Bookish Thoughts: Yesterday's Tides

 

Description:

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same–until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn’t count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale.

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. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com

My Thoughts:

If we could sit down for tea, I would ramble on about this book.  I would excitedly hold it out for you to see the cover, read the description.  I would happily wait for you to be enticed to start this beautiful story of life, loss, war, peace, love, faith, and family . . . . Since we can’t do that, I suppose I’ll go ahead and ramble and maybe you’ll see if this is a story that could find a space in your heart, like it did mine. 

While this book stands entirely on its own, if you’ve had the pleasure of reading Ms. White’s prior series, you’ll find many familiar names and faces.  I so enjoyed finally getting to learn Rem’s story (from the Codebreakers Series) and I loved all of the cameos - they made me want to start at the beginning (The Culper Ring series) and read them all over again!  That said, if this is your first foray into her books, I don’t believe you’d feel as though you were missing anything by starting here.  And, you would have all of her other fabulous books to look forward to finding! 

As always, I loved the characters!  They, as I’ve come to expect from this author’s stories, had become dear friends by the time I turned the final page.  I had to whisper to them a quiet farewell and promise to read their book again, soon.  And the setting!  I have vague memories of visiting Ocracoke Island a decade ago and so enjoyed getting to revisit it through Evie and Louisa’s stories.  I thoroughly enjoyed how Ms. White brought the dual time-lines to life, though I did occasionally want to groan with frustration when we left one to go back to the other, because I just wanted to know what was going to happen!  The suspense definitely wasn’t lacking!  All in all, I would say that though the year is just beginning, this book will definitely be one of my favorites for the year! 

I would love to tell you so much more, but I don’t want to spoil anything.  I also know most people won’t read this far, or if you did make it here, you wouldn’t read much further.  So thank you for spending time on my ramblings!

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book!  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.  

As always, thank you for taking the time to stop by and see what I've been reading! I hope I maybe sparked your interest in this book that I so enjoyed. If so, links are below!

My munchkins are calling, so until next time -

Have a beautiful day!

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Most Anticipated books for 2023!

 Happy New Year!!  I was looking at the books coming out in 2023 and I am so excited!  I'm also excited because I've decided to do something a little different this year.  I'm hoping to catch up on some of my Kindle books that have been languishing as they await my attention, as well as reading (and rereading) some books I own in paper that keep coming to mind.  So for this list, the new books will in at the top, in release date order and then the books already available will be in some sort of order below.

Critical Threat by Lynette Eason - 1/3/2023

So this one I have mixed emotions about this one. I didn't finish the first book in the series,

but I so enjoyed the second one.  So I'm very curious about this one! 

Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden - 1/17/2023

The Final book in the series!  I'm excited for Liam's story!

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White - 1/23/2023

I'm excited for a new dual-time novel from one of my favorite authors! 

Brooke by Ronie Kendig - 2/6/2023

I've been waiting for Brooke's story and have already pre-ordered it!

A Match in the Making by Jen Turano - 2/21/2023

A new series!!!!! 

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin - 2/23/2023

I'm always up for Sarah Sundin's books!

Love Makes Way by Hallee Bridgeman - 3/7/2023

I so enjoyed the other books in this series and am looking forward to this one!

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White - 8/22/2023

As previously mentioned, I always love Roseanna's books, so her books 

are always on the list!

The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar 

I missed this one in 2022 and I'm hoping to acquire it sometime this year. 

When The Day Comes  by Gabrielle Meyer

I had the pleasure of receiving this book for Christmas and

am excited to have a moment to dive in!  Also, dual-timeline. :)

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano 

I found this one at my library!  I've so enjoyed all of Joanna's books so far

and am hoping to borrow it whenever it becomes available again.

The Book of Wars Series by Ronie Kendig

I confess, I read the first book when it released and my sweet husband

bought me the second and I haven't ever finished the series.  Hopefully that will 

change in 2023! 

Abiassa's Fire series by Ronie Kendig

This is another of those, I read the first and by the time the second one came out, I forgot

about it.  But we bought this box set, so I can finally know how it ends!

Prophet by R. J. Larson

I read this one shortly after it came out and I remember it was 

so good and it's been on my mind to read the series again. 

So what about you?  What books are on your list? 

Favorite books of 2022!

 It's that time of the year again!  The day, or maybe a week or two, that we spend remembering the past year and considering the future we expect to have (hopefully).  This is also when all the book nerds remember our favorite books that we've read this year and eagerly think about the list we're compiling for next year.  So these are my top 10 books of 2022!  Not all of these were published in 2022, I just happened to read them this year.  Also, one of them isn't actually a favorite (though it was very good!), but it surprised me so much, that it has to be here for an honorable mention.  So I suppose it's actually my top 9 books of the year?  Eh, close enough.  :)   (also, these are just in order by author's last name)

Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar - I originally read this book several years ago, 

shortly after it first came out.  I remembered it fairly recently and something about

 it kept prodding me to read it again.  And I'm so glad that I did!  

Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar - I bought this book several months 

before actually reading it.  I love how God uses Ms. Afshar's books to remind me of

truths, something I particularly needed after the miscarriage. 

Range by Ronie Kendig - Honestly, this book was a difficult read.

Ms. Kendig seldom pulls punches in her writing, but this series in particular is 

explosive and abrasive to the conscious, as it attempts to very authentically portray human trafficking.

 

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin - I always love Ms. Sundin's books and this

 one is no exception!  I also want to note that it's currently on sale on the Kindle for

 $1.59  if you haven't read it yet! 

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano - This has to be one of my 

very favorite books by Ms. Turano!  I can't even give a specific reason, just that

it was so good!  If you haven't read it yet, it needs to be on your list for next year!

Turn To Me by Becky Wade - I think Ms. Wade's newest book is always 

on my list.  I'm really hoping that doesn't change. 

Sunburst by Susan May Warren - This is another book that surprised me!

I hadn't read anything from Ms. Warren in at least a couple years and this one just

 drew me right in!  And best of all, I adored the characters!

Sundown by Susan May Warren - See above comments.  Also, I just really

enjoyed how she finished this series.  It was beautifully done.  

Worthy of Legend by Roseanna M. White - Again, I think at least of

Ms. White's books is on my list every year.  And this is not a complaint!  This series

 conclusion was very satisfying. 

The Gifting by K.E. Ganshert - This is the one that surprised me.

I've honestly been looking at this book for several years and I just wasn't picking it

 up. Does anyone else have that one book that just keeps staring at you? (In the

 case of this cover, literally) I finally started it and just got sucked in!  And then

 dumped back out, as I haven't been able to get the other 3, yet.  Maybe next year.

So that's my list for the year!  What's on yours?  Anything I should be adding to my list for the new year?

Bookish Thoughts: Sundown

 

Description:

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn't trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled--and smart--woman.

A few of her stories prove true--he's found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt's not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it'll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they've vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock.

About the Author:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.

My Thoughts:

This is the third book in the Sky King Ranch series and I keep debating if this one or the second book is my favorite . . . still undecided.  It might be a tie . . . .  For this book, I would definitely recommend reading the first two before diving in.  It picks up right where the former one left off and seldom lets up on the suspense.  I’ve been excited for this book and eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the series. 

This is Tae and Colt’s story and I so enjoyed the build up to this one.  If you haven’t read the other ones, they meet in book 2, so the romance here moves pretty quickly.  As does the action.  Though it’s labeled “romance” there was definitely plenty of suspense to keep me reading well past bedtime and secretly hoping my munchkins would nap “just a few more minutes.”  

As much as I loved Tae and Colt’s story, I also really enjoyed getting to continue to follow Ranger and Noemi’s relationship, as they navigate his vision problems and her fear of losing him.  I so appreciated the messages woven throughout the pages.  Messages of redemption, forgiveness, closure, and learning to lean into who God has made you to be.  

I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy romantic suspense!  This one definitely has both.

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book!  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'm just a couple blog posts away from 300!!! I believe I shall have to do something to celebrate the occasion - any thoughts or suggestions (requests)?

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Bookish Thoughts: Body of Evidence

 

Description:

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of elderly residents whose demise appears to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths--and her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. Once she finally convinces him her theory is credible and they join forces to investigate, danger follows. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

About the Author:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

My Thoughts:

As many other reviews point out, this book is the third in a series.  But it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.  I greatly enjoyed the first two books, so I was excited to start this one.  As much as I wanted to love this story, it fell more into the “eh” category and I’ll probably donate my copy to our local library that already has the rest of the series. 

I read some other reviews before writing mine and this book has great ratings.  So maybe the disconnect is just with me, but I struggled to get into the story.  After a couple chapters, I found the rhythm though and began anticipating my next chance to read it.  Then somewhere in the middle, it just started dragging.  The suspense was minimal to me, more threats from the villain than actual action.  Sure, the heroine was supposed to be in danger, but nothing really even happened except some vandalism until right at the end. I actually ended up putting the book aside and reading and finishing two other books before I finished this one.  And I very seldom read more than one novel at a time.  Okay, and I do have to say that I found part of the epilogue very unrealistic.   

I will say that the author did a great job of keeping who the villain was a surprise!  I figured it out a couple chapters before the characters, the clues started adding up, but it did keep my curiosity until close to the end.  

Overall, I suppose I would recommend this book if you read the other two and are looking for closure to Grace’s story.  

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

While this wasn't the book for me, I believe there is a book for every reader and a reader for every book (mostly. I also know there are some truly terrible books out there, but I don't believe this is one of them), so please don't just take my word for it. Reading and purchase links are below so you can see other opinions and decide for yourself if this is the book for you.

Have a lovely day!

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Bookish Thoughts: Word of Honor

 

Description

FBI Special Agent Lynda Culter is investigating an ecoterrorist organization in the Alaskan wilderness when her partner is taken captive and murdered before her very eyes. The only person who can identify the key players, Lynda gets assigned to take part in a joint operation in Istanbul to take the organization down.

As a woman in a Muslim country, she'll find it much easier to move around undetected with a fake husband. Unfortunately for her, the man assigned to play the role is none other than US Army weapons specialist Bill Sanders--the man who crushed her heart into a million pieces back in college.

With a cargo bay's worth of hurt and baggage between them, these two consummate professionals must play their parts perfectly if they hope to stop those responsible for bombing oil pipelines, killing innocent civilians, and threatening to destabilize the oil markets. But love long buried has a way of resurfacing at the most inopportune times--and protecting Lynda has become Bill's primary focus.

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About the Author:
Hallee Bridgeman is the USA Today bestselling author of several action-packed romantic suspense books and series. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled in central Kentucky, where they have raised their three children. When she's not writing, Hallee pursues her passion for cooking, coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. An accomplished speaker and active member of several writing organizations, Hallee can be found online at www.halleebridgeman.com.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the series and it picks up right where the first one left off, though you don’t have to read the first to keep up with the story.  I really enjoyed the first book and was very excited when this one arrived in the mail.  My reading time is getting more and more limited, it seems, so I wasn’t able to rush through it as I usually do.  That said, it was really nice to take my time and savor the story a little more.  Though I was more than a bit impatient when the suspense picked up and I had to keep putting it down when life demanded. 

I read the back cover description and was under the impression that Bill and Lynda’s “marriage” would be a larger part of the story.  I’m always a sucker for the “forced proximity” or “marriage of convenience” tropes, so I was very intrigued.  In all actuality, it didn’t have as large of a role as I had anticipated.  I did really enjoy how their relationship changed more gradually.  Though the timeline for most of the story is fairly short, the romance didn’t feel rushed or unrealistic.  I loved how natural it felt, amidst the suspense and mystery happening around them. 

I so enjoyed getting to know Bill and Lynda, as well as revisiting some other characters from the first book.  I’ve also seldom read a book set in Turkey, so I found the cultural things fascinating, especially the things Bill and Lynda learned for their undercover roles.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to Ozzy’s book next month!

Bookish Thoughts: Dangerous Beauty

 

Description:

What is the price for freedom?

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers in her poor Mexican village. But she can't stay safely over the border in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Assessing the situation, he steps in to rescue Liliana from traffickers. If he can keep his secrets at bay, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

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About the Author:
Melissa Koslin is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. The author of Never Miss, Melissa lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with her husband, Corey. Find more information on her books at www.MelissaKoslin.com

My Thoughts:

I’m honestly not entirely sure how to rate this book.  I loved the suspense!  I raced through the story in around 2 days, which is quick for me.  It started off abruptly and seldom let up.

I loved Liliana’s character and quickly settled in to learn her story.  I found Meric much harder to like/know.  I understand that’s part of his character - he’s severe, controlled, private.  But for most of the book I really struggled to like him, beyond how he cared for Liliana.  Seeing him through her eyes made him slightly more human, but I ended the book very conflicted over their relationship.  I think the fact that the story is primarily told from Liliana's perspective also added to the disparity in how well I felt I knew him.   

Also, looking back, I was super engrossed as I was reading, but the story itself didn't actually have that much action. It was well dispersed, but somehow the author kept the suspense building to the end. Though I do have to admit, the ending seemed rather anticlimactic after everything that had been said and done. It was a bit unsatisfying for me. 

So I enjoyed it, but I'm not sure I'd rush to read it again.

I will add, I was very curious about the "marriage of convenience" trope. What is your favorite trope?