Review: Married by Christmas by Karen Kirst

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Wherever Caleb O'Malley goes, trouble follows, and trouble is the last thing Rebecca Thurston needs. But when Caleb appears—gravely wounded—at Rebecca's Smoky Mountain cabin, she can't turn him away. His life depends on her kindness, but she never anticipated it would lead to an unwanted proposal.

Caleb never forgave himself for the accident that ended Rebecca's engagement and destroyed her life. He doesn't want to hurt her again. But after a week recuperating at her cabin, there is only one way for Caleb to protect both their reputations from scandal. Neither of them wants to tie the knot, but as Rebecca and Caleb spend time together, will they find there's more to their marriage than convenience?

My Review

This is now one of my favorite marriage of convenience stories! I love that Rebecca and Caleb had a childhood friendship and tumultuous history. The tension and chemistry is amazing but there are  obstacles that need to be overcome as they fall in love and learn forgiveness of one's self and others.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review & Giveaway! Playing for Keeps by Ranee S. Clark

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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.

My Review

I had a hard time in the beginning of this book since it started out with Ty's determination to get the guy and Anthony's arrogance and playboy attitude... but the cute banter and chemistry they shared kept me reading and soon the deeper layers of the characters began to be revealed, making me invested in them and their story. The BYU college setting was a perfect backdrop to the euphoria and pleasure of a new relationship as well as the insecurity and fears. Ty struggles with confidence in the dating arena and Anthony has major trust issues. Sprinkled in to round things out are some roommate drama, a creepy stalker, and loveable family members. I especially appreciated the scenes with Anthony's adult sister Nikki who struggled with severe OCD. It showed that even those with seemingly perfect lives have heartache and trials, and Anthony's love and protectiveness for her helped him not seem so shallow and self-centered.

The characters in this book are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and there are some references specific to Mormons (not preaching) but it can definitely be enjoyed by anyone who loves contemporary romance!

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

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Wishful Endings

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Min Reads and Reviews

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Review: Long Trail Home by Vickie McDonough

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

When Riley Morgan returns home after fighting in the War Between the States, he is excited to see his parents and fiancee again. But he soon learns that his parents are dead and the woman he loved is married. He takes a job at the Wilcox School for the blind just to get by. He keeps his heart closed off but a pretty blind woman, Annie, threatens to steal it. When a greedy man tries to close the school, Riley and Annie band together to fight him and fall in love.But when Riley learns the truth about Annie, he packs and prepares to leave the school that has become his home and the woman who has thawed his heart. Will he change his mind and find the love he craves' Or will stubbornness deprive him from the woman he needs' Through painful circumstances, Riley and Annie learn that the loving and sovereign hand of God cannot be thwarted.

My Review

This was a sweet, enjoyable story. It alternated between the viewpoints of Annie, Riley, and the headmistress Laura. Each are struggling with fears and obstacles, but lean on each other for strength. I did find it hard to believe that Riley couldn't figure out that Annie was not blind. There also seemed to be an easy solution to Annie's dilemma- why couldn't Laura feed and board her in exchange for her work at the home- without the pretense of blindness? I liked the setting of a school for blind children and the compassion which was a major theme of the novel.

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

Review, Giveaway, and Facebook Party celebrating Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s been given the post as lighthouse keeper, and the isolation where he can drown in drink and hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s none-too-pleased to be giving up her position. They both quickly realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but Ryan’s unwilling to let anyone close, ravaged by memories and guilt. Caroline’s drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?

My Review

There are so many interesting things that I loved about this novel! The first being that the author doesn't shy away from portraying the hero as a doped and drunken mess in all his stinky glory, which provides a distinct contrast to the goodness in his heart and the strong, courageous man he truly is under his pain, fears, and doubts, and emphasizes the power of his transformation. We get to know Caroline and her own fears, flaws, strength and compassion through her relationships with those around her. She faces the injustice of her situation with dignity, sacrificing everything for her family. I loved the romance between her and Ryan- they strengthened each other and brought joy and laughter into what could have been a grim environment. Caroline is sweet in her inexperience with flirting and Ryan's teasing and banter lightens her worries over her family. Their chemistry together is intense as they experience the thrill of new love.

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

Don't miss Jody Hedlund's new book, Hearts Made Whole, a story of loss, forgiveness, hope, and true love set in 1865 Michigan. When Ryan's failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Can Caroline forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody's June 23rd author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A picnic basket set
• A beach bag
• Flip flops
• A beach towel

One second-place winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A lighthouse journal

One third-place winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A lighthouse necklace

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 23rd.Winner will be announced June 23rd at Jody's Facebook party. RSVP here!

Review: Nowhere to Turn by Lynette Eason

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The day Danielle Harding takes her 11-year-old son, Simon, and flees from her abusive husband, is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe--but in reality, the danger has just begun. When Kurt was alive, he took something important to a mysterious person. That person wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won't be able to hide for long . . .

My Review

There is an incredibly compelling jump-start to this book. It was hard to put down and I had to fall asleep with the lights on! Several twists and turns kept me guessing throughout the plot. Dani and Adam were great main characters and their freindship-romance developed in a believable way. The villains were realistically flawed, but still unnerving. This was a perfect suspense novel for me and I will definitely be reading more by Lynette Eason!

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

Wrap-up post: Clean Sweep ARC Challenge

Well, I didn't get all the books read on my list, but I did finish the following 11 books. It sure helped to have a challenge motivating me to get my reviews posted quickly!

 

 

 

Great e-book freebie and sale! The Vow and An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

Only $1.99 for the e-book of An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund! Her books are always fantastic- this is a deal not to miss!

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice. If Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights the one who appears the most guilty had not already captured her heart.

Get the e-book of The Vow by Jody Hedlund for free! This is the novella prequel to An Uncertain Choice.

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

In this ebook historical romance novella by Jody Hedlund, young Rosemarie finds herself drawn to Thomas, the son of the nearby baron. But just as her feelings begin to grow, a man carrying the Plague interrupts their hunting party. While in forced isolation, Rosemarie begins to contemplate her future—could it include Thomas? Could he be the perfect man to one day rule beside her and oversee her parents’ lands?

Then Rosemarie is summoned back to her castle in haste. The disease has spread, and her family is threatened. And the secret she discovers when she returns could change her future forever.

This novella also serves as a prequel to Jody Hedlund’s An Uncertain Choice.

Review: Together With You by Victoria Bylin

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When a Lost Child warning blasts over the mall's PA system, toy store manager Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about five-year-old Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that Penny suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's own past suddenly confronts her. Never again will Carly become involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart. Before she has time to think it through, she agrees to a much-needed job as a nanny. 

Dr. Ryan Tremaine knows he messed up his life. But this summer he will redeem himself. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan is dedicated to his sink-or-swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruiting Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny. 

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

My Review

My attention was grabbed right off the bat when the background to Ryan's daughter Penny was explained. I didn't expect his character to be so flawed, but at the same time I admired his resolve and determination to be a better father and improve his family dynamics as best he could. I also didn't expect there to be such a huge focus on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I definitely learned some new things in that regard. It was a brilliant move by the author to have a few scenes from Penny's point of view since it gave me a deeper understanding of her thought process. Carly could have come across as too happy and perfect, but instead she showed depth, compassion, intelligence, and even inner conflict. I felt like the emphasis on the relationship and interactions between the children and adults overshadowed the romance, and the foundation of friendship Ryan and Carly built was glossed over during the time lapses. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, because I did- this book is excellently written, but I did miss that aspect of Ryan and Carly's relationship. The drama is somewhat gritty but the characters' reactions and struggles come across as realistic and true-to-life.

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

Review: In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Marisa St. George is devastated when she is a victim of downsizing and has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it's a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But will her dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers who he really is?

My Review

Like the previous book in the series, In Firefly Valley is slow moving, but in a relaxing way. I enjoyed all the characters in the small-town community. The personal struggles of Marisa were realistic as she deals with her issues of abandonment and anger. Blake and Marisa have great kissing scenes, and secondary romance between Drew and Lauren was nice. Strong themes of family, alcoholism, anger, secret identity, trust, grief, and forgiveness, and second chances make this more than just a light read.

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