My goodness I enjoyed this story. And right from the beginning Gabhart gets you with a proposal that literally comes out of nowhere. I mean 4.5 stars!
My goodness I enjoyed this story. And right from the beginning Gabhart gets you with a proposal that literally comes out of nowhere. I mean I was laughing, but then intrigued to see where it would go. Here's where it went - a beautiful song of love, faith and family. Not your traditional family, but one that I think is even better.
Gordon, Mira, and Ada June had such a story. I loved that Gabhart included Ada June's POV because it added a layer of depth not only to her character, but to the overall story. The three POV's were woven together perfectly, and at times brought tears to my eyes. And while I loved getting to know these three characters, it was the faith lessons that Gabhart poetically wrote that really spoke to my heart. Most important - leaning on the Lord. Following Him even if it's scary, somewhere new, and comes out of the blue. I always love her faith threads, but this one - it might just be my favorite.
Readers, if you're looking for characters to love, a faith thread that will speak to your heart, and a story that just might change your life, this one is for you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Colt. New book boyfriend right here. Readers that like strong, romantic, loyal, hard working swoony heroes are going to go crazy for him! This is my fColt. New book boyfriend right here. Readers that like strong, romantic, loyal, hard working swoony heroes are going to go crazy for him! This is my favorite hero from Mandi Blake, and I’m pretty sure no other will compare. And talk about a friends to romance troupe – this one is high up on my list. Sweet romances are definitely my jam and I know when Mandi Blake is the brains behind the story I am in for a treat.
Better Together has so many things I want in a contemporary romance. Banter. Faith. Marriage of Convenience. Friendship. Romance. Wonderful secondary characters that add to the charm of the story. And main characters with a past. Though I think both Colt and Remi made a bigger deal then they needed to about their pasts, I could sort of understand it. They chose to define themselves by their family, something we should never do. I know this first hand. But they both grew after circumstances pretty much forced them to, and I thought Blake navigated it perfectly.
Every time I read one of Blake’s stories, it’s automatically my new favorite. BUT I don’t think any of her novels are going to top this one as being my favorite. Remi and Colt are the sweetest couple, and I didn’t want to say goodbye to them. Hopefully they’ll make a cameo in the next book in the series! I highly recommend Better Together for contemporary romance fans. It’s got plenty of chemistry, and a love story that will leave you unable to put the book down.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Crystal Caudill can write. She is a historical fiction boss, and this is only her second book. Her plot line is intriguing and keeps you reading into Crystal Caudill can write. She is a historical fiction boss, and this is only her second book. Her plot line is intriguing and keeps you reading into the late night hours. Her characters are all over the place in a good way. Some are dangerous and keep you guessing. Some are sincere, sweet, warm and inviting. And yet others make you second guess what you think of them throughout the entire book. Caudill doesn’t stop there. She adds plot twists at the perfect spots. She has sparks of romance sprinkled throughout, again at just the right moments. And her faith thread? Oh my goodness it was good. Probably my favorite out of my recent reads. I’m telling you – Caudill can write. And while this seems like a book that might be going in fifty different directions, I promise you it isn’t. Caudill brings every single aspect together flawlessly.
Andrew is such a wonderful hero. He’s got everything you want – faith, loyalty to the right people, strength, patience, and more. There were so many times I was on the edge of my seat wondering how he would handle situations, and he handled them with such grace and ease. He sacrificed himself in order to make the world a better place. SWOON. And the way he was with Lu? Oh boy. Patience doesn’t even begin to describe it. But in true Hosea fashion, he was willing to follow the Lord’s lead. Let me tell you – that in itself makes him swoony.
And then there’s Lu. Her character surprised me so many times during this story, all in good ways. She was so much more then people gave her credit for. The things she had to deal with, I can’t even imagine it. (Also – please make sure you read the very first page before diving into this book. Caudill gives some trigger warnings for those with reading sensitivities) And Caudill never makes it “come alive” on the pages so to speak. She handles each situation poetically, and only gives enough so the reader knows what is going on.
Caudill has really outdone herself with this novel. It surpassed my expectations, and then some. Her faith thread has touched me in ways I never imagined, and Lu’s story is going to stay with me for a very long time. I highly recommend not only this novel, but Counterfeit Love as well. Carve out some reading time, because you are going to need it. And get those sticky flags ready, because you are going to note a LOT of great quotes!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Gemma and Barnabus had such a unique, shall we say, relationship. Though the romance wasn't heavy in this novel, I was honestly okay with that becauseGemma and Barnabus had such a unique, shall we say, relationship. Though the romance wasn't heavy in this novel, I was honestly okay with that because there was so much more. Sure, us romantics want to see it in Hallmark movies and in some of our novels, but not all the time. Eden shows readers about relationships. Not that lovey-dovey feeling that comes and goes. I really appreciated it.
But let's talk about the excitement of this read. The twists and turns that Eden takes you on - especially the ending! Sorry I can't really say more than that because of spoilers, but boy are you in for a ride. Yeah, maybe you want to put some gloves on because you'll be biting your nails and sitting on the edge of your seat until you get there.
A welcome addition to my bookshelf, I cannot wait to see what happens next! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
This book spoke straight to my heart. First of all, Koslin sheds light on a topic we like to pretend doesn’t exist – human trafficking. The way she wrThis book spoke straight to my heart. First of all, Koslin sheds light on a topic we like to pretend doesn’t exist – human trafficking. The way she wrote Liliana’s character was just so amazing to me. It was raw, realistic, heartbreaking, and so much more. I cannot even imagine what she must have gone through writing that character.
Then we have Meric. Seems to be a prince in the way he swoops in and saves Liliana. And let me say this – a marriage of convenience in a contemporary romantic suspense novel – BRAVO! Gosh I loved that part of it. At first I will admit I thought it was kind of unbelievable, but as the barrier walls came down, and you learned more about Meric and who he was, I could totally see it.
The book is full of suspense, love, healing and so much more. I already know I am going to read it again in the very near future. Yes, it has some difficult subject matters, but the truth is they are in the world. And Koslin handles them with grace and care. I highly recommend this novel to everyone. It was that good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Put me in a time machine, because I'm pretty sure I need to stake my claim on Freddie. I mean, Grace is kind of overrated, don't you think!?
Just kiddPut me in a time machine, because I'm pretty sure I need to stake my claim on Freddie. I mean, Grace is kind of overrated, don't you think!?
Just kidding! Goodness I loved this story. First of all, this is unlike most marriage of convenience stories. Freddie and Grace had, shall we say, moments prior to their marriage that made the reader pause, smile, and just automatically root for their courtship. Grace has absolutely everything I want in a character. She's her own person, and is about as far away from the "proper" wife/woman as was wanted in that time period. But that's what made her so charming. And Freddie? Well he saw Grace for the perfectly wonderful human that she was.
Basham is a pro at writing kissing scenes. And yeah, there may have been a couple of scenes where I needed a fan, but they were married at that point, so it was totally allowed. And that's why I loved this. You see a married couple, acting like a married couple! Wooing, romance, intimacy (tactfully done I might add), playfulness, and so much more. There are so many stories of proposals or weddings at the end of the book, and we need more like this. Real life marriage does have intimacy. I want more of it in stories, written just like this.
Also, Freddie is just amazing lol. A man who will stand up to his mother because she is bad mouthing the woman he loves? Oh sign me up right away. He had so many other good qualities of course, but that's what did it for me! I mean the bottom line is Basham is an amazing writer. She knows how to write swoony book boyfriends that readers will sigh over. She knows how to write heroines that can stand on their own two feet, have hilarious quirks, and good hearts. She writes the best kissing scenes. And she includes faith themes that speak to your heart. And in this story we add a little mystery, and some fantastically written secondary characters. You cannot go wrong!
I highly recommend this story, and honestly for any time of year. Sure it looks a lot like a Christmas story (because it is), but it's a story for all year round. I know I'll be reading it again. Won't you join me?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Heart in the Highlands took me on such a journey that I wasn't ready for, but was totally engrossed in. I adore marriage-of-convenience stories, but tHeart in the Highlands took me on such a journey that I wasn't ready for, but was totally engrossed in. I adore marriage-of-convenience stories, but this was unlike any I have ever read. It's not a spoiler to say that Callum ruined the marriage, it's in the synopsis. But the how - well I thought it was brilliantly done. Yes I was mad at him, of course. But I understood. He had a heart of gold, almost to a fault. And I couldn't wait to see how he was going to make this up with sweet Katherine.
The romance in this book was outstanding. There was flirting, bickering, kissing, oh my! Kimball portrays what a marriage should look like (I mean, obvious things aside here). I love flirting with my husband, and you don't see that a whole lot in books today, because they typically get married at the end unless they are marriage-of-convenience. And not all of those characters have the spark and tension that Callum and Katherine do. It's like they couldn't help themselves. Even when they were mad, they flirted. I just loved it!
The other favorite part of the book happened to be a secondary character and the way Callum interacted with this character. Now unfortunately I cannot really go into detail about this, because spoilers. But let me say this. Kimball can write some fantastic secondary characters. She weaves them into the story so seamlessly, so effortlessly, that they don't feel like secondary characters at all. They don't steal the show, but you cannot take your eyes off of them. I'm hoping this one special character may get a story of their own (hint, hint).
Characters and romance aside, Kimball writes a beautiful historical novel about grace, second chances, hope, and redemption. Not only is the cover beautiful, but what lies between the pages are too. This may have been my first novel by Kimball, but I promise you it will not be my last. I highly recommend reading this!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. Three women, three different generations, all connected through a grocery store. Seems kind of This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. Three women, three different generations, all connected through a grocery store. Seems kind of silly, but this is anything but that. It is a story of growth, family, second chances, secrets, love, sacrifice, honor, and more. Amanda Cox has written an exquisite novel that I will be thinking about for months, maybe years to come.
The three women in this story each have their secrets, their pains, and the potential to grow. I think the character that surprised me the most was Glory Ann. Oh what a beautiful soul she had, but beneath that was so much pain. She had some hard choices in life, as women from her time period often did, and yet she chose to find the good. It wasn't easy, it didn't come natural at first, but it grew into something beautiful. Oh her story touched my heart.
Cox has managed to bring not only remarkable women to this story, but amazing men as well. The husbands/friends of these three ladies really deserve some attention. They may not have been on every page of the story, but I promise you the impact they had on Glory Ann, Rosemary and Sarah was profound. Especially my favorite - Clarence! Honestly, this book as a little something for everyone!
I can't wait to see what Amanda Cox has next. Her stories just amaze me, bring smiles to my face, and show me lessons I didn't know I needed. I highly recommend reading this (as well as her other novels). I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I have really enjoyed this series by Erica Vetsch. Like the first two books in the series, Vetsch has brought engaging characters, lots of emotions, aI have really enjoyed this series by Erica Vetsch. Like the first two books in the series, Vetsch has brought engaging characters, lots of emotions, and an interesting plot line. I am a sucker for marriage of convenience stories. There's just something about seeing two characters come together because they "have to", but find themselves right where they need to be.
Here's the thing. Even though they had just met, it really was like Charles had known Sophia forever thanks to the letters she wrote to her beau. I thought that was actually a nice way to start the book - seeing Sophia pinning over her love (not Charles!), grieving his loss, and yet connecting with Charles in a new and unexpected way. I also appreciated how dedicated she was to her would-have-been mother in law. That shows a different kind of love and loyalty than just romance, and sometimes I think that books need more of that!
All in all this was another good read from Vetsch. Historical fiction fans will enjoy Charles and Sohpia's journey. And the kids make it fun as well! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
A modern day marriage-of-convenience story!? Um, yes please!!! Oh am I glad Toni Shiloh has written this story. It's easy to find a MOC story in histoA modern day marriage-of-convenience story!? Um, yes please!!! Oh am I glad Toni Shiloh has written this story. It's easy to find a MOC story in historic times, but if modern ones can look like this, I'll take more please!
First of all, Shiloh always writes characters that I absolutely love. Trinity and Omar are flawed, hurt individuals that happen to me in some tough spots. But also best friends like forever! I love that aspect of the story for the record. Continuing on.... they really need each other and don't even realize it. They love each other and don't even realize it. But I did lol. And that's what I love about this book - their realization and growth of friendship to more was so subtle, so realistic, that even I believed it. Most MOC stories seemed forced to me. Almost like the author puts certain situations that are not realistic at all just to make the characters fall in love. Not the case here. Their love for each other grows slowly, genuinely, and really in a touching way.
Now let's not forget the stars of the book - Omar's kids. They are so gosh darn cute and steal quite a few scenes I might add. But they add a layer of depth to the overall story line. Yes Omar is suffering after the loss of his wife, but we get to see the kid's part of that too, and I really think it brings so much more to the story. And while it isn't necessarily told from the kid's POV, you still get that in the narration of their scenes. There were several scenes that just melted my heart.
This book has all the feels, and honestly I hope that Shiloh brings us more of these types of stories. I know this reader will love them! I highly recommend this book for contemporary romance fans. It will hit you in all the right places :)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
First, let me say this. I want to spend Christmas, or any holiday really, with the Murphy family. They are just a fun bunch!! Everytime the brothers wFirst, let me say this. I want to spend Christmas, or any holiday really, with the Murphy family. They are just a fun bunch!! Everytime the brothers were together I laughed, and kind of like Mackenzie, felt like perhaps I belonged there. And frankly, I never wanted to leave.
Rodewald had my complete attention with her Hallmarky "let's pretend we really love each other" storyline right from the beginning. Yes, I could see this story unfold vividly in my mind, and I'm sure Hallmark wouldn't even do it justice. Jackson and Mackenzie had such great chemistry - oh wow the kissing scenes had me swooning! But it was more then just their attraction. Over the time they spent together, they just developed a real bond, one that I knew would be hard to get rid of.
Then the ultimate shocker - which I won't say because of spoilers, and honestly I kind of expected it a little bit, but it was how the characters interacted after that, that really had me hooked to the story line. Tough decisions to be made for sure. I was a little angry with Mackenzie over this last probably third of the book as she seemed to go back and forth with how she "felt" about Jackson. Even so, it just made for a great storyline.
I always love the books that Rodewald brings, and I have to say this might be one of my favorites. It hit all the right contemporary "fake-romance" buttons and had me wanting more! I do hope we see these characters in the future :)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
When two characters who have so much baggage come together, and then try to learn not only how to live around each other, but how to interact with eacWhen two characters who have so much baggage come together, and then try to learn not only how to live around each other, but how to interact with each other. It's something every reader can learn from, because let's face it. We all have baggage in one way or another. It's what we do with it that makes a difference.
I'm also a sucker for marriage-of-convenience stories. I don't know what it is about them, but I just can't get enough - and Jagears is a pro at writing them! She takes her time with both the characters and their relationship. I'm always anxious to see how the story is going to play out, especially to see how realistically their romance blossoms. I have to say - in this story it was at just the right speed for me.
All in all, this is a book (well series actually) that historical fiction fans are going to love! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more
I love a good series, and this series by Erica Vetsch is simply amazing. I adored book one, and thought nothing could top that, right? I liked this onI love a good series, and this series by Erica Vetsch is simply amazing. I adored book one, and thought nothing could top that, right? I liked this one even more (didn’t think that was possible)! First, you have spunky Charlotte. Oh her mouth got her into some trouble but boy did it make me laugh. And while it seemed troublesome to some of the other characters, she really was just trying to do what was best, along with speaking her mind. She was such a fantastic character!!
And then our hunky hero….who at first I didn’t think was going to make such a great hero. I can’t put my finger on it, but I just wasn’t really feeling his character. Then enter Charlotte, and I just couldn’t tear my eyes off the pages. Their chemistry fantastic, and frankly I liked who his character become around her. **sigh** Why does it have to be over?
Romance aside, Vestch weaves a brilliant plot full of mystery, compassion, difficult choices, and books! Yes our leading lady is a book lover just like me. Disclosure – there is a scene where something happens to her books, and I just about cried. It broke my heart! I know it seems silly (especially for those of you who have read and probably know what I’m talking about), but wow. What an unexpected way to get my emotions going!
This series is a must read. And while this book could probably be read as a standalone, there are a few things from book one that roll into this story, and so I think it’s best to read them in order. Now we just have to wait for book three!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I just adore this series by Jody Hedlund. Well, if I'm being honest, I love all books by Jody Hedlund. I can't choose a favorite actually - they are aI just adore this series by Jody Hedlund. Well, if I'm being honest, I love all books by Jody Hedlund. I can't choose a favorite actually - they are all so good! And what's great about the series is that even though every book features a different bride/ship, you still hear about the previous characters and what they are up to, but not so much that it takes away from the current story line.
I have to say that while I love a good heroine story, and Zoe makes a fantastic heroine, it's really Abe's story line that I found most intriguing. He's got this struggle between going by what the "church" is telling him to do, and doing what he feels God is telling him to do. I can't imagine what that must be like for someone! And Hedlund handled it with such care, and honestly it just secured my feelings about knowing that God will never lead us astray. He knows what is best for us and our situations. This was such a great faith theme!! And for the record, Abe makes a swoony hero as well ;)
With the ups and downs of a "convenient" relationship, adorable new baby, and interfering neighbors, this just might be my favorite of the series! Of course, I say that about all of them! Highly recommend this series. And while this could be read as a stand alone, I urge you to read the entire series. I promise you will not regret it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
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