Review: Discovering Sophie

Discovering Sophie by Cindy Roland Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this book for the most part. Sophie, a 32-year-old pediatric surgeon, sets off to Costa Rica to find her father who has been missing. She hires Jack to guide her through the jungle. The instant, passionate chemistry between these two develops rather unbelievably quickly for me. And I would think that Sophie would have been put off a little longer by Jack with his prickliness and bitterness against God and women. Other than that I really did enjoy the story. I like the parts where they are able to be of help medically to the villagers. The book is fairly fast paced and there are definitely some nail-biting situations that keep you involved in the story. A clean Christian romance.

*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*



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Review: Christmas at Harrington's

Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a great Christmas read! It's a tender short story about fresh starts, redemption, and true holiday spirit. And I love the cover!

Lena is just getting out of an eight year stay in prison after being wrongly accused of embezzlement at her ex-husband's church. Her parents have died while she was in prison and she has no desire to go back to that town. She finds herself in New Haven where a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store. Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

I really enjoyed Lena's personality. She was so sweet to the kids and in spite of the injustice done to her by the people in her past she couldn't help but be a better person to those around her. The fact that she incorporated Christianity into her Mrs. Santa character was an interesting story line.

A heartwarming Christmas story with a happy ending. What more could you want? :)



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Review: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady's companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

I loved this story. The tragedy of Cecily being separated from her family (especially her twin sister - I have a twin sister and I can't imagine being separated and not knowing where she was!) comes full circle when she comes to work at Willowgrove Hall and comes face-to-face with the man who was part of the reason for that separation. I like how the book portrays her as having grown and changed for the better. Thankfully, she has outgrown her infatuation with this man and is quickly drawn to Nathaniel. Nathaniel's character is wonderful. I enjoyed his interactions with his mother and sisters and with Cecily. I also loved Nathaniel's family! They were just what Cecily needed. The story felt a little rushed in the end but otherwise it's a wonderful story that flows smoothly and ends satisfactorily. :)

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: Winter Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection

Winter Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection by Denise Hunter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this compilation of three of the A Year of Weddings novellas.

It starts with A December Bride - the story of Layla and Seth. Layla recruits Seth to go with her to the wedding of her ex-fiance and her cousin. Seth has been in love with Layla for awhile but he just happens to have been the best friend of said ex-fiance until he jilted Layla for her cousin. So now Seth has to convince Layla that he didn't have anything to do with the breakup. Seth and Layla pretend to be engaged to impress her family and a prospective client for Layla. As they spend time together over the next few weeks, Layla begins to realize that Seth is the one she should have been with to begin with.

Second is A January Bride - the sweet story of two people who get to know each other through notes before they ever meet. Both have preconceived ideas about who the other is. I really liked how this one was written and it was fun when they actually meet.

Last is A February Bride - The story of Allie Andrews, a runaway bride. Because of her family history of failed marriages, Allie doesn't feel like she can make it work and so she runs away. Four months later, she's thrown back into the company of her ex-fiance when his sister asks Allie to be her maid of honor. Marcus sets out to prove to Allie that they do still belong together. A sweet story about overcoming your past.

*Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: Hannah's Hope

Hannah's Hope by Karen Kingsbury

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Loved this hopeful, heart grabbing novella by Karen Kingsbury. I don't think she can write a bad book!

15-year-old Hannah Roberts remembers when her father was her closest friend. The image is hazy, though, pulled from her distant childhood memories, and her father is now very cold and distant. Feeling orphaned, Hannah lives a lonely life with her wealthy, ailing grandmother. As Christmas nears, Hannah learns a shocking truth: the man she believed was her father is not her parent after all. In an effort to find answers, she begins a desperate search for her real father, Air Force pilot Mike Conner. Local politicians and the city's newspaper catch wind of her quest, and the entire state joins in Hannah's hope that she'll find her father before the holidays.

I couldn't believe the cold, thoughtless, almost heartless actions of Hannah's mother! I gasped when I read where she decides to send Hannah the letter about her biological father to try to keep Hannah occupied because they wouldn't be there for Christmas. Come on! There had to have been a better time and place to share news like that. After the initial shock, Hannah takes it like the trooper she is and sets out to find her biological father. This story of how they reconnect is full of heart rending but also beautiful, touching, and hopeful moments.

*Thanks to FaithWords and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*





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Review: Prejudice Meets Pride

Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Emma Makie has temporary custody of her two nieces after the death of their mother. She makes a cross-country move, leaving behind the job offer of a lifetime. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her.

I enjoyed this clean, sweet story. Emma has a good relationship with her nieces and has done a noble thing by taking charge of them for her brother while he's away supporting the family. And in spite of her prideful attitude and his prejudice, sparks fly between Kevin and Emma! I liked the way they worked through their issues and how much Kevin wanted to and did help Emma and her nieces. I also liked the relationship Emma forms with her neighbor and her neighbor's family. She needed that support.


*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*



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Review: In the Field of Grace

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Having read three other books by Tessa Afshar, I must admit I was disappointed in this book. Maybe the character of Ruth didn't lend itself to the way the author usually writes. I don't know. But I felt like the story lacked the depth that her other stories did. It's a simple, sweet, fictional telling of the biblical story of Ruth with a back story for Boaz and Ruth. I did like the way Naomi cared for Ruth and Ruth cared for Naomi. The story also touches on trust, surrender, faith, and healing, and redemption. Not a bad read, just not one of my favorites from this author.

*Thanks to Moody Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: Duty

Duty by Rachel Rossano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I really enjoyed this fast paced, action packed, medieval romance. Tomas Dyrease, the newly made Earl of Irvaine, is tasked with the duty of strengthening the allegiances of the region by marrying Brielle Solarius, the Lady of the village of Wisenvale in the fictitious land of Rhynan. I loved the chemistry between the two. In spite of being reluctant to enter into this arranged marriage, both Tomas and Brielle quickly find themselves falling in love. Even though he holds the title of Earl, Tomas is a rough around the edges warrior who quickly makes inroads into Brielle's heart with his patience and gentleness to her and his complete loyalty and dedication to her and to his family. Brielle is strong, determined and courageous and complements Tomas really well.

While there is no mention of God in the story, there are several instances where the characters pray to Kurios. I'm assuming that in this fictitious world, Kurios is God. I wouldn't label this as a Christian book but it is a clean read.

*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*



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Review: Murder at the Mikado

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Another good mystery book from Julianna Deering. No edge of your seat thriller but a good old-fashioned 1930's whodunit. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and the relationship of Drew and Madeline to add some romance. An enjoyable murder mystery.



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Review: Lizzy and Jane

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A wonderful, touching, heart-rending, emotional story! Lizzy (Elizabeth) and Jane's mother died from cancer when Lizzie was still a teenager. Jane, being older, was already married and didn't come home. Lizzy handles the pain by leaving her home and dad behind and becoming the head chef of her own New York restaurant. Many years have passed and Elizabeth has lost her "magic" in her kitchen. When the owner (financial backer) of her restaurant brings in another chef, Elizabeth decides it's time to take some time off and go visit her Dad. After she gets there, her Dad talks her into visiting her sister, Jane, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Elizabeth surprises everyone—including herself—when she decides to stay in Seattle and work to prepare healthy, sustaining meals for Jane as she undergoes chemotherapy. She also meets Nick and his winsome son, Matt, who, like Elizabeth, are trying to heal from the wounds of the past. As Lizzy comes out of her self-imposed shell and regains her "magic", she and Jane slowly work to forgive each other and become a family again.

It did take me a little while to really get into this story but once I did, wow! The tug and pull on your emotions is strong! You'll shed a tear here and there as the story gets deep. And then you'll smile as you wipe a tear away as the sisters share a laughable moment. And Nick, as a hero, is definitely swoon worthy! :)

I really enjoyed the way the author used the world of culinary art in this story. At times I felt like I was watching a cooking show..lol. Since I enjoy cooking shows that's not a bad thing. And I also enjoyed the references to Jane Austen. I liked that it wasn't a "re-telling" of an Austen story but that Elizabeth pondered different lessons from several of the stories and used them to make her own life better.

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*



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