Batten Down the Belfry by Diane Kelly review

Title:  Batten Down the Belfry 

Author:  Diane Kelly

Ch: 24

Pg:  304

Series: A House Flipper Mystery Book 4

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s

 

Batten Down the Belfry by Diane Kelly is the 4th book in the A House Flipper mystery series and I enjoyed it. Though I enjoyed the flip more than the mystery. I though Whitney's idea of turning for the old church and rectory into venue and restaurant (not a spoiler as it's on the back blurb) since they are so close to Nashville was brilliant. I love the relationship she has with her close Buck who's almost like a brother to her. And just like with previous books in the series I love the chapters from Sawdust's point of view (Whitney's cat). I'm looking forward to 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.

The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart review

Title:  The Master Craftsman

Author:  Kelli Stuart

Pg:  401

Genre:  Dual Time Historical fiction, Contemporary fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

    The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart is a dual time treasure hunt novel set in the present and Imperial Russia. Ava Laine’s estranged father Nick sends her on a treasure hunt for a possible missing Faberge egg. As Faberge made Easter Eggs for the Romanov family up to the Revolution. Rumor was Faberge entrusted the egg to his most trusted craftsman’s Alma Pihl.

    They get a team together that includes Nick back home in the states Ava as well a Zak the computer and Xander the muscle. I’m not going to lie I was worried that we were going to have a love triangle, but this book was my action and adventure than love story.

    Ava was a bit a tough hit to tough nut to crack and I found her saying she was full of historical facts enduring as I am as well. This book gave me National Treasure vibes and Indiana Jones vibes. And I loved the references to both Star Wars and National Treasure in the book.

    Even though I figured out the twist because of a quote that reminded me of the movie The 355, it didn’t take a way from my enjoyment of finishing the book. I loved visiting Russia in the pages of the book. As well as diving into her history, as understanding Russia history can help to understand current event.

The Master Craftsman was a fast read I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. And it’s lead me to learn more about the Faberge Eggs.

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 Catch by Lisa Harris Review

 Title:  The Catch 

Author: Lisa Harris

Series: US Marshals Book 3

Chapters: 37

Pages: 352

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

The Catch is the third book in the US Marshals series by Lisa Harris. And while the Marshal case for each book is different. The main suspense line and romance subplot is through all three books so it’s important to read them in order. As the main suspense thread doesn’t get tied up till this one.

Since this is the third book in the series it’s hard to talk about plot without spoiling the whole series. But since this one involves a missing child I found it to be the most suspenseful and stressful of the books. But still good. I ended up finishing it in two days. It would have been one day if things like food and work didn’t need to happen. But it was a book that could easily be read in one day.

 

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.

 

Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon review

Title:  Sea Glass Cottage

Author: Irene Hannon

Series: Hope Harbor

Genre: Christian contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher:  Revell

 

Once again readers are back in Hope Harbor with Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon. Not only is the town charming but the residents are as well, especially Charlie the taco guy. Who always seems to know the right advice to give at the right moment?   I loved visiting with some of my favorites in this one, but I also loved meeting Jack Colby and Christi Reece, these two share a past. Jack's not ready to forgive her, and Christi's' determined to prove she's changed. But when another surprise shows up from Jack's past that leads them to work together might just be the thing that brings them back together. 

 

I love Irene's contemporary's more than I do her suspense because not only does she create life like characters she creates towns that you just want to visit. What I love the most about Irene's books are the faith content throughout the story as well as the happy ending at the end. You just don't know how you’re going to get there even with her Contemporaries.  She doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. And I for one was happy to hear that we are getting at least three more Hope Harbor books. Yay.  I hope you enjoy Christi's and Jack's story as much as I did. 

 

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.

The Bridesmaid by Jess Mastorakos review

Title:

 The Bridesmaid

Author: Jess Mastorakos

Ch: 25 plus epilogue

Pg:  258

Series: The Brides of Beaufort book 3

Genre:  Rom Com

Rating: 5 Stars

Publisher: Indie

    The Bridesmaid by Jess Mastorakos is the newest book in The Brides of Beaufort series. Layla’s story and she’s been a bridesmaid seven times but never a bride. She’s gun shy after having her hurt broke by Marine Zac Miller three years earlier.

Who just happens to be back in Beaufort with a son in toll. He wants a second chance but Layla’s not so sure. He’s got his work cut out for him. But luckily for him Ms. Hattie’s willing to help.

Layla was an easy character to relate too, as I too have been a bridesmaid seven times. I loved her relationship with her twin Lyndi who I did actually relate to as a fellow book worm and photographer. While Layla as an artist reminds me of my sister. So I love stories with close sister relationships. And I’m a sucker for second chance romances. I loved this one and each book in the series gets better than the previous one. I can’t wait for the next one.

 

 

 

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.

Josh and Gemma make a Baby by Sarah Ready Review

Title:  Josh and Gemma Make A Baby 

Author:  Sarah Ready

Ch: 31

Pg: 366

Genre:  Women’s Fiction with romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Swift and Lewis Publishing LLC

 

Don't let the cover fool you Josh and Gemma make a baby by Sarah Ready is not a typical rom com.  Though it has humor, comedy and romance I would not classify it as a rom com or even your typical romance. As it deals with deeper issues that rom coms don't normally tackle.  But Sarah Ready does it with tack and humor.  Gemma has given up on finding Mr. Right but she still wants a baby, so enter her brother's best friend Josh.  Both go into the arrangement without planning on being anything more than friend’s famous last words.  

 

I've seen other reviews were readers were saying that Gemma was going through wasn't realistic and it was over the top. I found it realistic and believable and not over the top.   But we live in a society where women get shamed for their infertility even from their own family. Gemma was easy for me to relate to. Not the inferably part or the IVF at least not yet, but I can relate to the Endometritis diagnosis and her reaction to it. Not every woman relates to endo the same way but like Gemma I related to   my diagnosis with humor it was the only way I could process it.  So it was nice to see it handle that way in a book. (Though not everyone handles it that way).   And I could see myself doing something similar to Gemma if I was in her shoes. All in all a good book that had me laughing and in tears.  And Rooting for both Gemma and Josh. 

 

A few steamy scenes.

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.

Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker review

 

Title:  Lucky Leap Day 

Author:  Ann Marie Walker

Ch: 25 Plus Epilogue

Pg:  315

Genre:  Rom Com

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

 

It's a rom com involving a Leap year proposal gone wrong and a total misunderstanding that might actually be the best thing that happened to two people.  I loved the banter between Finn and Cara. It gave me Leap Year (the movie) vibes but this book was so much better.   But Penny the great aunt figure who's not really a great aunt who's great at knocking sense into people was probably the best part of the book.  As well as the two dogs.  I do plan to read more by Ann Marie Walker in the future. 

A few steamy scenes.