Alena
When Love Comes just became one of my favorite books by Penny Zeller.
Filled with a cast of quirky characters (a.k.a, the aunts) and others that pulled at your heartstrings (such as Lanie), it was such a fun read. The plot moved forward at a good pace, and I loved the Wyoming setting. Small towns are so delightful.
Tobias and Charlotte, of course, created plenty of action by themselves. I think my favorite line from Tobias was when he invited himself over for supper, regardless of how Charlotte felt. Priceless!
And I have to mention the climax. Penny handled the details with such an attention for historical accuracy.
As with all of Penny's books, I deeply appreciate the deep faith content she weaves into her stories and her dedication to keeping the romance sweet and clean.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This story is the perfect read to get into the Christmas spirit. It's heartwarming and laugh-out-loud at the same time. All of Simeon's gifts were just too clever.
Plus, it's a quick read that easily fits into a busy holiday schedule.
Absolutely loved this book! Luke's personality really came to life in the story–he made such a great hero. It was fun to see the Horsemen back in action and to get a glimpse into the other three's lives as well.
Horizon is a town that will definitely make you want to return for a visit! Full of fun characters (my favorite was the boardinghouse owner–she was priceless) and a close-knit feel, it makes for a great setting.
The opening chapter was definitely a hook. Questions always follow when a woman is running down a street searching for a place to hide. There was no putting the book down at that point.
Tyler and Paisley were both loveable characters. And the kids! I loved how many flaws Penny gave them. Those kids each reminded me of real-life kids I've dealt with before, and I could just feel the frustration they caused–and the love that they inspired as well.
Most of all, I appreciated the depth of faith that Penny wove into her story, and the clean quality of her romance as well.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Quote From Over the Horizon:
Tyler studied her. A slender woman with long, disheveled, fawn-colored hair and suspicious hazel eyes that stared back at him. Her jaw was clenched, her mouth formed a straight line, and her determination and fortitude amused him. She might be beautiful had her hair been combed and her frown replaced with a smile.
As if Tyler's life hadn't taken enough unexpected turns in recent days, now he had to contend with this?
Hearts of Gold is a historical romance collection of three novellas by by Grace Hitchcock. Each story is sized perfectly for an evening's read.
The Bridal Shop
Ah, well, this wasn't my favorite story ever. At parts, Alice and Giles held my attention, but other times, they just didn't. The opening wasn't exactly my favorite way for a hero to enter the story, either. I'll say no more so that I don't give away any spoilers.
Miss Beaumont's Companion.
Five stars and more! This story was an absolute delight. The circumstances of the story kept me turning pages to discover what would happen next.
The characters were a pleasure. Aria with her Italian background and penchant for sweets kept me smiling through the whole book. Byron had a delightful wit. The two of them brought out each other's personalities in a lovely way.
I finished Miss Beaumont's Companion in one sitting. I could not make myself put it down and thought about it long after I turned the final page.
The Becoming of Miss Blanche
It was all right. I have enjoyed Grace's series featuring the Harvey House girls, and revisiting the resort was fun. The story felt as if there was a little too much action packed in too small a space, but I entirely understand that novellas are a tricky balance.
Overall, I recommend the Hearts of Gold collection. It's worth it even if you only read Miss Beaumont's Companion, which you might be able to guess was my favorite.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Counterfeit Love has it all–strong faith content, loveable main characters, complex side characters, and an intense plot.
The hero Broderick's unusual profession as an operative in the Secret Service creates instant interest. Crystal doesn't skimp on the details of his job but brings the reader right along with him in a tangle of mystery and intrigue.
Theresa, too, has some unusual skills for a woman in the 1880s including painting for a living and engraving. Both characters help create a historical novel that stands out on the bookshelf.
The lessons sprinkled throughout the story come about in such an organic way, as if they're springing right out of the heart of the story.
The details of the story merged together perfectly to make a sweeping conclusion. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series!
To summarize Heart of Gold into one sentence, this book is a western romance that shows the value of family, with a Christmas flair added in for good measure.
I loved the idea of a lonely criminal stranded with a big, rambling family over Christmas. Tom's carefree attitude had me smiling. I also liked the way Ida's struggle to overcome the trauma of her kidnapping was portrayed. Not too smothering, but also realistic of how a girl would feel after suffering at the hands of rough men.
I was not so fond of the rush to the kiss–I'm pretty picky about how I like romance portrayed. I also would have liked to see the redemption theme played out more fully and explained more in depth.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
A fun story featuring a stubborn rancher, a feisty doctor, and plenty of adventure can be found in Healing the Mountain Man's Heart!
First of all, I loved Jericho's name. Very unique, and it has a ring to it that suits him.
The theme of this story hooked me from the beginning. What's not to love about a Montana ranch occupied by seven brothers and two children? Adventure and chaos is bound to happen when two women appear on a ranch dominated by men. I laughed out loud at Dinah's horror that “these men lived just a shade above barbarians!”
Misty drew each character's personality well, Jericho with his fierce loyalty, and Dinah with her passion for helping others. All of the brothers added a dose of humor to the story–I hope that all of them get a story of their own.
I came so close to giving this book a five star, I liked it so much. The main thing that held me back was the uneasiness I felt with kissing at the end, which didn't seem exactly wise given that Jericho and Dinah were living in such close proximity to one another. However, I also appreciated the care Misty put into making sure there was “no appearance of evil.”
I'm super excited about this new series, and I look forward to more from Misty Beller!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
For me, a three star review means the book was all right. That pretty much describes how I felt about Beside Still Waters. It was a nice story, but there were elements about it that didn't quite connect with me.
But first, let me share what I liked about the book.
I liked the small town/community feel of the story. There was some humor that made me chuckle, and Lynnette has a writing style that kept me turning pages. The faith content was good, and the story had an over-arching theme of how the Lord is our Shepard who can be trusted to lead us through all circumstances.
The first part that didn't resonate with me came when Zoe marched to Washington Nolan's house and proposed to him. I'm not fond of girl's “pushing the question” in real life–and I'm even less fond of it in fiction.
The next turning off point had to do with the bad guys of the story. I like to feel concerned about what a bad guy is about to do, but in this book, I couldn't help laughing out loud as I read the scenes where the bad guys appeared. I'll lay the blame on my brother, who has made me a big fight scene critic.
And the the last reason I couldn't fully enjoy the story was another personal preference. I counted twelve viewpoints in the story–twelve different characters offering a look into their heads. Lynnette managed the story in a way that made it easy to keep track of who was who, but it wasn't a style I was particularly fond of. I prefer not knowing what all the characters are thinking and would rather be able to make my own guesses about what a side character's motives could be.
All that said, if none of the above-mentioned is your pet peeve, then Beside Still Waters is a lovely read that will sweep you back to a simpler time.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Capturing Hope had my heart racing. From the opening chapter to the very last page, I could not put the book down.
Capturing Hope opens in Poland on the eve of the Nazi's invasion. Nadia's father makes David promise to get Nadia safely to England–and the adventure is on.
Angela brought the reality of the bombing of Poland to life. I'm pretty sure my breathing was coming way too fast and shallow as I followed David and Nadia through Warsaw, dodging bombs and rescuing innocent lives.
The characters were absolutely captivating. David and Nadia both had a lovely character arc as they learned to put others ahead of themselves. My favorite kind of people to read about.
I loved the beautiful theme of the hope in the midst of trials and sacrifice.
I wasn't entirely satisfied with how David's problems were dealt with in the end. He was making progress in trusting God, but I would have liked to see him come just a little farther, become just a little stronger in his faith. Especially before becoming a husband and father.
All things considered, I truly did enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend it for anyone in the mood for a World War II novel full of danger, adventure, and faith.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
A heartwarming story based on a little-known WWII operation to get soldiers home for Christmas. Despite the Odds has a lot of heart and a light dose of humor. It's a quick read which makes it perfect for a quick holiday read, but also has depth. I highly recommend it.
A Silent Hope is has all the feels of a perfect book–adventure, sweet romance, and a lingering, warm fuzziness at the end.
There were many elements to this book that gave it a unique flavor. The giants made some scary enemies. The lions were too much fun. Calaine's deafness brought an interesting angle to the story (I can only imagine the challenges in some of those scenes!), and I appreciated how Madisyn displayed the difficulties of deafness while still making Calaine a deep and relatable character.
Renner was a delight with his charm and caring ways. I love a good trope of “royalty-and-peasant-falling-in-love,” and Madisyn delivered beautifully on that.
The faith content was strong and lovely throughout the whole story. As the title indicates, it's a story of hope that is sure to leave your heart happy.
Each of the stories in the Springtime in Surrey collection were delightful. Wholesome, sweet, and perfectly suited for a quiet evening curled up in comfy chair. I did prefer some stories over others, but I'm giving the whole collection a five star. They all held quality both writing-wise and in faith content, which I deeply appreciate.
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
A sweet story set on the Homefront during WWI. Includes lots of fun characters and a strong overarching message of resting in Jesus.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
I loved how the past worked it's way so easily into this story. Moira had many difficulties to overcome and Adrian was the perfect man for her–a drop of sunshine to chase away her clouds. All the tea added a lovely British touch.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
A super sweet WWII story. I love stories about the British home-landers holding the country together during the war. With just a few chapters, If I Knew You Were Coming holds so much emotion. I was holding my breath, hoping Joan would get her heart's desire. And the ending had quite the twist.
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson
My favorite out of the collection. This story gave me a throwback to days of reading Jane Austen. There's so much good reflection about what makes a home and about the Lord's guidance. I deeply related to Meredith and loved the heartwarming feel of this story.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
I'll admit it. I had no clue of what a tussie-mussie was before I read this book. The Tussie-Mussie is so good. Ewart's character was handled just perfectly and made him the kind of hero I loved (even though he wasn't my typical type). His relationship was his sister was sweet and I loved watching him and Caitrìona come together. The Sherlock Holmes flair had me smiling as well.
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
I especially enjoyed the ending of this story and loved the way Rachel pulled it all together. Ever since reading this story, the phrase “odd duck society” keeps coming to mind . . . It's really an excellent description. A very cozy story that will make you want to visit a tea shop.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
A story with a vintage feel and lots of good truths sprinkled throughout. It has a calm pace and a thoughtful overtone, very much reminiscent of a classic of old.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
The thing I most appreciated in this story was Rosalind's love for her husband and the lengths she was willing to go for him. The hunting trip added such a flavor to the story as well, one that almost made me think of Robin Hood. A unique story that had me cheering for Rosalind and Matthias and their relationship.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this collection, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This is my new favorite Penny Zeller book (I know I said that about the last book of hers I read, When Love Comes, but I hadn't read this one. I still love When Love Comes just as much, but this one . . .)
John Mark was my absolute favorite character. Strong. Protective. Manly. Godly. And yet, prone to his own set of weaknesses that made him delightfully human. The way he swept in to rescue Hannah was perfect–sweet and funny at the same time.
And I just have to mention Pritchard. If you've read the book, I need say nothing more, and if you haven't, well . . . just read it.
Penny included so much rich wisdom in her book, practical advice about marriage that all couples should hear. I loved that she openly showed the hardships of marriage (especially for someone who had been as mistreated as Hannah), yet also displayed the blessings of it.
This is definitely a book that's going onto my favorites list of stories I've read this year.
A Cinderella tale with a western twist? What could be more perfect than that!
(Not to mention, Karen Witemeyer has been my favorite author for years. I'll read any snippet of her work that I can get ahold of.)
If the Boot Fits holds many twists to keep readers guessing while including plenty of nods to the original fairytale. And the cover is absolutely fantastic. It gives the perfect elegant/western feel of the story.
Asher was a delightful hero, one whose commitment to his family made him even more appealing. His brothers were so much fun and I loved the idea of a redeemed stepmother. Samantha and her hunt for the man with the missing boot added plenty of humor. On the flip side, the scenes between her and her father touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes at moments. It was a good reminder of how deeply communication can impact a relationship.
I have to mention the plot. It kept me guessing, yet made perfect sense in hindsight. Karen handled some difficult subjects with grace. I always appreciate the way she can present sin, yet show redemption to cover it.
And at the end of the book, there was a scene from the next book that had me wishing for its release day. Why does waiting have to be so hard?
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
If you are looking for a book that will reach deep into your emotions, you won't want to miss Reclaiming the Spy! It's a book that is almost impossible to put down. Seriously.
Reclaiming the Spy hooked me right from the prologue. Nick and Abby were newly married, and happy–so happy that I had a sense of impending disaster. And sure enough, then the letter arrived, changing everything.
This book has earned every bit of a five stars and beyond. It dug deeply into my emotions. It made me laugh and cry (I was so glad my sister wasn't in the room). Best of all, it delivered a perfect ending, giving my emotions a much needed soothing.
I love a book where I can't guess what's going to happen next, and the unique circumstances of Reclaiming the Spy kept me turning pages. Every character was perfectly developed. Lorri used real skill in portraying Nick, making him likeable, yet also displaying the trauma he faced. I was on the edge of my seat every time he started sneaking around Abby, trying to hide his identity. Those were some of the best parts of the book.
Lorri threaded a beautiful theme through the book, showing the sanctity of marriage and the importance of unconditional love. Abby provided a lovely picture of what a wife should look like with the strength of her love for Nick and her determination to stay at his side no matter what.
I also loved how Lorri emphasized that God is the One who heals. The way that she delivered truth in Reclaiming the Spy gives this book a deep impact and makes it a story that will linger in your mind long after reading the last word.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Having read several books by Tracie Peterson, I've found that sometimes I really like her books, and other times I put the book down and start thinking through the scenes that I really wish had turned out differently. Regardless, I do appreciate the solid faith embedded in each Tracie's books, and often during the story, I think, “Aha! That character made a really good point right there!”
The latest book I've read by Tracie is Destined for You. That title has such a ring, doesn't it?
Destined for You is book one in the Ladies of the Lake series and takes place in Duluth, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. Since her mother's death, Gloriana Womack is dedicated to caring for her father and younger brother, and she has set aside any dreams she'd once had for her own future. But danger abounds on the lake where her father fishes for his living, and Gloriana soon finds the very core of her faith being tested.
Luke Carson arrives in Duluth with an assignment to see the railroad's safe arrival in the city, but from the day he arrives, he's beset with problems concerning both the job and his family. Added to the conflict is a man nursing a secret grudge against him–and a deadly desire to see him fail.
I had a hard time getting into the book and wasn't sure if I was going to like it in the beginning. The first couple chapters were a slow start. But then the bad guy showed up and started making threats, and things just got better after that. As far as the faith content, the book met all my requirements: a salvation by faith alone in Christ alone through grace alone. The character development was good, and I really liked both Luke and Gloriana. The circumstances that brought them together kept me turning pages. The only thing I was just a little unhappy with was that the final scene with the bad guy wasn't powerful enough for me–I'm trying not to give away any spoilers, so I'll merely say that it felt like a bit of a letdown after so much good tension building throughout the story.
But all things considered, I would definitely recommend this book and consider it worth the time invested in reading it.
Cover reveal for A Time of Proving!
Seeing a new book cover is one of my favorite parts about being an author. As soon as I opened up this mockup from my cover designer, I was in love.
Confessions to a Stanger is the first book I've read by Danielle Grandinetti. It was definitely interesting, if a little chaotic at moments.
Both David and Adaleigh were liekable characters and balanced each other perfectly. And I really like David's grandma, especially how she baked to keep from worrying.
Crow's Nest was a delightful town that I could picture vividly. I love stories set on the banks of the Great Lakes. Descriptions of docks and water and waves always fascinate me–maybe because I live in the middle of Nebraska where there is so little water.
The plot was fast paced–good for the most part, but the climax turned just a little unbelievable for me. And I can't help but mention that the ambulance and police seemed to arrive out of the blue. It made me scratch my head a little and wonder who called them.
Altogether, it was a fairly good book and held just enough set up to make the next book in the series intriguing.
The Novelists in November anthology is a sweet collection of stories sure to touch your heart. What a gift to be able to read so many works by various authors who infuse Christ into their writing! All the fall vibes of this anthology paired with the deep faith content make this the perfect mood setter for the season.
Each story was a joy to read and I applaud each author for crafting a delightful story. Here are a few quick points I took from each story:
A Melting-Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox: I loved the incorporation of so many characters with diverse backgrounds, including foster children, people from other countries, and a “normal” American family. A very sweet story!
And As She Talked by Bethany Willcock: Such a fun story! The mysterious element had me guessing the whole way through the story, and I finished the last sentence with a smile on my face.
Reasons to be Thankful by Hannah Gridley: This story had such a unique premise. A housebound woman living in secret with her FBI agent husband–yes, I was instantly hooked and had to understand why these characters were doing what they were doing. Loved this story.
Act in the Living Present by Katja H. Labonte: This gave me a throwback to my days of reading Lucy Maude Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott. The writing style was charming and old fashioned, and the story followed a nice arc.
My Heart Still Sings by Faith D. Cox: I wasn't expecting the twist in this story and enjoyed the depth and heart behind the healing that followed.
Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth: The setting came alive for me in this story. Loved the characters differing personalities and the subtle conflict. Effie's story dilemma about wanting to write a story about a happily married couple made me smile.
Finding Beauty in the Suffering by Katie Zeliger: Now, the setting of this story struck me as eerie, along with a lot of the characters. I would call this one imagination-stretching since it had me trying to guess what was going on in this place. The ending was a nice touch.
The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira Rodriguez: The very title of this story drew me in. And then I read the first sentence, followed by the first paragraph and on down the page . . . it was hooking. The writing style was beautiful, written in a way that brought the main character's voice to life in a way I rarely see. The ending about made me cry, but it was a good, clean ache that's hard to explain. For such a short story, it impacted an incredible span of emotions inside me, everything from humor to heartache. A lovely story all the way through.
Pages of Grace by Heather Flynn: The friends-to-more trope was super sweet. The businesses felt real, from the diner with its friendly atmosphere to the publishing house with its frenzied pace. The ending put the perfect ribbon around this story.
The Sound of Healing by Averie Swan: This one. It was my absolute favorite. The backstory that wove through the main story was perfect. Just enough was revealed to raise a question, and then the answer wove its way into the story. The characters were a delight, and I could just see the family gathered around an old fashioned radio to get their evening entertainment. That last scene was a grand finale. Entirely. Perfect. This beautiful quote captures the feeling better than my words can: “Tell me one of your stories. A nice one, where the hero defeats the villain and rises up in a cloak of glory.”
Between Moor and Mountain by Kelsey Byrant: This story reminds me of a stream, gentle and meandering. It held a thoughtful, introspective bend. The Scottish highlands sprang to life on the pages.
Overall, Novelists in November is a collection you won't want to miss. Do yourself a favor and pick the book up now.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
My Review: 4.5 of 5 Stars
This is a book that echoed in my mind long after I finished the last page.
With many of the books that I read, they begin to fade after I mark them as “read”, but this one just kept lingering. Powerful seems too mild a word to describe it.
William and Isabella were characters who came to life and lived and breathed in my mind. After reading just a couple chapters, I was so worried for William that I couldn't focus on any of my work.
Their meeting was absolutely delightful. All the mysteries of their past mixed with the danger of the present kept me on the edge of my seat. Every time that I felt I was startling unravel the answers to the questions, another truth would bomb, sending me reeling right along with William.
And I have to mention that Hannah has such a way of writing. She used so many unique, but perfect words that the setting and the story took on a life of its own. The climax especially was a scene I'll never forget.
There was so much that I loved about this book, but I do need to mention two things that detracted from the story. One, there was a side character who used some British profanities (which, since I'm American, I didn't even realize it was a profanity until I looked it up later). And two, there was a moment at the end when the main character decided to “forgive God.” The scene came so close to giving the book a sweeping conclusion, but that gave it a “not quite” feel. God doesn't need to be forgiven. I believe the intention behind the scene was of the main character releasing his bitterness toward God, which was a good theme. It just had odd wording.
That said, this is a story that will probably rank toward the top of my favorite books I've read this year.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a story that will linger in your mind long after you finish reading the last page.
Set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, The Shepherd's Voice begins with a bleak landscape for the hero, Gabe. But the theme of hope quickly emerges, along with faith and love.
Gabe. He and Akira were delightful characters, the type that you could feel deeply for. Along with them, a host of side characters made for a story filled with people to cheer for–or hope for the downfall of, depending on which side they fell on.
Note: The antagonist really was the type to give you chills.
The plot progressed in a natural, but page-turning way. One plot thread involves a twist on the parable of the prodigal son story, and exploring the “what-ifs” of that was a pleasure.
Robin Lee Hatcher brings a depth of faith to this book. One point that she covers beautifully is how becoming a Christian doesn't instantly change us. Throughout the story, the hero struggles with transforming his thinking so that it aligns with God's Word. The way that he sees himself and others around him is tainted by lies that he needs to release as he grows in his understanding of God's Word and listens to the voice of the Great Shepherd. As I finished the book, I wanted to fill my head with Scripture so that I believe truth, not the lies of this world.
If you love stories with a rich historical setting, characters to love, a villain to despise, and a strong dose of faith content, give The Shepherd's Voice a try. You'll be glad you did. I know that this is one book that will be on my favorites list for 2024.
This is a story with all of the elements of a tale that will stick in your mind–strong faith, deep emotions, and a plot that makes it hard to catch your breath.
Abounding Hope follows Irena Simmons and Jonathan Huntwell through war-torn Poland. Their characters fit together perfectly. I especially liked Jonathan's tendency to try to control situations and Irena's dislike for being controlled. That led to plenty of adventures!
Besides that, I always love a story involving plenty of children. This book more than delivers on that, and all the kids complicate the plot even more.
The stakes are high for this book. The situations sometimes feel impossible.
And through it all, the gentle theme of hope emerges.
Anyone who loves a WWII adventure will be sure to want to grab this book. Cindy does a fantastic job of transporting readers back in time and sending them on heart-ponding ride.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
A Not So Peaceful Journey is a story of western travel rich in historical detail paired with characters who jumped right off the page. If you are looking for a book that will sweep you back into the 1880's, look no further. Sandra Merville Hart is a master historian. As I read A Not So Peaceful Journey, I could hardly stop shaking my head at the details Sandra included. This was not a five minute research job.
From tours through various train cars to frantic meals at lunch counters, interspersed with short tempers, arguments, and injured feelings, this was a story that gave a fresh look at western travel. The characters were a lot of fun, and the plot moved quickly even with all the historical details.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about John and Rennie's journey and I'd recommend it for anyone who loves their novels with an extra dose of history.