Review of "The Words We Lost" by Nicole Deese

The hits keep coming (in the best way!) - I have enjoyed all the books from this author, but "The Words We Lost" definitely exceeded my expectations.

Told through a "then and now" perspective, this book shares the story of three best friends with varied backgrounds and history...how the bonds they share(d) shaped and molded them over the years. How things are not always the way you believed them to be, but it can still be all right in the end. I found the pacing and surprise elements to be perfectly timed. The relationships are ones you will wish you have/had and the life challenges they experience are not especially common, yet are still written in a way that makes the core emotions behind them relatable.

I am still thinking about this story. I truly loved this book and highly recommend it.

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

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.