Review: Words from the Heart by Kathleen Fuller

Book Three in the Amish Letters series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Ivy Yoder thought she had found the man she would marry, but she returns to her Amish community of Birch Creek with a broken heart. When a family friend asks for her help in cleaning out an attic, she's grateful for the chance to get her mind off the betrayal.

Noah Schlabach is an Amish auctioneer and is eager to get into his aunt’s attic in search of lost treasures. He loves learning about the past, and he has created a thriving auction business for himself. When he meets Ivy, he suspects his aunt is trying to set them up, but all of that is forgotten when they come across a box of old love letters.

While Noah is more interested in potential auction items than love letters, Ivy is swept up in the story of the young couple. She's also fighting her growing feelings for Noah—she can't risk her heart again. But if there is one thing these young Amish people learn from the past, it’s that they must take hold of the gifts of today. With a little help from the letters, and a lot of help from God, Noah and Ivy begin to live in the present, full of love.

My Review

This is a gentle story of growing and overcoming heartbreak to give love another chance. I loved how the author wove several plot elements together for a steady pace that kept me invested in the characters and the choices they made. Ivy learns how strong she is as she recovers from disappointment and earns a newfound confidence in herself. Noah is going the opposite direction- full of confidence and success, but a new obstacle is wearing on him and he is at a loss for solutions. His matchmaking aunt is fun and quirky, and the old love letters they find in her attic bring Ivy and Noah closer together in friendship, with attraction simmering beneath the surface. I enjoyed the mannerisms of Ivy and Noah which made them come to life as I read. Another lovely addition to the Amish Letters series, and don't worry- each book can easily be read as a stand alone or out of order.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the previous books in the Amish Letters series . . .

Book One

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

When a postal error creates pen pals of two young Amish people, can they put behind their past mistakes to see the bright future God has written for them?

Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.

Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.

In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them could pen.

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

A letter brings him back to Birch Creek. Can one feisty woman make him stay?

Roman is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He feels confined by the strict rules and longs to do something more with his life. But when his brother is gravely injured, Roman receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to move to Birch Creek to help the young family.

Leanna Chupp as always made her own way in her small community of Birch Creek. Though some may call her unconventional--strange, even--Leanna is passionate about her faith. Her unique outlook on life has meant she’s never had many suitors pursuing courtship, but she is happy being single and believes she always will be.

But when Roman and Leanna find themselves working together again, everything changes. Neither of them fit squarely within the strictures of the Amish faith, but could their differences be the one thing that helps them form a deeper connection to their faith . . . and each other?

Review: The Cupcake Dilemma by Jennifer Rodewald

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

My name is Kirstin Hill. I'm a simple girl trying to figure out life in a small town. There are a few things you should know about me before we begin. I grew up in the city. I'm a teacher--a first year teacher, (some of you understand that significance). And, finally, when it comes to cooking, I'm a disaster. Maybe none of those things seem story-worthy, but trust me, I have a story. I call it The Cupcake Dilemma, and it literally changed my life. How? I'm glad you asked.

It all started with an extra assignment delegated to me at school right before Valentine's Day... but before we get too far, let me begin by stating this clearly. I was voluntold.

My Review

Oh-so-cute! I loved this light and funny novella with a sweet romance that made me want to read it again as soon as I finished it. (So I did) ;) Kirstin's voice is a perfect blend of humorous and vulnerable that makes her easy to relate to and enjoyable to read. Ian was fun and unexpected, and I loved his reactions to Kirstin. They have a fun friendship with potential for more, but they are both playing it cool. Awesome romantic tension and even better when things get really interesting! This is one that's going on my "get-me-in-a-better-mood" list :)

(I received a copy of the book from a giveaway; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review & FREE e-book: Taking a Chance by Becky Monson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

TAKING A CHANCE is a fun romantic comedy novella!

Liza Parker has a fear of heights, crowds and small spaces. So what’s a girl like her doing on a crowded elevator going to the top of the Empire State Building? Freaking out, that’s what she’s doing.

Enter Jay Sanders, a tourist who thinks he might be able to help Liza face her fears, but she has to be willing to spend the day with a complete stranger. Maybe taking a chance on Jay is just what Liza needs.

My Review

Loved it! Liza's fears were palpable as well as her emotional grief for her sister. I loved the way Jay connected with her and befriended her- such a sweet, good guy! Liza's inner dialogue was pretty funny, self-aware, and self-deprecating. I was glad to see that she realized the risks of trusting a stranger, and her radar is present as they enjoy their time together in New York City. I especially enjoyed the setting since I got to visit there for the first time a couple years ago and it made the story easy to visualize- and wish I could hop on a plane and go back! I loved how Jay and Liza's chemistry sparks as they progress to attempting greater heights in the city. A great little novella and one I'll be reading again when I need to vicariously travel ;)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

  

Review: The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Denver chef Rachel Bishop has accomplished everything she’s dreamed and some things she never dared hope, like winning a James Beard award and heading up her own fine-dining restaurant. But when a targeted smear campaign causes her to be pushed out of the business by her partners, she vows to do whatever it takes to get her life back … even if that means joining forces with the man who inadvertently set the disaster in motion.

Essayist Alex Kanin never imagined his pointed editorial would go viral. Ironically, his attempt to highlight the pitfalls of online criticism has the opposite effect: it revives his own flagging career by destroying that of a perfect stranger. Plagued by guilt-fueled writer’s block, Alex vows to do whatever he can to repair the damage. He just doesn’t expect his interest in the beautiful chef to turn personal.

Alex agrees to help rebuild Rachel’s tarnished image by offering his connections and his home to host an exclusive pop-up dinner party targeted to Denver’s most influential citizens: the Saturday Night Supper Club. As they work together to make the project a success, Rachel begins to realize Alex is not the unfeeling opportunist she once thought he was, and that perhaps there’s life--and love--outside the pressure-cooker of her chosen career. But can she give up her lifelong goals without losing her identity as well?

My Review

I was entranced by this book! There was such a vibrant sense of the setting, the food, and the emotions of the characters. I loved that the author set the location in her hometown and based the restaurants in the book on some of her favorites there. The story starts with such a great conflict, and I was invested from the get-go with how the journey of Rachel and Alex would progress. There is a great balance of backstory and how it affects the present day, and anticipation for what the future holds. I loved the details of what it takes to be successful as a chef and the family-like dynamics of the food industry. The food trucks were my favorite, they seem like such a fun and accessible way of trying new and adventurous food. Rachel's two friends Ana and Melody provide a strong support for her as she navigates new circumstances in her career and personal life, and I hope the author uses them as main characters in future stories. The themes are deep and the author explores them thoughtfully through her characters, which made it such a rich reading experience and had me thinking about the issues in between reading sessions and how they apply to myself and the world. Highly recommend!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Love's Bright Tomorrow by Naomi Rawlings

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Aileen Brogan wants a place to call home. After leaving Ireland for America and losing her father and brother within a year of each other, she feels lost and alone. No matter how hard she tries, she just doesn’t seem to belong in the quaint town of Eagle Harbor. However, Sheriff Isaac Cummings is determined to help her fit in—into town and into his arms—if only she'll say yes to his courtship. But if he knew her secrets, he'd surely rescind his offer.

Isaac is determined to serve the people of Eagle Harbor in a way that will do his family proud, but he’s haunted by past mistakes. When a band of criminals threatens his beloved town’s safety, he doesn’t want to fail the people he loves like he did four years earlier. But if he doesn't turn out to be the hero the town needs, what chance does he have of winning Aileen's resistant heart?

When old wounds reopen, can Isaac and Aileen figure out how to move past their brokenness and find the promise of a bright tomorrow?

My Review

I've fallen in love with Eagle Harbor and the Cummings family over the course of this series! Each book can be read on its own or out of order, but I recommend reading them all and in order if you can for max enjoyment ;) Isaac has been haunted and hurting and ornery since the beginning of the series, so I was especially looking forward to seeing him get a happy ending. He comes into his own as the new sheriff of Eagle Harbor and experiences a level of danger that matches his brother Elijah's rescue missions during the storms. I loved seeing him and Elijah come to terms with the risks each other takes in order to protect the members of the community. There is plenty of suspense and intrigue as he hunts down the dangerous smugglers.

Aileen is another wounded character that we meet earlier in the series, and I was just as happy to see her find love- even though she didn't want to! Isaac's patience and caring pays off as she learns to trust him and slowly allows herself to begin to hope. She has a tragic background and Isaac and his loving family support her and encourage her to find true healing through the Lord. The spiritual thread was inspiring and Isaac also benefits from relying on God to help him through his fears and sorrows. The romance is sweet and while not without some bumps in the road, they have a lovely relationship that develops a strong foundation.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Come visit the rugged yet beautiful coast of Lake Superior and the remote historical town of Eagle Harbor that readers can’t get enough of.

Eagle Harbor Series--Where Love Finds Its Anchor 

Book 1: Love's Unfading Light (Mac and Tressa)
Book 2: Love's Every Whisper (Elijah and Victoria)
Book 3: Love's Sure Dawn (Gilbert and Rebekah)
Book 4: Love's Eternal Breath (Seth and Lindy)
Book 5: Love's Winter Hope (Thomas and Jessalyn)
Book 6: Love's Bright Tomorrow (Isaac and Aileen)
Prequel Novella: Love's Violet Sunrise (Hiram and Mabel)
Short Story: Love's Beginning (Elijah and Victoria)

Review: This Treacherous Journey by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Widowed and with child, Emma Malcom is fleeing from the reward offered for her arrest. She’s innocent of the dirty dealings her deceased husband orchestrated, but the angry townspeople didn’t stop to listen to her defense before she narrowly escaped with her life. Now, she and her twin brother, Joseph, must battle the mountain wilderness of the Rockies to reach Canada and the clean start she craves. But when a fall from the rocky cliff leaves Joseph wounded and weak, could the strange mountain man they encounter be God’s gift to see them to safety?

Simeon Grant makes bad choices. His deceased wife and twin babies are lost to him now because of his reckless decisions, and the penance he pays by living alone in this mountain wilderness is only a small piece of what he thinks he deserves. When a city woman, heavy with child, appears on his doorstep with her injured brother, her presence resurrects the memories he’s worked so hard to forget. And when she asks for his help to travel deeper into the mountain country, he can’t help wonder why God would force him to relive the same mistakes he’s already suffered through. Or maybe taking these two to safety could be the way to redeem himself.

But when their travels prove more treacherous than he imagined, Simeon finds himself pressing the limits of his ability to keep Emma and her brother safe. Can he overcome the past that haunts him to be the man she needs? Will Emma break through the walls around Simeon’s heart before it’s too late, or will the dangers of these mountains be the end of them all?

My Review

What an adventure! I loved getting lost in the Rocky Mountains with Emma, Simeon, and Joseph, and feeling the majesty and power and danger of the untamed wilderness. Simeon is one of my favorite types of heroes- strong, quiet, and harboring a private angst that our heroine helps him release. He saves her physically, but she saves him spiritually by encouraging him to turn to the Lord and reminding him that God's love and peace are always there, even and especially in the hard times. Emma's strength and fortitude was impressive, I can't imagine undergoing such a journey during pregnancy! When the circumstances were overwhelming, she had the grit necessary to push her anxieties to the side and buckle down to help the men. I loved her relationship with her brother Joseph and the care and support they gave each other. Joseph had a good sense of humor and was quick to smile... when he wasn't injured. Emma wasn't quick to trust Simeon because of her previous experience with men, but he quickly proved himself stalwart and reliable. Their friendship grew steadily throughout the book and their romance developed naturally after that, which I loved. There is plenty of peril and nail-biting suspense balanced skillfully with the more mundane parts of an arduous journey and the reflections of characters who are searching for safety. I am looking forward to reading more by this author!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: The Sidelined Wife by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She’s getting back in the game, one blog post at a time.

Samantha Higgins never thought driving her husband’s car would forever change her life. But one conversation later, heard through his Bluetooth, and Samantha is changing her last name. While trying to figure out who Samantha Decker is, she writes what she thinks is one final post on her blog, announcing her divorce. When the post goes viral, she finds herself with a new title, The Sidelined Wife, and an unbelievable following.

To make matters more interesting, her younger brother’s best friend, Reed Cassidy, who was a thorn in Samantha’s adolescent side, moves back to town as the new head football coach for her son’s high school team. Unbeknownst to Samantha, Reed has harbored a crush for his old babysitter all these years. But, Samantha isn’t keen on dating anyone, much less a younger man that used to booby trap her bedroom with firecrackers.

While Samantha is doing her best to learn and even make up some of the rules of single life and being a semi-celebrity, Reed comes in and changes the game. Now Samantha must decide if she should get back on the field or if she prefers the sidelines.

My Review

Raw and honest are the words I'd use to describe this book. Divorce isn't a theme I generally enjoy in a book, but the author skillfully wove in a new relationship with fun romance while also focusing more on Samantha finding herself after being redefined by her new status of single. There is angst and grief over her loss, but I loved her attitude of looking forward and exploring how she wants her life, personality, and priorities to shift. Her family is hilarious and while the Sunday dinners are not always easy, there is a strong sense of loyalty there. Her brothers and sister-in-laws especially came to life and were a dynamic supporting cast.

Reed came into the picture immediately after her divorce finalizes, and his childhood background with Samantha provided a foundation that made their developing friendship in the midst of her personal drama work. I loved how she didn't pick up on his attraction to her and his subsequent frustration, it brought humor with the awkwardness and embarrassment, especially when she unwillingly realized how much chemistry they had. And boy did they have chemistry! Reed's pursuit of Samantha made him endearing and I loved the creativity of their "clandestine" dates. 

Samantha's voice brought a wry humor throughout the book that's part sassy and part snarky and part self-deprecation. That humor also made the exploding popularity of her brutally honest blog posts believable, and the therapeutic outlet gave her a confidence boost as well as a new direction to pursue. I loved that her number one priority remained the happiness of her teenage son, and I admired the relationship she had with him- expressing that love without being too overbearing, and being his anchor through the disinterest and betrayal of his father.

Overall I think this book isn't about being single or divorced- it's about the feelings that inevitably come during change and transition, about self-care and not losing oneself in an unbalanced relationship, about rediscovery and redefining. It made me evaluate my own life and think about if the things I spend my time doing are worthwhile, productive, and bring joy. Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Book Two in the Tales from Ivy Hill series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Return to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold.

Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he?

As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?

My Review

Just lovely! It's not fast-paced or terribly exciting, but the women of Ivy Hill have a gentle strength that made this book a pleasure to read. I recommend reading the first book in the series, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, to more fully understand and appreciate the backgrounds of the various community members. The perspective switches often between Jane (the innkeeper), Rachel (the librarian), Mercy (the teacher), and Thora (Jane's mother-in-law). We learn more about Timothy, Rachel and Jane's childhood friend and beau, Mrs. Haverhill, the mysterious recluse, and Mr. Grant, the businessman, and their pasts and secrets are slowly revealed throughout the book in intriguing layers which propelled the story forward. By the conclusion of the book we have happy endings for some, and interesting prospects for others, making me wish the third book was already out! The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is definitely a book to savor as it's read.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the first book in the Tales from Ivy Hill series . . .

 

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood--along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.

Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.

Feeling reluctant and ill-equipped, Jane is tempted to abandon her husband's legacy and return to her former life of ease. However, she soon realizes there is more at stake than her comfort. But who can she trust to help her? Her resentful mother-in-law? Her husband's brother, who wanted the inn for himself? Or the handsome newcomer with secret plans of his own . . . ?

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane struggles to win over naysayers and turn the place around. Can Jane bring new life to the inn, and to her heart as well?