Review: A View Most Glorious

 A View Most Glorious

"Reluctant socialite Coraline Baxter longs to live a life of significance and leave her mark on the world. When her local suffragette group asks her to climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness of their cause, she jumps at the chance, even though she has absolutely no climbing experience. If she can do it, any woman can do it. And after her mother issues an ultimatum--that Cora marry the man of her mother's choosing if she is not successful--Cora must do it. But she can't do it alone.

Noted mountain guide Nathan Hardee initially refuses to help Cora, but has a change of heart when he sees what is at stake. He knows enough about the man Cora's mother has chosen to know that the headstrong young woman should have nothing to do with him, much less marry him.

Climbing Rainier will require all of Cora's fortitude and will lead her and Nathan to rediscover their faith in God and humanity. These two loners make unlikely partners in righting a wrong and may just discover that only together is the view most glorious."

Author: Regina Scott

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: American Wonders Collection (book 3)

This one was interesting. The mix of society & wild wilderness was intriguing. The reason for Cora climbing the mount was revolutionary for its time. (I’m thankful for real women in history who made their mark for us today)

While I enjoyed quite a few aspects of the book, I found some parts/characters growing tedious. I read the book quickly, as it was an easy story to read but at times the book felt long and drawn out.

I enjoyed Cora, most of the time! I loved how direct and straightforward she was, but not rude or heavy handed. She knew what she wanted, and knew how to stand for what she believed in. Until her mother started talking…
I understand respecting your parents, but it start to wear on me how much Cora changed and shriveled up when her mom was involved. I cheered her on when she finally spoke up for herself once and for all.

Her stepfather was A DEAR! Though he also cowered a bit to Cora’s mom, he had such a love for Cora and he protected her and supported her in everything she did. He was such a great father role!

Nathan was a great character too! He found his purpose and his calling and he was sure of himself. He loved God’s creation, and was never slow to praise God for it. I really enjoyed him paired with Cora.

I wish the topic of faith had been discussed more between the main characters since it was such a huge part of Nathan’s life and Cora was newer to a real relationship with God. It would’ve been nice for them to talk a bit more about it.

I feel like we met a lot of characters whose stories I would’ve loved to hear more about. Even more “screen time” with Nathan & his mother. I just felt like there were some things that were talked about a lot, and others that I wish would’ve made the page a bit more.

I did enjoy all the characters we met on the journey - minus our slimy Mr. Kincaid. But overall it was a nice, quick read with threads of forgiveness, true love, faith, and courage.
It was a solid 3.5/5 star!
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Heiress's Convenient Husband

 The Heiress's Convenient Husband

"The magistrate over a little Regency coastal village, James Howland, takes pride in protecting Grace-by-the-Sea from ne’er-do-wells, including his distant cousin, the Earl of Howland. So, when he discovers a young lady hiding in the family’s castle, his heart cannot decide which comes first—her rescue or his duty.

Outspoken Eva Faraday has been exiled to the castle for refusing to marry the man the earl picked for her. Her late father appointed the earl trustee over her considerable inheritance, which she cannot access until she turns twenty-five or marries. And if she marries, her husband controls the money. She’s not about to trust any Howland, but James seems ripe for rebellion. To thwart the earl’s power, the two agree to a marriage of convenience, only to discover there are others intent on using the earl’s castle for nefarious purposes. Eva and James must work together to solve the mystery and stop the earl once and for all so they can make a marriage that is far more than convenient."

Author: Regina Scott

Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: Grace-by-the-Sea (book 2)

Will a marriage of convenience protect her future?

Falling back into Grace-by-the-Sea was easy! The close knit family type village, the romance, and even the threat of Napoleon’s invasion.

While this isn’t my most favorite time period, I am enjoying the continued threat of suspense if you will. We’re all sitting with bated breath learning more about the French spies and the war.

I loved James when we first met him in book 1! He was closed off, as any good regency hero starts off . But we see how a outspoken, spunky, curly haired brunette takes his life and flips it upside down. His loyalty, honor, and love for his family is admirable!

Eva was a pistol! I really loved that she had a mind of her own, and she was SHARP! Always had an answer ready, and it was normally a really good one that made sense. I loved that she spoke her mind and she was unapologetically herself!

I loved how Eva & James were honest and upfront with each other. Though I definitely wish we had gotten more of their romance - getting to really know each other. I felt like the spent a lot of time with each one of them separately, or spending a lot of time with the village people. It was nice, but I’m a romantic at heart so I just wanted a little more romance since the characters did have chemistry.

I did love that this book used one of my favorite troupes - marriage of convenience!

I was excited about the hints we got about the next couple, its sure to be an adventure!
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: To Disguise the Truth

To Disguise the Truth

"When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.

Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.

Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy."

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency (book 3)

Aaahhh!! Be still my romantic heart! *swoon*

We got Eunice’s story, and it was so worth the wait. 😍

I LOVED finally seeing all of Eunice’s mystery revealed! I loved getting to see more of HER, and not just the persona she put on before. She was such a fun character who possessed more feelings than she showed. She was strong, but not so strong that she couldn’t accept help when needed.

I adored Arthur! He was such a sweetheart and I loved how he cared for Eunice from the beginning. (Whether he knew it or not)
He was a wonderful lead, and was perfect for Eunice. (As she was for him)

I loved how they admitted to purposely getting on each other nerves just to get a debate out of each other! But when it mattered they were honest with each other and leaned on each other for help.

The “mystery/family drama” aspect was fun for me! I enjoyed all the secrets and twists. I did see part of it from the beginning, but not all so it was still a fun revelation.

I loved seeing ALL the Bleeker Street girls getting their happily ever afters. It just made me all smiling and happy!
I literally sat pretty much the whole time I was reading with a grin on my face. (Which happens any time I read a Jen book 😝)

This book - this series - just made me happy! I’ve enjoyed every story and every moment. I’m anxious to see what Jen has for us next!
4.5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: As Easy as Cherry Pie

 As Easy as Cherry Pie

"Maggie Petten has perfected the perfect pie—at least that’s what everyone who tastes her confections says. After years of hard work and thousands of pounds of sugar and flour, she’s presented with an opportunity to see her business grow. One that might just be too much for her tiny shop to handle.

Fletcher Knight can’t say no to those in need. When his father died, he found himself not only in charge of the family’s contracting business but also his younger brother. Certain he was prepared for the challenge, Fletcher learns the hard way that his kindness might be his weakness. After a few financial hits, the family business and his life are close to ruin, but once again, he finds it impossible to resist Maggie Petten.

Maggie isn’t in a position to be picky, but is she ready to work with Fletcher? After all, he was her worst (and best) first date experience a year ago, but his silence since then speaks volumes. Can she risk a few weeks of discomfort working with the man who might still own a slice of her heart if it gets her closer to her dream? Or is it safer to let the dream go?

When the project begins, discomfort is only the beginning. Things turn from awkward to disastrous leaving Maggie and Fletcher questioning their working relationship and more. As they work to overcome the difficulties and setbacks life and business throws at them, they begin to realize their differences make them a great team and together their success may cross from professional to personal.

Journey back to the small, coastal town of Justin Harbor, Oregon and let the warm, salty air surround you as this couple trips and stumbles into love."

Author: Bell Renshaw

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Justin Harbor (book 2)

I loved being back in Justin Harbor! I love small town romances and this was a just as sweet as pie!

Fletcher was the perfect mix of awkward and self assured. He fumbled a bit with Maggie, but as time went on his character grew and changed.

Maggie was sweet, if not a little pushy. But when it was finally brought to her attention she made active changes to better that flaw.

They were both awkward together, but in the end they were each other’s perfect match.

I loved that Maggie, Viv, and Emma were together a bit in this one! LOVE ALL THE FRIENDSHIPS! It was sweet!

I really loved Jackson & Fletcher’s dynamic too. You could see that Fletcher was trying so hard to be a brother and a parent but their love was still evident! It was a bittersweet touch to the story.

There were a lot of the “hallmark interruptions” through out the story and I wish they had been able to sit down and actually have a full conversation. But it added to the story line in the end. I did love that when they actually did talk they were super honest with each other and they listened and learned from one another.

Overall it was a sweet story!! (Like cherry pie 😉)
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Marrying Mr. Wrong

Marrying Mr. Wrong

"Gwendolyn McGill wants to be loved and accepted for who she is, but that’s hard to do in a small town where everyone judges her by the scandal her father caused. Unfortunately, the man she hoped would sweep her away from all the wagging tongues is no longer interested in marrying her. Unable to leave town, she’s determined to prove she’s more than just a pretty face who knows how to bat her eyelashes.

For years, Timothy O’Conner has loved Gwen from a distance, knowing someone like her would never be attracted to a lowly ranch hand with a blemished face like him. When Gwen unexpectedly shows up at the ranch, asking him to help her learn how to attract a man of quality, Tim’s feelings become even harder to suppress.

When danger pushes them together, they discover there’s more to each other than either of them imagined. Though God is no respecter of persons, is the desire of their hearts strong enough to defy society’s expectations?"

Author: Melissa Jagears

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Frontier Vows (book 4)

Can a man who’s completely wrong for her help her find Mr. Right?

Awweee!! My heart! This story was so sweet! If I could’ve held my eyes open just a bit longer I would’ve been able to read it in one day.
I don’t normally enjoy reading e-books, but every chance I got to pick up my phone I was reading!

I loved Gwen’s character! She really grew up so much in this story and I loved that she had someone who shot straight with her. I loved her tenacity! Once she found out what she wanted she went after it. I loved that she learned to be herself, and that God loved her that way and His opinion mattered most.

Tim’s character was a sweetheart! Though his lack of self confidence did start to get a little annoying. His “running away” from Gwen and acting like he couldn’t stand her because of his own thoughts just got a little old. I wish they had both talked to each other sooner. But he was such a dear! Loved him as a main character!

I can see why Tim thought the things he did, it just felt a bit drawn out.
They both felt a little young to me. Not so much naïve, but just young.

I liked their dynamic when they were together, it felt like a good friendship to more. I loved the theme of not judging a book by its cover and love being about more than just a pretty face and money.

It was such a sweet story! Melissa writes such “real life” stories! No one is perfect, and they all learn to trust God. I just really enjoy her writing, and I’m really loving this series!

I’m really excited about the next book, and hope Gwen & Tim make an appearance again.

4/5 stars
*I received the book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Things We Didn't Say

 Things We Didn't Say

"Headstrong Johanna Berglund, a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota, has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind there. But the US Army wants her to work as a translator at a nearby camp for German POWs.

Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.

As Johanna interacts with the men of the camp and censors their letters home, she begins to see the prisoners in a more sympathetic light. But advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community, especially when charismatic German spokesman Stefan Werner begins to show interest in Johanna and her work. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and it's no longer clear whom she can trust."

Author: Amy Lynn Green

Genre: Historical Fiction

Officially in a book hangover! This was such a powerful story and the way it was written was refreshing!

While there were a few times I struggled bouncing between all of the letters and correspondences I wouldn’t have changed a THING!

I honestly am struggling so hard to find the proper words to describe the brilliance and beauty that is this story!
I came away changed, forced to look at my own life and even unconscious prejudices and reevaluate all of it! Truly asking God to give me his eyes to see and love people the way he does!

Amy has an absolutely beautiful writing voice! I wanted to pick the story up and finish it all at once, but I also wanted to savor every little thing.

Jo was a great lead character! I loved seeing her change and grow as the story progressed. He character was truly challenged! But her snark and sass was my favorite! It made reading all of the letters feel so real.

Peter was a great character as well! I really loved his & Jo’s relationship. They shot straight with each other and their romance truly blossomed through the letters.

There was such a strong message of forgiveness and loving your enemy! And even though this was a work of WW2 fiction, that message is as real and important as they come!

This book holds a piece of my heart I’m pretty sure! My only wish is that the story would’ve been longer so I could’ve stayed in that world.

Don’t let the size of the book intimate you! Pick it up! You won’t be sorry!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: To Write a Wrong

 To Write a Wrong

"Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she prefers working behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of an attempted murder case she's determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he lives a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished on an expedition when he was a child. But when he experiences numerous attempts on his life, he seeks out the services of the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to uncover the culprit. All too soon, Herman finds himself stepping out of the safe haven of his world and into an adventure he never imagined.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed Daphne's way as well, Herman and Daphne must determine who they can trust and if they can risk the greatest adventure of all: love."

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency (book 2)

Okay. Okay. Not going to lie, about page 250 I text my friend and told her I was struggling with the book. It felt like I had been reading for a while and so much was happening, and HAD happened that the fact that there was STILL 100+ pages was daunting to me.
But y’all! I’m so glad I pushed through, because that was the CUTEST ending I’ve read in a while!

I loved Daphne in this story! She was an absolute HOOT and so bizarre but soo incredibly fun. I loved how strong she truly was, even when she couldn’t see it. Even though she was prone to nerves she never let it stop her from living her life and enjoying adventures.

Herman was a doll! Or a sugar plum if you will. Such an understanding and adorable hero! While he seemed a little soft I really enjoyed the change. He wasn’t a coward, but he wasn’t the one to unnecessarily put himself or people he loved in harms way. And the way he cared for people’s feelings, and saw the best in them. *swoon*

I LOOOOOVVVEEEEDDD that they were BOTH authors and their banter about writing and all the things that came with being mystery authors.

All the additional romance in the air throughout the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency was also a fun addition. 😉 I’m excited for Eunice’s story!!!!

I really enjoyed how Jen handled topics of women’s rights and the lack of true justice for the women of that time who were attacked. There were a few times it seemed a bit heavy for a Jen Turano book it was done well without malice so I think it worked well!

There were quite a few moving parts to the story, and it felt a little long. But Jen made it fun and wacky (as the queen of historical comedy does) and overall it was a good story!

I loved being back in Jen’s mind, even for a bit. And I’m so glad I picked this book up! I can’t wait for book 3!!
4/5 stars!
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: A Cowboy for Keeps

 A Cowboy for Keeps

"Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry."

Author: Jody Hedlund

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Colorado Cowboys (book 1)

A marriage of convenience. Y’all you know I had to give this book a try!

Unfortunately, it just didn’t make my heart swoon. The characters never talked to each other, and when they did Greta didn’t listen.
The book could’ve been so much shorter if the characters had just taken a few minutes to actually talk and get to know each other instead of just watching.

The only upside to that is that the relationship was built on more than physical attraction. But it still seemed hard for them to fall in love with each other if when they spoke Greta was putting herself down.

Both characters just seemed very young, and seemed like they had a lot of past trauma that they never healed from. The story felt long, but the ending was wrapped up very fast. I don’t know, it just felt like it was missing something.

I loved Judd’s character! He was a steady father like figure, and I always enjoyed his wisdom when he shared it.

3/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Heart's Charge

The Heart's Charge 

"Members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he'd nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. From mixed ancestry, illegitimate, and female, Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her with his courage and kindness, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

However, when a handful of urchin children from the area go missing, a pair of Horsemen are exactly what the women need. Working together to find the children, will these two couples find love as well?"

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Hanger's Horseman (book 2)

Ohhh!!! Ohhhh!!! I’m so glad I picked up this book.
The first book in the series wasn’t my favorite, and I was a little worried about this one. But Karen is a favorite author of mine so of COURSE I picked it up. And I’m glad I did.

I loved this book! I read most of it in one sitting, and if life and real jobs hadn’t gotten in the way I would’ve finished it in a day. I loved being back with the Horsemen. I LOVE that we’re getting books with guy best friends. Brothers from different mothers.

I also really enjoyed having two love stories going at one time. I was a little worried about bouncing between 4 POVs, but it worked! I never felt lost or confused in anyone's head and I was able to follow along as the story progressed.

I loved Mark & Kates relationship. The history they shared, and the chemistry they had on page. They seemed young and in love, but not naïve like they were before.

Jonah & Eliza’s relationship was so sweet! They were the perfect match for each other. It was a relationship built on respect and getting to know each other. They bonded over shared experiences, and both had a hard shell and a soft heart.

I loved that both couples communicated! They talked to each and got to know one another again.

I loved Harmony House too. It was a wonderful ministry and the kids were an adorable addition.

The “action/bad guy” parts were handled well! And it was a nice little change from the normal. (If you know you know)

I really enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to Luke’s book even more now!!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Under the Texas Mistletoe

Under the Texas Mistletoe 

"In this 3-in-1 novella collection, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer presents the new story "A Texas Christmas Carol," in which a town's wealthy, Scrooge-like bachelor finds his world invaded by a woman set on earning his donation for helping the local poor, and by the penetrating questions of three mysterious visitors.

It also includes, for the first time in print, "An Archer Family Christmas." When the Archer clan gathers for the Christmas holiday, an unexpected request for help leaves Cassandra Archer directly in the path of a dangerous outlaw. Desperate to protect the woman he loves, Jim Archer races to the rescue, only to find that Cassie's life is not the only one in peril. It will take a Christmas miracle--and the entire Archer clan--to keep a second Archer Christmas from ending in disaster.

In previously published "Gift of the Heart," a widow and her young daughter move to Hope Springs for a fresh start. But with no money to secure a home, Ruth must convince a wealthy resort owner to accept her heirloom brooch as collateral. Will the pin that brought love to three generations soften the heart of a wounded recluse and give Ruth a second chance at love as the holidays draw near?"

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Three Charming and Festive Holiday Novellas Spiced with 

Humor, Frontier Action, and Sweet Romance

A Texas Christmas Carol

Ahh! I’m so excited to finally read this story. I remember when it was just a story idea being tossed around in the Posse group on FB.

As always Karen KILLED it with all her great writing skills!
She took a well known story and made it her own while bringing all the glory to God. The scripture was so important to the characters it just naturally poured out of them.

The TRUE meaning of Christmas!
I looovveeed Evan & Felicity so much. Her constant joy and his Scroogeyness (some of my favorite themes)
I loved their love story slowly unfold, but also Evan’s change! Just goes to show you no one is too far gone.

I loved loved loved it!
5/5 stars

***

An Archer Family Christmas

We’re back with the Archers, and my heart couldn’t be happier.
Even after all the years that have passed since I’ve read the Archer series I felt like I was coming home. It felt familiar. Comforting. It was perfect!

Not a single ounce of the Archer family chemistry/love was missing from the pages of this story!

I LOVED being back on the ranch, and seeing the Archers come together in a time of crisis, but most importantly in a time of celebration.

Tears might’ve been shed when I got to the end.
5/5 stars

***

Gift of the Heart

This story was just as adorable the second time around! I loved Ruth & Bo and their sweet love story!

It’s just such a wholesome, heartfelt story! Not judging books by the cover and finding love again!

It makes me want to reread the whole “Heirloom” collection again.
5/5 stars

***

Overall I LOVED this collection! With three AMAZING stories that just held my heart captive, and some fun other Christmas goodies included this was a great thing to pick up this holiday season!

5/5 for the whole collection!

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Elle Project

 The Elle Project

"True Love should never be put to a family vote.

Elle:
All I wanted was a nice, relaxing Christmas vacation at home with my family. But no, the lot of them had to ruin it by inviting my childhood crush, Oliver Moore, and throwing us together at every possible moment. Heaven, help me. 
Now, instead of sipping hot cocoa by the fire, I’m dodging matchmaking attempts and trying to pretend I’m not attracted to Oliver’s adorably perfect smile. I will not become another one of my family’s projects.

Oliver:
I mean, am I upset Elle’s family swindled us into this Christmas vacation together? No. Will I ever admit that aloud? Also, no. I’ve long ago come to terms with the friend zone Elle placed me in back around ninth grade. 
But there’s something different about her this week. Something that’s bringing up feelings I really should ignore.
Too bad ignoring has never been my strong suit."

Author: Summer Dowell

Genre: Holiday Romance

I was ECSTATIC about this book when I heard it was coming out. A Christmas book from Summer? SIGN ME UP!

It’s the perfect little length! Great read when you have a minute to sit down during the holiday hustle & bustle.

I’m really really excited about the rest of this series!! The huge family made me smile CONSTANTLY. (Though the second hand embarrassment was REEEEAAALLL in this book) I could totally see my family turning into this one.

I loved Oliver! But I mean how could any girl not?!
I liked Elle when we were in her head and getting her side of the story. (Sometimes…)

I really did love a lot of the story. HOWEVER…this book’s main theme was one of my biggest pet peeves in a story. NO COMMUNICATION. If they had just talked a bit more it would’ve been so much better. (We would’ve gotten more sweet banter scenes)
The motivation for why Elle kept Oliver at arms length was hard to wrap my mind around, but I’m also a sucker for all things happily ever after so I was just ready for that! 😅

I wish the characters had had just a little more backbone & realized they’re full grown adults. They make their own decisions.

I LOVED the scene with Elle & her daddy. I honestly wish there had been a few more of those moments!
Again, the family….LOVED! They were loud and nosey and in your face. And I loved their chemistry!

I’m SUPER excited about Sophie’s story! She was AN AMAZING side character! We definitely all need a bestie like her!

Overall I did enjoy the book! And I can’t wait for the next one!
3.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: A Cross-Country Christmas

 A Cross-Country Christmas

"Lauren Richmond isn’t a fan of Christmas.
Which is why she rarely makes the trip home to the Midwest for the holidays. After all, she has plenty to keep her busy—namely, her duties as a set decorator on a TV sitcom.

But this December, Lauren‘s brother and his wife are expecting a baby, so her brother arranges a ride home for her with his good friend, Will.
Unfortunately for Lauren, she’s been trying to forget college baseball coach and childhood crush Will Sinclair for more than ten years.
Now, thanks to her fear of flying, she’s stuck in a car with him from California to Illinois.

She’s circumspect and organized. He’s flirty and spontaneous.
She’s convinced that people don’t change. He’s trying to prove to her (and himself) that he has.

On this cross-country road trip, they’ll both discover that history doesn’t exactly repeat itself. . . but like any good Christmas carol, it does have a second verse."

Author: Courtney Walsh

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Oh be still my Christmas loving heart! The queen of Christmas movies hit it out of the ball park with this one!

Such a perfect Christmas story! And I LOVED the road-trip plot (especially the Route 66 theme - major sentimental value for me)

The “frost” between the characters at the beginning felt realistic once we found out WHY Lauren was so standoffish to Will. The past was a little to painful for her. BUT I do love that they finally talked it out and communication, once it started, actually went somewhere.

I loved the lesson and reminder of grace! How much it abounds. EVERYONE is deserving of a second chance!

It was a sweet story with a lot packed into a short amount of pages, but I loved every minute of it! I really hope we get more Christmas stories from Courtney some day!
5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: A Lady in Attendance

 A Lady of Attendance

"Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way."

Author: Rachel Fordham

Genre: Historical Romance

I don’t even know where to begin. It has been a hot minute since I’ve picked up a book due to life hitting me on all sides, but I was feeling like a comfort read so a historical is what I grabbed. (It is my happy place)

I’ve known about this book for years and was so excited when it was finally published, but I was even more excited to finally crack open the pages and dive into this world.

I instantly fell in love with the characters, and the town, and the red corn tradition! This story reminded me why I love this genre & reading! It was beautifully written with the most swoon worthy hero. (I mean he has to be with a name like Gilbert 😉)

I loved the forgiveness arc, and the road to redemption, and the group of friends who became more like family that loved Hazel regardless of her past.

This book just made me happy! I’m so happy I picked it up when I did. I loved the story!
5/5 stars

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

 The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

"1928
The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend."

Author: Jamie Jo Wright

Genre: Mystery & Suspense

Y’all. I was STOKED for this book! Jaime Jo Wright taking on the BIG TOP?! Um, YES PLEASE.
And she did not disappoint!!

Jaime is the QUEEN of spook. The Goldilocks of creepy. The master of world hopping and story shaping. And she knocked it put of the park with this one!

I loved the circus timeline she chose! Back in the 20’s when it was still almost a “spectacle”. People who were labeled as broken or not considered normal were mocked and looked down on.
Though we know that to be awful it added so much to the story!! For them all to find out, and know that they are seen and loved by the One who created them. *chef kiss* It was BEAUTIFUL!!

Jaime, as always, took us on a rollercoaster! Where lineage and history alter people’s lives. Because I’ve read so many of Jaime’s books, I had a feeling I knew who the “modern day bad person” was. I was right, but I never would’ve guessed the reasoning for said “bad guyness”.

The historical one, THREW ME! 😨

I really wanted to keep reading this story. I wanted to keep going and get to know all these people and their choices that would lead to their present day bloodlines.
I REALLY want this one turned into a movie!!

I didn’t really connect with Pippa or Chandler, and some of their behaviors started to get under my skin just a little bit. BUT! I think every part of their character added to the story.

Jake & Hank were great! But we’ve never questioned Jaime’s ability to write a hero...😉
I wish we had gotten to learn more about them as characters, we were just teased by these pages. (Meany pants Jaime...😝)

Overall I really enjoyed this story! And I’m anxiously awaiting the chance to grab her next book. (It’s sitting on my TBR shelf waiting for me)
4.5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*