The Setup Men by Kate Watson review

 

I’m not going to lie The Setup man started a little on the slow for me. But it quickly picked up pace by chapter three. Lucas’s chapters ended being my favorite. I love a cinnamon roll hero who falls first. I loved Lucas and Scottie together though I went from wanted to smack Scottie to wanting to hug her sometimes in the same chapter. But she quickly grew on me. I loved watching Lucas fall first and Scottie not knowing what she wanted to do. 

 

I loved everything about this book and I loved seeing the family aspect of the Mudflpas. I hope this isn’t the last book in the series though at least to me it’s going to take a lot for Jake to redeem himself to be a hero. 

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

Sparks & Recreation by Ellie Hall review

 I’m a sucker for small romances especially with a grumpy hero. Enemies to lovers is also in my top three favorites troupes.  Winnie and Patton’s banter was chefs kiss.  Sparks & Recreation is the first firefighter rom com I’ve read and I just have to say it will not the last. I loved that not only did we get the fighting turn to friendship to romance with Winnie and Patton, we also got the friendship of Patton and his fellow firefighters as close as brothers. Though I have to admit I loved the Station Dalmatian. And I’m looking forward to future books in the series to find out more about the bakery. Cause firefighters who bake sounds swoony. 

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

A Matter of Honor by Laura Frantz review

 

When I learned that my favorite secondary character from The Rose and the Thistle Orin was getting a novella I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed I was blessed with the sweetest romance of two childhood sweethearts and second chances

A Pen Pal for Christmas by Jess Mastorakos review

Title: A Pen Pal for Christmas 

Author: Jess Mastorakos 

Ch: 27 plus epilogue 

Pg: 267

Series: Christmas in Snow Hill

Genre:  Christmas Rom Com 

Rating: 4.5 stars 

Publisher: Indie 

I have to say this might be my favorite book in The Christmas in Snow Hill series. I loved Sophia since meeting her as a secondary character in Snowed in For Christmas. So, I was glad she was getting her own story. Hudson, I just love a Marine hero. And the pen pals writing back and forth gives it a bit of a you’ve got mail vibes with letters instead.  And Snow Hill always feels like a magical Christmas town every time I pick up one of the books. And I loved that this one had a bit of mystery with it. 

 

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.

Something Borrowed by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman and Susie Finkbeiner novella collection review

 

With this novella collection centered around a Special wedding dress Rachel Scott McDaniel has done it again. With A Heart in Disguise Clara Westlake is a seamstress in the Camouflage Corps. I thought I knew my WWI history but this is the first I had heard about the Camouflage Corps and the important job they had during WWI. That's what I love so much about Rachel's books after the Faith content and love story is that I l always something new from history.  I also loved that the dress that played a part in this story would find its way through time and to more wars for two more stories. 

 

 A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman was set during WWII. And a possibly second chance for Betty and Eli. I did enjoy this one but it wasn't my favorite of the three. And that's on me not Allison's writing. I think I'm kind of getting burnt out on WWII romances. But if that's not the case for you then you'll also love Betty and Eli's story. 

 

And finally we have A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner set during the Vietnam, this one was my favorite of the three stories in this collection. Though it's a second chance at love and not always my favorite I enjoyed it. Kate and Ike's story is just so sweet despite the tragedy of the Vietnam War. And Little Eloise is just a doll.  This story was only my second Susie Finkebeiner story but it weren't be my last. And it was also only my second Vietnam War book because there's not that much out there. Because it's one war that war and horrific and to close to recent memory.  But the author tackled that was grace. And overall I would give this collection 4.5 stars 

 

While each of these novella's are separate stories they are sewn together with a dress, faith and love.  And that makes three stories worth reading. 

 

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.

All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon review

Title: All’s Fair in Love and Christmas

Author: Sarah Monzon

Ch: 30

Pg: 250

Genre: Rom Com

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Bethany House

I enjoyed this one even though I’m not a huge fan of office romances. Mainly because I don’t think that they are all that believable. But this one worked. And I loved how the author wove the magic of Christmas memories and childhood into the 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. 

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt review

 

Title: The Warsaw Sisters

Author: Amanda Barratt

Ch: 37

Pg: 384

Genre: Historical fiction WWII fiction

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Revell

I’m not going to lie The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is one of the most emotional WWII fiction novels I’ve read. And it’s the first one I’ve read set in Poland. As well as the first one that touches on the polish resistance and smuggling Jewish children out of the ghetto.

The book is told from the points of view of sisters Antonina and Helena. It’s emotional as the war does it’s best to tear them apart. But even apart the reader can tell the bond of sisterhood is still there.

While I don’t agree with choices both sisters made in their personal lives. I love the choices they make in regards to helping the Jews Antonina and Poland Helena. This one is worth reading. But have your tissues handy. Even though the sister’s faith isn’t on every page you can see God working throughout the 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.

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.

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon review

 

Title: Into the Fire

 Author:  Irene Hannon

 Ch: 32 plus prologue and epilogue

 Pg:  392

 Genre:  Christian Suspense with a hint of romance

 Rating: 4.5 stars

 Publisher: Revell

 

Irene Hannon is one of my go to in Christian romantic suspense and Into the fire is no different. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a former female smoke jumper turned arson investigator. And an ATF agent. I love both Bri and Marc from the start.

And I enjoyed the unique murder aspect of the crime. It’s not something I’ve read in suspense fiction before. And it leads itself to being a page turner. The mystery and crime keep the reader turning the pages. But seeing Bri with her siblings and Marc with his Nana come you coming back. Those sweet moments balance out the harsher suspenseful moments of the book.

I love forward to the next book in the series and what else is next for Irene Hannon.

 

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.

Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R Patch

Title: Crime Scene Conspiracy

Author: Jessica R Patch

Ch: 16

Pg: 224

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: love inspired suspense

The first time I read Jessica Patch was with A Cry in the Dark and that book gave me nightmares. The book is no worse than a Criminal Minds episode which is my comfort show. But the setting of A Cry in the dark hit too close to home. But that aside I loved the book and had me hooked on Jessica’s writing.

So I knew I had to jump at a chance to Crime Scene Conspiracy. I loved the Texas setting and Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell. And crime scene clean up guy Stone Spencer was pretty cool too. While I read this one in September it’s actually a suspense set at Christmas. I loved the banter between Stone and Emily. As well as him accepting Emily for the strong and confident woman she is heck I think it makes him love her more. And just like Jessica’s previous suspense books the book has more suspense than romance which I love.

 

 

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.

 

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.

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni review

Title: On Moonberry Lake

 

Author:  Holly Varni

 

Ch: 32

 

Pg:  335

 

Genre:  Christian Contemporary

 

Rating: 4.5 stars

 

Publisher: Revell

 

On Moonberry Lake is the debut novel by Holly Varni. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. As I tend to be ifffy about books dealing with the death of the characters mom. It can go one of two ways good or really bad. On Moonberry lake went very good. As grief effects everyone differently. And the book showed that.

Cora was my favorite because she was the one, I related to the most. But Widgy is a close second as well as the characters in the small town. Though the small town is in Minnesota it’s easy for anyone who spent time in a small town to relate to. Because every small has fill in the blank.

I can’t wait to read the next book from Holly.

 

 

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.

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R Patch

Title: A Cry in the Dark

Author: Jessica R Patch

Pg: 368

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

 

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica Patch reminded me of a Criminal minds episode. But it kind of gave me nightmares not because it was like criminal minds which happens to be my comfort show. But because the book pretty much takes place in my backyard. Suspense novels set in Kentucky my home state keep me on edge especially those that could happen. Which is kind of the case for this one. But it’s still good. I did enjoy this one more than the first one in the series. And the team reminds me a bit of the Criminal minds team. I can’t wait till the third book.

Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham review

Title: Beauty Reborn

Author: Elizabeth Lowham

Ch: 19 plus epilogue

Pg: 200

Genre: Fantasy fairy retelling

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Beauty Reborn is the hardest Beauty and the Beast retelling that I’ve read. But it’s the one that’s the most important. As it gives a twist on the reason Beauty went to the beast castle in her father’s place. She’s running from the someone. And just like the Disney version the reader will quickly she who’s the real beast in the story. My heart broke for Beauty. I’m glad that read this one. Trigger warning for sexual assault off page though it’s mentioned, and the aftermath is talked about.

 

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.

Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R Patch

Title: Her Darkest Secret

Author: Jessica R Patch

 Pg:352

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Love Inspired

Her Darkest Secret was a romantic suspense novel that kept this reader on the edge of her seat. I’m normally not a fan of second chance romances but this one between Asa Kodiak and Fiona Kelly just seemed to work. And it didn’t hurt that this book could easily be Criminal minds episode.

Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell review

Title: Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder

Author: Gracie Ruth Mitchell

Ch: 26 plus epilogue

Pg: 368

Series: Happily, Ever Homicide 1

Genre: Rom Com cozy mystery

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: indie

Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell combines my two favorite genres in one Rom Coms and cozy mysteries. Juniper Bean has been writing romances as an indie author but has hit a wall. So tries her hand at writing a mystery. But then along with her roommate Aiden finds herself in the middle of mystery. Aiden reluctantly agrees to help Juniper solve it.

Juniper’s a cool heroine and not someone you would think would love literature and write books. While Aiden our hero reminds this reader a bit of Spencer Reid from criminal minds with the whole nerdy professor vibe.

If you’re looking for a book that’s part cozy mystery and part rom com this one’s for you.

Falling Hard for the Royal Guard by Megan Clawson

Title: Falling Hard for the Royal Guard

Author: Megan Clawson

Ch: 23 plus epilogue

Pg: 384

Genre: Rom Colb

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Harper Collins

Not only I’m a sucker for rom coms I’m a sucker for British rom coms. And Megan Clawson’s debut rom com is indeed a very British rom com. I mean it set in the Tower of London it doesn’t get more British than that.

Maggie is one of the rom com heroines that I found myself relating to the most. I mean im not British I don’t live in the Tower of London and my dad’s not a beefeater. But I am the daughter of a former Marine turned LEO and the scene Maggie went through with her under clothes I can relate to. Plus, Maggie’s sassy and a book and history nerd.

Falling for the Royal guard will keep you laughing from page one. Maggie has a large extended family though not related by blood. And of course, this rom com deals with grief that I could relate to. As will most readers. Pick this one up you weren’t be disappointed.

The Beginning by Jess Mastorakos review

Title: The Beginning

Author: Jess Mastorakos

Ch: 13 plus epilogue

Series: Brides of Beaufort

Genre: Rom Com romance

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Indie

If you’re read the Brides of Beaufort series, you know Ms. Hattie as the flower shop owner match maker. But in The Beginning, she just a young woman working in her family’s flower shop with one goal to not fall for a Marine. But enter Thatcher in town for wedding who happens to be a Marine. .

I loved getting to read the love story that started it all. Hattie’s and Thatcher’s love story reminded me a bit of my parents love story as my mom was determined to not fall for a Marine but thankfully, she did otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley review

Title: Counter Attack 

Author: Patricia Bradley

Ch: 72

Pg: 378

Series: A Pearl River book 1

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley because even though I tend to love small town law enforcement stories I’m not a huge fan of second chance romance stories. But I didn’t need to worry. As the romance in this one is only a small part of the story.

Alexis Stone is a Chattanooga police officer who wants to be police chief. She has no desire to go back to her small hometown of Pearl River though the grandparents who raised her are still there. Nathan Landry is the police chief of Pearl River. He never wanted to leave his small town and he’s Alexis high school boyfriend. Neither one is looking for romance when an emergency lands Alexis back in town as the acting sheriff and both of them trying to stop a serial killer.

As someone who only likes a little bit of romance with my romantic suspense this one was perfect. What I loved about this one the most was the faith aspect, while Alexis is running from God he’s running after her and he uses her grandma to do it. The faith of that woman reminded me so much of my own grandma. And I just loved her stubborn grandpa.

Counter Attack was a quick read I kept turning pages because I just had to know what happened. It’s not every day you find a romantic suspense set job in a small town that involves a serial killer. The only drawback for me as a reader is that I figured out the bad guy before the heroine and hero did. Even though there are clues throughout the book it’s not enough for most readers to pick it up, but if you read as much suspense as I do then you may also piece together the clues. However, it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book and I can’t wait to read 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.

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.

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Beibel review

 Title: The Maid of Ballymacool

Author:  Jennifer Beibel

Ch: 33 plus epilogue  

Pg:  343

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance 

Rating: 4.5 stars  

Publisher: Revell 

    If anyone can get me to enjoy a Cinderella retelling, it’s Jennifer Deibel with her newest book The Maid Ballymacool. If Jennifer writes it and sets it in Ireland, I’m going to read it.

    The Maid Ballymacool is set in 1930s Ireland and Brianna Kelly is a maid at a boarding school. Who’s pretty much much treated like Cinderella and her only friend is Finnuala who is like a grandma fugue to Brianna.

    And Michael Wray the hero is the son of a neighboring landowner. But Michael is so much better than any Prince Charming in a fairytale because he is a man of faith and sees Brianna’s worth.

    The Maid of Ballymacool is a faith filled Cinderella like retelling set-in beautiful Ireland and it’s also a book I finished in one day.

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.

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.

Rogue untouched by Alisa Kwitney review

Title: Rogue Untouched

Author:  Alisa Kwitney

Ch: 35

Pg:  331

Series: Marvel Heroines

Genre: Comics Retellings

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Marvel

 

 

    Rogue Untouched is a novel imaging what teenage Rogue’s life was like before she joined X-Men. Rogue has always been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. And I loved young adult Rogue in this. It’s how I always imagined she would have been as a teen and young adult. I wish this book has existed when I was a teen as the Rogue I got as a teen with the movies was a bit of a letdown. But this book made up for that.

Not to mention a certain Cajun. I also loved seeing Gambit before the X-Men as well. On the run from the thieves and assassin guilds. He’s not gambit in this one he’s more Remy but still the same flirty Cajun and I love it. As Rogue and Gambit have always been one of my favorite ships since before, I knew what a ship was.

This one wraps up the storyline but it does leave it open for more.

 

 

 

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.