This is the third look into Ruby Sawyers' foster family. Ruby has created a family made by love and one of choice. Ruby aims to get all her children hThis is the third look into Ruby Sawyers' foster family. Ruby has created a family made by love and one of choice. Ruby aims to get all her children happily married and Ryder is in her sights. The nanny to his twin nephews is a perfect choice. Ryder's sister died and left him in charge of the four-year-old boys. Elise and Ryder are from opposite backgrounds. One of wealth for her and one of poverty for him and they see money differently. It was fun to watch their relationship develop and understand each other, and see the boys calm down into a manageable situation. This is a delightful story of love, family, faith, and happiness. Now who is next in Ruby's sight? I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review from the author. All thoughts are mine only.
Merged review:
This is the third look into Ruby Sawyers' foster family. Ruby has created a family made by love and one of choice. Ruby aims to get all her children happily married and Ryder is in her sights. The nanny to his twin nephews is a perfect choice. Ryder's sister died and left him in charge of the four-year-old boys. Elise and Ryder are from opposite backgrounds. One of wealth for her and one of poverty for him and they see money differently. It was fun to watch their relationship develop and understand each other, and see the boys calm down into a manageable situation. This is a delightful story of love, family, faith, and happiness. Now who is next in Ruby's sight? I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review from the author. All thoughts are mine only....more
Between the Sound and Sea is another engrossing, multilayered story by master storyteller Amanda Cox. The setting is on the Outer Banks of North CarolBetween the Sound and Sea is another engrossing, multilayered story by master storyteller Amanda Cox. The setting is on the Outer Banks of North Carolina where we meet Walt, an eighty plus year old, his grandson Finn, and Joey, an event planner who worked with her father and brother with their construction company. The three come together to restore an old non-working lighthouse on a barrier island between Pimlico Sound and the ocean. Walt has carried regrets for over sixty years, feelings of failing to help his friend when they were teenagers. Cay's father was the light keeper at the time of World War II. He was killed and Cay's body was never found the night of a merchant ship's explosion. Finn has some regrets of his own as a young man. Joey wants to restore her family's name in her hometown in Tennessee. The characters are wonderful, likable, and relatable; the setting was easy to visualize. This emotional story is one rich in history with a touch of mystery, romance, faith, second chances, and surprises. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
Beyond Ivy Walls is a lovely and interesting historical story with wonderful characters, a unique storyline, romance, and a great ending. Otis is the Beyond Ivy Walls is a lovely and interesting historical story with wonderful characters, a unique storyline, romance, and a great ending. Otis is the only surviving member of his family, one of wealth; he was sent away by his father as a boy because of a physical flaw. Sadie is the oldest of four daughters of a farmer who is injured and not able to work. She moves to town to work in a duster factory to help keep the family farm. She and Otis meet on his property where she is staying in an abandoned bicycle factory. Theirs is a sweet and unlikely romance that begins slowly and blossoms into an unlikely romance. It is a story of hope, love, forgiveness, unselfish love, and overcoming past hurts, seeing beyond the outer shell of a person and what is inside and worthy. I enjoyed the sense of family and community that came together to heal broken relationships and welcome home a long missing hometown son. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts. and opinions only....more
The Triplets' Summer Adventure is another lovely, heartwarming story in the life of Ruby Sawyer and her adult children, foster children that no one elThe Triplets' Summer Adventure is another lovely, heartwarming story in the life of Ruby Sawyer and her adult children, foster children that no one else could manage. Nick Marshal is her adventurous one, working around the world, doing all kinds of jobs, rarely coming home to Georgia. He is back for the summer working as a park ranger in a state park to help his brother Logan along with his sister's upcoming wedding. Cara Andrews is a single mother of triplets, enrolled in summer camp at the park. The two haven't seen each other since high school when they weren't good friends. In a pinch, Cara agrees to take on the job as camp cook when the regular cook breaks her leg. An attraction that neither expected nor wanted developed but where could it go? No where. Right? This is a sweet story with bumps, hurdles, and a scare from Ruby. Laurel Blount knows how to write a story that grabs you from the start, makes the characters come alive, and all with a faith thread full of wisdom and what matters the most to everyone's true happiness. I have enjoyed this series so much and hate to see it end. I received a copy from the author for the purpose of an honest review....more
I was pulled into Searching for Evidence from the opening scene where the two main characters, Kassie, police officer Jared, and Justice, his K-9 partI was pulled into Searching for Evidence from the opening scene where the two main characters, Kassie, police officer Jared, and Justice, his K-9 partner, meet on her family's docked charter boat right after she was attacked. But the danger doesn't stop there. Kassie and Jared are likable and realistic and there are secondary characters who add much to the story. There is an interesting plot with danger, suspense, and mystery. Both Kassie and Jared are carrying scars from the past that they have to overcome in order to have a relationship. Their faith sustains them through a stressful, action-packed time. I loved the setting of Pensacola and the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle, near to where I live. I am so glad that this is the first of the series, with Kassie's twin and younger sister getting their own story in the future. Dog lovers will enjoy this one as will those who enjoy faith based romantic suspense. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review from the author. These are my thoughts....more
So good! This cover and all of the covers in the series are especially lovely. The books have all been wonderful, but Love on a Whim is my favorite. TSo good! This cover and all of the covers in the series are especially lovely. The books have all been wonderful, but Love on a Whim is my favorite. The characters are great even though ice cream maker, control freak, and former CPA Dawn does get on my nerves at times. I really liked Brynn and Bear. Dawn's friend Brynn has made a life changing mistake and Callie wants to fix it, her way. Marnie, Dawn's mom and owner of the ice cream shop wants Brynn to listen to her heart. Naturally, Brynn is confused and that's why she is spending time at Cape Cod taking a break from her engineering job in Boston. Things really get crazy as it is the week of the wedding of Ashleigh, daughter of Marnie's boyfriend, Lincoln. The whole crew steps up to help with the festivities when things fall apart, including niece/cousin chef Callie. This story has all the emotions, conflicts, health scare, all with a good dose of healing, faith, trust, and love. Suzanne Woods Fisher hit it out of the park! For full enjoyment, read the books in order. Recommended to those who love romance with issues to overcome and a faith thread. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review....more
A trip to back to the small coastal town of Hope Harbor, Oregon means meeting wonderful characters and visiting with old friends, like Charley, artistA trip to back to the small coastal town of Hope Harbor, Oregon means meeting wonderful characters and visiting with old friends, like Charley, artist and taco maker, a couple of local clergymen, who enjoy their teasing and competition, and others. We can always expect a heartwarming story of restored souls. Matt is on a much-needed R&R break from his vet practice, staying at his sister Kay's new but needing work inn while she is out of town. Vienna is between jobs where she works in the luxury hotel industry. She is visiting her mom, Bev, retired librarian and new owner of a bookstore, a popular spot for the community. Andrew and Paige need a break after a friend embezzled from their construction business, leaving them broke and homeless. The four come together through Bev and her community bulletin board to form a team to refurbish Kay's inn and great things happen, including romance, healing, and new beginnings. This is a great new addition to the series. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts. ...more
Dating an Amish Flirt to be an emotional story with sadness and heartache but with a strong faith to bring about a satisfying ending. I have enjoyed tDating an Amish Flirt to be an emotional story with sadness and heartache but with a strong faith to bring about a satisfying ending. I have enjoyed the stories of the Surprised by Love series set in the Lancaster Amish community and the Green Valley Farmer's Market. I especially like Mrs. Vanderburg, an Englischer, owner of the market, a strong Christian woman with a charity to help those in need, a matchmaker, and a very wise woman with an ear tuned to God. Rachel is a lovely young woman that I pulled for, mistreated by other girls and admired by the boys, thought to be a flirt, but really lonely and misunderstood. Josh and Rachel used to be close as children, but tragedy tore them apart. But can they overcome obstacles to heal their friendship and maybe more. This hits areas that we all deal with at times. in forgiveness, misplaced and undeserved guilt, and relying on God instead of ourselves. This is a wonderful addition to the series and a lovely conclusion that those who read Amish fiction will enjoy. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
I became interested in this lovely book when my GR friend Darla wrote such a great review. I decided to order a couple for our grandchildren and am plI became interested in this lovely book when my GR friend Darla wrote such a great review. I decided to order a couple for our grandchildren and am pleased with paperback version. I had planned to purchase the hardcover version, but it was not really available. The illustrations are very nice, and the book is very informative about the biblical meaning behind this traditional song. The true love refers to God and the partridge symbolizes Jesus Christ, and the pear tree, the cross. It goes on talking about the gifts that are given each of the twelve days by the "true love." Each day has a scripture reference to tie in with the gift. Wonderful book for a traditional reading each Christmas season. I highly recommend for families with children or just anyone. Thank you, Darla, for bringing this book to my attention. ...more
To Marry an English Lord is the second of the series, The British Are Coming. We met Sebastian Whitcombe, Viscount Willowthorpe, in To Enchant a Lady'To Marry an English Lord is the second of the series, The British Are Coming. We met Sebastian Whitcombe, Viscount Willowthorpe, in To Enchant a Lady's Heart. Now, he, his sister, and an artist friend are in the wilds of Idaho spending a year with William Overstreet, an American friend he went to Eton with as a boy, and to enjoy the American West along with the dangers and beauty of the land. William's sister, Jocelyn, is there from New York City to help William through an injury. This story is one where two people from opposite backgrounds come together and find an unexpected attraction and interest. It is a lovely story of healing and understanding with faith through differences and love. The characters are wonderful, and the setting is lovely. I recommend for those who enjoy historical romance with a faith thread. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review from the author. These are my thoughts....more
Fatal Witness is the second of the Pearl River series and a great addition. This story was hard to put down with action, danger, and edgy suspense. ItFatal Witness is the second of the Pearl River series and a great addition. This story was hard to put down with action, danger, and edgy suspense. It all started with a magazine article about a young woman, Dani Collins, living in Montana, working in pottery. Mae Richmond lives in Pearl River near Chattanooga and for twenty-five years has searched for her missing granddaughter. Mae also works in pottery and is subscribed to the magazine with the article about Dani. When Mae saw the picture, she knew it was her granddaughter. This story revolves around a cold case from twenty-five years ago when a jewelry store was robbed, Mae's daughter and son-in-law were killed, and her granddaughter and her uncle disappeared. The local sheriff department and police department that we met in the first book work to find answers. Hold onto your seat for an exciting read with surprises, secrets, red herrings, twists, turns, a mystery to unravel a sweet romance, and great characters. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions....more
I always enjoy Irene Hannon's books, but especially her romantic suspense, and this is another great edgy, suspenseful story with mystery, danger, romI always enjoy Irene Hannon's books, but especially her romantic suspense, and this is another great edgy, suspenseful story with mystery, danger, romance, and a touch of faith. Into the Fire is the first of a new series about three siblings related by adoption, Bri, Jack, and Cara Tucker. They call themselves the Three Musketeers, since their parents are gone. Bri is a former smokejumper now working as a fire investigator with the county in St. Louis. She is investigating a set of cases that appear to be related, including the death of a retired investigator who was to meet with Bri right before he was killed in a suspicious fire. ATF Agent Marc Davis has been assigned to work with Bri. The two are attracted to each other in spite of both not wanting to get involved. In typical Irene Hannon fashion, this is a hard to put down story that I was pulled into right away and engaged to the end. The killer, who was a surprise to me, is revealed fairly early but then the danger is amped up. This is another great read by the author, and I am excited about this new series. Looking forward to Jack's story next. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only. ...more
This is a collection of sweet Amish novellas that take place around Christmas and make a great holiday read. The first one is Christmas Eve Baby and taThis is a collection of sweet Amish novellas that take place around Christmas and make a great holiday read. The first one is Christmas Eve Baby and takes place at the Shadow Lake Inn, the setting for the Shadow Lake series, where we visit with the three King sisters, their families and friends again and meet some new ones. A special Christmas Eve surprise baby is born there for a special blessing. There is also romance in the air that is festive and fun, especially in the snowy Christmas time. I enjoyed this story the best. The second story is Best Christmas Program Eve, and this is a visit back to the Green Valley Farmer's Market with new characters. This is a story of healing of grief and pain during the Christmas season that ends in the making of a new family. Sweet, lovely story. The third story is a new to me author and series, Loving Luke. This story is different from other Amish stories that I have read but is a nice read. The novella is a story about a mail order groom and what is the common thread between the characters is that they are victims of abuse. Touching holiday read about a new family with the hope of another new one, during the holiday season. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions....more
One Last Shot is another example of why Susan May Warren is one of my all-time favorite authors. This book was so hard put down with never ending suspOne Last Shot is another example of why Susan May Warren is one of my all-time favorite authors. This book was so hard put down with never ending suspense, action, and edgy scenes. Oaken Fox is a country music singer/songwriter who is in Alaska to film a reality show to improve his image and social media ratings after he had an encounter with a fan. Boo Kingston works as an EMS with Air One Rescue and is assigned to train and work with Oaken. She has a bad rap with social media after a being a survival reality show. contestant. Both have baggage they should not be carrying. We met the Air One Rescue team members in Alaska, who are all likable people, heroes really. Moose, head of the group, is an anchor to the group and a great witness and inspiration to Oaken, as is his brother, Axel. Boo's roommate London is there for her when she needs some help. Boo and Oaken need to let go of their hurts, guilts, and conflicts and allow God to direct their lives. SMW knows how to make the most of all that is going on and bring things into perspective from a spiritual viewpoint and show how freeing it is. Loved this book! This new series is looking to be an exciting and memorable one. beginning with Oaken and Boo's story. But expect some dangerous and heart stopping missions, suspenseful moments, and tragic events with faith lessons, and romance. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
Lynette Eason has done it again, another edgy, suspenseful read with a romance brewing amidst danger and action. PA Lainie Jackson has PTSD from her fLynette Eason has done it again, another edgy, suspenseful read with a romance brewing amidst danger and action. PA Lainie Jackson has PTSD from her former fiancé Adam Williams. He tried to kill her but as they fought, she got the gun and shot him. He died. Why is he now showing up at the hospital or different places. He even ran her off a mountain road. Her best friend's brother, Detective James Cross, is someone that she has had a crush on since she was a young girl. When he showed up in the ER after being shot at a hostage situation and she treated him, she mentioned what was going on. Thankfully, his vest took the brunt of the bullet. Former military, James also suffers from PTSD. He and Cole, his partner, set out to keep Lainie safe and find answers. Someone wants her to think that Adam is alive by erasing all records of his death. She knows he is dead. Right? James and Cole have doubts. This book has twists, turns, and quite a mystery to solve. I am looking forward to the nest in this new series where we read Cole's story. Highly recommended. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only....more
I have come to expect a thought-provoking book by Ms. Fisher and Lost and Found is no exception. This is a very interesting book set in Amish country I have come to expect a thought-provoking book by Ms. Fisher and Lost and Found is no exception. This is a very interesting book set in Amish country in Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania where the church is undergoing some changes brought on by the Beacy Amish who have moved in, bought up land, driving some families out of this Old Order community. Changes seem to be in the future and Bishop David has a lot on his plate. We see friends Trudy Yoder and Micah Weaver again. They enjoy birding and there is plenty of opportunity to see birds. But there is an undercurrent in their relationship, mainly by a secondary plot that he is sworn to keep to himself. This story has some deep issues going on and many great messages within it, including dealing with mental illness, grief, and spiritual growth. I found this to be a lovely, emotional story with wonderful lessons about faith, trust, and obeying God's leading, not our own. We see recurring characters, some quirky and humorous, some plain speaking and to the point, some in between, all making this a great series. Satisfying and happy ending. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions....more
4.5 stars We met FBI agent Jude Camden in Memory Lane, the first of the Sons of Scandal series and I was looking forward to his story, i was not disapp4.5 stars We met FBI agent Jude Camden in Memory Lane, the first of the Sons of Scandal series and I was looking forward to his story, i was not disappointed. I am glad that I read Memory Lane first although you can read Rocky Road without having done so. Jude is such a good guy, rule follower, caretaker of others, handsome in a smooth way, and smart. Gemma is a perfumer and has her own business. Bubbly, outgoing, and sassy, she is opposite of Jude in many ways. Juke and Gemma meet to work on an undercover sting to take down her unlawful cousin from France, part of her French family's perfume empire. It is fun to watch Gemma and Jude meet and get to know each other and try to maintain a working relationship. The is a delightfully fun read, a little slow to me in the beginning but the end is sweet with romance, grace, and justice., There is a side story about Gemma's great grandmother, who has dementia and wants to remember her own love story. Gemma, her mother, and grandmother are a lovely, quirky group of ladies who show each other such love and support. Highly recommended romance with a little suspense, intrigue, and faith. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only....more
Denise Hunter has written another lovely romance that pulls on heartstrings. with Love, Unscripted. Chloe Anderson is an author with a bestselling romDenise Hunter has written another lovely romance that pulls on heartstrings. with Love, Unscripted. Chloe Anderson is an author with a bestselling romance that is being made into a movie filming in her small coastal hometown in North Carolina. The most important character is the male protagonist, who has all the qualities that are important to Chloe in the perfect man. But the actor picked for the part, Liam Hamilton, is not that man because of his player reputation. The studio agreed to let the two work together to make sure that Liam gets the part down correctly while pretending that Chloe and Liam are dating. Chloe soon finds out that Liam is a much different person that she thought. This is a slow burn romance with lots of ups and downs, misunderstandings, conflicts, and hurts but develops into a sweet relationship. Both have a hurtful upbringing with scars, and this impedes things. The small tourist town atmosphere was written just right with the closeness of locals and fast-moving gossip. The characters are likable and realistic in a great setting. This is a deep story with a little bit of mystery in the background. Wonderful for those who love romance with a hint of faith. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions....more
Counterfeit Truth is an action-packed story of the Gilded Age with likable characters and an interesting plot. I enjoyed the vivaciousness and indepenCounterfeit Truth is an action-packed story of the Gilded Age with likable characters and an interesting plot. I enjoyed the vivaciousness and independence of Felicity Richmond as she tries to make it as a journalist along with her protective father and brothers, even when it puts her in danger. Hayden Orten, Secret Service Operative, is the perfect calm to her whirlwind personality, and tries hard to keep her out of trouble. This story has suspense, romance, danger, family squabbles, and a little humor in this great read. Those who enjoy historical romance suspense with a faith thread will enjoy this one. I received a copy from the author. These are my thoughts....more
It is bittersweet to see this series end. I have enjoyed all of the books and Home from the Storm is a wonderful and emotional conclusion to what begaIt is bittersweet to see this series end. I have enjoyed all of the books and Home from the Storm is a wonderful and emotional conclusion to what began two years ago when the Hochstedler children were reeling from the murder of their parents. The Amish faith believes in forgiveness. Caleb found it hard to move on and left his wife behind in his bitterness to find the young man who killed his parents. Now he is back in Johns Mill because he has word that the young man is there too. Fearing for his wife, he returns and is shocked to find that he is a father to twin toddlers. But he is shunned and cannot be accepted back in the church without confessing, something he doesn't want to do. This is such an emotional story as they all have been. I wasn't sure how Laurel Blount would be able to write this story with a positive resolution. She always writes heart touching stories with characters who come to life and are realistic, not perfect but ones you really want to find happiness. This is a story that pulls on heartstrings and is another winner by this author. Highly recommended. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions....more