Romance | Daysong Reflections

The Cabin by Erin Unger

by admin | Jul 2, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The Cabin is a fairly short and quick to read novel with a unique premise. The story opens with Leah Kettridge discovering that best-selling author Keenan Brinner’s latest novel is essentially the same novel she has just submitted for publication. Obviously, everyone assumes that Leah must be the plagiarizer. When she arrives at the isolated cabin she has rented for a week of writing, her worst nightmare meets her. Keenan occupies the cabin and refuses to leave and that is not the end of her troubles!

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot that moved along at a steady pace with several interesting twists that were inserted at just the right moments. It was actually fun to observe how Leah and Kennan’s relationship progressed over several days from antagonists to friends despite a few bumps along the road. The Cabin is not an overtly Christian novel but it does contain a subtle message of faith. The shorter length of this book makes it a perfect take-along for a trip to the beach or a lazy summer weekend.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: The Cabin

Author: Erin Unger

Genre: Romantic suspense

Release date: June 14, 2019

Leah Kettridge’s writing career is over before the first book lands on the shelf, when a famous author has claimed she’s stolen his work. If it wasn’t for a story brainstorming luncheon with her sister, he’d have never overheard her conversation about the novel she was writing. Who will she ever trust again if not her most favorite writer? And what about the one fabulous date they had before she knew what a traitor he was?

Keenan Brinner has it all. He’s a best-selling author who’s only headed toward more greatness. And he must be the most gorgeous guy Leah’s ever seen. But he’s also a liar and a cheat.

When they end up at the same cabin to write, emotions explode. But an unexpected snowstorm traps them deep in the mountains. Is he bent on destroying her in more ways than one? How will love find them amidst all their anger and distrust?

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Her next novel, Fateful Fall, releases August 9, 2019.

MORE FROM ERIN:

Glittery snow. The perfect cabin in the mountains. And sworn enemies trapped together. How could anything go wrong?

Welcome to the cabin where writers like to go to get away from the noise and bother of life to write. I hope you don’t mind the two guests already here. They’re stuck together after one stole the other’s novel. But the famous one has firsts rights to the work. Who’d dare believe he’d be the perpetrator of the crime? Or is it the newbie writer who longed to be known for more than her graphic designs who plagiarized?

Stay and enjoy a mug of instant coffee and some potted meat. And make sure to bring in your warmest blanket, since this eclectic home has lost power in the storm.

You’ll also find a complementary cordless phone with no connection for your accommodations.

Enjoy your stay! And take a moment to check out our amenities folder laden with an expert below.

READ AN EXCERPT FROM THE CABIN:

Betrayal is such a benign looking word on paper. In real life it could kill a person. Like me. I was dying on the inside as I flipped from one page to the next of the bestselling novel in my hands. And all because of Keenan Brennan—the hottest bestselling author I knew and dated some time ago. Yet some part of me kept praying it wasn’t true as I pressed into the sofa cushion and continued to read.

It just couldn’t be.

But the book with the startlingly dark cover said it all.

“No, no, no.”

Hot tears stung my cheeks as I ripped the well-designed cover off the book and then launched it across the living room. It smashed against the refurbished brick wall and landed with its pages bent. Good. It deserved a worse fate than just bent pages.

How? When had he stolen my book idea?

I face-planted my palm against my forehead. “At the restaurant.”

Why didn’t I keep my big fat mouth shut and tell my sister Aeris the storyline in the privacy of my home? Tears stung my eyes. Who’d have guessed my lowdown almost boyfriend would stoop so low. He didn’t need my work.

I stared across the room, not focusing on the heap of a good—terrible—book. Well it was on the NYT bestselling list. Not bad for a nobody writer like myself. And since it was my story—not his—then I allowed myself a moment of self-satisfaction.

My gaze dropped to the torn book. I had to take another look. Couldn’t it be a coincidence? Maybe the rest of it was different. In a scramble, I grabbed it up and found the page I last read.

By chapter forty there was no doubt.

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 27

Blogging With Carol, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 28

Ashley’s Bookshelf , June 29

Carpe Diem, June 29

Texas Book-aholic, June 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30

Inspired by fiction, July 1

Godly Book Reviews, July 1

All-of-a-kind Mom, July 2

Daysong Reflections, July 2

janicesbookreviews, July 3

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, July 3

Inklings and notions, July 4

A Reader’s Brain, July 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6

Real World Bible Study, July 7

Remembrancy, July 7

Through the Fire Blogs, July 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 8

Maureen’s Musings, July 9

Pause for Tales, July 9

Moments, July 10

Melissa Henderson, July 10

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Erin is giving away a themed basket that includes a copy of The Cabin!!

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/e50d/the-cabin-celebration-tour-giveaway

Lulu’s Café by T. I. Lowe

by admin | Jul 1, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

When I began reading Lulu’s Cafe I was uncertain if I had made a good choice in agreeing to review it but it did not take very long for me to realize that the book was not at all what I expected. It took me on a journey with its main character Leah that touched my heart with both compassion and hope.

Although Leah and Crowley were the primary characters, Lulu was the one who tied everything together. Owner of a small cafe, she gathered in the strays of life, the wounded and hurting, and ministered to them in her wise and loving way, helping to heal the scars left by others. Leah’s experiences were heart-wrenching. No one should have to experience the things she experienced. Crowley was a special man. I loved how protective he was over the people he cared about. It was refreshing to note how suspicious he was of Leah rather than falling in love with her at first sight. Their story developed at a slow but believable pace that seemed very natural. There were moments when I was afraid things would not end well for Leah but was quite pleased with how everything worked out.

I am thankful that I had the chance to read Lulu’s Cafe. It is a very well written novel with a story that is filled with hope and healing despite a difficult to read scene or two. I would highly recommend this book but might advise against it for younger readers due to those very scenes.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: LuLu’s Cafe

Author: T.I. Lowe

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 4, 2019

When a damaged young woman is given a chance to reclaim her life in a small South Carolina town, she must reckon with the dark secrets she left behind in order to accept the love she deserves.

On the run from a violent past, Leah Allen arrived in tiny Rivertown, South Carolina, battered and broken, but ready to reinvent herself. By a stroke of fate, Leah is drawn to the Southern hospitality of a small café, looking for a warm meal but finding so much more. Lulu, the owner, offers her a job, a place to stay and a new lease on life. Through Lulu’s tenacious warmth and generosity, Leah quickly finds herself embraced by the quaint community as she tries to put herself back together. Given she’s accustomed to cruelty, the kindness is overwhelming.

Soon Leah meets Crowley Mason, the most eligible bachelor in town. A lawyer and friend of Lulu’s, Crowley is wary of Leah’s sudden, mysterious arrival. Despite his reserve, something sparks between them that can’t be denied. But after all she’s been through, can Leah allow herself to truly love and be loved, especially when her first urge is to run?

Exploring the resiliency of both the heart and the spirit, Lulu’s Café gorgeously illustrates how old scars can finally heal no matter how deep they seem.

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

T. I. Lowe is a native of coastal South Carolina. She attended Coastal Carolina University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she majored in psychology but excelled in creative writing. Go figure. Writing was always a dream, and she finally took a leap of faith in 2014 and independently published her first novel, Lulu’s Café, which quickly became a bestseller. Now the author of ten published novels with hundreds of thousands of copies sold, she knows she’s just getting started and has many more stories to tell. A wife and mother who’s active in her church community, she resides near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with her family.

READ AN EXCERPT OF LULU’S CAFE:

The building was a two-story redbrick structure with expansive windows along the first floor’s front and sides. Each set of massive windows was shaded with sprawling royal-blue awnings, which were decorated with vibrantly painted sunflowers and whimsical white letters spelling out Lulu’s Café across the remaining space. It looked inviting from the outside. Peering into the window, Leah could see that the café was bustling with customers. Outside the café, the sidewalk was lined with wrought-iron tables and chairs. Every table was occupied with customers chatting as they sipped steaming mugs of coffee.

The sign for the store hours indicated that, Monday through Saturday, the café opened at six each morning and closed at two each afternoon, and it was closed on Sundays. Leah found the hours a bit odd. Most restaurants served dinner and were open on Sundays too, or so she thought. She reminded herself that she was in a new environment and that the customs from the West Coast probably wouldn’t apply here.

The café had its fall decorations on display as well. Large planter boxes overflowed with giant yellow and orange mums. One had a wooden sign sticking out from the middle declaring, Happy Fall, Y’all.

Leah was beginning to think the place was too happy and, more importantly, too busy for her liking, when she spotted a vacant four-person table right inside the door. She made her way in and slipped into the chair closest to the window. She deliberately faced away from the entrance, hoping not to draw much attention. Once she was situated, she noticed that the back of the café was made up of a large butcher-block counter that housed a bakery case full of treats on the right. The remainder of the counter was lined with half a dozen stools, with customers perched on each one. Leah noted approvingly that the tables and chairs were a variety of mismatched shapes and sizes stained in the same mahogany tint. She liked the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

Leah watched a petite lady behind the counter serving up coffee and laughs. Her stomach began to rumble at the fragrant smells whirling around her, so she turned her attention to the menu resting on the table. Turkey sausage, turkey bacon, egg-white omelets, whole grain breads and cereal, fresh fruit . . .

Leah blinked at the odd menu. She gazed around at the customers enjoying their healthy meals. Her heart had been set on a stack of pancakes and greasy bacon. She studied the bakery case but found no donuts hiding.

“Humph.” She went back to studying the menu.

“I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I?” A Southern drawl interrupted Leah’s thoughts.

Leah looked up to find the petite lady with a perfectly coiffed silver bob smiling at her. She was so short that she was nearly eye level with a seated Leah. Her clear gray eyes seemed to bubble with hospitality. Leah instantly liked the woman and gave her a slight smile, being careful not to stretch her bottom lip.

“Well, you gonna keep giving me that sweet smile or are you gonna order something?” the lady asked in a teasing voice.

Leah pointed at the bright-orange cursive L embroidered thickly on one of the lady’s apron pockets. “Please tell me you’re Lulu.”

“Of course I’m Lulu. Why do you ask?” Lulu smoothed her ruffled apron, which swam in a variety of rich blue swirls.

“You match the happiness of the place perfectly,” Leah said.

“Well, that’s the nicest thing someone has said to me today. What can I get you?”

“Coffee and whatever you recommend.”

Lulu gave her a wink and strolled back to the kitchen.

BLOG STOPS:

Back Porch Reads, June 29

Godly Book Reviews, June 30

Daysong Reflections, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 1

Retrospective Spines, July 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 2

Quiet Quilter, July 3

For Him and My Family, July 4

Maureen’s Musings, July 5

Through the Fire Blogs, July 5

The Becca Files, July 6

Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 7

janicesbookreviews, July 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 8

Remembrancy, July 9

Reader’s Cozy Corner, July 10

A Reader’s Brain, July 10

Pause for Tales, July 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 11

Living Life Free in christ, July 12

Texas Book-aholic, July 12

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, T.I. Lowe is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of LuLu’s Cafe!!

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/e4f3/lulu-s-cafe-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman

by admin | Jun 26, 2019 | Books, Historical, Mississippi, Natchez, Pirates, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The Crossing at Cypress Creek is the exciting conclusion to Pam Hillman’s Natchez Trace series. Another of the O’Sheas enters the scene and Caleb is just as endearing as his brothers, a bit of an Irish scamp with a history he regrets yet totally loyal and protective of those weaker than himself. Alanah Adams was a strong, independent woman, accustomed to taking care of herself. Her knowledge of herbal medicine and healing were not only helpful in the wilderness but a much needed source of income for her family. Several secondary characters who added extra depth to the story included Lydia, Tiberius, Caleb’s giant of a companion, Alanah’s sister Betsy, their Uncle Jude, and the ruthless pirates who plagued the area. Of course we can’t forget the O’Shea brothers and their wives who had their own stories in the first two books of the series.

Alanah was a multifaceted woman who was at home in the wilderness but could easily fit in with society. Feisty and brave, she was well matched to former mercenary Caleb who had a tendency to wander but would fight to the death for those he cared about. I was not a fan of Uncle Jude, a preacher whose attitude towards his nieces disturbed me. Thankfully, changes took place before the story ended which helped to redeem my opinion of him.

There are so many good things I could say about The Crossing at Cypress Creek but I feel totally inadequate to express them as eloquently as I would like. I love all of Pam Hillman’s books and this one may be my favorite yet. If you enjoy your history peppered with plenty of action, danger, and adventure, authentic characters, a sometimes complicated romance, a touch of humor, and an uncompromised message of faith, the The Crossing at Cypress Creek (as well as the rest of the series) should be quickly added to your TBR list.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

Read an excerpt HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of.

Connect with Pam online at her website (pamhillman.com) or on either of these social media platforms:

Facebook.com/PamHillmanAuthor
Twitter.com/PamHillman

A Reluctant Belle by Beth White

by admin | Jun 24, 2019 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Beth White has become another author on my “Must Read” list. I particularly enjoy her skill at merging history with a darn good story. It also helps that her books have a Southern setting.

In the second book of White’s Daughtry House series, sister Joelle Daughtry is the featured heroine. When she’s not helping her sisters convert their family plantation home into a resort hotel, Joelle spends her time teaching former slaves and writing articles for the local newspaper, hoping to gain support for a school for former slaves. Although no one knows Joelle is writing the articles because they are written under an assumed male name, the articles stir up those in the community whose sympathies lie with the KKK. Caught in a weak moment, Joelle agrees to marry the local pastor who has been courting her although her heart is not in it, probably because she feels drawn to her childhood antagonist Schuyler Beaumont.

A Reluctant Belle is a true page-turner with its love triangle, an assassination, unexpected revelations, and plenty of action and danger. Joelle and Schuyler were almost bigger than life and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop through its ups and downs. The story was a revealing look at the turbulent history of Mississippi during the years following the Civil War. As a born and raised Southerner, I am proud of my home but regret the ugly history from its past.

I highly recommend A Reluctant Belle as well as all other books by this author to readers who enjoy Historical fiction, especially that with a Southern setting.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Joelle Daughtry has a secret.

By day, the impoverished Southern belle has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of constructing a school for former slaves. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.

Loyalties shift when Schuyler Beaumont, childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry House renovation, takes over his assassinated father’s candidacy for state office. Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect–and even love–if you’re already engaged to someone else?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beth White‘s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she writes historical romance with a Southern drawl and is the author of The Pelican Bride, The Creole Princess, The Magnolia Duchess, and A Rebel Heart. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

by admin | Jun 19, 2019 | Books, England, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I have enjoyed all the previous novels I have read by this author so I was excited to have the opportunity to review The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. The riveting conclusion to the author’s Bow Street Runners series, The Noble Guardian absolutely lived up to my expectations.

Heroine Abigail Gilbert has been sent across country with only her maid by her stepmother to marry the man who Abigail has met but once. The journey of several days is a rough one at best with the ever-present danger from highwaymen who prey upon travelers. When her carriage is attacked by those very outlaws, Abigail is rescued by horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher who reluctantly agrees to escort her the remainder of her journey.

I had mixed feelings about Abigail’s eagerness to set off on her own to marry a virtual stranger. Her home life must have been miserable indeed or perhaps Abigail was such a naive romantic that she believed her soon-to-be husband must be in love with her. I was pleased to discover that Abigail actually had more of a backbone than it first appeared and her character grew on me as her story progressed. Samuel came across as a fairly rough and often grouchy fellow whose inner protector instinct and caring nature began to peek out more frequently as he spent time with Abigail.

Various trials and dangers plagued Thomas and Abigail during their travels and at times it seemed as though the journey was endless. There were some plot twists and surprises along the way that I somehow expected and was therefore not disappointed. A strong thread of faith was woven throughout the story which added to my enjoyment. I recommend The Noble Guardian to readers who might enjoy a Regency novel that is quite different from most books in that genre.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: The Noble Guardian

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: June, 2019

A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure

The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

MORE FROM MICHELLE:

Highwaymen Aren’t All Glamorous

Highwaymen are often romanticized in historical romances, but the truth is these fella’s were generally not compassionate thieves at all. They were cutthroat robbers who sometimes killed. Here’s a brief history so that you’re in the know.

The term “highwayman” simply means a thief who steals—usually at gunpoint—from travelers on the road. Not all, but some of those attacks turned deadly, the robbers not wishing to leave anyone behind who could identify them. Others wore masks for the same purpose.

Long, deserted stretches of roads that were main thoroughfares were the particular favorite haunts of these men. Criminals would choose remote highways that supplied regular traffic going to and from major destinations, such as Hounslow Heath, about fifteen miles outside of London.

To combat these villains, in 1805 the Bow Street Horse Patrol was created. There were about sixty men hired to protect travelers on the principal roads within sixty miles of London. Most of the men had served previously in a cavalry regiment. Their most successful achievement was to rid Hounslow Heath of highwaymen.

And that’s where I got the idea for my hero, Samuel Thatcher, in The Noble Guardian. He’s a rough and tumble man who’s tired of life and the wickedness of man. Mostly he’s just biding his time until he retires—that is until he rescues Miss Abigail Gilbert from the clutches of one of the worst offenders of all…Shankhart Robbins.

Sound like an adventure? It is. Settle back with your own copy and see what it’s like to ride the rugged heath in a carriage, bounding along—until you hear the crack of a pistol.

Enjoy!

BLOG STOPS:

Fiction Aficionado, June 8

The Power of Words, June 8

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 8

Inspiration Clothesline, June 9

With a Joyful Noise, June 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 9

Back Porch Reads, June 10

Among the Reads, June 10

Captive Dreams Window, June 10

Genesis 5020, June 11

Inklings and notions, June 11

Blogging With Carol, June 11

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 12

As He Leads is Joy, June 12

Connie’s History Classroom, June 12

Carpe Diem, June 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 13

Abba’s prayer Warrior Princess, June 13

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 14

Wishful Endings, June 14

Stories By Gina, June 14

Through the Fire Blogs, June 15

Just the Write Escape, June 15

Blossoms and Blessings, June 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 16

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 16

Texas Book-aholic, June 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 17

For Him and My Family, June 17

Hallie Reads, June 17

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 18

janicesbookreviews, June 18

Moments, June 18

Bigreadersite, June 19

Godly Book Reviews, June 19

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 20

Remembrancy, June 20

Daysong Reflections, June 20

A Reader’s Brain, June 20

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

Pause for Tales, June 21

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Noble Guardian!!

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/e31b/the-noble-guardian-celebration-tour-giveaway

Summer by the Tides by Denise Hunter

by admin | Jun 16, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I can always count on Denise Hunter to provide me with a great easy-to-read book that is not only entertaining but usually holds a few life lessons as well. Summer is all of that and more.

Grandma is missing and her neighbor calls all three of the Monroe sisters to her home in Sea Haven, North Carolina. The problem is that the two oldest sisters have not spoken to each other in years due to something that took place in their past and younger Maddie is not too sure she wants to be the mediator. Reeling from a major betrayal that cost her boyfriend and her job, Maddie doesn’t trust men and neighbor Connor falls into that category. Nevertheless, after learning where their grandmother is, the three sisters agree to stay until she decides to come home and help make much needed repairs on her home.

Summer by the Tides was a wonderful tale that delved deeply into what made each character tick behind the carefully controlled public faces. It was encouraging to observe how the sisters got to know each other again and slowly begin to let down their defenses and allow the others to see the pain behind their smiles. The relationship between Maddie and Connor was also fun to watch develop. Hunter skillfully blends just the right amount of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation into the narrative to make Summer by the Tides the perfect beach read.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Summer by The Tides

Author: Denise Hunter

Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 21, 2019

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes a heartfelt story of family secrets, forgiveness, and unexpected romance.

Following a painful betrayal, Maddy Monroe’s love life is a wreck, and her restaurant career is in shambles. When her grandmother goes missing, she and her estranged sisters converge at the family beach house in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma at the place where their family broke apart is a struggle, and undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the sisters under. In the midst of the storm, sparks begin to fly between Maddy and Gram’s maddening neighbor, Connor Murphy.

As the sisters pack up the family belongings, memories of idyllic, slow-paced summers are resurrected. But long-buried secrets also come to light as Maddy discovers that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven—nor today in the seemingly perfect lives of her sisters.

As family tensions rise and Connor causes tumult in Maddy’s heart, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they’ve become before the bitterness of the past destroys their hope for a future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. To learn more about Denise, visit her website DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: AuthorDeniseHunter; Twitter: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: deniseahunter.

READ AN EXCERPT FROM SUMMER BY THE TIDES:

MADDY MONROE WAS COWERING behind a ficus tree near the hostess station when her cell phone rang. Her hands shook as she silenced the phone before it drew the attention of the staff.

She jabbed the elevator button for the third time. “Come on, come on.” A star could be born in interstellar space, a polar valley carved by a glacier in the time it took the elevator to reach this floor. Stairs were not an option, as she was on the twentieth floor of the Waterford building and sporting heels.

She sniffled. Drat. She seemed to be crying. She swiped a hand under her eyes, heedless of her makeup.

She heard voices, Nick’s boisterous laugh. Maddy shrank deeper into the ficus and finally, finally, the elevator dinged its arrival.

“Maddy?” Noelle’s concerned voice tunneled down the hall. “Maddy, wait.”

“Oh, come on,” she muttered, tapping her fingers against her leg until the gold doors crept open. As soon as she could fit, she squeezed inside and punched the ground-floor button.

She didn’t draw a breath until the doors sealed and the elevator began to drop. She placed a palm over a heart that was threatening to beat its way out of her chest. Her white blouse clung to her back, and her skin prickled beneath her arms.

She closed her eyes, the scene that had just transpired playing out in fast-forward in her mind. And then, as if that montage weren’t painful enough, the image of Nick’s face appeared. The look on his face just before he’d kissed her good-bye last night.

Nick. She clamped her teeth together until her jaw ached.

There had been signs. Many of them, really, she was realizing now. They ranged from whisper-subtle to neon-sign obvious. But like so many other walking clichés before her, she was only seeing them in retrospect.

Maddy opened her eyes to the buttery sunlight streaming through her blinds. She scrambled for her iPhone to check the time. But as she did so, the events of yesterday washed over her like a tsunami. She didn’t have to get up at all, because she didn’t have a job anymore.

Her cell buzzed with an incoming call, and she squinted bleary-eyed at the unfamiliar number on the screen before declining it.

She drooped against her pillow, only now aware of how fat and swollen her eyes felt. Of the persistent achy lump pushing at the back of her throat. Her heartbeat made the bed quake. Her eyes burned with tears. Yesterday’s anger had faded, and something worse had filled its spot.

Yesterday she’d come home, changed into yoga pants, and worked in her little garden until she was too exhausted to do anything but flop on the sofa. She hadn’t fallen asleep until after three o’clock in the morning.

She didn’t want to talk to anyone, didn’t want to see anyone. She didn’t even want to be awake today. She pulled the covers over her head and prayed for oblivion.