Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson review

Title:  Just for the Summer 

 

Author: Melody Carlson 

 

Chapters:34

 

Pages: 288

 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction Christian Contemporary romance 

 

Rating: 4 stars

 

Publisher: Revell

 

I enjoyed Melody Carlson's Just for the Summer. I love a good switcharoo story. And Just for the summer doesn't disappoint. Though I have to admit I liked Ginny's point of view more than Jacqueline’s, it took me quite a bit to warm up to her.  But Ginny I clicked with from the beginning. Big sister to big sister. Though the age gap between me and my sister is nine years not ten. So, I could easily see myself in Ginny's story. With Jacqueline for most of the story I felt like she didn’t realize what she had. And the love stories were sweet.

 

I do have to say there was quite a lot of character growth. And like most contemporary books I read I enjoyed the secondary characters who help make the story. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet review

Title: Julia Monroe Begins again

Author: Rebekah Millet

 Ch: 40 plus epilogue

Pg: 376

Series: Beignets for one book 1

Genre: Christian Contemporary romance

 Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Bethany House

 

Julia Monroe begins again is the debut novel by Rebekah Millet. It’s a second chance romance and those tend to not be a favorite of mine. But I did enjoy this one. It just took a bit for me to warm up to it. As it took me a bit to warm up to Samuel Reed. Normally I love military and veteran heroes, but like Julia Monroe, it took me a bit to forgive him for things he had done in the past.  I'm not going to give away what he did but for me it’s definitely something while I would forgive in real life it wouldn’t lead to a second chance in real life and it's something I judge on a case-by-case bases with characters I read. 

 While the romance didn't really keep me turning the pages it was the secondary characters and sense of community that kept me turning the pages. Not to mention I'm a sucker for a good Louisiana setting. And I loved the pop culture references that were sprinkled throughout the book.  And parts of Julia's mom reminded me so much of my own mom. The faith content in this one was chef's kiss. And even I'm not Julia's age I'm closer to her age than the 20s something heroine's we normally get in contemporary romance so I'm glad to see an older heroine. 

 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

Positively Penelope by Pepper Basham review

Title: Positively Penelope

Author: Pepper Basham

Ch: 23

Pg: 416

Series: Skymar # 2

Genre: Christian fiction rom com

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Positively Penelope is the second book in the Skymar series. And I enjoyed it just as much as I did Accidentally Izzy. In this one Penelope comes into her own. And the reader gets to see her grow even more than she did in the first book. I enjoyed getting to see more of the island of Skymar. And of course, Matt and Isis help to make the story. And I’ve also found that the single dad troupe is starting to grow on me.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson review

 Title: Summer in the Spotlight

Author: Liz Johnson

Ch: 25 plus epilogue

Pg: 345

Series: Prince Edward Island shores 3

Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson is the third and final book in the Prince Edward Island shores series. And it’s my favorite book of the series. But then I’ve been wanting Levi’s story since book one. What’s not to love about a quiet bookish hero. Kelsey Ahern is determined to save the local theater after a hurricane and the least likely person to help Levi Ross.

Levi comes into his own is this book. But the seeds of the growth and change started in book one so it’s best to read the series in order.

But out of all the Ross brothers Levi is my favorite. He’s not a fisherman like Oliver or a hockey player like Eli. He’s not even a typical romance hero but he’s a quiet bookworm who loves his family. Quite frankly we need more heroes like him in fiction.

I loved Levi and Kelsey’s story and Summer in the Spotlight wrapped up the series beautifully.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon review

Title: Windswept Way

Author: Irene Hannon

Ch: 28 plus epilogue

Pg: 352

Series: Hope Harbor book 9

Genre: contemporary Christian Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

I have to say Windswept away by Irene Hannon is my favorite book in the Hope Harbor series. Jon and Ashley were definitely my favorite couple. I got a bit a Beauty and the beast vibes from the story. And of course, something in the story confirmed it for me. Ashley wants a fresh start while restoring a historic home to its former glory. While Jon is a wounded warrior that wants to make a success of his landscaping business. Neither are looking for romance or a relationship, but God has other plans.

I also enjoyed meeting Rose. She was the sweetest and I feel like she became a grandma figure to Ashley. And there’s nothing like Charle’s wisdom. As well as the friendship between Reverend Baker and Father Murphy that somehow works. And just like previous Hope Harbor novels it’s like visiting with old friends.

This was a sweet romance that not only romantic love but the love between friends and the love God has for his children. As well as showing how God can bring good from evil.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

In Spotlight and Shadows by Rachel Scott McDaniel review

Title: In Spotlight and Shadows

Author:  Rachel Scott McDaniel

Ch: 35

Pg:  256

Genre:  Dual time

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Barbour

    No one writes 1920s Pittsburgh like Rachel Scott McDaniel. I don’t know what it but every time I read one it’s like I’m in Pittsburgh in the 1920s. And In Spotlight and Shadow was no different. I am a sucker for dual time novels, and I love how Rachel weaves the historical story into the modern story in this one. Sophie Walters is a stage actress in 1920s Pittsburgh who finds herself in a bit of a pickle and the only one who can help is Sterling Monroe the man who’s heart she broke. While Elise Malvern is trying to overcome fear to become a violinist for the Pittsburgh Symphony when Peirson Brooks comes back into her life.

In dual time novels I tend to like one hero over the other but with this one I was swooning over both Sterling and Peirson equally though it took me a little bit to warm up to him, but when I did, I was hooked. I thought Sophie was a sweetheart who just needed the right person in her life to remind her that she mattered to God. I also found myself relating to Elise especially the grief of the loss of a mother. As it doesn’t ever go away you just learn to make it a part of one’s life. And sometimes music can help.

It was nice to meet Peirson after hearing about him Undercurrent of Secrets. As well as seeing Sterling again but as a hero this time. I also enjoyed seeing characters from Rachel’s previous books. So, I suggest you read her books in publication order.

One thing I noticed reading In Spotlight and Shadow was that 1920s Pittsburgh had a few things in common with 1920s Louisville but that was probably the case with most cities during that time.

I loved this one and I’m not afraid to admit that I laughed and cried with this one that’s how good it is.

 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the author I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer review

Title: The Bookshop of Secrets

Author:  Mollie Rushmeyer

Ch: 22 plus epilogue

Genre:  Contemporary Christian

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Love Inspired

 

The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer is classified as Contemporary Christian, but I have to say there is an indeed a romantic thread at its heart. Hope Sparrow just wants to find the books her mom left her and get a fresh start. Ronan Barrick wants to make a difference in his hometown. But the town doesn’t want to forget his past. His grandpa Ulysses owns the town bookstore where Hopes books were sent. The two must work together on to solve two mysteries one of which involves pirates.

While both Hope and Ronan are imperfect people, they might just be right for each other. And journey together is what makes this a romance as well.

I do have to give a slight spoiler only because it could be a trigger for some readers. And part of it is mentioned earlier enough in the book. Hope is a survivor of human trafficking. A subject that Mollie handles with grace. And quite frankly we need more fiction authors to bring light to this. As fiction environment would allow more readers to learn about it. If the authors write it with tact and grace. This one had me reaching for tissues but I’m glad I read the book.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson review

 Title:  The Last Way Home 

Author:  Liz Johnson

Pg:  368

Series: Prince Edward Island Shores book 2

Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

    The last way home by Liz Johnson is the second book in the Prince Island shores Series. And while I didn’t love it as much as the first one in the series, I didn’t enjoy reading about a hockey player get a second chance. This one’s a bit of a prodigal son retelling.

Every time I read one of Liz’s Prince Edward Island books, I feel like I’m there. The setting is just as much a part of the story as the hero and heroine. And the secondary characters don’t feel secondary. And I’m looking forward to the final brother’s story in the next one.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson review

 Title:  Beyond the Tides

 Author:  Liz Johnson

 Ch: 24

 Pg:  368 

Series: Prince Edward Shores series book 1

Genre:  Christian Contemporary romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Beyond the tides the first book in the Prince Edward Shore Series by Liz Johnson started a little show for me. But after a few chapters it picked up and ended up enjoying.  Meg Whitaker and Oliver Ross have a past so it's not insta love which is something I don't like. And since they technically didn't like each other in high school it's more like hate to love instead of friends to love another trope I don't care for. But I'll read hate to love or enemies to love any day of the week. But what I like most about Beyond the Tides and with most of Liz's books is the faith that is threaded through the story and the lessons that one learns why reading the book.  I love that forgiveness is one of the main themes of the book and that it is something both the hero and heroine must learn to give.  I look forward to the next book in the series the next Whitaker brother's story. 

 

 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant review

Title:  Tacos for Two

Author:  Betsy St. Amant

Ch: 30 plus epilogue

Pg:  381

Genre:  Christian Contemporary fiction, Christian Contemporary romance, Rom Com

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

    Tacos for Two is the newest rom com by Betsy St. Amant and I loved it. Rory Perez is a bookish kindred spirit. I mean the girl owns a food truck and can’t cook. I relate to the can’t cook part not owning a food truck. As well as loyalty to family. Jude Strong took a little bit to warm up to but once I did, I liked him as well.

I loved the banter between the characters. I laughed with Rory I also cried with her. I wanted to find out how the book ended but on the same note I didn’t want it to end.

Hannah was my favorite character and there was so much wisdom for someone so young. And I love how Rory was trying to do her best for Hannah. And how she was loyal to family.

I enjoyed that Tacos for Two was not only a romance but a story of family. Both blood and chosen. One of my favorite lines was “Taco grease is thicker than water.” From aunt Sophia which to me means family is what you make of it.

I enjoyed Tacos for Two even though I’ve never seen You’ve Got Mail because I did get some of the references. But I’ve moved the movie up on my to watch list. So even if you haven’t seen the movie, you will still enjoy the book and if you have, you’ll enjoy finding the Easter eggs.

I love Betsy’s books because they are rom coms in book form and Tacos for Two was no different. And I look forward to future books.

I received a complimentary copy   from the author and publisher as part of a blog tour. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson review

Title:  A Christmas in the Alps

Author:  Melody Carlson

Ch: 13 plus epilogue

Pg:  169

Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance Christmas novella

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

 

I look forward to Melody's Christmas Novella every year. It's become a Christmas tradition of sorts.  Her Christmas novellas helped ease me back into Christmas traditions that I could bring myself to do the year I lost my mom or even the following year but as I picked up Melody's Christmas novella each year it got easier.  A Christmas in the Alps is the first Christmas novella that had be crying from the first chapter. Because I could feel Simone loss, sadness and heartbreak at her loss. I could relate to Simone. But I also found myself agreeing with Andrea that Simone need to go to the French Alps.   I laughed and cried with Simone but also celebrated with her too. 

 

In a year when we still can't really travel, I enjoyed spending Christmas in the Alps from the comfort of my favorite chair and hot drink.  And even though it felt weird reading a Christmas novellla in September. I know that I will pick it back up to read again in December. This is one of those Christmas novella's that you keep coming back to every year. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris review

 

Title: Since You’ve been Gone
Author: Tari Faris
Ch: 18
Pg: 325
Series: Restoring Heritage
Genre: Christian contemporary romance
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell

 

I've enjoyed every book in the Restoring Heritage series and Since You've Been Gone was no different. I don't know if this is the last book in the series, but to me it seems like this one wrapped the series up beautifully.  I enjoyed Leah and Jonathan’s storyline that it took me a while to warm up to Leah mainly because I didn't really like her in previous books.

 

But I loved Madison's and Colby's story. Out of everyone in the series Madison has grown and changed the most. I know she was technically supposed to the character you didn't like in the first book, but even in the first book I felt like there was more to Madison's story that while it wouldn't excuse her behavior would at least explain it. And we get Madison's back story in Since You've been Gone but more importantly, we she her growth and her Faith grow strong. And we have Colby who see's something in her that no one else did. I think Colby is my favorite hero of the series.  With this one I laughed I cried and most importantly I celebrated with the characters. 

 

I look forward to future books from the author. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse

 Title:  Bridge of Gold

Author:  Kimberley Woodhouse

Ch: 23 

Pg:  256

Series: Doors to the Past

Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance, Christian historical romance dual time

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Barbour

 

I'm loving the Doors to the Past series. What's not to love about a series that combines my favorite genre historical and historical romance with contemporary  a genre that I am growing to love with a bit of mystery.  And Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse is no different.  This one focuses on the Golden Gate bridge in 1930s when they were building the bridge and the present day with repair work and under water archaeology.  In the 1930s we have Luke who's working on building the bridge and Margo his fiancée  when Luke discovers gold and a mystery.  In the present we have Steven Michaels who  is works in bridge repair, an Kayla Richardson an underwater archaeologist who gets called in when Steven finds a sunken ship. Kayla in turn finds a skeleton which leads both Kayla and Steven to want to solve the mystery. 

 

I love history I always have but the history of The Golden Gate bridge wasn't something I was familiar with. I didn't even know it was built during the 30s.  So hey you learn something new every day. The bridge is a modern marvel and to think that it was built in the early days of underwater construction without all the benefits of modern dive equipment in those dive suits with the metal and glass helmets attached to air hoses leading the surface. 

 

I finished the book in two days mainly because I had to sleep and go to work because I  had to know what happened to Luke and Margo and how Kayla and Steven's story was going to play out.   I just got to say I loved the ending, both endings.   

 

And even though the Doors to the Past is a series each book in the series is a standalone and can be read as such. 

 

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

 Title:  Bookshop by the Sea

Author:  Denise Hunter

Ch: 42 Plus epilogue

Pg:  322

Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

 

I'm not going to lie I was a little iffy going into this book, because outside of the A Big Sky Romance series Denise Hunter's books have been misses for me. However with Bookshop by the Sea I was presently surprised that while I didn't love it I did enjoy it.  I liked Aiden from the beginning while Sophie took a while to warm up to. Mainly because she was mad and wouldn't forgive Aiden for something he didn't actually know, and while I understand and even supported that Sophie stepped up for her siblings when she did because I did the exact same for the same reason for my sister though in my case our dad didn't split he just fell apart. I also realized when they both needed to stand on their own two feet. It took Sophie in my opinion way too long to realize it and then got mad when someone pointed it out.  

 

But I kept reading and I'm glad I did, because once Sophie started growing up and realizing that her siblings   did to you could see her growth as well.  And this book has convinced me to give Denise Hunter another try with future books. 

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon Review

Title:  Sandpiper Cove

Author: Irene Hannon

Chapters: 23 plus epilogue

Series: Hope Harbor book 3

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Talk about opposites attract.  Lexi Graham is Hope Harbor's police chief and Adam Stone is an ex-con who works for BJ as a builder and carpenter as a hobby. I didn't think Adam would be a hero that I would root for based on his past.  Though I did root for him as a secondary character in Sea Rose Lane, so I guess it shouldn't have come as a shock to me. I love how Lexi's and Adam's relationship grew and developed, as well as the lessons they had to learn together and apart. 

 Though my favorite character in this one was Lexi's five year old son Matt, who had me hooked as soon as I heard him call his grandma mamaw again I   listened to the audio because that's what still call my grandma.  He was the sweetest kid.  All in all this one was my favorite of the series so far.