Bookish Thoughts: The Spice King

"The world was a huge, wide-open landscape bursting with opportunity, and it was up to her to choose how she would live in it.  God had blessed her with a sound mind and the freedom to make choices in life.  It was a blessing she must not squander."

Description:

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

About the Author:

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded-age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Awards and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books. Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com.

My Thoughts:

I confess, I used to read all of Elizabeth Camden’s books, but I fell behind a while ago, amidst the busyness of life.  So this is the first one I’ve read in quite a while and as I read, I was reminded what I so enjoyed about her other books!  I didn’t have a ton of expectations, given the previous statement, but if I’d had any, I can confidently say they would definitely have been far surpassed!  

I can’t fathom how much research and time Ms. Camden must put into every single one of her stories!  There is so much detail and specifics, which I absolutely adore!  I so appreciate how she writes about different professions and times in history.  There is such variety across her writing and this book is no exception!  If any other author had published a book about a spice company owner and a botanist , I probably would have been more than a little skeptical.  But not with this one!  From the first time I saw the cover and read the description, I was intrigued!  This was something I’d never considered reading about and I so enjoyed getting to know Gray and Annabelle!  They are opposites in many ways, but also so suited.  I so appreciated Annabelle’s integrity and desire to do the right things, the hard things.  And Gray’s devotion to his family and integrity, in his own way. 

They lived in a huge and expansive country,

filled with choices and opportunities.

Not all of them were easy, but she had found 

a man of characters who would step into that 

world with her, and nothing had ever felt so right."

I loved the history surrounding their characters, too!  Like Annabelle’s sister assisting at the Library of Congress to help the blind and integrity in food manufacturing and labeling.  And throw in a bit of mystery (which I’m hoping continues in the next book) and I’m hooked!  I’m definitely a history geek and this book is like stepping back in time.  The vivid descriptions and detail made it seem as though I was right there with them, learning how to bottle vanilla and appreciate rare orchids.  Though it may sound a bit odd, this was a fun read for me!  I greatly enjoyed it and am anxiously awaiting the next book!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys unique characters and American history!

*My thanks to the 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.

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read my review!  If you enjoy history, I hope you'll consider finding a copy of this book - I truly doubt you would be disappointed! (Just in case you're interested: the paper copy is on sale on Christian Book for $7.99 - the link is below :)  ) 

Have a lovely day! 

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Bookish Thoughts: A Glitter of Gold

"Could it really be true that when God saw her, he didn't dwell on all the hurt she'd caused?  He didn't see the black stain on her heart.  He saw grace.  And it covered all her sins."  - Anne Norris

Description:

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love.

About the Author:

By day Liz Johnson works in marketing. She finds time to write late at night and is a Christy Award finalist and a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys theater, exploring local history, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Find out more about Liz at LizJohnsonBooks.com.

My thoughts:

Quite frankly, I had absolutely no idea what to think of this book when I first started it.  Not in a bad way at all!  I’ve read almost all of Liz Johnson’s books and have always really enjoyed them.  From suspense to romance to everything in between, if she’s writing it, I’d like to read it.  But having not yet read the first book in the series, I was entirely unprepared for what I might find between the covers.  What I found was a dual-storyline romance that tugged on my heart and almost brought me to tears more than once.  I found a story about shame, regret, fear, hope, justice, grace, and treasure.  And a beautiful definition of what treasure really is. 

"Anne Norris knew two things for certain. 

Some things could be forgiven.

And some things most certainly could not."

My favorite thing about any fiction novel, regardless of genre, is always the characters and Ms. Johnson’s are some of the best!  I connected with Anne very quickly and her story broke my heart.  For the fear and shame she lived with and the quest for freedom that was coming up empty again and again.  I wanted her to find everything she was searching for and so much more!   I didn’t connect quite as quickly with Carter, though I did come to really like him, too.  He was struggling to prove that everything he had worked for, all he had done, was worth everything he had left behind.  And the dual-storyline had me turning pages, for the mystery it held kept me as intrigued as Anne and Carter!  Though I loved the main characters, my favorite secondary character was unquestionably Aunt Tessie.  Her kind spirit and honesty made me wish she was my aunt, too!  And I loved how her character was given space to share truth and give the others a good kick in the pants when needed.

". . . God's grace isn't just forgiveness.  It's also strength to face the hard times.  It's the thing that prompts you to get back up when you've been pushed down.  Shame never did anything for anyone but make them feel lower than low.  Grace refuses to leave you there."

My only mildly negative comment is that it did take me a couple chapters to really get into the story and find it to be a page turner.  I actually put it aside and read something else, before coming back to finish it.  Though I’m very confident that had more to do with where my mind was, than the story itself.    

I also very much enjoyed how the author wove in the topics of grace, truth, shame, and letting go of the past.  The story didn’t come across as “preachy” or anything like that, but rather, I thought it was handled very well and with a grace such subjects don’t always find in fiction.  It wasn’t glossed over with pretty words, nor did it slow down the story for a sermon.  An excellent balance.    

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to tracking down a copy of the first one!

*My thanks to the 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.

If you track my review down on a website, you'll find I gave it 4 stars . . . despite that, I would have to say that this one will probably be ending up on my "favorite reads from 2019" list here in a few months.  :)

As always, thank you so much for stopping by!  Links are at the bottom of the page and stay tuned - I'm thinking it's way past time for a giveaway!  So I may get inspired when I have a few days off next month and share a book or two.  If I can find any I'm willing to part with.  ;)

Have a ducky day!

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Bookish Thoughts: Vow of Justice

"Just remember.  Justice and revenge are two very different things."  Lincoln St. John

Description:

Playing dead might just get her killed

FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes himself to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her "murder."

As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time--this time for good.

About the Author:

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Oath of Honor, Called to Protect, and Code of Valor, as well as the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

My thoughts:

For anyone who doesn’t know, this is the forth (and final, I believe) book in Lynette Eason’s “Blue Justice” series.  I read the first one when it released early last year, but somehow missed books 2 and 3, something I will soon be rectifying!  I’ve greatly enjoyed pretty much all of Ms. Eason’s books that I’ve ever picked up and this one is certainly no exception!  

Despite not having read them in the correct order, I didn’t feel as though I was playing catch up when I started this one, something I really appreciated.  Ms. Eason does an excellent job of pulling in characters and details of her past books, while also filling in enough backstory that they can be read as stand-alone novels, if desired . . . though I’m honestly not sure why anyone would want to do that.  After reading this one, I’m super excited to go back and read the others, now!  I love that this series follows a family and how the author includes that in the story, even in something as simple as sibling teasing to lighten the tension that is constantly building.  I so enjoyed getting to know Lincoln St. John better.  He is the common sense of the team, while Allison Radcliffe seems more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kind of impulsive.  I loved her determination to protect those around her and her desire to see justice done.  I also greatly appreciated how the author wove themes of justice vs. vengeance into the story and how that was not only spoken of, but also shown in the decisions and actions the characters chose.  By the time I turned the final page, I felt as though I’d been there with them every step of the way, through dangerous situations and at times, painful choices.     

Ms. Eason has long been one of my go-to authors for suspense and this book may be one of her most intriguing, yet.  Something was constantly happening that kept me flipping pages long past my bedtime and as soon as I could grab it again after work.  I did get a little lost on the timeline of things, occasionally, with how quickly everything was happening.  And for mystery lovers, I will forewarn you that I did find part of the plot twist predictable, but maybe that was just me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to tracking down the other “Blue Justice” novels!

*My thanks to the 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.

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to stop and read my review!  I truly appreciate that you chose to spend your time reading my blog, when there are a few hundred like it.  :) 

Per my usual MO (I've obviously been reading a lot of cop books lately), links for the book are below, if you'd like to learn more about it and the other St. John siblings.

Have an awesome day! 

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Bookish Thoughts: The Killing Tide

I still find this cover super trippy!  And it's an odd texture, if you get to hold the paper version in your hands. . . . I'm also only 3 days late posting a "happy release day!" review and considering the busyness of this season in my life, I'm going to just take that as a win. :) 

Description:

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

About the Author:

Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. She is the bestselling author of the Chesapeake Valor series and the Alaskan Courage series and winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award. She and her husband reside in Maryland. She can be found online at www.danipettrey.com.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book in Dani Pettrey’s new Coastal Guardians series!  I’ve been a big fan of her books since Submerged and was super excited for this one.  I always love first books, with all the potential for new stories and new characters, and this one definitely met all my expectations and exceeded a few of them!

As usual, my favorite part of this book was the characters.  Gabby and Finn are for sure on the list of favorite characters from Ms. Pettrey’s books, though I’m pretty confident most of the other characters on the team are going to fall into that category, too.  Gabby is an investigative reporter, staying with her family after making an enemy who now wants her dead.  To go with that, she’s stubborn, curious, determined, and kind.  Finn, part of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, has some things in his past that haunt him, but that he doesn’t let that stop him from doing what’s right.  I loved his integrity and loyalty to his friends.  He’s also as stubborn if not more so than Gabby, and determined to keep her safe.  I enjoyed watching them butt heads and learn to work together, but also become something more.  I so enjoyed how the story didn’t solely focus on them as a couple, but came from multiple perspectives within the team.  Sometimes the switching between characters’ thoughts was a little confusing for me, but not too bad, once I caught back up.  The momentary confusion was definitely worth what it added to the story.

Can we talk about the mystery and suspense for a moment?  It was definitely suspenseful - Ms. Pettrey is well known for keeping the tension running throughout the story and this one is definitely not an exception!  I loved the mystery, too!  I spent the entire story trying to guess “whodunit” and didn’t have a clue, which was great!  I appreciate books that can stump and surprise me.  My only bit of negative to that is something that happened in the end (I’m not going to spoil) seemed more than a little far fetched.  But it wasn’t a big enough issue to ruin the story for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!  I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery and suspense!

*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.

As always, thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my review!  I had this goal of posting at least 2 reviews a month, but summer and some exciting news has kind of interrupted that plan.  And that's okay.  I might get there, eventually. 

Anyway!  Links are below, if you'd like to check out the book further and maybe read some other opinions of it.  

Have a great day and weekend! 

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Bookish Thoughts: Storm Rising

Happy release day!  Leif is officially hitting shelves today! 

Description:

Does an Ancient Book of Prophecy Hold the Answers to Saving the World . . . Or Predict Its Destruction?

Mentioned in the pages of the Old Testament but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets--and dangers--never before seen on earth.

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is once more given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as Viorica snatches the volume right out from under them.

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most--freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe, and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives, and entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in centuries-old words could unleash a storm of their own destruction.

About the Author:

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author of over twenty novels. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband live outside New York City with their children and a retired military working dog. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters. Visit her at www.roniekendig.com.

My Thoughts:

I have so many thoughts for this book!  And then my mind is blank trying to figure out what to say about it.  I’ve been a fan of Ronie Kendig’s books for years - she actually is the first to really get me hooked on military novels - and was so stoked for this book!  I’ve yet to be disappointed by any of her books and this one is certainly not the exception.  I was on the proverbial edge of my seat the entire story and only put it down under duress (otherwise known as work) or sleep deprivation.

As always, Ms. Kendig kept the suspense and action going from beginning to end.  I often felt as though I was there with the team, racing against the “bad guys” and the clock.  I loved getting to know this newly formed team of characters, though some of them are familiar from previous stories.  I so enjoyed the banter and general aggravation they use to nudge one another along, as well as Leif’s jokes!  I tend to try not to play favorites with a group of characters like this one, but there are definitely had a couple that I couldn’t resist.  Like the one with a thing for superhero references . . . .  One of my favorite things about all of Kendig’s books is how she’s able to switch the story around from several different perspectives without my getting lost or the story losing momentum.  I find it allows me to get to know more of the team than just the two or three characters that tend to have the leading roles in the story. 

I also loved the historical aspects of the book and am now immensely curious about the Book of Wars, because I’m nerdy like that.  I appreciate that this story isn’t just one military op after another, but rather there’s a couple different mysteries going on as well, which I’m hoping will continue to be pursued in the next book.  Speaking of, the cliffhanger here definitely has me incredibly impatient for “Kings Falling”!  Which means I’ll probably just be rereading all of Ms. Kendig’s books until March 2020, when it’s slated to hit stores. 

Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy edge of your seat suspense with some Tomb-Raider-meets-Indiana-Jones-and-probably-some-other-analogy-that-better-suits antiquity action.

*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.

Thanks for stopping by!  I'm super excited to celebrate this book's release!  I've been waiting for weeks to talk about it and now I can share it with you and geek out with some friends who share my nerdiness and excitement for Ronie's books! 

As always, purchase and Goodreads and links are below.   :) 

Have a ducky day and a great Independence Day! 

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Bookish Thoughts: More Than Words Can Say

Description:

After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free to live life on his own terms. No opportunities to disappoint those he cares about, just the quiet bachelor existence he's always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away once again when the baker of his favorite breakfast treat is railroaded by the city council. As hard as he tries to avoid getting involved, he can't turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples.

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery's deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. Not the stoic lumberman who oozes confidence without saying a word whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can't even control her pulse when she's around him.

Once vows are spoken, Abigail's troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. As trust grows between Zach and Abby, she finds she wants more than his rescue. She wants his heart.

About the Author:

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

My Thoughts:

I confess, I haven’t been keeping up with Karen Witemeyer’s books like I had been. Not because I wasn’t enjoying them, just that life got busy and my reading time reduced drastically. I’m definitely a sucker for marriage of convenience tales, though, and when I saw the cover for this one, I knew I had to read it! Especially after reading the first book, “More Than Meet the Eye” and getting just a small glimpse into Zacharias Hamilton and his quiet, stoic ways. Like its predecessor, this book was a quick, thought-provoking, entertaining read that I would happily pick up again!

What makes or breaks any story for me is the characters and I definitely enjoyed getting to know these new additions! Mrs. Witemeyer has a knack for creating intriguing characters that wrap around your heart and draw you into their story.  I was super excited that this book would be Zacharias’ story and was curious to see where it would go. I was immediately drawn in from the very first page and didn’t want to put it down! (unfortunately, real life tends to intrude) He’s a character not particularly known for effusive ways and is running from a past he can’t erase. I always so appreciate the spiritual truths this author shares and the encouragement found within her books. 

"Guilt leads us to confession and repentance, she told me, but after we take it to the cross,

 we're supposed to leave it there, not carry it around with us.  

Jesus's burden is light.  Guilt is heavy.   Satan is the one who wants 

to increase our burden, to weigh us down with shame and despair, 

to steal our joy and the strength of the Lord that goes with it.  

Believing his lies instead of God's truth makes us weak."  

- Abigail Kemp 

This one focuses on trusting God and finding His forgiveness is always there, waiting for us to accept it. I found Abby to be an excellent counterpart for him, with her no-nonsense ways and independent streak. I loved that he saw her beauty, when she wasn’t so sure. And the kisses! There’s definitely quite a bit of sparks and flirting, which I adored! I also loved getting to know Rosalind and am really hoping the next book is hers! My only mild negative is that I found part of the story to be a bit anti-climatic. And felt something of it was left unfinished. Though if the next book follows the character I’m hoping it will, then I’m assuming that will be cleared up in it.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and would have raced through it in one sitting, given the chance!

*My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley 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.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my review!  If you'd like to learn more about the book or possibly consider purchasing a copy, links are below, as always!

Have a lovely day! 

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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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