Review of "Carved in Stone" by Elizabeth Camden

What a wonderful beginning to Elizabeth Camden's new Blackstone Legacy series! I truly appreciate the way historical events are woven into this beautiful book. The main characters (Patrick and Gwen) are both fun and layered. Combining everything from coming of age, prejudice, science and medical advances, and a little mystery along with an against-the-odds love story; this is a well written and extremely enjoyable novel.

I have read every book by this author and highly recommend this one in particular.

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

Review of "Lights Out" by Natalie Walters

This is an excellent start to a very promising series. Heroine Brynn has clearly defined motivations for safety and security, and her bravery in the face of trouble is admirable. Hero Jack is a strong and steady character, a great companion for Brynn. Their jobs are interesting and the different points of view the author includes all add beautifully to the mystery.

The S.N.A.P. Agency is an interesting premise and the supporting cast are very well written, which leads me to eagerly look forward to the next installment.

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

Review of "Tacos for Two" by Betsy St. Amant

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Although the storyline has been done before- (main characters have connected online but wind up also meeting in real life and don't know for a very long time, that they are one and the same) -it is well done, and it's fun to watch Rory and Jude in both places. The witty repartee is great, and the cooking competition is lively. The town characters and supporting cast are well written as well.

Where there was a bit of a breakdown for me is that I never fully understood just why Rory's cooking skills (or lack thereof) were such a secret. Why couldn't she just be an awesome business person who wanted to carry on her aunt's legacy? I did find myself wanting to lecture her a tiny bit at times on being honest about what she really wanted, instead of trying to meet everyone else's expectations. However - there is plenty to enjoy here, including the way both main characters grew and developed. The author provides an explanation of why the characters respond the way they do, and the resolution is great.

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

Review of "Meet Me in the Margins" by Melissa Ferguson

I loved this book so much. I really can't say enough about how happy it made me. It was well written, touching, and included numerous laugh out loud moments.... always a big plus. The tension built at a perfect pace and it was enjoyable to watch the characters develop and grow. Savannah is extremely relatable, and Will is a lovely surprise.

I fully recommend this author's other books - they are excellent - but this is my favorite of them all. If you enjoy romantic comedy that is NOT typical and will keep you laughing until its happy ending, this is definitely the book for you! 

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

Review of "Woman in Shadow" by Carrie Stuart Parks

This is yet another excellent suspense novel from Carrie Stuart Parks, combined with the author's consistent mix of quirky humor and interesting backstory. Main character Darby Graham is endearing and smart. The mystery of "who is behind all the trouble" (and there is a lot), as well as the trauma she previously experienced that is coloring her life today are both revealed slowly and not easily "guessable". 

I am glad to recommend this book, and encourage you to pick up the author's other titles as well.

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