Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Review: Valley of Dreams by Sarah M. Eden



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

She's come to build a future. He's running from his past.

Patrick O’Connor has seen far too much of the cruel and unforgiving world. Life has beaten him down relentlessly. Out of hope and out of options, he makes the terrifying and desperate decision to return home to the family he has lied to for years, the family he knows will never forgive him.

Widowed and nearly unable to care for her tiny daughter under the weight of extreme poverty, Eliza Porter jumps at the opportunity to leave behind the slums of New York City for the promise of a new life and a new beginning in the frontier town of Hope Springs.

Fate tosses the two of them together more and more often, while the burden of his tightly-held secrets and the ache of her abandoned dreams pull them further and further apart. Clinging to the whispered possibility of something more than the pain life has offered them thus far will require every bit of hope they can find in this peaceful but precarious valley of dreams.


My Review

I fall more in love with this family with each book! I'm so happy that Patrick turned up alive, especially since we got to know him before the war in My Dearest Love. It's heartbreaking to see what he's gone through and how he's changed. I love that even though he struggles with his family, Eliza and her toddler daughter are able to bring the lighter side of him to the surface with their friendliness and acceptance. The O'Connor and Archer family members from the previous books don't just make an appearance, but their personalities shine through as they interact with Patrick and Eliza. Ian and Patrick especially struggled with their reconciliation, which made it all the sweeter when they finally overcame the hard feelings. There is plenty of teasing banter, especially with Tavish around, and Eliza fits in the family perfectly in that way. She and Patrick share a sense of humor which is a good foundation when their feelings and attraction grows stronger with time. Conflicts and self-doubt make their relationship road a bit bumpy, but it's a wonderful journey of redemption and forgiveness with strong family bonds and sweet romance.

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



Don't miss the previous books in the Longing for Home / Hope Springs series . . .

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https://amzn.to/2QgshDrhttps://amzn.to/2U5QzBi

https://amzn.to/2Qhz002








Review: Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean


Book Three in the Sound of Silence series

Heidi Reads... Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart. I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.

Until it wasn’t.

He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.

But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.

Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.

I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.

To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.

However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.

The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.

Absolutely nothing.


My Review

This series has ALL THE FEELS! I love the emotion and passion the characters feel and how the author draws me into their world. As soon as I finished Hothouse Flower I went back and re-read the first book in the series, Stone Silence. I gave each book in the series 5 stars and I recommend reading them in order.

I thought I knew what this book would be about, but the author managed to surprise me and incorporated a twist that was completely unexpected and brought a sense of vulnerability and determination. Shay has a difficult past that has given her trust issues, and having Jace back in her life since they are now connected by siblings' marriages has her repressed and unresolved emotions in upheaval. Jace has his own secrets, but I admired how upfront he is with Shay about his feelings for her. There is plenty of tension and angst as they learn to communicate again and the difficult past and secrets come to light, and the chemistry between them is both sweet and strong. It was wonderful to see them come together like puzzle pieces once there is nothing more coming between them, and the way they supported and fought for each other.

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



Check out the other books in the Sound of Silence series . . .
(The author recommends reading them in order)

Book One
Heidi Reads... Stone Silence by Taylor Dean


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Book Two
Heidi Reads... Jailbird by Taylor Dean


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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne


Finding Love in Wishing Bridge JustRead Blog Tour 
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


ABOUT THE BOOK


Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne Title: Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge
Series: Wishing Bridge #3
Author: Ruth Logan Herne
Release Date: March 2, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Being a supermodel isn't just hard.

It can be a killer, so when international sensation Jazz Monroe answered a friend's call for help, she'd just taken a hiatus from the job that made her a very rich woman and almost took her life. Outwardly Jazz was everything anyone would want to be. Beautiful, confident, rich and famous, and often seen on the arm of some of the world's most eligible bachelors, Jazz knows the truth she hides. Her self-confidence is an act and the eating disorder that plagues her refuses to let her rest.

But then she and her old friend Thea are called to help a friend and fulfill a pledge they'd made a dozen years before as high school seniors. If any one of the three ever needed help, the others would come running. Last December, Kelsey made that call and her two old friends, the other members of the "Soul Sisterhood", responded. They're here now. Thea is practicing medicine, Kelsey has married the hero deputy that saved her life and Jazz is finding the hints of peace that have eluded her for nearly two decades. She settles into the little town, helping out at a local diner, waiting for the sky to fall.

It doesn't. Instead, the sun begins to shine, winter fades to spring, and surrounded by new and old friends, Jazz begins to believe in herself. She loves the small town, the kindness of the locals, the warmth of the family diner and the special attention from two very different and distinct men makes her think new thoughts. Thoughts of family and picket fences and settling down.

But an unexpected attack on a wood-edged path reignites her fears and insecurities. Now she's looking in shadows again, doubting herself and others. In Manhattan, locked elevators and a staffed entrance desk kept her safe from intruders.

Wishing Bridge has nothing like that. Here, she lives life at ground level, with no bodyguards watching out for her. But when a local contingent makes it their job to keep her safe, Jazz learns not to sell the small town short. Folks here mean what they say because that's the kind of town Wishing Bridge is.

As Jazz rediscovers the most important things in life, she realizes that happiness isn't about where you are: it's about who you're with. And who you love.

Join Jazz, Kelsey, Thea and the rest of the Wishing Bridge cast as they band together to help the town and one another because together-- in Wishing Bridge-- they can make anything happen.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon



REVIEW


My rating:3 stars / I liked it

I read the first two books in the series right before this one and I liked how they all complemented each other. The small town setting is quaint and idyllic, and the dialogue between the characters has a distinct voice of faith-filled wisdom. All the wonderful characters of the previous books are present and integral in the plot of this third book, which has a more suspenseful tone than the others from the get-go. The tension of waiting for Jazz's stalker to strike again is drawn out through the entire book, but the small glimpses we get from his perspective kept the interest from waning. There are a few subplots that work together to make the story layered- her neighbor with a curious little boy and a heartbreaking secret, the local cop who has the potential for more than friendship, Max and Jill's blossoming romance, and the interactions with the children and friends that continue from the first two books. I again felt somewhat removed from the emotion of the story, but I was happy to see how the characters grew and developed and helped each other through their struggles.

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

 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Ruth Logan Herne

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of writing sweet stories, full of unforgettable characters in pastoral small towns and the occasional big city. With over 50 books published to date, and more to come, Ruthy loves to pen stories in the middle of the night when it bothers no one… and, in return, they don’t bother her! Married with six children and a daughter of her heart, Ruthy has fourteen grandkids who all love her and think she’s the coolest thing on the planet. Except for Star Wars & Harry Potter, puppies, baseball, Nerd ropes…. Okay, you get the picture. She loves chatting with readers. Email Ruthy at loganherne@gmail.com, ask to be put on her newsletter list or visit her website ruthloganherne.com.

CONNECT WITH RUTH: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
 


TOUR GIVEAWAY


(1) winner will receive a print copy of Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge and an assortment of candies!

Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 16, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.



Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Review: At Home in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne



My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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Synopsis


After surviving the streets of South Philly, Thea Anastas never thought she’d wind up working in rural New York. But a call from a friend in need convinced the nurse practitioner to make the trip. Now her temporary position is making a difference in Wishing Bridge—though Thea can’t afford to make a difference, to fill a gaping hole in the sweet, small town. After all, the current medical practice is being dissolved in three months, and bigger opportunities are luring her away…

Her partner, Dr. Ethan Brandenburg, has his own struggles: caring for his orphaned niece and nephew and holding firm to his decision to leave Wishing Bridge for a prestigious job in Chicago. Though Thea’s no-nonsense advice in the office has been good for business, her compassion in Ethan’s personal life has been good for his heart. But how can he offer a commitment to a woman when they’re both about to say goodbye?

Wishing Bridge may be surrounded by forests and farms, but Thea is starting to realize that friendships and family form its heart—and that what she wants in life and love may be right in front of her eyes.


My Review

The small town setting and vibe continues strongly in the second book in the Wishing Bridge series. Thea has a pragmatic personality and it really came across as she works as a nurse practitioner with the doctor who has his sights set on something more than a local practice. I appreciated the storyline of Ethan's orphaned niece and nephew who need him, and Thea's insights that help him realize and focus his priorities. The progress he sees when he follows her advice, especially with his prickly niece, softens his heart toward the town even though it's not part of his long-term plans. Thea's aloofness made it difficult for me to connect with her as a reader, and like with the first book, I felt like more of an observer than a participant in the emotion of the story.

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



Don't miss the other books in the Wishing Bridge series . . .

https://amzn.to/3aSbmihhttps://amzn.to/39NuzBS




Review: Welcome to Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne



My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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Synopsis

Kelsey is on her way to a life do-over. And it’s not the first time. Abandoned by her drug-addict mother as a teen, she landed in a foster-care group home where she experienced faith and community—and met her best friends, Jazz and Theadora. The trio stuck together like sisters and vowed to make their lives mean something.

Now Kelsey’s pushing thirty, and her life has taken a wrong turn. Pregnant and alone after loving the wrong man, she’s on her way to making another life-changing decision when a wicked blizzard strands her outside the sleepy town of Wishing Bridge.

After being rescued from a snowbank by a handsome cop, she’s embraced by the welcoming village, but she still feels upside down. Fortunately, her frantic SOS brings her besties rushing to help sort things out. They soon find that Wishing Bridge has as many secrets as Kelsey does—and she’s connected to it in ways she couldn’t have imagined.


My Review

This is a quintessential small town story, with three friends from the city who serendipitously land in Wishing Hollow and have their hearts healed with the peace and friendship they find in the small community on the verge of revitalization. The book is strong on dialogue and faith-filled words of wisdom, especially from Maggie, the sweet woman who takes Kelsey in. I didn't have much of a connection to the characters or feel much chemistry between Hale and Kelsey- I felt more removed as an observer rather than in the middle of the emotion. Thea and Jazz are focused on almost as much as Kelsey which made me invested and looking forward to reading their stories in the next books. 

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



Don't miss the other books in the Wishing Bridge series . . .

https://amzn.to/2ILvJlohttps://amzn.to/3cVGy24




Thursday, March 12, 2020

Review: Woman of Sunlight by Mary Connealy



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything.

Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.

Warden is intent on helping his family reclaim their land, but doesn't realize the risks his past has brought. Dangerous men have tracked him, and rather than risk innocent lives, he's determined to end the danger. But that means a journey to the city--and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on a venture they'll never forget.


My Review

It was a pleasure to continue the story of the Nordegren sisters from the first book. This one focused on Ilsa, the wood sprite who runs through the trees and gives Mitch what-for. They definitely have a volatile relationship in the beginning which is fun, but everything changes when they face assassins who are after Mitch. Ilsa's fearless defense of him shifts his realization of how he regards her with admiration and affection instead of frustration and guilt for getting her sick with chicken pox. Ilsa's isolated existence on the mountain made her adventure to the local town and on to bigger cities an eye-opening experience, where she takes things at face value and Mitch feels the need to explain and interpret her misunderstandings. They become quite a pair as they work together to solve the mystery of who's behind the hired guns and how Mitch was betrayed before he escaped to the mountain. We also get come chapters from Ursula and Wax's perspectives, setting us up for the next book. I'm really looking forward to it!

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



Don't miss the other books in the Brides of Hope Mountain series . . .

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https://amzn.to/2IukRZ7