Starving Hearts

Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.
She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .
Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.
Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter’s faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

My thoughts: Don't let this book fool you into thinking it is just another Jane Austen knock off, since that would be a disservice to this wonderful debut novel! I thorally enjoyed getting to know the different characters, even having the chance to get inside the villa's head. The historical aspect of this story was wonderful as well. I look forward to reading more by this author!
I received this book from Litfusegroup.com in exchange for my honest review.

The Time Key

Stanley is a widower who has spent the last 6 years living with the loss and regret of losing his wife and daughter, drowning his sorrows in a bottle. One the night he decides to end it all, he becomes a hero instead, saving a man and becoming the keeper of the time key. With the ability to travel through time, he now puts himself and those close to him in harms way.
This was an interesting story, since it mixes time travel and fantasy. The characters are unique and interesting, and the plot has some unusual twists. If you enjoy time travel and surprising stories, then I recommend you pick this book up!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Hope Harbor

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life–and love–altered her plans.
When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter’s. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives–including their own.

My thoughts: Fans of Irene Hannon will find this story to be a bit different from the norm. Hope Harbor is nothing like the mysteries she usually writes, but it the sweet story of a young woman trying to save her family's farm and a young man trying to get over his loss.
I had a hard time getting into this story, but I did like that there are more than just the two main characters stories going on. I also like that the over all message was one of hope and I liked the ending.;)
So, while this one if different and not exactly what I expected, it was a still a worth while read. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Curiosity Keeper

“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whomever possesses it.”

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop on Blinkett Street. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille has no choice but to accept help from the mysterious stranger who came to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content working as a village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may or may not be the answer to his questions.

Curious circumstance throws them together, and an intricate dance of need and suspicion leads the couple from the seedy backwaters of London to the elite neighborhoods of the wealthy to the lush, green Surrey countryside—all in the pursuit of a blood-red gem that collectors will sacrifice anything to possess.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, each will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this unique mystery set in the Regency era and centered on a curiosity shop. I haven't come across a lot of regency novels that have main characters working in a shop, so this one is a fun read! I enjoyed getting to know the characters, as they seek out the ruby that the Gilchrist family had stolen from them. I hope that Jonathan and Camille will show up in the other books in the series!
I did find that I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as some of Sarah Ladd's other stories, though it is still a wonderful read full of interesting historical details and characters. This book is a wonderful summer read!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

The Haunting of Springett Hall

Eighteen-year-old Lucy doesn’t know how she became a ghost, but the more she remembers of her life in Victorian England, the more she wants to forget. Her only hope of changing the mistakes of her past is to enlist the help of a servant named Philip—the one living person who can see her. This impossible romance story is filled with delightful period detail and plenty of mystery.

My thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but it sounded like it could be an interesting, gothic style story! It was a fun mystery, centered around the ghost, Lucy, who keeps waking up in a certain room of Springett Hall and didn't even remember who she was. I thought the author did a great job of portraying what it could be like if one woke up and had to solve the mystery of how one died.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

The Sea Keeper's Daughter

Wingate's third Carolina book follows the highly reviewed, The Prayer Box and The Story Keeper as well as related three novellas.

From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny. . .

Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at The Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a depression-era love story change everything.

My thoughts: Lisa Wingate is one of my favorite authors, so I was thrilled to see this book come up for review on Netgalley! I like her current trend, which is to combine past and present into one lovely story. This book was no exception! When Whitney is pulled from her restaurant woes to deal with her ailing stepfather and given the chance to go through her inheritance, she stumbles upon letters written to her grandmother during the depression from a woman who worked as a folklore writer during the depression. As Whitney is pulled into the mystery of who the woman is, she is also given a chance to change her future.
While I haven't read the Novellas in this series (which, I hope to remedy!), I have read the other two books. This one talks a fair bit about the mystery in The Story Keeper, so I would recommend reading the books in order. You could probably get by with reading this as a stand alone novel, but somethings wouldn't make sense.
This is one of the best books I have read all year! I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Gone Without a Trace

It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts Livy concerning a missing senator's daughter who was last seen in Logan Point, she notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. But with self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of Jennings, Livy is finding this investigation an uphill battle. With her future in law enforcement on the line, can she find a way to work with a man who is her polar opposite?

My thoughts: I don't believe I have read any of Patricia Bradley's mysteries before. I was missing out! I love that this mystery had so much going on, with there being a continuing mystery of what happened to Livy's cousin, Robyn, and how that ties into the new case of another missing waitress in the area. Readers will keep guessing about what is really going on until the last chapter!
I like that this story is more than just a great mystery; there is plenty of back story and character development going on, which I appreciate. I also really appreciated that the author communicated that both of the lead characters are attractive without making it just another book about the superficial. She focuses more on personality traits draw these two together, rather than just going on about how much they like the others looks.
Now, I need to go back and read the first two books in the series! While it probably would of helped to read them first, this book does work well as a stand alone book. And, I feel like only a few things were given away about the previous two stories, so I can go back and read them.
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

In Good Company

After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

My thoughts: From the very first chapter, Millie shows her her unconventional ideas of how to best be a nanny, ways that usually wind up in getting her fired from her positions. Society women do not want a Mary Poppins style nanny, one who the children flourish around instead of being just seen and not heard. I liked Millie's character, though she came across as a bit flaky at time. I can imagine someone like her being a lot of fun around children.
The story has a fun mix of mystery and humor, the perfect light read for a summer day.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Picture Perfect Love

Meet the people who make it all happen – the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart.

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren't always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God's plan and His perfect timing.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away. When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton's heart still hasn't recovered.

It was me. His younger sister's three words turn Ashton's world upside down. He must ask Jenna’s forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

My thoughts: I have mixed feelings about novellas, since it can be nice to have a short story to enjoy, but sometimes they lack the character development that I like to have in the stories I read. Melissa McClone does a wonderful job of engaging readers in this sweet story that has plenty of back ground and development, making it a perfect summer read. I enjoyed getting to know her characters and look forward to checking out some of her other books!
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Tattered and Mended

A crumbling statue. A torn tapestry. A discolored painting.

Artisans can reclaim exquisite beauty from the broken, frayed, and hopefully shattered—perhaps once thought beyond repair. But what about us? What of the wounds that keep us from living the life we want to live?

In Tattered and Mended, readers walk through a gallery of reclaimed and restored art as well as broken and restored lives of those who have gone before us. With a gentle touch and personable wisdom, Cynthia Ruchti shows how even the most threadbare soul can once again find healing and hope.

My thoughts: God never promised us easy lives, but He does promise that He will be right there beside us when the result of living in a fallen world is heartbreak and loss. With her lyrical, engaging style, Cynthia Ruchti weaves a wonderful, hope filled book with personal experiences and heartbreaks of others that reminds us that God is a healer who can restore and bring something of beauty out of our brokenness. I found this book to be thought provoking. I love that the message is one of hope.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Give Yourself a Break

Many people are used to showing compassion to others. What many of us have trouble with is showing that same compassion to ourselves. Too often we say things to ourselves that we would never say to a friend. All this negative self-talk can have a devastating effect on our lives.
Licensed marriage and family therapist Kim Fredrickson wants readers to stop beating themselves up. Grounding her advice in the Bible, she offers practical steps and specific exercises to reprogram our thought lives. She helps us learn to show ourselves the kind of grace and understanding we offer to others--and to change our relationships, our outlook on life, and our view of ourselves in the process

My thoughts: I see a real need for this book, since I know a lot of us are our own worst critics. This book is a wonderful resource for one to help see how counterproductive it is to be so harsh on oneself. While the whole book is excellent, I found that I got the most out of the chapter that deals with how we interact with our children (and how our parents and others interacted with us when we were children) helping or stunting them. I also appreciated how the author addresses using ones gifts when we are more compassionate with ourselves.
This is an excellent resource for a personal or church library!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Innocent

Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit

My thoughts: I have heard about the Shakers and some of their different ideas, so this book was caught my eye when it came up for review. Ann H. Gabhart does a fabulous job of bringing the plight of Carlyn to life, being a widow after the Civil War who has no one to turn to, so she decides to take refuge in the local Shaker community. The story develops nicely, and I like that the historical aspect of the story isn't dry or dull. Fans of Gabhart should be thrilled with this new story!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Twenty Dinners

A photographer (who happens to be an ex-restaurant cook) and an indie rock star (who happens to be an avid home cook) show you how to slow down your life by cooking beautiful, straightforward, but sophisticated, food for--and with--friends.
When he's on tour with his band, Grizzly Bear, what Chris Taylor misses most about home is the kitchen and the company. With his friend Ithai Schori, he cooks dinner parties for four to forty, using skills Chris learned from his mom and Ithai picked up working at high-end restaurants. Their food is full of smart techniques that make everything taste just a little better than you thought possible--like toasting nuts in browned butter or charring apples for a complex applesauce--but their style is laid-back and unhurried. This is about cooking not just for, but with, your friends, and so the authors enlisted their favorite pastry chef, mixologist, sommelier, and baristas to write detailed material on wine, desserts, stocking a home bar, mixing drinks, and buying and brewing fantastic coffee. Through more than 100 seasonally arranged recipes and gorgeous, evocative photographs of their gatherings you fall into their world, where you and your friends have all day to put food on the table, and where there's always time for another cocktail in a mason jar before dinner.

My thoughts: This is such a fun cookbook for entertaining! I love a lot of their ideas on menus (though, I'm not into drinks containing alcohol, so I didn't really care for their beverage ideas), since there is a fun collection of diverse dishes. My favorite is probably the recipe for Lillie's Sticky Toffee Pudding (a favorite dessert of mine!), though I also quite enjoy their recipes for vegetables, since I usually lack creativity in that area.
Over all, this cook book is a fun addition to my kitchen! I look forward to planning parties with the recipes included!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Little Girl and Her Shadow

Having the cutest dresses, the best toys, and the softest bed isn’t enough to make this little girl happy. All she ever does is whine and complain. Finally, her shadow decides to teach her a lesson she’ll never forget! With a gentle reminder about the value of gratitude and friendship, this delightfully illustrated picture book will charm children and parents alike.

My thoughts: My daughter and I enjoyed this little book! While I think it is really geared towards children over two and older, she still liked the story and pictures, though there were times where there were to many words on the page for her liking.;) I appreciated the message that things don't make us happy and that we can control our attitudes. Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Cedar Fort 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.

The Charity Chip

The Charity Chip
Life on the streets of Lima is already difficult for Julio, but now that digital money has replaced hard currency, survival is virtually impossible. Isak comes to his rescue and offers him a chance at a better life through a hi-tech humanitarian program. The only catch is a microchip implanted between the thumb and forefinger of the hand. At first life improves dramatically, but when another participant dies mysteriously, Julio suspects that the chip does more than just dispense charity. Now he must uncover the truth behind the charity chip before someone else suffers the same fate.

My thoughts: This book was hard to put down from the get go! It has an interesting mix of mystery, street ethics, and showing how life is on the streets of another country. I thought the characters were well written, and I found their characters development was well portrayed. It was interesting to put things in perspective and wonder how one would survive on the streets in a similar situation. The only drawback for me is that I felt like the last few chapters were a bit violent, though I didn't think the writer went overboard with the violence. It probably made it more realistic, but it bothered me a bit. For that reason, I would say that the story is more for older teens or young adults.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Two Roads Home

Minor-but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman’s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans’ son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington’s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk.

With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?

My thoughts: I very much enjoyed the return to Chicory Inn. The one going story, told from different perspectives, is interesting and picking up the second book was like revisiting old friends. I like how Deborah Raney has tackled some difficult scenarios with the series: infertility, owning a business, and marital issues. She does a wonderful job having her characters develop over the course of the story! This is an excellent summer read.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

The One

If you’re looking for average, go ahead and put down this book. No hard feelings.

Most people will admit that they are looking for an amazing love story. We’ve all seen those couples, the ones holding hands or whispering to each other as they stare into one another’s eyes as if they share an awesome secret. We watch them and wonder, what’s up with those two?
We never anticipated becoming one of “those couples.” When we met, we just worked on listening to God and preparing ourselves for the story he planned for us. What we learned and want to share is that no matter what your relationship status may be, this amazing story begins with you.
In this book we share more than the events happening around “The Surprise Wedding.” We share our triumphs and our mistakes, both before and after that day. You’ll learn healthy habits you can start practicing today, ones that will help you lay the groundwork for an incredible marriage later. God has something amazing in mind for you, but he can’t get you there without your help.

We absolutely believe in The One. And we believe that you’re it.

My thoughts: When Ryan over heard his girlfriend mention to a friend that she would like to get engaged and married on the same day, he decided to work on making it happen. Seeking to give Amanda the wedding she always wanted, he starts on a fun journey that leads to their wedding video going viral.
I actually had never heard of Ryan and Amanda Leak, but it was fun to read about their wedding and the thoughts they have on finding the one. While I don't think getting engaged and married on the same day would work for every couple, they have a lot of great insight on how to center your relationship on the Lord.
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Midwife's Tale

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps. But when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith was more tested. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

My thoughts: Having had a midwife when my daughter was born, I loved reading this book and getting a glimpse of what it was like in 1830 for a midwife. While a lot of the old ways of doing things are no longer common (some, I am sure for good reasons, though one of the biggest ones is leaches, which was more of the Dr's way of doing things...), it was fun for me to see how nice it was for their to be a profession for women who didn't have a lot of options. I also like the characters and that there is a lot going on in the story. Most of all though, it is just a neat story that shows the miracle of new life.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

A Friend in Me

Young women long for relational connection with women further ahead of them on the journey. Yet, without realizing it, many of us tend to distance ourselves from those in younger generations. Can we really have close relationships with women who have different thoughts on church, different experiences with family, and different ways of talking about God? Where do we start?

In A Friend in Me, Pam Lau shows you how to be a safe place for the younger women in your life. She offers five patterns women need to internalize and practice for initiating relationships and talking about issues such as faith, forgiveness, sexuality, and vocation. Most significantly, she reminds you that there doesn’t need to be a divide between generations of women. Together, we can have a global impact—and experience a deeper faith than we’ve ever known.

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this great resource for women about our need for relationships that have meaning and how to mentor. While a lot of it is geared towards older women and their learning how to connect with the young women in their families and at church, I really enjoyed the personal stories that were shared (though some of them are heartbreaking!). She also does a fabulous job of tackling the issues that younger women face and how they aren't all that different from what older women have gone through or are still going through.
This book is an excellent resource!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.