To Wager Her Heart - A Review

Published - August 2017, Zondervan
Series - Belle Meade Plantation Book 3
Author - Tamera Alexander
Title - To Wager Her Heart
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

About the book (from Amazon):

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father's name. One man holds the key to Sy's success--General William Giles Harding of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks.   

Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville's society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he's found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison's fiancé--and has shattered her world.    

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen's university in the United States. But family--and Nashville society--do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both.   

Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy's roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?    

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn't count on is having to wager her heart to do it. 

My Thoughts:

This was really good. I haven't ever read anything in this series before. I admit that I felt it started off slow, and it took me a LONG time to actually pick it up to read. 

But as I got into the book, I was impressed with the history and the characters. I loved Ella. I would love to know more about her. 

I also loved how Sy was determined to find out what truly happened in the accident that claimed his father's life. 

What was interesting, historically, was that even though the Civil War was over and reconstruction was well on its way, there were so many people who still treated the former slaves as slaves and resented when any white person actually wanted to attempt to assist in making life better for the former slaves.

I received a kindle copy of the book from the publisher's BookLook Blogging program. I was not required to like the book, only to give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of post Civil War history, Jody Hedlund, Tamera Alexander, Laura Frantz

Rating - 4 stars

The Writing Desk - A Review

Published - July 2017, Thomas Nelson
Author - Rachel Hauck
Title - The Writing Desk
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

Tenely Roth is basking in the success of her first book. She's been awarded the prestigious Gordon Roth award. Yet now she's struggling. She's under pressure from her publisher to produce her second novel, and Tenley is struggling to even put the words on paper. When her estranged mother contacts her asking for Tenley's help as she goes through cancer treatments, Tenley reluctantly agrees to head to Florida. After all, a change of scene just may inspire her, right?Once there, Tenley discovers a writing desk that seems to have a story of its own. Birdie Shehorn is living in the Gilded Age. She's the daughter of of old money and is expected to make a good match. Yet Birdie's heart longs for other things. She longs to be recognized for her own merit and not the match she can make. She longs to have her words published for all to read. Two women. Connected by one writing desk. Both with a longing to write, but are trapped by who society expects them to be. Can one lost manuscript bring both women the healing and closure they need?

My Thoughts:
This book was amazing. I can't say enough about it. I absolutely adored it.

There is something about the way that Rachel Hauck writes that just pulls me into her books. I get lost for hours. As much as I've loved her Royal Wedding series, her stand alone novels are probably the ones that stay with me. I love the depth of the past meeting the present. I love how the main character, Tenley in this case, has to make a decision that is similar to the one Birdie is forced to make. I love how each woman makes her choice for certain reasons, but was it necessarily the right one?

I love the depth that is Tenley and Birdie's characters. Both are not shallow characters. I love how they each either learn or not from the circumstances that they are presented with.

Some authors can draw a reader in. Others can make the story linger long after the book has ended. Ms. Hauck is one who has managed to do both with this book.

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to like the book, only honestly give me honest opinion.

Recommended to fans of women's fiction, Karen Kingsbury, Lisa Wingate, Rachel Hauck

Rating - 5 stars

For Love and Honor - A Review

Published - March 2017, Zondervan
Series - An Uncertain Choice Book 3
Author - Jody Hedlund
Title - For Love and Honor
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

About the book (Goodreads):
Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed? Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have? As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

My Thoughts:
I think I've read everything that Jody Hedlund has written. This is the third book in the author's young adult series. 

I really enjoyed this book. It is helpful to have read the others first because that's where the reader is really introduced to Sir Bennet. I loved how he was determined to care for his family. I also loved Lady Sabine. I thought she was witty and a good match for Sir Bennet. 

This was a fast read. I love to read about knights and their ladies. Since I knew that this book was written for younger audiences, that I shouldn't expect quite the depth that I get in the author's adult novels. Still, the characters were deep, and they struggled to overcome their challenges.

I received a copy of this book for free from the BookLook Blogging program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of young adult, knights, Jody Hedlund, Melanie Dickerson

Rating - 4 stars

The Illusionist's Apprentice - A Review

Published - March 2017, Thomas Nelson
Author - Kristy Cambron
Title - The Illusionist's Apprentice
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

About the book (from Goodreads):
Harry Houdini’s one-time apprentice holds fantastic secrets about the greatest illusionist in the world. But someone wants to claim them . . . or silence her before she can reveal them on her own.

Boston, 1926. Jenny “Wren” Lockhart is a bold eccentric—even for a female vaudevillian. As notorious for her inherited wealth and gentleman’s dress as she is for her unsavory upbringing in the back halls of a vaudeville theater, Wren lives in a world that challenges all manner of conventions.

In the months following Houdini’s death, Wren is drawn into a web of mystery surrounding a spiritualist by the name of Horace Stapleton, a man defamed by Houdini’s ardent debunking of fraudulent mystics in the years leading up to his death. But in a public illusion that goes terribly wrong, one man is dead and another stands charged with his murder. Though he’s known as one of her teacher’s greatest critics, Wren must decide to become the one thing she never wanted to be: Stapleton’s defender.

Forced to team up with the newly formed FBI, Wren races against time and an unknown enemy, all to prove the innocence of a hated man. In a world of illusion, of the vaudeville halls that showcase the flamboyant and the strange, Wren’s carefully constructed world threatens to collapse around her.

Layered with mystery, illusion, and the artistry of the Jazz Age’s bygone vaudeville era, The Illusionist’s Apprentice is a journey through love and loss and the underpinnings of faith on each life’s stage. 



My Thoughts:
This one was different than the others I've read by this author. It was more of a mystery. I was still captivated by it though! I love how rich in detail the book is. I love how Wren must decide what secrets she can share while at the same time trying to keep herself, and her identity, out of the spotlight. 

I've not really thought about the way that magicians/illusionists work. This book was a fascinating glimpse into that world.

I received this book for free from the Booklook Blogger Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Kristy Cambron

Rating - 4 stars

Good Good Father for Little Ones - A Review

Published - January 31, 2017, Thomas Nelson
Author - Chris Tomlin
Title - Good Good Father for Little Ones
Format - board book
Find on Amazon

About the book (from Amazon):

With sweet, rhyming text, Good Good Father for Little Ones explores many of the attributes that make God such a good, good Father: like a warrior, He protects you; like a teacher, He helps you learn and grow; like a doctor, He makes you feel better; like a farmer, He provides the food you need; like a musician, He brings you joy. Most of all, a good, good Father loves you! Based on the children’s picture book Good Good Father, this precious rhyming adaptation will leave little ones with a greater assurance that God truly is a good, good Father and they are loved by Him.

My Thoughts: 

I'm familiar with the Chris Tomlin song Good, Good Father. So when I saw this one up for review, I snatched it up!

Let me just say, that this book is precious! I loved the rhyming aspect of it. I loved the illustrations. When I shared it with my friend's little ones, they loved it. The older two were able to read it by themselves, and the youngest loved the pictures. 

This book is so simple. The message in it is a good reminder to everyone that God is a good Father.

I received the book for free from the publisher as part of the Booklook Blogging Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Chris Tomlin, parents of young children, Sunday School teachers

Rating - 4 stars

Silent Songbird - A Review

Published - November 2016, Thomas Nelson
Author - Melanie Dickerson
Title - The Silent Songbird
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

About the book (from Goodreads):
Evangeline longs to be free, to live in the world outside the castle walls. But freedom comes at a cost. Evangeline is the ward and cousin of King Richard II, and yet she dreams of a life outside of Berkhamsted Castle, where she might be free to marry for love and not politics. But the young king betroths her to his closest advisor, Lord Shiveley, a man twice as old as Evangeline. Desperate to escape a life married to a man she finds revolting, Evangeline runs away from the king and joins a small band of servants on their way back to their home village. To keep her identity a secret, Evangeline pretends to be mute. Evangeline soon regrets the charade as she gets to know Wesley, the handsome young leader of the servants, whom she later discovers is the son of a wealthy lord. But she cannot reveal her true identity for fear she will be forced to return to King Richard and her arranged marriage. Wesley le Wyse is intrigued by the beautiful new servant girl. When he learns that she lost her voice from a beating by a cruel former master, he is outraged. But his anger is soon redirected when he learns she has been lying to him. Not only is she not mute, but she isn't even a servant. Weighed down by remorse for deceiving Wesley, Evangeline fears no one will ever love her. But her future is not the only thing at stake, as she finds herself embroiled in a tangled web that threatens England's monarchy. Should she give herself up to save the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne? 

My Thoughts:
Loosely based on the fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, Melanie Dickerson brings readers another delightful, medieval romance. One of the things that I loved about this book is that it is connected to The Merchant's Daughter. Sure, it's set in the same fictional world as the author's other fairy tale retellings, but this one is a sequel to the Merchant's Daughter. As with any of the books in this series, this one stands alone.

I loved Evangeline from the moment that she appeared in the book. I loved how she was determined to prove that she could in fact pretend to be a servant. She tried so hard. In some ways, it was rather comical. I also thought that Wesley was almost too perfect. I'd guess his biggest flaw was his anger. But even with that, the book was very enjoyable. I'm eager to see where the author takes the reader in her next fairy tale novel as well as which fairy tale will be retold. 

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from the publisher as part of the Booklook Bloggers program. I was asked to give my honest opinion about the book, which I have done. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of fairy tales, young adult, Melanie Dickerson, Jessica Day George

Rating - 4 stars

Wedding Shop - A Review

Published - August 2016, Thomas Nelson Books
Author - Rachel Hauck
Title - The Wedding Shop
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Summary from Amazon:

Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled. It's the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman, after having inherited her great aunt's wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet. More than eighty years later, former Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart's Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life. When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love. As Cora’s and Haley's stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love. 

My Thoughts:

I don't think I've yet to read a book of Rachel Hauck's that I didn't love, and this one was no exception. This one is in the style as the Wedding Dress and the Wedding Chapel. 

There are two stories - a modern one involving Haley, and Cora's story from the 1930's. I loved this book. It was beautifully written, and captured me from the first page. I don't know for sure which story I enjoyed more, but both were wonderful. 

I can honestly say that this was one of my highly anticipated books for this year. If you've never read any of Rachel's books before, why not start with this one? There are some minor characters from the Wedding Dress and the Wedding Chapel, but I honestly don't think that this book is technically part of a series. 

I received the Kindle copy of this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Laura Frantz, Rachel Hauck, Karen Kingsbury, women's fiction

Rating - 5 stars

The Captain Takes a Wife

Published - September 2015, Westbow Publishing
Series - Captain Chronicles Book 1
Author - Doris Durbin
Title - The Captain Takes a Wife
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Captain Harry Richardson is on his way to his new pastorate when a beautiful young woman ends up in his arms. He quickly learns that someone is after her, and he vows to see her safely to her destination. Sarah Franklin is running away from an arranged marriage when she lands in the captain's arms. When he impulsively kisses her, soon things spiral out of control. Harry quickly realizes that in order to keep Sarah safe, he must marry her. What began as a ruse, soon turns into an adventure of a lifetime for Harry, Sarah, and his well meaning friends. But can they keep Sarah safe?

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. It's better than I thought it would be. This is a new author to me, and I'm always a little leery of new authors. I never know what to expect. This time, I was pleasantly surprised.

Arranged marriages are always fun to read about. This one had humor and adventure. While I did think that parts of the story could have been better developed, overall, this book was a fast read.

I received the Kindle version of the book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Love Inspired

Rating - 4 stars

Dawn at Emberwilde - A Review

Published - May 2016, Thomas Nelson
Series - Treasure of Surrey Book 2
Author - Sarah E. Ladd
Title - Dawn at Emberwilde
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Summary from Amazon:

Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty. For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death. The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives. At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart. At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

My Thoughts:

It's been a while since I read one of Sarah Ladd's books. I've forgotten how much I enjoyed them. 

While this is book 2 in the series, it stands alone, and one does not need to have read book 1 in order to enjoy this one. I was quickly drawn into the story, and I found myself intrigued by Isabel. 

As for the two men who vie for her attention and affection, there was one I liked more than the other. I was rooting for him the entire time. 

I also enjoyed the fact that this book had a touch of mystery in it that added to the richness of the story. 

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of: Jane Austen, Julie Klassen, Jody Hedlund

Rating - 4 stars

Hearts We Mend - A Review

Published - March 2016, Zondervan
Series - Barrister Falls Book 2
Author - Kathryn Springer
Title - Hearts We Mend
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Evie Bennett lost her husband in a fire when their son was six years old. For the past thirteen years, she has been raising Cody alone. Now Cody's getting married and will soon be a father as well. Evie begins to feel an entirely different form of loneliness. Always organized and sticking to a schedule, Evie has no idea how much her life is about to change dramatically. Jack Vale has been hired to fill in as the church's handyman. He's a man who lives his life moment to moment. His appearance raises more than a few eyebrows around the community. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack's life and world, she learns that sometimes spur of the moment is better than a safe, secure plan. But can Evie learn to let go of herself enough to fall in love again?

Last year when I read the first book in this series, Dandelion Field, I loved the book, but didn't like Evie too much. At first. But when I saw that there was going to be a second book about Barrister Falls, I was excited. Because I wanted to know more about the characters, and I wanted to see if Evie continued to grow on me as she did towards the end of the first book.

While I didn't love love love this book like I did the first, I still enjoyed it very much so. I loved seeing Evie be drawn out more and more. I ADORED Jack. I thought he was wonderful in the way that he related to Evie, tried to take care of his brother, and was there for all of the tenants in his building. But he was pretty deep too. He knew that he wasn't perfect, but he tried to show how Christ had changed him.

I loved how Jack actually saw Evie. And what I mean by that is that he actually saw through her facade and deep into her soul. He recognized (and encouraged) her to be herself. To have fun. To let go. I also loved catching up with Cody, Raine, Dan, and Gin.

This book does stand alone, but the story is much richer if you read Dandelion Field first. If this is the last one about this town, that's fine. But I could easily see stories for Nicki, Maggie, and some of the others.

I received this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Karen Kingsbury, Becky Wade, Katie Ganshert, Liz Johnson, Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, contemporary fiction, Johnnie Alexander, Susan May Warren, Love Inspired

Rating - 4 stars

Kissed by A Cowboy - A Review

Published - February 2016, Thomas Nelson Publishers
Series - Four of Hearts Ranch Romance Book 3
Author - Debra Clopton
Title - Kissed By a Cowboy
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Cassidy Starr has returned to Wishing Spring after hard divorce. She wants to put her aunt's farm back in operation and raise organic strawberries as well as open a bed and breakfast. She's done with love. Jarrod Monahan's got his own troubles. He's running the family cattle ranch and trying to track down some rustlers. He's never forgotten the girl next door though. When he learns that the one woman who stole his heart years ago has moved in next door, he can't help but see this as a second chance. Despite the fact that she wants nothing to do with him or love. But as their lives collide, will Cassidy recognize the fact that not all men are like her ex-husband, and will she give the cowboy she still loves a second chance?

Whenever I read one of Debra Clopton's books, I know a couple of things. First, there will be cowboys. Second, it's usually hilarious. This book is true on both accounts. It's the third in the series, but does stand alone.

I loved Jarrod's pursuit of Cassidy. I loved that he realized when he was rushing her and took a step back. But I also loved how he was the wonderful good neighbor and was there to help her out when she needed it. I thought that Cassidy was a little too determined to hang onto her plans.

The secondary characters, as usual, are delightful. I love the town of Wishing Springs and the people who live there. In this one, I really liked Doc's pig Clover.

It's a quick read. I also found it to be very light-hearted.

I received the Kindle copy for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Debra Clopton, Love Inspired, cowboys, Mary Connealy, Janice Thompson, Lacy Williams

Rating - 4 stars

Curio - A Review

Published - January 2016 Thomas Nelson/Zondervan
Author - Evangeline Denmark
Title - Curio
Format - ebook, hardcover
Find on Amazon

Grey Haward's family is different. Both her father and her grandfather do not need the life giving potion that the Chemists who rule their town give out in order to survive. She suspects that she is like them. But she's always followed the rules. When her best friend Whit is caught by the Chemists one night while trying to protect her, Grey sees the results of his punishment and suddenly taking risks doesn't matter. When she discovers that the Chemists know her family's secret, Grey panics and runs to the only place she feels safe - her grandfather's curio shop. Her refuge isn't to be though. She soon learns that she is the only person who can save a young man trapped in a world of porcelain people and clockwork people inside an enchanted cabinet in the shop. Leaving the world she knows behind, Grey soon finds herself fighting for her life against the porcelain people in Curio City. Will Grey save the young man and return to set things right in her world, or will they be stuck in the cabinet forever?

When I first picked this one up to read, I found myself easily distracted. Then I discovered that there was a prequel novella that is free. So I picked up that and read it. While it is not necessary to read the prequel to enjoy this book, I found it very helpful to do so.

I wasn't sure what to expect to be perfectly honest. This book is a cross between Young Adult fantasy and Young Adult dystopian. But as I read, I was captivated. There are three main points of view to this book - Grey, Blaise, and Whit.

I really think that Blaise was my favorite character. I loved seeing him try to fit in with the porcies and tocks in Curio City. I also loved how helped Grey out and was determined to save her life when it came to it.

I'm hoping that this is the first book in a series as there were several threads that  need to be explored further.

I received the Kindle book for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of young adult fiction, the Lunar Chronicles, Kiera Cass

Rating - 4 stars

Golden Braid - A Review

Published - November 2015, Thomas Nelson
Series - Fairy Tale Romance Book 6
Author - Melanie Dickerson
Title - The Golden Braid
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

Rapunzel is talented. She can paint beautiful pictures on the walls of her home. She can throw a knife better than any man. But there is one thing that she longs for above anything else - a chance to learn to read. And if she happens to fall in love too, so much the better. Yet she feels that her mother won't allow her to do either of those things. When a young farmer asks for Rapunzel's hand in marriage, her mother quickly packs the house and she and Rapunzel move to the large city of Hagenheim. The journey there isn't easy. When a young knight rescues them, she and her mother reluctantly allow the knight to travel with them. Soon the knight is injured and Rapunzel's quick knife skills rescue him. To repay his debt to her, he agrees to teach her to read. Yet as the pair spend time together, they soon realize that things aren't always what they seem, especially in the city. Rapunzel uncovers a mystery that will change her life forever.

I've loved each of the fairy tale books I've read of Melanie Dickerson's. This one occurs during the same days/months as Princess Spy. As some of the events in this book occur in Princess Spy, I recommend reading that one first.

I liked Rapunzel. And Sir Gerek. I liked how they both fought their feelings for each other, but their banter was fun. I also liked how they both grew as the story progressed.

I didn't see the twist with Rapunzel's mother coming, though I am familiar with the fairy tale. I also loved the mystery surrounding Rapunzel.

Overall, this is a good addition to the Fairy Tale Romance Series, and i enjoyed it. It's an easy read.

I received this book for free from the Booklook Bloggers program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of fairy tales, happy endings, young adult, Melanie Dickerson, Jody Hedlund, Lisa Bergren

Rating - 4 stars

The Wedding Chapel - A Review

Published - November 2015, Thomas Nelson Publishers
Author - Rachel Hauck
Title - The Wedding Chapel
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

A wedding chapel that has never seen a wedding. The football coach who built the chapel stone by stone as a tribute to his lost, but never forgotten, love. The elderly actress with past regrets. A newlywed couple with communication problems. "Coach" Jimmy Westbrook poured his heart and soul into building a chapel for the wedding he hoped to have with his high school sweetheart, Collette Greer. For over sixty years, the chapel has stood vacant. It's a place where Jimmy's memories live. Photographer Taylor Branson left her hometown of Heart's Bend, Tennessee to make a name for herself in New York. She doesn't believe in love based on the track record of her family's failed marriages. When she's swept off of her feet by Jack Forester, also from Heart's Bend, Taylor opens her heart a bit to love. Jack's got his own demons that are hurting his relationship with Taylor. Despite his very real and deep love for Taylor, he struggles to share his heart. When Taylor is asked to photograph a wedding chapel in the hills of Tennessee, she reluctantly returns home. The beauty of the chapel, and Coach's obvious love for the woman he built it for, touch something deep inside Taylor. The longer she's in town, the more she discovers that she doesn't want to give up on her marriage. She's captivated by the beauty of the chapel and Coach's story. Yet Taylor also discovers that her own family is connected to both Jimmy and the chapel in a way that she never imagined. Will Jimmy live in the past or be willing to move on? And can Jack and Taylor build a strong marriage despite their rocky beginnings? And for Taylor's elderly aunt, Collette Greer, will she be able to finally gain the peace she longs for from the past that haunts her?

Wow. That's really all I can say about this book. Having read several others of Rachel's books including The Wedding Dress, I had a good idea as to what to expect with this one.

She has seamlessly woven the past with the present and four differing viewpoints to make this a novel I really couldn't put down. Even though the book is told from Taylor, Jack, Jimmy, and Collette's perspectives, I wasn't lost at all. Each piece just peeled back another layer of this remarkable story.

Why did it capture me so much? First of all, the story telling. My heart hurt for Jimmy and for Collette. I wanted Jack and Taylor to talk to each other. Needless to say, I was enthralled by the characters and their lives.

While this one is very different than the Royal Wedding Series, I still loved it. It was similar in style to the Wedding Dress.

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of women's fiction, Rachel Hauck, Julie Lessman, Karen Kingsbury, Jody Hedlund, Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, Susan May Warren, contemporary fiction.

Rating - 5 stars

Note - The review will be posted on Amazon on or around November 17, 2015. 

God Gave Us Sleep - A Review

Published - September 2015, Waterbrook Press
Series - God Gave Us Series
Author - Lisa Tawn Bergren
Title - God Gave Us Sleep
Format - hardcover, ebook
Find on Amazon

Little Cub has a problem. She is having so much playing with her friends that she doesn't want to come inside to go to bed. Mama patiently answers her questions and soon Little Cub manages to fall asleep. But her sleep isn't very restful. The next day Little Cub learns why it is so important to get plenty of sleep.

This book was absolutely delightful! I fully expected it to be as I'm familiar with others in the series. I love the way that the illustrations enhance the story. And the way that Little Cub learns the importance of sleep is just precious. I cannot wait to share this book with my best friend's little ones. It's targeted at the preschool age, but I think both older and younger children will enjoy it.

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to parents of young children, preschool teachers, preschool church workers, nursery teachers, librarians,

Rating - 5 stars

Love in the Details - A Review

Published - October 27, 2015, Zondervan Books
Author - Becky Wade
Series  - A Year of Weddings Novella Series 2, Book 12
Title - Love in the Details
Format - ebook, audio
Find on Amazon

Eight years ago, Holly and Josh were college freshmen and completely in love. He was on a scholarship at MIT and she was at UT San Antonio. When out of the blue, Holly breaks up with Josh. The break up crushes both of them, and over the years neither has really forgotten the other or the love they shared. When his best friend's wedding draws Josh back to his hometown of Martinsburg, Texas, he knows that he will have to work with the local church's wedding coordinator. He doesn't expect it to be Holly. As the two work closely together, old feelings that never went away are pulled to the surface. Holly never told Josh the true reason she broke up with him. Now, she has a chance to tell her secret. But will the painful reason of their breakup years ago create a chasm that can never be healed? Or is the time right now for the two of them to have a future together?

I loved every aspect of this book. Becky Wade has fast become one of my favorite authors. So I KNEW that this was going to be delightful. I was right. I loved how Josh and Holly were both changed from the teens they once were into the adults they became. I also loved how each became stronger as a result of their breakup.

Josh literally had me sighing just a little as he spent more and more time with Holly. And when he found out the true reason she broke up with him, he was able to recognize that it was a good thing for the time. And I loved how Holly was so sweet and caring to everyone. She even managed to get on the goodside of the professional wedding coordinator.

This is recommended to anyone who enjoys happy endings, and fluffy romance.

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, novellas

Rating - 5 stars

Note - review will be posted on Amazon on or around October 27, 2015.

Falling Like Snowflakes - A Review

Published - September 2015, Thomas Nelson Books
Series - Summer Harbor Book 1
Author - Denise Hunter
Title - Falling Like Snowflakes
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

On the run from those who are supposed to protect her, Eden Martelli is trying to reach rural Maine. Her young son is dozing in the backseat when her car breaks down in Summer Harbor. After the unfortunate loss of all of her funds, Eden is literally stranded. She has no choice but to remain in Summer Harbor for the foreseeable future. With the holidays approaching, Eden knows she must find work, any kind of work, that will keep her son and herself from sleeping on a park bench in the cold fall temperatures. Beau Callahan is a former sheriff's deputy who is working full time on the family's Christmas tree farm after the death of his parents. When his very independent aunt suffers a fall that will require someone to stay with her to ensure that she won't overdo, Beau doesn't know what to do. He discovers a solution to the problem when Eden shows up looking for work at the same time that his aunt is released from the hospital - Eden gets a place to stay and a job while his aunt gets the help she needs. But his years in law enforcement have him sensing that Eden, or "Kate" as she calls herself, is hiding something. Love is the last thing Eden wants. Yet she finds herself being drawn into the Callahan family and fiercely attracted to Beau. But will her past ruin any chances that they may have together?

I think that I've loved just about every single one of Denise Hunter's books that I've read. This one was no exception. It's fun, sweet, and full of endearing characters. It was a perfect mix of pure fluff along with great storytelling.

I found that Eden's character was stronger than she first appears. I had suspicions about why she was on the run, and some of them proved to be right. Beau was a character I didn't really connect with. I'm not sure why. I liked him. But I don't know. I just didn't connect with him like I have with other characters in the past. Of all of the characters, my favorite was his aunt. She was delightful and spunky and I just adored her. I do look forward to seeing more of both her and Beau and Eden in the next books in the series. I'm also looking forward to reading the stories of the other Callahan brothers.

I received this book for free from the Booklook Blogger Program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic comedy, Janice Thompson, Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg

Rating - 4 stars

Counting on a Cowboy - A Review

Published - August 2015, Thomas Nelson
Series - Four of Hearts Ranch Romance Book 2
Author - Debra Clopton
Title - Counting on a Cowboy
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Abby Knightly moves to the small town of Wishing Springs, Texas to start over. She's lost all that she holds dear and wants a chance to heal. When Abby meets Bo Monahan, she discovers that he could be a great friend. And at this point in her life, that's all she wants. Bo wants to do his part to save the family ranch while caring for his grandfather. He's not interested in seeing his little town become the new romantic destination or the women who flock there trying to catch his attention like he's Mr. Right. He certainly doesn't need the complications that come with a romantic relationship. When he first meets Abby, he's wary that she's like the other women who have flocked to his town. But as he gets to know her, he finds out she's not. Bo's thrown for a loop when the infant son he never knew about shows up on his doorstep. He knows even less about babies than he does about women. This confirmed bachelor needs help. Abby finds herself drawn to the baby and to his handsome daddy. As she helps him navigate being a parent, the two find themselves drawn to each other. Perhaps these two wounded hearts can find hope and love together.

Debra Clopton's books always make me giggle. This one was no exception. While it is book two in the series, it stands alone.

I love the way that Debra can create a town full of interesting characters. She's done that with her Mule Hollow series and she's done that again with this one. Even though the supporting cast may be more minor characters, they are delightful. I especially loved Pearl and Pops.

I really enjoyed getting to know Abby and Bo in this book. Getting a glimpse of Tru & Maggie from the previous book was fun too. I find that it is always fun to catch up with characters. I'm looking forward to the third book about Jarrod. These brothers have been fun to read about.

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, Love Inspired, Debra Clopton, romantic comedy

Rating - 4 stars

Love Arrives in Pieces

Published - June 2015, Zondervan Books
Author - Betsy St. Amant
Title - Love Arrives in Pieces
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Stella Varland is a former pageant queen who, after her divorce, no longer trusts beauty. She's an interior designer out of luck and trying to not have to move back in with her parents. She has artistic talent, but because she doesn't trust herself anymore, she hides her passion. Contractor Chase Taylor lost his fiancee and is now determined to live with no regrets. He returns home to Bayou Bend to renovate the old theater not knowing that his old love, Stella, is the designer for the project. Stella's afraid to trust Chase again. After all, he's the cause of major contention between her sister and herself that has only recently gotten better. Forced to work together, Chase and Stella battle each other and their unresolved issues. But when a fire happens, can they manage to put the broken pieces of their separate lives together with each other?

I've read one of Betsy St. Amant's novellas before and I really enjoyed it. When I saw this one available to review, I jumped at the chance to review it.

I loved the way that Chase handled Stella. He recognized how fragile she was and strove to pull her out. I also loved how he admitted that he was wrong in the past. There were times when I wanted to shake Stella. I thought that she needed to stand up for herself. But I understood why she didn't.

What I didn't expect was the layers that were both Stella and Chase. Or the delightful homeless woman, Dixie. This book wasn't the light read I was expecting based on the title alone. But it was VERY rich and very good. I really am hoping to see more books set in Bayou Bend.

I received the Kindle version of this book from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of women's fiction, contemporary romance, Katie Ganshert, Becky Wade, Denise Hunter

Rating - 4.5 stars

Married Til Monday - A Review

Published - June 2015, Thomas Nelson Books
Series - Chapel Springs Book 4
Author - Denise Hunter
Title - Married 'Til Monday
Format - ebook, paper, audio
Find on Amazon

Over the past few years, Ryan McKinley has watched each of his younger sisters find love and happiness. He had that once too. But three years after his divorce, Ryan can't get Abby out of his heart. He's even bought her dream home and is living there. Then he gets a call from her parents out of the blue. Ryan soon learns that Abby has not told her parents about their divorce as he's been invited to celebrate their anniversary in Summer Harbor, Maine. Ryan sees the trip as a second chance to win his wife back. Abby doesn't want to go to her parents' anniversary party, especially with her handsome ex-husband along for the ride. But her parents don't know of divorce and she'd rather keep it that way. She doesn't want Ryan getting close to her. Or does she? Because each day is bringing them closer together. Can Ryan prove that he still loves her after all this time? And will Abby let her guard down enough to reclaim what she thought she'd lost forever?

I LOVED this book! Seriously loved it. Yes this is book 4. Yes it stands alone. While it is helpful to have read the others in the series before this one, it doesn't distract from this story if you haven't. Because I have only read book 3 prior to my picking up this one. I've since read book 2 and still need to read the first. But Ryan's story is not dependent on the events in the other three books.

First there's Ryan. He loves Abby. He will do all that he can to  show Abby the depth of his love. I love the way that he pursues her. And their story as to what happened in their marriage was rather heartbreaking. But I loved the way that Ryan recognizes the fault he had in their marriage and how he is willing to not make the same mistakes again. I also love how he defends Abby.

For Abby's part, I loved her struggle. She has a lot of emotional issues and she's afraid to trust Ryan again. But she slowly begins to trust him. I loved how the author shows Abby's problems and how she points out that Abby needs help and not to hide them. I loved how Abby was able to recognize that the things that happened to her were not in her control.

I love fluffy romance novels. And this one fit that bill. From the delightful cover to the rich story, I was utterly captivated. Fans of contemporary romance will surely enjoy this one.

I received a copy for free from the Book Look Blogger Program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of contemporary romance, Denise Hunter, Kristen Billerbeck, Melissa Tagg

Rating - 5 stars