Review: The Bachelor's Twins by Kathryn Springer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Two Little Matchmakers

Anna Leighton's eight-year-old twin daughters think they've given their hardworking single mom the perfect birthday gift. But the family canoe trip with outdoorsman Liam Kane is far from relaxing. Their rocky shared past--and the secret Anna's been keeping--means she's given Liam a wide berth for ten years...until now. Liam may be bowled over by his former high school crush's beauty, but these days he's a die-hard bachelor who's building a cabin for one. But the rugged Liam underestimates the power of an unstoppable force: two little girls who want a daddy.

My Review

Liam comes from a rough childhood, but after he and his two brothers were taken in by a Castle Falls couple, they had a home and family that could be relied on. There are others in the community that don't let the stain of his past go, and old prejudices interfere with Anna and Liam's blossoming friendship. I liked how one small experience shifted the tides for them, and they began to interact at a deeper level than before when they always had their guard up. they have a sweet chemistry that is not founded on looks or physical attraction, but a much more meaningful connection of long-held feelings of yearning. Old secrets come to light with Anna's past, but also with the three Kane brothers. I'm excited to read more in the series!

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 Castle Falls series . . .

Review: The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: The baby is mine.

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

My Review

I loved the themes in this story of accepting consequences, looking for the good in others, and unconditional love and friendship. I got to know the characters in this book when I read the sequel first (I seem to be doing that a lot lately...) so reading this was like visiting old friends and discovering new stories about them. I would recommend reading them in order if you can, though ;) I liked seeing how Gin's upbringing directly influenced her attitudes but she was willing to change and try for the sake of her daughter. The steadiness of Dan's character is huge for both Gin and Raine, and as they become included under the shelter of his protective nature, he is an example of Christlike love to them. It was interesting to have the younger perspective of Cody and Raine as well as the adults; it made for a richer and more rounded telling of the story and all the emotions from various perspectives. The changing point of view never felt unbalanced and was skillfully woven as the plot unfolded. A heartfelt story of choices, consequences, and blessings.

(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review & Giveaway: The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Planning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie’s life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated.

Thirteen years ago, Evie's firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie's heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie's life is stream-lined, Jack's approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack's world—a world that isn't as safe or predictable as the one she's worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn't make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn't felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn't anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

My Review

I started this book not realizing it was the second in a series. It took me a few chapters to get a feel for all the characters and their relationships since the story pretty much dives right in to Evie's life, and I think it would have been a smoother start for me if I had already read the first book, The Dandelion Field. Evie is angsting over her empty nest now that her only son is married, but once she and Jack become unlikely friends, the story focuses on her eye-opening experiences in the seedy part of town and the love and kindness needed by the people there. Evie has a true heart for service and I admired that she made friends in Jack's neighborhood quickly and without judgement. Her compassion is a blessing to Jack's family and although he doesn't feel worthy of her, he falls for Evie and they begin a sweet romance (amazing first kiss, by the way!) I felt for Jack as he repeatedly tries to be the rescuer and fix-it man for his splintered family, only to realize that he has to let God take care of things out of his control. I loved his character trait of being handy at renovating and improving buildings, it reminded me of my uncles and their skills :) The theme of letting go of fear to embrace the blessings God has in store for us is one that was successfully represented throughout the course of the book. Now I'm going to go read The Dandelion Field!

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Don't miss the first book in the Banister Falls series, The Dandelion Field

Synopsis

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: The baby is mine.

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

Review: Love on a Deadline by Kathryn Springer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

MacKenzie “Mac” Davis left her hometown of Red Leaf, Wisconsin, to pursue a degree in journalism. But when her dad, the town’s beloved Coach Davis, suffers a mild heart attack, Mac returns home to help out. She takes a job at the weekly newspaper but instead of covering serious topics, her editor wants her to write about social events—like the garden club’s flower show and the historical society’s afternoon tea. Mac knows it’s no way to earn her father’s respect—or the attention of one of the newspapers she hopes will hire her when she leaves Red Leaf.

When Hollis Channing, Mac’s high school nemesis, returns to Red Leaf to marry her celebrity fiancé, the editor asks Mac to cover the big event—and all the festivities leading up to—for the newspaper.

The last thing Mac wants to do is reconnect with the person who made her life miserable when she was a teenager . . . unless it’s spending time with Ethan Channing, the bride’s older brother—and Mac’s first crush.

Mac is no longer the awkward girl who wore the school mascot costume to the Homecoming dance but she realizes something hasn’t changed. Her feelings for Ethan.

My Review

I always enjoy Kathryn Springer's stories since she has a way of making her characters realistic and easy to connect with. Mac has conflicting emotions as she reunites with her unrequited love and it was fun to see Ethan's instant attraction to her. She doesn't make it easy for him, but a new level of friendship naturally occurs as they work together to give Hollis the quiet wedding she wants while still providing a story for Mac to report. Mac's new dilemma is whether or not to hang around the small town to be with Ethan or move on to a bigger city and focus on her career. A great addition to the Year of Weddings novella line!

(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: A September Bride by Kathryn Springer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Annie's always wanted a home and a family. But will pretending to be a bride get her closer to her dreams?

All Annie Price has ever wanted is a place to call home. Growing up in the foster care system, that dream seemed far away, but now Annie's dream may be coming true. A friend she met in an online book group wants to retire and has offered Annie a fresh start managing her little bookstore. Believing the opportunity is an answer to prayer, Annie packs her suitcase and moves to Red Leaf, Wisconsin.

The residents of Red Leaf welcome Annie into the fold . . . everyone except the bookstore owner's son, Jesse Kent. But Annie refuses to let the handsome deputy keep her from embracing her new home with open arms. She even volunteers to help the local historical society refurbish an old church and agrees to be the 'bride' for a special reenactment celebrating the museum's open house.
 
Jesse Kent can't believe his mother has handed the keys to her business over to a woman she met on the Internet. Annie's beautiful, of course, and smart as a whip, but what do they really know about her, anyway? What if she's come to their town just for his mother's money? The only way to see if his suspicions about Annie Price are true is to keep a close eye on her---even if it means he has to marry her! Planning their mock wedding will give him the chance to uncover Annie's motive for moving to town. But as the day of the wedding approaches and secrets come to light, Jesse must face the truth. He wants Annie to be his September bride . . . for real.

My Review

What a sweet falling-in-love story set in a quaint small town. Annie and Jesse may not have started off on the right foot, but they quickly see the good in each other and with the help of some well-meaning townspeople, find themselves in situations perfect for a little romance. My favorite scenes were hunting for vintage treasures in Ms. Viv's attic and Annie dressing up to read to the children in the bookstore. There is even a mystery towards the end that has to get solved before the wedding if Annie is going to feel welcome in Red Leaf, and it's heroic how Jesse comes to her defense.

(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)