Review of "Your Sacred Yes" by Susie Larson

For some reason, I had a really hard time getting started with this book (I am actually SUPER LATE with this review). :( The description looked great, I thought I was so interested...but then when it arrived I just didn't want to pick it up. I avoided even getting started. It's funny, I felt "obligated" to read it and "get something out of it" - and there it was, right in the title: "Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion, and Joy" - so clearly, it was meant for me.

When I finally did pick it up, it didn't want to let me go. I will not say that this is an easy read. There is so much depth in this book, and if you are really to get something out of it a lot will be required of you. However, if you are willing to let the questions the author asks do their job, you will learn how you can actually have your "yes" be something that gives you fulfillment, instead of the dread and burden of obligation.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A Bone to Pick" by Mark Bittman

This book is a collection of a number of Mr. Bittman's opinion columns from the past several years, most of them originally published in the New York Times. Some of the titles include: "The Right to Sell Kids Junk", "Dietary Seat Belts', "The Frankfurter Diaries", and my personal favorite, "Is Alzheimer's Type 3 Diabetes?"

If you are looking for a quick read, this is not it - each column is quite thought provoking and requires time to process. With words at a premium in a newspaper column you can easily see that he chose his very carefully - and this is a fascinating compilation. Whether you believe that our food system needs fixing, is great the way it is, or needs to be thrown out altogether - you will appreciate the conversation being started.

Review of "Hope Harbor" by Irene Hannon

Accountant and Cranberry Farmer Tracy Campbell is floundering in life and in hope for her future. Perceiving that she is responsible for a terrible tragedy, she has thrown herself into work and volunteerism.

Michael Hunter's wife has recently passed away and he has come to Hope Harbor, Oregon to heal. He quickly finds himself making inroads into the community without even trying - and as scared as this makes him, he wonders if it is the best decision.

This story of healing for a number of relationships throughout this close-knit community is an inspiring message of renewed hope, and shows how a hurt is never wasted.

I was provided this book by Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "In Good Company" by Jen Turano

Nanny Millie Longfellow just can't seem to hold a job. Her ways appear unorthodox to some, but her charges love her dearly....until their parents fire her.

High society gentleman Everett Mulberry is the newly appointed guardian to three seemingly incorrigible children - and he can't seem to keep a nanny. When the employment agency they both are affiliated with insist that they "deserve each other", a fragile alliance is formed.

Enter Everett's not-all-that-she-seems fiancée, peacocks, well meaning (but meddling) friends, and enough of a mystery to keep things interesting, this late 1800's romantic fiction story with a great dose of humor will be just the thing for your summer - or anytime! - reading.

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

Review of "To Capture Her Heart" by Rebecca DeMarino

Book #2 in The Southold Chronicles, it is 1653 in the new world that is to eventually become Long Island, New York. Montaukett princess Heather Flower is kidnapped by a rival tribe. During the attack they also kill her new husband, Keme, and kidnap a number of other Montaukett women. Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren rescues Heather Flower, and quickly falls in love with her. Heather Flower is deeply wounded emotionally from her loss and the experience and goes to Southold to be with long time family friends and her aunt, focusing on recovery.

The conflict between the tribes, the Dutch, and the English settlers escalates and several of the prominent families struggle to navigate these new challenges as they create a new community. Heather Flower must decide between the Dutch Lieutenant and childhood friend Benjamin Horton, as they both try to win her heart.

This was an interesting read to me as I have not often read fiction set in this time period. However, I struggled with the romance portion of this story as the interactions seemed occasionally forced as well as inconsistent. For such a strong character as Heather Flower she waffles between the two, to the point that I questioned her thought process. Overall I feel lukewarm towards this book.

I received this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Gone Without a Trace" by Patricia Bradley

This mystery/romance/suspense novel by Patricia Bradley is book 3 in the Logan Point series. It focuses on Livy Reynolds, a police officer who has suffered a traumatic on-the-job incident. Her confidence is deeply shaken - and although she is a workaholic, she is finally convinced to take some time to heal. She heads "home" to Logan Point and there...

...she meets Private Investigator Alex Jennings. He has something to prove, both to himself and his family. He takes the case of a missing woman who has specific and unusual things in common with Livy's missing cousin. They are drawn together both professionally and personally as they investigate.

Although I had not read Books 1 or 2, I was still able to enjoy this conclusion to the Logan Point series. I can easily recommend it for those who enjoy mysteries with a bit of romance and relationship drama sprinkled in.

I was provided this book by Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "The Innocent" by Ann Gabhart

A Shaker historical romance novel - sounds unusual, yes? In "The Innocent", Carlyn Kearney is at a crossroads. Her husband is listed as missing from the war and she doesn't know if she is a widow or not. She can barely feed herself and her home is owned by the town land shark - and he aims to collect one way or another. In desperation, she decides that God is leading her to join the Shaker community. However, she quickly learns that the peaceful lifestyle they profess still allows trouble to find her. Several people die under suspicious circumstances and there are those who think that the trouble started when she came to the village.

 Local Sheriff Mitchell Brodie is determined to find the truth behind the deaths and prove Carlyn's innocence - as well as win her heart. Can Carlyn's heart be won? Will she be free to decide how she truly wants to live? Read this book to find out!

I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.