No One Ever Asked

Challenging perceptions of discrimination and prejudice, this emotionally resonant drama for readers of Lisa Wingate and Jodi Picoult explores three different women navigating challenges in a changing school district--and in their lives.

When an impoverished school district loses its accreditation and the affluent community of Crystal Ridge has no choice but to open their school doors, the lives of three very different women converge: Camille Gray--the wife of an executive, mother of three, long-standing PTA chairwoman and champion fundraiser--faced with a shocking discovery that threatens to tear her picture-perfect world apart at the seams. Jen Covington, the career nurse whose long, painful journey to motherhood finally resulted in adoption but she is struggling with a happily-ever-after so much harder than she anticipated. Twenty-two-year-old Anaya Jones--the first woman in her family to graduate college and a brand new teacher at Crystal Ridge's top elementary school, unprepared for the powder-keg situation she's stepped into. Tensions rise within and without, culminating in an unforeseen event that impacts them all. This story explores the implicit biases impacting American society, and asks the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human? Why are we so quick to put labels on each other and categorize people as "this" or "that", when such complexity exists in each person?

My thoughts: This book is excellent! I love that the story is written from three very different perspectives, one of a privileged PTA mom, a new mother of an adopted child, and a new teacher. There are so many different facets to this story, making it easy to relate to and hard to put down! This book cemented Katie as one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend ordering a copy of this book!
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for books in exchange for my honest review.
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The Austen Escape

After years of following her best friend’s lead, Mary Davies finds a whimsical trip back to Austen’s Regency England paves the way towards a new future.

Mary Davies lives and works in Austin, Texas, as an industrial engineer. She has an orderly and productive life, a job and colleagues that she enjoys—particularly a certain adorable, intelligent, and hilarious consultant. But something is missing for Mary. When her estranged and emotionally fragile childhood friend Isabel Dwyer offers Mary a two-week stay in a gorgeous manor house in Bath, Mary reluctantly agrees to come along, in hopes that the holiday will shake up her quiet life in just the right ways. But Mary gets more than she bargained for when Isabel loses her memory and fully believes that she lives in Regency England. Mary becomes dependent on a household of strangers to take care of Isabel until she wakes up.

With Mary in charge and surrounded by new friends, Isabel rests and enjoys the leisure of a Regency lady. But life gets even more complicated when Mary makes the discovery that her life and Isabel’s have intersected in more ways that she knew, and she finds herself caught between who Isabel was, who she seems to be, and the man who stands between them. Outings are undertaken, misunderstandings play out, and dancing ensues as this triangle works out their lives and hearts among a company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation.

My thoughts: I always enjoy Katherine Reay's stories, as she puts so many layers into her characters and their stories. The Austen Escape did not disappoint in that regard! I found that I enjoyed getting to know Mary as she goes on the adventure of a lifetime with her childhood friend. I would of liked a bit more to the ending, since it felt like it was a bit abrupt, but that could just be me and my love of details.;) I did love all the Austen details and wish I had a friend who would take me on a Austen vacation.;)Overall, this is a wonderful story to pick up and savor.
I received this title from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Preorder your copy here:

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An Inconvenient Beauty

The Duke of Riverton has chosen his future wife with the same logic he uses to make every decision. However, his perfect bride eludes his suit, while the beautiful Isabella Breckenridge seems to be everywhere. When the time comes, will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and initial notions to embrace their very own happily-ever-after?

My thoughts: I didn't want to like this book, after I started it, since I found Isabella to be too perfect of a heroine. But, then I realized that I was a bit like the Duke of Riverton with being a bit prejudice against a "Diamond" of the season. This wound up being the perfect conclusion to one of my favorite series! This series has had a lot of depth to the characters and managed to be outside the box when it comes to regency fiction. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Mercy Triumphs

Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God. Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God's mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don't deserve it. Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader's eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors

My thoughts: This book was an excellent conclusion to the series! I enjoyed how the characters continued to grow as they put their trust in the Lord, even when it was hard. I especially appreciated how they had to learn to have faith even when it looked like they were taking the harder option. I also really appreciate the battle that Mia goes through in the end, since there is an excellent message there for every reader. This is a wonderful series that I highly recommend!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Over Maya Dead Body

FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha's Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn't take a vacation, and she's soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring.

When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications--and even a secret or two?

My thoughts: This book was the perfect conclusion to the series! I enjoyed the fun combination of mystery and art that this series brings to readers. It is such a fun trip into the cultured world surrounding art! I also loved Serena and her chance at love. This one is an excellent series to pick up if you love art, mystery, or are just looking for a engrossing read. Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Pursued

Nikki Boyd's flight into Nashville was routine--up until the crash landing at the airport. When the dust settles, Nikki discovers that the woman who had been seated next to her on the plane is missing--and no one will admit she was ever there. Erika Hamilton had been flying to Nashville with an air marshal as a key witness in an upcoming grand jury trial. When she flees from the crash, is she running from trouble or straight into it? Before Nikki can even see her family, she and her team are pulled into a missing persons case where the motives are as unclear as the suspects.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris has planted danger around every turn in this can't-put-it-down thrill ride that will leave readers stunned.

My thoughts: I think this may be my most favorite of the Nikki Boyd Files! The story starts off running when Nikki is in a plane crash and is left to wonder if she was imagining the passenger on the plan next to her. As the suspension mounts during the search for a missing witness, Nikki races the clock and a killer bent on silencing the witness once and for all. I liked that there was a lot going on, so the story's pace is fast. I loved the twists and turns! I only hope that this is not the end of the series!
I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Home at Last

Why did their differences matter so much?

Link Whitman has settled into the role of bachelor without ever intending to. Now he’s stuck in a dead-end job and, as the next Whitman wedding fast approaches, he is the last one standing. The pressure from his sisters’ efforts to play matchmaker is getting hard to bear as Link pulls extra shifts at work, and helps his parents at the Chicory Inn.

All her life, Shayla Michaels has felt as if she straddled two worlds. Her mother’s white family labeled her African American father with names Shayla didn’t repeat in polite–well, in any company. Her father’s family disapproved as well, though they eventually embraced Shayla as their own. After the death of her mother, and her brother Jerry’s incarceration, life has left Shayla’s father bitter, her niece, Portia, an orphan, and Shayla responsible for them all. She knows God loves them all, but why couldn’t people accept each other for what was on the inside? For their hearts?

Everything changes one icy morning when a child runs into the street and Link nearly hits her with his pickup. Soon he is falling in love with the little girl’s aunt, Shayla, the beautiful woman who runs Coffee’s On, the bakery in Langhorne. Can Shayla and Link overcome society’s view of their differences and find true love? Is there hope of changing the sometimes-ugly world around them into something better for them all?

My thoughts: It was with a bit of sadness that I started this book, since I knew it would be the last story about the Whitman family and their Chicory Inn. I have to say though, while I enjoyed the previous stories, I think the best two were the last two! (though, that could be due to my having just read them! They are all excellent) I appreciate that, with each story, there are issues tackled and victories won. I like that this one tackled interracial relationships and how events of the past few years have affected them. This is a beautiful story that I highly recommend!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

The Innkeeperof Ivy Hill

The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My thoughts: I have enjoyed many of Julie's books in the past, but all of her other books have been stand alone titles. With this book, she is taking on writing a series. I love how this book is set in a small town and tells the story of several different women, two widows and two single ladies, along with bringing out the stories of several of the secondary characters. I love how quaint this series is, and I mean that in the best way possible! You feel like you have been invited to stay at a lovely small town in Regency England and allowed the chance to get to know a vast array of characters. Since it is a series, there were a few things resolved at the end of the story, but a lot left hanging, so I am eagerly awaiting the next book! The bad news? It doesn't come out until the end of the year...:)
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

A Royal Wedding review and giveaway

 

To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

 



Genre: Christian Romance/Christmas

 



Release Date: October 18, 2016

 



Book Format: Paperback & Ebook

 



Avery Truitt aches for true love—the kind she once shared with Prince Colin. Can she dare to hope for happily ever after, or is a fairy-tale ending beyond reach?



College volleyball star Avery Truitt has not seen her former flame, Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom, since he suddenly pushed her away five years ago. But now, the sadness of losing her father and the joy of her sister Susanna’s pregnancy have brought Avery back to Brighton just in time for Cathedral City’s enchanting Christmas season.



Avery knows she can’t avoid seeing Colin—now the Kingdom’s most eligible bachelor—whether or not her heart is ready to relive the pain. But seeing him again might bring her the closure she needs after all this time.



When Colin finds himself at the center of a centuries-old Brighton tradition, he must decide whether to follow the path laid out before him or follow his heart to the only woman for whom he would ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell.



Can Colin convince Avery to meet him at the chapel on Christmas morning—as tradition dictates—or will Avery run back to her St. Simons home and pursue a coaching career as planned?



In the fourth installment of the Royal Wedding Series, New York Times bestselling novelist, Rachel Hauck, weaves a charming story of holiday romance as two broken hearts seek the love they once knew.


My thoughts: I love this series! I think that there is something in most of us that just enjoys a good fairy tale with princes and princesses. The story of Avery and Colin may very well be my favorite out of the series to date, since I loved the old tradition of the bell being rung as a proposal and how the history ties into the story of a modern day couple. This one is such a fun book to read this holiday season! I highly recommend it.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author

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Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and award-winning author.



A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.



She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.



Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

Guest Post from Rachel Hauck

I don’t think we can ever get enough of royals or Christmas, do you? The two just seem to go together.



The Bible tells us eternity is written on our hearts. (Ecc. 3:11) I wonder if it’s also written on our hearts to be princesses in a grand, beautiful, perfect kingdom.



That being said, welcome to The Royal Christmas Wedding blog tour. My deepest thanks to all the bloggers, reviewers, and readers for hosting and visiting this tour. I’m excited to share this story with you all.



The hero and heroine, Prince Colin and Avery Truitt, first met in Once Upon A Prince at King Nathaniel’s coronation.



I hadn’t planned to write a spinoff story with the two of them. In fact, I didn’t even know Prince Colin existed until Avery walked into the abbey for the coronation and glanced across the sanctuary into his eyes.



Here’s his introduction:

 



Lean, aristocratic with an outdoorsman ruddiness, he nearly made Susanna swoon when he winked at Avery.



I liked Colin immediately. So did Avery. As well as a lot of you.



When my publisher asked me to write their story, it would be two years before the book would release. Plenty of time, right?



But “time crunch” is the name of the game with most writers. Between life, rewrites, edits, and promotional activity, we often find ourselves hurrying toward a deadline. Well, at least I do.



In the fall of 2015 I was writing The Wedding Shop and A Royal Christmas Wedding at the same time.



I’d also dealt with a physical issue that left me shaky. Could I write two books in five months? Did I want to even make the attempt?



If I said no, publication dates would be pushed out, causing a year delay on A Royal Christmas Wedding. And I knew that was something I did not want to do.



Publishing is a long game. Books are contracted and due 12 to 18, even 24 months, before release dates. Time must be carved out for rewrites and editing, marketing and promotion. Review copies go out at least five months in advance.



So I agreed to write both books. I told my editor, “Diamonds come from pressure.”



Coming up with Avery and Prince Colin’s story wasn’t as easy as I’d planned. Since they met in Once Upon A Prince as teenagers, I struggled with how to advance their age and relationship, and how to present them as the book opened.



Where had their relationship gone “between the books?”



When I came up with the idea of the Pembroke Chapel bell, the story magic began to happen. One of the things I love in the royal wedding books is the fairytale aspect. Looking for something out of the ordinary.



Even though my writing time was tight, writing Avery and Colin’s story was a joy. Once again I wish I could visit Brighton, eat a puff, and royal watch for the Strattons!



I hope you found a few sweet spots in the story, all wrapped in Christmas holiday cheer, and enjoyed your time with me in Brighton Kingdom.



Merry Christmas!

Blog Stops

 

December 8: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

December 8: New Horizon Reviews

December 8: inklings and notions

December 9: Reading Is My SuperPower

December 9: Redeemed Hope Dweller

December 9: Book by Book

December 10: His Grace is Sufficient

December 10: Blossoms and Blessings

December 10: Pause for Tales

December 11: Quiet Quilter

December 11: Ashley’s Bookshelf

December 11: Reviewing Novels Online

December 12: Bibliophile Reviews

December 12: Lights in a Dark World

December 12: Splashes of Joy

December 13: Moments Dipped in Ink

December 13: Neverending Stories

December 13: Through the Open Window

December 14: The Power of Words

December 14: Counting Pinecones

December 14: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

December 15: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

December 15: Genesis 5020

December 15: CTF Devourer

December 16: Lighthouse Academy

December 16: God’s Little Bookworm

December 16: Christian Bookaholic

December 17: Smiling Book Reviews

December 17: God is Love

December 17: A Simple Life, really?!

December 18: A Holland Reads

December 18: The Scribbler

December 18: Faith * Love * Books

December 19: By The Book

December 19: Karen Sue Hadley

December 19: Southern Chelle

December 20: Faithfully Bookish

December 20: Books. Books. And More Books

December 20: A Baker’s Perspective

December 21: ASC Book Reviews

December 21: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

[Insert Giveaway Picture Here]

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card plus a copy of A Royal Christmas Wedding and a copy of The Wedding Shop. Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!

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Reclamation

When Jace Vega wakes up three years after the eruption of Mount Hood, her life is in turmoil. The future seems to match the images on the tablet, but Corey is missing, and nothing about her relationship with Damien feels right.

As Victor Trent continues to amass power, using information terrorism to make the world dependent on Omnibus technology and his private military force, Omnibus Global Security, Jace knows she doesn’t have much time if she’s going to stop him.

Jace’s reawakening begins a race to the place where it all began: the Point of Origin. If she can only remember where it is.

My thoughts: I feel like I should of gone back to the first book and read it again before starting this one.;) I think they would be best read back to back, though I still enjoyed the story immensely! What's not to like about time travel and wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff.;) (thank you, tenth Doctor!) I love how the story worked out, since you start the book wondering how things could of gone so upside down for Jace. She lost her memory with the eruption and seems to have made all the wrong choices. As she races against Victor to set things right, it works out just perfectly. If you are looking for a spell binging, suspenseful tale, then I highly recommend this set! It will keep you reading late into the night.;)
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

A Lady Unrivaled

White Is Quickly Becoming the Top Name in Edwardian Romance

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.
Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

My thoughts: Wow! I was thrilled to get this book and had a hard time not wanting to just stay up all night and read through Ella's story.;) As it was, I still managed to read through it fairly quickly, and then was sad for the Ladies of the Manor series to be at an end. I would love for the characters to make and appearance in some of Roseanna's upcoming stories.;)
This story is a wonderful conclusion to the series. I loved Ella's character and how she is so full of joy! It was also delightful to get to know Lord Cayton, after his being on the fringe of the previous stories. The historical aspect is rich and I love that there is more going on with the secondary characters.
I highly recommend this book, but also suggest that you start at the beginning of the series, since they definitely entwine and add as the series progresses. Not to mention, they are all just wonderful, so you will want to read all three.;)
I received this book from the author and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Courageous

: Where Adventure and Romance Meet

Inspired by the vision of the Young Lady Sapphira, Rosalind of Ipsworth joins a group of men, women, and children as a defender of the cross, seeking to free captives from prisons near Tripoli. She gladly gives herself to the cause, as she's haunted by a tragic mistake and no longer deserves such joys as marriage and family might bring.

Sir Randel Penigree was reared to serve in the church, but dreams of protecting the innocent as a knight. Joining a crusade to escape humiliation at home, he finds himself drawn to Rosalind as they partner to train and protect a group of young adolescents. When they face political machinations, danger, and an unknown enemy bent on their destruction, they are forced to reconsider their priorities and the very nature of the God they serve.

My thoughts: This book was excellent! I loved the story and the history behind it, since it is a type of children's crusade that is brought together by Lady Sapphira. Fans of the series will enjoy reading more about Rosalind, who was introduced in Chivalrous. I love that Dina tackles difficult subjects with her series and handles them perfectly. While some of the subjects are for a little older audience (high school age), I think she handles sensitive subjects well.
I received this book from Bethany in exchange for my honest review.

What Matters Most

Deeply Emotional Writing Highlights the Complexities of Human Relationships
Leta Breckenridge is forced to drop out of college to care for her dementia-ridden mother. After learning a severely delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta steps out of her comfort zone and lands a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her dream job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition machine--and that the research she's been collecting will be used against her new love interest, Nathan Emerson.
Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He's already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician's wife, but he's never met anyone like Leta. Could this feisty, challenging woman hold the key to his heart?

My thoughts: This book was an enjoyable glimpse into the world of politics (especially since we have a presidential election coming up) and some of the games that go on behind the scenes.
Leta is just an ordinary woman, trying to make the most of the situation that she has been put into when her mother's dementia kept her from finishing school. When she has the chance to land a decent job that will help her get out from the mountain of debt, she jumps at it, little realizing there will be consequences.
I've enjoyed all the stories that I have read by Kellie, since she does a wonderful job at bringing to life the characters in her stories, along with their situations. This one may be my favorite yet out of her books!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Can't Help Falling

A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.

Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.

Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.

When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.

My thoughts: I was super excited to get my hands on this book before it released, since I loved Kara's debut novel, Close to You, and this one had the additional draw of having to do with Narnia.;) It didn't disappoint! I loved following the adventures of Peter and Emelia as they get to know one another. While I would of preferred to have some of the mystery having to do with their pasts come out sooner, I still thought this was an excellent story of finding forgiveness and being given a second chance.
While this is a stand alone novel, some of the characters from Close to You are in this story, so I would recommend reading it first. Not to mention, it's just an incredible story that I highly recommend! The characters in both stories are marvelous and I hope that Emelia and Peter will make an appearance in Kara's next story.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Her One and Only review and giveaway

Romance Fans Eagerly Anticipate Every New Release from Becky Wade
Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him?
But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?

My thoughts: I picked up this one with some hesitation, since I knew that would be the last of the books about the Porter family, and I didn't want their stories to end!;) Becky does a wonderful job of wrapping things up with this story though, and should leave readers sad to see the series end, but satisfied with the stories.
After seeing Dru grow up over the course of her brothers story, it is fun to have a story from her point of view. I love the wit and chemistry between her and Gray! It's snappy and fun. I also love the bit of mystery in the story as well.
I also love the message of the story, living like we are forgiven and redeemed.
This is such a fun summer read!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
Be sure to check out the giveaway!

Anchor in the Storm

One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he "is" her brother's best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.

My thoughts: I have been anxiously awaiting this book since finishing the first one in the series! I love that that both books have captured the simplicity of falling in love during the complexity of war, with the added bonus of a mystery solved by plucky heroines and their dashing heros.
I was thrilled to find that this book was every bit as wonderful as the previous, if not even better, since it had the added depth of Lillian dealing with being a professional woman with a prosthetic leg. I also felt like this mystery was more focused, since the last one had a lot of suspects and was harder to follow.
If you are looking for a wonderful, well written historical read, then I highly recommend this one! I look forward to the final book coming out (which, I have to wait until next year:().
I received this book from Revell 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.

A Flight of Arrows

October 1776--August 1777

It is said that what a man sows he will reap--and for such a harvest there is no set season. No one connected to Reginald Aubrey is untouched by the crime he committed twenty years ago.

Not William, the Oneida child Reginald stole and raised as his own. Identity shattered, enlisted in the British army, William trains with Loyalist refugees eager to annihilate the rebels who forced them into exile. Coming to terms with who and what he is proves impossible, but if he breaks his Loyalist oath, he'll be no better than the man who constructed his life of lies.

Not Anna, Reginald's adopted daughter, nor Two Hawks, William's twin, both who long for Reginald to accept their love despite the challenges they will face, building a marriage that bridges two cultures.

Not Good Voice and Stone Thrower, freed of bitterness by a courageous act of forgiveness, but still yearning for their firstborn son and fearful for the future of their Oneida people.

As the British prepare to attack frontier New York and Patriot regiments rally to defend it, two families separated by culture, united by love, will do all in their power to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.

My thoughts: Lori has done it again! Her stories are masterpieces, as she blends history, suspense, and fantastic characters! I love that she writes about early American history and the relationship that the colonist/early American settlers had with the Native Americans. She doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, but handles them in an excellent way. This is one of those stories that will stick with you long after you finish the final page! It was well worth the wait.:)
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

A Haven on Orchard Lane

Much-Loved Lawana Blackwell Delivers Another Charming Victorian-Era Tale

In difficult circumstances, Charlotte Ward, once a famed stage actress, tries to restart her career--only to experience disaster. Against her better judgment, her estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother's rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village.
Charlotte is grateful to get to know Rosalind after years apart. As one who has regrets about her own romantic past, it's a joy for Charlotte to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching--and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could be more complicated than romance?
Together, mother and daughter discover that healing is best accomplished when they focus less on themselves and more on the needs of others.

My thoughts: I was thrilled to see that Lawana Blackwell had a new title coming out this year, since I adored her novels when I was in high school. There was a part of me that was a bit worried that perhaps my taste in books had changed over the years or that this novel would be drastically different from her other titles, but I need not have feared, since this story is excellent! The characters and time period come to life and weave a beautiful story about a mother and daughter forced to reconnect and settle into a small town. I love how there are secondary characters who have interesting stories as well. This is a new favorite! I sincerely hope that we won't have to wait as long for her next book as we did for this one.;)
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Take Ten: Books I have fallen in love with this year

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I know that it seems like (well, at least it does to me!) we just celebrated the start of a new year, but I already feel like I have fallen in love with some great books! So, instead of sticking strictly to the subject for this week (books that I enjoyed that weren't my typical genre/type of book), since I am not sure that I read a lot of books out of my comfort zone (I enjoy a wide variety, which keeps me busy enough to not venture to far out in left field, I suppose) to do a whole list.

1. Hope Unfolding

While this book isn't totally out of my comfort zone, I don't take the time to read a lot of mommy non fiction. This one was just what I needed though! It is an excellent source of encouragement for mom's in all walks of life.

2. The Gathering

While I would of loved more details/world building, this one is definitely worth picking up as the series is hard to put down!

3. The Giftsnatcher

This one is out of my comfort zone, since I wouldn't think that I would care for speculative type stories. And yet, this one blew me away! If you read one book of my list, PICK THIS ONE! lol.

4. Where She Belongs

This one was excellent! I like how the story developed and that it was told from several different characters view points.

5. The Hearts We Mend

I fell in love with this one, since the main characters are AMAZING!

6. The Indian Family Cookbook

This one is different for me, since I hadn't really tried very many Indian dishes before receiving it. I know it isn't a book that I read, but it is still one that took me out of my comfort zone.;)

7. Collage this Journal

Another one that I am not exactly reading.;) I have never done anything like this (I've been eyeing the Wreck this Journal set), so I figured it was worth adding to the list! It's a fun way to record life.

8. If I Run


9. The Ringmaster's Wife

Once upon a time, we went to the circus as a family. There is something magical about it when you are a kid! I can only imagine how it was in the early 1900's. This book is an incredible story of fact and fiction.

10. You're the One I Want

While the genre didn't take me out of my comfort zone, this book did because I was fairly certain I wouldn't like the hero since he was such a jerk throughout the series.;) Susan works her magic though, and I love the book!

So, what books have surprised you this past year or so?