Review of "Carolina Breeze" by Denise Hunter

Sigh. I really like this series. Is the setting a real place?? Because I would love to visit! In this second book in the Bluebell Inn series, we catch up with siblings Molly, Grace, and our starring character this time around, big brother Levi.

Caught up in the day to day running of the inn, being unsure of his future, and compounded by a promise he made to his dying father, Levi is pretty stressed out. Rather than consulting God about this, his stress leads him to make some fairly poor choices that include not being transparent with his sisters about the inn's current financial state. The dishonesty begins to affect his health and definitely impacts his attitude.

Actress Mia Emerson arrives at the inn to get away from her own stresses, including an untimely scandal (although she did nothing wrong) and the potential loss of her dream role. She's also trying to navigate some deep rooted father issues - and she's not giving God enough credit to handle her future, either.

Although this may be something that is worked out in final edits, I was confused by the initial portrayal of Mia as an 'up and coming actress' with some great roles under her belt. Luke later says he wasn't sure "how to tactfully point out that she probably had more money than Oprah," which doesn't match up to that first description in my estimation. Because, well, Oprah. However, this is a pretty small thing, because the story and relationships and mystery and other lovely things more than make up for it. If you haven't already, I suggest reading the first book before starting this one. I am glad 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 "Salty, Bitter, Sweet" by Mayra Cuevas

Let's just cut to the chase: overall, I really enjoyed this book. I love cooking shows and anything food related. I really like YA. I always like to learn about other countries and fiction is one of my preferred educational methods :) This book covered it all and was fun to read, too. I was mildly disappointed that there is rarely a YA book without a sexual element and this was no exception. It was minor but still there....and frankly it didn't improve/change/move the story along in any way - it seemed like it was just thrown in there. That being said, I did like this book as a whole and do recommend it.

17 year old Isa is laser focused on her goal to become a prestigious chef, but is struggling emotionally following the recent death of her beloved grandmother as well as the breakdown of her parent's marriage. She is living with her father and his new (and pregnant) wife while trying to figure out how to navigate her new normal. When she is accepted to a three week course at a prestigious international apprentice program taught by a Michelin star chef, she is thrilled - but soon finds out that what she believed she always wanted the most may not look exactly the way she thought it would. Isa begins to ask herself if this dream is worth the price of admission - and is there something else out there for her?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Blink YA Books in exchange for my honest feedback.