My Review: Now & Forever

 

I'm really enjoying the covers for this series.  They are a bit different and stand out from Mary's previous books - plus, the backs are gorgeous!  Just a really pretty book, and I love the model's expression. :)

 

Description:

Shannon Wilde is the middle sister--and the one who loves animals. She's established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine...until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!

Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon's land. Someone clearly wants to drive her 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 he never expected.

 

About the Author:

Mary Connealy is an award-winning, bestselling author known for her fun and lively historical romantic comedies. An author, teacher, and journalist, Mary lives on an eastern Nebraska ranch with her husband and enjoys spending time with her four daughters and three grandchildren. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.



My Review: 4.5 stars
Now & Forever is the second book in Mary Connealy’s Wild At Heart series. I’m a big fan, so of course, I was super excited to read this book, especially after loving the first one! I generally have the same expectations for all of Connealy’s books - humor that makes me laugh, an adventure that keeps me guessing, and characters that come alive. I’ve added a new one with this series - a seriousness that gives the story a new depth. Many of Mary’s books are light or what some call “fluff,” but with this series, she’s stepped away from that adjective a bit. Possibly because the Wilde sisters all served in the Civil War, but while there is humor in these, there is also sorrow. I really appreciate that she isn’t glossing over the pain of war, or forgetting where the sisters earned their tough exterior. Particularly with this story, Shannon’s pain is almost palpable at times, drawing me in until I almost cried with her at the imagery of what those in the war suffered.

Mary definitely excels at descriptions. Using just a few words, she can paint a picture that comes to life and fills my mind. I love the little details that aren’t one hundred percent necessary, but that add another layer to my understanding of the setting and the world around the characters. Her writing is very straight-forward, something I really enjoy. I had to laugh several times at the just honestly blunt manner of the dialogue and the characters’ thoughts. She also does an excellent job of giving each of the characters a unique voice. I enjoyed getting into the head of the villain, as I got a glimpse of their plan and it increased the sense of intrigue and suspense. I never felt the story lagged, though it does end a bit abruptly (more about that later). It flows very quickly and smoothly, holding my attention from the very first page. I did not want to put it down and would pick it up again as soon as possible.

Shannon Wilde may be my favorite of Mary’s heroines, to date. She’s the middle sister, in more ways than one. She’s strong, but she also learns how to be weak and lean on others. She is brave, but knows her limits. She is sensitive and hurting, but doesn’t let that stop her from doing what needs to be done. She, like her other sisters, served in the Civil War, which left her with scars. For me, this one fact set her apart. Even though her world seems to be falling apart, she learned how to be strong and keep moving. I’ve read many books set during the war or just after, but not many have had the depth this book does in just one scene.

Matthew Tucker is a bit more of Mary’s stereotypical hero, though I honestly didn’t mind. He’s strong, stubborn, set in his ways, and determined. But he is also gentle with Shannon, something that surprised me a little bit with him being a “mountain man.” Though his pride is stomped more than once, he is still willing to let her take the lead now and then. He’s also very protective, though he tries to give her space. He also has a strong faith, something I found fascinating. Though God is an integral part of all of Mary’s books, this one takes it a step further, with a conversation about Shannon’s doubts. She’s not sure God hears her, or even still exists, and those doubts keep her walking in her fear. Though this is a bit deeper than her other books, unfortunately, it became glossed over with everything else going on. So, I applaud her for making the effort to incorporate more serious subjects in her stories, but I’m also a little disappointed that they were forgotten for the sake of keeping the story moving.

I’m honestly never quite sure what to say about the romance in Mary’s books. They definitely aren’t typical historical romance novels. The heroes aren’t soft spoken, or poetic. They tend more toward blunt and sometimes a little dense. I did really enjoy their relationship, as they both learned what it means to be married and depend on someone else. While I wouldn’t say there was a huge amount of romance, there are a few sweet moments, sometimes sprinkled with humor. I also appreciated the realistic take on marriage, as they both have to strive toward making it work.

I have to confess that I found the ending to be a bit abrupt and rather anticlimactic. I was expecting something else to happen, so when it just kind of stopped, it was a bit of a let down. I didn’t want it to end! I would have loved another chapter or two, to kind of tie things up and give the characters a little longer to work things out.

Despite my negative comments, I will say that I really enjoyed this book. Mary’s books are always good for a laugh and a break from reality. I am anxiously anticipating the final book in the series and finding what becomes of the final Wilde sister!

*I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

I hope you enjoyed my review!  Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read it!  I actually enjoyed this book so much that I'm planning to buy a paper copy as soon as it hits my store!  I'm excited to hold it in my hands!  And may I add that waiting for the final book, which releases in . . . (looking it up) October, (seriously?!) is killing me?  LOL  I hate waiting for new books, but that's the price a reader pays, when they adore an author, right?  They wait (maybe not so patiently, but they wait) for the next book in the series, then the one after that, then the one after that, and so on.  Anyway, thanks again for dropping by!  :) 

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My Review: No Place to Hide

Another great cover from Revell!  I love the different colors and how the covers for this series are following a similar style, with the shadow.


Description:

She'll defend her friend until the bitter end - But is she in over her head? 

It's not every day you see your childhood friend and onetime crush on national news.  Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances.  She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name.  Unfortunately, she's not the only one looking for him.  The FBI wants him captured.  The bad guys want him dead.  Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to prove his innocence and prevent a catastrophe.


About the Author:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust and Nowhere to Turn.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.  She has a master's degree in education from Converse College, and she lives in South Carolina.  Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.


My Review: 4.5 stars

No Place to Hide is the final book in Lynette Eason’s Hidden Identity series. Though I’m sad to see it end, I raced through this book, wanting to find out how it was going to end. I’ve loved all of Lynette’s other books so I jumped at the chance to review this one! It definitely met my expectations and surpassed most of them.

Lynette always does a fantastic job with the technical details and this book is no exception. I love all of the information she was able to include, without bogging down the story or making it feel like a text book. The amount of research necessary for this book alone boggles my mind. I have no idea how she kept everything straight! I loved the several view points, as it ramped the suspense up even further. I struggled to keep up at first, but after a couple chapters I began figuring out who everyone was and really enjoyed the incorporation of so many characters. The writing is seamless and never lags. The suspense kept my attention from the first page to the last and caused more than one late night spent reading. I definitely had a book hangover at work the next day!

I loved Jackie Sellers and Ian Lockwood, the main characters. They are both very realistic and I was able to easily relate to them. I enjoyed following them as they worked to prove their innocence and solve the case. Jackie has a personal reason for helping Ian and wanting to clear her own name is only part of it. She is strong and bold, taking charge quickly and is always planning for the next step. I love that Lynette’s heroines are such strong women, but also that the heroes are confident enough to handle it. Ian doesn’t get upset with her, but rather relies on her knowledge to help them. I’m not saying that Ian is a wimp or anything. He definitely has his own skills and they need them several times.

Ian is an interesting hero. He is very atypical in that he isn’t a bodyguard, or law enforcement, or a cowboy, or anything overly macho. Instead, he’s a medical researcher working with potentially deadly viruses. I really appreciated the way Lynette writes him. Though he is a bit of a geek, he doesn’t seem less than manly. Instead he is confident, even though he is in over his head. He is also strong in his faith, something that comes into conversation more than once.

The romance is kept very low-key, something that really works well with this story. It is kept in the background and is quite realistic. If it had been more in the forefront, I think it would have become annoying or perhaps seemed unbelievable. With everything going on, it would have just been in the way and possibly overwhelmed the story.

I think my favorite part of the story was the spiritual themes. Jackie doesn’t believe that God loves her any longer, while Ian still has the strong faith of his childhood. I really enjoyed the conversations they had about her faith and the things that she struggles with. An overarching theme is God’s goodness in the face of pain and evil. This is something I’ve spent copious amounts of time considering, so I was very interested to see how Lynette handled this difficult topic. She did an excellent job of answering the question without offering the usual answers and platitudes, something I really appreciated.

My only complaint is that I would have liked more descriptions for the characters. I had a difficult time forming an image of them in my mind and it took me a while to gather enough details of their appearance to move past that distraction.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense that keeps you guessing!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.


Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my review!  I hope you enjoyed it!  I'm hoping to be able to start posting on a more regular basis.  We'll see how that works out. :)



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My Review: A Love Like Ours

Another gorgeous cover from Bethany House!  All of Becky's books are beautiful!  I love that this one follows the same theme as the previous books in the series, making it obvious they tie-in.  I can't wait to see the cover of Dru's book!

Description:
Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

 

About the Author:
Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children. She's the Carol Award and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of contemporary Christian romances, My Stubborn Heart, Undeniably Yours, Meant to Be Mine, and A Love Like Ours.

 

 

My Review: 5 stars

Caution: This book may cause sleep deprivation!

There are so many things I could say about this book! I could tell you how I loved every minute of it, or how the characters tumbled off the pages and straight into my heart, or how I wanted to cry for Jake, or how a year is way too long for me to wait for the next one . . . Many, many things I could say and I probably will end up saying before I’m finished. In case the 5 stars didn’t clue you in, I adored this book! After reading Becky’s very first book, My Stubborn Heart, I’ve been a huge fan. She has not disappointed me yet and I can’t see that she will until she stops writing.

Her writing as always, was wonderful! I was drawn in from the first page and often had to remind myself that I wasn’t in Holley, Texas. I love the descriptions that bring every scene to life. There are just enough to give a good basis, but not enough to overwhelm. The story never once lagged for me and I saw midnight more than once, wanting to find out what would happen next. I was scooping up the book at every opportunity and woe to anyone who interrupted me.

I adored the returning characters from previous books, especially Amber from Undeniably Yours. The Porter brothers have such distinct personalities that it was fun to have them all together again. I know Dru’s book will be next, so it was fun to get to meet her again, but it was also bittersweet, because hers will be the final book. I’m anxious to read it, but at the same time dreading it. I don’t want the series to end! I suppose it’s a good thing, then, that I’ll have around a year to accept the fact it will be ending.

Lyndie James was such a sweet heroine, but with a very stubborn streak, making her perfect for Jake. I fell in love with her at once! She and I are alike in many ways, though very different in just as many. She’s one of those characters that you know if they were real, they would make a wonderful friend. She challenged me more often that not, her unshakable faith in God showing me things in a different light. There are so many other things I’d love to say about her, but I’ll stop here, so I don’t give any spoilers.

Jake Porter is the kind of hero I just want to hug. Like Lyndie, my heart broke for him. There is so much pain shown on every page of his point of view. It shows Becky’s talent, that she is able to take such a difficult theme as Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder and bring it to life. Jake’s real-life pain is never glossed over, never softened in a way to give less impact or insult those who face it every day. There were a couple scenes that were uncomfortable for me, because they pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me take notice. My heart was breaking for Jake, for everyone who struggles with the disorder. I have such respect for them, now, if I didn’t before.

Jake also challenged me. He asks questions: real, heart-wrenching questions, about God, life, and living. Sometimes, they’re ones I’ve thought, but never voiced, others gave me a whole new perspective on things. I loved following his story, because there is hope. Throughout the story, he’s growing, changing, finding answers, asking new questions. I was encouraged so much through his journey.

The spiritual aspect of this book was fantastic! I generally don’t elaborate too much on this, but I have to at least a little bit here. Even though God isn’t mentioned on every page, He is there, woven throughout the story. I loved the discussions the characters had, the way Becky didn’t gloss over anything but led me on the journey with them. Trust is a huge part of it. Trusting God in the hard times. This is something that really hit home with me and a few times I had to just stop and think about some point or another. Mrs. James plays a large role in this part of the story and I really appreciated the fact that her faith stands the test of time. She is no stranger to heartache, making her the perfect person for Jake to confide in and I loved the wisdom she imparts not just to him, but to the reader as well.

There is literally nothing I didn’t like about this book. I have no nitpicking comments, nothing that bothered me. From the first page to the last, I loved it! The ending was wonderful, perfectly written to give us a “happily-ever-after,” but also show the reality that everything doesn’t become perfect because you’re in love. The romance was also excellent, with the main story, but also a side story coming into play, too. I adored the chemistry between them, which was almost palpable. It was also incredibly sweet and found myself smiling quite a bit.

I’ll stop here, because I could go on and on, but then no one would read it. One final thought, if you haven’t read any of Becky’s books yet, you are definitely missing out on some wonderful reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review!  I'm sorry it's so long!  I really did try to shorten it, but that obviously didn't work out so well.  I can't help blathering on about books I love.  I hope you enjoyed it, anyway! :) 

If you'd like to look into the book some more, maybe see what others are saying, here are some links to get you started. 

 

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My Review: Together With You

I was first drawn to this book because I heard it was loosely based on The Sound of Music, my great-grandma's favorite film.  While I did see a couple tie-ins, I more enjoyed it for it's own merits than the similarities.

Description:

Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs...
When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall's PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. 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 has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit 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?

Known for her realistic and engaging characters, Victoria Bylin delivers an emotion-packed story reminiscent of The Sound of Music, one that reminds us all to believe in the power of faith and love.


About the Author:
Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances acclaimed for their true-to-life characters and stories. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the Reviewers' Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky. Visit her website at www.victoriabylin.com to find out more.


My Review: 4 stars
I’d only read one of Victoria Bylin’s books (a Love Inspired Historical) when I requested this one, so I wasn‘t sure what to expect from a contemporary novel. I found that I really enjoyed it, though it did leave me with a few mixed emotions.
Victoria does an excellent job of bringing all of the characters to life and definitely made the Tremaines realistic. I was quickly engrossed in the story and didn’t want to put it down. I’m honestly not sure what drew me in so easily, other than her writing. The plot is a little unusual, with the care of one of the children, but otherwise, we all know how it’s going to end. Despite that, I found myself turning pages late at night, wanting to know what was going to happen next. She also does a wonderful job with the descriptions, using all of our senses at different times to paint a picture of the setting.

Carly Mason is an interesting heroine and I fell in love with her quickly. She is so sweet and kind with Penny, even though it’s hard at times, and she gives her heart away so easily - I almost wanted to warn her to protect it. She is definitely realistic though, with good days and bad days, failings and fears. Though she is a Christian and believes God has forgiven her for her mistakes, she is still tied to them by her inability to forgive herself. She has doubts and questions, she doesn’t like the pat answers people have given her - I loved that about her. It made her come alive for me, because she isn’t perfect. I also loved that she stood up for what she believed, even though her faith may not have been that strong at first.

Ryan Tremaine was a harder character for me to like, perhaps because he is so real. He isn’t like your typical Christian fiction hero - he has some pretty big failings. He has addictions he battles, failures that keep him chained, and doubts that try to bring him down. He isn’t much of a prize when we first meet him, though he’s trying so hard to be worthy. I think that’s where I started to like him - when we saw behind his façade to the hurting, angry, confused man he really is. He doesn’t know what to do anymore, though he wants so badly to be there for his kids. He wants to make up for past mistakes, even though he can’t. Despite his own beliefs, he still respected Carly’s - that’s where I fell in love with him. He put her first.

Now for the mixed emotions part. The romance was definitely realistic, to the point I became a little uncomfortable at times. Ryan, being an agnostic, writes the attraction off as “nature,” Carly just tries to avoid it and not become anymore involved than she already is. There are definitely sparks, some flirty comments, and Victoria shows them both struggling to control it. They have a very blunt conversation about premarital sex and where they both stand on the matter. That was a bit awkward for me, though I did appreciate seeing Carly stand her ground, despite the attraction between them. There are some thoughts they both have throughout that kind of touched that gray area of “possibly inappropriate,” for Christian fiction. On one hand, I have to applaud Ms. Bylin for staying the course and pushing me a bit out of my reading comfort zone. She wasn’t being raunchy or coarse, simply truthful. On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend this book to someone who is very conservative.

I also appreciated the realism of the spiritual side. Carly’s faith drives her view of relationships and life in general, but she also has doubts and questions. I rather liked how the author handled them, giving them full impact and allowing me to feel them with Carly. My only negative comment here, is that Ryan’s “conversion” was rather abrupt. It’s kind of thrown into the ending as a way to remove the final obstacle in their relationship. I would have liked there to have been a bit more build up to it, though it would have drawn the story out more, I think it would have had more of an impact. As it is, it felt rather helter-skelter.

I found the epilogue a nice edition, as it rounds out the rather abrupt ending. It is a little longer than some and neatly pulls together any lingering loose ends, while also giving us a glimpse into the characters’ future.
Overall, I would say I enjoyed this book - it was a delightful way to spend a few hours - though I don’t imagine I’ll be reading it again.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for once again taking the time to read my review!  I'm sorry I haven't been posting much other than reviews, lately.  My mind is just so crazy right now and I haven't taken the time to do anything else.  I'm hoping to change that soon, once I get my priorities straightened out. 

Anyway, thanks!  If you'd like to check out the book further, here are some links to get you started!

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My Review: Buried Secrets

I've been a big fan of Irene Hannon for a couple years now and I really enjoyed this book.  When does the next one come out, again? :)


Description:
After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

About the Author:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.




My Review: 4 stars

I’m a big fan of Irene Hannon’s, so I was super excited to be able to review Buried Secrets for Revell. This is the first book in her new series, Men of Valor, which is also set in St. Louis and the surrounding area. I really enjoyed the premise of the story, as it’s a bit different from her other books. Keeping with her style, this book is very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I stayed up way too late reading, then picked it right back up the next morning, determined to find out what happened next.

Irene’s books are always very well researched and the details are wonderful, too. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of another area of St. Louis and meeting new characters, while also revisiting some old friends. I love how she incorporates characters from her previous books and series, bringing them to life again and letting us see what’s become of their lives. The suspense was very engrossing, as I’ve already noted. I enjoyed the unique take on the story, as Lisa and Mac search to find answers to a cold case and work to capture the culprit. While this story is something like a typical cold case you might hear about on the news, somehow Ms. Hannon managed to bring new life to it.

One thing I noted and that actually bothered me a bit the further I read, is how perfect the characters seem. Yes, they make a couple mistakes and flub up here and there, but overall they are close to perfect. Almost to the point of being unrealistic. I did like the characters, they are very interesting and I enjoyed meeting Mac and Lisa, but I wasn’t able to really connect with them the way I had hoped. Though I can’t say much, because after giving it more thought, I realized that most of her books are this way and I still really liked them. I probably would have enjoyed it a bit more had I been better able to relate to them, but it didn‘t do much more that irritate me now and them. It certainly didn’t put me off from finishing it or anticipating the next book. I do appreciate that she is changing her style a smidge and making the mystery seem a little more realistic.

The romance was great, as expected. Irene does subtle sparks very well, along with some blatant flirting. Mac became more real to me when we’re shown him struggling to keep his thoughts in line, though they never reach inappropriate. I liked their decision to keep their relationship professional while working together, which kept the romance to the background a bit and it didn’t seem rushed or overdone.
I loved the story coming from the view point of the villain, as it upped the suspense several times and gave us another perspective on everything that was happening. I was given just enough information to keep me guessing and trying to connect the pieces. Each chapter is left to keep you wanting more and trying to solve the case right along with them.

Overall, I would say that I really enjoyed this book and will most likely be reading it again, when the next one releases. Though I am rather disgruntled that we have to wait a year for the next McGregor book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed edge-of-your-seat suspense.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.


Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review!  I hope you enjoyed it!
If you'd like to check into the book further, here are some links to get you started! :)

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My review: The Captive Imposter

Description:
For her own protection following the murder of her brother Will, hotel heiress Estella Everstone assumes the alias of Elle Stoneburner and takes a job as companion to an elderly widow. Never did she imagine that her position would lead her back to her beloved Everston, a picturesque resort property tucked away in the rugged mountains of Maine. Living below her station in a guise of anonymity has its struggles, but her spirits are buoyed by a newfound friendship with the hotel manager, Dexter Blakeley. And his distaste for the spoiled socialites who frequent his hotel causes her to take a close look at her own priorities and past lifestyle.

When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer of employment she can't refuse. As the two interact and open up to each other, Estella feels a growing attraction to Dexter; and increasing discomfort over concealing her identity. Yet, in spite of the false pretense she's putting forth, she's never felt freer to be herself than in his presence. But will he still love her when he learns the truth about who she is?

About the Author:
A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he let her quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a premarriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.
The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn’s first series with Whitaker House. All three books composing the series were semifinalists in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to be become a finalist in 2013.



My Review: 4.5 stars
Hoping for another one!

The Captive Imposter is the final book in Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles series and I’m sad to see it end. I’ve been eagerly anticipating Estella’s book since reading The Bound Heart and was not disappointed in the least. This book may have been my favorite of the series, though I’d have to go back and read them all in order to say for certain.

I’ve come to adore Dawn’s writing. It wasn’t what I’d expected when I first picked up her books, but it is very distinctly her. I think I could read a random quote from any of her books and be able to say “that’s Dawn’s.” She once again does an excellent job of bringing the setting and characters to life! I often felt as though I was actually there with them, taking in the beauty of God’s creation with Estella and spending my days at Everston. I loved that Dawn was able to write a historical romance with little suspense and have absolutely no lag in the story. It kept me engrossed from the first page and I hated putting it down to get my work done.

I have to say, that I did get a bit confused in the beginning. There are several characters that are introduced around the same time and I struggled to keep them straight. I think it may have been easier if Estella had actually met them, but they are just mentioned in passing, then met later on. I had to keep thinking back, trying to remember who was who and how they fit into the story.

I had liked Estella Everstone from the previous books, but she really came to life for me in this one. She is a very relatable character and I connected with her almost immediately. She makes you care about her and cheer her on, though she did seem a bit spoiled at first. I loved getting into her thoughts; seeing Everstone and Dexter Blakely through her eyes. Her opinions on things sounded like something I would say and I quickly fell in love with Dexter, too. Who doesn’t love the tall, dark, and brooding hero? The one that doesn’t say much, but what he does matters immensely? Well, I do and Mr. Blakely is an excellent foil for Estella. He kept her grounded and drew her closer to her faith. Those alone would be enough for me to love him, but then he had to go and be incredibly sweet, the rescuer. That sealed it for me. It’s rare I’m jealous of a fictional character, but I confess that I was just a teensy bit envious of Estella.

The romance was great, as well! Dawn does romantic tension quite well and I could almost see the sparks between them. Their kisses were definitely sigh-worthy, the kind that were both sweet and a tad steamy. I very much enjoyed their relationship, as it progressed from awkward acquaintances, to friends, then took a sudden leap to something more. I loved the honesty between them, even though Estella wasn’t being completely honest about her identity, they shared the most important things. I also enjoyed the bluntness Dawn employs, showing us that though they love each other, it isn’t an ambiguous emotion, but rather a choice. I really enjoyed the spiritual side of the story, too. Dexter’s words challenged me as much, if not more, than Estella. It focuses on finding who you are in Christ and just being His, without all of the trappings of life getting in the way. I needed that reminder. I love reading a book for entertainment, but it’s even better if it encourages or challenges me. I found myself often using the “highlight” option on my Kindle to mark the things I’d like to recall.

I honestly can’t think of anything else I didn’t like about this book. If I had any other complaint, it would be that this is the final book in the series, at least for now (I’m hopeful). I didn’t want it to end! I’ve fallen in love with all of the characters and definitely was not prepared to see them go. Happily, I can “visit” them as often as I like, simply by opening a book.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own. 


Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review!  I hope you enjoyed it!
If you'd like to check out Dawn's books so more, maybe consider downloading a copy, here is the link to Amazon.  Unfortunately, they are only available in eBook format right now.  
 

My review: From the Start

 

Isn't this cover so adorable?  I love their expressions!  It makes me smile back. :)

 

Description:

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

About the Author:
Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former newspaper reporter, current nonprofit grant writer, and total Iowa girl. When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever. She's passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly at www.melissatagg.com.

 

 

My Review: 5 stars

Why did it have to end?!

Very few books receive a full five star rating from me, but Melissa’s books definitely rank up there with some of my favorites. She is, in my opinion, an excellent writer, and her stories seem to jump off the page and right into my heart. I was engrossed from the very first page and didn’t want to put it down! For me, this book equaled late nights and work days with too little sleep. Even when I would put it down, the characters would stay in my thoughts and I couldn’t wait to get back to them.

 

I simply adore Melissa’s writing style! Her descriptions make me smile and bring the story to life. I rarely read books that pull me in so immediately and don’t let go. I often had to remind myself that it wasn’t real and no, I couldn’t call Case and ask him a question (you‘ll understand when you read the book). I so wish I could visit Maple Valley and all of the quirky people who live there! It sounds like a wonderful place, somewhere I would love to live. This is one of those books that I raced to finish, but then I didn’t want it to end.

Kate Walker is the heroine and I fell in love with her immediately! She is so easy to relate to, what she struggles with, her questions, her fears. I also loved that she is a romance writer who is looking for something meaningful to do with her life. It is something that really hit home for me. I also enjoyed watching her grow and change throughout the story, as she becomes brave and makes the decision to step out and take chances.

 

Colton Greene is a fantastic hero! He definitely has the brooding thing going on in the beginning, but he was so strong, as well as being kind to Kate, I just had to love him! I loved following his story as he figured out how to go forward and just where he wanted to end up. Seeing him become part of the town before he even knew it, challenging Kate, learning what it meant to have family . . . (sigh) it was wonderful! And the dialogue between them! I could probably go on and on about it! They had me laughing out loud, grinning like a nut, and making the people around me question whether or not I should have been allowed out alone!

I was very ill-equipped to deal with the assault Colton, Kate, and all of the Walkers would lay on my heart! I felt like I needed some sort of forewarning, because they just stepped right into it and I’m not sure they’ll ever leave! I fell in love with every one of them, from the patriarch Case, to little sister Raegan, to Logan and Charlie, Beckett and Seth. They feel like family now and I don’t know if I can let them go. Case’s advice to Kate and Colton often felt like he was speaking directly to me. Logan is a great big brother, razzing them both, while also watching out for them. Raegan is awesome, too! She was the surprise, the one I wasn’t expecting, but she snuck right into my heart while I wasn’t watching. I can’t wait to read her story and see her finally get her “happily ever after.”

The romance was so sweet and undeniably sigh-worthy. It is definitely similar to the old movies Melissa so adores and I have a strong urge to go dig up a pile of them now! I really enjoyed the fact she was able to so seamlessly incorporate many quotes and references from them. Even when I didn’t completely understand them, they made me smile. I loved Kate and Colton’s relationship, which started out as a simple friendship then slowly became more. Knowing they would end up together in no way negated my enjoyment of following them as they discovered that for themselves.

 

The spiritual side of the story is flawlessly woven throughout. I appreciated how the story continually pointed to God without His name having to be mentioned. He was there as a main character that you may not always see, but you know is there just the same. One of the themes is one of trusting God’s leading and being willing to step out of your comfort zone. It really hit home with me and challenged me. As much as I love to laugh, I appreciate even more a story that encourages my faith. Finding both in one book is awesome!

I honestly can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like about this book. From the writing, to the story, to the characters, to the romance, everything came together into an excellent book! I’m so excited that this is the first book in a series, because I’m so unprepared to tell Maple Valley and all of the wonderful characters there, “goodbye.” This book will definitely have a place on my keeper shelf as I eagerly await the release of the next one!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedy with heart and characters that become like family.*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.


Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my review!  I hope you enjoyed it!  Today is actually release day for this book (yay!), so if you'd like to go check it out, maybe consider purchasing a copy, here are some links to get you started!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book

Thanks, again!  I hope you're having a fantastic day! :)