About the Book
Book: Second Time Around
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 1, 2023
Publisher: Revell
Who doesn't love a second chance?
When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother's run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town's business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.
With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home decor shop called Romancing the Home--all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she's living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled--until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.
She's tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there's more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home--and possibly her life?
When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother's run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town's business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.
With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home decor shop called Romancing the Home--all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she's living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled--until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.
She's tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there's more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home--and possibly her life?
My Thoughts
I have only had the pleasure of reading Melody Carlson's Christmas novellas and I have enjoyed those immensely. This is my first full length novel by her and I thought it was good. As I get older its nice to read about characters that are a bit closer to my age which this book had. Mallory is a single mom of older kids. She is an empty nester and very successful at what she does but she inherits her grandmother's tourist shop and decides to have a new lease in life especially when her old crush is determined to do something completely different should he acquire the building.
I thought the characters were good but they were missing something. The story dragged a little for me at times. I wish there would've been a bigger development between the characters rather than the focus being the renovation and decorating of the new place.
Overall this was a good book. Definitely reminded me of a Hallmark type setting and could definitely see this as a movie. If you enjoy Contemporary Romance with mature characters then this is the story for you.
My Rating: 3 Stars/ Liked it
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
About the Book
Author: Jennifer Deibel
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: February 21, 2022
Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.
When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.
Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.
When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.
Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.
My Thoughts
I love how Jennifer Deibel transports me to the Emerald Isle in her books. This one took me to Ballymacool house in a very Cinderella-esque storyline. The entire story takes place in Ballymacool. It was intriguing to find out more. The characters were lovely and I wanted to know how Brianna arrived to the situation she is in.
Brianna, our main character, is easy to love. She has overcome so much in her young life and you want to cheer her on to get the best in life. The hatred that the head mistress has for her is truly appalling. You will definitely despise her. But through all that Brianna remains a gentle soul and so caring towards others. She has these romps through the woods where she finds treasures and visits Finnuala who is like a grandmother to her.
Oh goodness, Michael is our leading gentleman, is equally as gentle and I found him to be very gallant towards everyone. He is definitely the perfect hero as he tries to solve everything possible for Brianna and make things right. The way the romance develops in the story was sweet and one that makes you get that deep sigh of contentment when reading.
Overall I thought this story was quite lovely and kept me intrigued. I wish there would have been just a tad bit more resolution with Maureen Magee, the head mistress, I felt like there could have been just a bit more towards the end regarding her life. The faith element was strong throughout the storyline and I really enjoyed that faith is at the forefront of these characters.
If you enjoy Christian Historical Romance then you will enjoy this one and all of Jennifer's other books!
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases February 2, 2021 from Revell. Follow Moira Doherty to the wilds of rural Ireland in 1921. Available for preorder wherever books are sold.
About the Book
Book: The Sound of Light
Author: Sarah Sundin
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: February 7, 2023
When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.
American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.
When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.
American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.
When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.
My Thoughts
Wow! This was such a good book!! Last year I read When Twilight Breaks for book club. It was my first Sarah Sundin book and I was instantly hooked. This book was no different I absolutely loved it. Set in Denmark in the middle of the Nazi occupation.
Immediately we meet Henrik Ashlefeldt who is a former Olympian and has turned his back as an aristocat in order to help out the resistance as the "Havmand" - merman- because he is a water courier between Denmark and Sweden. He disguises himself as a Polish man working on the shipyard to blend in. Else is a woman physicist from America who is treated with disdain by one of the men in the department she is working in. They both are such great characters and so very well written. You couldn't help cheering for them throughout the story. Their love story was sweet but there were moments where it is hard and heartbreaking.
There are some characters that you will absolutely loathe. The characters where you want to scream and throw the book against something. Yes, you will definitely experience that here in this book. I think its great that authors can do both types of characters so well and have us go on a rollercoaster of emotions.
The side character of Laila in this story was an absolute love! I need a story on her... she was Else's friend and part of the resistance to help Jews. Being Jewish herself she helps those that need to escape to safety. The best part about her is that she along with Hemming/Henrik guides Else to be brave and not stay silent.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. Mrs. Sundin definitely has a great talent for writing Historical Fiction, especially when it comes to the War specifics. The faith thread was light but the themes of hope, faith and being the light remained strong throughout the storyline.
My Rating: 5 Stars/Absolutely Loved it
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling author of The Sound of Light (February 2023), Until Leaves Fall in Paris (2022), When Twilight Breaks (2021), and four WWII series. Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Until Leaves Fall in Paris, received the 2022 Christy Award, When Twilight Breaks and The Land Beneath Us were Christy Award finalists, and The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award.
About the Book
Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Series: Missing in Alaska, Book 1
Genre: Christian Mystery Suspense
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: February 1, 2023
Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.
Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.
As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.
Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.
As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.
My Thoughts
Elizabeth Goddard certainly has a way to of drawing you into a suspense story. Immediately as we start the story there is mystery and murder and just when you think that is all this case is going to be about boy are there some twists and turns that I was not expecting.
We meet Autumn Long who is a police chief in a small Alaska town. A town that is not known for needing a huge police force as nothing really happens here until now that is. Autumn is fighting to stay in her position as chief, someone else is trying to take her job and make her seem incompetent.
Grier is a stranger to town but he has become a local hero. He immediately has a connection with Autumn and although he doesn't act on it he does help her with anything that is relating to the new mystery that is ocurring in town.
I won't give you too much because I don't want to give anything away. Overall I really enjoyed the story. I felt like the romance between the characters was good but it almost felt like it was very quick. At times I felt like I had missed a previous book in which they had already met because Grier was so familiar with her and the town. Other than that I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a new suspense story to read.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
To get book news sign up for her newsletter at her website: http://elizabethgoddard.com
Follow her on Bookbub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza...
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or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard
Follow her on Bookbub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza...
You can connect with Elizabeth on Facebook: http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddarda...
or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard
About the Book
Book: Counterfeit Hope
Author: Crystal Caudill
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Series: Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age, Book 2
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: February 14, 2023
When Secret Service operative Andrew Darlington is brought in to support a US Marshal case involving counterfeiters in rural Indiana, he thinks it's simply the next rung on his climb to the top of his career. But liars can only climb so high--and Andrew is keeping a dangerous secret he doesn't ever want to get out. When he clashes with the criminal family that took over the town of Landkreis and killed the Marshal he was sent to assist, his past life is in danger of being exposed.
Widow Lightning Lu Thorne has only one goal: escape the clutches of the Thorne family with her son. Her decision to be an informant and testify against the Thornes looked like the perfect answer. Until the Marshal ended up dead. Now the tether keeping her tied to her felonious family is tightening, and a forced marriage to someone else in the Thornes' clutches threatens to kill any hope of escape.
Andrew and Lu find themselves on the same team--unwillingly. They each believe the other to be the enemy to their future plans. And even if they could learn to work together, the secrets they hold could shatter all hopes and dreams. Despite the encouragement of the local preacher, they're not even sure God can be trusted--much less other humans. Can either of them escape their past--and the family that is willing to kill their own when they smell betrayal?
Widow Lightning Lu Thorne has only one goal: escape the clutches of the Thorne family with her son. Her decision to be an informant and testify against the Thornes looked like the perfect answer. Until the Marshal ended up dead. Now the tether keeping her tied to her felonious family is tightening, and a forced marriage to someone else in the Thornes' clutches threatens to kill any hope of escape.
Andrew and Lu find themselves on the same team--unwillingly. They each believe the other to be the enemy to their future plans. And even if they could learn to work together, the secrets they hold could shatter all hopes and dreams. Despite the encouragement of the local preacher, they're not even sure God can be trusted--much less other humans. Can either of them escape their past--and the family that is willing to kill their own when they smell betrayal?
My Thoughts
Oh wow Crystal Caudill has done it again! She captivated me with her debut novel and I impatiently and nervously awaited for this second installment of the Hidden Hearts series. Why nervously? Because you never know what direction an author will head after their debut novel. I have to say that she more than met my expectations. I really loved Counterfeit Hope. It had all the elements that I look for when I am reading a Christian Fiction story.
Let's start with the characters... we immediately meet who has been through a lot. She just wants to break free from her past and the toxic environment that she has been a prisoner of and make sure that her young son is not involved in any sinister things the family is involved in. You really feel for her throughout the whole story and just want her to finally have a chance in life. I really loved that despite what she has been through and how people see her, the pastor and his wife love on her like Jesus would. I think this is so important because it is the way the church is supposed to be towards others. Love and teach who God is in the midst of their circumstances.
The Thornes wow... you always have to have a character that you immediately despise but with this book you get an entire family. They are just pure evil. What Ma Frances puts them through and how she treats them will make you cringe and wonder how God can also love people like them. As sinful humans it's hard for us to comprehend, but that is the thinking that kept running through my mind every time they came into the story.
I was so glad to have a story about Andrew after meeting him in the previous book. His story was a bit surprising and I know it will surprise you where he comes from. God works in mysterious ways and He sure does work within Andrew's heart as he meets Lu and gets deeper and deeper into the case he is working.
If you are looking for a book in which the storyline is embraced with the Gospel then this is it. Don't get me wrong it is not preachy at all but you can tell it is present. I am grateful that the author doesn't shy away from making sure this is present in her stories and I pray that she never does.
Overall I absolutely loved the story. It was great seeing characters from the previous book present in this one. It always makes my bookish heart happy when I see repeat characters in a series. Although this could be a stand alone book, why would you want to skip on the first one?! I definitely recommend you grab both!
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!!
Favorite Quotes:
"Peace and fear cannot reside together. You either have one or the other. Never both at the same time. Confession opens your heart to hope, and hope brings peace beyond understanding."
" A love worth having is a love worth fighting for, but sometimes the fight is won in stepping back and allowing God to work where we cannot."
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.
About the Book
Book: A Journey for Hope
Author: Stacy T. Simmons
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: January 17, 2023
Author: Stacy T. Simmons
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: January 17, 2023
With one “yes” everything Hope Fuller has sought could be hers.
Hope Fuller has life all planned out. Following a short trip to Briar Creek, North Carolina to help her sister, Hope will return home to Florida and begin her teaching career. Alas, keeping her trip short proves challenging after she sees someone from her past—a handsome lawyer who makes her heart want to plant itself within the community.
Dylan Gaines is just starting out his small-town legal practice and has his own plans for life. However, his reunion with Hope just might change some of them. Then again, their last attempt at romance ended up straining their friendship.
What will it take for Dylan and Hope to strike out on a different journey this time, one where love takes the wheel and leaves solitary plans in the dust?
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts
This was a sweet story of rekindling an old romance. I really enjoyed how the romance between Hope and Dylan grew throughout the story. Hope definitely finds herself, healing and restoration amongst her family. I really enjoyed how this author just does a romance that unfolds slowly but perfectly throughout the story. The faith thread is very strong and encouraging throughout the story.
Overall I thought it was a good story. Sadly this author has passed and Jesus took her to live in eternity with Him. Show her family support by continuing to read her stories and sharing them with others.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Stacy T. Simmons writes uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Thirty-four years of marital bliss is a great contributor. She is a mom of two grown children, and she and her family have a menagerie of pets she likes to call “Noah’s Ark.” You can find her working on her next manuscript with a piece of dark chocolate and a cup of coffee nearby. She loves to connect with her readers via her web site at www.stacytsimmonsauthor.com
More from the Editor
A Light to the World by Denise Barela
This is a hard one for me to write and share. I’m writing this article, not as an author, but as an editor. This past year we lost an amazing sister in Christ, and her loss has been felt even in the small things. This month, Stacy T. Simmons’ book, A Journey for Hope releases. We were still in the editing process when she passed away, so I’ve taken over the editing of the book and have been working hard to ensure it stays as true to the way she wrote it as it can be. Stacy worked hard on this book, and we wanted to make sure her words were shared with her readers.
Stacy was such an encouragement to so many people. She would respond to emails letting you know how grateful she was or sending a little bit of encouragement for that particular day. She’s touched so many people’s lives, and it was so heartwarming to see all the authors posting how much she’d touched their lives in the last several years. We wanted to honor her memory and hard work with this book.
I’ve never had to take on another author’s role in applying edits. I’ve only ever tackled my own as a whole. I know I’m bound to make a few mistakes since I don’t know all the thoughts she put into some of what she wrote, but I’m doing my best to keep her ideas and message intact. I’m so grateful for the privilege of knowing her for the short time I did. She was an incredible person whose love for the Lord shone through. I know I’ll get to see her again in heaven one day. Until then, I will work to bring her story to the world all shiny and polished. I hope you find her words inspiring and heartwarming.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10
HappyWhenReading, February 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11
Back Porch Reads, February 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 12
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 13
An Author’s Take, February 14
deb’s Book Review, February 15
Christina’s Corner, February 15
Simple Harvest Reads, February 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 17
She Lives To Read, February 18
Sylvan Musings, February 19
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 20
Holly’s Book Corner, February 20
Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 21
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, February 21
Texas Book-aholic, February 22
Blogging With Carol, February 23
For Him and My Family, February 23
Giveaway
To celebrate Stacy’s tour, Celebrate Lit is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/242a4/a-journey-for-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Book
Book: The Secrets of Emberwild
Author: Stephenia H. McGee
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Publisher: REvell
Release Date: October 4, 2022
A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They're easier to handle, they're more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.
Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.
Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.
My Thoughts
If you are a horse lover then this book will be right up your alley. This is a new to me author and I thought it was a pretty good book. Although I do love horses, usually I tend to not be captivated by books that solely revolve around animals but this storyline had me intrigued and so did the characters.
Immediately we meet Nora who is the only child in the Emberwild estate and as her father dies he leaves her with a secret and a lot of unanswered questions regarding how the estate came to be theirs. Nora is very feisty and independent. Being that she is a woman at this time period she is expected to act and be a certain way and that is just not something that she is happy about. Her dream is to run the estate and be with the horses and she is constantly pushing her boundaries.
Silas is on the search for the truth on what happened with his fathers death. He truly doesn’t believe that it was just an accident that caused his death. As he goes in search for answers he ends up working at Emberwild and meeting Nora.
Overall I thought it was a good story. The storyline mainly revolves around the namesake of the book “ The Secrets of Emberwild” but as we figure out who is the culprit there are some twists that I wasn’t expecting so definitely there was mystery. The bad guy truly is a huge jerk. There was some romance but it was very light and the faith thread was present as we see Nora come to terms that God works all things for the good.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
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