Review: Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Beloved inspirational romance author Jennifer Beckstrand continues her uplifting Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series featuring Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s, irrepressible eighty-something matchmakers Anna and Felty Helmuth! Will appeal to readers of Amish and inspirational romance and fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Emma Miller.

Martha Sue Helmuth wishes she could just relax and enjoy her extended visit with her beloved grandparents. Instead, she is nursing a broken heart over gentle widower Yost Beiler.  Yost’s thirteen-year-old son, Jonah, refuses to accept Martha Sue, and she refuses to risk coming between them. For now, she is just trying to avoid her Mammi’s choice of yet another eligible suitor. But when Yost moves himself and Jonah to Huckleberry Hill to change Martha Sue’s mind, she can't help dreaming that somehow, some way, she and Yost will have a miraculous second chance to be together . . .
 
After his wife’s untimely death, Yost did everything he could to help Jonah through his grief.  He hopes that Martha Sue's outgoing family—and her generous ways—will show his son how loving and trustworthy she truly is. But Anna and Felty's matchmaking antics are inspiring Jonah to drive Martha Sue off for good. And when he goes too far, can Yost and Martha Sue find the understanding to forgive him—and the strength to prove they can overcome differences to make one joyous forever family?

My Review

I'm always excited to read a book by Jennifer Beckstrand! She has a wonderful way of blending laugh out loud humor with more subtle humor, unique characters, and depth of emotion. Anna and Felty are their usual lovable selves, and I have to say that I appreciate them even more after reading the prequel novel that tells their story, First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill. Anna is quirky as ever and sly as a fox as she tries to help Martha and Yost overcome the obstacles to their relationship. And they have a pretty big one- Yost's young teenage son who is struggling with all the hard emotions that come with the circumstances he is in. Shenanigans abound, with Yost's love and attention divided between the two most important people in his life. And Vernon Schmucker showing up for food doesn't help matters either... I'm so curious as to whether he will ever find love!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the amazing books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series . . . 

Review: Chiara's Choice by Chalon Linton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Chiara Madero, daughter of an Italian baron, is the epitome of beauty and fire, and when confronted, her lovely lips reveal a sharp tongue. But her enchanting facade hides a less-than-elegant truth: her family believes her true value lies in her ability to secure an advantageous match. And there is no better place to find a wealthy, titled husband than the London Marriage Mart.

Mr. Abraham Jamison is not a firstborn son and has procrastinated choosing an occupation. Nevertheless, his honest and forthright nature immediately captures Chiara’s attention. He is unsuitable for a woman of her station in all ways, but she can’t seem to resist seeking out his company. Abraham sees through her fiery personality and refuses to play her games, yet after waging a mutual battle of wits, an unexpected friendship forms between them—a rapport that soon blossoms into something more.

Abraham’s wish is to become a man worthy of her. But when faced with her family’s determination to manipulate circumstances to their advantage, he and Chiara must face their feelings and find the strength to defy an insurmountable obstacle: Chiara’s mother.

My Review

Chiara is such an interesting character! I loved how the author challenges our first impressions of Chiara by peeling back her layers, revealing the vulnerable young woman behind the facade she has learned to use. Abraham is instrumental in provoking Chiara and making her see past the games of society. I enjoyed her sense of humor, and how she did her own provoking to get Abraham out of his reserved and often grumpy shell. They are both at an important crossroads in their lives, with the pressures of career and marriage. They seem like an unlikely couple, but their opposite natures compliment each other and their chemistry is palpable. The pace felt unhurried, which allowed me to enjoy the nuances of all the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Recommend to fans of sweet Regency romance!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other Regency novels by Chalon Linton . . .

Review: Turn to Me by Becky Wade

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey's life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke's release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he's hidden. Worried that she won't be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke's promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke's help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return--by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he's long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He'll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who's going to shield him from losing his heart?

My Review

Luke has been the intrigue throughout the series- why did he go off the rails after the trauma while the others bonded together? I loved getting his perspective and discovering what led to his choices. As opposite to him as Finley seems, she is the perfect match to bring light and hope into his life as he transitions back to society. She's not judgemental of his past, but seeks to understand. I loved how protective Luke is as he reluctantly joins her search with the clues her father left. Their romance is a slow burn, and the anticipation builds as they develop a deeper friendship and attraction. A wonderful redemption story that brings all the feels!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Misty River Romance series . . .

 

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Revelation is My Flashlight by Sierra Wilson, illustrated by Danika Runyan

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Using read-aloud rhyme and relatable analogies, Revelation Is My Flashlight is an engaging story and teaching tool all about how to seek and follow personal revelation. The story includes adorable illustrations and extra resources for further study.

Sometimes life feels like the night.
I can't see where to go.
But God gave me a special tool
to help me see and know.

The tool is revelation.
It's like a shining light.
The Holy Ghost points the way,
showing me what's right.

My Review

I love the poetry and beautiful illustrations in this book that teach in a very relatable way how revelation is present in our lives! I especially appreciated that the author included several ways we can prepare to receive revelation and strengthen our batteries or flashlights. This is a perfect book for children of all ages, and could be used for Family Home Evenings, Primary lessons, or devotionals. At the end there are additional resources such a scriptures, quotes from prophets, an activity, and ways to further discuss the topic. 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

About the Author

Sierra Wilson is the author of several faith-focused books for young readers including My Testimony Tree, Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World, and The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for Me. Sierra holds an MFA in creative writing and previously worked as an English teacher. She loves serving and working with children and youth and currently serves as a young women's leader. Sierra lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband, five kids, two cats, two fish, and bearded dragon. You can connect with Sierra at www.sierrawilsonauthor.com

Giveaway

ENTER HERE

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Unseen by Traci Hunter Abramson

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Unseen by Traci Hunter Abramson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Unseen
Series: Guardian #7
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Genre: Clean Romantic Suspense

Laura’s work as a nurse practitioner has pushed her to her breaking point. A trip abroad to visit her grandmother in Honduras promises a few days of relief, but when her abuela falls ill, Laura finds herself walking the halls of a hospital once more. Still wearing her scrubs, she could easily be confused for a local healthcare worker―and it’s a mistake that happens almost immediately. After a recent shootout, the local gang needs a doctor, and they don’t ask for what they want―they take it. In a split second, Laura is captured in a deadly case of mistaken identity. The outlook is dire until a mysterious rescuer appears, launching the pair on a desperate flight to freedom. 

As a member of the ultraclassified guardian program, Manuel is responsible for protecting US assets in Central America. But when a job in Honduras goes terribly wrong, his skills are pushed to the limit as he races to get Laura out of the country alive. What begins as a connection forged in a shared ordeal quickly deepens, and Manuel and Laura must learn to trust their instincts―and their hearts―if they hope to survive.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Guest Post from Author Traci Hunter Abramson

When choosing the setting for Unseen, I knew I wanted to pick somewhere in Central America, but at the time I was writing this book, we were still in the depths of Covid and the travel restrictions that followed. With no ability to travel there myself, I had to rely on my past experiences of living in Venezuela and visiting Mexico. My time in Panama was a little too fleeting to count as being useful.

One of the reasons I chose Honduras was because it has such a wide range of climates—everything from palm trees to pine forests—as well as a rich cultural heritage. I also needed a location that would be likely to have gang activity. Honduras, like many countries, fulfilled that need. I also loved that Honduras had several regional airports that take in international flights, and Roatán, an island off the northern coast of Honduras, is a popular stop for cruise ships.

And while I did have to do my fair share of research to acquaint myself with the region, one of my favorite topics was comparing the various regional dishes to the meals that I ate while living in Caracas. Arepas are still one of my all-time favorite foods, although most people in the United States are more familiar with the Honduran equivalent—pupusas. Tamales, one of my favorite foods from Mexico, is also commonly found in Honduras.

Wildlife was another topic of interest in my research, primarily for when I was trying to name the fictional gang I created for this book. Ultimately, I chose the black jaguar (jaguar negro) for its stealth and deadly beauty. I also had fun adding in an annoying macaw, one that may have been a bit too much like the one that always woke me up when I visited Canaima (near Angel Falls) in Venezuela.

And for the record, I absolutely looked up flights to La Ceiba when I was writing this book. One of these days, I hope to visit there in person and enjoy the same air my characters breathed.

More Books In This Series

   

   

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About the Author

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She loves to travel and recently retired after twenty-six years coaching her local high school swim team. She has written forty-five best-selling novels and is an eight-time Whitney Award winner, including 2017 and 2019 Best Novel of the Year.

Connect with Traci by visiting traciabramson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $20 Amazon gift card, a print copy of Unseen, and a swag pack!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 30, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 6, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!