Review & Giveaway: Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Julia Dare is trying to run her own business, raise her young son, Max, and help her widowed mother. Her biggest worry, though, is keeping Max's father from being a bad influence while still allowing the boy to spend time with his dad. When an account from her event-planning business sends her to Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to encounter Zeke Monroe, her college sweetheart.

Zeke is determined to keep Caliente Springs running despite financial trouble. When Julia walks back into his life, he's surprised at the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. With Zeke and Julia both pushed to their limits, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

My Review

I have mixed feelings about this one. The characters are well-developed and the setting well-described, but there was an intense feeling of anxiety that I felt as I read about Julia's conflicts with her ex, Zeke's struggles with his faith, and the precarious state of the resort. The highlights for me were the rekindling romance between Julia and Zeke as well as some humorous moments involving Ladybug, the resident goat with attitude problems. A secondary romance involving Julia's mother felt distracting and I found myself skimming through those sections. There is a strong theme of God's love getting us through hard times, but I was disappointed that with Zeke's issues of the shame of falling short of perfection, the healing power of repentance and forgiveness through Christ's atonement wasn't brought into the narrative.

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

About the Author

Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers' Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Giveaway

Click the image below to enter the author's giveaway for five copies of Someone Like You!

Review: London Tides by Carla Laureano

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and mentor in the field, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace ... only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together ... or tear them apart for good this time?

My Review

Grace returns to London unsure and hesitant about her life's new direction... or lack thereof. Ian is also feeling unsettled in his career, and those feelings reflected on the vibe I felt while reading the story. Even as the story progressed, it seemed a bit aimless, and I was not sure what was driving it. I felt for both Grace and Ian as they tentatively rekindle their relationship and simultaneously seek for meaning and passion in daily life. The descriptions of London and Grace's photography excursions were especially interesting, it made me want to take my camera downtown and shoot away :) PTSD rises to the surface as a theme as Ian begins to recognize the symptoms in Grace and as she struggles against it. A trip to Scotland they shared for the wedding of Ian's brother Jaime is sure to be enjoyed by those who have read the author's previous novel, Five Days in Skye. Even though this book didn't quite strike a chord with me I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's work.

(Thank you to David C. Cook Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review & Giveaway: The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things--fast. But David doesn't work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting. 

When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another? 

My Review

Once again I was swept away to the slow and steady pace of life in Stoney Ridge. The storylines from the first book in the series, The Imposter, continue as the minister David struggles with what to do about the bishop's unrepentant heart. The bishop's sister Birdy brings him peace and helps him see life in new perspectives. Katrina and Thelma implement a new source of income on their oil-rich land that has the potential to solve the church's financial problems. Jesse learns to stay out of trouble- for the most part- as he works to make his buggy shop a success. I thoroughly enjoyed the new characters who joined the community, David's mother and nieces who both help and make life difficult for members of David's family. His mother has his best interests at heart, but her disapproval turns his store upside down and disrupts his relationship with Birdy. So many times I just wanted him to stand up to her and shut down her meddling! He does his best in his own quiet way though.

Abigail's point of view was especially interesting since she views life so literally. She thrives on order and organization, and her quest to fill the mystery gap in the Glick family tree for Dane bring the two closer together. She doesn't quite know what to make of his happy personality and is surprised by his kindness toward her when she has endured criticism her entire life. Her mannerisms are funny and bring a subtle humor to the narrative. I loved her enthusiasm for genealogy and the idea that seeking out our ancestors helps us understand our roots and ourselves.

David's anxiety over following the Lord's will in resolving the problems of the church is compounded by pressure from his domineering mother. He wants so desperately to do what is right, but feels strongly that he must wait on God's prompting. The way he continually turns to scripture and prayer is inspiring and I loved the passages from the Bible he drew comfort from. The compelling drama from multiple points of view kept me enthralled and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, The Devoted, which will be released this October.

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

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! 

Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop

I love this time of year! My favorite flowers are blooming and we're already starting to harvest from our little garden. It seems like summer is right around the corner and we're looking forward to days at the beach and some fun road trips. Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win Playing for Keeps by Ranee S. Clark! (Check out my review here)

Synopsis

Football-loving TyAnne Daws has long admired BYU's star quarterback from afar. This semester, she's determined to step away from the sidelines and she has the perfect game plan for winning the heart of Anthony Rocket Rogers. When some smart moves land her in one of his classes, she finds herself in the perfect position to make her play. But as she gets to know the real Anthony, away from the lights of the stadium, Ty realizes that this is no game; she's falling in love . . .

Anthony takes full advantage of his all-star status, holding girls at arm's length for one reason: it keeps him from repeating the same mistakes that once led to a devastating heartbreak. When he meets Ty, his assumption that she's just another pretty face is quickly proven wrong. Though he's completely drawn in by this sweet young woman, her intriguing mix of amusing football know-how, and her quiet selflessness, he will not let himself fall in love. But when faced with the reality of losing the woman he's come to care for despite himself, Anthony's resolve is tested. It's getting harder to keep his head in the game when his heart's on the line.
 

Entry-Form

Read-a-thon Wrap-up

In between my review books I've been reading as many Kindle Unlimited books as I can before my free trial expires tomorrow (thanks to my toddler for signing me up when playing with my Kindle). Here's what I got read during the read-a-thon:

Review & Giveaway: Her One and Only by Becky Wade

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him?
 
But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?

My Review

The Porter Family series is one of my favorites in the contemporary genre! The characters are realistically flawed, yet their strengths help them overcome the trials they face. In the beginning of this book, I didn't relate to Dru and Gray at all, didn't even like them much... so it's a real indicator of the author's skill that I began to care about them and for them, and was emotionally involved enough by the end to shed a few tears. Details of Dru and Gray's pasts and personalities were revealed slowly throughout the story, layer by layer, and I followed right along and connected with them as they connected with each other and appreciated the deeper aspects of their characters as they discovered them within each other. Not to mention their amazing chemistry!

I loved the attention to detail when describing the procedures of the security team. It was realistic and reassuring, and made Dru believable as a "executive protection agent". The author didn't leave gaping holes that have bothered me when reading other books. The element of suspense balanced the pacing of the book with the development of their feelings for each other. The secondary plot of Meg and Bo's struggles add another dimension without derailing the main plot. Those scenes will be most enjoyed by those who have read the whole series, but this book also does well as a stand alone. It made me want to go back and read the whole series all over again :) Highly recommend!

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

---

Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Her One and Only
• A $100 cash card
• Follow Your Heart tote bag
• 24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler
• The Blind Side DVD
• Necklace with star charm
• Porter Family navy jersey

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.

Bout of Books Read-a-thon Update

Update

I might not be able to post a progress update every day but I'll account for the days since my last update post. Here's how I did the first few days of the read-a-thon...

Monday 5/9

 Finished the last two novellas in the Heart of a Cowboy collection

 

Tuesday 5/10 

Read The Earl's Betrothal by Karen Tuft, posted review

Wednesday 5/11

Started Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Five Favorites Challenge

Since I just finished a great Regency romance, I'm going to share my top five in that genre. These are books I've rated 5 stars, have read more than once, and highly recommend!

 

Fabulous e-book sales and a freebie!

Check out these great deals! 

Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund- 5 stars! One of my favorite historical authors!

Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren- 5 stars! This is the first book in the Christiansen Family series, one of my favorite contemporary series!

The Chicago World's Fair Mystery series by Shelley Gray- I've only read the last book which was amazing, and I'm so glad to be able to get the first two books at such a steal :)

I recently read A Twist of Faith by Pepper Basham and enjoyed it, 4 stars!

Review & Giveaway: The Earl's Betrothal by Karen Tuft

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis


Out of the war and into another, Captain Lord Anthony Hargreaves finds the politics of romance to be as uninviting a battle as the one that nearly cost him his life in Badajoz, Spain.

Wounded both mentally and physically from the Peninsular War in 1812, Anthony returns home to find that his older brother has died, placing Anthony next in line to inherit the estate. But he’s not ready for such responsibilities. And when Anthony’s dying father pleads with him to marry and produce an heir to preserve the family title, it nearly sends Anthony over the edge; nevertheless he dutifully faces a long line of hopeful young ladies who await him. No one grabs his attention, though, like Amelia Clarke, his mother’s stunning companion, who is off-limits for the earl. But when Anthony unwittingly puts Amelia in a compromising situation, he dedicates himself to protecting her reputation.

But the horrors Anthony faced while away from home have left him feeling broken and tormented. And Anthony finds himself drawn to Miss Clarke, the only one who can chase away his demons, but he must overcome the hostility of a society driven by class, a jealous duke bent on revenge, and himself—for could Amelia ever really love a haunted man?


My Review

If you're in the mood for a Regency sweet romance with depth- in characters and in content, then The Earl's Betrothal is a book I recommend for you! Amelia is kind and compassionate, feeling grief not only for her own losses but the more recent losses of the family she now serves. I admired the strong foundation of faith that sustained her and helped her stand up in the face of society's disdain.

Anthony struggled with the darker aspects of war- the abuse of the citizens of Spain by his own soldiers, especially the women who suffered at their hands in the aftermath of battle. He has a soft heart for the women in his life and Amelia's presence in the family allows her to slip right under his defenses and offer what he needed most- acceptance.

I particularly enjoyed Anthony's friend Lucas, who shared wartime experiences with him and was in the unique position of providing support simply by knowing what he had been through and encouraging him to work toward forgiving himself.

The story doesn't follow a typical timeline for the developing relationship which was a bit refreshing, and kept me on my toes to see what twists would keep the plot moving forward. There are pleasing details of some fashion and dresses, balls and society gatherings, but it never distracted from the drama- instead the author used them as opportunities to develop and show the personalities of her cast.

Without revealing any spoilers, one particular twist in the story seemed out of place and incongruous with the rest of the book, adding a level of melodrama I didn't think was necessary.

Overall, the exchanges between Amelia and Anthony as they seek to protect each other are the best parts that stand out and had me reading swiftly to reach their next interaction :)

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

May 9th
Literary Time Out
Wishful Endings
My Book a Day
LDS Writer Mom

May 10th

Singing Librarian Books

Bookworm Lisa

Getting Your Read On

Rockin' Book Reviews

May 11th

Bonnie Gets a Say

Heidi Reads...

Mel's Shelves

May 12th

Katie's Clean Book Collection

LDS and Lovin' It

A Transparent Mom

May 13th

Books Are Sanity

Seeking With All Yur Heart

The Things I Love Most

Kindle and Me

a Rafflecopter giveaway