Review of "Something Old, Something New" by Amy Clipston

This is a sweet standalone title focusing on a slightly less typical age group for this genre. :)

Brent and Christine grew up in the same (relatively small) town, with Brent the high school football hero who dated Christine's popular sister, and Christine the quiet one.... Fast forward a number of years and their lives are very different. Brent suffered a career ending injury and is experiencing some serious career obstacles. He's lost his footing a bit, while Christine is finding fulfillment in her role as an auntie, owner of a local Antique Mall where she interacts with a number of vendors - and is thriving in most areas (except starting a family of her own.) When Brent comes back to town he experiences a revelation of sorts and Christine begins to view him in a different light...but is their past too much to overcome? Will they find a future with each other?

I enjoyed this book overall although some of the characters I found a bit grating rather than endearing. Overall I usually really like books by this author and am glad to recommend it.    

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

Review of "Dangerous Beauty" by Melissa Koslin

Wow, what a journey! This is the second book I've had the opportunity to read by this author. She does an excellent job of creating strong and extremely intelligent female characters without being even remotely cliche or using tired stereotypes. 

Liliana Vela observes her family being murdered and is taken captive by the perpetrators, yet she escapes and is ultimately rescued by Meric Toledan, a multi-millionaire. She instinctively sees something in him she can trust and when he offers to "marry" her for protection, she surprisingly accepts. Integrating into his world is a challenge, but Liliana is intelligent and resourceful. Will their relationship grow into something real? Is the danger still out there?

I really enjoyed this book! The author did an excellent job of balancing the harsh realities of abuse and learning how to trust as well as painted a very clear picture of the lead characters' motivations and allowed for a surprising and interesting (also satisfying) conclusion. I will happily recommend it.

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

Review of "Fallout" by Carrie Stuart Parks

Samantha Williams is a resourceful introvert; orphaned at a young age she has learned what she likes and (subconsciously) what helps her feel safe. When a series of tragic events all seem to peripherally involve her to some degree, she realizes her world is systematically being turned upside down. Sam is determined to find out who or what is behind it - and exactly why is she being targeted?

The author reveals, piece by piece, a history that may -or may not- be colliding with Sam’s present day. The Clan Firinn organization (from previous books, although this is a standalone) has a large role as well. We are not sure who is friend or foe - and the answers just may surprise you.

I thought this book was very interesting. The timeline and setting are less common (for most books I read anyways!), the story is rooted in true events, and a number of the characters have somewhat unusual pasts. I have enjoyed all of Carrie Stuart Parks’ books and am glad to recommend them.

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

Review of "Love and the Dream Come True" by Tammy L. Gray

Once again, I really put off starting this book as long as possible, because I knew that starting meant it would be over too soon....but the time finally came. As expected, I could not put it down once I began.

This is the third and final installment in the author's "A State of Grace" series, and it was worth the wait! Taking place several years after book two ends, Cameron Lee has found musical success and critical acclaim, but has lost himself along the way. He is questioning basically everything and suffers from debilitating panic attacks, unsure of what his next steps should be. 

Lexie Walters is a childhood friend of Cameron's sister and their family. She has long admired Cameron and followed his career, and when she sees him after all the years her heart leaps all over again. As they are now adults, could they have a relationship - and despite both of their fears and brokenness, find something extraordinary?    

Note: under NO circumstances should you read this as a standalone; please do begin with the first book and go in order. Cameron is a major figure in books one and two and as such you will absolutely want to understand his backstory before starting this book.

I HIGHLY recommend this series and eagerly await the author's next book. 

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

Review of "All That It Takes" by Nicole Deese

This story....even more awesome than I hoped. I loved the first book in the series, "All That Really Matters" (which was equally wonderful - and please note, as I always say- it's better to start from the beginning) so much that I didn't think a follow up could truly be as good...but I was wrong. 

When security-minded Val takes a big chance, uprooting her life and moving her son to Spokane for a new job, she has no idea what changes are in store...but it just might be the best thing that ever happened to her.

When Miles, twin brother to Molly from "All That Really Matters" is thrown a major curve ball professionally, he assumes he understands all the factors....but with some time and perhaps new insight, he just might come to realize those changes are exactly what he needs.

I highly recommend this book! I appreciated the atypical subject matter, witty banter, well-timed arcs for both the primary and the strong secondary characters, and the self realization and personal/spiritual growth shown in both main characters. I especially loved that Val and Miles didn't have petty arguments about their differences and therefore have a misunderstanding leading to a big blow up (common trope which I personally find tiresome) - but they still don't settle OR give up on each other too soon. Also, this book addresses a very socially timely topic (that coincidentally coincided with its release, which certainly could not have been known in advance to the author), and does so in the most loving and gracious ways. 

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

Review of "The Memory Index" by Julian Ray Vaca

This was such an interesting concept. The story grabbed me from the beginning and I found that I didn't want to put it down. The characters and mystery were compelling and I especially loved the friendships and witty banter. Also enjoyed the "alternative 1987" setting. Music and culture references were very fun. I was surprised by the mild profanity and taken-for-granted teen drinking (obviously common but not really necessary to the story IMO - and extra surprising from a Christian Fiction publisher? There was no Christ element but I did expect it to be considered a "clean" read at minimum....) As it ends with a cliff-hanger, I am looking forward to the next book.

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

Review of "Free Fall" by Nancy Mehl

The third book in the author's Quantico Files series, FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit Agent Alex Donavan and her partner Logan Hart face one of the toughest challenges of their career. They are tasked with creating a profile for a missing woman, and soon realize it may be connected to other cold cases. But are the women dead....or alive? And how many are involved in the crimes?

When Alex's part in the case takes a more personal turn, how far will it go? And will she and Logan ever connect on a non-professional level?

This was a well done and satisfactory ending to the series. I enjoyed all three books, and gladly recommend them (you will definitely want to start the beginning, as there is a strong progression from book to book!) I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review of "When the Day Comes" by Gabrielle Meyer

Libby (Conant, Wells) lives two fully complete and different lives; when she goes to bed each night she wakes up the next morning in a completely different timeline (1774 Colonial Williamsburg, 1914 New York City/England). She has to choose which path to stay on when she turns 21, but in the meantime she is determined to make every minute count. There are so many intricacies to each timeline but the author navigates the back and forth very well; I never felt confused and each path was equally compelling.

I am so glad I read this book; I was intrigued by the summary and it definitely ended up exceeding my expectations. The entire story was such a wonderful surprise. A tweak of a not-often-utilized concept (done uniquely, and done well!) that includes great writing, interesting characters, an awesome ending…. I am really really REALLY hoping this is the beginning of a series.

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

Review of "To Treasure an Heiress" by Roseanna M. White

Book two in “The Secret of the Isles” series…..here in the Isles of Scilly, we meet up again with Beth Tremayne. She may still be feeling a bit guilty about her family’s concern for her (in book one) but as she has yet to solve the mystery, she cannot relent. Not yet. The treasure is out there somewhere!

Initially Beth’s adversary (at least that is what she believes), Lord Sheridan is a delight - and the perfect foil for Beth. His wit and unending cheerfulness is a pleasure to read. Thankfully it doesn’t take terribly long for Beth and Sheridan to figure out just how much they understand each other, and that their goals are actually quite complimentary.

This book was so much fun! It has been wonderful to learn about another time and way of life; I also enjoyed the author’s explanation of the location’s history.

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

Review of "The Record Keeper" by Charles Martin

The final (I think?) book of the Murphy Shepherd Novels, this one does not disappoint. We finally learn much of Bones’ backstory, and it is A LOT. With Murph barely recovered -but tons of unfinished business to take care of, his world is turned even further upside down when a major rescue goes sideways.

I will be frank and say that it has been a challenge to review this series as so many serious-major-crazy-but-relevant-incredible things happen - AND THEY ARE ALL SPOILERS. The best I have for you is to say this is a series worth reading; I don’t care that they are dramatic, it works; and that you MUST read them in order. Also, the new secrets revealed in this book were an excellent way to tie up the loose ends.

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

Review of "Turn to Me" by Becky Wade

I've said it before but it bears repeating: I hate starting Becky Wade books. (This is primarily because once I've started, I don’t wish to put them down, which essentially means they are soon to be finished, and then there won't be anything good to read) :(

But, getting started was worth it in the end. Because this book was GREAT. From the treasure hunt to the messy family relationships to the whodunit mystery to the high level forgiveness skills - there were so many nuggets of wisdom -and fun!- to be found. These characters were very unique and interesting; and when you put together Finley’s eclectic upbringing, take on life, and awakening self awareness with Luke’s big burdens, special skillsets, and strong sense of duty - the combination is electric. As always, the snappy verbal repartee is on point.

I have truly enjoyed this series, and I’m super bummed it’s over. I would give it eleven stars if I could. If you haven’t read the other books yet, make sure to start with the first (Stay With Me) and go in order!

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

 

Review of "Fatal Code" by Natalie Walters

This is the second book in the author’s The SNAP Agency series.

SNAP Agent Kekoa Young has been carrying around a huge burden for years…and it is starting to take a toll - and when he is asked to “monitor” his neighbor Elinor, he finds that he just may be willing to share his burdens with someone. But is Elinor truly who she appears to be?

Elinor (aerospace engineer and basically awesome genius) Mitchell is grieving her grandfather, trying to complete a bajillion dollar project at work, all while being caught up in a mystery she does not initially recognize or understand.

This series is great! The topics are atypical for this genre and therefore very interesting - and are written in a way that is easy for the average reader to understand. The camaraderie between the SNAP team is enjoyable, and the characters have depth. I am happy to recommend this book and in fact anything by this author.

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

Review of "Mulberry Hollow" by Denise Hunter

 This is the second book in the author’s Riverbend Romance series.

Doctor Avery Robinson has chosen to isolate herself romantically (and to some extent, in all her relationships) - because she is terrified. Her mother died young from a genetic disease, and Avery fears she will subject her loved ones to the same trauma she experienced. When she meets Wes - a contractor hiking the Appalachian Trail in memory of his best friend - she begins to question everything. Is there any chance she can have the life she always dreamed, if she can only let go of her fear?

I’m really enjoying the Riverbend series. The setting is lovely, the relationships are rich, and the characters have depth. There is fun dialogue and great backstory. Although part of a series, I believe you can read this book as a standalone; however, you’re always better off to read in order for a deeper understanding and enjoyment of each book.

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