Tuesday, February 23, 2016

My Review: The Red Door Inn


Well, I tried to find a quote to put in this oh so empty space, but I couldn't pick just one, and one that wouldn't contain a spoiler, so I suppose you'll just have to pick up the book and find your own favorite lines. :)
Also, happy ebook release day to Liz!  The paper version releases March 1, for those who love the feel of a paper book as much as I do.

Description:
Marie Carrington is running from a host of bad memories. Broke and desperate, she's hoping to find safety and sanctuary on Prince Edward Island, where she reluctantly agrees to help decorate a renovated bed-and-breakfast before it opens for prime tourist season.

Seth Sloane didn't move three thousand miles to work on his uncle's B&B so he could babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her. He came to help restore the old Victorian--and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just three months will take everything they've got. Can these two wounded souls find hope, healing, and perhaps a bit of romance on this beautiful island?





About the Author:
Liz Johnson is a full-time marketing specialist for a Nashville-based publisher. She has been a freelance writer and editor for several publications, including CBA Retailers+Resources, Christian Fiction Online magazine, and Storytellers Journal. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she is the author of several books, including The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (an ACFW Carol Award finalist) and A Star in the Night, which was part of the New York Times and ECPA bestselling A Log Cabin Christmas Collection. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee.


My Review: 5 stars
Oh, goodness! Where to start this review . . . There are so many things I want to say, but I also don’t want to spoil anything! First off, I should say that I loved this book! I was immediately drawn in from the first page and didn’t want to put it down! Liz Johnson has long been a favorite author of mine and I was so excited to read this book! Her typical genre is suspense, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this book, though I knew it would still be great (and I was right!).

I really don’t know how to describe Liz’s writing, beyond “so good.” Her characters came to life right off the pages and I felt as though I was on Prince Edward Island with them, smelling the paint and sitting in the sand. Her descriptions are so vivid, without taking over the story. At times her writing boarders poetic and there are quite a few quotes that I saved, needing the reminder they provided, or just wanting to sigh over them again, later. The book touched my heart in so many ways, that I can’t even begin to share them all. Much of the story focuses on restoration: both of the inn, and of the people residing there. I loved this theme and how it is woven throughout.

I could say so many things about the characters and could probably write a few pages worth of descriptions and commentary. That being said, I’ll try to keep it short - I loved all of them! Marie, Seth, Jack, Aretha, Caden. They all brought the story to life and I’m really hoping at least a couple of them will be in the following books, too. I do confess to struggling to keep all of the names straight, at first, but as each of their individual personalities became distinct, it was much easier.

I actually found the spiritual aspect a little lighter than I expected, given the sometimes heavy topics that the story revolved around. I think the fact that it was kept low-key actually helped to highlight the importance of it at the times when it was the focus. Rather than being hit over the head with religion, it’s quietly woven throughout, reminding me of the importance of looking beyond the surface, to see the deeper story within.

I can honestly say that I had no complaints about this book. It was excellently written, with realistic characters, a stellar setting, and a story that keeps coming back to mind. I am anxiously anticipating the next book and the opportunity to return to Prince Edward Island and these delightful characters!

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 stopping by and reading my review!  I hope you enjoyed it!
If you're interested, you can get an e-copy of this book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble  (click the site name to open the link).  If you prefer paper, Christian Book  actually has this awesome preorder sale going on - the book is currently $7.49 (half off), until February 29 (you'll want to double check the price, in case I have the date wrong). 
Again, thanks for stopping by!  Have a delightful day!


 

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