Review: Always Look Twice

Always Look Twice

"At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other.

In this suspenseful page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps you on the edge of your seat as you discover that uncommon justice lies just on the other side of fear."

Author: Elizabeth Goddard

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Series: Uncommon Justice (book 2)

Justice Lies 

Just on the Other Side of Fear

Y'all, I was excited for this book! I've never read a book with crime scene photographer as a main character before. It sounded so cool, but it didn't hit the mark for me. 

Nothing about the story felt genuine. The chemistry felt forced, the suspense didn't grip me, and the motive made no sense.

The whole thing felt rushed, and incomplete.
I couldn't place my finger on it, but I truly felt like I was missing something throughout the entire story. There were puzzle pieces that just weren't given.

I liked Heath & Harper, but I didn't love them. I didn't connect with any of the characters. There were so many side characters at play I felt like my brain was playing tug-of-war, and nobody won.

I really really wanted to love the book! But it jut didn't click with me sadly. 
2.5/5 stars.

Review: Cry of the Raven

Cry of the Raven

"Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker just as the war with the Dominia Empire begins. Working with the other Great Houses, Selene and Damien use their gifts to secure the borders and save those devastated by the war. But conflict, betrayal, and hatred begin to spread between the Great Houses, destroying their unity as the empire burns a path across their lands. At the same time, Damien Maris starts to lose his ability to raise the waters, leaving the lands vulnerable to the empire's attacks.

The only one who can unite the houses and restore her husband's power is Selene Ravenwood. But it will require that she open her heart to those who have hurt her and let go of her past, despite the one who hunts her and will do anything to stop her power.

Will Selene survive? Or is she destined to fall like the dreamwalkers before her?"

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Ravenwood Saga (book 3)

As War Looms, 

Will Her Power Be Enough to 

Save the Ones She Loves?

Y'all. I honestly don't know where to start...
This series has been AMAZING! 
I think there's totally room for more stories! 😍😉 *hint hint*

I've loved every minute of these books, and this one was no less impactful! The redemption arcs that were pumping through the pages were beautiful. They were written perfectly, and you can truly see the character growth from book 1 to now. In each character, not just the main ones.

We got more Damien in this story, and I've never been happier!!! He's been a FAN favorite from the beginning, and I really liked seeing him go through life in this book.
I loved watching Selene become more sure of everything as the story went on. 

I liked the unique gifts each had, and when unified they totally encompassed the Light and all He is!
There were so many great parallels you can draw between real and fiction world. And I enjoyed taking time to find them.

I really loved this series! It's not something I would normally pick up, but I'm so glad I did. I can't give too much away, because spoilers, but you should just give this series a try. I truly think you'll love it.

There were just so many things! In this book, and in the whole series. I just loved it all so much!!
5/5 stars!

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

Review: Hope's Highest Mountain

Hope's Highest Mountain

"Ingrid Chastain readily agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory. She never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, she's hesitant to put her trust in this quiet man who seems to have his own wounds.

Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor after unintentionally bringing home the smallpox disease that killed his wife and daughter. But his self-imposed solitude in the wilds of Montana is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to face his regret and call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacious determination despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on trekking through the mountains to deliver the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known."

Author: Misty M. Beller 

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Hearts of Montana (book 1)

The Journey Ahead 

Will Change Their Lives

This was my first book by Misty Beller, and I'm definitely looking forward to my next. 

I've noticed the last few "mountain books" I've read I didn't end up liking. There is always some empty headed character, but there wasn't anybody like that in this book. I enjoyed the characters, and hope to see them again throughout the series. 

It was a really cute story. It was very spiritual, which I really enjoyed! I loved that prayers were completely written out. You could feel the emotion jumping off the pages. 

I liked the two main characters! They worked well together, and even though they fell in love in a short time span it didn't feel rushed. 

This is a highly saturated genre, but this author is one to look for. If you want a sweet, wholesome, Christian based romance definitely check this author out. 

Its the perfect, quick romance when you don't quite know what you want to read.
4/5 stars.

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

Review: A Pursuit of Home

A Pursuit of Home

"In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?"

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Haven Manor (book 3)

Can Searching for History 

Lead to a Future Together?

The LONG awaited story that all Kristi Hunter fans wanted is here! Jess has found her somebody.

I loved getting to see both series collide into the book mashup of the year! 
Though I loved seeing the characters together, something felt off about the chemistry. It oozed off the pages in the other books, but there was just something about this one I couldn't put my finger on. 

It took me a while to get into the story. The middle drug out for me with all the traveling, but once some action started I was a pretty happy duck. 

I really did like seeing how Jess' brain worked, and what truly made her tick. And seeing her grounded by an art nerd was a fun touch!
Derek was a quirky and adorable character. I loved that he knew his own strengths and weaknesses! 
They really were a good match for each other, though not expected. (Probably why we liked it)

It was a great ending to a wonderful series! I'm sad to see everyone go, but I know I'll revisit them.
4/5 stars.

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

Quotes:

"It was natural to miss people who changed your life in some way."

"He could miss her and still be happy for where life took her."

Review: The Major's Daughter

The Major's Daughter

"Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, they find his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run pending, they may just join the rush.

Growing up parentless, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It's no wonder that he fought to open the Unassigned Lands. After years of sneaking across the border, he's even managed to put in a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he's poised to claim.

When the gun sounds, everyone's best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco soon find themselves battling over a claim--and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like."

Author: Regina Jennings

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Fort Reno Series (book 3)

She Staked a Claim on His Land.

He Staked a Claim on Her Heart.

After 3 years we're saying goodbye to Fort Reno, and all the lovable characters who lived within the pages.

This was a cute story. I really enjoyed the "new town" premise! It's not something you see a whole lot of in the genre. 

I was looking forward to seeing more of Amber and Bradley, but they honestly fell a bit short for me. I felt like I was missing the character development we got in their origin novella. 
The "fighting" between Bradley, Amber, and Caroline got annoying really fast. It ended up pushing the plot, so I guess I understand why it was there but I didn't enjoy it.

Caroline & Frisco's relationship was cute. I liked the troupe that the author used, not quite "hate to love:, but fun nonetheless.
The "mystery" element was perfect for this story. Though a smidgen predictable, it fit wonderfully.

Regina is the perfect author to pass the time with. Her books are sweet, fast, light reads. They're the perfect thing if you just need a break. I'm excited to see what she has coming down the road.

Overall it was a cute story.
3.5/5 stars.

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

Review: Echoes Among the Stones

Echoes Among the Stones

"After Aggie Dunkirk's career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her rambling old home. She didn't plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene--even going so far as to re-create it in the dollhouse.

Mystery seems to follow her when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the cemetery. Forced to work with the cemetery's puzzling, yet attractive archeologist, she exhumes the past's secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep quiet--even if it means silencing Aggie.

In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a local factory and has eyes on owning her own beauty salon. But coming home to discover her younger sister's body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the newly burgeoning world of criminal forensics and not particularly welcomed as a woman, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister's case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . even if it costs her everything."

Author: Jaime Jo Wright

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Explosions, Murder, 

Disappearances, and Ghosts.

I honestly don't know how to feel after finishing this book... 
I felt every emotion when reading this book. Joy, sadness, fear, awe. Just all the things! 

Jaime writes such unique plots and will always make your head spin when the bad guy is revealed. She's keeps you guessing from the first page until the last.

I loved both Imogene and Aggie, and was FULLY invested in both of their story lines and their lives.
They were spunky, head strong, and independent. I just really enjoyed their characters!
The men were just as great! (Though that is never a surprise with Jaime) They all complemented each other and I loved them!

This book was full of hurt, pain, and grief, but it was also full of healing!
Life isn't all happily ever afters. It hurts. It stinks. But with God we can find the strength to keep going.

This was an emotional book, and I totally teared up a few times. This is by far my favorite book by this author so far!
If I could rate it higher I would.
5/5 stars!

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

Review: The Dating Charade

The Dating Charade

"Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?"

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

The Brady Bunch meets Yours, Mine, Ours 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY PEOPLE! I hope you are enjoying the chocolate you got, whether from another human or yourself. 

I couldn't think of a better book to review on this beautiful day! So grab your Russell Stover mix variety chocolates and get my thoughts on this adorable book. 

I really enjoyed this book! The story was the perfect blend of heartfelt and heartbreak. 

I can honestly say I don't know much about the adoption process, but I felt like the author did a great job with her research! I don't read many books with adoption as the main focus, probably because when people want to make a kid theirs in historical books they just kind of take them. 😅 #historicalreader 

I really did enjoy this story, this twist to my normal reading plot. It was a bit of a step outside my normal box, and I'm glad I took the leap.

Melissa took the topics of adoption, infertility, and broken families and handled them with soft hands, and a softer heart. You can see her love pouring from the pages. That is what kept the book from being a straight romance you forget about in 6 months. It had hope, it had humor, it had love, it had heartbreak, it had brokenness, it had real life woven throughout each and every paged.

I enjoyed all of the characters! Each one made me smile in a different way. I really loved Cassie and Jett, they were so good together. 

My biggest issue was the lack of backstory. I don't know if there were too many players on the board, but I felt like something was missing through the story and that was true drive from the characters. What drove them to be the way they were? What made them tick? There were a few things briefly touched on, but we never got the full story and I think that really would've helped elevate the storyline for me. 

It was a faced paced book, and a quick read for me. Perfect thing to grab on a free weekend and take on a car ride, or even just curl up in bed with. I loved the "Brady Bunch meets Yours, Mine and Ours" vibe! 

Overall, I'm glad I stepped outside my normal reading box and gave this book a read. It was super cute, and I'm looking forward to Melissa's next book!

4/5 stars

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

Review: Love You, Truly

Love You, Truly

"Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.After her fiancé dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged."

Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, 

but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, 

worth both of their hearts.

OH THIS BOOK COULD'VE BEEN A 5 STAR READ FOR ME! It made me cry. That says a lot about a book in my eyes, but there were some big things that hindered my 5 star rating.

I connected with Harlow in a way I've never connected with a character before. My older brother has a disability called cerebral palsy, and my whole life has revolved around that. In HER vulnerable moments I felt that pain. I've had those questions. And I've also received that peace to know I'm chosen. 
There is a scene in this book where she has an EMOTIONAL heart to heart with her sister and I cried. I actually had to put the book down because I was there, I was having that discussion, and its hard. So ALL of the props to Susan for capturing the side of disabilities no one ever talks about, the other people it affects who have to sacrifice too. You wrote it well!

I did like watching Blake come to God. He fought it HARD, but in the end God won his heart. (Are we surprised?! 😉) It was definitely a nice redemption arc.

I adored the chemistry between Blake & Harlow. They really did blend well together, and their snark was EVERYTHING! 
But the continuous back and forth of them not trusting each other, then trusting each other, then one small thing (that could've been handled if they talked about it like adults) making them storm off like children and lose all trust in each other again just got old! It just felt immature. 
Now, I understand they both had been hurt in the past! I get that, however they shouldn't have "trusted" the other person so readily if they weren't ready. 

Another thing that really bothered me is how fast they would assume the worst of each other. If you love someone, and say you know them better than that WHY would your first reaction be to say they're a liar and never give them a chance to give you their side of the story. 
I don't handle name besmirching/integrity dragging story lines very well. And that is what it felt like to me.

Its hard for me because I really did like a lot of the story aspects. I really liked the "bachelor" troupe! The author did an amazing job getting me sucked into the story. I laughed, I cried, I connected with characters like I never have before. But I couldn't get behind their "blame now, explain later" attitude.

I want to try another book by Susan Tuttle! I did enjoy her writing style, and I loved parts of this book.
I rated it a 3.5/5 stars.

*This is a ROMANCE book. There is a lot of kissing, talk of premarital sex, and an intense scene on a beach. It got heated in a few places!  Just a heads up for anyone who is looking for content warning.*

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

Review: On Wings of Devotion

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 
Title: On Wings of Devotion
Series: The Codebreakers #2
Author: Roseanna M. White
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 7, 2020

Against Every Warning, She's Drawn Ever Closer to the Man Known as "Black Heart" 


All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.

As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed "Black Heart," she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing--and some of her own to do as well.

With Camden's court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope--and to each other--if they want to survive.


PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christianbook 

___________________________________________________________

MY THOUGHTS

I just need a second to gush! Y'ALL THIS BOOK WAS AMAZEBALLS! So stinkin' good, and such a great way to start off the reading year!

Roseanna is a crazy talented author. I don't think she has written a book I haven't liked. She writes such unique and REAL characters, they're just so easy to fall in love with!

Not many authors can take the risks she does and pull them off.

This book was no different! I loved every one of the characters! They each played their part perfectly! The villains, the leads, the side characters. They blended and meshed so well.

I just loved everything about this book! It was deep. It was light. It was emotional. It was humorous. It was the perfect blend of history and fiction.  

Phillip Camden was the best! 😍😍 New favorite hero right there! Arabelle was his perfect match, the perfect leading lady.
They complemented each other so well. Each learning that what THEY defined themselves as was not who they were. They built each other up, and was a shoulder to cry on when they needed one. There was so much emotion and they both grew so much throughout the story. 

PLUS! They're chemistry and banter was EVERYTHING! 

One thing that I've noticed in this series, and something I love with my WHOLE heart, is that the women pray for the men. Even before they know who he is, or that they'll end up together. I just ADORE that thread so much.  (it could be also in her other series too and I just didn't realize it)

I will be gushing about this book always! There are so many things I didn't even touch on in my review. It was just so amazing, and you all need to go order it! 

I want to give this book all the stars, but alas I can only give it 5. So you should know what my rating is! 5/5 stars!

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.


CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a On Wings of Devotion inspired prize pack including:

 a Recreation RFC Pilot Wings pin, a mini globe, Cadbury Chocolate, Caddie the Cocker Spaniel (handmade by Roseanna), and One Seat and Tea Package for an Online Tea Party Book Club with Roseanna 

(Winner's choice of scheduled dates. Includes treats, loose-leaf tea, and book club goodies. A $25 value! For more information, visit http://www.roseannamwhite.com/tea-party-book-club/.)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 7, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 14, 2020. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: A Distance Too Grand

A Distance Too Grand

"Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind."

Author: Regina Scott

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: American Wonders Collection (book 1)

"As dangers arise

they must work together to stay alive"

These reviews are always really hard for me to write! *deep breath* Let's get on with it. 

Here's the thing. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it.

The premise of this story intrigued me! An Army exposition sent to decide if the Grand Canyon was habitable...I LOVE IT! Sadly, the execution fell short for me. There were story/plot lines that weren't flushed out completely, so nothing really connected or gave me that "AH HA!" moment.

I didn't really connect with any of the characters. In all honesty, the side characters started to blur into one person. No one stood out to me. 

I never felt any chemistry coming from the pages, not from leads or the secondary characters.

I did enjoy the photography aspects of the story. It was really cool to learn a little about that history, and to see where photography has come.

For people who enjoy descriptive books this one might just be for you! The Grand Canyon is beautifully described, as well as some of the photography process. It is rich in history & descriptions.

I feel like this book had lots of potential! I just wish it had been flushed out some more. It definitely is an interesting time in history!

Regina is one of my ALL TIME favorite authors, so I'm sad I didn't love it. But, not every book hits a sweet spot and that's okay. 

I am interested to read book 2, maybe that story will hit its mark.

Nevertheless, I will follow Regina wherever she goes. She's a wonderful author, and an even better person.

I rated it a 3/5 star.

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

Review: The Perfect Christmas

The Perfect Christmas

"Will the perfect Christmas be enough to convince Beau that a life with Ansley could be equally perfect? 

Born and raised in Winter, Montana, Beau Bradley can’t imagine life anywhere else. During the holiday season his coffee shop, Mountain Grounds, is as busy as ever and now that his girlfriend is back in town, things finally seem to be lining up—until he gets a call that could change it all. 

Ansley Strauss is back in Winter after a nine-month, art intensive in Canada and she’s ready to celebrate the Christmas season in the tried and true Winter-style. There’s only one problem: her boyfriend lacks Christmas spirit. Her solution? Make this Christmas perfect to remind Beau just how special this time of year is. 

Set on a course for ultimate Christmas joy, Ansley and Beau find that life doesn’t always work out the way they hope it will. Beau faces the reality that plans can’t account for everything and sometimes risking it all is the only way. Ansley will have to come to the realization that no matter how perfect things are, it’s the imperfections in life that make it worth living."

Author: Bell Renshaw
Genre: Clean Romance
Series: A Winter Montana Novella (book 2)

It’s another Christmas in Winter, Montana 

where the coffee is always hot and the mistletoe beckons lovers to share a kiss.

So...my review is a week later than I said it was going to be, but it's going up none the less. 

Let me start off by saying that Bell is amazing! Hands down. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

We're finally back in Winter, and I couldn't be happier. This town, these people, the chemistry. I LOVE IT ALL! 

One thing about the way this author writes, she always makes you feel like the town you're in could be real. (Or at least you want it to be real) 
That's how I felt about Winter, Montana a few years ago when I read "One Christmas in Winter". 
Even years later and the town still has the same charm. It didn't feel like any story lines slipped, or any people just disappeared. Once again, I was enchanted by the perfect small town.

I was SUPER excited when we found out that Beau & Ansley's story was going to be told! 
Bell did an amazing job keeping the story realistic, but still light enough for a Christmas read. 

I really loved watching Beau & Ansley find their voices, and their identities with (and without) each other. 
The story had GREAT themes of patience and love being worth it. Worth the wait, and worth the risk.

I love reading Bell's books, they're always the perfect length. Nothing is ever rushed, and nothing is ever drawn out. I just love her!
I'm really really excited for Troy's story.
5/5 stars!

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are mine*

Review: One Final Breath

One Final Breath

"When investigator Gabriel Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell--a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.

Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her--the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

When Anissa's fractured past collides with Gabe's investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they'll have to put their complicated history with each other aside in order to uncover the identity of a killer. What they'll discover is that revenge has no statute of limitations."

Author: Lynn H. Blackburn

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: Dive Team Investigators (book 3)

"A nail-biting story that will have you wondering 

how long you can hold your breath."

I loved this book.

I loved this team.

I loved this couple. 

That is all.

Lynn is amazing at keeping you guessing. The suspense keeps you at the edge of your seat, while the romance keeps you sighing. 😍😍

Gabe and Anissa really jive together. Neither think they're worthy of love because of past mistakes, but they're both loving people. (In their own way)

They put people before themselves, and God before other people.

We get to know them throughout the series, but it was nice to get their story! I loved seeing everything from their perspectives.  I was so excited when I heard they were getting their own story.

They're chemistry and snark was EVERYTHING! 😍 

There were quite a few plot lines, but each intertwined and wrapped up beautifully. 

I really loved this book! I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I'm excited to see where this author goes next. (Plus rereads are ALWAYS an option)

I rated it 5/5 stars.

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

Quotes:

"Sometimes God calls his children to sacrifice everything and serve him in the up-close spaces. In the hospitals, the courtroom, the classroom, the sheriff's office. Staying put and doing the hard work right where you are takes the same obedience, the same passion for the Lord, as any other calling."

Review: Serving Up Love

Serving Up Love

"Bestselling novelist Tracie Peterson joins Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano in this collection of four novellas, each featuring a Harvey Girl heroine. From Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, the stories cross the country with tales of sweet romance and entertaining history.

In Karen Witemeyer's "More Than a Pretty Face," a young woman works her hardest to escape poor choices from her youth. Tracie Peterson offers "A Flood of Love," where reuniting with an old flame after more than a decade offers unexpected results. Regina Jennings's "Intrigue a la Mode" delights with a tale of a young woman determined to help support her family, despite warnings of danger nearby. And Jen Turano's "Grand Encounters" heads to the Grand Canyon with a tale of a society belle intent on finding a new life for herself."

Author(s): Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Y'ALL.

Y'ALL.

Y'ALL.

Every one of my dreams has come true with this novella collection! LOOK. AT. THIS. LINEUP. 

😍😍😍

And they brought it with this collection. Each story was so good. I loved them so much. 

***

A Flood of Love (Tracie Peterson)

"Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life--with a daughter, no less--will she ever be the same?"

This story was so cute! I loved the character arcs. There was a lot of growth even in the short length of the story.

I love when the "childhood/teenage sweetheart" troupe is used. There was already so much history, but Tracie did a great job giving us the inside scoop, without having information overload. 

The little girl was the BEST! She was a doll, and I loved her!

4/5 stars.

***

More Than a Pretty Face (Karen Witemeyer)

"Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won't catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?"

I feel like I've been waiting forever and a day for this story, even though its only been a few months. 😜

I don't know what all I can say other than "I loved it!" I loved the characters, and I loved the chemistry between them all, main and side characters a like. 😍😍

I loved being able to get to know Rosalind a little better, and I loved how strong she was. 

The romance pairing was perfect, they really worked well together. 

5/5 stars.

***

Intrigue a la Mode (Regina Jennings)

"When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the railyard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is, until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House--who has secrets of his own--needs her assistance."

Regina just writes the best novellas! She always sucks you in and gives this perfectly constructed story in less than 150 pages. 😍 This one was no different. It honestly might've been my favorite of the collection.

This story had a very "undercover boss" feel to it, but like amped up 92.8%. AND I LOVED IT! The mystery, intrigue plot was so well done! I loved the "secret Pinkerton", and I really hope she get her own story one day! 

The characters in this story were great, and I just really really loved it.

5/5 stars.

***

A Grand Encounter (Jen Turano)

"After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York's pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She's determined to hold fast to her life of independence--but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold."

 

This was a really cute story! I loved the troupe that was used, and I loved Myrtle's attitude throughout the book. She grew a backbone when she left society, and she wasn't about to lose it ever again.

I enjoyed the characters a lot, and really felt that the side characters kept the story moving.

4/5 stars.

***

Overall, I loved this collection! I had so many wo derful expectations and they were all pretty much met!

Though each story was a standalone, different years and states, there was a common thread of redemption and forgiveness that ran through each story. 

I rated the whole collection a 4.5/5 stars!

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