by admin | Jul 4, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What an incredible book! Courtney Walsh has written a novel that nailed so many areas to which so many can relate. The pain of not meeting the expectations of others. The feeling of standing on the outside, always looking in. The fear of speaking out for fear of rejection. Knowing you are different than the others whether physically, mentally, etc. and not fitting in and maybe even made fun of because of it. Lane Kelley had experienced it all but had managed to change her life and was on the brink of achieving her dreams when she is called home after her brother is injured in a terrible accident.
For Lane, home was not a comfortable place. Her family and others in the community had unknowingly hurt her with careless remarks about her weight for most of her life. If she could just be there for her brother a few days and go right back to work where she found her true identity, everything would be fine. Of course nothing ever works out as planned and Lane learns that betrayal can come from unexpected sources and so can love.
“Just Look Up” is a story filled with emotions and truth that touched me deeply. I could go on and on and tell Lane and Ryan’s story but it is one that each reader must discover for herself. I will say that it is a story filled with romance, lessons in forgiveness, and learning to trust friends and family but most importantly to look up to the source of it all.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home – a quaint tourist town full of memories she’d just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work – something her eclectic family doesn’t understand.
Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren’t ideal.
Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can’t find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he’s found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along – if only she’d just look up.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theater director, and playwright. Change of Heart is her fifth novel and is set in the same town as Paper Hearts. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two additional books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois where she and her husband own a performing and visual arts studio. They have three children.Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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by admin | Jul 4, 2017 | Books, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho” is a mail order bride story with a twist. When Rebecca arrives in Ruby City to marry Mr. Fordham, it is not until she has already tied the not that she learns that she has married the wrong Mr. Fordham. She was supposed to marry his cousin. To make matters worse, the cousins are not on the best of terms due to past differences over a woman. The new husband and wife agree to get an annulment so that Rebecca can marry the right man but accomplishing that is taking much longer than expected. Could it be that she married the right man after all?
I found this novel to be quite entertaining with humorous mix-ups, plenty of action and danger, and of course romance. Tad and Rebecca were both likeable characters who were obviously suited to each other but Theodore offered Rebecca the security she craved. She cared for Tad too but she refused to marry a lawman. Over the course of the story Rebecca learns the importance of placing her trust in God rather than man.
An enjoyable as well as thought provoking novel, “My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho” focuses on finding one’s purpose in where the Lord has placed her and trusting Him to take care of her. This book is an excellent addition to Barbour’s new series. I look forward to reading more of the series as well as other books by Ms. Dietze.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the Barbour Review Crew. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Journey now to Ruby City, Idaho of 1866 where…
A Marriage Mishap Creates an Awkward Love Triangle in this Silver Mining Town
Looking forward to a quiet life and a full stomach, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice is pleased to marry her shopkeeper intended, Mr. Fordham, until the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus, not Theodore—proceeded by the title Deputy.
Is it possible to marry the wrong man?
When the newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names, an annulment seems in order—and fast, since Rebecca’s true intended is impatient to claim her as his own, not to mention Rebecca would never marry a lawman like her father. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca wonders if Tad wasn’t the right husband for her all along. . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she’s the award-winning author of a dozen new and upcoming historical romances who’s seen her work on the ECPA and Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne lives in California and enjoys fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her online at www.susannedietze.com and subscribe to her newsletters at http://eepurl.com/bieza5.
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by admin | Jul 4, 2017 | Books
MY REVIEW:
“The Captain’s Daughter” is another debut novel that I enjoyed enough to make me look forward to the remaining books of the series. I am now familiar enough with three book series to know that the other two will feature Rosalyn’s sisters who were introduced in the prologue of this one. I hope that each of those will be equally as unique as “The Captain’s Daughter”.
I almost always enjoy a good historical romance but I particularly enjoyed reading about life in the theater during Gilbert and Sullivan’s early years. The stage came alive in the pages of this book and it was fun to read about everything required to pull off a production in Victorian London from the costumes to the lighting. Strong characters, both primary and secondary were mostly likeable with one particular character receiving their comeuppance by the end. A surprise or two were in store during this sweet romantic novel and I loved watching Nate and Rosalyn’s relationship develop slowly. Their spiritual growth was also encouraging.
It will be difficult to wait on the next installment of the London Beginnings series. I am hoping that the Bernay sisters will discover what happened to their missing father before the series ends. “The Captain’s Daughter” was an excellent beginning and I would recommend it to those who enjoy Historical Romance, especially those set in Victorian London.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.
When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.
A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, “An Heiress at Heart,” was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, “A Lady Most Lovely,” received a starred review from “Publishers Weekly” and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.
Find out more about Jennifer at http://www.jenniferdelamere.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of The Captain’s Daughter. Five winners will be chosen!
Click the image above to enter to win.
The winners will be announced July 10th on the Litfuse blog!
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by admin | Jul 1, 2017 | Books, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Deep Waters” is the second novel I’ve read by Jessica Patch and it has been confirmed – I must read each and every one of her books. Not only does this author live in my general part of the country but she has a definite talent with words that make me want to keep turning the pages. Unfortunately that means I reach the end much too quickly and have to wait for her next book.
Character development and dialogue are nearly perfect as far as I’m concerned. An excellent balance of romance and suspense is relieved by a touch of humor, something I always appreciate. The plot moves at a quick pace with escalating danger and suspense as well as secrets and some surprising twists.
I particularly enjoyed learning more about sea turtles and the setting made me wish for another visit to the ocean. “Deep Waters” has everything I look for in a suspense novel and I would recommend it to those who enjoy good, clean suspense with a message of faith interwoven throughout the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thirty feet underwater when her oxygen tank fails, Caley Flynn fears it’s been sabotaged—and she’ll be the next to die. Her intern’s already dead, her home breached and something’s amiss at her Florida marine-life rescue center…but no one believes she’s in danger. Except Shepherd Lightman. When Caley’s brother asked him to check on her, the marine turned security specialist hoped it would be a case of calming down a nervous veterinarian. But the threats are all too real. Rescuing Caley and remaining alive isn’t easy, but resisting his boss’s sister is where the real danger lies. Because with his heart in the balance, he’ll do whatever it takes to stop a killer who’s desperate to keep a secret hidden.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch writes inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She is the author of the Seasons of Hope series and several Love Inspired Suspense novels including, Fatal Reunion, Protective Duty, Concealed Identity, and Final Verdict. When she’s not hunched over her laptop or going on adventurous trips in the name of research with willing friends, you can find her spending time with her family and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
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