When Love Arrives - A Review

Published - September 2016, Revell Books
Series - Misty Willow Book 2
Author - Johnnie Alexander
Title - When Love Arrives
Format - ebook, paper
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Brett Somers is trying to change his life. He's not the man that he used to be. When he meets Dani Prescott outside of the children's hospital, he has no idea that she's trying to gather information that could discredit him. As an upcoming young professional, Brett mentioned in an interview that he blamed the pilot for the crash that killed his parents. He didn't know that Dani's mother was the pilot and that she was killed as well. Dani's determined to find something that will discredit Brett. But she's hiding something too. When their secrets come to light, can there be both forgiveness and love with new beginnings?

I didn't care for Brett in the first book, but I wanted to see how he would change when given his own story. I'm glad to see that he has changed. I loved his interactions with Dani. I also loved how determined he was to truly show he had changed. I loved how Dani was able to find where she actually belonged.

Book three in the series will be about Brett's sister Amy. I'm really looking forward to reading her story.

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

Recommended to fans of Melissa Tagg, Susan May Warren, Liz Johnson, Becky Wade

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
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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

The Wedding Chapel - A Review

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

Intertwined - A Review

Published - October 2015, New Hope Publications
Author - Jennifer Slattery
Title - Intertwined
Format - ebook, paper
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Tammy Kuhn is an organ procurement specialist. She is very outspoken about her faith and that has led to her being under scrutiny by her supervisor. She's also a single mom trying to make her children the best life possible when their father doesn't seem to care about them. Nick Zimmerman also has his own custody battles going on. His ex-wife refuses to let him have their sons on their agreed upon visits. Yet when she needs him to keep the boys while she goes on vacation, Nick is thrilled to have the chance to connect with his boys. They are together for only a day or so when there is an accident, and one of his boys finds himself in a fight for his life. When the unimaginable happens, Nick meets Tammy in the hospital ICU waiting room. As both struggle with their lives, they begin to reconnect with each other. They were once high school friends. But will the trials make them stronger or not?

First of all, the title's subtitle of "contemporary romance" is very misleading. The romance is an after thought. Really. This book should be classified as contemporary fiction instead.

While this was a quick read, it wasn't what I expected. This is a new to me author, and I appreciate the fact that she dealt with issues most authors don't touch. Yet, while it was good, I didn't find it to be great. I probably won't reread the book.

And while it it was good, I found the first half of the book much more interesting than the second half. The characters just seemed to stop being developed after the first half.

I received this book for free from the author for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of contemporary fiction

Rating 3 stars

Mapmaker's Children - A Review

Published - May 2015, Crown Publishers
Author - Sarah McCoy
Title - Mapmaker's Children
Format - hardcover, paper, audio, ebook
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About the book (from Goodreads):
When Sarah Brown, daughter of abolitionist John Brown, realizes that her artistic talents may be able to help save the lives of slaves fleeing north, she becomes one of the Underground Railroad’s leading mapmakers, taking her cues from the slave code quilts and hiding her maps within her paintings. She boldly embraces this calling after being told the shocking news that she can’t bear children, but as the country steers toward bloody civil war, Sarah faces difficult sacrifices that could put all she loves in peril.
   Eden, a modern woman desperate to conceive a child with her husband, moves to an old house in the suburbs and discovers a porcelain head hidden in the root cellar—the remains of an Underground Railroad doll with an extraordinary past of secret messages, danger and deliverance. 
   Ingeniously plotted to a riveting end, Sarah and Eden’s woven lives connect the past to the present, forcing each of them to define courage, family, love, and legacy in a new way.

My thoughts:
This is a new author to me. So I wasn't sure what to expect. I was drawn into the story rather quickly. Despite the fact that it took me a few months to read the book. That's due to other review commitments I had going on. I've always been fascinated with the Civil War time period and this is set partially in the prewar months. 

I really enjoyed both the modern story and the historical one. As Eden uncovers the secrets of her house, Sarah's story is told. I knew really knew that there were maps for the slaves to follow. I mean, I knew about the follow the drinking gourd and understood that meant the Big Dipper/Little Dipper.

The detail in this book was amazing. I really enjoyed getting deeper into history of an era I already loved. 

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

Recommended to fans of Gone With the Wind, Sara Gruen, Lisa Wingate, contemporary fiction, historical fiction

Rating - 4 stars

Last Chance Hero - A Review

Published - September 2015, Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - A Place to Call Home Book 4
Author - Cathleen Armstrong
Title - Last Chance Hero
Format - ebook, paper
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Dr. Jessica McLeod is excited about starting up her new practice in the small town of Last Chance, New Mexico. There's one problem. The townspeople are reluctant to switch doctors even though they are thrilled that Last Chance finally has its own doctor. Jess longs to get involved in the community. Her best option to do so is to attend the high school football games. Jess knows absolutely nothing about football and doesn't understand the way that EVERYONE in the town seems to live and breathe football. To complicate matters, Jess finds herself drawn to the new football coach, Andy Ryan. Andy's the town's golden boy. He was on the football team during the town's Glory Days and went on to play in the NFL. Now that he's back, the town expects a return of the Glory Days. Andy tries to tell people that this is a different time, different team, but the expectations are very high. As he gets to know Jessica, he discovers that she's the only person in the town who doesn't care about the Glory Days. Yet when they clash over the treatment of an injured player, will their friendship survive?

I've read all of the others in this series and enjoyed them. This one didn't have the same feel to it. For starters, it is classified as a romance, but I didn't really pick up on the romance. Truthfully, I thought that Andy and Jessica's friendship was in fact opening doors to their romance. But I wouldn't go so far to classify this as a romance. It's a sweet story, and I did read it quickly. This one also left a lot of issues unresolved. I also found that it ended rather abruptly.

It was fun to reconnect with some of the other characters from the Last Chance books. But I wish that there had been more to the development of Andy & Jess's romance. Maybe that'll come more to play in the next book. I don't know.

I'll admit that I'm not a football fan. My knowledge is slightly more than that of Jess's. So her trying to understand why everyone seemed to live and breathe football made sense to me. I got that. And I understand that she was willing to make an attempt. I liked that about her. I didn't really like the fact that Jess would use her status as a doctor to ensure that football related activities did not take one of her patient's focus off of his grades. I loved Andy's conversation with Jess after that. He made her think about the student and was she really acting in the kid's best interest.

There were a lot of things I wish had been developed more or even resolved. Andy and his father's relationship had potential. Jess's faith journey. Her suspicions of  one of her patients. These are just to name a few.

Don't get me wrong. I liked the book. I didn't love it. It's just ok. It didn't have as much depth as I'd hoped. But it was enjoyable.

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

Recommended to fans of Friday Night Lights, football, contemporary fiction

Rating - 3 stars

Secrets She Kept - A Review

Published - August 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
Author - Cathy Gohlke
Title - Secrets She Kept
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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After her mother's death, Hannah Sterling wishes that they could have been closer. All of her life, Hannah felt that Lieselotte did not love her and was incapable of love. When she overhears a conversation between her aunt and a family friend, Hannah is determined to find the answers that will unlock Lieselotte's past and possible provide closure for Hannah. One startling discovery is that Hannah has a grandfather living in Germany. To discover all she can about her mother, Hannah travels to Germany. There she discovers that thirty years before, Lieselotte's father was quickly ascending the ranks of the Nazi Party and that he wanted an advantageous marriage for his daughter - not Lukas, the boy Lieselotte has loved for years. Lieselotte had no idea how far exactly her father would go to ensure her cooperation, and his actions lead to a rift that Hannah has no hope of bridging. Hannah's grandfather is also hiding wartime secrets. His secrets force Hannah to reevaluate all she knows about her mother and to figure out how she can atone for her family's tragic past as well as use the information to shape her future.

Every since I read Promise Me This, I've discovered that Cathy's books are very gripping. They have a tendency to hold me captive and not let me go. This one was no exception.

Set both in WWII and the 1970's, I was captivated. I had an idea as to where Lieselotte's story was going and I wasn't surprised to discover that I was right. Hannah's story on the other hand, I had no idea in what direction her story would go. I loved the WWII portion better than the other. But overall, it was a good book.

Both Hannah and Lieselotte are deep characters. Yet what I really loved is how Hannah's attitude changed toward her mother as she learned exactly what happened. For a while, it seemed that every character in the book had a secret. And some of those secrets were huge. But the way things resolve after they came to light, made wading through the secrets worth it.

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

Recommended to fans of Laura Frantz, WWII, Brock & Bodie Thoene, Kristy Cambron

Rating - 4 stars

Reservations for Two - A Review

Published - April 2015, Waterbrook/Multnomah
Series - Two Blue Doors Book 2
Author - Hillary Manton Lodge
Title - Reservations for Two
Format - paper, ebook
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Summary from Goodreads:
Food writer-turned-restaurateur Juliette D’Alisa has more than enough on her plate. While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother’s past, it’s also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can’t give up. 

Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home presents a different set of challenges. Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle – how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into to her life? 

As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can’t help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother’s letters from the 1940’s provide wisdom to guide her present? Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?

My Thoughts:
First this book stands alone. It's also the first time I have read one of Hillary Manton Lodge's books. And honestly, it didn't keep my interest. I LOVED the recipes in the book, but I wasn't wanting to keep reading. I struggled with it. Sure parts of it intrigued me, but those parts weren't enough to keep me WANTING to read the book.

I did love the trip through the European countryside. I felt like I was there with the characters. But I felt really kinda blah about the characters and their relationship. Would I try it again? Maybe someday, especially if I get a chance to read the first book.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from Blogging for Books for the Purpose of reviewing. I was not required to like the book, only to give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 3 stars

Crossroads - A Review

Published - April 2015
Series - Miller's Creek Book 6
Author - Cathy Bryant
Title - Crossroads
Format - ebook, paper
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Summary (from Amazon):
After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge? 

An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?

My Thoughts:
I've read most of the Miller's Creek novels. They are very well done. This one is no exception. The topics in this one seem heavier than most of the others, but it was still good. It took me a while to read it, because I actually forgot I had it.

Like each of her other books that I have read, Cathy Bryant's newest is also a novel that brings one to tears. And that's because of all of the emotion and the heart-wrenching that goes on in the book. I'd probably relate this to the Karen Kingsbury books I've read over the years. So for fans of drama, this is a book for you.

Yet this one didn't capture my attention like some of her others. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. But I didn't find that the characters drew me into their world like they have in previous novels. Maybe it's because I've just finished reading a really strong character driven novel that had me comparing this one to that one. But while I cared about the characters and they interested me, I didn't find myself invested in them. 

I'm not saying that I didn't like this book, because I did enjoy it. I'm really saying that this particular book is probably not my favorite in the series.

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

Recommended to fans of contemporary fiction, drama, Cathy Bryant, Karen Kingsbury

Rating - 4 stars

Love Like Ours - A Review

Published - May, 2015, Bethany House Publishers
Series - Porter Family Series, Book 3
Author - Becky Wade
Title - Love Like Ours
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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Jake Porter is a former Marine. He's seen a lot of action. And while he may have returned home mostly unscathed, he's suffering from PTSD. He lives a solitary life, remains on the outskirts of his family, and is generally left alone. But he's got a talent for getting the best out of a horse and enjoys his time spent training Thoroughbreds. When his childhood best friend, Lyndie James, moves back to Holley, Texas, Jake is pushed out of his comfort zone and cautiously hires her to exercise his horses. She's fearless and has a gentle touch. So Jake pairs her with his stallion Silver Leaf, a horse with lots of promise but little results hoping she can figure out the mystery behind the horse's reluctance to run. Though the years have passed and both Lyndie and Jake are far different adults than the children they once were, neither can deny that there is still a bond between them. As they spend more and more time together, Jake's drawn to Lyndie's gentleness against his will. He feels that he wouldn't be good for her. Will Lyndie's persistence pay off and Jake be able to let go of his fears to find love? Or will his fears keep them apart for good?

I've enjoyed each and every book in the Porter Family series. This one was no exception. Becky has done a tremendous job of creating very deep characters. I don't think I've ever read a book where the main character suffers from PTSD. The way that she addresses it is done with grace and care.

I loved the ways that Lyndie worked with both Jake and Silver Leaf to overcome their fears. She was gentle yet strong. In some ways, she treated Jake like a skittish colt. And the depth to Jake's character really did wow me. He is definitely the definition of a wounded hero. I also loved getting a glimpse into Ty and Celia now too.

There were a couple of things that bothered me, and they're rather minor. First I didn't like the way that one of the characters kept going on and on about how handsome Ty was, even though he was/is happily married. And the other thing was the way that it felt that Lyndie had to give up her dream to have Jake. Like I said, those are minor, and didn't detract at all from my enjoyment of the book.

I received the book for free from the author to help promote it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of contemporary romance, Becky Wade, Katie Ganshert, Irene Hannon

Rating - 4 stars

Horse in the Wilderness - A Review

Published - January 2013, Westbow Press
Author - Debbie Eckles
Title - Horse in the Wilderness
Format - paper, ebook, hardcover
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Autumn Parker wants to move out of her parents' home into their rent house. But before she is able to mention it to them, they inform her that they just rented the house to the new elementary music teacher. Brent Travis is a man trying to start over. He has left behind the faith he once claimed as his own and is desperately trying to have nothing to do with God. When he takes on the elementary music teacher role, he doesn't know what to think of the people in this small town. Surely they can't be real? Because the so-called Christians in his experience didn't actually show Christ's love. But as he gets to know the people, his students, and his landlord's family, Brent can't help but see the walls he built around his heart begin to crumble. Especially in light of unexplained vandalism, a young boy who likes to wander off, a horse that went missing, and Autumn who appears too good to be true.

I'm pretty sure that this is the first book I've ever read by this author. The only reason I picked it up was because Booklook Bloggers was offering an additional title published by Westbow Press in addition to any Thomas Nelson/Zondervan titles already requested. I figured, it's free, might as well give it a chance.

Overall, the story moved really slowly. I frequently had no inclination of picking it up to read. There was a good plot to the story, it's just that the author took forever to tell it. There is an overall theme of forgiveness in the story.

As much as the story line itself was rather interesting I did have several issues with the book. First, there seemed to be big gaps in the story. Like the reader was already supposed to know what was going on. Second, the author had relationships develop pretty much out of nowhere. And Brent's past, she treated it like it was some big secret, when it did explain why he was so cynical and hurting. Third, I don't think the target audience of the book would be mature adults. I felt that the book read more along the lines of a reading level of 7th or 8th grade.

Without a doubt, the author's views on several subjects are made glaring obvious such as divorce and the "traditional" church (services twice on Sunday, once on Wednesday, and EVERYONE must participate in some form at church).

Overall, I'd have to say that this book probably wasn't for me. I did receive a copy of the Kindle version from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to like the book, only to give my honest opinion of it.

Recommended to fans of Love Inspired.

Rating - 3 stars

Together With You - A Review

Note from Dawn - Once again there is no Top Ten Tuesday post today. And that's because the topic of "Top Ten Characters who _____(like music, are orphans, etc) wasn't an easy one for me to come up with. I do like next week's topic though, so TTT will be back on May 5. So enjoy today's book review. 

Published - April 2015, Bethany House Publishers
Author - Victoria Bylin
Title - Together With You
Format - ebook, paper
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When a Lost Child notice comes over the PA system of the mall she works at, Carly Mason is determined to follow protocol. She finds the little girl happily playing with a stuffed rabbit. While she notifies the mall authorities, Carly notices that there's something different about Penny Tremaine and her heart clinches when she realizes that Penny suffers from fetal alcohol effects. Carly had vowed to never again get involved personally with a client. But Penny needs her help. Penny's handsome father, Dr. Ryan Tremaine, is trying to put the pieces of his life back together. He's got custody of his teenage sons for the summer as his ex-wife and her new husband are on a trip overseas. And then there's Penny. She needs so much more than what he can give her. Ryan has one objective this summer - reconnect with his children by doing things on his Sink or Swim list. The first thing he needs is a nanny for Penny. Particularly one who understands her needs. He's determined that Carly be that nanny. As attraction between them grow and they both fight it, Ryan comes to realize that maybe Carly is the missing piece of his family's puzzle.

 I've read a lot of Victoria's Love Inspired/Love Inspired Historical books, so I was thrilled to finally pick up a full length novel. I've got her release from last year on my Kindle, just haven't gotten to it yet.

This book captivated me from the first page. I found myself wanting more for Penny and wanting Carly to help her. I also loved Ryan. I thought that he showed great promise for admitting to his mistakes and to taking responsibility. But he also wanted what was best for his children. I loved his faith journey too. I loved how when he was at his lowest, that's where he found God.

I loved how Penny really kinda stole the show in the book. She was such a pivotal character. I loved seeing how she grew to trust not only Carly, but her father and brothers. And how she came to call Ryan Daddy as opposed to Dr. Tremaine or "Dr. Daddy."

This book surprised me on so many levels. I'd love to see a sequel to it that would allow us to get a glimpse into their lives a few years down the road or so.

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

Recommended to fans of Love Inspired/Love Inspired Historicals, Irene Hannon's contemporary books, Karen Kingsbury, Becky Wade, Kathryn Springer

Rating - 5 stars

Dandelion Field - A Review

Published - January 2015, Zondervan Books
Author - Kathryn Springer
Title - The Dandelion Field
Format - ebook, paper
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Ginevieve Lightly wasn't planning on staying in Banister Falls. Until her daughter, Raine, asked to stay until she completed her senior year. Gin certainly wasn't expecting to come home from work one day to find her daughter sitting on the couch with tear filled eyes and say two words "I'm pregnant." Fire captain Dan Moretti vowed when his best friend died in a fire that he'd be there for his son, Cody Bennett. For Dan, it was an easy decision as Cody's mother, his father, and Dan himself were inseparable growing up, and Dan has always held a soft spot in his heart for Evie Bennett, Cody's mother. He wasn't expecting to answer a frantic call from Evie one day begging him to find Cody. When Dan does locate Cody, neither he nor Evie are prepared for him telling them that Raine is pregnant let alone his next words, "The baby is mine." Dan soon finds himself mediating between Evie and Cody, Raine, and Gin. As he gets to know Gin, he's drawn more and more to her. Gin's instincts tell her to run, but with Raine and Cody needing her, she can't. But can Gin trust Dan through it all?

I've read a lot of Kathryn Springer's books in the past. So when I learned that she was releasing a full length novel, I was thrilled because I've always enjoyed her books. I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I knew that there would be more depth and more character development than the Love Inspired Books, and I wasn't disappointed in that at all. In fact, this may be one of the most surprising books I've read this year because these characters have decided to linger in my mind. And I've found myself continuing their story in my mind I enjoyed them so much.

First, I loved Raine and Cody. I loved how they admitted they made a mistake. But that they were going to stand by one another no matter what. I also loved how they each sought out the Lord through the repercussions relating to the pregnancy.

I also loved Dan. I found that he really was the one that held things together for Evie and for Gin. I loved his strength. I loved how Cody felt he could be real with him. And even Raine ended up looking to him. I found Gin to be one character I wanted to know about. I wanted to find out if she mended her relationship with her sister. But I also admired Gin's determination to be independent. I understood where she came from and that her life had been difficult, but I did want her to learn to trust others too.

Overall, I'd have to say that I really loved this book. It is currently my favorite one by this author.

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 Irene Hannon's contemporary fiction, Karen Kingsbury, Lisa Wingate, the Love Inspired books, Courtney Walsh, Susan May Warren

Rating - 5 stars

At Home in Last Chance - A Review

Published - January 2015, Revell Books a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - A Place to Call Home Book 3
Author - Cathleen Armstrong
Title - At Home in Last Chance
Format - ebook, paper
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Kaityln Reed has always run from her problems. The last time she ran, she left her seven year old daughter in Last Chance with Kaitlyn's older brother. Now she's back and trying to start over. She has a lot to prove to the town, to her brother, and to her daughter. Will Kaitlyn finally find her own home?

I've read both of the other books in this series and enjoyed them. This one was no exception. While it is a part of the series, it does stand alone. Readers don't really need to read the other two to fully enjoy this one.

Like the other books in this series, the story has the small town feel to it. I found it to be a quick read. I enjoyed not having to think through this book. I did think that Kaitlyn needed to really grow up. I also thought that the townspeople were a little hard on her. She was trying. She realized she'd made mistakes and was willing to change her life.

I thought that Steven was too much of a charmer. And he knew it too. I admired him for trying to show his family that he wasn't the same guy he was years ago. I didn't like him too much at first, but he grew on me. By the end of the book, I liked him.

Overall, I'd say this series is pretty good. I'm pretty sure that this was the conclusion, and if so, then it wrapped nicely. If it's not, I look forward to the new adventures in Last Chance.

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 fiction, Denise Hunter, Melody Carlson

Rating - 4 stars

Left Behind - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers, reprinted 2011
Series - Left Behind Series book 1
Author - Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins
Title - Left Behind
Format - ebook, paper, hardcover, mass market paperback, audio

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In a matter of minutes, millions of people across the globe have disappeared. For the rest of the world, they are trying to make sense of these disappearances. Captain Rayford Steele, his daughter Chloe Steele, journalist Cameron "Buck" Williams, and pastor Bruce Barnes each have to decide for themselves if the Bible is true and what they witnessed was the Rapture. In the political world, there is a new face on the rise. Unknown Nicolae Carpathia has captured the attention of the world. This fast paced adventure has the characters searching for answers and seeing prophecy lived out.

I first read Left Behind at least ten years ago, probably more. I've read it several times since. While it's not my favorite of the series, I did enjoy the adventure and the thrill of recalling events that I missed the first several times I read the book. I think that if this book gets people to read the Bible, than that's a great thing to have happen. If it promotes discussion of end times events, then that's even better. I know that there are three generally accepted schools of thought regarding the end time events in the Bible among the Christian community. I know, too, that these groups may disagree with each other. I'm not going to say which school of thought I fall into, because my opinion is just that - my opinion. Still I recommend reading and researching for yourself the events in Scripture.

From the first moment he appeared on the page, Buck Williams became my favorite character. I love how he's so determined to find answers.

Still while it was a pleasure to read again, I found just ok. Maybe that's because I've changed as a reader over the years. If I'd rated ten years ago, I'd have probably rated it 4 or 5 stars. But now, for me, it's not a 5 star book. Like I said, I think I've changed as a reader over the years.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of adventure, end times, prophecy, contemporary fiction

Rating - 3 stars - My reading tastes have changed since first reading it. Full explanation is above.

The Turning - A Review & Giveaway

Publisher - River North

Author - Davis Bunn

Title - The Turning

Format - ebook, paper

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When five strangers find themselves drawn together without really knowing why, they watch out a window as a message of "Hope is dead" is broadcast across New York's Times Square. These five soon realize why they were brought together. Together, this group of believers formulate a strategy that takes them up against one of the corporate giants in America. Will they be successful in presenting a message of hope?

This book reminded me a lot of a series I read years ago. I can't even remember the name of the series or the author, but the way that this was written reminded me of it.

To be honest, I wasn't too interested in the book as it started. I didn't know how the threads were going to be connected or fleshed out. Yet I hung in there. I enjoyed watching the way each of the five started to use gifts they had been given and to trust God to do the rest. Short chapters made this book a true page turner.

I loved how they fought to present a message of hope being alive and well. I found that to be one of the best themes of the book.

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

Recommended to fans of Frank Peretti's Prophet, The Shack, contemporary fiction

Rating - 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it, I just wasn't too interested in it til late in the story.

Giveaway!!!!

The publisher has graciously provided me a copy of the book to give away.

Please follow the instructions in the form below. I can only ship US.

All comments must be on the actual blog post and not on the form.

Answer this question: What message of hope would you give?

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Just 18 Summers - A Review

Published - March, 2014, Tyndale House Publishers

Author - Rene Gutteridge & Michelle Cox

Title - Just 18 Summers

Format - ebook, paper

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The death of Jenny Browning affected all those who knew her. As her husband and friends try to navigate the summer without her, they discover that Jenny's wisdom and her zest for life covered so many things. Butch is struggling to get used to this new normal of just himself and his young daughter. Beth and Larry are facing the changes of children growing up and leaving the nest. Charles and Helen are trying to figure out why their perfect family isn't so perfect. Tippy and Daphne are looking forward to the birth of their first child and are reading up on all things pregnancy related. Each of these people realize that Jenny's life touched them in ways that they never before thought about.

I wasn't too sure what to expect from this book as I'd passed it over for another title when it was offered to review. Yet I found myself drawn into the story very quickly. The book is told from the points of view of Butch, Beth, Larry, Helen, Charles, Tippy, and Daphne. And while they struggle to make sense of the world without Jenny, they each have to realize what is important. And they each realize that the ways in which they raise their children will have lasting impacts on the children.

This is a book I'd recommend to any parent. I'd recommend it to people who enjoy contemporary fiction as well. There are so many good truths in this book. But it all boils down to this - parents have just eighteen summers to mold and shape their children into responsible adults.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. Thanks to the Kindle feature that allows readers to loan Kindle books as I received this book as a loan from a friend. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 4 stars

Woman of Fortune - A Review

Published - June, 2014, Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Series - Texas Gold Collection, book 1

Title - A Woman of Fortune

Author - Kellie Coates Gilbert

Format - ebook, paper

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Claire Massey is living the life that others dream about. Her family is worth billions, and she is every bit a socialite. Yet her perfect world comes crashing down around her in one instant. Her husband is accused of fraud, and he's guilty of it. Claire is soon thrust into a media circus, a flurry of lawyers, trials, and seeing her home and possessions sold off. Left with very little, she has to start over. But who will take a chance on the wife of a thief?

This is the first book I've read by Kellie Coates Gilbert. I like her writing style. But I didn't really connect with any of the main characters.

I found Claire to be self-centered and really not very likeable. At least at first. She did grow on me, but I still didn't connect with her until the end. Daughter Lainie is a selfish spoiled brat. Through the entire book, she was focused on one thing - herself. Son Garrett wanted to disassociate himself from his family at the expense of his mother. Son Max seemed to be the most down to earth. While I did find him to be a bit more of a cynic, I did kinda of like him. Claire's husband, Tuck, kept saying he was sorry and he didn't know how he let things get the way that they did. For me, his redemption  came in the letters he wrote Claire. Those were pretty good.

The one character I adored was Claire's best friend Jana Rae. This is a friend who not only lost her retirement savings because of Claire's husband, but she wasn't afraid to tell Claire the truth. She didn't sugarcoat anything. Yet she was the one friend who also stood by Claire and was there for her through everything.

Overall, this was a fast read for me. I didn't really care for the characters, but I did enjoy the author's writing style. I'll probably read the next in the series. But for me, this one isn't a keeper.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of women's fiction, contemporary fiction

Rating - 3 stars

The author has created a YouTube video about the book. Watch it here.

Here to Stay - A Review

Published - May 2014, Bethany House Publishers

Series - Where Love Begins book 2

Author - Melissa Tagg

Title - Here to Stay

Format - ebook, paper

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Blake Hunziker returns to his hometown of Whisper Shore, Michigan on the heels of his "celebrity" status as Miranda Woodruff's fake husband. He's ready to come to grips with his past and to put his years of wandering the globe behind him. When his father and the town's Chamber of Commerce offer him the job of getting the town ready for the Christmas festival, Blake agrees. There's only one problem. He has no idea how to run a festival. Autumn Kingsley is running her family's inn and dreaming of leaving her small town. Her inn is in need of a lot of TLC and when a high profile potential investor checks in, Autumn is determined to put her inn at its best. Though with no money for repairs, Autumn doesn't know how she will put the inn's best forward to her investor. When she runs into Blake, he offers a solution to both of their problems. He'll help with the repairs around the inn if she'll help him with the festival. Autumn knows that both of their families will protest the bargain due to a long held feud between them, but she agrees to Blake's offer. What she doesn't expect is to start to fall for the man. What's Blake to do when the man who has stopped running begins to fall in love with the girl who can't wait to leave?

After loving Melissa Tagg's debut novel, Made to Last, last year, I eagerly anticipated Blake's story. I'd grown to love him in Made to Last and had very high expectations for this book. I'm pleased to say that this book exceeded all of my expectations.

This one was filled with humor like the first. I loved how Blake wanted to show he'd changed and had moved far from his nickname of "Blaze." I loved how he went out of his way to help someone or to assist Autumn. For her part, Autumn needed to discover who she really was and what made her happy. I loved her journey.

Seriously, if this were a movie, it had all of the makings of a chick flick that I'd enjoy over and over. I loved this book just as much as the first.

I received this book for free from the author as part of her Tagg Team to help promote the book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic comedies, chick lit, Janice Thompson, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, contemporary romance

Rating - 5 stars

One Perfect Spring - A Review

Published - April 2014 by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Title - One Perfect Spring

Author - Irene Hannon

Format - ebook, paper, audio

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Claire Summers is a busy single mom. She's got a house that needs a lot of TLC and a daughter with a heart of gold. When Haley wants to do something nice for their neighbor, art professor Maureen Chandler, and writes a letter to the CEO of a well known construction company, she has no idea that the outcome of her request will touch so many lives. Keith Watson is the executive assistant for a well known CEO. He's been tasked with sorting through the requests that come across his desk to determine which one or ones the company should donate to. Haley's letter throws him for a loop. She's not asking for money, but instead help in finding her neighbor's long ago son that was given up for adoption. At his boss's request, Keith reluctantly begins digging in the circumstances surrounding the birth and before he knows it, he's finding that one little girl's letter will change his life and so many others.

While this isn't the typical Irene Hannon book I've grown accustomed to with her romantic suspense, I did enjoy this one immensely. It's very touching and at times, heart wrenching.

Keith's journey to discover answers is one that tore at my heart. I loved that he had to come to grip with his past in order to move on with his future.

The one character that I adored in every aspect was Haley. The author did a great job of capturing both her innocence and her zest for life.

I can't wait to read the next book that Irene Hannon has to offer in the contemporary fiction genre.

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 Debbie Macomber, Denise Hunter, Karen Kingsbury

Rating - 4.5 stars, which will round to 4 stars