Called to Protect Review

For the past year, Chloe St. John has been working as a K-9 cop with her German shepherd partner, Hank. After being dumped by her fiancé for another woman, Chloe has decided that Hank is just about the only male she likes. She's over the whole romance thing and focuses her attention on doing her job. Because a serious case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.

When US Marshall Blake MacCallum's daughter goes missing, he's ordered to kill the judge he's protecting and tell no one about his daughter's disappearance or she will die. Blake races against the clock to rescue his daughter while Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man, but thanks to her previous bad judgment, she wonders if she can trust him. And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?

Called to Protect by Lynette Eason is an action packed suspense story that is sure to keep you turning pages well into the night. Chloe is the next St. John sibling to be featured in Lynette's Blue Justice series and her story is just as entertaining as Izzy's was. I have a feeling that by the end of this series the St. John's family will have their own place in my heart as favorite fictional families. Please do yourself a favor and pick up Called to Protect, you won't be disappointed! 

5 out of 5.  

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

More Than Meets the Eye Review

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers. 

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

More Than Meets the Eye is yet another wonderful novel by Karen Witemeyer. As always Karen Witemeyer delivers a beautifully written historical romance that won't disappoint. With the amazing cast of characters in this story everyone is sure to find a favorite. I'm always a sucker for stories involving found families so that concept pulled me in from the beginning. More Than Meets the Eye is the perfect book for any lover of historical fiction and romance!

5 out of 5. 

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

When Hope Begins Review

Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness . . .

Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.

But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can’t run away from: Forgiving the unforgivable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.

When Hope Begins by Catherine West is a beautifully written story with characters who will quickly capture your heart. Savannah's story is an emotional journey with a message full of grace and forgiveness. I enjoyed diving into this moving story with its very real and complex characters.  If you are a fan of emotional books that deal with some tough subjects I suggest you give When Hope Begins a chance, I think you'll love it!

5 out of 5. 

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

The Road to Magnolia Glen Review

Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.

Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.

Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.

The Road to Magnolia Glen by Pam Hillman is a wonderfully written historical fiction. You won't be able to resit this O'Shea brother any better than the previous one and the Young sisters are equally engaging. The Road to Magnolia Glen is an amazing story that will soon become one of your favorites. If you've never picked up a novel by Pam Hillman I encourage you to do so, whether you start with The Road to Magnolia Glen or another of her books I promise you'll soon be hooked by her writing style. 

5 out of 5. 

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

First Impressions Review

First Impressions: A Contemporary Retelling of Pride and Prejudice

Lawyer Eddi Boswick tries out for a production of Pride and Prejudice in her small Texas town. When she's cast as the lead, Elizabeth Bennet, her romantic co-star is none other than the town's most eligible--and arrogant--bachelor.

First Impressions by Debra White Smith is a great book to start off your summer reading with! First off, I absolutely love Pride and Prejudice so I was slightly worried about how I would feel about this adaptation but I shouldn't have been!  I loved First Impressions, I thought that the author did a great job of staying true to the original book but was still able to make it her own. I liked how she took these well loved characters and stories lines and updated it to be modern and enjoyable to those who might find it hard to read classics like Pride and Prejudice. 

5 out of 5. 

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

The Hearts Appeal Review

Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson.

Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family's stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life. 

Michael soon discovers he's met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly--but will they find common ground?

The Hearts Appeal by Jennifer Delamere is a great second addition to her London Beginnings Series.  This book has everything you expected from a christian historical romance. Great characters, a gripping plot, and a good message. Both main characters in this book have strong determined personalities that make for an interesting chemistry. The historical accuracy in The Hearts Appeal also drew me deeper into the time period. I loved how detailed it was without being overbearing. Please add this book/series to your summer reading list! 

5 out of 5. 

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

A Light on a Hill Review

Seven years ago, Moriyah was taken captive in Jericho and branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods. Now the Israelites are experiencing peace in their new land, but Moriyah has yet to find her own peace. Because of the shameful mark on her face, she hides behind her veil at all times and the disdain of the townspeople keeps her from socializing. And marriage prospects were out of the question . . . until now.

Her father has found someone to marry her, and she hopes to use her love of cooking to impress the man and his motherless sons. But when things go horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee. Seeking safety at one of the newly-established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face, and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way.

A Light on a Hill by Connilyn Cossette is a wonderful start to her newest biblical fiction series Cities of Refuge. I loved that the Moriyah is the main character because ever since finishing Wings of the Wind I wanted to see how her story ends. And I must say that I was not disappointed. The themes of hope and grace, as well as God's mercy and forgiveness are spread throughout this story balancing well with the sweet romance. I'm also super excited for the next book in this series which will feature Eitan a character you'll get to know in A Light on a Hill.  Connilyn's books are perfect for those who love biblical fiction or just amazing storytelling.

5 out of 5. 

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