Review: The Land Beneath Us

The Land Beneath Us

 "In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for--fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family--the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?"

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Historical Romance 

Series: Sunrise at Normandy (book 3)

"In the midst of a global war, 

two forsaken souls search for personal peace"

This series has been EVERYTHING! I already want to experience the whole thing again. 😍

This book was SO good! There was so much depth woven into the story. I loved all the biblical parallels! This was the perfect conclusion this amazing series.

Both characters grew so much as the story progressed. They learned about themselves, while still falling in love with each other. (THROUGH LETTERS!! *swoon* 😍😍😍)
I LOVED the support system they created through the letter they wrote to each other!

Y'all know how I feel about the marriage of convenience troupe, but the letter writing was a new addition. And its one I can now add to the top of my favorite list!

Leah's growth was definitely the greatest! She had places where she was getting under my skin because of her immaturity,  but she grew and matured into a wonderful young woman.

The family aspect was my FAVORITE! I loved the redemption and forgiveness arcs!

This truly was a wonderful book!
5/5 stars

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

Review: A Girl's Guide to the Outback

A Girl's Guide to the Outback

"Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but below the surface, he’s still recovering from the blow of a failed business and insecurities he can’t shake. His coworker, start-up expert Kimberly Foster, is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but years of personal rejection have left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds—or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks sure do fly. 

When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and heads home to Australia to help his sister, Jules, save her struggling farm. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. Together they strike up a deal: If Kimberly comes to work on Jules’s dairy farm and lends her business brains to their endeavor, then maybe—just maybe—Sam will reconsider his future with the church. 

As Kimberly tries her hand at Australian farm life, she learns more about herself than she could’ve ever expected. Meanwhile Sam is forced to re-evaluate this spunky woman he thought he already knew. As foes slowly morph into friends, they wonder if they might be something even more. But when disaster strikes the farm, will Sam find it within himself to take a risk that could lead to love? And will Kimberly trust God with her future? "

Author: Jessica Kate

Genre: Contemporary Romance

How far will a girl go to win back a guy she can’t stand? 

AH! This book was amazing! 

At first glance you'd think it was just a quick, fluffy, chick-lit rom-com then poof you're done. No siree! There was so much more to this delightful, and delicious book!

While there were MANY a swoon worthy moment, we also got heart, pain, confusion, and the human feelings. This book was real, every feeling and emotion that rolled across the page was real!

There were some great, meaty conversations about trusting God! And I loved every one of them! There were so many quotable moments in this book. Lessons we could all apply to our lives! 

I loved the premise, and the "hate to love" troupe is one of my favorite troupes ever. Especially when we get TWO romances in one book! *insert ALL the heart eyes* 😍😍😍

Both story lines were written beautifully. Neither one felt like it was missing anything, or the other got more love than the other. (Though I'm partial to Kate & Sam's story because...well...Sam...😍)

There were misunderstandings and miscommunication galore (like any good rom-com), but they always got to the point that they talked it through.

Jessica is a crazy talented author, and I can't wait to see where she goes next!

4.5/5 stars! 

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

Quotes:

"Whatever happens, God won't desert you. You aren't alone."

Review: Storing Up Trouble

Storing Up Trouble

"When Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix's safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos."

Author: Jen Turano
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The American Heiresses (book 3)

***

OH MAN. OH MAN. OH MAN. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO STINKIN' MUCH!! 
I think it's my favorite of the series!

I really wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Norman at the beginning of the book since he was very close minded. BUT! He turned out to be one the sweetest, most thoughtful, adorable quirky, and unusual hero. I LOVED watching him change and work really hard, but never losing HIMSELF. He just made me smile.

Beatrix was a hoot! She was quirky and fun. I loved really seeing her in this book. Her spunk and determination really made her enjoyable.

Aunt Gladys and the ladies she took under her wing were spectacular! They really added the Turano flare, SO MUCH character, and many giggles to the experience! (The cats were a wonderful touch as well)

It was really fun to see some real towns that I know of, and actually live near, mentioned at the beginning of the book. It was a cool touch!

😍😍😍😍
I just loved ALL. THE. THINGS.
😍😍😍😍

5/5 stars

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

Review: Silent Shadows

Silent Shadows

 "Pecca Gallegos moved to the tiny town of Walton, Georgia, to protect her son and escape the dangerous lifestyle that once defined her. When a series of strange circumstances evolve into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally--her stubborn patient.

Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the undiagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.

With this suspenseful new story, Natalie Walters welcomes you once more to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret."

Author: Natalie Walters
Genre: Romantic Suspense 
Series: Harbored Secrets (book 3)

"They're running from their pasts into an unknown future.
But first, they'll have to survive the present."

ALL of the actual feels! I adored this book so much.

The characters were built so well! The suspense line was everything...
It was SUCH a nice twist on a pretty common plot line.

I loved the growth that took place throughout the story! The growth that took place throughout the series as a whole.

The romance. The banter. 😍 Beautifully done. 
The wit and banter between the side and main characters was SO good! I think the dialogue was my favorite part of the whole book. (Though the kissing scenes weren't to shabby either 😏😉)

I honestly get a little misty eyed when I think of how much Natalie has grown since book 1 came out. I'm so proud of her, and I cannot wait to see what's coming down the line from her!
4.5/5 stars

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

Review: The Story People

The Story People

 "When Ben Palermo inherited his uncle’s bookstore in small-town New Holden, Indiana, it was like stepping back in time. The nostalgia, however, is tainted by a painful past, one that Ben would rather leave behind. Can he stay in this town and run the business that holds so many conflicting memories for him? Or will he finally sell? When a group of well-meaning women make it their mission to keep him in town by finding him a wife, his life is about to get more interesting ... and complicated.

Rosemary is a children’s author and illustrator with a painful history of her own. When she meets Ben, she is overwhelmed by his disarming charm ... and familiarity. But when a series of events casts Ben in a suspicious light and a persistent friend makes claims on her heart, Rosemary must discover the truth in order to finally reconnect with her past. 

The Story People is a celebration of the connection forged when a book is opened, loved, and shared and the vision and purpose found when letting God use you wherever you are."

Author: Heather Kaufman

Genre: Contemporary Romance

***

This book has that "small town" feel, and I loved it. I could totally see this playing as a spring/summer hallmark romance! It has all the perfect makings for a cute one.

It was a cute story, with a fun unique premise! I loved the flashback scenes that began each chapter! 

Each character, especially the side characters really played a part in making the small town come to life on the page!

I've talked about this before, one of my biggest pet peeves is lack of communication, and this book had quite a bit of that so the story dragged on a bit for me. It picked up towards the middle once I actually got into the story.

I liked that each character had to learn a life lesson on their OWN first. And I LOVED that they had spiritual mentors that they could, and did, turn to!

I was a really cute story, and I liked it!
3.5/5 stars

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

Review: The Blizzard Bride

The Blizzard Bride

"Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.
 
Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.
 
All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?"

Author: Susanne Dietze

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Daughters of the Mayflower (book 11)

A Blizzard Changes Everything

The Daughters of the Mayflower stories have been the perfect thing to pass the time. They're the perfect size to get a cute story, based around big events in history!

 This book was a great addition to the series. It was a cute story, though it was a bit slow in the beginning for me. 

I think things would've moved a little faster if communication between the characters had played a bigger role, but once they started the story started moving.

The romance was cute! I really enjoyed the troupe that the author used. I liked that there was a bit of action at the end of the book! 

I loved that forgiveness was such a huge aspect of the story. Abby struggling with it made her a little more relatable. Though the fact that she would keep bringing it up, even after she said she'd forgiven them started to bug me a little bit.

Overall, it was a cute enjoyable story to add to my collection!

3.5/5 stars

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

Review: Isaiah's Legacy

Isaiah's Legacy

"At eight years old, Shulle has known only life in a small village with her loving but peculiar father. When Uncle Shebna offers shelter in Jerusalem in exchange for Shulle's help tutoring King Manasseh, Judah's five-year-old co-regent who displays the same peculiarities as her father, she's eager to experience the royal court. But Shulle soon realizes the limits of her father's strict adherence to Yahweh's Law when Uncle Shebna teaches her of the starry hosts and their power.

Convinced Judah must be freed from Yahweh's chains, she begins the subtle swaying of young Manasseh, using her charm and skills on the boy no one else understands. When King Hezekiah dies, twelve-year-old Manasseh is thrust onto Judah's throne, bitter at Yahweh and eager to marry the girl he adores. Assyria's crown prince favors Manasseh and twists his brilliant mind toward cruelty, beginning Shulle's long and harrowing journey to discover the Yahweh she'd never known, guided with loving wisdom by Manasseh's mother: Isaiah's daughter, the heartbroken Hephzibah. Amid Judah's dark days, a desperate remnant emerges, claiming the Lord's promise, "Though we're helpless now, we're never hopeless--because we serve El Shaddai." Shulle is among them, a girl who becomes a queen through Isaiah's legacy."

Author: Mesu Andrews

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Series: Of Prophets and Kings (book 3)

"No place is beyond Yahweh's reach - including a man's heart."

Mesu is an AMAZING author! She does her research, and you can see it. You can see her heart and soul in each story, but more importantly you can see God and his amazing love in each and word!

I really enjoyed this story! Though it was a tough bit of meat to get through . It's definitely an eye opening story to sin that raged heavy in biblical times, but a WONDERFUL reminder of the beautiful grace of God and his redemption!

Menassah being on the autism spectrum was such an unique touch, and I really enjoyed reading it. It worked really well in this stroy.

There were so many moments when I felt God while reading this book! I just want all the people to read it. All of them. Mesu's books are ALWAYS worth the time!

I can't even put all my thoughts into words, which I've come to find is normal with Mesu. She leaves me speechless and a bit changed every time! 
5/5 stars

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

Quotes:

"Can you trust My love when you don't know My plan?"

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*