Review of "Castle on the Rise" by Kristy Cambron

Kristy Cambron is one of my favorite authors; I devour her books and they are usually feel life changing. That being said, this book was an exception and I still haven't gotten a handle on what the issue was for me. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but had a difficult time getting going with this one - I think I read the first two chapters about six separate times before I finally pressed on to finish it. I struggled with bouncing around between three timelines and ultimately found it challenging to fully engage with any one of them. (Although I generally like books with split time....this one felt like I was always missing something; whether it was context or connection, I am not sure.)

It even took me forever to write this review because I couldn't figure out how to articulate all of this. I truly think she is an excellent writer. And, I didn't know a lot about the Irish War of Independence and really appreciated learning more about that time in history. I very much appreciated the tie in towards the end for all three timelines and found it to be quite clever.

My final word is that this book should be one that you read it and decide for yourself. The author is generally great, and you may not suffer from the same frame of mind that I did - so get it and make your own decision!

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

Review of "Lake Season" by Denise Hunter

When I first read the summary of this new series by one-of-my-favorite-authors-Denise-Hunter, I was extra excited....what a fun premise! I will tell you up front, I was not disappointed and can't wait for the next book.

The Bennett siblings (Adults Levi and Molly, high school senior Grace) are still reeling from the unexpected death of their beloved parents, who were in the process of renovating their historic house to open an inn that was to be their retirement. After some pleading and contemplation, Levi and Molly agree to stay in Bluebell, finish the renovations, and open the Bluebell Inn for a while to allow Grace to finish high school.

Adam Bradford is a successful author who writes under a pseudonym. Through a series of amusing mistaken identity events, he winds up staying at the Bluebell Inn prior to their soft opening. Molly, a devoted reader of all Nathaniel Quinn novels (two guesses as to who Nathaniel Quinn really is) might be drawn to Adam but is still recovering from a painful dishonest relationship. She has sworn she will never be taken in again by anyone or anything that is less than truthful.

When Molly finds an old letter wedged behind the old mail slot (from when the historical house was the post office!) she is determined to return it to it's rightful recipient. With some "past days" woven in to complete the story, this book is a treat of whimsical mystery and romance and fun. It is easy to recommend this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A Pursuit of Home" by Kristi Ann Hunter

The third book in the Haven Manor series, reading "A Pursuit of Home" was definitely bittersweet! I loved it - but also knew every page I read brought me closer to the likely ending of this great series. Note: your experience with this book will be greatly enriched by reading the other books in the series first. That being said, I can also make a case for it being a standalone if it were absolutely necessary.

We first met our heroine, Jess, in the other books. She has always been somewhat of a mystery. With a quick wit and sharp tongue, Jess still won our hearts with her fierce love for her friends and protective nature mixed with some wry humor. This book opens with a flashback of sorts that gives a bit of insight into why she has always been so closed off - mainly due to dangerous necessity (no spoilers here, though). :)

Art expert Derek Thornbury knows he is not Jess's favorite. He is therefore especially baffled when she asks for his assistance in first translating a diary and then using his exceptional knowledge of art and history to solve her mystery - and save a country.

Hilarity ensues. This entire series is a must read! The supporting cast (many main characters in the other books) are a delight. The author's fresh voice and approach to historical fiction (all of her books) are well worth your investment of time and money.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Every Stolen Breath" by Kimberly Gabriel

A thrilling debut from author Kimberly Gabriel, "Every Stolen Breath" has a double meaning (like all the best titles do) :)

Main character Lia Finch will not rest until she exposes the source of The Swarm, a vigilante mob who murdered her father two years ago. Although she is doing everything she can think of, Lia is limited in her efforts because not only are her lungs compromised, trusting anyone at this point could be deadly.

Enter Ryan, connected somehow - but he still keeps rescuing Lia from dangerous situations. As Lia starts to connect the dots to unravel the mystery, the risk grows exponentially higher and may even affect the loved ones she has left. With an atypical storyline, numerous twists and turns (a big enough one I actually got upset for a minute), and engaging characters, this novel is a good read that I am happy to recommend.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Blink Publishers in exchange for my honest review.