Review: Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A first love that deserves a second chance.

Doctoral student Holland Reeves may have aced every class she’s ever taken, but when it comes to life outside her lab, she finds she has more meaningful relationships with test tubes and pipettes than she does with people. That all changes when a surprise wedding invitation arrives, forcing her to return to the small coastal town of Paradise and the Clairborne Resort, where she left her first dream of being Mrs. Clairborne to begin the dream of becoming Dr. Reeves. There she must face her past and, to her surprise, the only man she ever loved, Porter Clairborne, the prodigal son who has unexpectedly returned.

Together, Holland and Porter must decide if their love deserves a second chance, and if Paradise will finally live up to its name or forever remain a town of broken dreams.

My Review

All the feels! I don't know how, it must be some kind of writer magic, but this author totally sucked me into Holland's mind and I felt all the emotion right along with her- uncertainty, angst, compassion, hope, and joy. It's even more impressive because Holland is such a different person that I normally wouldn't relate to- her scientific approach to everything, her quirky random science facts at inopportune moments, her coping mechanism of reciting the periodic table- became endearing and funny. It really worked for me to see her use those methods to sort through the tension (emotional and romantic) and face her long-repressed feelings in order to determine if she has a future with Porter.

Porter was such a great leading man- so charming, but well-balanced by humility as he seeks to make restitution for his past choices. I loved his determination to win Holland's trust and love again, and I loved even more that she made him work for it, but not in a mean way, just that he really needed to prove himself with actions to back up his words. I absolutely loved his family and the important role they play in Holland opening herself up to love and affection. His stepmother Natalie was especially integral to drawing Holland out and giving her a confidant and mother figure that was missing from her life. I'm so thrilled that there is a follow-up book with Natalie and Beau's story!!!

The romantic tension and chemistry was off-the-hook, and there is plenty of romance as Holland and Porter's relationship progresses from distant memories to much, much more. I appreciate that the special moments balanced sensual with respectful, and while the physical attraction was palpable, the focus was on the emotional connection of the relationship. All the little details and mannerisms made this story one that I savored and literally couldn't put down. Highly recommend!

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

The Destined for Love: Resorts collection:

Matched by Design by Lindzee Armstrong
Keep Me At Christmas by Lucinda Whitney
Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel
The Trust of a Billionaire by Michelle Pennington
Marrying an Athlete by Anne-Marie Meyer
Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex by Victorine E. Lieske
If the Suit Fits by Sally Johnson
Kings Crossed Lovers by Donna K. Weaver

Review: Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

Book Two in the Orphan Train series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Marianne Neumann has one goal in life: to find her lost younger sister, Sophie. When Marianne takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York, she not only hopes to give children a better life but seeks to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children--firm but tender and funny. Underneath his handsome charm, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. As the two team up placing orphans amid small railroad towns in Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.

My Review

I loved that this second book in the series was directly involved with the placing out of orphans and their experiences along the journey. I've been fascinated by this part of history since reading the Orphan Train Adventures books by Joan Lowrey Nixon as a youth, and now that I've adopted two children of my own it's especially close to my heart. Marianne seems to have grown a bit since the previous book, where desperate circumstances drove her to make questionable choices, the ends justifying the means. She faces challenges while accompanying the children on the train that she handles with grace and strength, and following Andrew's example, allows her caring influence to be a blessing in the lives of the orphans. I appreciated that the author portrayed both the advantages and challenges of the orphan train movement and the perspective of the placing agents and what they felt and experienced.

Marianne and Andrew's romance was impetuous since the rules forbid placing agents from fraternization, but they naturally grew close through the obstacles and unexpected tragedies they faced. Even though there were hardships, Marianne and Andrew's bright personalities brought light and laughter to the story, bringing balance and relief from the anxiety of the circumstances. I enjoyed that they played with the children on breaks and sang songs and told stories to them, even when Marianne was out of her comfort zone. One of my favorite parts that made me laugh out loud was young Jethro's innocent question when he witnessed a kiss between Marianne and Andrew- so funny! I'd hate to spoil it so you'll just have to read the book and keep an eye out for it ;)

Reinhold, Marianne's family friend from New York, is also a part of the story and his perspective provides a lead-in to the next book, which will feature him and the youngest Neumann sister, Sophie. He has overcome so much from his past, and his hard work and determination to succeed are finally coming to fruition in a thriving community. I felt so frustrated for him as his plans to buy his own farm and care for his family are thwarted and he must come up with a solution to his growing problems. I'm thoroughly enjoying this historical series and can't wait to read the next book!

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

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Check out the other books in the Orphan Train series . . .

FREE prequel novella

Synopsis

Trying to heal the ache she feels in her empty life, wealthy Christine Pendleton decides to volunteer at Centre Street Chapel. Ministering to one of the most deprived parts of New York City, the chapel aims at making a difference in the lives of the impoverished immigrants flooding the city. After seeing firsthand the hopelessness of the poor women and orphans, Christine is convinced more can be done to help them.

Guy Bedell has been serving at the chapel and pouring his heart out for the people he's grown to care about. When Christine begins to challenge his methods and offers a new vision for reaching out to the community, can he trust that perhaps God has bigger plans in store for him--plans that may include this feisty socialite?

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

A Riveting Look at the Orphan Train from Historical Novelist Jody Hedlund

When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She's had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children's Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn't want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.

Book Three

Releasing December 2018, available for Pre-Order!

Synopsis

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won't abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he's in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

Review & Giveaway: The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

Book One in the High Sierra Sweethearts series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

ChristianBook l Itunes

Synopsis

She's the only witness to a wagon train attack. Keeping her safe, though, means his world is about to be turned upside down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing.

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

My Review

I love Mary Connealy's writing style! I was immediately drawn into the story and it was nonstop from there. I loved the characters- strong Deb with her determination to take the burdens from others, motherly Gwen who nurtured everyone around her, Trace's protective nature and curiosity, and the cowhands at his ranch who would do anything for the ladies and children. The pace of the book was steady, with plenty of action and adventure as Trace and Deb race against a swiftly approaching winter to track down the killers while preparing the ranch before getting snowed in. I loved their sincerity and gratitude for each other, and the way they so perfectly brought light and joy to each other's life. Their innocence with romance was endearing and made their special moments together sweeter. I'm so excited for this new series from one of my favorite authors!

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

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The next book in the series, THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR 
will be released later this year in October, 2018!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo courtesy of
Ginger Murray Photography

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

CONNECT WITH MARY: website,  facebook,  twitter,  instagram

You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols

GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win: 

• The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
• The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)

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Review & Giveaway: Guess Who's in the Book of Mormon by Molly McNamara Carter, illustrated by Katie Payne

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Learn all about the prophets and heroes in the Book of Mormon! This colorful picture book uses a simple question-and-answer format to help children discover who built a boat, who saved the king’s sheep, and who climbed up on a wall to tell the people to repent. An easy-to-read introduction to scripture stories that’s fun for the whole family!

My Review

What a cute book! I instantly fell in love with the illustrations which are colorful and dynamic. The questions and answers are rhyming and share the importance of what each Book of Mormon figure did and learned from their experiences. I loved that Abish is included so there is a female as well as male role models. This book is fun to read and is a great way for children to remember stories that teach valuable lessons. My daughters loved it and we read it at bedtime and bring it to church on Sundays. This book would be a perfect gift for a family or child!

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

About Author Molly McNamara Carter

Molly has been writing stories since she learned to read them. She earned her degree in English at Brigham Young University, where she was studying when she fell in love with her husband while on a road trip. They have since continued exploring the world together and have three amazing children. She loves reading, writing, traveling, being outside and exploring new places with her favorite people. She currently lives nestled in the pines in Arizona with her family.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

About Illustrator Katie Payne

I've been drawing since the day I could hold a pencil, and started teaching myself to draw digitally in 2003. Upon finishing high school in 2008, I studied at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and Design in Washington DC for two years before finally transferring to Brigham Young University and obtaining my BFA in illustration. After living in New York City for four years, I now reside in Bountiful, Utah with my husband Andrew Payne. My work has been included in Spectrum 24 and also gallery shows. I have illustrated children's books and board games and I am excited about my future in both of these areas.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM 

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Tour Schedule

May 14-Singing Librarian Books
May 15-Life Is What It’s Called
May 16-Heidi Reads…