Author: Kelly Eileen Hake
Series: Dangerous Darlyns, Book 1
Genre: Christian Romance
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Release Date: November 1, 2014
After their father’s death, the four Darlyn sisters discover the family farm is mortgaged to the hilt. With an unscrupulous creditor proposing indecent solutions to their uncertain future, the girls leave their childhood home—and childhood itself—behind. Soon a unexpected hero finds himself saddled with the slew of sisters and their surprising skills. But only one thing’s for sure: the sharpshooter named Beatrix hits the mark of his lonely heart. Plagued by past failures and forced to make their own way, find out what happens as the Dangerous Darlyns take to the road in Trails & Targets!
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Now that being said it did get better towards the end but compared to her other book this definitely was not one that I would say I could not put down. It actually took me the longest to read this book. I can usually have a book done in less than two days and this book took me almost a week or so to read it. I was somewhat disappointed in this one.
The main characters are actually Beatrice and Greyson. Their story is told in their different point of views which I don't mind in the stories I read. The sisters all have an odd skill set almost like a circus act. They are definitely an odd little family but they are close and stick together. The love story between Grey and Bea is sweet as he is completely smitten with her and it was fun to see their relationship develop.
The ending also did not truly resolve. I know that the author had plans to continue on this series but I am not sure if she is still writing. I would love to know what happens to the rest of the characters since they were all introduced in the story.
My Rating: 3 Stars/ Liked it but felt there could be more.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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Kelly Eileen Hake is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents series, where she has released several books. A credentialed Secondary English teacher in California, she is pursing her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. Known for her own style of witty, heartwarming historical romance, Kelly is currently writing the Prairie Promises trilogy, her first full-length novels. She has been writing since she could hold a pen and was first published at the tender age of eighteen
Authors: Kara Swanson
Series: Heirs of Neverland, Book 1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Release Date: July 21, 2020
The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London…and a boy who shouldn’t exist. Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins. The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself.
First of all let's gawk at this beautiful cover!! I love to appreciate a beautiful cover don't you? This one just takes you back to memories of childhood stories and beautiful fantasy reads but this is definitely not the typical Peter Pan story that we are used to reading or watching in movies. While we still see characters like Hook (James Hocken), the lost boys and Tiger Lily This takes a different outlook on our beloved Peter Pan and we see him basically years after he has encountered Wendy and he is put into our timeline. It is a perfect blend of the real world and make-believe.
As the daughter of missionaries, Kara Swanson spent her childhood running barefoot through the lush jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped into a unique new world, she quickly fell in love with the fantasy genre. The award-winning author of The Girl Who Could See, Kara is passionate about crafting stories of light shattering darkness, connecting with readers, and becoming best friends with a mermaid—though not necessarily in that order. Kara chats about coffee, fairy tales and bookish things online (@karaswansonauthor) and at karaswanson.com
I wrote Dust not just for those who grew up loving the original Peter Pan story — but especially for the children who were left behind. Those of us who never escaped through a window to a magical world, whose childhoods oftentimes felt a little shadowed.
Dust follows Peter Pan when he is cast out of Neverland, grounded in London. For the first time, this Peter has to start thinking about someone other than himself—and become a beacon to remind any Lost ones that there is still magic to be found.
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Release Date: July 21, 2020
The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London…and a boy who shouldn’t exist. Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins. The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself.
Click here to get your copy!
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The story revolves around Claire and the search for her brother Connor who has been kidnapped. Claire is an orphan who sees herself as broken and not wanted. She struggles with who she is and what her purpose is. We see this throughout the book and the story and your heart simply breaks for her. She is so relatable that at times I could feel her pain. Her growth throughout the story is beautiful and powerful.
Peter is definitely not portrayed here as the imaginative, whimsical being we are used to in stories. He is in London trying to find his way back to Neverland. He is in search for the one person who he believes can set Neverland back to order.
I loved, loved the way that Peter and Claire interact with each other. The way their relationship evolves is beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.
The content was clean and at times can get a bit dark but not overly so. There is a mention of a possible attempt of suicide but nothing that goes into detail but if that's a trigger for you be aware. There is fighting and some references to someone burning but nothing gruesome. The spiritual themes in this book are beautiful and although it doesn't reference God or redemption by name as a Christian you know that is what they are referring to.
As her debut novel Swanson does a beautiful job with this story and it keeps you captivated and engaged THE WHOLE TIME!! I could not put it down. I had to know what came next! I will say that at the end she leaves you in a cliffhanger and yes I shouted in glee!! I love when books give you that feeling of wanting more and she definitely did that. So I cannot wait to read the next one and I am hoping and praying its sooner rather than later!
I recommend this book to everyone not just young adults!! It truly is a magical book and I would love to tell you all the things about it but I don't want to spoil it!
My Rating: 5 Stars/ Loved it! It was amazing!
Favorite Quotes: There were SO many quotes I loved from this book but these are just some of my favorites:
"We all have our shadows to fight, but maybe that's so we can grow stronger."
"You were created for more than to bear the weight of your shadows -- but you have to choose to no longer let them define you. You have to choose to let the light shine through the shattered pieces."
"This caring for someone is not what I thought it would be. It's not losing who I am. It's finding my soul interwoven with another-- and chasing the stars together. And that might just be the greatest adventure of them all."
( I received this book from the author as part of the Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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Dust follows Peter Pan when he is cast out of Neverland, grounded in London. For the first time, this Peter has to start thinking about someone other than himself—and become a beacon to remind any Lost ones that there is still magic to be found.
Dust also follows a young woman named Claire who can create pixie dust, but is desperately afraid of herself because when her fears and insecurities leak out, her dust starts to burn. Claire has seen too many shadows to believe in fairytales anymore and is doing everything she can just to lock away the strange dust dripping from her fingertips. But when she meets Peter, he challenges everything she thought she knew.
I wrote Claire for those of us who may feel too weighted to even remember what it feels like to have hope lift your soul. Who can look at ourselves and all we see are our own shadows and shortcomings.
Throughout the course of the novel, Peter has to teach Claire how to see the spark of light inside herself that is far brighter than the darkness. As he helps this girl learn how to fly, Peter rediscovers what it is that truly makes him Peter Pan: the unquenchable childlike belief that there are weightless thoughts in all of us that can lift us out of the shadows.
This story is a love letter to anyone who has ever needed that reminder. We have value simply because we exist. We do not have to be weighed down by our shadows. There is still light that can lift our hearts if we have faith, trust…and a dash of the impossible.
I wrote Claire for those of us who may feel too weighted to even remember what it feels like to have hope lift your soul. Who can look at ourselves and all we see are our own shadows and shortcomings.
Throughout the course of the novel, Peter has to teach Claire how to see the spark of light inside herself that is far brighter than the darkness. As he helps this girl learn how to fly, Peter rediscovers what it is that truly makes him Peter Pan: the unquenchable childlike belief that there are weightless thoughts in all of us that can lift us out of the shadows.
This story is a love letter to anyone who has ever needed that reminder. We have value simply because we exist. We do not have to be weighed down by our shadows. There is still light that can lift our hearts if we have faith, trust…and a dash of the impossible.
To celebrate her tour, Kara is giving away the grand prize package of a Dust-themed bundle that includes a signed hardcover, bookmarks, character cards, Peter + Claire art print, and an exclusive Dust pin!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
This giveaway is hosted by Celebrate Lit, not myself.
Follow along with the tour by clicking the banner below!
Happy Friday Friends!!
I have spent the day painting a secretary desk that I got off of Facebook Marketplace! I am excited to see what the results will be when I am done with it but boy am I tired! Its another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books and today my first line is coming from A Nurse for Jacob by Caryl Macadoo.
My First Line:
"Lydia admired the two-story building from the corner of Gaienne and Old Levee Streets, strode up the walk, then stopped at the front of the Touro Infirmary and adjusted her cap."
Your turn! Grab the book closest to you and
drop the first line in the comments!
Author: Kara Isaac
Publisher: Bellbird Press
Genre: Contemporary Christian
Release Date: June 29, 2020
Lacey O’Connor is finally a sure thing for the promotion she’s spent ten years working for. But when a scandal rocks her firm she finds herself on a collision course with the one person she has spent five years trying to forget. Only to discover he doesn’t even remember her…
Victor Carlisle has spent the last three years trying to convince his family he’s no longer the playboy alcoholic who tore their life apart. When a company merger is announced with a US sister firm, he’s presented with the perfect opportunity to prove he’s changed. Only to find himself falling for his competition and the one woman his family will never accept.
As the competition intensifies the choice looms between the professional and the personal. Can they find a way beyond their past decisions and present aspirations to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?
Victor Carlisle has spent the last three years trying to convince his family he’s no longer the playboy alcoholic who tore their life apart. When a company merger is announced with a US sister firm, he’s presented with the perfect opportunity to prove he’s changed. Only to find himself falling for his competition and the one woman his family will never accept.
As the competition intensifies the choice looms between the professional and the personal. Can they find a way beyond their past decisions and present aspirations to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?
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Although this book is not part of a series per say it definitely follows the book Can't Help Falling which is where we actually meet the main character of this book Victor. This definitely can be read as a stand alone like I did but I think reading the previous one would have definitely help me better understand the dynamics in Victor's family and Victor himself. He was obviously the bad boy in Can't Help Falling but in Start with Me he is a guy just trying to live right and seeking forgiveness and redemption.
Victor is an alcoholic playboy redeemed by God's grace and I for one felt for him. He was truly a changed man and no one wanted to at least give him a chance. It just made me think of how we as Christians hold on to grudges and resentment when others, especially those close to us hurt us but we can't seem to find it in our hearts and minds to let it go.
We also meet Lacey who is trying to run away from the past and build a better future.She is ashamed of her small town roots and wants to make something out of herself. She is so focused on her advancing in her career she has no time for relationships. She has been hurt by the church before so the thought of even seeking God out is non-existent to her.
The story between them truly is the perfect blend. Its not a fall in love right away which I found really interesting. There are some comical laugh out loud moments and some moments where your heart just aches for both of them. The author does an excellent job at tugging at all your emotions but in the end I found it to be a great happy ending.
I really hope that Kara will continue the story with Lacey's friend Anna. I think it was set up nicely and I for one can't wait to read her story.
My Rating: 4 Stars/I really enjoyed it
Favorite Quotes:
"Maybe its time to accept that some things are too much to forgive. Or that even if God forgives us, some people never will."
"Every single day, I have to choose to believe he has forgiven me. Even though I still haven't worked out how to forgive myself."
"I love you, and I'm in love with you. And I know I'm not worthy of you. But falling in love with you is the only worthwhile thing I've done in a long time."
(I received this book as part of the Just Read Books Tour. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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Also available through Kindle Unlimited
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Author: Courtney Walsh
Series: Paper Hearts, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: December 18, 2014
Abigail Pressman would never have guessed that love notes penned on paper hearts by an anonymous couple could restore her belief in love. As a business owner in a quaint town at the base of the Rockies, she's poured everything into dreams of expansion . . . and resisting the matchmaking efforts of the Valentine Volunteers, who gather in her store to continue Loves Park's tradition of stamping mail with the city's romantic postmark.
When Abigail is unwillingly drafted into the Volunteers, she encounters the paper hearts, a distraction that couldn't come at a worse time. A hard-to-read doctor has become Abigail's new landlord, and he's threatening to end her lease to expand his practice.
As she fights a growing attraction to this handsome man crushing her dreams, Abigail is inspired to string the hearts in her store, sparking a citywide infatuation with the artsy trend. But when a new batch of hearts reaches the Volunteers, it appears something tragic has happened to the couple. Will uncovering their story confirm Abigail's doubts about love, or could it rescue her dreams . . . and her heart?
When Abigail is unwillingly drafted into the Volunteers, she encounters the paper hearts, a distraction that couldn't come at a worse time. A hard-to-read doctor has become Abigail's new landlord, and he's threatening to end her lease to expand his practice.
As she fights a growing attraction to this handsome man crushing her dreams, Abigail is inspired to string the hearts in her store, sparking a citywide infatuation with the artsy trend. But when a new batch of hearts reaches the Volunteers, it appears something tragic has happened to the couple. Will uncovering their story confirm Abigail's doubts about love, or could it rescue her dreams . . . and her heart?
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What a lovely story! This was my first by Courtney Walsh and I must say I really enjoyed her writing. The beginning definitely gave me some You've Got Mail vibes, of course I was somewhat sold because that is my all time favorite movies but this book turned into so much more than what my assumed expectations were.
How can you not love when the main character owns a bookstore? Abigail is our main character and she owns the bookstore and has high hopes of expanding that is until Jacob comes into town and decides to buy the building next to her, yes the very one she was seeking to expand on, to open up his medical practice. Jacob comes with his own set of hurts and even though he swears he is not ready for a relationship he is very drawn to Abigail and feels bad that he has taken this expansion opportunity away from her.
I was deeply involved with the characters. It had all the feels for me. I mean I chuckled is some parts, got angry and I got emotional in others. The hurts that both Abigail and Jacob were going through just got to me. Tissues were definitely needed in some parts. Some of the characters were not memorable to be and some felt like there could of been a bit more of to their story or back story like her mom Teensy... but maybe I am getting ahead of myself and I will find out more when I read the second book.
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Liked it
Favorite Quotes:
"But the very best love stories are the ones that are flawed and full of forgiveness and pain and joy and challenges and happiness."
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
(Affiliate Links)
Also available through Kindle Unlimited
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Happy Tuesday!!
It's been a crazy week already and today has not been an exception. We have scheduled dentist appointments this whole week since we have to spread them out (insert sigh...) but alas it is the world we live in. The older boys went today and all was well with their teeth (yay!!) tomorrow the littles go and they have never been so it will be quite interesting.
Anyways, today is Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Artsy Reader. The prompt today is Colorful Book Titles. Some of these I have read and some are on my TBR list! 
Do you have any others I should add to my list? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Monday Friends!
Boy I am so exhausted today! It has been raining and we are in the process of preparing for a storm. Tropical Storm/ Hurricane Isaias is on the way to the Carolinas. (We are in NC) Well I say preparing but that's not completely true. We pulled the outdoor furniture into the garage, that was the extent of our preparations. We are fully stocked on food should the power go out but other than that there is not much else to do. Some people panic... we are definitely not those type of people.
Anyways I know I was supposed to show photos of finished school room today but it is not finished as I thought it would be... I am 89% done with it. I have some finishing touches and one more piece of furniture that needs to be painted but alas all this rain has put a halt on that so hopefully I can get that done soon.
Reading wise July was a pretty good month! I read 11 books and that's not bad at all for me. I
got some finished that have to be reviewed for this month so I am ahead of the game! I do love when you set a goal and surpass it. I know some people don't set goals in their reading, they find it constricting and like it becomes a chore but for me its the opposite. If I don't set a goal I would never take time out for just me to read. I would spend my time folding laundry and trying to get the house perfect; a feat that is definitely unobtainable in house full of children! So a goal definitely helps me and I thoroughly enjoy writing reviews afterwards!
What about you? What are you looking forward in August? How was your July Book Wrap-Up? Let me know in the comments below!
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