Until I Met You Review

 

When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart?

Until I Met You by Tari Faris is the second book in Restoring Heritage and a great addition to the series. The story is heartfelt and touching with its strong themes of forgiveness and redemption as well as many loving characters old and new. I was happily swept into Libby and Austins story and watching them and their relationship grow.  Until I Met You is the perfect small town romance to start off your fall reading list! 

5 out of 5. 

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

Dazzle of Diamonds Review

 

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues--until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot--and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job--and falling helplessly in love.

Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is the last book in The Georgia Coast Romance series and is does a great job concluding this wonderful series. I loved the relationship between PJ and Tucker it was great to see it start as a great friendship and develop into more. Also the setting being in Savannah lent well to this story with all the history surrounding that area. I love a good fantastical treasure hunt and was not disappointed by how this book played out. This is the perfect story for those who love their romance with a bit of mystery and treasure hunting!

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

                                                                            5 out of 5.

Hadley Beckett's Next Dish Review

Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanagh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he's sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley.

As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.

Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner is a great escape from reality. As a food lover and cook, I enjoyed the premise from this story. I loved watching the two main characters, Hadley and Max, grow and evolve from the two bickering costars they started as. Their characters gave me a Gordon Ramsey vs a Ree Drummond vibe. (Which might not be accurate because I've never actually watched anything by Ree Drummond but when I read this book I kind of just pictured her in my mind for Hadley.) Overall the whole story from start to finish was funny, heartwarming, and real. If you love watching the food network then Hadley Beckett's Next Dish is probably the book for you!

5 out of 5.

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

The Happy Camper Review

Home is the place to heal, right? At least, that's what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift--her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon's noncommittal ex-boyfriend shows up with roses . . . and a ring.

The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson is quick read and a very light-hearted story that is a great get-away from life, one that we might all need right about now. Dillon is a character who wasn't quite my cup of tea but I did enjoy the renovation of her cute little camper and her relationships with those that surrounded her. The Happy Camper is a fast paced story of romance and restoration and might be a good read for you if you're a fan of Hallmark style stories and country life. If you've never wanted to live the camper life after finishing this story you might change your mind!

 4 out of 5.

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

Out of the Embers Review

Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Out of the Embers was a wonderful way to start the new series, Mesquite Springs by Amanda Cabot. I really enjoyed the characters, main or otherwise in this story, especially Polly. That being said, I found Evelyn to be a wonderfully strong female character, who when faced with hardship does her best with the circumstances. I loved her entrepreneur spirit with how she was able to open her own restaurant, Polly's Place. With just a touch of mystery and suspense mixed in with the faith and romance, Out of the Ember is the perfect book to spend a day or two with.

5 out of 5.

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

Star of Persia Review

In an effort to complete a war his father had planned to win, King Xerxes calls every governor, satrap, and official in his vast kingdom to his palace in Susa to strategize and feast. When they finally leave, he decides on one more week of frivolity, which ends in the banishment of his favorite wife, something he never intended to do. But when he discovers Esther, Xerxes is sure he has a second chance at happiness.

In her wildest dreams, Esther could never have imagined that she would end up as queen of Persia. Yet she knows better than to become complacent. Another of Xerxes's wives is vying for position, and his closest advisor has a deep and dangerous grudge against Esther's adoptive father. Caught in the middle of palace politics, Esther will find herself in an impossible position: risk her life or consign her people to annihilation

Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith is a wonderful fiction retelling of Esther's story from the Bible.  I've read several fiction retelling of Esther before and while none of them disappointed me, I think this one took it a step farther to be different. Jill Eileen Smith stays true to the biblical account but digs deeper into the history surrounding this story. I love how she brought some new characters (or honestly historical figures) into play. Being a fan of Esther I never thought to look into other historical accounts about the people surrounding her. 

Again Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith is a wonderful book a I recommend it to all who love biblical retellings.

5 out of 5.

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

The Land Beneath Us Review

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for--fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family--the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin is a brilliant WWII novel with a message of grace and forgiveness beautifully weaved throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed watching both the characters of Leah and Clay grow as the story progressed. They both presented interesting points of view to the plot and the history of the war. As with her other books Sarah Sundin does a great job with her historical research and with how she includes it into her stories. I learned a lot about Rangers as well as WWII. 

5 out of 5.

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

The Roll of the Drums Review

Ruby Weaver's curly red hair isn't the only thing that sets her apart from her Amish community in 1863. Twenty-eight and single, Ruby doesn't believe a woman needs to be married in order to be happy. Her ailing friend Lovinia Fischer, however, has other ideas and wants Ruby to promise to marry her husband after she dies. Never imagining she'd have to fulfill that vow, Ruby agrees. And she's not the only one. Lovinia has extracted a similar promise from her husband, Gideon.

With both Ruby and Gideon reluctant to keep their promises, a compromise must be reached. Ruby will spend her days with Gideon's family--helping to raise the children and keep the house--but her nights will be spent at her sister's neighboring house. But this arrangement raises eyebrows in their conservative Amish community, and it soon becomes clear that Ruby must make a decision--marry Gideon or turn her back on her friend, the children she's grown to love . . . and their father.

The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler is such a sweet story. This Amish romance is set in the civil war and finds these two characters struggling with not only feelings and faith, but fear of a not so distant war. You could tell a lot of research and knowledge went into the creation of The Roll of the Drums and the twists and turns in this story take you on a journey. If you are a fan of Amish or historical fiction be sure to pick up this book as well as the first in this series. 

5 out of 5. 

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

Always Look Twice Review

At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other.

Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard is the second book in the Uncommon Justice series. if your looking for a thrilling mystery to escape into for awhile this is the book for you. Harper and Health are both interesting characters and the adventure they have in this story is full of twists and turns even the most avid mystery reader wont see coming. While this book is the second in its series it can be read on its own. I missed the first one, but now I cant wait to go read it! 

 5 out of 5.

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

Dark Ambitions Review

Former Army Night Stalker Rick Jordan usually has his camp for foster children to himself during the winter months. But someone has visited recently--leaving a trail of blood. One of the two clues left behind tips Rick off to the identity of his visitor, who soon turns up dead. The police deem it an accident, but Rick isn't convinced. With the help of private investigator Heather Shields, he sets out to decipher the remaining clue. Except someone doesn't want them to succeed--and will stop at nothing to keep them from finding the truth.

Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon is the third book in her Code of Honor series and a thrilling suspense read. Old and new characters combine to create a compelling mystery, that has to have become one of my favorites by Hannon. Full of shocking twists and turns Dark Ambitions will keep you on the balls of your feet from beginning to end. If you are a fan of Irene Hannon or just a suspense novel lover in general you will be sure to enjoy this book. 

5 out of 5.

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

A Distance Too Grand Review

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott is a fantastic historical romance. It was very easy to fall in love with these two main characters, Meg and Ben, as well as the other secondary characters. Their story is one that will have you turning the pages quickly. A Distance Too Grand, the first book in the American Wonders Collection is a wonderful story of adventure, faith, and love.

5 out of 5.

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

Christmas in Winter Hill Review

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson is the perfect way to start of your holiday season. Krista and Emily's story is a short and sweet one that brings to mind nights curled on the couch with a warm cup of cocoa watching hallmark Christmas movies. This novella is just what you need to jump start your need to binge everything Christmas. Christmas in Winter Hill is a great addition to Carlson's collection of Christmas novellas. 

5 out of 5.

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

One More River to Cross Review

In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.

One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick was a wonderfully written historical fiction. Kirkpatrick always fills her story full of breathtaking imagery that seems to take you back in time. This particular story is one of courage but also one of immense struggles. So getting ready to be a bit chilly as you take this incredible journey with them. One More River to Cross is a great book for lovers of Jane Kirkpatrick as well as fictional retellings of american history. 

4 out of 5. 

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

One Final Breath Review

When investigator Gabriel Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell--a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.

Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her--the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

When Anissa's fractured past collides with Gabe's investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they'll have to put their complicated history with each other aside in order to uncover the identity of a killer. What they'll discover is that revenge has no statute of limitations.

One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn is a fantastic read! It's full of just the kinds of twists and turns you want in your suspense novel. Both of the main characters have their baggage from the past and the ending they get in this story is very fulfilling to see play out. One Final Breath is the third book in the Dive Team Investigations series and a great installment, its always nice when you get to see favorite characters from the past books. This is overall a great romantic suspense novel that I'm sure everyone will enjoy.

5 out of 5. 

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

You Belong with Me Review

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah's mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts--not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.

You Belong with Me was a fantastic debut for Tari Faris. This small town setting features many wonderful characters as well as strong christian themes. Hannah and Luke were both wonderfully relate-able characters and their journey was a fun one to follow. Full of twists and turns this book is sure to hook you on this new author. You Belong with Me is a sweet contemporary romance that is the beginning of what is sure to be a wonderful series by Tari Faris . 

5 out of 5. 

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

The Girl Behind the Red Rope Review

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.

Her older brother's questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she's seen in a decade set in motion events that will question everything Grace has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides--but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?

The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker is a very thought provoking read. This is a book that you read and then think about for a few days. Its message will stick with you and hopefully make you think about things in your own story. I enjoyed the premise and the discussion of fears. I also thought the father/daughter writing duo did a great job on this book and look forward to reading future collaborations by the two of them. 

4 out of 5. 

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

Deadly Intentions Reveiw

Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris is one of the best mystery/thriller books I've read in a while. It will definitely be taking its place on my favorites shelf. The pace is quick and the plot complex enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Both of the characters, Caitlyn and Josh, are easy to instantly be invested in. Whether you've been a fan of Lisa Harris from the very beginning or you've just stumbled upon her Deadly Intentions will not disappoint.

5 out of 5. 

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

A Glitter of Gold Review

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love.

A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson is a wonderful edition to the Georgia Coast Romance series. Also who doesn't like a good story with pirates! Anne and Carter are two characters both at the end of their ropes in one way or another. Together they have to let go of their pasts and work together to find this ship. I thoroughly enjoyed A Glitter of Gold, the mix of past and present story is also a fun twist. I can't wait for whatever Liz Johnson come up with next!

5 out of 5. 

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

Vow of Justice Review

FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes his life to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her "murder." As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time--this time for good.

Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason is such an exciting read! I loved the premise of this story and the mystery had some fun twists. The characters are familiar if you've read the previous books in this series but even if you haven't don't be afraid to jump in, it is it's own story. The action and intrigue will have you turning the pages until late into the night. Vow of Justice is a great conclusion to the Blue Justice series, be sure not to miss it. 

5 out of 5. 

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

Yours Truly, Thomas Review

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham is the perfect sweet romance for your summer. Penny is a delightful character who is full of hope. I loved seeing how her actions impacted Thomas' life and others. I also loved the premise of this novel and found it to have a good bit of intrigue mixed in to keep you turning the pages. Yours Truly, Thomas is the perfect book to read when you need an escape into a someone else's story.

5 out of 5.