Heidi Reads...

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Review: Tutored in Love by Barbara J. Adamson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Grace Ebert is focused on graduating college and launching her career as a recreational therapist, but one monumental challenge stands in her math. Desperate for help as she struggles to complete her final college course, she hires Noah Jennings to tutor her. Naturally outgoing, Grace is determined to get to know the surly math whiz, but when she pushes too hard for connection, Noah makes it painfully clear that they will never be friends and cuts ties with her. Noah feels his rejection of Grace’s friendship is perfectly justified, but when he’s unexpectedly stuck working with her again, he can’t help but admire her caring heart and determination. As Noah addresses his mental health and Grace confronts her guilt, they form an undeniable bond over the similarity of their haunting grief; still, they must resolve the volatile past that stands between them if they hope to build a future together.

My Review

Talk about getting off on the wrong foot! Grace and Noah begin on a disastrous blind double date, and then meet years later for tutoring sessions- but she doesn't remember him. Even though Noah takes grump to the next level, they are attracted to each other and form a slight friendship... which Noah burns to the ground. It was interesting how much of the book is spent with them not together, but showing them go through their own separate lives, which then randomly intersect. Serving on a mission trip in Mexico gives them a second chance, but outside forces intervene. More life happens, and then a third chance is sought by Noah, when it's almost too late. I wasn't feeling fully connected to the characters, but I appreciated that the author sensitively handled themes of grief, mental health, judging, and forgiveness. The difficulties in their early interactions made the reconciliation that much sweeter in the end, and both Grace and Noah go through so much character growth.

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: Memory Lane by Becky Wade

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

After surviving a trauma several years back, Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands. She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the ocean.

Her binoculars reveal the “something” to be a man, and he’s struggling to keep his head above water. She races out to save him and brings him into her home. He’s injured, which doesn’t detract from his handsomeness nor make him any easier to bear. He acts like a duke who’s misplaced his dukedom . . . expensive tastes, lazy charm, bossy ideas.

Remy would love nothing more than to return him to his people, but he has no recollection of his life prior to the moment she rescued him. Though she’s not interested in relationships other than the safe ones she’s already established, she begins to realize that he’s coming to depend on her.

Who is he? What happened that landed him in the Atlantic Ocean? And why is she drawn to him more and more as time goes by?

There’s no way to discover those answers except to walk beside him down memory lane.

Travel to the rocky coast of Maine for "opposites attract" banter, witty humor, a fascinating mystery, and destiny-changing love. This sweet contemporary romance kicks off Becky Wade's new Sons of Scandal series!

*Note: For a list of sensitive topics in Becky's novels, visit BeckyWade.com and click the link you'll find at the top of the "My Books" page.

My Review

Remy is a reclusive artist who uses her isolation to exert extreme control over her life as well as experience the joy of nature. Rescuing "Jonah" from the ocean disrupts her routines, but as she acclimates to his company, she realizes that she may be ready to move forward and cope with her trauma in different ways. Jonah is on a path of self-discovery with his amnesia, finding out who he was, and making choices for who he will be. There is a mystery that haunts him as he learns more about his life before the accident, and Remy is determined to help him find the closure he needs. I loved their dynamic- they are complete opposites- but they appreciate the contrasts between them and recognize the important values they have in common. This author is skilled at making her characters come to life with unique details and mannerisms, and I was drawn into the complex story quickly. The pace was steady as circumstances changed, twisted, and disrupted Remy's careful life and her new relationship propelled her forward to explore healing and love. I'm excited for more stories from the "sons of scandal!"

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 next book in the Sons of Scandal series . . .

Friday, March 8, 2024

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Forever Free by Hope Toler Dougherty

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Forever Free by Hope Toler Dougherty, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Forever Free
Series: Forever #4
Author: Hope Toler Dougherty
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: January 29, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Phoebe Sinclair combines her love of flowers and teaching to nurture a cut flower business on her grandfather’s land. She’s got her hands full growing the farm, growing her customer base, and dealing with her growing attraction to the aloof man who’s volunteered to help make her farming dream come true.

Can she focus on her main job, or will a pair of yearning eyes and a hurting heart divert her worthy goals?

Heath Daniels has resigned himself to a life of singleness as he watches his siblings couple up and set wedding dates. Tracking their happiness, however, is more difficult than he expected. A real struggle, in fact.

Feeling the old troubles creep back to tempt him—troubles from the bad time when he dropped out of college to explore less-than-noble pursuits—propels him to volunteer for manual labor that leaves him exhausted at the end of every day and out of trouble.

His additional hours of agri-business, however, lead to more struggles with an intriguing farmer. Does he have the strength to resist old temptations as well as a beautiful new one, too?

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

Excerpt

“She died in a car accident spring semester my freshman year.”

Rounded eyes misted. “I’m so sorry, Heath. She must have been special. You’re still honoring her memory. That’s wonderful.”

A harsh noise exploded from his mouth. “One way to look at it, I suppose. Realizing I forgot is what put me in that spin back there. For a minute, I thought the world was over.”

“Really? That sounds—”

“Crazy? You think I’m crazy?” A vein in the side of his neck ballooned.

“No, no. Are you ... superstitious about not remembering?”

“A horrible person forgets a loved one. If I don’t have her favorite breakfast—”

“Was she a control freak when she was alive too?”

“What?” His heart slammed into his chest.

Phoebe slid toward the edge of the seat. “I mean, she’s got a hold on you still, Heath, but not in a good way.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“But I know the difference in healthy grieving and ... something else. You scared me back there. I’ve never seen anyone change temperaments as fast as you in the barn. I didn’t know what was happening.”

“You still don’t.”

“If you want to explain, I’ll listen. If you don’t, fine, but know this—no kind, smart person—no one who grabbed your interest and your love would want her memory to cause what happened to you today.

“Honor her memory. Take flowers to her grave. Eat her favorite breakfast. If you forget, have it for dinner. I’ve watched Grandpa grieve for over a year. He has his moments, then moves on. Because life moves on.”

“You have no idea.” He shook his head.

“You’re right. I don’t. Explain it to me.”

More Books In This Series

About the Author

Hope Toler Dougherty

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her early novels are Irish Encounter, Mars…With Venus Rising, and Rescued Hearts. Her Forever series includes her latest, Forever Free, Forever Music, Forever Home, and the novella, "A Hatteras Surprise."

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win print copies of all 4 books in the Forever series, a $25 Amazon card, and a bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 4, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 11, 2024. Winners 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

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

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Review: The Beaches and Brides Romance Collection by Cathy Marie Hake, Lynn A. Coleman, Susan Page Davis, Paige Winship Dooly, Mary Davis

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Venture along historic American shorelines, enjoying five stories that are full of adventure, challenge, and romance. In Key West a couple collides over a child’s welfare. In Washington, a captain’s wife guards a secret. In Maine, a castaway returns from the dead. In Georgia, a woman dares to man a lighthouse alone. In Virginia, a wounded soldier recoups at a seaside cottage. Watch as God works through their challenges to bring them safely to a harbor of love.

My Review

I loved the seaside settings of these historical stories. They were varied enough to hold my interest, and the romance was gentle and sweet. My favorite story was The Castaway’s Bride by Susan Page Davis, because I felt more connected to the emotions of the characters. Edward had been lost at sea and presumed dead while he and some shipmates drifted, dying one by one, until a few were marooned on an island, but only Edward survived long enough to be rescued several years later. It was easy to feel for him as he returns home, but discovers his fiancee is engaged to the cousin who took over his father's company in his place. Deborah is the fiancee's little sister who idolized him, and now that she's grown, her dynamic personality is a much better fit for him. I appreciated the complex dynamics of the relationships Edward navigated as he settled back into his place in family, work, and community.

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: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.

As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

My Review

I enjoyed this gentle story about making the best of things, past regrets, second chances, and valuing what is most important. Keith and Claire don't make the best first impression of each other, but it was nice that they quickly grew friendly as they encountered one another more. While Keith is a workaholic like his boss used to be, he does always make time for his mother. David wanted to make sure Keith didn't make the same mistakes as he did- prioritizing work to support his family financially at the expense of the emotional support they needed more. Claire has been burned once and doesn't trust easily, but Haley is a bright light in the middle of all these adults with baggage and issues, helping them move forward and embrace hope. Claire's neighbor Maureen had placed her son for adoption and the journey to discover him brings Claire and Keith together as well as David and Maureen. David's daughter is on a path of healing as well, and the various perspectives of the characters brought a well-balanced harmony to the story.

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: While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

My Review

This book has an interesting plot and plenty of historical details, but the main characters were difficult for me to connect with. Charlotte is passionate about the craft and science of cooking, and is single-minded in meeting her goals. Her purposes are to benefit others in need, but her methods, personality, and inner thoughts come across as self-absorbed, entitled, unyielding, and judgemental. After the manner she continued to treat Joel, it didn't seem natural that he would have a friendly or romantic interest in her, especially when he is so arrogantly dismissive of her ideas. I suppose it was meant to be an enemies-to-lovers trope, but I didn't feel that the shift made sense amid their fighting and patronizing that fell short of banter. It was also disappointing the way she treated Lewis. I was most intrigued by the era of moving from wood stoves to gas lines in homes and communities.

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.