Of Brighter Days ~ Review

Of Brighter Days

Hearts of Eire #2

By Rachel Nickle

Both Norah McGowan and Finnegan Boyd are trapped by the hurts and pains of the past. Neither is willing to reveal what their private pain is but each is a caring and loving individual - except that Norah is determined to keep Finn at a distance. But Finn is determined to find out why he is the one member of the Boyd family Norah is determined to disapprove of.

Life hasn't been easy for the Boyds - lack has caused them to leave their beloved Ireland behind for the chance of at least surviving in Liverpool. But Liverpool isn't the haven of opportunity that they had been hoping and praying for. Instead, they are met with hate, disdain, and outright anger over their Irish heritage in a very English city. With little hope of anything better the Boyds and Norah find themselves looking to America as their new hope for not just survival but living.

The voyage is anything but easy and the cost is high. The hope that America offers is within their grasp and Finn and Norah have hope that they too will have a future together. But, there is always a but, sometimes the past won't let its grip loosen and Norah and Finn know all too well its power.

Of Brighter Days is a story of hope for what may be. Can this hope be found in a place? Or is it a state of mind and heart? Is it with the people who mean the most to you? This is a lovely piece of historical fiction that will touch the heart of any who reads it. The characters are engaging and relatable with a hidden layer that keeps you reading hoping that one can discover what makes each person unique.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Norah McGowan has kept Finnegan Boyd at a distance since the moment they met, and, unfortunately for Norah, who is set on keeping her past behind her, she is an enigma the normally reserved Finn is determined to figure out. Although she is closed about her past, she is also kind and caring--to everyone except Finn.

Both get more than they bargained for when Finn's family and Norah must travel to America in the wake of the Great Famine and troubles with the law in their current home in Liverpool. Aboard a ship bound for new opportunities and a better life, Finn and Norah grow closer, no longer able to deny the draw they feel to one another. Amidst sorrow and loss, they finally open up to one another to reveal pasts that make any future together impossible. They must navigate beyond the chasm of misunderstanding and differences in religion if they ever want to win a chance at love and belonging. 

Impending Strike ~ Review with Bookstagram Giveaway

Impending Strike
Elite Guardians Collection #2

By Sami A. Abrams and Lynette Eason

Charlie Lee is the only guy in the Elite Guardians and he has no problem with that. His friendship with his partner Lizzie Tremaine is what it is, but if things were different, if he were different he wouldn't mind something more. But he has his work and his special undercover assignment from the mayor to help bring done the growing drug threat.

Lizzie has been keeping a secret, one she fears could get her ousted from the Guardians if the truth ever came out. But she's protected her secret for years and can't see herself ever revealing her greatest weakness. When she misses a call for help from her best friend she fears it is her fault. If Charlie pulls through she'll just have to keep more distance between them, after all, she doesn't want another good man's blood on her hands.

An unexpected attack costs Charlie four years of memories and the threat of a deadly upcoming attack has been lost along with everything else. Can Charlie remember before it is too late? And can Lizzie keep him alive long enough for his memories to return?

Impending Strike is the second book in the Elite Guardians Collection and it keeps the action going full speed as the Guardians deal with a threat to their own while trying to uncover why Charlie was attacked. What did he hear or see? And is his cover still intact?  Though this is part of a series this thrilling read can be read as a standalone if you have not read the other Elite Guardian books - though reading one can never be as satisfying as reading them all. Excellent reading if you want something that takes you out of your day-to-day normal. This is one you won't want to put down.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                  

Protecting him just might cost her everything…

Elite Guardian Charlie Lee knows that there is no future with the woman he loves—fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine. And, he gets it—as a single mom, Lizzie has to protect her daughter. But more than anything, he wants the chance to prove himself.

Then, the unthinkable happens—while working undercover, Charlie is seriously injured…and his memory of the past four years is lost. Could it be the fresh start that he didn’t realize he longed for?

Despite a friendship that’s turned flirtatious at times, Lizzie Tremaine has held Charlie at arms’ length. She’s lost all the men she’s ever loved, and is unwilling to risk her heart again. Still, she’s glad to keep an eye on him—as his bodyguard—and while she’s at it, help him put the pieces of his past together, including discovering who attacked him, and why.

But Charlie seems to have forgotten their agreed-upon professional distance—and suddenly, all the rules are off the table. She’s seeing a side of Charlie she could possibly let into her heart. The problem is, the closer he gets to uncovering his memories, the closer he gets to trouble.

It’s her heart…or his life. What will protecting Charlie cost her?

Another edge-of-your-seat Elite Guardians thriller!

Be sure to enter the giveaway on my Instagram post for a chance to win.

Enriched ~ Review

Enriched

Knights of Brethren #4

By Jody Hedlund

Torvald, one of the Knights of Brethren, has been called home - he must marry to save his family estate from ruin. He has no choice in the manner, though marriage is the last thing he wants. Marriage destroyed his father and he refuses to ruin himself by loving his wife. Love is a weakness and he refuses to fall into its entrapment. He'll marry and then return to his quest for the sacred chalice that holds the promise of healing for the queen, after all, he has a duty.

There is just one problem with Torvald's plans, Lady Karina is not only lovely in appearance but in spirit. Karina has spent the last three years in a convent fully intending to take her vows to the church when her father makes a request of her. Can she give up her dreams of being a nun and marry a man she has never met? Duty to her family finds her agreeing to her father's wishes but with no promise of a future marriage with love, she feels rejected. Can she love him and hope to change his mind?

As the threat of war draws ever closer Torvald does what he must in service to the kingdom all while fighting to keep his vow of never loving his wife. Karina does all that she can to keep Torvald safe even if it breaks her heart. And sacrificing all her happiness may be the only way she can save the man she has come to care for.

Enriched is the fourth book in the Knights of Brethren series and it in no way disappoints or backs away from the quest that has bound the Knights together. This book continues the quest into Hardanger Forest that was begun by Gunnar in Ensnared (Book 3). Now if you haven't read any of the previous books, I would recommend reading them first as this series needs to be read in order to fully understand and appreciate all the layers to the series. Each book builds on the previous one so reading out of order will throw you off.

As with all of Jody Hedlund's books, this is another must-read. The setting is medieval so if you love books that are set within this time frame and want them to be on the clean side of romance with not a lot of graphic anything you will want to add this to your tbr list.  A perfect teen read selection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

During a time when legends were born . . .

A wealthy noblewoman with a heart of gold, a wounded knight closed off to love, and the sacrifices for a chalice that can bring healing.

Lady Karina lives in a convent and expects to become a nun someday. When her wealthy father asks her to help his textile business become more successful by marrying one of the popular Knights of Brethren, Karina complies, ever the dutiful daughter.

During a royal quest to find the sacred chalice, Torvald is called home to save his family’s estate through an arranged marriage to a wealthy maiden. Although willing to do his duty, he’s vowed never to give his heart to anyone after watching his father suffer heartbreak over a woman.

As Torvald weds the kind and lovely Karina, he resists the pull of attraction to his bride. Even though Karina feels the sting of Torvald’s rejection, she chooses to love him unconditionally. As he resumes his search for the chalice and puts his life in jeopardy, Karina makes the ultimate sacrifice for him. Will he have the chance to love her in return before it’s too late?

The real story of the Holy Grail continues . . .  

Elysium Tide ~ Review

Elysium Tide

By James R. Hannibal

Dr. Peter Chesterfield may be the top neurosurgeon at the Royal London Hospital but his mouth and bedside manner have a knack for putting him at the bottom of everyone's least favorite person list. And now it has him forced to attend a "medical conference" (yawn) in Maui. His workaholic ways are standing in his way of enjoying the island paradise he's been forced to visit until he realizes that he needs to follow orders. But taking a stroll on the beach is anything but restful when he finds a woman in the water. Soon he is caught up in a murder investigation much to the annoyance of Detective Lisa Kealoha. 

Peter is determined to help Kelly get justice but getting involved puts him in the sights of the gangs that have moved to the islands from the mainland. Peter's insights and instincts might be helpful but they have also made him some major enemies - enemies who are determined to stop him and Lisa from getting to the truth. 

Elysium Tide is a bit different from previous books I've read by James R. Hannibal in that there isn't a "spy" component to the story. But there is the person who is out of their normal element in Peter coming from England to Hawaii. There are elements of mystery and betrayal going on. But who is betraying who is the big question?  There is a lot going on with plenty of potential targets and suspects and one needs to read carefully to try to figure out who is guilty before the conclusion (and it isn't easy). I liked how this book ended and that there was an opening left for the possibility of perhaps another book. I liked this book and even though, at times, the characters were a tad annoying I would love to take another book adventure with them.

 I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is the top neurosurgeon at the Royal London Hospital. He's also a workaholic, and after a blow-up with a colleague, his boss orders him to attend a medical symposium at the luxurious Elysium Grand on the island of Maui. During a midnight walk on the beach, Peter pulls a woman with a skull fracture from the water. Despite all his skill, she dies in his arms, leaving him with only one clue to what happened to her: the word "honu."

Obsessed with finding the cause of his patient's death--discovering what or who ripped the power over life and death from his surgeon's hands--Peter becomes entangled in an ongoing investigation. He also becomes a source of deep irritation to detective Lisa Kealoha, who has jurisdiction over the case.

The reluctant pair join forces, diving deep into Maui's evolving gang culture, and unearth a conspiracy that runs deeper than either could have imagined. Knowing too much is deadly--and they must catch the killer before the killer catches them.

The Songs That Could Have Been ~ Review with Giveaway

The Songs That Could Have Been
Sedgwick County Chronicles #2

By Amanda Wen 

The Songs That Could Have Been is a split-time story that is set in the present day and the mid-1950s. In the present-day part of the story, we are introduced to Lauren Anderson and Carter Douglas who thirteen years ago as teens were in love but broke up leaving them with regrets. A chance meeting brings them back into one another's lives. Is this a second chance or an opportunity to put the past and its regrets behind them?

The past comes into play when Lauren's grandmother begins speaking of an Ephraim, a name neither Lauren nor her brother Garrett have ever heard her mention before. Who is Ephraim and can finding him settle their Grandmother Rosie's mind?

This book is an emotionally moving and even, at times, tragic story as secrets and prejudices threaten to tear two different couples apart. In 1955, Kansas mixed-race romance is not just unheard of, it is forbidden. But Rosie Gibson's life is much fuller after offering a "Hello," to Roosevelt High's newest senior. The present-day deals with binging, purging, drinking, and all the feelings of guilt and worthlessness that go hand-in-hand with it. But there is hope too, hope for what tomorrow offers and the hope that God offers. I would recommend this as a potential book club option or for anyone who loves split-time fiction.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book: Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace. After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control. Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around? When Lauren’s elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before—a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie’s past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives—and Rosie’s—forever. Along the way they’ll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption. The Songs That Could Have Been is full of the same deftly handled, resonant writing that readers and critics alike enjoyed in Amanda Wen's first book in the series, Roots of Wood and Stone. Fans of Lisa Wingate and Rachel Hauck will add Amanda Wen to their must-read shelves.

Click here to read an excerpt.

What Others Are Saying:

“A reading experience both heartfelt and heart-tugging, a timeless exploration of young and enduring love and the grace found in second chances. Amanda Wen is a rare and remarkable storyteller, and this is a novel I will not soon forget.” –Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of The White Rose Resists.

“A stunning journey of loss, love, and yearning. . . . Past and present are deftly woven together in this dual-timeline narrative that will leave readers flying through the pages.” – Amanda Cox, author of the 2021 Christy Award Book of the Year, The Edge of Belonging About the Author: Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist. Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been. In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat. To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com.  Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen). Giveaway:

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All That It Takes ~ Review

All That It Takes

By Nicole Deese

Val Locklier is an intelligent, motivated single mom, but she can't see herself past the limitations that she has allowed others to place on her by their own short-sightedness. When she seeks to better herself and move out of the protective net her family has provided, life doesn't go according to her plans. In fact, everything seems to implode during her week. But this unexpected series of disasters may prove to be her biggest opportunity, but only if she can seize the opportunity.

Miles McKenzie's life has been doing foreign outreach, but suddenly the life he's always loved has become budgetary cut, and he's been reassigned to a family crisis center. Resentment dogs his every interaction with the senior staff of his home church. Searching for any opportunity to return to his foreign outreach, Miles isn't about to settle into the new role he's been given happily. 

When Miles and Val experience an unexpected connection, they'll have to look within if they have any hopes of a future or to experience true and lasting peace. 

This book is interesting, especially when viewed through an eye of self-examination. How often do we thwart God's best for us by not seizing what He has set before us? By complaining about the work He has given us? I enjoyed this book on two levels - one as a purely entertaining read and two as something to make me think about my own life. 

I loved the cover of this book - it portrayed snippets of moments, but almost everything was in shades of blue. It gave me a calm, peaceful feeling as I looked at it, and it really did fit well with this book, in my opinion. 

About the Book:

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she'd planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects--not the least of which is pursuing Val--without stopping to consider the future.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

Critical Alliance ~ Review

Critical Alliance

Rocky Mountain Courage #3

By Elizabeth Goddard

She thought her past was behind her - left behind in Montana along with her family - but her past misdeeds have caught up to her. Mackenzie Hanson's juvenile indiscretions cost her more than she expected but when she gets a warning she realizes she may have to pay an even higher price. Can she stop the attack and protect her father's legacy before it is too late? Not if the unknown threat has anything to say about it.

Alex Knight's last mission went wrong and now he's returned to the home he left years ago. He's supposed to relax but when he sees a familiar face from his time in D.C. he is unexpectedly drawn into a situation that will require all of his skills if he is to get the answers he needs and keep Mackenzie alive. Alex knows security but the trouble that has found Mackenzie may be more than he has previously dealt with. 

Critical Alliance is an engaging read that seemingly has layers upon layers of secrets that need to be peeled back and revealed. Because if Alex and Mackenzie can't discover what is truly at stake lives will be lost and they may not live to see their failure's true cost. The pacing is good - it keeps one's attention fully engaged. This is the third book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series and though it should be read in series order it can be read as a standalone book without any difficulty. I think I'd say this is a book of secrets and it is interesting how the more tightly a secret is held the more imperative that it be revealed. And just a word of warning - keep your eyes open for unattended drones - just saying after reading this book technology and smart devices won't look the same ever again.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expections but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

She's seeking answers.

He's seeking respite.

The past is seeking both of them.

Mackenzie Hanson's special set of skills opened the door to a successful career as a professor of cybersecurity at a Michigan university, allowing her to put her criminal past behind her. But when a long-ago partner in crime delivers a cryptic message about her father's tech company being under cyberattack, she heads for Montana to secure exposed assets, close security breaches, and hopefully save lives.

Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana to decompress from a mission gone wrong. But even as he's trying to relax, he's drawn into another mystery, complete with suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and whispers of espionage that all have one thing in common--a beautiful cybersecurity expert with a dark past.

When the situation turns deadly, Alex and Mackenzie will have to work together to find the answers they need--before someone silences Mackenzie for good.


USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard weaves a tangled web of nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping romance in this fast-paced conclusion to her Rocky Mountain Courage series.