Review: Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

The cottage by the sea offers Amy a refuge to mourn her brother’s death and perhaps even discover a new love. But what if Ben’s death was no accident?
 

Rosemary Cottage on the Outer Banks of North Carolina has been in Amy Lang’s family for generations and offers her a haven within its peaceful walls. There she hopes to discover what really happened to her brother, Ben, even as she tries to come to grips with his death in the ocean months before.
 

She hopes the Coast Guard team will help her find closure, but they are quick to dismiss her concerns of foul play. Everyone in Hope Beach regards the suspicious e-mail she received as a vicious prank. When it seems discovering what happened to Ben will take longer than she expected, Amy moves her midwifery practice to Hope Beach.
 

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland may hold the key to many of her questions, but he also hides a secret that will change her world forever. And her own secrets could tear apart the fragile love developing between them. Will Amy have the courage to put down her mask and let Curtis love her for who she is? And can they both weather the danger that threatens to destroy the most precious thing in their lives?

My Review

I really struggled with the first part of the book because the author dives right into the plot and several characters, jumping scenes and I felt like in each scene I was only getting half the information I needed in order to understand what was going on. I kept going despite feeling lost amid the vague information, and even after things began settling into place, I wasn't feeling connected to the emotions of the characters and almost didn't finish the book. There are various themes of family dynamics- dysfunction & secrecy, loyalty & sacrifice. I was intrigued by Curtis and Amy's occupations, but their work lives somehow seemed disconnected from their life and investigation on the island. Amy and Curtis alternate feeling attracted and pushing each other away, especially when accusing and judging the mysterious choices of Gina and Ben. About 2/3 through I knew I needed to find out whodunit, and gave up on the "romance" between Amy and Curtis. The book is definitely more plot driven that character driven. Some unexpected twists made the last quarter of the book and the ending satisfying, and I'm glad I finished it.

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.

The Hope Beach series

 

 

 

Review: Threads of Grace by Kelly Long

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

Grace’s beauty almost cost her everything. This new start is all she has left.

When Grace Beiler was only a girl, she was married off to an older Amish man in order to save her family’s farm. Years later, she finds herself newly widowed and a mother to a young son. She has finally fled her sad past and plans to settle into a quiet life in Pennsylvania.

As soon as she arrives, she captures the attention of Seth Wyse, the most eligible bachelor in Pine Creek. Seth is candid about his feelings for her, and for her son Abel, but Grace is determined to protect her heart. Her determination falters when her brother-in-law reveals the troubling contents of her late husband’s will.

Seth offers Grace his hand in marriage, and thus a means of escape. But despite his having saved her from another loveless marriage, Grace is slow to trust her new husband. And as the months wear on, Seth wonders if he has made a mistake. But God is quietly at work in their hearts, and Seth and Grace soon discover that threads of grace bind them together in a tapestry rich in hope and love.

My Review

This is a sweet story told from many perspectives. The main characters are Grace and Seth, but the author often switches suddenly to five or six others. It's not a writing style I enjoy, but it did bring more attention to the secondary cast. The abuse Grace suffered from her first husband was heartbreaking, and she had quite a bit of healing to do. The villain of her brother-in-law was creepy and provided the impetus for her to marry Seth before she was ready. I felt unsatisfied that the will was such an issue and the bother-in-law had plans to work around it, but then the actions never came to fruition and the resolution of his plot line was tied up too neatly and quickly to seem realistic. I enjoyed Seth's personality the most, and how patient and encouraging he was with Grace. She had a whole new support system with her sister, friend Alice from her hometown, and new extended family members. Grace also spends time trying to befriend an angry young woman but I was confused when nothing really came of it. Grace's son Abel is autistic and it was interesting to see how he interacted with the community and they with him.

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.

Patch of Heaven series

 

 

Review: The Christmas Gathering by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, Lenora Worth

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

Christmas miracles abound in this trio of stories that celebrate holiday blessings with three Amish families who discover the season’s sweetest gifts . . .

A CHRISTMAS REUNION by Shelley Shepard Gray
Tricia Troyer is thrilled when Brandt Holden, her cousin’s English friend, joins the Troyers’ holiday gathering for the second year in a row. The sparks between them are clear to everyone. When Brandt asks Tricia to be his girlfriend, they both know she’ll have important choices to make about her future. But the two aren’t as different as some believe—and with open hearts and understanding, their very own Christmas miracle just might be possible . . . 

WE GATHER TOGETHER by Lenora Worth
When Lucas Myer meets Kayla Hollinger on the shores of Lake Erie, he’s smitten. Their families are even staying at the same inn, for different gatherings. The two plan to meet again—but soon enough they discover a problem: their relatives are locked in a longtime feud and forbid them to socialize. Fortunately, Lucas and Kayla are old enough to make their own decisions—and they decide to create a Christmas miracle of forgiveness and love . . . 

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Rachel J. Good
Years ago, Mark was banished by his Amish family when he chose a career in music. It still hurts, especially during the holidays. And now, just before Christmas, he and his band find themselves stranded after their manager absconds with their money. Desperate, Mark is offered a job teaching piano—but that’s just the first miracle. His work will not only bless others in need, but a longtime fan might just capture his heart—and even lead him home . . .

My Review

This is a sweet collection of heartwarming stories perfect for any time of the year! My favorite of the three was the last one by Rachel J. Good. I was intrigued by Mark's past as an Amish rock and roll star in the region, and his current situation busking with a handicapped man. He's reunited with an elusive admirer Joline, who had been on her own journey of rebellion and faith-seeking. After reading this novella I found the original story of the Amish rock band and the community center Joline's family established with the help of a wealthy local patron. I really enjoy this author's writing style and her characters.

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.

Review: Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins embarks on a perilous journey through the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in search of the Peigan Blackfoot woman who once saved her father's life. She joins a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the place the woman is hiding, but keeping Faith's identity a secret proves more difficult than she imagined.

Grant Allen is searching for his younger brother, who was separated from him when their parents died many years ago. After receiving word that his brother went west to the Rockies, he unites with a group of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother's location. Soon Grant realizes there's a woman hiding among the men, and he's determined to find out who she is, what she's hiding, and how he can keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.

In this rousing conclusion to her Sisters of the Rockies series, Misty M. Beller embarks on an adventurous journey where loyalty, love, and sacrifice intertwine amid the unforgiving frontier.

My Review

I've enjoyed this series about the adventures of the Collins young women as they search, make friends, and fall in love. Faith is the youngest, and I was surprised at her impulsiveness and naiveté when she leaves the safety of her family and continues the pursuit on her own without much of a plan. Grant saves her life more than once as he sees through her disguise and protects her from danger. I usually find this trope compelling but I struggled to connect with Faith and Grant's emotions. There is suspense added to the plot when they discover that they are not the only ones close on the trail of Steps Right. Grant is also searching for the younger brother he was separated from, making their travels more complex. The resolution of Steps Right being reunited with White Horse and the Collins daughters expressing their gratitude for her was very heartwarming. 

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.

Sisters of the Rockies series

 

 

Takeover Blitz, Review & Giveaway: Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Toward the Dawn 

Series: A Western Light #2 

Author: Mary Connealy 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: June 18, 2024 

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance

Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience. 

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

My Review

The journey continues with Kat and Sebastian going stir-crazy in the safety of the isolated canyon with their friends, and with the convenience of trains they are able to travel from city to city, getting married, establishing a homestead, building a lab for Sebastian's inventions, and tracking down the mystery of who is after them. We have some sections from the perspective of some of the villains- Ginny's vengeful husband and Kat's greedy uncle, but are kept in suspense to discover who is after Sebastian and his inventions. I enjoyed Kat and Sebastian getting to know each other more and figuring out how to have a good marriage. I wasn't feeling much chemistry between them since they are both pragmatic and tend to state and restate their situation to each other, and there wasn't much depth to their emotions, especially romantically. The plot is definitely driven by the action and tension building from the dangerous villains seeking Kat, Sebastian, and those in the canyon. Another asylum escapee reappears and the third perspective is from those in the canyon trying to rehabilitate her. Quite a bit going on which kept the pace steady and accelerating toward an exciting finish.

 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.

More Books from this Series

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About the Author

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise and The Lumber Baron's Daughters and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Connect with Mary by visiting MaryConnealy.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Toward the Dawn and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 3, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 10, 2024. 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

Review: Earning the Mountain Man's Trust by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared after a business trip, never responding to her letters. She’s now alone with a beautiful baby to provide for, a daughter whose red hair reminds her daily of the man she gave her heart to. She has to move on, though, and she did, going west with her sister. When Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better father for her sweet child. He’s a Coulter, after all, and he’s proven to be a good friend during her darkest hours.

Eric LaGrange thought he’d lost Naomi forever. But when he finally gets word that she’s in the Montana Territory, he drops everything to go after her…and their daughter? How could Naomi have kept their beautiful child from him? And how could she move on so quickly that she’s already engaged to another man? He loves Naomi so much that he’ll accept whatever choice is best for her, but is that him…or this settled rancher who clearly cares for them? No matter what, he’s determined to know his daughter and become the father he always wanted to be.

With Eric’s sudden appearance, Naomi’s heart is shredded once again. She barely has time to catch her breath before a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a second chance romance, love triangle, hidden treasure, and faith that heals wounded hearts.

My Review

I've enjoyed this series so far and love the premise of an isolated ranch of brothers (reminiscent of Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer), but I struggled with the love triangle in this book. I want to root for Jonah as a Coulter brother, but he really gets the short end of the stick. It was difficult for me to be sympathetic to Eric, and I didn't always relate to Naomi's attitude. I think it was the non-communication that contributed, and the secrets Naomi kept that prohibited those around her from giving the support she needed in the aftermath of her trauma. Her silence also caused some of the later danger and conflict, and speaking up would have given Eric vital information that would have protected him and helped him make safer choices. I was glad for her to have a happy ending and look forward to more in the series focusing on the Coulter brothers finding 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.

The Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series 

Review: Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed of.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheel-chair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress--someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership--she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

If she proves to have a knack for ranching and agrees to remain single for life, the ranch can be hers. Neither stipulation worries Molly. She’s resourceful and hardworking. And she gave up dreams of marriage long ago when she dedicated her life to her brother’s well-being.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s handsome and charismatic young doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness.

But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

My Review

Another series I'm reading completely out of order! Fortunately the author wove in enough of the backstory and plot that I didn't feel lost. Molly and Donny have a rough background, yet their loyalty to each other keeps them going. Molly's grit and determination are admirable, and she throws herself into working on the ranch and learning all she can. Her brother struggles with being an invalid, and the doctor has some methods of inspiring him that Molly disagrees with. The bickering, fighting, and immature behavior and thoughts of all three main characters were a bit off-putting. I didn't connect with the emotions of the characters in this book, but it was an interesting read and showed how the times were changing with medicine and the introduction of automobiles.

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.

Check out the other books in The Brides of Last Chance Ranch series . . .