Summer by Summer Review

When Summer took a job as a nanny for a couple vacationing in Belize, she imagined it would be a fresh start before starting college in the fall. And while she adores her charge, Josh, she can't say the same for her employers' oldest son, Bray. He's cocky, inconsiderate, and makes her feel she's a chore he has to put up with. In short, he's everything she dislikes in a guy.

Bray had a plan for the summer: party, hang out with friends, and forget all the responsibilities waiting for him back home. But every time he's forced to be around Summer, her dour, serious mood sets him off. Not to mention she has a habit of picking up on what he already knows is wrong with him.

Then the two find themselves on a dive trip gone wrong, stranded on a remote island. As they focus on survival, their differences melt away, and they find being together may be what both needed all along.

Okay so hopefully by now you know that I really don't like to write negative reviews. But sometimes it can't be helped. I really wanted to love this book, it had a lot of promise but there was also a lot that I didn't like. First, there was the famous YA cliche, Summer went from a kinda mousy, modest dressing girl to a head turning, high lighted, bikini wearing, model almost a few chapters in. After that Bray went right from despising Summer to being super attracted to her. I barely ever felt the dislike between them that the back cover talks about. There was the first meeting and instant dislike then the next day they were attracted to each other. Second I felt their whole relationship was based on physical attraction.  Bray couldn't stop thinking about Summers beauty.  And the same goes for Summers thoughts on Bray. In the matter of about a month I think they went from despising each other (for about one day) to being physically drawn to each other to being in love. It happened way to fast, nothing of substance got to grow between them in my opinion. Also we never find out anything about Brays beliefs. Just that before he met Summer he was a party boy who loved hooking up with hot party girls. After meeting Summer he seemed all to willing to wait for her but not because of any conviction on his part. Anything faith related seemed to come from Summer. From what I saw it seems like Summer is what us Christians call un-equally yoked. As I said before this book had a lot of promise. I really could see it becoming a favorite if there had been more depth to their relationship, if Summer hadn't gone through a make-over in like the third chapter, and if I could have seen any real signs of faith in Bray. I really loved the premise I read on the back cover but I don't feel like I got that book. 

2 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that I felt could have been so much better.

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

Once Upon a Summertime Review

She's looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a young woman starting out her career.

Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises--not the least of which is discovering that Sean O'Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position. 

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson was a sweet summertime read that is perfect to take on your vacation this summer. It was a real quick read with some very likable characters. There were some parts where I found my mind start to wonder and get distracted but for the most part I really loved the sweet predictable romance that Melody created in Once Upon a Summertime. Be sure to grab this book and pack it with you for your next vacation read! 

4.5 out of 5. A satisfying summer Afternoon Snack.

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

Love's Rescue Review

Can a girl enamored with the adventurous seas ever be content with the tame life of a Southern belle? 

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O'Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to perform her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

Love's Rescue by Christine Johnson was an amazing read. I instantly fell in love with Rourke and I think that so will you. He is every bit the dashing hero that everyone loves to love. Elizabeth was also a character that I loved, she went through a lot but in the end we get that happy ending we all love and come to expect with romance books. And while Love's Rescue was a wonderful romance it also had a great suspense aspect. I was constantly on the edge of my seat. This was the first of Christines books that I have read and I have to say not the last!

5 out of 5. A great Afternoon Snack!

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

Taken Review

An investigator who knows tragic loss firsthand, 

and his new client, missing far too long...

Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She might have enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time. 

When Shannon contacts private investigator Matthew Dane, a former cop, to help her navigate her reentry into society, he quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn't mean her troubles are over. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they'll stop at nothing to silence her.

If justice is to be done, and if Shannon's life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to discover exactly what happened to her--even if it means stirring up a hornet's nest of secrets.

Taken by Dee Henderson was another win in my book for her. I may be a little biased because since the first book of hers I read (Danger in the Shadows) I have been in love with her amazing suspense and mystery writing skills. Taken is no different in that I loved every minute of it! I loved this new psychological thriller of hers and these new characters and some old ones too! That was a welcome surprise! I thought that Matthew Dane was a great hero, I  loved his character and the chemistry that he and Shannon had together. If you loved all of Dee's other books then your sure to love this one.  

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that will not disappoint!

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

As Love Blooms Review

Young romance opens like a rose . . . but even a rose has its thorns.

Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park--and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad was a great fun to read. I loved the character of Tessa, she's sweet and sassy! My kind of main character. She's has to be one of my favorites. Very fun to get to know and read about. Also Reese is a top notch hero. I loved his determination to be somebody. I thoroughly enjoyed As Love Blooms and wish that the book hadn't ended. If your looking for an amazing historical read with some women's suffrage then As Love Blooms is the book for you. You won't regret reading it!

5 out of 5. A sweet Afternoon Snack.

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

No Place to Hide Review

She'll defend her friend until the bitter end--but is she in over her head?

It's not every day you see your childhood friend and one-time crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name. But she's not the only one looking. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to save thousands of innocent lives.

No Place to Hide by Lynette Esason does not disappoint in the least! Every minute I spent reading the book was filled with action and suspense. No Place to Hide is the third book in the Hidden Identity series and one you won't want to miss! I always love a good suspense novel and this one is just that. I had a hard time ever finding a place to set the book down so that I could get stuff done. I fell quickly in love with the characters and I thought that the plot was amazing. You must read this book. Now!  

5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack is a must have!

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

A Faith of Her Own Review

Jeremiah thought leaving Middlefield was the hardest thing he'd ever do. That was nothing compared to returning home.

When Jeremiah left his Amish community to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian, he left more than just his faith behind-he walked away from his family and his childhood friend, Anna Mae. Now that he's returned to help out his mentor and work in a Yankee veterinarian practice, Jeremiah must face his past-and the people he betrayed.

Anna Mae had finally put the loss of Jeremiah and the broken vow between them behind her. Even though she supported her best friend's pursuit of his dream, she never let on how his departure left her questioning her own place in the Amish world. With his return, new questions arise, along with feelings she'd never fully acknowledged before.

As their rekindled friendship begins to turn into something more, Jeremiah and Anna Mae must examine their own faith and their relationship with each other and their families. With both of them torn between loyalty to their loved ones and being pulled in different directions, they must decide whether to heed God's call, even if it means being apart forever.

A Faith of Her Own by Kathleen Fuller was one of the best Amish novels I have read in a while. I loved the sweet story that Kathleen masterly crafted. Jeremiah and Anna Mae were characters that really seemed to come to life for me. I have to admit that until about a year ago Amish stories were not my cup of tea but lately I have been finding several authors who have really got me hooked and Kathleen is now one of them. A Faith of Her Own is a beautifully written story about faith and God's plan. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

5 out of 5. An delightful Afternoon Snack.

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