True To You - A Review

Published - May 2017, Bethany House
Series - Bradford Sisters Book 1
Author - Becky Wade
Title - True to You
Format - ebook, paper
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Nora Bradford loves her job. She is a genealogist and the owner of a cute historical village. She loves to be around people and to help them. When former Navy SEAL, John Lawson enters her life, she wants to help him find his birth mother. Yet she doesn't count on falling for him.

This book is just as cute as the others that this author has written. First of all, I love the cover! It's gorgeous!

I loved getting to know Nora and John. I loved being a part of their search for answers for John. I also enjoyed getting to know Nora's sisters. 

I read this book rather quickly. It was light-hearted and fun. 

I received a copy of the book for free from the publisher in order to share my own opinion about the book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Becky Wade, contemporary romance

Rating - 4 stars

Royal Christmas Wedding - A Review

Published - October 2016, Zondervan
Series - Royal Wedding Series Book 4
Author - Rachel Hauck
Title - A Royal Christmas Wedding
Format - ebook, paper
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Five years ago, Avery Truitt met Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom. Five years ago, she fell in love. Five years ago, he broke her heart. Now, Avery's trying to find a coaching job as a volleyball coach. When she and her mother travel to Brighton to spend the Christmas season with her sister Susanna and brother-in-law, King Nathaniel. Susanna's pregnancy is helping to ease the sadness Avery has felt since her father's passing six months ago. Avery knows that she will have to see Prince Colin again. But she's not sure if her heart can take it. Prince Colin finds himself in the center of a centuries old tradition involving Cathedral City's Christmas Season, the Pembroke Chapel Bell, and the speculation regarding that he rang the bell to announce his engagement. Yet Colin's never really stopped loving Avery. Can he convince her that he's sorry for breaking her heart and to give him a second chance by marrying him on Christmas morning as the tradition dictates?

Ever since I read Once Upon a Prince, I have wanted Avery and Colin's story. I kept hoping that they'd end up together. Like the others in this series, I found this book to be utterly delightful.

I loved seeing how Avery has grown up from the teen she was in the first book to the beautiful, confident woman we see in this one. I also love how Colin readily admitted that he still loved her. While there were obstacles to overcome, I loved seeing how they both chose to follow their hearts.

This is by far a perfect conclusion to the Royal Wedding Series.

I received this book for free as part of the Booklook Blogger Program. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion.

Recommended to fans of happy endings, fairy tales, contemporary romance, Rachel Hauck, Becky Wade, Denise Hunter, Melissa Tagg

Rating - 5 stars

Wild Montana Skies - A Review

Published - October 2016, Revell Books
Series - Montana Rescue Book 1
Author - Susan May Warren
Title - Wild Montana Skies
Format - ebook, paper
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Summary (from Amazon):Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town. Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart. With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future?

My Thoughts:
I've long been a fan of Susan May Warren's books. When she finished her Christiansen Family series at the beginning of this year, I was sad to say goodbye. But I knew that she'd have something new coming for her readers. This book combines action and adventure with romance. 

I'll admit that it was very different than her Christiansen Family novels, but different can be a good thing. In this case, it's a VERY good thing. Ben and Kacey have a history. Yet they have to put aside their past in order to save lives. But their past does make itself known in the present. I loved how these two finally got around to talking about what happened so many years ago. And that they weren't going to let anyone stand in their way again. 

I'm looking forward to seeing these characters again in the second book of the series, and to see who the next book will be about. I've got a couple of ideas, but I'm not sure.

I received this book for free from Revell as part of their Revell Reads Blogging program. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Susan May Warren, Becky Wade, Denise Hunter, contemporary fiction

Rating - 4 stars

Keep Holding On - A Review

Published - September 2016, Larkspur Press
Series - Walker Family Book 3
Author - Melissa Tagg
Title - Keep Holding On
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Beckett Walker hasn't returned home to Maple Valley in years. He's come back for his cousin's wedding. And to make amends for an incident that happened years ago when he stopped Kit Danby's wedding. Beckett knows that there's a pretty good chance he'll be arrested once the police know he's back in town considering that he stole a car and then wrecked it prior to leaving town. Kit Danby's supposed to be in London. But she's back in Maple Valley and trying to make sense of her life. Her family's apple orchard is in danger of closing, and Kit begs her father to allow her to make a go of it for the season. When trouble strikes, Kit turns to her best friend from childhood, Beckett, for assistance. Beckett's got to do a lot of community service and Kit's orchard is the place to do it. But can he keep from falling for his best friend - again?

Melissa's books always make me smile. Over the past few books, I've gotten to know the Walker family, and I love them. I love the way that the siblings pull together when they need to. I also love the way that they tease each other.

Beckett and Kit were a cute couple. I thought that they did well together. Of course it's fun to see the other siblings as well. I am looking forward to Raegan's story.

I received the kindle book for free from the author for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, Becky Wade, Susan May Warren

Rating - 4 stars

Like Never Before - A Review

Published - April 2016, Bethany House Publishers
Series - Walker Family Book 2
Author - Melissa Tagg
Title - Like Never Before
Format - ebook, paper
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Widower Logan Walker is a speechwriter on the fast track to a presidential campaign spot. But when he finds out that he's inherited the small newspaper in his hometown of Maple Valley, Iowa, he has no choice but to head home with his daughter. Hoping for a quick sale of the paper, Logan isn't prepared for reporter Amelia Bentley to fight for the paper's survival. When she pitches a story to him, he's intrigued. As the pair chase down leads on this mystery, sparks fly not only in the office, but in their hearts.

I've loved Melissa's writing since I first read Made to Last. And when she introduced us to the Walker family, I realized that it would be a series of books. Returning to Maple Valley with Logan was delightful. I loved the sparks between Logan and Amelia. I also loved seeing his siblings.

One thing that I can always say about Melissa's books, they make me want to watch Cary Grant movies! I'm serious with that. But each book has been a delight to read. I know that I can always count on Melissa's books to lift my mood, make me giggle, and to fall in love with the characters.

I received this book back at the end of March/beginning of April from the author for the purpose of helping to promote. I'll admit I read it in April, but forgot to write my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic comedies, Melissa Tagg, Becky Wade, Katie Ganshert, Janice Thompson, Denise Hunter, Susan May Warren

Rating - 4 stars

 

Sea Rose Lane - A Review

Published - June 2016, Revell Books
Series - Hope Harbor Book 2
Author - Irene Hannon
Title - Sea Rose Lane
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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When attorney Eric Nash arrives back home in Hope Harbor, he doesn't expect to get into a fender bender within his first few minutes. He also doesn't expect his father to be remodeling his childhood home into a Bed and Breakfast. To make matters worse, he's distracted by the pretty blonde, BJ Stevens, in charge of the remodeling. BJ isn't wanting a relationship. Not at all. No matter how handsome her employer's son may be. But when the pair join forces to create a program for Hope Harbor's seniors, maybe, just maybe they'll be able to take a chance on each other as well.

This one was pretty good. It's not my favorite one of Irene's contemporary romances. I'm still a big fan of her romantic suspense books. But this one was good.

Of all of the characters in the book, I think that perhaps Charlie (fish taco hut owner) is my favorite. I love the way that he just has this way of knowing what needs be said/done. And that everyone accepts it.

It was fun to catch up with characters from the first Hope Harbor novel too. While this is part of the series, it stands alone.

But for a summer read, it's well worth it.

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

Recommended to fans of Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Susan May Warren

Rating - 4 stars

Back in the Saddle - A Review

Published - March 2016, Multnomah Books
Series - Double S Ranch Book 1
Author - Ruth Logan Herne
Title - Back in the Saddle
Format - ebook, paper
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Colt Stafford is coming home. Years ago, he left the family ranch angry with his father. He's made a success of himself in the financial world of Manhattan. But when the stock market leaves him jobless and broke, Colt makes the decision to return to the family ranch and his ailing father. He's broke, but not broken. He's determined to do all that he can to help out on the ranch until the market stabilizes and he can return to New York. He doesn't expect to be greeted by a pretty young woman pointing a shotgun at his chest. Angelina  Morales has her own reasons for working as the housekeeper at the ranch. She has her own secrets. Yet this oldest Stafford son sees more than she wants, and she can't deny that she's drawn to him. But when the market rebounds, will Colt stay or return to the city?

I think that this is my first book I've read by Ruth Logan Herne, but I may have read some of her Love Inspired books in the past. I really don't remember.

I really enjoyed this book. This is a unique twist to the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. I have to say, that I enjoyed Angelina's son and Nate's girls the best. They were minor characters in this book, but they were totally sweethearts.

I loved how much Colt, his brother, and his father change in the book. The Staffords have a reputation around town and it isn't a pleasant one. Yet each of them must try to change that reputation. They all have struggles too. For Colt, it's the issue of forgiveness. For his father, it's the issue of pride, and for Nate, it's the issue of fear.

The next book deals with Nate, and I'm looking forward to it.

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

Recommended to fans of Denise Hunter, Kathryn Springer, Susan May Warren, Love Inspired, cowboys, Becky Wade, Liz Johnson

Rating - 4 stars

Her One and Only - A Review

Published - May 2016, Bethany House Publishers
Series - Porter Family Book 4
Author - Becky Wade
Title - Her One and Only
Format - ebook, paper
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Dru Porter has always had to prove herself. As the youngest of four, and the only girl, she has always been trying to prove herself as capable as her older brothers. Now she's got that chance. She's been hired to help provide private security for NFL great Gray Fowler and keep him safe from a stalker. When Gray sees that an attractive young woman has been assigned as part of his security detail, he thinks the agency is crazy. But as Dru and Gray begin to work together, Gray sees that of all his detail, she's the best. But he's also drawn to her. Dru knows better than to fall for her client. Yet as part of her cover, she is posing as his girlfriend. But when the danger toward Gray escalates, will either of them survive to realize that sometimes love can catch them unaware?

This is probably one of the books I've been highly anticipating this year. I mean, finally, we get Dru's story. Needless to say, this one didn't disappoint me.

Dru is a strong character, and I fell for Gray right along with her. While this isn't my favorite of the Porter family (that honor belongs to Meant to Be Mine), I did enjoy reading it. I loved being able to connect with the others in the family too.

Like the other books, there is a secondary plot going on here. This time, we're taken full circle with Meg and Bo being the secondary plot. I'm not going to say what all is going on with them, as I don't want to give it away, but I found it delightful to come full circle.

It took me a while to read this book as I wanted it to last as long as possible.

I received the Kindle copy via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. I also received the paper copy from the author to help promote the book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of contemporary romance, Becky Wade, Janice Thompson, Denise Hunter, Katie Ganshert

Rating - 4 stars

Note - Review will be posted on Amazon on the release date of May 3, 2016. 

You're the One that I Want - A Review

Published - February 2016, Tyndale House
Series - Christiansen Family Book 6
Author - Susan May Warren
Title - You're the One That I Want
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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Owen Christiansen left Deep Haven bitter and angry. An injury left him unable to continue to play hockey, and he's let his bitterness fester. He's now working on a fishing boat in the Bering Sea. When Scotty McFlynn is swept overboard during a strong storm, Owen doesn't think. He jumps in after her. In order to survive, the pair are forced to depend on each other. Scotty's an only child and doesn't know what to think of Owen. Yet she's drawn to him. When Owen's older brother Casper appears in town while Owen is recovering, Scotty realizes that some problems need to be dealt with. As a police officer, Scotty is tasked with escorting the brothers back to Deep Haven. There Owen is forced to come face to face with his past, including the daughter he didn't know about. Can this prodigal find forgiveness, love, and his place in the family circle? And the budding relationship between Scotty and Owen, is it strong enough to survive the turmoil of Owen's past?

I've loved each of these novels, and this one was no exception. I've waited a long time for Owen's story. I wanted this prodigal to return home. His journey has been told through each of the books, so to finally get the rest of his story was very satisfying.

I loved the banter between Owen and Scotty. I loved that she actually saw him for who he was and not as the hockey player, the youngest Christiansen brother, etc. I also loved how she didn't mince words with either Casper or Owen. I loved how Owen realized that just how much he needed her.

Sure their relationship was rocky, but it's part of the beauty of this series. None of the siblings had an easy way to their happy ever after. I love how the author takes the time to show that forgiveness and grace are needed for each person.

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

Recommended to fans of Karen Kingsbury, Susan May Warren, Jody Hedlund, Denise Hunter, Lisa Wingate, Rachel Hauck

Rating - 5 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
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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

On Lone Star Trail - A Review

Published - February 2016, Revell Books
Series - Texas Crossroads Book 3
Author - Amanda Cabot
Title - On Lone Star Trail
Format - ebook, paper
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Concert pianist Gillian Hodge was injured by a reckless motorcycle rider. As a result, she may never be able to play professionally again. In hopes of trying to figure out what to do next, she heads to Texas and her friend Kate's resort of Rainbow's End. T.J. Benjamin lost his wife a little over a year ago. Not only did he lose his wife, his faith took a pretty strong beating. Now he's traveling by motorcycle across the country/state checking off the things on his wife's bucket list. When a sudden thunderstorm sends him and his bike crashing in front of Gillian, T.J. has to wonder at God's sense of humor. As the two work together to entertain the teens in the RV camp at Firefly Valley, they discover that two reluctant hearts can find love.

In this conclusion to the Texas Crossroads series, hope is found again. I really enjoyed this one, like the others in the series. I loved getting to know T.J. and Gillian. I also loved watching them both overcome their struggles.

It was also fun to catch up with the other characters in the series and check in with them. That's one thing that I love about most series, while the novels stand alone, they typically give updates on the characters from the previous books.

I loved seeing them interact with the teens and basically become role models for these kids. When one of the girls runs away, even though TJ and Gillian's relationship is at a rocky place, they both drop what they are doing and join forces to find the girl.

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

Recommended to fans of women's fiction, contemporary romance, Irene Hannon, Susan May Warren

Rating - 4 stars

Note from Dawn - I have several reviews that must go up today, so I'm going fill your inboxes today. 

Dandelions on the Road - A Review

Published - November 2015, Brooke Williams
Series - Dandelion Series Book 2
Author - Brooke Williams
Title - Dandelions on the Road
Format - ebook, paper
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Summary (from Amazon):
Twelve men…one woman…plenty of dandelions. Eva Merida has her life in order. She loves her job at the Furry Friends Rescue League and has a loving, supportive family. But she’s still missing that one special person to stand by her side. When she comes in third place on the local TV version of “The Bachelor,” entitled Accept this Dandelion, she nearly loses all hope for romance. Fortunately, the TV station decides to do a second season of the dating show…and they name Eva as the Bachelorette! With a plethora of dating mishaps recorded for TV, Eva finds herself falling for several men at once…including the show’s host. Will she find love at last or simply embarrass herself in front of the entire city?

My Thoughts:
I met Eva in the first book in this series, Accept This Dandelion. I thought it was fun to get to know her in her own story. Though this is book 2, each book stands alone. 

Like the first in the series, I found this one to be quite humorous. There were situations that happened on the dates that had me laughing. And I really enjoyed Brian, the host of the show. His interactions with Eva were delightful. I think one of my favorite scenes was when she was showcasing one of the dogs from the shelter on the morning newscast. The dog itself was a riot!

Still this was a fun, quick read. Fans of romantic comedies will enjoy this book. 

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

Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, romantic comedies, contemporary romance

Rating - 4 stars

Unexpected Family - A Review

Published - September 2015, Love Inspired
Author - Jill Kemerer
Title - Unexpected Family
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book (From Goodreads):
After five years apart, Tom Sheffield is shocked to find his ex-wife, Stephanie, on his doorstep. The news that they share a child he's never met sends him reeling. Four-year-old Macy has his eyes, his mouth and, from their first encounter, his heart. Things with her mother are much more complicated. He doesn't understand what went wrong between them or why she kept their daughter a secret. And he's afraid of falling in love all over again. Yet he feels a glimmer of hope that somehow he can convince Macy and Stephanie to stay in Lake Endwell—and with him—for keeps.

My Thoughts:
Truthfully, I wasn't too invested in this book. It was a quick read like most Love Inspired Books are. But it didn't hold my attention like others I've read. 

I thought that the plot was a little bit predictable. I mean she kept the knowledge of their child from the hero and of course he's going to fight to be a family together. The character that I liked the most was the little girl, Macy. She's just adorable. Yet neither one of her parents really connected with me. 

For a quick read, it was ok. Not my favorite by any means. But not the worst I've read either. 

I received the Kindle book for free from the author for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to write a positive review, only give my honest opinion, which I have done. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of the Love Inspired Books

Rating - 3 stars

Isle of Hope - A Review

Published - November 2015, Julie Lessman
Series - Isle of Hope Book 1
Author - Julie Lessman
Title - Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love
Format - ebook
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At 18, Lacey Carmichael was a wild child, totally and completely in love with her neighbor, preacher's kid, Jack O'Bryen. When her father kicks her out of the house, she flees the Isle of Hope and turns her back on all that she loves. Now eight years later, she has returned. She's turned her life around and is home to stay. Of course that means making amends with those she hurt - her father, her former boyfriend, and her best friend. She knows it won't be easy, especially since she and Jack are partners in their cousins' wedding. After his pastor father crushed Jack's hopes and dreams by having an affair, he has turned his back on all things related to God. He's a successful ER pediatrician. When Lacey and Jack meet again after all of these years, neither can deny the sparks that fly between them. But can Lacey show Jack that she's changed without risking her heart again? Because she can't afford to fall for the bad boy that he is now. And can Jack learn to forgive not only Lacey, but also his father?

This is Julie's first contemporary novel. I've been a longtime fan of her historicals and was super excited to hear she was going to write a contemporary romance. This book has been one of the ones I was most excited about this year. So needless to say, I had very high expectations for this book.

I wasn't disappointed in the least. Julie has a way of making her readers connect with her characters, scoundrels and all. I loved all of the layers in this story. I loved to how much both forgiveness and unconditional love come to play in the book. Lacey needs forgiveness for more than what first appears. When the scene came up where Lacey finally tells the truth to Jack, I was literally crying. Because my heart hurt for both of these two.

Like her other books, this one has a fun family dynamic. I'm looking forward to the next ones in this series and I hope that we get Jack's sisters' stories. I've pretty much fallen in love with the O'Bryen family and I didn't want to say goodbye.

I'm thrilled to know that one of my favorite authors didn't crash and burn when she switched genres. Isle of Hope is a wonderful addition to any romance lover's library.

I read this book for pure pleasure. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Julie Lessman, contemporary romance, Debbie Macomber, Denise Hunter, Rachel Hauck, Susan May Warren

Rating - 5 stars

By the way, the author has named a very, very minor character after me as one of her contest placers. So that was so much fun to see.

Mamarazzi - A Review

Published - September 2015, Prism Book Group
Author - Brooke Williams
Title - Mamarazzi
Format - ebook, paper
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Danica Bennett has a secret. A big one. One that could either hurt her fledgling photography career or help it soar. She takes pictures of the stars. And not just the official pictures. She's a member of the paparazzi and her pictures have hurt quite a few of the stars. Only her agent knows her true identity as all of her work is signed with a lip print and her nickname in the press is the "Mamarazzi." When Danica is mistaken for an extra on the set of the upcoming new comedy "Cousins", she hopes that she can snag a few pictures from behind the scenes. Then the unthinkable happens. She's noticed by one of the stars and their chemistry is literally shooting off sparks. Enough sparks that she ends up with a recurring role on the show. As she gets to know the cast and the crew, particularly one of the lead actors Eliot Lane, Danica hopes that she will be able to put aside her Mamarazzi persona for good. Yet like all secrets, they have a way of coming to light at the worst possible moment. When hers comes to light, will Hollywood forgive her? And will her relationship with the man she's fallen in love with hold up or crumble?

Months ago, the author emailed me to ask me if I would be interested in reading & reviewing her new release. I'd enjoyed the other book I'd read by her, and was thrilled to say yes.

This would probably be best classified as a romantic comedy. There are certainly some funny scenes. It is also VERY clean. I wouldn't go so far as to classify it as a Christian romance, but for those people who like clean romances, this is for them. And when I say clean, I mean there is no bad language, violence, or sex scenes. The romance is limited to kissing and that's it. So very clean.

Anyway, back to the book review. I enjoyed watching Danica grow. As she started to get more and more legitimate photography exposure, her need to sell to the tabloids grew less and less. She faces a turning point in the novel and I admire her decision. I also loved Lane. He's such a sweetheart with her. I loved how he helps her out while he falls in love with her.

Overall, it was a cute book. I'd like to know what happens to the TV show as well as Danica and Lane beyond what is listed in the epilogue.

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

Rating - 4 stars

Hope Harbor - A Review

Published - July 2015, Revell Books
Author - Irene Hannon
Title - Hope Harbor
Format - ebook, paper
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Michael Hunter arrives in Hope Harbor hoping that the town will live up to its name. He is trying to come to grips with the way that his life has been changed over the last year or so. He's wanting a place where he can relax and not be bothered with the running of a charitable organization. Yet he doesn't count on the unexpected encounters he has in the town. Tracy Campbell grew up in Hope Harbor. She loves it there and never planned on leaving. But life and love changed her plans. Now she's back and is determined to do all that she can to save the family's cranberry farm. She recruits Michael to help out with a struggling charity and isn't prepared for the changes that come to town.

I've always enjoyed Irene Hannon's books. While I personally prefer her romantic suspense novels as opposed to her romances, this book was good. It started off slow, but as the pieces connected, I started to really enjoy it.

I really liked one of the secondary characters, Annie. I thought that she was pretty neat. She's a quiet character, but she's got a lot of personality. I also really enjoyed how all of the pieces fit together. How all of the various story-lines converged into one.

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

Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, romance, contemporary romance.

Rating - 4 stars

Love Arrives in Pieces

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

The Wonder of You - A Review

Note - There is no Top Ten Tuesday post today. I didn't care for the topic. But it will return next Tuesday. So today, enjoy the book review.

Published - July 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
Series - Christiansen Family Book 5
Author - Susan May Warren
Title - The Wonder of You
Format - ebook, paper
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Amelia Christiansen has returned from Europe with a broken heart. She isn't ready for the adventures that life wants to give her. She certainly doesn't expect to see the man who broke her heart appear on her family's doorstep with an apology. Roark St. John is the heir to an European hotel dynasty. He's spent the last several years roaming from location to location hiding from his past. When he met Amelia, he wanted to stop running. After breaking her heart, he knows that he has no choice but to follow her and seek her forgiveness and hopefully a second chance. Amelia's torn between Roark and her high school sweetheart who makes it known that he wants to get back together with her. Will Amelia figure out that her own place in the world may need her to find her wings and fly?

I've loved each book in this series. This one is no different. It's helpful to read the series in order, though it is not necessary.

I LOVED Roark! I loved how he pursued Amelia. I also loved how he was willing to change once his faults were brought to his attention. And Amelia, she's not my favorite of the siblings, but I did enjoy her.

I did not like Seth, Amelia's high school sweetheart. I found him to be overbearing and rude. As I was reading I kept asking myself what did she see in him.

The Christiansen family hasn't had an easy go of it. And this book shows Casper heading off to find Owen, the youngest brother, while the rest of the family deals with the bombshell of Grace's elopement. But I love how they come together as a family and support one another.

Fans of this series will love it.

I received this book for free from Tyndale House Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of contemporary romance

Rating - 4 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
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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

In Firefly Valley - A Review

Published - May 2015, Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Texas Crossroads Book 2
Author - Amanda Cabot
Title - In Firefly Valley
Format - ebook, paper
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When Marisa St. George left the small Texas town she grew up in, she never dreamed that she'd return. Yet she is forced to when the company she works for cuts her job and she is left with no option but to return and to accept the position as business manager at the Rainbow's End resort. The only thing she sees as good in coming out of this move is a new guest, Blake Kendall. He helps Marissa believe in love at first sight. Blake is stuck. He's got a serious case of writer's block and nothing will help break through it. When he shows up at Rainbow's End, he's hoping the quiet lakeside resort will help him overcome the writer's block. But when he meets Marissa, all thoughts of his newest story vanish as he spends time with the lovely young lady. He wants to help her. She's struggling with the way her drunken father abandoned them years ago. But when Marissa finds out who Blake really is, will she let fears get in the way of happiness and love?

I enjoy stories that are pure fluff. You know stories where I don't have to think while I read. Just ones that I can sit down with and enjoy. For me, I found that in this book. Yes it's book 2, but it stands alone and while characters from the first book are mentioned, it is not necessary to read it prior to reading this one.

Blake and Marissa. Both are strong characters. Both have issues that they are dealing with. Marissa's go back to her father and Blake's to his grandfather. And they each have to learn how to trust in God and to not only let go, but to forgive.

Like the first book, there was a secondary romance in this one too. This was between Lauren, Marissa's best friend, and Drew, Greg's old partner. I enjoyed their story as much as the one between Blake & Marissa.

If you're looking for something deep and thought provoking, then this is not the book for you. However, if you want an enjoyable summer read, this is a book for you. The journeys the characters go on made it a fun read for me. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

Recommended to fans of contemporary romance, Becky Wade, Katie Ganshert, Susan May Warren, Denise Hunter

Rating - 4 stars