The Dating Experiment

After losing her job, her house, and her guy, the last thing Gabby wants to do is be in a dating experiment—especially with her ex. Her only chance of making it through is with help from her best friend, Ian. But as the study and all its hilariously awkward dates goes on, Gabby finds herself wondering what exactly this experiment is all about.

My thoughts: Isn't the cover on this one just darling? The story wound up being every bit as cute as the cover is! I enjoyed getting to know Gabby, a smart gal who feels like her life is constantly taking detours she didn't expect. When her lack of a good job makes her desperate enough to take part in a dating experiment, life gets even more zany. This book is just adorable! it's a fun, easy read that I enjoyed tremendously!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Every Bride Has Her Day

Another Delightful Romance from the Queen of Romantic Comedy
Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can't wait to start planning their life together. She's confident she'll make it down the aisle this time--but it still may be easier said than done. A high-society Houston bride has Katie and the Cosmopolitan Bridal team scrambling to get the perfect dress done in time for her spectacular wedding. Meanwhile, Katie finds herself bombarded with everyone's competing visions regarding her own special day--and she's beginning to worry that her own ideas will get lost in the crossfire. Will she ever manage to settle all of the details for "her" perfect day? Or will bridal shop chaos and overzealous friends and family make a mess of everything?
Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers what they've been clamoring for: another funny, romantic romp with a Texas twang.

My thoughts: Oh boy, most brides will be able to relate, at least in part, to this story! I know people are well meaning with their opinions when it comes to a wedding, but Katie has to deal with a hilarious extreme, with marrying a high profile groom. I love the humor in this one! The characters are fun to catch up and the book is a satisfying conclusion to the series.
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Fading Starlight

A Tale of Unexpected Friendship and Old Hollywood Glamour

Lauren Summers is hiding. Her fashion house internship should have launched her career, but a red carpet accident has left her blackballed. The only job she finds is unpaid, but comes with free lodging--a run-down cottage in the shadow of a cliff-side mansion. Unsure of what comes next, she's surprised to be contacted by a reporter researching a reclusive former Hollywood ingEnue who lives in the nearby mansion.

Kendall Joiner wants Lauren's help uncovering the old woman's secrets. In return, she'll prove the red carpet accident was a publicity stunt so Lauren can regain her former job. With all her dreams in front of her, Lauren's tempted by the offer, but as she and the old woman get to know each other, Lauren realizes nothing is quite as it seems.

My thoughts: I have enjoyed the previous books that I have read by Kathryn Cushman, so I was thrilled to have the chance to read and review her newest book! While I wouldn't say I was surprised by a lot of the events in the story, I really enjoyed the depth to the tale and the characters. The deep faith of some of the characters, which requires them to live out their faith even when it is difficult, is truly inspiring. Good fiction should inspire, which is exactly what this story is: a great story. I loved the glimpses of old Hollywood and modern day fashion designer. I also really liked the main character! This one is a winner.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Change of Heart

A Colorado senator’s wife, Evelyn Brandt seems to have it all. But her carefully constructed life comes toppling down when the FBI crashes her society brunch with news that her husband has been arrested for embezzlement, and he’s far from repentant. It turns out this was only the start of his indiscretions―for which he has little regret.

As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close―and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse―his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation.

Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend―and his own mistakes―stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?

My thoughts: Oh my goodness, this is the perfect February/Valentines read! The town of Loves Park is a fun one to "visit"; especially during this time of year.;)
I started this book hoping it would be every bit as good as the first one Paper Hearts, and was thrilled to discover that it surpassed my expectations! I wasn't sure what to think of the story line at first, since Courtney takes on some tough issues for her characters to deal with. I thought she handled them beautifully, and the ending was so satisfying.;) This is one of my new favorites! I love the characters and how they deal with the challenges that life throws there way. I love that these stories have a lot going on and that this one brings back the Volunteers from the first story.;) Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

The Bronte Plot

When Lucy's secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious measures to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy's secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt, and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James's wealthy grandmother Helen hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy's predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen's wisdom, as Helen confronts the ghosts of her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters' beloved heroines, who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of change.

Now Lucy must go back into her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that's been waiting for her all along.

My thoughts: It is no secret that I love Katherine Reay's stories, since they make it onto a lot of my Top Ten lists.;) With The Bronte Plot, she outdid herself! While I didn't always like the main character, she is real, interesting, and easy to grow to love as she faces her family's demons and the impact they have had on her life. I like that I can relate to Lucy and her love for reading. I finished this book feeling like I had made a new friend.;) And, I now have a new favorite book to add to my list! I especially enjoy that the reader doesn't always know where the story is going to go, and that the characters are so well developed that you half expect to pass them on the street. I can't recommend this book enough! The only downside is that the story is hard to put down.;)
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple’s journey down the aisle to “I do.”

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

My thoughts: This book is a great summer read! I fell in love with the characters, as they are thrown together again after being apart for so long. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked it up, since (I thought) the story could either be cute or fall flat. Thankfully, it is adorable and has some surprising depth and character development. I especially liked the flash backs.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Mind of Her Own

Who knew making dinner could change your life? Louisa Copeland certainly didn’t. But when the George Foreman grill fell out of the pantry onto her head, resulting in a bump and a mighty case of amnesia, Louisa’s life takes a turn for the unexpected. Who was this Collin fellow, claiming she was his wife? And whose kids are those? Her name couldn’t be Louisa. Why, she was the renowned romance writer Jazz Sweet, not a Midwestern mom of three. Struggling to put the pieces together of the life she’s told she had, Louisa/Jazz may realize that some memories are better left alone.

My thoughts: What would happen if you lost all your memories, which in turn, lead to your secrets being exposed? When Louisa Copeland hits her head, she wakes up convinced that she is the author Jazz Sweet. Or, is she Jazz Sweet? As she tries to figure out who she really is and what to do about the people surrounding her who are suppose to be her family, Louisa/Jazz's secrets start coming out.
I loved this story! It is a fun, interesting one that makes readers think. I love that Collin finds his wife's journals, which leads him to discover a whole new side to his wife that he never knew. The romance is sweet and I enjoyed the character development. Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Summer's List

Life hadn't been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother's bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love... didn't turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer's past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

My thoughts: This story is a fun, different one, about a young woman who has sacrificed to hrlp her family out. I enjoyed The characters, since they are fun and quirky, not to mention memorable. I found myself wanting to adopt some of them! The story has some delightful twists, making this the perfect sumner read (not just because of the title! lol).
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Love Arrives in Pieces

For so long, Stella was known for her beauty. Now, with her heart stripped bare, she must discover who she really is.

Former pageant queen Stella Varland doesn t trust beauty anymore after her divorce. Her appearance betrayed her and led to her brokenness so instead of being beautiful, now she tries to make beautiful things, but always falls short. So she keeps her passion for her secret art to herself and focuses on her interior design work. But if she doesn t get another job soon, she ll be stuck living with her parents.

Contractor Chase Taylor is determined to live a life of no regrets after losing his fiancee in a car crash. Now he lives life at full speed, striving to see how much he can accomplish. He knows if he slows down, he ll fall apart. So he returns home to Bayou Bend to renovate the town s old theater, and is shocked to learn former flame Stella is the designer for the project.

Forced to work together, Chase and Stella battle their chemistry and their pasts as they struggle to compromise and come together on a vision for the theater. Chase doesn t understand why Stella is such a subdued version of herself, while Stella doesn't get Chase s constant need for productivity and speed. Their wills clash as they attempt to hide their brokenness and their unresolved feelings for each other until Chase breaks through Stella s walls and convinces her to enter her mosaic tile art in a contest.

A near catastrophe, a fire, and a small-town gossip mill finally force both Stella and Chase to realize that they have a choice to hold on to the shards of their pasts, or surrender their fragmented pieces to the One who makes a beautiful masterpiece from the broken

My thoughts: While I enjoyed All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes, I found myself liking Stella's story even better! This book has a lot of depth to it, as Stella struggles with the feelings that came from having loved and lost twice, once to Chase, and then again with her ex husband. When Chase stumbles back into her life, all her insecurities and feelings of brokenness come to the surface. Can she see the beauty God can create out of broken hearts?
I loved the characters in this story! It is a gorgeous story with just the right amount of heart, sass, and romance. This is a must for your summer TBR list!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.