Review: Picture Perfect Love by Melissa McClone

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren't always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God's plan and His perfect timing.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away. When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton's heart still hasn't recovered.

It was me. His younger sister's three words turn Ashton's world upside down. He must ask Jenna’s forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

My Review

As a photographer who used to work weddings, this book was right up my alley! I totally connected to Jenna and her creative outlet. I didn't have much sympathy for Ashton in the beginning, but as their relationship began to rekindle I could see how much he missed her and still cared for her. There is a powerful theme of forgiveness which I can always use as an example in my life to do better with. I  enjoyed reading this novella; it's one of the top 5 that I've read in the Year of Weddings novella series.

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

Extras

Visit author Melissa McClone's website to enter her blog tour giveaway!

Like Melissa McClone on Facebook! 

Check out the Year of Weddings novellas: Series One / Series Two

E-book sale: $1.99 for Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

Get the e-book of Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings for only $1.99! 

I really liked this book- you can read my review here. 

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

Synopsis

The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life's next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected--Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.

Anne’s been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She’s only in Garber to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees--leaving Anne with her infant son. With Nick the only person Anne knows in Garber, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.

But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society--and it's not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick's work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn't helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others' expectations, can the pair find their way to love?

E-book sale: 99 cents for House Divided by Jennifer Peel

Get the e-book of House Divided by Jennifer Peel for only 99 cents! 

I really liked this book- you can read my review here.

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

Synopsis

There is a law irrevocably decreed in the state of Alabama that you must choose a team. You're either an Auburn fan or an Alabama Fan. There is no fence sitting or waffling. It’s one or the other. However, it doesn't mean that you can’t fall in love with someone from the opposing side. They even have a name for it ... House Divided.

Ellie Eaton and Brady Jackson were just such a couple, but unfortunately they were separated by more than just their loyalty to a university. Against the odds and against the rules, Ellie and Brady dove right into the forbidden current of friendship and then love. Their sweet, innocent romance was one for the storybooks, but old rules and family prejudices ultimately tore them apart, just as they were each ready to depart to their beloved universities, Ellie to Auburn and Brady to Alabama. But years later, when near tragedy strikes, they're brought together again and given a second chance at love, this time with the help from some very unlikely sources.

House Divided is a sweet romance filled with southern charm, a dash of humor and, for good measure, a pinch of lies and intrigue.

E-book sale: $1.99 for Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie

Download Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie for only $1.99!

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Synopsis

With her brothers away fighting the Great War overseas, Livy Campbell desperately wants to help her family. Her chance comes when she meets a handsome stranger who lands her a job as a teacher in a place far from her parents' farm. But the war casts a long shadow over the German-American town that Livy now calls home—and the darkness will test everything she thought she knew about family and love . . .

More than anything, Friedrick Wagner wants to be part of his adopted country's struggle for peace. But when the bitter animosity between Germans and Americans soon turns citizens against newcomers, friend against friend, he will do whatever it takes to protect Livy from the hysteria that grips their town. As tragedy—and dark secrets from the past—threaten their future, Friedrick and Livy have one chance to stand up for what's right . . . and one chance to fight for their love.

Review & 5-Book Giveaway: Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Where better to rebuild and face one's fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she'll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn't anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he'd always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert's widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald's fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they're striving to cure. Together they must ask is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

My Review

This is a fascinating time period and setting. The descriptions of the early use of x-ray technology to treat cancer patients makes me so grateful for the advances in technology and the sacrifices of the pioneers in the medical field to push the research forward. Ruby and Gerald were both a little difficult to like in the beginning- he was overworked and overwhelmed, she was uptight and grieving. But as a doctor and a nurse, they both have hearts to serve, and their compassionate care for the earthquake victims and patients in the hospital create a bond and show their strength of character. The principle of trusting in the Lord, no matter what life brings, is one that Ruby struggles with, and one that Gerald relies on as his health declines. Even though they are faced with serious trials ahead, the book ends on a note of hope and peace.

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

Review & $50 Giveaway! Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Home for the summer, Samantha Kinsey is ready to step into her role as pseudo-nanny for her two favorite charges. But when she realizes she'll be playing chauffeur more than playmate, her summer outlook quickly turns from fun to bleak. That is, until she meets Colton McCoy—a genuine, hard-working cowboy, who's as set in his ways as he is handsome. Although he claims he doesn't need any spontaneity in his life, Sam’s determined to help him find it. But she'll soon discover that cowboys are about as easy to change as wild mustangs.

Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity is about an adaptable girl and a not so adaptable guy. It’s about learning to accept people for who they are and realizing that sometimes who they are is exactly who they should be.

My Review

Loved. It. Rachael Anderson is my new favorite contemporary clean romance author and I must read everything by her! I've read and reviewed all three books in the Meet Your Match series now and each is fresh, unique, with fabulous romantic chemistry.

The characters of Samantha and Colton are so realistic and easy to relate to. It was a pleasure to read their growing friendship, light flirting and banter, and deepening feelings. The setting of the ranch with the subplot of training a wild mustang with Kajsa added a nice dimension. Sam has some funny moments interacting with the horses and brings out the playful side of Colton- he doesn't seem to me like a stick in the mud as the title labels him. Although Colton is confident and knows what he wants out of life, it was refreshing to see him turn to his father for wisdom more than once. The ending was absolutely perfect after Sam and Colton navigate the diffulties of beginning a relationship during a time of transition. Highly recommend! For full enjoyment, read the series in order, although it's not necessary.

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

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Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/31/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Review: Now & Forever by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Matthew Tucker survives a grizzly attack by jumping over a cliff into a rushing river. Unexpectedly, Shannon Wilde takes the plunge with him. Going through a series of waterfalls and rapids turns into a bonding experience.

By the time they battle their way back to civilization, Shannon has been thoroughly compromised, and only a wedding will do. A mountain man who loves to wander in the wilderness far from other people finds himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As they learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon’s land. Someone evil clearly wants to drive them off, but whoever it is apparently didn’t count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad–and trying to hurt the woman he’s falling in love with sets off something even Matthew never expected.

My Review

Adventure, humor, and romance. The Mary Connealy triple threat delivers again! Shannon is devoted to her sheep, and Tucker becomes quickly devoted to Shannon, sheep and all. It's adorable how fast and hard he falls for her. He is a fascinating character as a mountain man who shuns society yet still treats Shannon with gentleness and respect. Since she never received that from her own father and was believed to be a man while serving as a medical assistant on the front lines of the Civil War, it's no wonder she falls in love with Tucker just as deeply. There are plenty of humorous and heartwrenching moments as they struggle to communicate, disagree and compromise, and fight for the safety of their farm and family. I can't wait to read the story of the third sister Bailey next!

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

E-book sale: $2.99 for So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry

Celebrate Independence Day by reading So Fair a Lady by Amber Lynn Perry! It's only $2.99 for the e-book, a fabulous deal! I rated it 5 stars, you can read my review here.

Synopsis


Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart?

After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could.

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop! Enter to win Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

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Synopsis

A bet gone wrong. A small town's meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it's beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie's bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career--and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he'd like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru's fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do--for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart's desires.
 

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Review: Love Arrives in Pieces by Betsy St. Amant

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

For so long, Stella was known for her beauty. Now, with her heart stripped bare, she must discover who she really is.

Former pageant queen Stella Varland doesn't trust beauty anymore after her divorce. Her appearance betrayed her and led to her brokenness so instead of being beautiful, now she tries to make beautiful things, but always falls short. So she keeps her passion for her secret art to herself and focuses on her interior design work. But if she doesn't get another job soon, she ll be stuck living with her parents.

Contractor Chase Taylor is determined to live a life of no regrets after losing his fiancee in a car crash. Now he lives life at full speed, striving to see how much he can accomplish. He knows if he slows down, he ll fall apart. So he returns home to Bayou Bend to renovate the town s old theater, and is shocked to learn former flame Stella is the designer for the project.

Forced to work together, Chase and Stella battle their chemistry and their pasts as they struggle to compromise and come together on a vision for the theater. Chase doesn't understand why Stella is such a subdued version of herself, while Stella doesn't get Chase's constant need for productivity and speed. Their wills clash as they attempt to hide their brokenness and their unresolved feelings for each other until Chase breaks through Stella's walls and convinces her to enter her mosaic tile art in a contest.

A near catastrophe, a fire, and a small-town gossip mill finally force both Stella and Chase to realize that they have a choice to hold on to the shards of their pasts, or surrender their fragmented pieces to the One who makes a beautiful masterpiece from the broken.

My Review

I had mixed feelings about this book. It's definitely well-written, but it was hard for me to relate to and feel the chemistry between the main characters. In the beginning the history between Stella and Chase was alluded to as scandalous, but details were not shared which kept me guessing... and then later in the book it was only ever referred to vaguely, leaving me unsatisfied. Stella is recovering from anxiety and still experiencing some symptoms which she attributes to her dysfunctional marriage and divorce, but again, the details of her history are vague and it made it more difficult for me to fully connect with her. Perhaps it would have slowed the pacing down to include too much, but for me it was not enough.

My favorite thing about the book is Stella's secret talent as an artist and how she relates her emotions to this outlet. When she isn't a falling apart mess she and Chase do have some fun banter and friendship, but both allow the past and the animosity of Stella's family to prevent a romance from developing again. The project of renovating the movie theater was a great setting- it provided a unique backdrop and challenges for the characters to deal with. I loved the insights of Dixie, a local homeless woman in tune with some spiritual realm, who shares little nuggets of wisdom with Stella.

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