Bookish Thoughts: Now, Then, And Always

Can we start out by just taking a moment and appreciating how beautiful this cover is?  Truly, if I didn’t already adore Melissa Tagg’s books, this cover alone would have had me scooping it off the shelf and into my collection!

Description:

“It was just a house. Just a weathered old house in a hidden grove, shuttered and still . . . ”

Last year, after traumatic circumstances forced her from her job as a nanny, Mara Bristol finally found a place to belong—the winsome Everwood Bed & Breakfast at the edge of Maple Valley, Iowa. For months, she’s helped its owner, Lenora, maintain the ramshackle property despite their shortage of guests. But when Lenora fails to return from a month-long trip and the bank threatens foreclosure, Mara worries she’s once again alone . . . abandoned . . . about to lose the only true home she’s ever known.

Detective Marshall Hawkins is no closer to whole today than he was two years ago . . . the day his daughter died. Between his divorce, debilitating migraines, and a dependence on medication, his life is falling apart. And when a reckless decision on the job propels him into administrative leave, he has no other plan but to get in his truck and drive. A one-night stay at the Everwood was supposed to be just that. But there’s something about the old house—or maybe its intriguing caretaker—that pulls him in.

Together, Mara and Marshall set out to save the Everwood. But its secrets run deeper than they could’ve imagined. As they renovate the house and search for its missing owner, they’ll each confront the pain that brought them to the Everwood in the first place . . . and just maybe discover a faith and love to help them carry on.

About the Author:

Melissa Tagg is the award-winning author of the popular Walker Family series, the Where Love Begins series and the Enchanted Christmas Collection. She’s a former reporter, current nonprofit grant writer and total Iowa girl.
Melissa's recent releases include a 2018 ACFW Carol Award Winner (One Enchanted Noel), an RT Book Reviews TOP PICK (All This Time) and a Publishers Weekly Spring Top Ten Pick (Like Never Before).
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever—not that she’s biased—watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. Melissa loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

My Thoughts:

This book is beautiful, in ways beyond the cover, though it is lovely . . . the depth of story exceeds it by far.  I’ve been a huge fan of Melissa Tagg’s books for a while now and I’ve long since fallen in love with the small town of Maple Valley, Iowa.  Though her other books have standing homes on my keeper shelf, I do have to say that this one is quite possibly my favorite to date!  The characters, the story, the mystery, the quirky town all come together to make this a book that I indubitably had a book-hangover from. 

Ms. Tagg has a way with writing that I can’t easily describe.  Her words flow like poetry, painting the pages with colorful descriptions that bring her characters and their homes to life.  I love the dialogue and banter that flows, inspiring more than one couldn’t-hold-it-back laugh and curious looks from others sitting nearby.  I couldn’t resist the mystery within the pages, either.  I was intrigued from the first paragraph and found myself rushing to get as much reading time as possible.  I had to know what was going to happen with the Everwood and it’s occupants and where the story would go next!  

"But I don't want to spend my life letting my pain 

be the lens through which I see the world." - Mara Bristol 

Of all of this, I would have to say that my absolute favorite thing about this story is the heart behind it.  There are so many great lines I could share, though they surely wouldn’t do justice to all that is found in this tale of pain, of grief and brokenness, but also hope and healing.  This novel that encouraged laughter, but also had tears slipping down my cheeks at the honest questions asked and the difficult answers given.  These characters touched my heart with their authenticity and the exceptional grace with which the author handled such sensitive subjects.

"But when I was in my deepest pain, God came for me. 

 He didn't leave me in an injured pile on the sidewalk, 

nor did he stand around waiting for me to get up and move.  

He came running for me." -  Penny

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to everyone!  Whether this is your favorite genre or you’re not sure if a rom-com is quite what you’re looking for, I believe you’d be more than pleasantly surprised.

There are so many more quotes I'd love to share, but I don't want to spoil the fun of finding them yourself!  So I shall refrain. . . . If I have to. . . . I guess.  ;)

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to check out this space!  As always, if you'd like to learn more about the book, or maybe add it to your GoodReads shelf, links are below! 

Have a beautiful day! 

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Bookish Thoughts: The Number of Love

"She was worth waiting for.  Worth seeking hour by hour, day by day, month by month.  Year by year.  Even if it took him a decade to convince her to be his, it would be worth it.  And the wait would only make him appreciate her all the more."  (pg 249)

Description:

Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack German telegrams for hints of the enemy's plans. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, she discovers for the first time in her life that numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the quick and brainy Margot, but soon the dangers of the war draw ever closer. Margot and Drake will have to team up to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, designing book covers, editing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

You can find Roseanna online at the following places:
Facebook
Blog
Website
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

My Thoughts:

There are so many things I want to say about this story, but I’m not entirely sure where to start . . . . I’ve been a big fan of Roseanna M. White’s since first reading her Culper Ring series and have been hooked ever since!  I so enjoy how she writes different time periods and the elements she draws into her stories.  I can’t fully describe it, but her books draw me in and leave me wishing they were at least another hundred pages longer.  And this one is certainly no exception to that rule! 

I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book for months, intrigued by the coderbreakers concept and the storyline in general.  All that waiting and curiosity and I somehow totally missed that one of the main characters in this story, Margot De Wilde, was first introduced as Lukas’ De Wilde’s little sister in “A Song Unheard.”  While this series is technically separate from the previous ones, I was super excited to have some of the characters return, even just briefly.  As always, Ms. White has done an excellent job crafting a story that both intrigued me and also almost brought me to tears a time or two.  I loved the characters and getting to know the people in Room 40.  Margot is such a unique character, with her intelligence and straight-forwardness.  I so enjoyed getting to see the world from her perspective, with numbers involved in everything, including prayer.  And who doesn’t love Drake Elton?  Truly, he is such an excellent hero for this story and for Margot!  I so appreciated his quick wit, insightful questions, and care of both Margot and his sister, Dot.  The mystery is also written in such a way that kept me guessing through most of the book and turning pages as quickly as my mind could absorb.

"She didn't know how to reach Him now, when it wasn't easy anymore.  

She didn't know how to find Him when He wasn't just right there.  

She didn't know how to know Him when the numbers were silent."  (pg 238)

The author also handled the topic of grief exceptionally well.  Not to spoil anything, but it is key in this story, especially with war raging around them.  This part of the novel hit home with me in more ways than one and as something that can be extremely hard to talk about in general, I so appreciated how it was broached and the kindness within the words.

Overall, this is definitely a book that will be finding a home on my keeper shelf!  I highly recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and characters that seem more like family by the end!

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Truthfully, I found some parts of this book hard to read.  Really hard.  Especially when one of the characters is wrestling with something that I still don't know how to answer, even more than a year later.  But it was so good, too!  And I love how God uses fiction to show us or maybe just remind us of things.  Even difficult things. 

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my review!  If you'd like to learn more about the book, of course, links are below.  

Have a lovely day! 

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Reflection: Mother's Day

I’ve seen and heard quite a few people (friends, mostly) who have lost their moms talking about “motherless mother’s day.”  I don’t know about anyone else, but I greatly dislike that distinction.  I have and am struggling with this day.  I’ve dreaded it.  I’ve cried just thinking about it.  The wrestling of celebrating other moms when mine isn’t here with me.  But I was reminded that God’s Word says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)  I’m still trying to grasp this myself, but we are not alone.  God, our Father, who created mothers and fathers, is with us.  Though it still hurts.  Though tears still leak today, when past memories and the loss of memories unmade seem overwhelming.

 I miss my mom.  It’s been just over a year (15 months and some odd days) since she went home to be with Jesus.  I can say that, “She went home to be with Jesus.”  But saying that she died?  That hurts a lot more.  I don’t like that word.  It sounds so final.  Like this life is all we have and then it’s gone.  I know that’s not true, but sometimes, oftentimes, it still hurts.  Sometimes, selfishly, I want her to still be here with me.  I want to be able to call and hear her voice, listen to her laugh, and ask her advice.  I want to still be making memories together.  My mom was one of my best friends.  She would leave me messages with crazy things and ask me the highlights of my day.  She always sought to find the bright side in a situation and encouraged me to do the same.  I want her to have been in my wedding pictures.  In my sister’s wedding pictures.  I want to hug her and say again that I love her.  She gave some of the best hugs.  I want her to be here to help with and spoil grandkids, when we have them.  I want her to be here so I can buy her flowers for mother’s day and see her smile when she walks past them.  Sometimes, adult girls still want their “mommy” on the hard days.  I don’t know that we ever grow out of that.  I don’t know if this day ever gets easier.  I hope so.

  

I’m so thankful for the precious ladies who have been there for us in her absence.  My life has been so graced with women willing to share their time and hearts with me and my sister.  I know that the sentence above is true.  That my mom is with Jesus.  That she’s experiencing more joy than ever before.  She gets to spend every day in His presence.  What could be better than that?  That truth helps, most of the time.  Having that confidence and hope that one day we’ll see her again, on the other side of Heaven.  But what about here and now?  I suppose that’s solely faith.  Because without faith, I don’t know what we’d be doing here.  But I trust that my God does all things well, even when it’s not the answer I want and I don’t understand at all why He didn’t do what I’d asked.  I could and have gotten angry with Him over the answer I received.  But He sees such a larger picture than I do.  Maybe I don’t have to have the answer to my “why?” questions.  Just faith that He’s still good, even in the midst of pain.  

"That's our God. . . . 

We worship a God who might not give us the miracle, 

but He will always give us the comfort."   

- Ina May Huett 

Life After by Katie Ganshert

I hope this day is well for you, whether it's one of smiles and celebration, or one of memories and tears.  Or maybe both.  Sometimes I forget that it's okay to move forward, but still look back and enjoy the memory of what was.  But I know my mom wouldn't have wanted us to mourn forever.  She's laughing and smiling and enjoying Heaven.  She would want the same for us here.  Even if some tears are mingled in with the joy. 

My Review: Killer Exposure

" . . . of all the adventures Locke ever loved, Greer was his greatest."

Description:

A killer with a secret motive…

A mother with a secret baby

Crime scene photographer Greer Montgomery didn’t expect to witness a murder at a small-town carnival—nor to be rescued by the father of her secret baby. A storm chaser, Locke Gallagher often stares down death, but he’s never known true fear until Greer’s life is at risk. But how can he protect his newly discovered family when the killer could be anyone?

About the Author:

Jessica R. Patch lives in the mid-south where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. You can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on fun adventures (all in the name of research), and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she'll probably never cook.

My thoughts:

I haven’t been reading a terrible lot of suspense lately, but I always have to make an exception for Jessica R. Patch’s newest books!  I’m one of those people who spends the book trying to guess “whodunit” and Ms. Patch is one of the few authors that stumps me almost every time!  I don’t know how she does it, but I rarely finish her books with the “I was right!” excitement.  It’s always the “wait, how did I miss that?” question, instead.  Which to me is one of the marks of a very well-written mystery.  

    

I’m not typically a huge fan of “hidden children” stories, but she pulled it off really well.  I had to laugh, at one point a character actually comments about how the story is seeming an awful lot like a daytime soap!  Which was just perfect for that character and the story.  There were so many red herrings and other things going on, sometimes my brain was racing a bit to keep up!  I so enjoy how realistic her characters are, too!  Like the soap opera comment, they say what I’m pretty sure I would be thinking, if I was in their shoes.  It was really interesting to read the story from Locklin’s perspective, as he’s ADHD, and get a glimpse inside his brain.  It helped me understand better what some of my friends might be feeling or going through, which is really cool.  I love that her characters have quirks and flaws like the rest of us.  I also really appreciate how she’s continuing to tie in people from previous books, though I sometimes have to wrack my brain to figure out which book they’re from.  

Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy mysteries that leave you guessing and characters that grip your heart strings!

As always, purchase links and such are below!
Thanks again for stopping by!  I don't have many words to share right now, so I'll fill up this space next time! 

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My Review: A Return of Devotion

Description:

Daphne Blakemoor was content living in her own secluded world for the last twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes to a new marquis with an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?

About the Author:

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is a RITA Award winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

My Thoughts: 5 stars 

I’m not typically a huge fan of Regency novels, but there are a couple authors that I can’t wait to grab their books as soon as they’re available and Kristi Ann Hunter has been a favorite of mine since reading her very first novella.  Though this is technically the second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone.  But I personally enjoyed the first book immensely as well, so I would highly recommend reading it first.    

There are a few authors whose characters simply come to life as I’m reading and I’ve fallen in love with all of Ms. Hunter’s characters to date.  I was so excited to learn this story would be Daphne’s, as she was one of my favorite secondary characters from “A Defense of Honor”!  She’s so sweet and awkward and loving and looks to find the best in other people.  I loved her heart for the children and was so curious as to what kind of hero Ms. Hunter would concoct to love this eclectic lady and her house.  My attention was grabbed and held from the very first page to the very last.  So many secrets and mysteries to unravel, as well as characters to get to know and old friends to finally recognize.  

"I think that silence can sometimes help you find yourself . . . . Life is so busy 

and loud sometimes.  It can be easy to have everything crowd your mind

until you can't hear yourself and you forget who you are, and only 

see how you fit into the larger churning picture."

- Daphne Blakemoor 

My heart broke for Daphne so often, at the pain and regret she carried, telling herself she would never be enough.  I couldn’t help but love William and his kindness toward people and situations he didn’t entirely understand.  Even when faced with a truth that was extremely taboo at the time, he still offered grace and understanding, after the initial surprise wore off.  One of my very favorite things about Ms. Hunter’s books has always been how the characters are so realistic and don’t conform to the typical norm of the period.  They have flaws and oddities and quirks just like everyone else.  I inevitably turn the final page of her stories with a feeling as though I’m saying “farewell” to some dear friends.  But the wonderful thing about such stories is that I can pick them up anytime and “visit” my fictional people again.

In case it hasn’t been made abundantly apparent, I greatly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!  Even if Regency isn’t typically your “cup of tea,” this may be a series you would find worth giving a go.

As usual, if you'd like to learn more about the book, or maybe add it to your Goodreads list, or get a copy of your own, links are below!

I hope you have an awesome day!

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My Review: One Thing I Know

"But I know that when nothing makes sense and life is as

hard as it's ever been, God is even more present in the middle

of all the brokenness.  Because Jesus changes everything."

- Anna

Description:

Rachel Somers is America's #1 relationship coach-America just doesn't know it. Rachel writes the books, but her Aunt Donna plays the face of the operation. Living in fear of their secret being exposed, Rachel has no choice but to keep up the charade or lose the big money required to care for her father. With the deadline for their next book closing in, Rachel finds herself out of inspiration and running out of time. The last thing she needs is her aunt and publicist concocting a harebrained scheme to join forces with some radio star in the hope it will help deliver the elusive next book idea.

Lucas Grant is a star of late night radio, though it's come with an unexpected price of hoards of women who keep calling his sports show to ask him for relationship advice. They make his ratings look great, but they also mean he has to waste hours talking to people like Dr. Donna Somerville about feelings instead of his first love: football. When a big time producer calls, it looks like his hard work is about to pay off. But the offer comes with a catch, the producer is convinced Dr. Donna is not what she seems and he wants Lucas to discover her secret. To do that, he needs to win over her tight-lipped assistant who holds the key to his success and he begins to suspect, his heart. Can love find a way through the lies that force them apart?

About the Author:

Kara Isaac is the RITA® Award-winning writer of five novels. She lives in New Zealand (yes, it’s really as beautiful as it looks in the movies!) where she spends her time chasing three small people, writing horribly bad first drafts, and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in the South Pacific. Find out more at KaraIsaac.com.

My thoughts:

Believe it or not, I was actually given the privilege of reading this book a couple months ago - and loved it!  Then I completely forgot to write a review for it, so we’ll see if this makes any sense.  

As already stated, I adored this book!  I don’t know that I can say it was my absolute favorite of Ms. Isaac’s books (it may be tying with The There Was You), but if not the top, then definitely an extremely close second!  As in all of her books, the characters just simply step off the pages!  Within a couple turns, I felt as though I knew Rachel and Lucas almost as well as some of my real-life friends.  I sat there, cheering them on, crying with them, and so wanting to give them a hug or Gibbs’ slap from time to time.  I also couldn’t help but love Lacey, Donna, Anna, and little Joey and Libby.    

"Secrets and relationships can't coexist

in the long term.

Eventually you will have to choose one over the other."

- Rachel

This book is much more than a simple romance.  It is a story of friends.  Of advice, both good and bad.  Of the wrestling of fear and guilt, faith and doubt, truth and lie.  It’s a story of pain and struggle, but also joy and laughter.  Of overcoming.  And of course, love.  Not just in a romantic sense, but also the love of friends that were thought to be long lost, of family, and of learning to love even those that have been deemed unlovable.    

I’ll also go ahead and address a potential issue for some - the characters don’t automatically become Christians at the end of this story.  Yes, it’s still Christian fiction.  There is still a strong thread of faith woven throughout the story.  But the author doesn’t wrap it up all nice and neat in a perfect little religious bow.  And I applaud her for that.  She stays true to the characters and the story.  An instant conversion at the end wouldn’t have been realistic and you know what?  Sometimes life doesn’t end like that either, regardless of how much we wish it would.  I so appreciated the truth and transparency in even that aspect of this book.

I know, I included this book on my most anticipated books of the new year and you're probably thinking, "if it was so good, how could you forget to write a review?"  My answer?  I'm married and I forget a lot of things now.  My husband distracts me.  LOL  Okay, so maybe that's it.  Or maybe I'm just a scatterbrain.  Both are entirely viable excuses, right?

Anywho, I hope you enjoyed this random review!  As always, if you'd like to learn more about the book, links are below.

Tallyho!

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Most Anticipated Books of 2019!

Happy New Year, my friends!  (fakes throwing confetti)  It's 2019!  Can you believe it?!  I personally, cannot.  Though I am super stoked about all of the awesome books set to release this year!  So, without futher ado, some of my most anticipated books for the new year!  (click the title to learn more!)

1) Code of Valor by Lynette Eason (Jan 1)

The third book in her "Blue Justice" series!

2) Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano (Jan 1)

The start of a new series!

3) A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter (Feb 5)

Daphne's book!

 

4) One Thing I Know by Kara Isaac (Feb 19)

I've actually already had the pleasure of reading 

this book and it was great!

5) Sweet on You by Becky Wade (April 30) 

Britt's book!

6) Romanov by Nadine Brandes (May 7)

7) The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White (June 4)

A new series about code breakers!

8) More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer (June 4)

This cover . . . 

9) Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig (July 2)

10) Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason (Aug 6)

The fourth book in the "Blue Justice" series! 

11) The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey (Aug 6)

This cover is a little . . . trippy (does anyone say that, anymore?)

That's what I have so far!  What other books would you have added?