Last Chance Hero Review

What happens when your heart is intercepted before you even know it's in play?

The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn't know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it's not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player--whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field--they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstrong was a cozy read. At times I felt like it was going to slowly and got bored but I loved the characters so that kept me interested. Last Chance Hero is a predictable light romantic read that I feel is all about the characters. The ending was a little too abrupt for me but overall I enjoyed Last Chance Hero and its wonderful cast of characters. If you're looking for a cozy romance to read while snuggle up tight with a hot cup of coffee (or tea) then this is the book for you.

4.8 out of 5. An enjoyable Afternoon Snack. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Mistress of Tall Acre Review

A marriage of convenience.

She is in love with someone else.

He has no wish to love again.

What could possibly go wrong?

There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz was a lovely break from the real world. I easily found myself deep into the story of these characters. I loved the time period it was set in and the historical detail was great! Sophie was a character that I found easy to understand and I loved getting to know her and all the other characters. The twists and turns in The Mistress of Tall Acre are sure to have every reader not wanting to put this book down. 

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was a big win for me!

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Memory Weaver Review

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick was a very heavy read. I found myself putting it down often and waiting awhile before picking it up again. There was a lot of historical details which I enjoyed but I just didn't connect with Eliza like I would have liked to. I really wanted to love The Memory Weaver but I personally couldn't connect with the characters. If you love historical novels based on real people then this would be a great book for you.

3 1/2 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack just wasn't for me.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Chivalrous Review

With Her Future In Jeopardy, This Unforgettable Heroine Won't Go Down Without a Fight!
Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers, but her parents view her only as a marriage pawn. When her domineering father makes plans to see her wed to a brutish man, Gwendolyn must fight for her future. 

She's surprised, however, for that clash to include a handsome, good-hearted newcomer. Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, but he finds in Gwendolyn the most unexpected of women. 

Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.

Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman was an awesome adventure! Just like with Dauntless this book is a medieval masterpiece! Full of twists and turns that will have you immersed in the story till the last page. Gwen is an amazing character that I think women young and old will connect with. I loved the message that she teaches and I think Gwen is an awesome role model. I know it's typical to dream of being a princess but I'm sure I'm not the only one to also dream of being a knight. Books like this help me to fulfill that dream a little. I absolutely loved Chivalrous!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was an absolute adventure!

I got a free review copy of Chivalrous from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

Secret She Kept Review

All her life, Hannah Sterling longed for a close relationship with her estranged mother. Following Lieselotte’s death, Hannah determines to unlock the secrets of her mother’s mysterious past and is shocked to discover a grandfather living in Germany.

Thirty years earlier, Lieselotte’s father is quickly ascending the ranks of the Nazi party, and a proper marriage for his daughter could help advance his career. Lieselotte is in love—but her beloved Lukas is far from an ideal match, as he secretly works against the Reich. Yet Lieselotte never imagined how far her father would go to ensure her cooperation.

Both Hannah’s and Lieselotte’s stories unfold as Hannah travels to Germany to meet her grandfather, who is hiding wartimes secrets of his own. Longing for connection, yet shaken by all she uncovers, Hannah must decide if she can atone for her family’s tragic past and how their legacy will shape her future.

Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke was a wonderfully written story that I think you will find captivating. This is one of those books that weaves two different stories together and Cathy does this perfectly. I have to emit that these kinds of books are either hit or miss with me, I either love the whole book or only half of it. Secrets She Kept was a definite hit in my book, I loved both of the stories and the history was amazingly written. The characters were easy to follow and I loved the mix of romance, mystery, and sacrifice.

5 out of 5. A great Afternoon Snack.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Drawing Fire Review

One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.

With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby’s best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she’s anxious to talk to him about a cold case that’s personal to her―one Luke is interested in as well.

As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents’ lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?

Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore was amazing! I have loved all of her books and this one was no exception. The characters created by Cantore are always captivating and detective Abby Hart is no exception. She is another stunning lead character who you will love to follow. I love everything about Drawing Fire. I honestly can't think of one complaint, I was captivated from page one until the very end and I can't wait for book two in this series. If that doesn't convince you that you need to pick up this book I don't know what will. I love, love, loved it!

6 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack I loved. (I haven't said that yet, right?)  

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.