Review of "Fragments of Light" by Michele Phoenix

Recurring themes: Cancer. Marital discord. Enduring friendship. Split time (WWII and present day). Unresolved issues (can't we all relate to that one!) and reminding us how wounds from the past can affect multiple generations. Forgiveness....and so much more.

Ceelie believes she has just turned an important corner in her breast cancer journey. She has made it through treatment and surgery, and is finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel - when she is completely blindsided. Reeling, she turns to her dear friend Darlene, who she met during treatment. Darlene is nearing the end of her life and realizes that she has some unresolved circumstances regarding her father, which leads Ceelie on a journey to hope and perhaps some healing of her own.

I appreciated that not everything was tied up "perfectly" at the end, because it felt much more realistic. The veteran's stories, the marriage journey, challenges in regards to forgiveness and healing - all beautifully illustrated in this lovely book.

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

Review of "Everywhere to Hide" by Siri Mitchell

Really interesting (and timely) topics covered in this book!

Main character Whitney Garrison is crazy smart in so many ways - but seems to struggle (sometimes unnecessarily IMO) in others. Working very hard at two jobs, she is a law school graduate who is studying intensely to pass the bar. Overwhelmed with student debt.....her living situation feels precarious.... and she has recently ended an abusive relationship The stress levels are pretty high, and to top it all off, she has a condition called prosopagnosia (face blindness....this was SUCH an interesting space to frame everything in the novel around, because it affects so many more things than I ever would have thought).

When Whitney accidentally witnesses a murder, she instantly becomes a target and of course...couldn't recognize the killer even if she wanted to. Throw in some mild romance, possible government intrigue, and a cryptocurrency plot and you have an excellent recipe for a great suspense novel. I am happy to recommend this book!

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

Review of "To Steal a Heart" by Jen Turano

I just can't say enough about how much FUN it is to read a Jen Turano book! There are always touching moments and numerous laugh out loud moments, and this book is no exception.

We begin a new series, "The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency" on a strong note with the introduction of our heroine, Gabriella Goodhue. Formerly a street urchin with "chosen family" ties (where she learned how to steal without being caught), she is now an adult with close friends at her boardinghouse. The Agency's first case begins when another resident and friend Jennette is framed for a jewelry theft, and it costs her an engagement to the love of her life.

Nicholas Quinn was one of the children in the chosen family - but he was adopted by a very wealthy society gentleman and his life took quite a different turn. When they reconnect while Gabriella is working on a case, those proverbial sparks fly.

I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this great new series!

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

Review of "A Portrait of Loyalty" by Roseanna M. White

This is the third and final installment in The Codebreakers series. Gifted Photographer Lillian Blackwell (semi-secretly) works for British intelligence, developing and editing photos for the cause. She enjoys a privileged life and continues to be kind and humble; yet, some of her secrets are weighing heavily on her.

Zivon Marin was well respected in Russia until his political and personal conflicts with the Bolshevik uprising (including some that he is unaware will hit quite a bit closer to home) required him to flee. Now working with Lily's father, Captain Blackwell, he finds himself captivated by the lovely Lily. However, he is unsure of his future and has some -understandable-family and forgiveness issues he needs to work through.

With several twists and turns (that I found unexpected), there were also several VERY poignant parallels to our world today that made this novel extremely timely and relevant. This series was excellent! I am thrilled to recommend this book.

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

Review of "The Kissing Tree" by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese

Four novellas, all with an enduring landmark/theme - The Kissing Tree. Set in Oak Springs, Texas, each author shares a unique love story featuring a different time period (ranging from the 1800's to present day). It was fun to see the town through the ages as well as enjoy each of the couple's stories.

Even with different authors, each of the stories felt tied together in an appropriate way. If you enjoy heartwarming novellas set in different time periods, you will absolutely enjoy this book!

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