Review of "Bookshop by the Sea" by Denise Hunter

In this standalone novel, 25 year old Sophie Lawson has plans to begin the next phase of her life. She has long been the very patient caretaker of her family; however, with her mom recently passed away, her twin brother starting a grownup job, and their younger sister almost married, it's finally her turn to pursue her dream....opening a bookstore in a beautiful seaside town.

Business owner and extreme sports enthusiast Aiden Maddox and Sophie go way back...all the way to high school. Unfortunately, Sophie still hasn't exactly forgiven him (OR forgotten him), since he left her to pursue HIS dreams. He's back in town for her sister's wedding but when a hurricane hits his flight is cancelled. Due to a series of events, he winds up staying a little longer than expected and helps Sophie navigate a series of unexpected challenges...but will his apologies and staying power make a difference this time?

Exploring several themes including first love, forgiveness, and healthy boundaries, this is ultimately a sweet romantic story in a lovely setting. I usually enjoy Denise Hunter's books and this one is included on that list!

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

Review of "Hours to Kill" by Susan Sleeman

Book three in the Homeland Heroes series.

Addison Leigh (estranged wife of Mack Jordan and formerly part of the elite RED Team) is working to bust up a dangerous gun running ring when she is personally threatened - first her family, then her life. When the attack leaves her with a head injury that includes some memory loss, she is shocked to find out she is married...and, she also can't remember what lead she was pursuing when she was attacked. 

US Marshal and elite RED Team member Mack Jordan still loves Addy desperately, but has been compelled to stay away after a particularly disturbing PTSD reaction that puts her in danger. When Mack finds out Addy is injured he rushes to her side, but is shocked when she doesn't know who he is. Eventually Addy's boss and the RED Team work together, both to keep Addy safe and to crack the case.

As this is the third book in the series you will likely find more enjoyment in reading them in order. I found them all enjoyable and easy to recommend.

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

Review of "All That We Carried" by Erin Bartels

Estranged sisters Melanie and Olivia have barely spoken in the 10 years since the car accident that caused their parent's death. As they were on a hike at the time, Olivia can't understand why Melanie chose a weeklong hike as the point of reconnection, but when she is caught in a weak moment, she agrees.

The sisters have gone down very different paths in the last decade; Olivia is type A, very organized, an attorney, incredibly tied to her lists and rules and plans - especially her agenda for this hike. Melanie has gone the more free-spirit route with her life, ascribing to numerous religions and philosophies, Mel is a life coach with a YouTube channel and many followers, her "Mellies". Well intentioned and determined to reconnect with her sister, Melanie also has a secret to confess - and she isn't sure that Olivia will ever forgive her.

I have read all three titles from Erin Bartels (all I can find) and this is by far my favorite. The story develops at an appropriate pace, the character's trauma and reasoning is realistic and compelling, and the unexpected surprises along with way completely make sense without being TOO incredible or far fetched. A touching and thought provoking story, very well written. I happily recommend this book!

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

Review of "The Prince of Spies" by Elizabeth Camden

The third (and sadly, final) book in the Hope & Glory series (extra hard because I think this is my favorite series from the author so far!) 

Luke Delacroix, former spy and twin of Caroline (book 2) has recently returned from the Cuban prison he was in during books 1 and 2. He is still on the hunt to find accountability for the food poisons he is certain the Magruder family utilizes in their canned food recipes. Now living in the Washington DC area, he signs up to be a part of the Department of Agriculture's new scientific study that is testing the impact of certain chemicals in human subjects. Based on the real-life "Poison Squad" in 1902, the experiments (led by Dr. Wiley who was ultimately the first head of the FDA) begin to take a toll, but Luke is determined to find answers to support his crusade.

Photographer Marianne Magruder (father Clyde Magruder, a recently elected Congressman) and Luke have a chance meeting, and those proverbial sparks fly immediately...but are momentarily squelched when they realize each other's last names. Yet, they aren't squelched for long, and their commitment to each other and the truth is inspiring.

With witty banter, interesting dynamics, with a poignant peek into the state of affairs of this time period, it is quite easy for me to recommend this book. Please do start with book one to enjoy the entire series; you'll be glad you did!

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

Review of "The Lady in Residence" by Allison Pittman

Dini Blackstone is a fifth generation illusionist/performer in San Antonio. Orphaned at 16, she leads an unusual life - one with very few close relationships and a focus-bordering-on-obsession with a decades old mystery.

Teacher Quin Carmichael arrives in San Antonio with a mystery of his own - a packet of very old papers that Dini is VERY interested in - because they contain more clues to some of the secrets she has been wanting to figure out for essentially what feels like her entire life.

The Menger Hotel, Hedda Krause, Sallie White, Gil (who I am pretty sure is also Bert, but you let me know what you think), are all amazing characters themselves. The dual-time format that bounces between present day Dini and Quin with Hedda Krause's story is well done and appropriately nuanced.

This book was excellent. Unusual topic, compelling characters who make unexpected choices, lovely mystery, a great deal of heart...I cannot recommend it enough!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Lethal Intent" by Cara Putman

Lawyer Caroline Bragg is in the process of trying new things in her life. Recently unemployed after the death of her boss, she starts a position with cutting-edge medical technology start-up Praecursoria. Little does she know that her life is about to drastically change.

Brandon Lancaster is a former professional football player. Since his retirement he's founded Almost Home, a group foster home for siblings. A long time friend of Caroline, their relationship is starting to turn into something more - if their trust issues can be resolved.

When their worlds begin to intersect in different (and dangerous) ways, will Caroline crack the code of what is truly going on at Praecursoria? Will she and Brandon find their footing, and will he Almost Home be saved?

I must be completely frank and say that I couldn't completely find my footing with this book. I liked it but can't tell you that I loved it. However, I find this author to consistently be a solid and intelligent writer overall, so I very much encourage you to read this book and decide for yourself! :)

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

Review of "Dreams of Savannah" by Roseanna M. White

It is the early 1860's, and our heroine Cordelia Owens is a privileged daughter whose talents and imagination are not especially appreciated by her traditional family. Phineas Dunn loves Cordelia but is bound to his duty as a recently enlisted member of the Confederate navy. When his mission goes south and he is badly injured (by a friend, no less) he is given up for dead.

Cordelia never loses hope - and she is not wrong; however, when Phineas does not return in a reasonable time frame (and is presumed dead) she is pressured to marry someone else. Phineas is a changed man, both inside and out. Will he be able to feel whole again? Will Cordelia bend to the family expectations, even though it goes against the core of what she believes?

With many sub-stories (the war, the evil cousin, abolitionists, the search for a missing person) there is a lot here. This is one of my favorite authors and it is a bummer to say this book wasn't also my favorite of theirs. It was challenging to feel engaged but I wasn't able to pinpoint the exact reason.

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