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. 

Better than the movies by Lynn Painter review

 Title:  Better than the Movies

Author:  Lynn Painter

Ch: 18 plus epilogue

Pg:  368

Genre:  YA Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young readers

 

I'm not going to lie I love cheesy 80s and 90s Rom Coms and some of the ones from the 2000s, and I blame my mom for my love of them.  And Better than the Movies is a book that I wish teenage me had.   Liz reminded me so much of my teenage self.   I tend to not like rom coms or books with the guy or girl next or with make overs in them. However Better than the Movies didn't fall into to the stereotype even though it used those tropes. Even though Wes was the boy next door it wasn't friends to more which is a trope that I've never liked mainly because when I've seen it played out in real life in high school or college it never ends good and you lose a friendship. But I can't say it was enemies to more either. It's wasn't really either one which is why I liked it. And the makeover wasn't so much a makeover as just a way for a character to find their confidence that  had always been there just hidden. 

 

Like I said where was this book when I was a teen and why couldn't I get a book to movie adaption of this when I was a teen.  I know why because it was YA Rom Com that went against stereotypical tropes or turned them on their head and made the story unique  and its own. YA needs more books like this. 

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin review

Title:  Through Waters Deep

Author:  Sarah Sundin

Ch: 46

Pg:  376

Series: Waves of Freedom

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

After reading Though Waters Deep  by Sarah Sundin I again wonder why I waited so long to read Sarah's books even though this is now the fifth book that I've read. As someone who loves Navy history I blame it on being the granddaughter of a Navy Sailor and the Daughter of a Marine.  And who also loves mysteries, this book was right up my ally. 

 

Mary Stirling was at the Boston Navy Yard as a secretary and Jim Avery is an Office in the Navy they are old friends from back home when a mystery at the yard has them both working together to solve it. And though the course of it they both begin to see the other in a new light. Sarah has done another thing I didn't think an author would ever be able to get me to do, and that's end up loving a friends to more story. That has always been my least favorite troupe. But apparently if there's any other who can get me to read it and love it, it's Sarah.    Through Waters Deep at least for me was the perfect balance of history, mystery and romance.  What I've grown to love about Sarah's books is that even though they are historical fiction her heroines aren't damsels in distress though they are true the 40s setting they are quite capable in their own right while dressing in the awesome dresses of the period.   

 

Sarah writes hero and heroines that reflect the real life men and women whom we've come to know of as the greatest generation and she does without dismissing those real life heroes.  And even though there are some who would want us to forget women helped us win the war at home and aboard.    And with Through the Waters Deep Sarah again proves why she is my go to author for WWII fiction. I just wonder what I'm going to do when I make it through her back list and have to wait like everyone else for another 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.

A Storied Trail by Ann H Gabhart review

Title:  Along a Storied Trail

Author:  Ann H. Gabhart

Ch: 37

Pg:  362

Genre:  Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart is my favorite book I’ve read about the pack horse librarians. It’s also the only one I’ve read that seems to be the most truthful to history and the pack horse librarians. Which I knew I could count on with Mrs. Gahbart all of her Kentucky novels ring true to Kentucky history.

I loved Tansy’s spunk determination and love of books. And Caleb was such a dashing hero. And the secondary characters just added to the story especially Perdita Sweet and her cat. As well as the pack horse librarians even though they weren’t the focus as much as Tansy’s story but it’s nice to see that all the librarians were local women. In staying true to history.

Along a Storied Trail also brings to life the mountain people who benefited and had a chance at literacy which was one of the points of the pack horse librarians as well as to give women in Eastern Kentucky jobs and I love that this novel highlighted that and brought one of my favorite parts of my states history to life.

 

I received a complimentary copy   from the publishers. 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. 

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. 

Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon review

Title:  Sea Rose Lane

Author: Irene Hannon

Chapters: 25 plus epilogue

Series: Hope Harbor Book 2

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Sea Rose Lane is the second book in the Hope Harbor series and just like with the first book in the series it was the secondary characters Eleanor and Luis that kept me listening. I just had to know what happened to them. But I am growing to love this series. And as I long as I can find the audio books for each book in the series I'm going to keep listening to the audio. The Narrator is awesome.   

Review of Murphy's Slaw by Elizabeth Logan

Title:  Murphy’s Slaw

Author:  Elizabeth Logan

Ch: 31

Pg:  304

Series: Alaskan Diner Series book 3

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Berkeley

 

Murphy's Slaw is the third book in the Alaskan Diner series by Elizabeth Logan and Charlie is basically an unofficial deputy of the Alaskan State troopers.  She didn't even have to butt in to be able to help solved this murder.  I have to say that this one might be my favorite of the series so far.  I think it has something to do with the fact that in this one the reader gets to feel even more like an Alaskan tourist because the trio gets to attend the Alaskan state fair granted it’s to solve  a murder.  But it’s still the fair.   And with the details the author provides it feels like your almost there. And after more than a year of no traveling I love even more to travel through the pages of a good book.  And this is my favorite puny title of the series. 

 

 

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. 

First Line Friday

 Hosted by Hoarding Books Blog

Chapter One 

"Everybody thought Tansy Calhoun was heartbroken after Jeremy Simpson threw her over for Jolene Hoskins." 

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon review

Title:  Hope Harbor

Author: Irene Hannon

Chapters: 24 plus Epilogue

Series: Hope Harbor book 1

Genre: Christian Contemporary romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Hope Harbor is the first book in the Hope Harbor series and the second book I've read in the series. I kind of read the 7th one Blackberry Beach first. Though I read it out of order I only ended up with slight spoilers for the first and third book in the series. However it didn't spoil to story itself just that I knew couples would end up together. But technically with romance that's not really too big of spoiler. While I enjoyed Michael and Tracy's story and romance. It was the secondary character Ann Williams and her story that kept me listening. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. 

 

I received a complimentary copy   from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Katharine Parr the Sixth Wife by Alison Weir review

Title:  Katharine Parr the Sixth Wife

Author: Alison Weir

Chapters: 29

Pages: 544

Series: Six Tudor Queens

Genre: Historical fiction  

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Ballantine Books

 

Katharine Parr the Sixth Wife by Alison Weir is the sixth and final book in the sixth Tudor queen’s series. Katharine Parr was Henry's final wife the one that survived him as the old rhyme goes. However, I don't think we can say she thrived.  She along with Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn were his most educated wives. Katherine of Aragon was raised to   be queen and rule a country beside her husband. Katharine Parr used her knowledge and the lessons left by the queens before her to outsmart a king and those around her that wanted to destroy her. 

 

This was my favorite of the series, but I think that's just because she's my favorite of Henry's wives. Though she survived him I think the wife that got the best out of it was Anne of Cleves.  For someone who didn't know English very good or have anyone in England really on her side she get one heck of a divorce settlement. While it's obvious that Katharine loved Thomas Seymour and we can't say for certain how   he felt about her, Weir takes the approach that he was attracted but I think it might safe to say that her feelings for him were stronger than his for her.  As a reader part of me can't help but wonder if the only reason he paid court to her after Henry's death because of her status as the Dowager  queen and trying to one up his brother.  Though it is historical fiction one knows their Tudor history does know how the story ends.   There's no way to give this Tudor queen a happy ending. 

 

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.

Big Little Spies by Krista Davis review

 Title:  Big Little Spies

Author: Krista Davis

Chapters: 37

Pages: 304 

Series: A Paws and Claws Mystery book 7

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Berkeley

 

Big Little Spies is the 7th book in the A Paws and Claws mystery series by Krista Davis. Holly, and her canine and feline mystery solving partners Trixie and Twinkle Toes are back again for another mystery. And Trixie the dog has a bit a reputation because of a nose that sniffs out dead bodies, and her nose has never been wrong before. Even though just once Holly wants it to be wrong. I have to say that this one was my favorite of the series so far.  Slight spoiler Do in part to the cover that is actually a scene in the book and having the cover be that seen made it even cuter. Trixie who's a dog basically acts likes she's a really bad date with another dog. And to me it just adds to the story and shows the reader more of Trixie's personality.  And as always I look forward to the next book in the series. 

 

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.

Deadly Ever After Review

Title:  Deadly Ever After

Author: Eva Gates

Chapters: 25

Pages: 298Series: Lighthouse Library Mystery #8  

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

 

 

Deadly Ever After by Eva Gates is the 8th book in The Lighthouse Library mystery series. Lucy has settled into life in Nags Head and her parents are finally accepting her choice when someone from her past shows up to try to get her the change her mind.  And Lucy again finds herself involved in another murder mystery. But at least this time the lighthouse library isn't involved.   For once with this series I did not see the twist coming nor did I figure out who did it before Lucy did.

 

And I have to say Charles the library cat still remains my favorite character in this series and he once again does it by showing what a good judge of character he is.    But Lucy's, Charles and the rest of the library staff's futures are changing and I can't wait to see where it takes them. 

 

 

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.

Hooked on You by Kathleen Fuller review

Title:  Hooked on You

Author: Kathleen Fuller

Chapters: 17 plus epilogue

Pages: 320

Series:  Maple Falls Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

 

Hooked on You is my first book by Kathleen Fuller I haven’t read previous books of hers because I’m not a fan of Amish fiction and I’m also not a fan of small town romances. But something told me to pick this one up and I’m glad I did. I was hooked from the first page pun intended.

But it wasn’t the romantic relationship that kept me turning pages. It was the relationship between Riley and her grandma I’m a sucker for books with close grandma granddaughter relationship. And the friendship in the book also make for a good read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Though I probably won’t pick up her Amish fiction because I’m not a fan of that genre.

 

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.

June TBR

   To Finish: Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

       Winter Soldier: The Complete Collection by Ed Brubaker

          Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

 

TBR Jar: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

          A Match for the Marine by Jess Mastorakos

 

Kindle TBR Jar: Return to Love by Betsy St. Amant  

              

Nonfiction: How to Write a Mystery by Mystery Writers of America Berlin The Story of a City by Barney White-Spunner 

 

Classic: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

 

Audio: The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams

     Pelican Point by Irene Hannon

 

Library: Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse

          Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey

 

Library (work) Book club pick: A Dying Fall By Elly Griffths

 

To Review: Along a Storied Trail by Ann H Gabhart

May Wrap Up

 

I started the month with (51) unread books. Brought () books.  Got my owlcrate book (1) Book of the month (2) Got (2) book for review Won a book in a giveaway () Got books for gifts () which brought my total to (56). Read (4) owned books. Read (1) Kindle books I own  DNF’d () So I am ending the month at books (52) unread books and hoping to get back on track with the whole read 5 physical books before I buy anymore.  I read a total of () books across () pages.

Murder on Wall Street by Vicotria Thompson (library)

Second Chances: A Marine, His Dog, and finding Redemption by Craig Grossi (library)

Thunderbolts Vol 1: There is No High Road by Jim Zub (library)

Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams (Netgalley)

The only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict (library)

The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp (library)

The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M White (owned) (netgalley)

Lemon Drop Dead by Amanda Flower (netgalley)

Falcon and Winter Soldier: Cut off One Head by Derke Landy (library)

Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (library)

Thunderbolts Vol 2: No Going Back by Jim Zub (library)

Blood and Treasure: Daniel Boone and the fight for American’s first Frontier by Bob Drury (library)

Sea Rose Land by Irene Hannon (audio)

Captain Marvel Vol 3: The Last Avenger by Kelly Thompson (library)

Hooke on You by Kathleen Fuller (Netgalley)

Never Miss by Melissa Koslin (owned)

Peter Panzerfaust Vol 5: On Till Morning by Kurtis J wiebe (library)

The Cemetery Road Murders by Wes Swietek (library)

Katharine Parr the Sixth Wife by Alison Weir (netgalley)

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon (audio)

Big Little Spies by Krista Davis (netgalley)

The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal (owned)

Deadly Ever After by Eva Gates (netgalley)

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter (library)

Rouge and Gambit Ring of Fie by Kelly Thompson (library)

In the Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem (owned)

The Huntress by Kate Quinn review

Title:  The Huntress 

Author: Kate Quinn

Pages: 549

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: William Morrow

 

The Huntress is my second book by Kate Quinn and I have to say I loved it just as much as I loved as The Rose Code, but I do have to say I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this one.  The storyline of WWII, post war coming together at the end in the 1950s were all three points of view sort of much and the three people telling the story actually meet.  I have to say my favorite character was Jordan with Tony being a close second. I enjoyed his humor especially when he and Ian were joking about reading or not reading Moby Dick and Tony says he got out of reading it in highs school by enlisting the day after Pearl Harbor.   But the book is not all humor because Ian and Tony are hunting down The Huntress a female assassin for the Nazi with the help of Nina who's the only one who escaped her.  Jordon finds herself in the middle of the hunt and doesn't even know it.   And the least likely person will be the one to put the final piece together.  But it could have happened sooner if people had been honest with each other.

Lemon Drop Dead by Amanda Flower review

 Title:  Lemon Drop Dead

 Author: Amanda Flower

 Series: Amish Candy Shop Mystery book 6

Chapters: 35 plus Epilogue

Pages: 320

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Kensington

    While I still enjoy the Amish Candy Shop cozy mystery series by Amanda Flower, Lemon Drop Dead was not my favorite of the series. But I did enjoy Bailey sort of learning that she could pass off project from Margot to others. I still love Bailey's close relationship with her grandma even though her grandmother is Amish. But most importantly want I liked most about this one and it wasn't related to the mystery. Was the fact that Charlotte finally made her choice, and I think it was the right one for her, and it was a choice that only she could make. 

 

 

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.