Review: Depending on You

Depending on You

"Leah Whitsett’s life was ideal until the disastrous day she nearly died because of her husband’s deceit. When he returns home weeks before Christmas, she knows the best gift she can give him is forgiveness, but how can she relinquish her hard-won independence knowing he plans to turn their family’s life upside down again?

Bryant has always known his wife was a gift he’d never deserved, but how can he provide for her in a town that no longer wants anything to do with him? He longs to atone for the misery he’s put his loved ones through, but when he brings a family member home for the holidays, he and Leah may end up even further apart.

With emotions high and their marriage at stake, will the season bring the hope they need…or are their rifts too large to mend?"

Author:Melissa Jagears

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Frontier Vows (book 3)

Can the joy and hope of Christmas 

restore their love before it’s too late?

This was the perfect addition to the "Frontier Vows" series! It was a cute, quick story, but had so much depth & "real life" packed into its short size.

There has been so much grit in these stories. They tackle REAL LIFE issues. Real relationships, real struggles, and real prayers.

I was really happy to find out we were getting a bit of Leah & Bryant's story! I really loved seeing from the place of brokenness & the redemption and forgiveness arcs were really well done.

I'm really looking forward to seeing who the next book is about, and what topics Melissa will hit.

If you've read the other two books in the series, you won't want to miss this story!

I rated it 4/5 stars.

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

Review: To Steal a Heart

To Steal a Heart

"After a childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she'd put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. In the middle of breaking into a safe that holds the proof to prove her friend's innocence, Gabriella is interrupted by Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend--until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agreed to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he'd be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step."

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency (book 1)

 Past are revealed

Danger follows their every step

AHH! I'm SO excited to start this new series!! It's such a fun idea, and I love the characters already. (I mean are we surprised?! Its Jen Turano...)

I loved Nicholas & Gabriella, they were so adorable! I LOVE the "childhood best friend/sweethearts" troupe. Though their lives had taken drastic turns from when they had known each other, they fell into a familiarity instantly. The chemistry was cute! 

I loved the twists & turns that the book took. They were all pretty predicable, but they were perfect for this story. 

The book was a little on the "fast paced" side, but I always fly through Jen's books regardless.

God wasn't mentioned a whole lot throughout the story, which made me little sad because they're were definitely places for it. There were strong messages throughout the book though, so it hit all the sweet spots.

It was the PERFECT happily ever after, that had me smiling from beginning to end. I'm CRAZY EXCITED about the rest of the series!! I cannot wait to see these characters again, and get some questions answered. 😉😉  

I rated it a 4/5 stars

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

Review: The Matchmaker's Rogue

The Matchmaker's Rogue

"Polished Jesslyn Chance has one of the most enviable positions in the little Regency coastal village of Grace-by-the-Sea. She is the hostess of the spa, arranging introductions and entertainments and playing matchmaker to the ladies and gentlemen who come to take the waters, promenade through the shops, and dance at the assembly. But when a rogue returns from her past, Jess finds herself suddenly at sea.

Always an adventurer, Larkin Denby left Grace-by-the-Sea to right the wrongful death of his father. Now he’s back on a mission: to identify the mysterious Lord of the Smugglers who allegedly sails from Grace Cove and takes England’s secrets to France. 

But Grace-by-the-Sea is the perfect little spa town, run by the still oh-so-perfect Jesslyn Chance. When the village’s future is threatened, Jess must work with Lark to solve the mystery and protect the town’s own. In doing so, the matchmaker of Grace-by-the-Sea may just find that the best match for her is the rogue who stole her heart years ago."

Author: Regina Scott

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Grace-by-the-Sea (book 1)

Grace-by-the-Sea: Where romance and adventure come home.

I'm not going to lie, it took me a hot minute to get through this book. I tried numerous times, but there was always something that just pulled me out of it. But I'm so glad I kept trying, because I really think I'm going to enjoy this series! 

There were A LOT of moving parts to this book since we had to introduce a whole cast of characters who will keep popping up throughout the series. I'm really interested to get into everyone's stories and see how they all weave together with the "Lord of the Smugglers". 

Lark & Jess were a cute couple! Though they had known each other for years, they weren't the same people from before. It was cute to see them relearn things about each other, while still knowing so much. I'm hoping we get to see them more throughout the series. Life after proposal if you will...

This wasn't a big "back story/ton of history" book for the characters, so I'm hoping we learn more about them all as we go. It was a very "in the moment" book which I did really enjoy.

I'm excited about the start of this new series! Can't wait to read book 2.

3.5/5 stars

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

Takeover Tour: The Key to Love

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Key to Love 

Author: Betsy St. Amant 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: October 13, 2020 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance 

Love doesn't always look the way we expect 

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so that she's created her own version of the famous Parisian love-lock wall at the bakery where she works in Story, Kansas. She never expects a video involving the wall to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for an epic love story like the one her parents had--and that certainly will not include the love-scorning Gerard. 

Just when it seems the Pastry Puff is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just the bakery but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo Credit: © EA Creative Photography

Betsy St. Amant is the author of more than 15 inspirational romances and a frequent contributor to iBelieve.com. She lives in north Louisiana with her husband, two daughters, a collection of Austen novels, and an impressive stash of pickle-flavored Pringles. When she's not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white chocolate mocha--no whip.

CONNECT WITH BETSY: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Key to Love, a signed bookplate, a custom The Key to Love cosmetic pouch, and a Paris mug!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 19, 2020 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

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 Reckless Love

 A Reckless Love

"In the fine tradition established by her Southern grandmama, Aurora Daughtry has recently orchestrated the marriage of her eldest sister and facilitated her middle sister's engagement. She also rejoices in her part in transforming the family's dilapidated plantation manor into a luxurious and lucrative resort hotel. Just when it seems there is nothing left to absorb her considerable talent for managing people, in walks federal deputy marshal Zane Sager.

But Zane is not at Daughtry House for a vacation. He's tracking a killer and collecting two key witnesses to a federal judge's murder.

Aurora takes it upon herself to disabuse the cynical lawman of his conviction that the world is out to get him. But just as she's on the verge of cracking Zane's defenses, the man he is after reminds him that no one he loves is safe. Ever."

Author: Beth White

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Daughtry House (book 3)

***

Queue the swooning! All of it. 😍😍

I LOVED the chemistry between Aurora & Zane! Loved. It. 

Aurora was a SPIT FIRE! She spoke her mind in every situation, but always did it in a loving way. (I could learn some lessons from her)  She loved everyone, and once she considered someone hers she loved them hard!

Zane was a dear! He was the perfect brooding, pirate/cowboy, tough outside, soft inside character! He had his bullheaded moments, but always came back. 😉

Though it wasn't talked about A LOT, both characters had a strong relationship with God. It was just apart of them.

It was definitely a fast paced book, both in the romance and the action, but we all know I don't mind too much. The ending felt a little rushed, and a but unfinished even though it was technically complete. But it was still a good story!

Was the romance a bit unrealistic? Yes. Yes it was. (the church make out scene was a bit much...)

 Did I love the story itself anyways? Yes. Yes I did.

I LOVED the Daughtry sisters! They were each unique and quirky in their own ways, and SO much fun. I'm glad I can visit the world anytime even though the series is over now.

I rated it a 4/5 stars

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

Quotes:

"Just remember that what you want and what you deserve are not always the same thing. And what God has planned for those who love him is on another level entirely."

Review: Pretending to Wed

 Pretending to Wed

"The ranch Nolan Key has spent decades working for, even lost a leg for, is now his—or at least it should be. But an absurd clause in his father’s will means he’s in danger of losing the place to his lazy, undeserving cousin. Nolan finds himself scrambling to save his home—by proposing marriage to the town laundress. 

Corinne Stillwater’s hands have betrayed her. Numb from hours of doing the same work over and over, her hands will only heal, according to the town doctor, if she gives up the laundry and marries. But she’s been stung repeatedly by love before, so that is one remedy she can’t swallow. 

When Nolan offers Corinne a marriage in name only, how can she refuse? Such a partnership could give them the security they seek, but what if the ranch isn't as secure as they believe, and their lives—and dreams—aren't quite as compatible as they thought?"

Author: Melissa Jagears

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Frontier Vow (book 2)

"It’s a match made in heaven…

as long as they don’t fall in love!"

Melissa always finds a way to write the sweetest romances, that still hit REAL topics! Topics that aren't talked about enough in the CF market. This story was no different! 

Y'all know I'm the first one to get all swoony over the "marriage of convenience" troupe, and I think this one was done well.

I enjoyed both characters! I like getting in to their headspace, seeing their insecurities and downfalls they thought they had. I loved watching them coming to find they couldn't lean on their own understanding or strength, but they could lean on and trust God.

Communication between the characters could've definitely been better, but they were pretty much strangers, and we had to keep our plot going. 😉 However, once they did start talking they LISTENED to each other, and the world starting revolving again.

The fact they both started the book with a physical "disability" was another real, gritty aspect of the story I liked. I do feel like Corinne's was never really explained, and went away pretty quickly. But I did enjoy the fact that it was in the book. 

While clean, and DFINETLY Christian, its a story for a mature audience. This is one a parent will want to decide if their daughter is ready for. But I do think every woman should read it. Melissa handled the topic of  relationships and sex very well! She wrote a note in the back of the book to explain why she choose to write the story the way she did, and I think she wrote that wonderfully as well.

I cannot wait for book 3! I'm sure it'll be just as real and lovely as her others.

I rated this a 4/5 stars

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

Review: If It's Perfect

If It's Perfect

"One thing I learned this week: DO NOT flirt while at a client’s wedding. (especially with anyone in a tux)

Success-driven Hope Fletcher has some lofty goals for her life. But is it really too much to want a thriving cake design business by age 29? Marry a perfect (emphasis on the perfect) man by age 30? Then have the kids, dog, and house in suburbia by age 34? If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Dean. Wonderful, dreamy Dean who loves kids (and will eventually grow to love dogs) steps into Hope's world. He's the exact type of man she's been looking for and she starts falling. Hard. 

But will Hope's perfect image of Dean crumble when she finds out about his past?"

Author: Summer Dowell

Genre: Romantic Comedy

***

I'm going to start this off with a question.

Where can I find my own Dean?? 😍 

This was such a cute story! Its the perfect, quick contemporary to fit all of your reading needs. 

Hope was a pistol! Her inner dialogue made me smile and want to choke her all at the same time. 

I'm in NO way a perfectionist, I don't mind asking for help when I need it, so that's probably why we didn't get along the whole time.

Dean was...😍😍 PERFECT! I mean, I know he was supposed to have flaws but he seemed pretty close to perfect to me. (I mean, he was fictional so he's allowed to be)

I would've loved to see more of Hope's relationship with her family, especially her parents. 

Obviously the pacing was super fast, and I feel like there were a few things I would've loved to see flushed out a little more. But for the fast story that it was it was pretty good. 😘

I loved the side characters, and I ANXIOUSLY await their love stories. 😉 Who doesn't love a story about wedding people falling in love?!

It was an adorable story that is definitely worth the read. Perfect to get your mind off this craziness we call life. 

I rated it a 4/5 stars

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

Review: Hadley Beckett's Next Dish

 Hadley Beckett's Next Dish

"Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanagh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show, To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum and is sent packing, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley. As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love.

In the meantime, hide the knives."

Author: Bethany Turner

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Get ready for a heaping helping of humor, romance, and second chances

I'm gonna be honest with y'all, I have a LOVE/dislike relationship with this book! 

When Hadley & Max were together, and were good to each other I was DIGGING the chemistry!! 😍😍

Hadley's "blowing up at random times" felt a bit hypocritical to me. One minute she was all "flirty flirty", then the next she was flying off the handle. (And she DIDN'T SEE IT!!!) 

*cough* Max wasn't the only one with anger issues...*cough*

Now, when she WASN'T freaking out, I really enjoyed her character! She was cutesy, a bit naive, a little insecure. Which is where I think a lot of her issues stemmed from.

She did have a lot of character growth throughout the story, so I guess I can't harp on her too much. 😅

AHHHH, MAX! I loved him! Plain & simple. 

He was trying SO hard to be a better man, and no one believed in him. (Other than our gracious Hadley 😉)

I loved watching him grow as a character, and in himself as the story progressed.

This book definely had its heavy hitting moments that make a person sit up and think. It wasn't super "in your face Christian fiction". So if you have any 

Review: Ready to Trust

 Ready to Trust

"Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl."

Author: Tina Radcliffe

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (book 2)

Proving he’s a changed man 

could be his biggest challenge yet.

Y'all, I was SO excited for this book. Like I was squealing the minute Reece came on the stage in the first book. I HAD SUCH HIGH HOPES!

Sadly, this one did NOT hit it for me. 

I have a REALLY REALLY REALLY hard time with the "secret child" troupe! Especially because the mothers seem to have the "holier-than-thou" "helicopter mom" attitude, and I can NOT get behind that character arc. 

That troupe normally goes hand & hand with the "I'll never ACTUALLY trust them, even though I said I did" troupe. Which is equally as irritating to me, personally. 

Claire fell PERFECTLY into this character mold, so I had the hardest time liking her!

Reece was great, though he was just as stubborn as Claire.

They were BOTH so hung up on the past! I felt like they kept repeating the same thing, and never actually fixing the problem. It was a bandaid relationship.

I ADORED the background characters! They made the whole thing worth it to me. 💙 I loved seeing the Rainbolt family all together.

I am looking forward to the next in the series. That one promises to be fun. 😉

So no, this wasn't my favorite book in the world, BUT I know Tina is going to knock it out of the park next time!

I rated it a 2.5/5 stars.

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

Review: Molly

Molly 

"If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I absolutely refuse to tell a lie no matter the consequences. So don’t ask me a direct question unless you’re prepared for a direct answer—that’s something my SoCal sewing girlfriends have learned the hard way.But who would have thought my honesty policy would get me fired from my job at the preschool? Or that a desperate—and not to mention devastatingly handsome—single father of one of my (now-former) students would hire me that same day as a nanny for his daughter?I’m an education professional. How hard can taking care of a four-year-old and her over-stressed, over-worked father be?" 

Author: Sarah Monzon

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Series: Sewing in SoCal (book 1)

They're SEW IN love 

in  SoCal

ALL. OF. THE. SWOONING. 

I'm so excited about this new series! I love the "Sewing in SoCal" girls. They're going to be a HOOT! 

I really enjoyed this book!! The troupe was so cute, I love the "nanny" troupe. *If you see it in other contemporary books, lemme know! 😉*

Molly & Ben were interesting, but adorable characters! Each had their own little quirks, but it added to their charm. 💛 I just loved them! 

It was a pretty quick book, so not every part of their backstories were delved in to. All the major things were taken care of though. I just love Sarah's stories so much so there is never enough of her books to me...

Overall it was SUPER CUTE! I adore Sarah, and her books, and I'm PUMPED about the rest of the series.

I rated it a 4/5 stars

*SIDE SWOON* Chapter 19...😍😍🦄😍😍 (if you know, you know)

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

Review: Dust

Dust


 "Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real--since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire's desperate search points to London... and a boy who shouldn't exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan--and herself."

Author: Kara Swanson

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Series: Heirs of Neverland (book 1)

The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

I don't even know where to begin...
This book was every. thing. It was absolutely beautiful!

I can't talk about too many of the details, because SPOILERS, but take what I DO say to heart.

Kara did an AMAZING job handling the age old fairytale we know and love. She kept the OG Peter Pan alive, but I could also see her unique voice in him. 

This book was MAGICAL! That's the best word to describe what was within these pages. Kara made every scene, every word, and every action come to life on the page and she made each one fly.

This book had so much more depth than the fairytale we've heard our whole lives. Kara took a beloved story, and made it better in my opinion! She added depth, character, and emotion. 

The story was told through Claire & Peter's perspectives, both in 1st person, but I could always tell which character's head I was in. She did a wonderful job separating their voices.

Claire was a bit on the dense side, but its a character flaw that she knows she has. Its also needed to move the plot along, so I tried not to let it ruffle my feathers too much. 

I'm CRAZY excited to how Shadow is handled, and what scrapes we're going to get into while we're in Neverland! 
5/5 stars!

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

Review: At Love's Command

At Love's Command

"Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her."

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: Hanger's Horsemen (book 1)

"He's fought through ruthless outlaws and injury. 

But with her, he's tempted to surrender."

I really loved the connection between the Horsemen! I feel like we don't see a ton of this kind of relationship between guys in Christian fiction, so it's definitely a refreshing theme to see! 
I CANNOT wait to read the rest of the Horsemen's stories!

I liked the main characters! Both characters were strong, a just a smidge stubborn, but in a way that worked with the other. They complemented each other.

The romance was super quick in this story, but the whole book was fast paced! From the first page until the last, it was an action packed book. I'm kind of glad the romance kept up with the rest of the story. it didn't bog it down at all. 

As always Karen wove a STRONG Christian message into the book, and I LOVED IT! I love reading her books to see what lesson she's going to remind me of. This one had strong "let go & let God" message for me. It's a reminder we all need from time to time. (I might need it day to day sometimes)

I hope we see Charlie get a bit of a love story. (Novella, Karen? 😉)

Overall, it was a great introduction into this new series! I cannot wait to see how it goes! 
I rated this a 4/5 stars.

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

Review: A Temporary Engagement

A Temporary Engagement

"Elena is a thriving pharmacist who is completely confident in her single status. Well, relatively confident. But when her best friend calls in a favor for a needy brother-in-law, Elena can't say no. How hard can it be to fake an engagement for one evening?

Mason is not one to beg for a date. In fact, he prides himself on his natural charm and charisma. But when his big mouth gets him into trouble, he needs some last-minute help. He just didn't expect his rescuer to be quite so attractive. Or so completely uninterested in him.

What happens when this one night sham turns into more than these two planned for?"

Author: Summer Dowell

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Series: Fake Love Series (book 3)

A fake fiance is supposed to stay that way: fake.

AHHH!! All of the heart eyes! Y'all know this is one of my favorite troupes EVER!!

Writing this review is making me all smiley just because I'm replaying the book in my mind, and I just loved it!

The wit & banter between the characters was EVERYTHING! There was such amazing chemistry between the main characters! There was also amazing chemistry between the side characters, which made me love the book even more.

I love that this series is centered on one family. The sibling relationship, even the parental relationship, in this book was such fun. I could totally put my family in these roles, so I was having a grand time reading this story.

Elena & Mason were such fun characters! They clicked on the page instantly, and I loved every minute of their story!

The story had a chick-lit movie vibe, and I was HERE FOR IT!

I would've loved some more history/back story about the main characters. (especially Elena's)
BUT for the size and purpose of the book it was perfect!

This was an amazing clean read! I'm so glad I have the other book in the series on my bookshelf already.
I think Summer is a new favorite contemporary author!
I rated this book 5/5 stars!

(Though this is a series, the books can definitely be read alone)

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