The Things We Knew

A tragedy from the past resurfaces in this tale of family secrets and reignited love.

After her mother’s death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to harbor animosity toward their father, silently blaming him for their mother’s death. Nobody will talk about that dreadful day, and Lynette can’t remember a bit of it.

But when next-door neighbor Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, he brings the past with him. Once her brother’s best friend and Lynette’s first crush, Nick seems to hiding things from her. Lynette wonders what he knows about the day her mother died and hopes he might help her remember the things she can’t.

But Nick has no intention of telling Lynette the truth. Besides the damage it might cause his own family, he doesn’t want to risk harming the fragile friendship between him and the woman he once thought of as a kid sister.

As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets begin to surface—secrets that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question all they ever believed in.

My thoughts: This one will keep you up late reading, since the story has plenty of mystery and intrigue! I had such a hard time putting it down, since Lynette's memory resurfaces slowly. The plot is interesting, and I also enjoyed getting to know each of her siblings with their personal struggles brought on by how they dealt with tragedy. This story is well written; I appreciated the depth of each of the characters. A must read for mystery lovers!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Together at the Table

Three months ago, Juliette D’Alisa’s world changed.

In a bittersweet series of events, her mother’s health took a turn for the worse. Juliette and her brother opened their restaurant together to rave reviews, but her romance with Memphis immunologist Neil McLaren ended in anger and tears.

As autumn sweeps into the Pacific Northwest, Juliette feels that she’s finally on the cusp of equilibrium. The restaurant continues to thrive, and her family is closer than ever. She and sous-chef Adrien are seeing each other, both in and out of the kitchen. Just when she thinks her world might stop spinning, a trip to the waterfront lands a familiar face into her path.

Rather than dwell on her personal life, Juliette throws herself into work and research. After reading her grandmother’s letters from war-torn Paris, she still wants to know the full story – and she’ll travel across countries and oceans to find it.

But even Juliette can’t outrun the man who stole her heart. As she finally uncovers the truth about her family history, what will it mean for her own chances at lasting love?

My thoughts: I was thrilled to receive this book in the mail, since I fell in love with the previous two! I can relate to Juliette and her family, with working in the food industry together. I love that the series has so much going on, bringing to life not only the heroine, but the rest of her family as well.;)
This book was bittersweet, since it marks the conclusion of the series. That said, it did a wonderful job of drawing the series to a close! I love all the recipes included in the book, and wish I could just be adopted into the family.;)
I look forward to reading Hillary's next novel!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Pocket of Prayers

Bestselling author Max Lucado has teamed up with six authors to write the Pocket Prayers series for those in need of peace, renewal, rest, faith, hope, joy, direction, serenity, and courage.

Short, simple prayers are very effective, which is why each book in the series contains forty guided prayers and complementary scriptures for any situation, including for:

—Moms (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
—Grads (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
—Dads (written with Mark Mynheir)
—Military Life (written with Mark Mynheir)
—Teachers (written with blogger Jennifer Hale)
—Friends (written with Betsy St. Amant)

My thoughts: I love how these books spark ideas on how to pray more focused prayers! I would say that I gleaned the most from the one for moms, with the current stage I am in of raising littles, but I also enjoyed the other books and reading through the prayers. These books are great to place by one's bed or with your Bible. I love that they are so cute and make the perfect gift! I can think of quite a few people I will have to give copies too.;) I also think that they would be a great addition to a study group when talking about prayer.
I received these books from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

When we were sent these books, the publisher requested that we give them away and feature one of those recipients on our blog post. While it was fun to give them all away, I think I had the easiest time finding a home for the one for Moms. I wound up giving it to a friend who is a fairly new mother, since I thought that the prayers were so encouraging!

You're the One I Want

Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.

Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after―especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama―and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.

But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.

My thoughts: Susan May Warren has done it again! I love how she can take a messy, complicated story and make the reader fall in love with the characters and their beautifully broken road to grace. I wasn't sure how I would like this one, since Owen's story has been full of drama from the beginning, but I would up loving the book. I love the humor in the story! I also really appreciate the letters that Ingrid writes to each of her children, a beautiful tradition that I would like to do as a mother. Susan does a wonderful job of bringing this series to and end, wrapping up some of the loose ends from the other stories. If you are looking for an interesting series that will keep you on your toes and introduce you to love able characters, then I highly recommend this series!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Becoming a Spitirually Healthy Family

We all want to guide our children into the abundant life that Jesus offers. But when we pursue the more and better that the world offers above our pursuit of Jesus, we fall into dangerous parenting habits. In Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family, Michelle Anthony unpacks six common dysfunctional parenting styles that we fall into out of habit, lack of attention, or just oversight due to busyness. If you long to show your children Jesus but don’t know how to do it, you’ll find hope in this practical guide to creating a relentlessly grace-filled home that is focused on God as first in charge.

Includes Scripture guides, reflection questions, ideas for family rites of passage, and other real life family examples.

My thoughts: I had never thought about things that could be termed as dysfunctional parenting styles, but found that I agree with a lot of what this book has to say! I especially enjoyed the last few chapters on how to change those dysfunctions and make your family spiritually healthy. I loved how the book flows between Scripture verses, quotes from excellent sources, and personal stories. I especially thought that the concept of Raising Pagan Kids in a Christian Home. Wow, I had never thought of it like that!
Even though I know there are other dysfunctions out there, this is a great book for parents to use, one that helps you step back and really look at how your parenting style measures up to Christ. Two thumbs up!
I received this book from litfuse in exchange for my honest review.