Review: Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace eight years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace--who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County--reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne's old fears come rushing back.Jay Raber had once been Peter's best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him--even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be. As Candace's stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone's worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt. From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes this emotionally taut story of learning to forgive, trust, and love despite the pain of the past.

My Review: 

Shelley Shepard Gray has been one of my go to authors, when it comes to Amish Romance for years. I was excited to find out that she had a new release, Unforgotten, and was determined to get my hands on it. I was far from being disappointed. This story was full of suspense, mystery, action, and faith. I love how the theme shows the power of forgiveness and having second chances. There were a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. I thought it was great.

I am giving Unforgotten five stars. I believe readers who love to read clean Amish Romantic fiction with a suspenseful twist will definitely want to read this one. I would love to read more books from the talented Shelley Shepard Gray in the near future.



I received a paperback copy of Shelley Shepard Gray's Unforgotten from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

 

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter. With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister. Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

My Review: 

The Christmas Tree Farm is a fun and quick novella. I was entertained with Madison’s story. It was a delight taking this journey to the quaint little town in Oregon. I like the second chances theme with the addition of faith that is not overly preachy. I thought it was cute.

I am giving The Christmas Tree Farm four stars. I believe readers and fans of clean holiday fiction will not want to miss out on it for this upcoming Christmas season. Since it is a novella, it would be easy to fit in for busy schedules. I would love to read more books like this one from Melody Carlson in the future.

I received a hard cover copy of Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Tree Farm from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart

The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean's hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher--until Gordon Covington shows up. No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack. With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of. From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord's leading.

My Review: 

I am a huge fan of Ann H Gabhart's books and was excited to have the opportunity to get my hands on her newest release, The Song of Sourwood Mountain. I believe it is among my favorites that I have read by her to date. I adored Mira and Gordon's story. I instantly felt a connection to Mira from the start. I understood the thoughts and feelings she was going through. I enjoyed the chemistry between Mira and Gordon and wanted to see how it would end for them. A beautiful heartwarming tale to read. I loved it.

I am giving The Song of Sourwood Mountain a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical fiction, particularly early twentieth century Appalachian era. As always, I will be looking forward to more releases from Ann H Gabhart in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Ann H Gabhart's The Song of Sourwood Mountain from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith

 

The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.

My Review: 

Jill Eileen Smith is by far my go to author when it comes to the Biblical fiction genre. With her newest book, The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife, is now my favorite I have read from her. It was interesting seeing how she envisioned Zara's life and what she went through being part of the Ark with her family.

I am giving Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe lovers of Biblical fiction do not want to miss out on it. As always, I will be on the lookout for more releases from Jill Eileen Smith.

I received a paperback copy of Jill Eileen Smith's The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

 

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.

My Review: 

Sarah Sundin is among my go to authors when it comes to second world war novels. I was excited to get my hands on her newest release, Embers in the London Sky. I was far from being disappointed. I loved the chemistry between Aleida and Hugh. Their story was not short on action and adventure. It was so fast paced, I did not want to put it down. It was great.
I would love to give Embers in the London Sky one hundred stars if I could. It has topped as my new favorite I have read by Sarah Sundin to date. I believe fans of historical fiction, particularly of World War II era, will love it as much as I did.
I received a paperback copy of Embers in the London Sky from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

 

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

My Review: 

Laura Frantz is among my favorite authors and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest novel, The Seamstress of Acadie. I was far from being disappointed. I adored Sylvie and William's story. It was full of history, suspense, romance and adventure. I was engaged right from the start and had a hard time putting it down. If life's responsibilities did not get in the way, I would have had it read in one day. I loved it.

I would give The Seamstress of Acadie one hundred stars if I could. I have no doubt that lovers of historical fiction, particularly from the eighteenth century, will enjoy it as much as me. As always, I will be eagerly awaiting the next release from Laura Frantz.

I received a paperback copy of Laura Frantz's The Seamstress of Acadie from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.

Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory--ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.

If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?

My Review: 

Against the Wind is the second installment from the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series from Amanda Cabot. I loved the first book from the series, After the Shadows, and loved this one even more. It was a pleasure to read Louisa and Josh’s story. I adored her courage and determination. There is some mystery and suspense within the plot that had me wanting to continue to read until the very end.

Against the Wind will be getting five stars from me. Readers who love to read clean historical fiction will want to get a copy of it for themselves. I believe they would love it as much as me. I am curious to find out if there will be another addition to the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series.

I received a paperback copy of Amanda Cabot’s Against the Wind from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Review: Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver--and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.

Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy's older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she's started to leave distressing phone messages for him.

When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he's confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don't want to be found.

What Micah doesn't know is that what you're looking for isn't always what you find.

My Review: 

Lost and Found is another delightful story from one of my favorite Amish writers, Suzanne Woods Fisher. I believe this one may be my new favorite from her and was far from being disappointed. I adored meeting Trudy & Micah. I, also, love that there are true to life issues within the pages that so many could relate to. I enjoyed reading this sweet tale and was a perfect way to spend a cool and rainy fall day. I loved it.

I am giving Lost and Found five stars. I believe fans of clean Amish romance will not want to pass on this one. It is definitely worth reading and not to be missed.

I received a paperback copy of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Lost and Found from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Cora Matthews has long wondered why her mother stopped taking her to visit her grandparents' lodge in the small Northwoods Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. Now, after burying her mother and breaking off her engagement just two weeks before her wedding, Cora has a chance to find out. Once there, she is stunned to learn that the old lodge is her inheritance--with a surprising condition attached. Maybe some time to regroup on the shores of a beautiful lake is just what Cora needs to figure out what's next for her.

But Cora's days on the lake are anything but relaxing. The only thing that's a bigger mess than her own life is the dilapidated building she's living in. Add a cantankerous handywoman, an angry neighbor, and an elderly woman who spends all her time talking to the "residents" in the cemetery and Cora's not sure she can stick it out. But if she can, she may find a love she never expected--from the most unexpected people imaginable. This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinary miracles will have you wishing you could spend a summer (or a lifetime) on Moonberry Lake.

My Review: 

I found On Moonberry Lake to be a great debut for upcoming author, Holly Varni. I thought it was a sweet and heartwarming tale, I found it was easy to connect with the characters and relate with them. I did not find it to be predictable and I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen until the end. It was great spending some time away in a beautiful and relaxing setting. I loved it.

I am giving On Moonberry Lake five stars. I believe fans of clean fiction. I would love to see what other books Holly Varni has in store for her readers in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Holly Varni’s On Moonberry Lake from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

Spend this Christmas with bestselling author Melody Carlson as she whisks you away to a royal holiday you'll never forget!

My Review: 

A Royal Christmas is a delightful modern day fairy tale by Melody Carlson. I enjoyed this quick story and meeting Adelaide. On every page, I could not help but think that it would be a perfect Christmas Hallmark movie to be watched year after year. I loved travelling to the charming Montovia. I thought this was a delightful and heartwarming romance. At just under one hundred seventy pages, it was easy to have the whole book read in one sitting. It was great.

I am giving A Royal Christmas four and a half stars. I believe readers who enjoy reading Christmas time romances will want to pick this one up and add it to their holiday reading. As always, I will be looking for more by Melody Carlson in the future.

I received a copy of Melody Carlson’s A Royal Christmas from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Review: Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

 

Letters from My Sister: A Novel by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Blurb:

Two Sisters. One Single Event. A Family Changed Forever.

At the turn of the twentieth century, sisters Emmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life as the only daughters of a wealthy Alabama cotton farmer when their well-ordered household gets turned upside down by the arrival of Lily McGee. Arrestingly beautiful, Lily quickly--and innocently--draws the wrong kind of attention. Meanwhile, Callie meets a man who offers her the freedom to abandon social constraints and discover her truest self.

After Lily has a baby, Callie witnesses something she was never meant to see--or did she? Her memory is a haze, just an image in her mind of Emmy standing on a darkened riverbank and cradling Lily's missing baby girl. Only when the sisters are separated does the truth slowly come to light through their letters--including a revelation that will shape the rest of Callie's life.

Bestselling author Valerie Fraser Luesse weaves a complex and suspenseful tale dripping with intrigue, romance, and Southern charm.

My Review: 

I have enjoyed previously released books from the talented author, Valerie Fraser Luesse and was ready to get my hands on her newest, Letters from My Sister. I thought it was a pretty good read. I was intrigued in reading in this and had to continue on turning the pages to find out what would be revealed in the end. I loved it.

I am giving Letters from My Sister a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe readers who enjoy clean historical fiction will not want to miss out reading this one. I am interested to see what other releases Valerie Fraser Luesse has in store for her fans in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Valeria Fraser Luesse’s Letters from My Sister from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Review: Countdown by Lynette Eason

Countdown by Lynette Eason

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

A stalker who wants to finish what he started. A US Marshal who's vowed to protect his charge. And one woman who is determined to put the past in the past.


Flight paramedic Raina Price has been running so long it's hard to stop. To escape a dangerous stalker, she changed her name and disappeared, building a new life with the help of a friend from her time in juvie. It feels good to put her energies into saving people's lives, but because her stalker was never found, she's never stopped looking over her shoulder. And one can only run so far before the past finally catches up.

US Marshal Vincent Corelli's job is to hunt down fugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almost killed right in front of him, he vows to protect her at all costs--whether it's his job or not. Together they work to solve the mystery of Raina's past. But someone is out to make sure Raina doesn't live long enough to do it.

Countdown is the breathless conclusion to USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason's thrilling Extreme Measures series.

My Review: 

I had the pleasure of reading the first three books from Lynette Eason’s Extreme Measures series. I was happy to have the chance to read book four, Countdown. It is by far my favorite of this series. I thought it was a fabulous read. It is one of those books that grabs my attention right from the start and lasts until the very last page has been read. It is full of twists, turns, danger, action, suspense, and adventure.

I am giving Countdown a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe fans of clean romantic suspense will definitely want to read it. As always, I will be looking for more books by Lynette Eason to release in the near future.

I received a paperback copy of Lynette Eason’s Countdown from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Review: This Is Where It Ends by Cindy K. Sproles

This Is Where It Ends by Cindy K. Sproles

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Blurb:


Award-Winning Author Pens a Unique Southern Tale

When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. She is to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contains.

Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she's kept that secret. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story. His friend who joins him only wants to find the location of the gold. Neither of them knows quite who they're up against when it comes to the old woman on the mountain.

As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what's really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.




My Review:


I have conflicting thoughts about This Is Where It Ends. I adored the plot and enjoyed the suspense of what could possibly be in the box. I could not love Minerva any more than I did. Her and her friendship with Del was so pure and beautiful. I would love to give their story five stars. However, there were a few areas that made no sense to me historically wise. There were several times when dates were given that really did not add up, as well as, discussions of some events that were not historically accurate or correct. I found this distracting to me as I continued to read. As a lifelong Appalachian mountain girl myself and one who loves genealogy, I just could be a little too picky. Overall, I believe the author wrote a beautiful and touching story of faith, forgiveness, loyalty and friendship.
I am giving This Is Where It Ends three and a half stars. I believe it is worth a read for readers who enjoy clean historical fiction with a touch of suspense and mystery.
I received a paperback copy of Cindy K Sproles' This Is Where It Ends from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: Her Only Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Only Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Return to Pinecraft, Florida, for a Sweet Amish Romance

Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She's got a list--a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions--beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She's like no one he's ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he's met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they'll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life--and love--requires a fair amount of risk.

My Review: 

I enjoyed reading the first book from A Season in Pinecraft series by Shelley Shepard Gray, Her Heart's Desire, and was honored to have the opportunity to read book two, Her Only Wish. I thought it was a wonderful addition to the series. I adored Betsy right from the start. I connected with her instantly and loved watching her interact with August. It was a sweet and heartwarming story between the two.

I am giving Her Only Wish four stars. I believe fans of clean Amish Romantic fiction will want to pick this one up for themselves. I am eagerly awaiting to read the next installment from A Season in Pinecraft series, Her Secret Hope.

I received a paperback copy of Shelley Shepard Gray's Her Only Wish from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Is the Life She Can't Remember One She'd Rather Forget?

One year after her family was in a tragic car accident that killed her teenage son, Lori Mendenhall returns home with a traumatic brain injury that has stolen the last eight years of memories from her. She is shocked to find that the life she was leading before the accident is unrecognizable. Her once-loving husband, Michael, is a distant workaholic she isn't sure she can trust and her once-bubbly daughter, Avery, has spent the last year hidden away in her room.

For Avery, life stopped when she lost her twin. Now, if she wants to graduate high school, she'll have to accept help from Xander Dixon, her brother's best friend and the boy who relentlessly teased her for years. And if Lori wants to reconnect with her husband, she'll have to grapple with information her brain is trying to keep secret. With every memory that returns, she can't help but wonder if the life she can't remember is one she'd rather forget.

My Review: 

I found that With Every Memory was a beautiful book to read. It is one that I was able to relate to the characters and understand the turmoil they experienced. It is an emotional story that had me wanting to grab tissues from time to time. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. There were a few twists I did not expect. I love the theme of hope, love, faith, forgiveness and redemption. I thought it was fabulous.

I believe With Every Memory is among my favorite books I have read this year and am giving it five stars. I honestly believe fans of clean fiction that is inspirng to read will greatly enjoy it as much as me. I would definitely be interested in reading other books from the talented author, Janine Rosche.

 

I received a paperback copy of Janine Rosche's With Every Memory from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

My Review: 

Counter Attack is the beginning of Patricia Bradley's Pearl River series. Patricia Bradley has really started this series off with a bang. I enjoyed traveling to Pearl Springs and meeting Alexis and Nathan. I found those to be a fabulous team trying to solve who is the serial killer in town. It was not easy to predict, with a lot of twists and turns, and forcing me to continue to read until the very last page. This is now my new favorite I have read by this author.

I am giving Counter Attack five stars. I believe fans and loves of clean suspense filled fiction will definitely want to pick it up and experience for themselves how wonderful it is. I can not wait to see what happens next in the Pearl River series.

I received a paperback copy of Counter Attack from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Long March Home: A World War II Novel by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee

The Long March Home: A World War II Novel of the Pacific by Marcus Brotherton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb:

Jimmy Propfield joined the army for two reasons: to get out of Mobile, Alabama, with his best friends Hank and Billy and to forget his high school sweetheart, Claire.

Life in the Philippines seems like paradise--until the morning of December 8, 1941, when news comes from Manila: the Japanese have bombed Pearl Harbor. Within hours, the teenage friends are plunged into war as Japanese warplanes attack Luzon, beginning a battle for control of the Pacific Theater that will culminate with a last stand on the Bataan Peninsula and end with the largest surrender of American troops in history.

What follows will become known as one of the worst atrocities in modern warfare: the Bataan Death March. With no hope of rescue, the three friends vow to make it back home together. But the ordeal is only the beginning of their nearly four-year fight to survive.


Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope.




My Review:


The Long March Home: A World War II Novel of the Pacific is a fabulous read. I have not read too many World War II novels that cover the Pacific side of the war. I was fascinated with the story. The historical details were so vivid, I felt like I was right there within the action. I loved Hank, Jimmy, and Bill‘s story.
I am giving The Long March Home: A World War II Novel of the Pacific a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe fans and lovers of historical fiction, particularly those from the second world war, will definitely want to snatch this one up.
I received a hard cover copy of The Long March Home: A World War II Novel of the Pacific from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

 

The Maid of Ballymacool 

by Jennifer Deibel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

My Review: 

I have loved previous books from Jennifer Deibel and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest, The Maid of Ballymacool. After reading this one, her writing just keeps getting better and better. I adored meeting Michael and Brianna and going back in time to the beautiful Ireland. Their story was full of delight, mystery, and romance. I thought it was a great retelling to the Cinderella tale. I loved every single page of it.

I am giving The Maid of Ballymacool five stars. I believe fans, readers and lovers of the clean historical fiction genre will definitely want to read this one. I think most will love it as much as I did. I would love to read more upcoming releases from Jennifer Deibel in the future.

The Maid of Ballymacool from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

 

Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

An Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.

My Review: 

Everything Is Just Beginning is another wonderful read by Erin Bartels. I have enjoyed earlier books by this author in the past and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release. This one is no different. I was engaged with the story, which had believable characters, an element of faith, and a wonderful setting. It is one that made me feel as though I was part of the tale and was hard to put down. I loved it.

I give Everything Is Just Beginning five stars. I believe readers and fans of clean fiction will most definitely want to pick this one up and give it a read. I would love to read more releases by Erin Bartels in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Everything Is Just Beginning from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Review: The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies--and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.

My Review: 

Laura Frantz is among my top five favorite authors to read. I jumped at the chance to have the opportunity to read her newest release, The Rose and the Thistle. I was far from disappointed. I loved the vivid historical details that made me feel as though I was part of the story. It was great being transported back to the eighteenth century and meeting Lady Blythe and Everard. I was instantly sucked into the suspense, danger and mystery. This is not one of those books that can be easily predictable and I never knew what would happen next. I was intrigued from the start and could not put the book down until the end. I loved it.

The Rose and the Thistle will be receiving a very well deserved five plus stars from me. Readers and fans of clean historical romance will most definitely want to snatch this one up. It is being placed on my limited keeper shelf to read again and again the future.

I received a paperback copy of The Rose and the Thistle from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews