Romantic Fiction Book Review: Mulberry Hollow (A Riverbend Romance book 2) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:

Living life to the fullest always requires sacrifice.

Avery Robinson decided to be a physician after helplessly watching her mother lose a battle with a terrible disease. Now at risk of developing the same illness, Avery guards her heart from love. She’s driven to protect her loved ones as a workaholic doctor in the tiny mountain town of Riverbend Gap, North Carolina.

Contractor Wes Garrett is hiking the Appalachian trail, in memory of the man who died saving his life, when an illness racks his body. After an agonizing fifteen-mile hike to Avery’s clinic, he collapses on her doorstep. He recovers to find himself in debt again, this time to a beautiful doctor.

When he decides to help her renovate a rundown carriage house, the obstacles to their attraction sprout like weeds—starting with the woman waiting for Wes at the end of the trail. Will he be able to relinquish the debt he owes his best friend? And will Avery find the courage to risk everything for love?

The second book in Denise Hunter’s popular Riverbend Romance series explores what it might be like to live fearlessly and free.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Mulberry Hollow. Denise Hunter digs into the souls of her characters and discovers their needs, personalities, and quirks. Dr. Avery Robinson has thrown herself into her work at the clinic she opened, to keep her mind off of the future she believes is inevitable. Wes Garrett wants to do right by his friend, but has given himself high expectations. The two meet and their adventures begin in the beautiful setting of the Appalachian Mountains. I admire both characters for their integrity and desire to help other people. Hunter has penned a sweet romance that heals and opens doors to freedoms neither Avery nor Ross dreamed possible. Mulberry Hollow is a clean read with undertones of faith and hope. If you enjoy a good romance, you can't go wrong with Denise Hunter's stories. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Contemporary Romance Review: Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon (A Hope Harbor Novel #8)

Book Description:
Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.

Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

My Review:
I love visiting Hope Harbor. This time around, Christi Reece has found her way to this lovely little town in search of her old boyfriend, Jack, but not for the reasons he thinks. Jack settled in Hope Harbor to put the past behind him, but Christi's arrival upsets his quiet world, along with an unexpected surprise. Oh, and I love the cottage with windows made of sea glass-it's kind of a magical place. One of the things I enjoy about Hannon's series is the reoccurring characters in Hope Harbor, especially Charlie the artist and taco maker. Charlie is a wise sage and plays an encouraging part in a young person's life in this story. If you enjoy clean romance with a thread of faith, you'll love this series, including Sea Glass Cottage.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Contemporary Romance Review: What Matters Most by Courtney Walsh

Book Description:
Emma Woodson is hoping the cobblestone streets of Nantucket and the charm of her late husband’s family cottage will be the fresh start she and her young son, CJ, need. Securing a dream job at an art gallery is one more step along the path to a new life . . . and away from a piece of her history she hopes will never be revealed. Falling in love with the kind and handsome guy she hires to clean out the rental apartment above the garage wasn’t part of the plan.

Jameson Shaw came to Nantucket for one reason: deliver his letter to Emma and never return. But when he sees an opportunity to help her, he takes a chance, desperate to atone for his past. He never planned to keep his connection to her husband a secret or to fall in love with her. After all, he knows that their new relationship might not survive the discovery of who he really is.

My Thoughts:
This is an amazing story of redemption, grace, and love. Emma and her son need a fresh start as she grieves. Jameson wants to reconcile for something in his past. When the two meet, sparks ignite. Behind every good story lies tension, and Walsh draws that into this beautiful story of forgiveness. I've read several of Courtney Walsh's books, and this is one of her best. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Emma grow as a person and take back some of her tenacity as she landed a job she longed for. Jameson is swoon worthy in his kind caring way. And CJ is a sweetheart. If you enjoy heartrending stories and romance, you'll want to read What Matters Most. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Suspense Review: Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn (Defend and Protect Book 2)

Description:
Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., is ready to begin clinical trials of her company's cutting-edge prosthetic. Her work has been heralded by government, medical, and advocacy groups and everyone hopes the device will be a success. Well, almost everyone. Someone is trying to sabotage Hedera and the launch, but to what purpose--and how far will they go to get what they want? 

Meanwhile, U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon can't believe he's finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. Now that he's found her again, Gil intends to spend the rest of his life with her. But it will take all his skill to uncover the truth in time to save Ivy's life's work, her own life, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

Perfectly balancing chilling suspense and uplifting romance, award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn delivers a story of revenge, greed, and overcoming that you won't want to put down no matter how late it gets.

My Thoughts:
Blackburn always brings the action and intensity. Gil and Ivy knew each other as children and vowed to never part, but circumstances tore them away from each other. Now they meet again under extenuating circumstances. The threats toward Ivy force Gil to protect her, whether she wants him to or not. I love that the story brings out how greed and revenge can destroy a person's heart and how good wins over evil. Gil and Ivy's story is sweet and intense and the friendship of all the agents is uplifting and encouraging. If you enjoy suspense, Blackburn is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cozy Mystery Review: Caught and Collared by Jackie Layton (A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery, book #4)

Book Description:

When a scavenger hunt turns up a dead body, dog walker Andi Grace Scott will have to make a dogged effort to collar the culprit . . .

Setting out for a day of fun on her town’s first-ever scavenger hunt, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott is dismayed to find an unattended dog wandering the streets—but that’s nothing compared to the shock she gets when she finds a dead man floating in the swimming pool of the dog’s owner. What’s more, she’d seen the very same man having a very public altercation with his wife just the night before. Despite being warned off the case by the local sheriff, Andi Grace can’t help nosing around to find out who’s behind the foul deed.

It turns out the victim was a well-known radio personality who focused on cold-case investigations and was rumored to be breaking a huge story on his next show. As Andi Grace digs deeper to learn who may have wanted him dead, she’s faced with a suspect list that includes a cold-hearted widow who stands to inherit a bundle, a local country star with family demons to hide, and any number of unknown criminals who may have been the focus of the victim’s big reveal. Whether the motive was love gone bad, a career under duress, or a killer’s deadly secret, Andi Grace knows she’ll have to act fast before she becomes the next cold case herself . . .

My Thoughts:
I love, love, love Jackie Layton's cozies. Andi Grace's nosey to know personality draws her into another murder in her beach town. Filled with quirky characters and a seaside setting, Caught and Collared brings Andi Grace and her fiancé Marc into the world of podcasts and cold-cases. All the wonderful pups add a delightful twist to the story. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, Layton's books should be on your to-be-read pile. I purchased a copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction: Ever Constant (The Treasure of Nome series, book 3) by Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse

Book Description:

She's always determined to be the stable, reliable one. But now her commitment may destroy her.

On the surface, Whitney Powell is happy working with her sled dogs and welcoming the new additions to her family through her sisters' marriages and an upcoming birth. But her life is full of complications, including an estranged father, that have her on the edge of losing control. Growing up, she was the strong sister, and she can't give that up now.

When villagers in outlying areas come down with a horrible sickness, Dr. Peter Cameron turns to Whitney and her dogs for help navigating the deep snow, and they become close while ministering to the sick together. Peter has long recognized her finer qualities but is troubled by the emotions and secrets she keeps buried within. He wants to help but wonders if she is more of a risk than his heart can take.

As sickness spreads throughout Nome and another man courts Whitney, she and Peter will discover that sometimes it is only in weakness that you can find strength.

My Thoughts:
When I chose to read Ever Constant, I didn't realize it was book three of a series. It didn't matter, as I read, I learned enough about the other two books to understand this beautifully written story. Whitney is an amazing and strong woman, who raises sled dogs. She had taken care of her family for years and tried her best to always be strong. Dr. Peter Cameron is the perfect hero, flaws, fears and all. The two of them try so hard to make up for past mistakes while heading into difficult situations. I read the story during a winter snowstorm here in Ohio. While I can't imagine living in Alaska in the early 1900s, tromping out in the snow with my dog brought a better picture of what life might have been like for them. Peterson and Woodhouse have created memorable, strong characters, addressed an addiction, showed family love, and amazing faith in this wonderful story of perseverance. If you enjoy historical fiction with heart, you'll like Ever Constant. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Time-slip Fiction Review: Where the Last Rose Blooms (Heirloom Secrets book 3) by Ashley Clark

Book Description:
Alice runs a New Orleans flower shop alongside her aunt, but thoughts of her mother, who went missing during Hurricane Katrina, are never far from her mind. After getting off on the wrong foot with a handsome yet irritating man who comes to her shop, Alice soon realizes their worlds overlap--and the answers they both seek can be found in the same place.

In 1861 Charleston, Clara is known to be a rule follower--but the war has changed her. Unbeknownst to her father, who is heavily involved with the Confederacy, she is an abolitionist and is prepared to sacrifice everything for the cause. With assistance from a dashing Union spy, she attempts to help an enslaved woman reunite with her daughter. But things go very wrong when Clara agrees to aid the Northern cause by ferrying secret information about her father's associates.

Faced with the unknown, both women will have to dig deep to let their courage bloom.

My Thoughts:
I've adored each book in the Heirloom Secrets series, but I think I enjoyed Where the Last Rose Blooms the most. Book 3 ties up the series in a beautiful way, with family helping family and weaving all the pieces together. I love the references to what flowers mean throughout the story and the incredible coding system used by Rose. This book is filled with wonderful characters and a few rogues. If you enjoy time-slip novels and stories connected to the Civil War, you'll enjoy this story. I've been to New Orleans and Charleston where much of the story is set and loved visiting again through Clark's rich description. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Suspense Book Review: Life Flight (Extreme Measure book 1) by Lynette Eason

Book Description:
EMS helicopter pilot Penny Carlton is used to high stress situations, but being forced to land on a mountain in a raging storm with a critical patient--and a serial killer on the loose--tests her skills and her nerve to the limit. She survives with FBI Special Agent Holt Satterfield's help. But she's not out of the woods yet.

In the ensuing days, Penny finds herself under attack. And when news reaches Holt that he may not have gotten his man after all, it will take all he and Penny have to catch a killer--before he catches one of them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason is back with another high-octane tale of close calls, narrow escapes, and the fight to bring a nefarious criminal to justice.

My Thoughts:
In Life Flight, Lynette Eason delivers a heart-pounding, page turner. Penny Carlton is determined to fly her rescue helicopter and save lives. Holt Satterfield is on the tail of a serial killer. With storms and dense woods and mountains causing havoc, Penny and Holt make tough decisions as they work together to capture the killer. I don't usually read books with a serial killer because frankly they scare me. With the main character sharing my name, I had to give this one a try. Eason is a master at suspense, proven by the late hours I spent reading Life Flight. I appreciate the thread of faith that runs throughout the book and the strong characters. Penny is an amazing heroine and Holt the perfect hero. If you enjoy suspense, you'll want to read book one of Extreme Measure. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Time Crossing Romance: Never Leave Me (Waters of Time #2) by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:
In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

My Thoughts:
I've read both of Jody Hedlund's Waters of Time books. Book 1, Come Back to Me and book 2 Never Leave Me are both such interesting and fascinating stories. They should be read in order. Hedlund's imagination and research meet up and explode into stories I would never have dreamed of. The whole concept of time-travel seems so out of reach, yet she writes with such authority, I wanted to believe Ellen and Harrison could make the journey. With danger lurking and incredible circumstances, Ellen draws courage from within as Harrison's faith carries them through the unbelievable. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Book Review: The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

Book Description:
In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

My Thoughts:
I love reading Jennifer Deibel's books. She pulls me into the story and allows me to live in Ireland for a bit. This story was particularly appealing to me because of the Claddagh ring. My daughter brought me one from Scotland, and I wear it to remind me of God's love for me. In the book, Stephen shares the history of the ring with Annabeth, and it's simply beautiful. And I love Annabeth's character, because she's so unexpected for her time and position in her life. Stephen is a bit brooding but lovable. Deibel's historical details show how unsettling life was for the Irish and how Annabeth's family grew to understand their plight. The romance just adds to the beauty of this story. This is a lovely story filled with hope in the midst of difficulty. If you enjoy Irish stories or historical romance, you'll enjoy The Lady of Galway Manor. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Suspense Book Review: Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley (Natchez Trace Park Rangers #3)

Book Description:
Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame. 

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

My Thoughts:
I've enjoyed the books in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. Crosshairs is the best one yet. Filled with suspense from start to finish, Bradley kept me on the edge of my seat, as I kept turning pages. Ainsley is a strong protagonist, set on making things right for her aunt and grandmother, even though she is in danger. Linc is scarred by his past, but he cares for Ainsley and wants to protect her, even when he thinks he can't. The many twists and turns kept me guessing who the killer was up to the end of the book. If you enjoy a good suspense story in a unique setting, you'll enjoy Crosshairs. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Review: Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant

Book Description:
Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can't cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red--and an upcoming contest during Modest's annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. The prize money could finally give her a solid financial footing and keep her cousin with special needs paid up at her beloved assisted living home. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she's been talking to via an anonymous online dating site.

Jude Strong is tired of being a puppet at his manipulative father's law firm, and the food truck festival seems like the perfect opportunity to dive into his passion for cooking and finally call his life his own. But if he loses the contest, he's back at the law firm for good. Failure is not an option.

Complications arise when Rory's chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he's been falling for online the past month.

Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one?

My Thoughts:
Tacos for Two is a delightful tale with a You've Got Mail vibe. I love that texts and messages between Rory and Jude quoted the movie. Rory is a spitfire who loves her family dearly. Jude is a disgruntled member of his family. The two of them show a very different side to their online counterparts than in person. Of course they don't know who the other really is and that's where the fun begins. If you want a light-hearted story with family insights and yummy food talk, you'll love Tacos for Two. Not to give anything away, but the heart of the story lies in a sweet Hannah. Read to find out who she is and why she's a blessing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christian Suspense Book Review: Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon (Triple Threat Book 2)

Book Description:
When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath the veneer of polish and wealth, things are not as they seem at Ivy Hill Academy. But the biggest surprise of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly. But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

Queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon invites you to scale the heights of human folly and plumb the depths of the human heart in this second gripping book in the Triple Threat series.

My Thoughts:
Cate is done with undercover work, but her boss says one more time. Zeke is done with travel for the DEA, but he has one last job. Oh, and did I mention Cate and Zeke were once in love? The two come together, quite by accident or is it providence? Cate's character is strong and determined, Zeke has a kind and brave heart. In the midst of discovering the head of the biggest drug runners in St. Louis, the two must sort out their feelings toward each other. Well written and intriguing, Hannon delivers another edge of your seat suspense. The all-girls school was an unusual setting and added an interesting twist to the story. I was happy to continue on the journey of Cate and her sisters. If you enjoy suspense and romance, you'll want to read Labyrinth of Lies. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris (Restoring Heritage Book 3)

Book Description:
Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

Jon is trying to prove to the Heritage Fruits board that he, not his manipulative uncle, should be running the business. The board insists Jon find a new owner for the building that will house Leah's business. To avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's part of the building, Jon strikes a compromise with Leah, and the two go into business together. With her vision and his know-how, it might work. And Leah might realize he's loved her since high school. If only he didn't keep on shooting himself in the foot by boxing her out of important decisions.

Sparks fly in this romantic story of two people who must learn to trust both each other and the one who called them to this journey.

My Thoughts:
I've read all three Restoring Heritage novels. I wanted to like Since You've Been Gone as much as I enjoyed books one and two. But I didn't. I didn't connect with Leah or Jonathan. Their back-and-forth, up-and-down relationship drove me crazy. However, I did enjoy Madison's story. She had a lot to overcome. The kindness and encouragement of Colby to Madison was endearing. I did enjoy going back to Heritage, but didn't find Leah's addition of the store she'd closed and reopened compelling. If you've read book one and two, you may want to read book three to learn a bit more about Otis the moving brass hippo. Now that was fun! I will give the book three stars, because even in a story I didn't connect with, Faris writes well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Review: The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

Book Description:
Present Day. After tragedy plunges her into grief and unresolved anger, Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home determined to finally follow her long-denied dream of running Old Depot Grocery alongside her mother and grandmother. But when she arrives, her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that the store is closing. Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a pact to save the store, but Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons--but she'll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she's pregnant with her deceased fiancé's baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve the family reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined.

This dual-timeline story from Amanda Cox deftly explores the complexity of a mother-daughter dynamic, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the healing power of telling the truth.

My Thoughts:
You know how you bite into a multi-layered cake and taste each sweet ingredient, then savor the last bite. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is like that. I sliced through the layers of family and place and tasted an incredible story of love and forgiveness. Amanda Cox is a gifted writer who delivers a beautiful story of women whose lives have been affected by one another as well as circumstance. When Sarah goes home to the Old Depot Grocery, her grandma is excited to welcome her enthusiasm, but her mother, Rosemary, is concerned her daughter's return is a waste of her time and talents. As secrets are revealed and new friendships are made, the characters hearts open to trust again. I absolutely enjoyed the dynamic relationships of Glory Ann, Rosemary, and Sarah as they navigated the waters of truth. This is a book you want to take your time with and think about the sacrifices made to make life better for the next generation. Cox's mastery of the time-slip novel is excellent. If you enjoy a good story about family, this is a read for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Contemporary Romance Book Review: Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter

Book Description:
She came in search of the family she’d always wanted—and found the kind of love she’d never dared to imagine.

When Katelyn Loveland’s car veered off a winding Appalachian Mountain road, she thought she was done for. That is until Cooper Robinson, local sheriff’s deputy, came to her rescue. And though Katie narrowly escaped her brush with death, she still fell. Hard.

She wasn’t the only one. But soon Cooper learns that the woman he’s more attracted to than any he’s ever met is his brother’s new girlfriend—and therefore unquestionably off limits. Yet, despite his best efforts, Cooper and Katie can’t seem to avoid running into each other. Or ignore the undeniable chemistry between them.

As they grow closer, Katie shares the secrets of her past and the real reason she moved to their small North Carolina town. She also wins over Cooper’s welcoming and bighearted family. But they don’t know that her feelings for Cooper keep growing—all while she’s dating his brother. Soon the stakes of their emotional connection become higher than either of them could have imagined. Katie stands to lose the first family she’s ever had, and a scandal could doom Cooper’s campaign for sheriff’s office. Suddenly they find themselves on the edge of another precipice—and they’re forced to make a decision that could change their lives forever.

My Thoughts:
Life can throw you into an unexpected situation. Such is the case for Katelyn and Cooper. At first, I wasn't sure I liked the premise of Riverbend Gap, but as usual, Denise Hunter delivered an excellent story filled with emotion and romance. Cooper Robinson is swoon worthy and Katelyn Loveland is adorable, but even better, they both have kind hearts. Cooper's brother, Gavin, is dating Katelyn and she loves his family. Boy, is she surprised to find out Cooper is her boyfriend's brother. So begins a situation filled with hope, regret, confusion, forgiveness, and family love. This is a lovely story that portrays a family who cares about each other. For Katelyn, that's huge. As a foster child, she's searching for the kind of love she's missed out on, which adds another layer to the story. I loved the setting in a small town on the Appalachian Trail and the tidbits written about hiking. If you enjoy romance, family, and a good story, you'll want to read Riverbend Gap, book one in the Riverbend Romance story.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Review: The Librarian's Journey: 4 Historical Romances

Book Description:

A brave fight for literacy during the Great Depression

Four women set out on horseback to bring the library to remote communities

Part of FDR’s New Deal was the Works Progress Administration, which funded the Pack Horse Library Initiative. Ride along with four book-loving women who bravely fight for literacy in remote communities during the Great Depression by carrying library books via horseback. Will their efforts be rewarded by finding love in the process?

Love’s Turning Page by Cynthia Hickey
1936, Ozark Mountains
Grace Billings jumped at the chance to be a traveling librarian, but she didn’t anticipate the long days of work, the intense poverty, or the handsome new schoolteacher whose love for the mountain people surpasses even her own.

In This Moment by Patty Smith Hall
1936, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Forced out of her nursing job due to budget cuts, Ruth Sims applies for a position with the Pack Horse Library incentive, only to discover she must go to the one place she swore never to return. The children instantly steal her heart with their thirst for books, and she’s happy in her post until she meets their teacher, Will Munroe—the man who broke her heart. 

Book Lady of the Bayou by Marilyn Turk
1936, Mississippi
Forced out of her comfort zone, Lily Bee Davis travels by horse or boat taking books to remote areas. When she meets little Evie and her reclusive father at a dilapidated plantation house, she is drawn by their losses and longs to draw them out into life again. 

The Lawman and the Librarian by Kathleen Y’Barbo
1936, Kentucky
Lottie Trent connects with a backwoods bully’s wife by secretly carrying messages for her in exchange for books. FBI agent Clayton Turnbow is on the trail of a criminal gang and discovers the packhorse librarian maybe a key member. 

My Thoughts:
I enjoy reading about the women who carried books into the mountains to help their communities. They traversed rough terrain, sometimes on a horse, others on a mule. These four stories give us a snapshot of what they went through while entertaining us with a romantic tale. I enjoyed the stories set in the Appalachian Mountains so much. The story set in Mississippi made me shiver when Lily Bee goes into the swamplands to deliver books. All four stories feature a strong female character who is determined to help with the literacy of her community. I particularly liked The Lawman and the Librarian. Lottie and Clayton have a certain chemistry that made me want to read more. If you enjoy historical romance and stories of brave women, you'll enjoy The Librarian's Journey. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Book Review: Beyond the Tides (Prince Edward Island Shores Book #1) by Liz Johnson

Book Description:
When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster-fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should inherit it instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross take over. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg--an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg must work the business together, and at the end of the season, he'll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren't what they expected.

My Thoughts:
I’ve read several of Liz Johnson’s books, and this is the best one yet. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked Meg, but once Meg and Oliver are thrown together their banter and the tension between them makes for an entertaining tale—along with their family stories. I love how Meg’s strong character softens when it comes to her parents. And Oliver’s determination to overcome his family’s history is inspiring. The setting is fantastic. I found myself drawn into the lobster business on Prince Edward Island and enjoying the trips out to set traps and haul in the catch. Meg’s dad is a delight as he helps her mom in his gentle, caring way. As soon as I would stop reading Beyond the Tides, I would miss the characters and want to read more. Now that I’ve finished, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Available August, 3, it’s a perfect end of summer read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Fiction Review: Home Sweet Tiny Home by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
Kate Burrows has a life many would envy—a good job at a design firm, a huge house, beautiful memories of the late husband who gave her everything, and two grown kids doing well for themselves. But it’s all begun to ring hollow as she wanders around a house that’s too big for her. So when she gets caught up in binge watching a show all about tiny homes, something clicks—something that soon has Kate embarking on a whole new life.

Though some people call her crazy, she decides to quit her job and relocate to the small tourist town she and her husband always wanted to retire to, and to buy a tiny home of her own. The Lord seems to be paving the way, and she soon meets just the person she needs to help her get her dream going—and even growing! Hank Branson, architect and gentleman farmer, is quick to jump on board her dream to parcel some land off for tiny homes, and soon they have a community in the works.

But is Kate in over her head? How can she possibly uproot her whole life and chase dreams long dormant? Can Hank and his beautiful farm be as perfect as they seem? And what about their competition—the gregarious, confident Glen who won’t take no for an answer?

Kate may be moving into a tiny house…but it soon becomes clear she’s in for a big adventure.

My Review:
I love Melody Carlson’s stories. Home Sweet Tiny Home is right up there with my favorites. With humor and compassion Carlson tells the story of change in a mature woman’s life after her husband has passed away and her children are grown. I love Kate’s spunk and her willingness to dive into a new venture. Hank is a sweetheart and Glen is a little too confident. And then there is Natalie… This is a funny, warm read you’ll enjoy. I love that Carlson has written a story about older men and women. And I enjoyed the tiny house aspect. If you like light reads with a fun twist, you’ll love this one. I purchased my copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

 

Romance Fiction Review: Make You Feel My Love by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Description:
One broken woman. One lost man. And the long-buried secrets tying them together.

After escaping an abusive relationship, Chelsea Spencer flees to Chickadee Creek—the town where her great aunt Rosemary owns a quaint little antique shop. There, Chelsea plans to help with the shop as her aunt heals from an accident—and perhaps find some healing of her own.

Liam Chandler was one film away from a leading role when his brother Jacob was stricken with cancer. After spending the last months of Jacob’s life with him in Boise, Liam heads to the vacation home he built outside of Chickadee Creek to get his life and his faith back on track.

While working to clean out a storage room in the antique shop, Chelsea finds an old violin. Aunt Rosemary says she may have the instrument, but they soon learn it is very valuable and once belonged to Cora Chandler, Liam’s great-great-grandmother.

Drawn together by the old violin and stories from the past, Chelsea and Liam begin to find answers for their present and the future God has in store for them.

My Thoughts:
Robin Lee Hatcher, a talented story teller, has written a beautiful story of hope. Chelsea left behind an abusive boyfriend. Liam is healing from family wounds. Both characters prefer to hide instead of opening themselves up to more hurt. A violin connects them to the past and a woman named Cora, who longed for a new beginning. I loved reading Cora’s story as she set out on her own in the 1800s. Hatcher sprinkles Chelsea and Liam’s heart wrenching stories with encouragement and weaves in Bible verses filled with wisdom. I hope this story is read by anyone who feels lost or overwhelmed by a difficult situation, because the reader can gain confidence and know God offers peace and joy. If you enjoy stories set in small towns, with good characters or stories that point to a better way, read Make You Feel My Love. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.