by admin | Apr 9, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
I have read most if not all of Rachel Hauck’s books since I first discovered them and appreciate being given the privilege to review many of them. Her latest novel The Memory House is one more example of why I love her books. Another split-time book, The Memory House shares the stories of two young women generations apart and their path from brokenness to restoration and recovery in the Memory House on the Florida coast.
Hauck’s characters are always easy for me to identify with even though our life experiences may be far apart. I could well imagine Beck’s reaction to losing her father on 9/11 and Everleigh’s (I love that name!) trauma after her devastating loss during a Texas tornado. Each woman’s tale of tragedy made them who they were but a better plan that included hope and love was waiting for them at the Memory House. This book was a joy to read despite some of the very sad chapters of both women’s lives. I can always count on at least one Holy Spirit magical moment during one of this author’s books and I was not disappointed. A book filled with faith, love, and restoration, The Memory House is one for my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Read With Audra. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.
Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.
Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.
Click here to read an excerpt!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck).
GIVEAWAY:
by admin | Apr 3, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It may be spring in Tennessee but it’s always a good time to read a delightful Christmas story. The Deputy’s Holiday Family fits the bill with a cute kid and a second chance romance.
Lacie, now guardian of her deceased sister’s child, has returned to her home town to spend Christmas with her mother. Surprised by an encounter with her former crush, Matt, Lacie is determined to avoid him since he had always been more interested in her sister. Circumstances throw them together and both are surprised by secrets from the past that are revealed.
Loved this story, especially family reconciliations and the spiritual growth in more than one character. Matt was the perfect hero for Lacie and Kenzie with his unwavering support and caring nature. It was encouraging to read about how his relationship with his dad was resolved.
Mindy Obenhaus is an excellent author who keeps her plots interesting and right on track with a perfect blend of drama, romance, and faith. I will be reading more of her books in the future for sure.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Family for Christmas
Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt…if they can open themselves to the possibility of love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
by admin | Mar 31, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The third book in Mindy Obenhaus’ Rocky Mountain Heroes series, Her Colorado Cowboy is every bit as charming as the first two books. Once again both main characters have wounds from their past that makes it difficult to trust the opposite sex but sometimes God has plans higher than our own.
Spending the summer in Ouray, Colorado with her two children, Lily Davis hopes to show them a good time before their mandated visitation with a mostly disinterested father. Only Lily never counted on having to get on a horse. Noah is the owner of a rodeo school where her children learn to ride. As a widower, he has absolutely no interest in another relationship yet something about Lily and her children start to work its way into his heart.
The thing I liked the most about Her Colorado Cowboy was how the often gruff Noah seemed to have an innate understanding of how best to deal with difficult children and the major changes that took place in her son as Noah worked with him. He also seemed to understand Lily’s fear of horses and quietly covered for her as she avoided riding. A bit of action and a lot of faith kept me turning the pages of this book. I believe it is my favorite of this series. I will definitely be looking for more books by this great author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lassoing the single mom’s heart…
A Rocky Mountain Heroes story
Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses. But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school. As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
by admin | Mar 31, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Their Ranch Reunion is a heart-warming story of second chances. It features widowed mother Carly Wagner whose B & B is in need of space to expand. When she inherits the house next door, she quickly makes plans for the much needed expansion. There is just one kink in the works – her former best friend and high school sweetheart Andrew Stephens is joint heir to his grandmother’s property. He has taken time from his successful Colorado business to make enough repairs to quickly sell the house and return to Denver. Needless to say, things become just a bit testy when Carly refuses to sell.
I enjoyed this story and its characters. Although Andrew is unhappy with Carly’s refusal to sell, he remains supportive and helpful during a series of mishaps which is indicative of his true self. It was fun observing the interaction between Carly, Andrew, and Carly’s daughter. It was a given that I had to hope for a reunion between these two lovable characters. It was also interesting reading about Ouray, Colorado. I was even inspired to look up the town online and to my surprise discovered that it is a booming destination for vacations.
Their Ranch Reunion is an excellent introduction to Obenhaus’ Rocky Mountain Heroes series and is an entertaining and quick read.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Rancher Next Door
Single mom Carly Wagner is surprised to learn she’ll have to share ownership of the home she’s inherited with her first love—and first heartbreak—Andrew Stephens. The man who fled their tiny Western town is back and standing in the way of her dreams to expand her B and B. Now a successful businessman, Andrew has eight weeks to buy Carly out. But Carly’s too stubborn to persuade—and too beautiful to ignore. When fire ravages her inn and she and her daughter move in to their shared property, Andrew’s in over his head. Time is running out and Andrew must decide: leave and chase another deal…or stay and chase Carly’s heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
by admin | Mar 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Melody Carlson is one of the most versatile authors I’ve had the pleasure of reading. From teen fiction to later-in-life romance and a bit of everything in-between, this author excels at character and plot formation. Her humor and wit blend so well with romance and powerful lessons in faith.
Courting Mr. Emerson is one of those later-in life, second chance romances. Mr. Emerson is never married and in his fifties and retiring from his career as a high school English teacher. Although Mr. Emerson has a set routine for his life, he soon finds that the days are much too long after his retirement. That is until he meets the grandmother of one of his students who seems to take George on as a personal project. Willow and George are true opposites. She is an extrovert, an artist, and a true free spirit as opposed to the strictly regimented George. Is there any possibility that Willow will be able to draw George out of his shell?
I adored this book. As an older adult myself, I sometimes grow weary of reading so many books highlighting such young characters. It was refreshing to read one about an older couple who still had years ahead of them. Willow could be a bit overpowering at times so I was kept in suspense about whether George would continue to spend time with her or just tell her where she could get off. Sweet story with a nice subdued romance that points its readers toward the Lord.
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:
It’s never too late to fall in love
When fun-loving artist Willow West meets buttoned-up George Emerson, it’s not exactly love at first sight. More like intriguing project at first sight. Willow makes it her mission to get the obsessive-compulsive, newly retired English teacher to loosen up and embrace life, but even she has to admit it seems like a lost cause.
A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around–which to him seems like all too often. He’s not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.
But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Mar 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Just when Harper has settled in well at Derrick’s grandfather’s home in Maryland and she and the old man are becoming quite close, the author kicks the story up a notch and sends them on the run after the particularly disturbing events of one evening. It is evident that someone is out to get Harper or at least point the finger at her for murder and she can think of nothing but protecting Red. Derrick is beginning to show his true colors and Harper does not trust him – even with his own grandfather. As they hide out in a small New Hampshire town, their landlord finds himself becoming involved with Harper and Red against his better judgement.
Although the first book in this series left readers with a serious cliffhanger, the author does not disappoint in the fast-paced Beauty in Hiding. Action and danger abound as Harper does everything she can to keep herself and Red safe. It’s also fun to watch a romance develop between Harper and Jack despite their best efforts to avoid it.
Great suspense series that had its hold on me by this second installment. Once again – get the entire series before you begin reading because you will not want to stop until the end.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series:
Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects her to those two dead men.
Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.
Jack Rossi isn’t sure what to make of his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something’s not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they’re trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.
Derrick, Harper’s ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.
Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If Harper can’t trust Jack with the truth, she may lose more than just this glimpse of true love. She may lose her freedom—or her life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Patchen to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
CONNECT WITH ROBIN: website | Facebook | Twitter
