Review: Lights Out

 Lights Out

"CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance."

Author: Natalie Walters

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: The SNAP Agency (book 1)

***

I don’t even know where to start…
I’m OBSESSED with these characters & this new series!!

This book was so fast paced! A LOT happened and though there were a few moments my head was spinning from trying to keep up, I never missed a beat or anything important.

The chemistry between the SNAP team made me want to hug this book to my chest! I LOVE teams that are more like family. It makes my heart so happy! 💗

Brynn & Jack had history which worked in this story because of how fast it went down. While I feel Jack holding onto the hurt and “not being able to trust Brynn” for 8 years was a little ridiculous (they were both in training for the CIA…they knew their weaknesses would be exploited) I’m glad they had an actual discussion about it and worked to make a relationship work.

I enjoyed them together, though the SNAP team (and Kekoa) took center stage for me. 😍

The “suspense” plot line was one I don’t normally read. Cyber crimes and terrorism (at home & internationally) is not my normal thing. (It kind of freaks me out a bit because it is SO realistic nowadays) BBBUUUUUTTTTT!!! I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at how our wonderful brains keep our country safe DAILY!

And even though this is a work of FICTION, it did give me an extra appreciation for everyone in any kind of service for this country!

I don’t know what else I can say…I was HOOKED from the beginning! I finished it almost in one sitting and I’m ANXIOUSLY awaiting book 2! This is my favorite Natalie Walters book so far. 😍😍

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

Review: On Schedule

On Schedule 

"Avery:

I’m a simple woman. All I want is for my wedding planning business to thrive. That’s it. I don’t want some annoying photographer (Okay, I'll admit it. He's attractive. In a guy-you-want-to-hate kinda way) that tries with moderate success to get under my skin. I don’t need some adorable stray puppy that’s just dying to make me a dog mom. I don’t want any of it. All right?

Tyler:

I mean, am I attracted to Avery? Sure. If you're into the big brown eyes and full soft lips kinda thing. She may or may not have sneaked her way into my film roll more times than I can count this week. But as enticing as Avery is, she has a bite to go with it. Like a tiger, just waiting for you to come close and count its stripes so it can attack. But what if there's more to her than the human checklist vibe she gives off? And what if I'm drawn to that part?"

Author: Summer Dowell

Genre: Romantic Comedy (clean read)

Series: The Wedding Business (book 3)

"I’m a huge fan of love and marriage and all that gushy stuff. 

Just for other people. Not me."

Someone get me a fainting couch because I’m about to swoon! 😍😍
This one is definitely my favorite of the series and I could totally see myself grabbing it for a reread in a few months just so I could relive this book hugging feeling!

My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard! I don’t think I stopped grinning or giggling the whole time. My romance loving heart was dancing the whole time!

I loved Avery & Tyler! They were SO CUTE together. They were so much a like, but it worked so well for them! They just meshed - even their beginning “hate” phase was just well placed banter and I was FOOORRR IIITTT!!!
I loved how they fed off each other. Their dialogue was my favorite!

Avery was a little uptight, but her upbringing really affected who she was. But at her heart of hearts she loved people and was a sweet character.

Tyler was a flannel clad dreamboat! Loved him from the moment I met him. 😉 But I loved how thoughtful and patient he was.

There were a few hiccups through their relationship (as it always goes) but they communicated with each other and didn’t harbor anything for too long.

I loved seeing all three girls together again, mostly through text, but those were some of my favorite parts. The group chat dynamic is something I can relate to. 💕

I don’t know what else to say other than I loved every moment of this story! From the hate, to the obvious matchmaking, to all of the love!

I’m sad to see this cast of characters go, but I’m excited for the next project from Summer!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Amanda

 Amanda

"“The devil made me do it” is a phrase that will never pass my lips. Why would it when I have Delores, my undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, to make all my decisions for me? (Yes, I named her myself since the doctors couldn’t do it for me.) A get together with friends? Delores says no. I’ll have my prescheduled daily afternoon fever and fatigue at that time.My two biggest regrets with having Delores direct my fate? One, my family thinks my illness is all in my head. And two, I set the love of my life, Peter Reynolds, free from my anchoring tether so he could fly. I never thought I’d see him again, but five years later he’s soaring in the limelight as one of the most talked-about defensive players in professional football. Oh, and did I mention he also happens to play for the team my boss just assigned me to as a social media manager? Meanwhile, nothing much has changed for me. Delores still bosses me around, and I’m still hopelessly in love with Peter. What’s a girl to do?"

Author: Sarah Monzon

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Series: Sewing in SoCal (book 4)

***

Y’all, I didn’t know I needed this second chance romance until I got it!
Amanda & Peter were the cutest couple and it was rooting for them the whole time.

Sarah has this ability to make me loose myself in the stories she pens. I sit down and finish her books in one sitting, and normally grin like a buffoon the entire time. It happened again with this one!

I loved getting to be in the Sewing in SoCal group again! Though life is changing and taking them all different places they are still as close as family! Always there NO MATTER WHAT!

I loved that family is more than DNA was a theme used in this book! While it broke my heart that neither of the characters had very good/almost nonexistent relationships with their families, I loved that they found people who loved them for who they were. Every single piece of them!

Amanda was a strong character! Anyone who has gone through an autoimmune disorder is so incredibly strong!! (Diagnosed or undiagnosed)
She put up walls because of people not believing her and her pain. It was easier to “fake it til she made it” with a mask on than be honest and get unfriendly remarks.

Until Peter…MAN I LOVED THIS DUDE!! *SWWOOONNN* He was such a great guy! I loved that he kept loving Amanda, even after all their years apart. He loved every piece of her and showed her that she was whole, even with Delores attacking her body. He showed her the power of your chosen family, what their reactions should really be.
He had a pretty rough upbringing too, and he never lost sight of who he was or where he came from. He showed God’s love in every aspect of his life, and I just really enjoyed his character a lot. THE MP3 PLAYER SCENE…my heart might’ve exploded.

I loved that we got to see the SoCal girls again, and their romances are all blooming wonderfully! 🏈
I’m looking forward to Betsy’s story! I’m sure that one is going to be a trip!

It was just a sweet story that still had a lot of REAL LIFE woven throughout the pages! I really enjoyed this addition to the series. It might be my favorite! *insert all of the heart eyes*
I rated it 4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Key to Love

 The Key to Love

"The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she's created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it 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 a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems Bri's bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business 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.

Novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn't always look the way we expect--and maybe that's a good thing."

Author: Betsy St. Amant
Genre: Contemporary Romance

***

I was prepared for a story to woo me this Valentine’s Day! In the season of love I thought this would be the best time to read this book. You can’t go wrong with a baker & a travel writer right??

The setting and plot intrigued me! It pulled me in, but the characters didn’t keep me.

Bri was not my favorite…
She was so incredibly immature & naïve. She had on rose colored glasses about love and life and she held her mom (and love) on this pedestal. She was also unnecessarily rude to Gerard from the moment he stepped into the bakery. It wasn’t even like a cute, flirty sassiness. It was just snarky with no reasoning. She didn’t even know anything about him before spouting off. Her character didn’t start to change or mature until the last 20 or so pages…

Gerard actually felt like he grew THROUGHOUT the story. He came into town guarded and wanting to be anywhere but there but he did his job. (And fell in love in the process *wags eyebrows*) As he got to know Bri, and see how she interacted with the townspeople, showing what real love, God’s love, looked like he started to soften.

As a reader it was hard for me to read this book because while I knew what was going on since I had a bird eye view, and was in both of their heads. They didn’t ever really have a full meaningful conversation with each other until 2/3 of the way into the story. Everything felt slightly unfinished. And after a while the story just felt long and drawn out, bits of it unnecessary and other pieces felt missing.

I’m glad the characters worked it out because they were good for each other. Bri kept Gerard rooted and Gerard reminded Bri to fly. They were COMPLETE opposites, but in a way that did attract.

The romance and chemistry was definitely there! And I didn’t feel like that was overrunning the pages. It did feel like they were getting to know each other and not just focused on physical attraction (though it was definitely there which I didn’t mind at all)

I’m stuck on my rating honestly. Because I did enjoy aspects of the story! Enough to give the author another try. But not enough to swoon and giggle over it. There were things that really made me want to just set the book down at some points.
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: It's Just Business

 It's Just Business

"Having grown up with a mom who had more boyfriends than a flower has petals, Haley Lane has zero fairy tale aspirations of true love. It doesn’t exist. But when a charming man with an annoyingly perfect smile and a habit of volunteering keeps running into her, she wonders if she was wrong all along.

That is until she realizes he's the one that stole her flower shop.

Austin Ryder is one of those nice guys, the people pleasers that genuinely want to help. So when he makes an underhanded business move that affects a random, beautiful stranger, he feels more than a little guilty. Good thing he’ll never see her again. Until he does.

Will Haley let things go and accept her feelings for? Or will revenge be her only solution. In the end, it's all just business, isn't it?”

Author: Summer Dowell
Genre: Romantic Comedy (clean read)

Series: The Wedding Business series (book 2)

"If I wasn't careful, I would lose my heart to this dreamy, business stealing man."

This book made me smile, sigh, and slightly cringe all at the same time.

The smiling & sighing are pretty self explanatory since it’s a romance! *insert heart eyes here*
The cringing probably needs the explanation…The sabotage/pranks were fun to read, but I was waiting for someone to find out and press charges. Eeekk. It made me anxious, though in my heart of hearts I knew it had to work out because…ROMANCE. Duh!

This book definitely shows you the true lengths of real friendships though! The girls were ready and willing to take down Austin and the restaurant because he stole Haley’s dream. I loved all their little powwow meetings! (And all the snacks involved!)

Haley was a character! She was the extroverted mess that everyone needs in their life. Her POV always made me chuckle because I know people like her and they just always bring a smile to my face. They’re little balls of sunshine!

Austin was great! He was tall, dark, handsome, and great with people. (And he spent his free time hanging out with kids) The perfect hallmark hero! He had a huge heart and he saw the good in everyone. He was just a really good guy!

Haley & Austin together made me smile & sigh! They had such an easy chemistry and banter that I love!

The ending was adorable too! 🎕
Though it wrapped up a little too perfect I’m glad that Austin could forgive Haley for her role (her whole plan really) in getting back at him. Again, it’s a fictional romance of course it ends in a happily ever after. I would have it no other way. 😉

Overall it was an enjoyable rom-com! I’m really looking forward to Avery’s story!
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

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*