Overall, this was an interesting story and a very interesting setting I enjoyed learning more about.

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

Fascinating History! 'Fires of Injustice' - by Kendy Pearson

 

About the book:

She is fighting for the innocent.
He is fighting for a second chance.
 
Yakira Mitchell has devoted her life to rescuing the forgotten from the clutches of exploitation, and now her dream of opening a mission home for Chinese girls is within reach. But as anti-Chinese sentiments sweep through the West, Yakira finds herself at the center of a storm of hostility and prejudice. She is building a home for the broken, but her own foundation threatens to crumble with new revelations about her past.
 
Attorney Grant Campbell, the boy who once held Yakira’s heart, returns to San Francisco to atone for his past mistakes and face the secret that drove him away. He is determined to defend Chinese immigrants and to reconcile with his family and Yakira. But old feelings flare—and so do old wounds.

When flames of injustice consume communities, violence rages, and lives hang in the balance. As Yakira fights to protect her girls, she must face the truth of who she really is—and who God has called her to be.

In the ashes of hatred, Yakira and Grant both discover a love stronger than fear and a purpose forged in fire.

For fans of historical fiction, FIRES OF INJUSTICE is inspired by real, untaught horrors of the Chinese Exclusion era—when towns forcibly erased entire communities by fire, expulsion, and boycotts.

Set just twenty years after the American Civil War, this gripping tale of resilience, romance, and courage reveals another dark chapter of division—and the light that defied it.

My review:

This was a fascinating story about a time I didn't know that much about.  I knew that the Chinese weren't treated fairly very much and that they worked on the railroads but I had no idea of the lengths some people and towns went to to make the Chinese leave or that it became such an organized effort.  The author's note says most of her book is true, just a family created to live through it, which I figured as I was reading it and that's what made me angry.  I hate injustice and unfairness so it was very frustrating to see people's livelihoods ruined or them get beaten up just because they were Chinese and for them to not really have any recourse.  There were some victories along the way as we see Grant filing briefs and lawsuits and taking people to court but they felt too sporadic for all of the heartbreak. There were some interesting courtroom scenes and interesting conversations as Grant tried to negotiate and stop some of this madness.  I really liked Yakira's determination and love for these people; her whole family was just wonderful and had such strength and love to endure all they did.  Her father was keeping a secret from her, however, of her origins, so there was some conflict around that.  Yakira had to learn to forgive not only him but also Grant for leaving as they had been best friends.  Grant had to make some difficult choices, first to come back after running and then finally confessing his guilt; he needed forgiveness and to turn back to God.  There was some romance for a few couples and some action.  If you like historical fiction, you'll like this book!

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

Fun Romantic Adventure! 'The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner' - Treasures of Halstead Manor 3 - by Susan L. Tuttle

 

About the book:

Will the key unlock more than a vault filled with treasure?

Brooke Sumner has been carefully avoiding Storm Whitlock ever since he betrayed her trust. When he joins Caspar's mysterious treasure-hunting group, she steps away to focus on her antique shop and keep herself busy.

Then Caspar invites her back for one final assignment, and Brooke is torn. Returning to Halstead Manor to help the team find the second half of a key is intriguing. It also means she'd be working with Storm. But she doesn't trust his motives, so she reluctantly rejoins to keep him in check.

As they dive into their expedition, Brooke finds her heart softening toward those she'd once held at arm's length. And is it possible she misunderstood Storm's betrayal of their friendship?

My review:

This was such a fun, romantic adventure story but it also had depth to it and a great message.  I was a little worried that I might feel lost, seeing as this is book three, but other than a few references to the past, it worked well as a stand-alone.  The treasure hunt aspect was fun, especially as they tried to decipher clues to figure out their next step.  There was also plenty of romantic tension as Storm and Brooke used to be best friends who secretly loved each other and now they're enemies, at least from her point of view.  You quickly find out something's up with Storm as he's trying to protect Brooke and maybe his betrayal isn't quite what it seems.  I loved the songs they would send back and forth as messages they were trying to convey, whether silly or serious.  I knew most but had to look up a couple to see what they were and it was fun to have a soundtrack for the book.  I also liked the references to different artwork and also looked up a couple to find out if what they were saying was true about it in real life and it was!  I liked the exciting action but also felt that the deep conversations were well done as both Gertie and Storm, especially, had a lot of wisdom for Brooke if she'd hear it on an emotional and spiritual level.  They had strong faith and Brooke struggled with her identity and worth as she felt abandoned over and over in foster care.  Gertie also pointed out that you need to go by the truth of who God is, not feelings which aren't always reliable.  One thing I still don't understand is why Storm couldn't tell Brooke the whole story sooner and instead had to let her feel betrayed for over a year.  There were some twists, one which I figured out but a bigger one I didn't see coming!  I'm looking forward to reading the first two and I highly recommend this book!

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

Action-Packed Teen Read! 'Where Your Treasure Is' - by M. Liz Boyle

 

About the book:

Most people assume I’m reckless and have an adrenaline addict’s death wish. That’s not exactly how I see it.

Eighteen-year-old Ruby has grown up in her twin brothers’ shadow. The whole treasure diving community applauds her brothers and abuelo for finding a famous sunken Spanish galleon. Ruby and her best friend and diving buddy Tanner spent hours searching for another galleon with a massive treasure, Dos Hermanos.

Until Tanner died.

Ruby hasn’t searched for Dos Hermanos since Tanner’s tragic death, but when the family’s nemesis Marco tries to convince Ruby to tell him what she knows about where Dos Hermanos might lie, the race is on. Ruby’s competition has too much gall and not enough conscience, but she is ready to fight for the treasure.

When Marco abducts her brothers and abuelo, Ruby is determined to search on her own and beat Marco at his own game.

But the real question is, will Ruby find the sunken treasure or lose her soul?

My review:

I enjoyed this action-packed story about a pretty strong-willed girl who was sometimes frustrating but very brave.  I couldn't believe how stubborn she could be sometimes and I was amazed at some of her choices; she definitely kept you on your toes!  She obviously cared deeply about her family but there was some hurt from feeling abandoned after her boyfriend, Tanner, died.  She also put her dream on hold to find a certain shipwreck and had a hard time letting go of that.  She learned to depend on God more throughout the story and pray and knew she needed to do that in good times, too, not just in hard times.  The story dealt with grief, danger, priorities and purpose and made you think but was also entertaining because you didn't know what Ruby was going to do next.  Sometimes she could be very smart but was also impulsive so it was a wild ride!  I would recommend this if you like action or young adult stories!

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

Another Winner! 'Claire Holloway is Winging it' - by Angela Ruth Strong

 

About the book:

A romance in the skies from an award-winning author and flight attendant

After Claire Holloway's dream of becoming a ballerina plummets, she's left with her boyfriend as her only support . . . until she decides to become a flight attendant for the free travel. Based out of state, she moves into a crash pad with a gaggle of other flight attendants, and her fear of losing Wyatt seems to become a reality.

First Officer Nathan Stuart—a bit cynical since he and his fiancée broke up—meets a somewhat frazzled Claire on her very first day in the Seattle airport. When they end up on the same crew, he takes her under his wing, and they quickly bond.

When Claire's once-supportive boyfriend's attitude sours into resentment, she's left wondering whether her newfound joy is the right way to go. Pulled between two men and her new career, Claire must learn to listen for God's direction the same way her flight crew follows air traffic control.

In this hilarious rom-com, readers will lift off into the turbulent skies of romantic adventures as Claire navigates God's plan for her life.

My review:

Angela Ruth Strong has done it again!  This was humorous and romantic; I enjoyed every minute of this young woman's journey to find a new career after her dream dies but on the way finds her faith and her purpose.  Claire was such a delight and I loved her quirkiness and the predicaments she found herself in sometimes; the friendship between her and Nathan was so cute.  I liked seeing Claire growing throughout the story as she tried to master this new career while mourning her old one.  It was fun to see behind the curtain, so to speak, of what being a flight attendant is really like.  She had some great spiritual conversations with her friends as she pondered her new-found faith and also came to realize what real love should look like.  I loved that she ultimately didn't find her value and worth in a man but in her Heavenly Father.   Nathan wasn't perfect and struggled with forgiving his ex-fiance but he was a good guy who tried to do the right thing and whose faith was very important to him. Nathan had a great mentor who encouraged him and always had great life and love advice and, along with his wonderful wife and Claire's roommates, really rounded out the story and brought such a wonderful sense of family.  Her roommates were a lot of fun and all so different from each other; Angel, especially, became a really good friend and they had some great conversations.  I can't say enough good things about this book; that's why you should go out and experience it yourselves!  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.