You'll Be Mine ~ Review

You'll Be Mine

Hearts Bend Collection #2

By Mandy Boerma and Rachel Hauck

She never thought she'd return to Hearts Bend after losing her mother there. But God has other plans for Cami Jackson when the local inn comes on the market. Cami needs to connect with her past and the happy memories she once held. She just didn't expect to reconnect with her first love - Ben Carter.

Ben hadn't planned on spending his summer in Hearts Bend, but to move on in his life, he needs to settle his grandmother's estate, and that means unloading the inn that's his family's legacy.

Hearts Bend is about to work its magic on two people carrying scars from the past. But will they listen or continue on the lonely paths that they've mapped out for themselves? This is a delightful story of second chances, forgiveness, and family. Hearts Bend is the perfect place to get away from the hustle of modern life and its stresses. And the Hearts Bend Inn is the perfect place to have a happily ever after-along with a few bumps.

I received a complimentary copy of the book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

He just wants to leave the past behind him…

International hotel manager Ben Carter is not sticking around Hearts Bend. He’s just home to sell the inn he inherited from his grandparents. The place holds all his best memories—especially the ones that include regular summer guest Cami Jackson. But she’s been out of his life for years, and she’s not coming back.

She is headed for a glorious future…

Real estate developer Cami Jackson is ready to take over as VP of her father’s company, Akron Development. When the Hearts Bend Inn comes on the market, she wants to swoop it up, if only because of the sweet memories of her favorite summers. The last thing she expects to find is her first love back to sign on the dotted line.

But a first love won’t let them go…

The more time Cami and Ben spend together, the more they realize they have unfinished business. Suddenly, an impulsive decision could turn into a lost-but-found dream. But for Cami’s father, the inn holds memories of a terrible tragedy, and he wants to kill the deal.

Will their lost dreams survive another betrayal?

A heart-healing story second chances set in the charming town of Hearts Bend!

Be sure to check-out my Instagram post to enter the giveaway!

When the Day Comes ~ Review

When the Day Comes

Timeless #1

By Gabrielle Meyer

Libby is a woman in two worlds, and she must decide which life she will sacrifice. All her life, Libby spends her days in one world and her nights in another because sleep allows her to cross time. And her two worlds couldn't be more different. In 1774, Williamsburg, she is living on the edge of revolution, while in 1914, New York, she is living on the cusp of change. She knows the decision she plans to make - in one life, her family needs her, and her heart belongs to another. But Libby can't make her decision, leaving one of her lives behind until her 21 birthday. 

In 1774, her family works as a public printer. The work is hard and takes much of her day, but she is living through history - seeing and hearing moments that will change not only her life and those around her but also the world. 

In 1914, Libby lives a life of wealth and privilege, and to her mother's consternation she takes an active interest in the cause of suffrage rather than pursuing a marriage to English aristocracy. What Libby doesn't know is that the rumors of war are about to change the world yet again.

When the Day Comes is an intriguing story. What life would one choose if you could only live one? Which family would you give up? What would decide for you the path that you would take? I have to admit I don't know if I could make such a choice. In one life, she is known as a time-crosser, but in the other, she is just a daughter. I understand why Libby chose the path that she did, but still, it was heartbreaking for her as she said her goodbyes silently, unable to share all that was on her heart. This is the first book in a new series, and though this book is complete, there was most definitely an opening made for what could come next (or before, depending on the time and the time-crosser). 

Who would you leave behind, dying to the life and family you willingly gave up?

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:

How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.

But Libby knows she's not destined to live two lives forever. On her twenty-first birthday, she must choose one path and forfeit the other--but how can she choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

Finding Her Voice ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Finding Her Voice by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Finding Her Voice 
By Donna Gartshore 

Bridget Connelly has a dream of owning her own business - one that involves helping dogs and people. There is just one problem - she needs to come up with the money to make it a reality. And she needs to overcome the doubts her ex-boyfriend has planted in her mind. When her boss Dr. B as everyone refers to the local veterinarian, decides to put her business up for sale, Bridget can see her dream beginning to crumble before her very eyes. And when the auditor, Dr. Burgess hired, takes an interest in the same property, Bridget sees it slipping even farther away.

But Sawyer Blume has his own reasons for this trip away from his home. The sudden loss of his wife and his daughter's traumatic experience has left him seeking something new. Delilah isn't the young girl she was before her mother died, and Sawyer will do anything to bring back the rambunctious young girl she was - even if it means staying in Green Valley. Just leaving his former life behind isn't as easy as it sounds, especially as he works for his family's business. But the connection Delilah makes with Bridget's dog Sophie. Could Green Valley help him find what he's lost? Or is it merely a wishful dream?

When both Sawyer and Bridget's plans for the clinic are threatened, can they work together to come up with a plan to help them both? Or will Bridget's past keep her from accepting help from anyone?

Finding Her Voice is an appropriate title for this book as it has meaning for both Bridget and Sawyer's daughter Delilah. This is a contemporary romance that deals with the aftermath of abusive relationships, traumatic experiences, loss, and PTSD. Yes, there is a whole hodge-podge of issues dealt with in this book by various characters, but that isn't the focus of the story, so that it gets weighed down and depressed. No, it deals with these issues but in a way that provides hope of healing. 

This author is one that is new to me, so I went into the book with no expectations of any kind other than what the book description provided. Donna Gartshore's writing is well executed. She gives her characters depth and provides a detailed setting. The subject matter was well presented. This is a Love Inspired publication, so there isn't any detailing that should be triggering to readers. Overall a good story that I would recommend.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Finding Her Voice 

Author: Donna Gartshore 

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 

Release Date: August 23, 2022 

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian

 

Overcoming their differences  

Could be the answer to all their problems 

Bridget Connelly dreams of buying her boss’s veterinary clinic and starting her own business—but so does auditor Sawyer Blume. Despite her trust issues toward men, it’s hard to stay rivals when Sawyer’s traumatized daughter bonds with Bridget’s adorable pup. And when another buyer tries to outbid them both, working together might give them everything they want…including each other. 

  PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Donna now has three books published with Love Inspired and is working on three more. She has also published several short stories and poems with various literary publications and writes devotions. Donna loves family time, walks, coffee and movies with friends, serving in various capacities at the church she attends and talking about books and writing with her friends and the writing community.

Connect with Donna by following her on Instagram or Twitter.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive print copy of Finding Her Voice, an adult inspirational coloring book, and a small devotion!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 22, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 29, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Sweet Life ~ Review

The Sweet Life

Cape Cod Creamery #1

By Susanne Woods Fisher

Dawn Dixon's life is blowing up in her face - her wedding is off, her mom doesn't have cancer (at least not anymore), and she is tied to her work closer than two peas in a pod. She was in shock after Kevin, her long-time boyfriend/fiancee, calls off their wedding. The honeymoon is nonrefundable, so Dawn takes her mom, Marnie, on her non-honeymoon trip to Cape Cod. 

There, life takes another unexpected turn when her mom decides to drop everything into a run-down ice cream shop that is anything but successful. Determined to keep her mom from making the absolute worst mistake of her life Dawn does everything she can to stop the sale and when that fails to make the shop a quick success so they can do a quick sale to keep her mom from financial ruin.

But Marnie has plans of her own, and she's not about to let Dawn decide what is what. Nope, she's going to do everything she can to ensure that she succeeds, even if it means going behind her daughter's back ad reaching out to the one man she knows will give her an honest answer. But just because Kevin is willing to reach out to help Marnie doesn't mean he and Dawn can get a do-over, right?

The Sweet Life is the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's Cape Cod Creamery series. This book and series offer a chance at getting it right and making a fresh start. This is a contemporary setting that portrays a life ruled by work. Dawn is driven, and was encouraged to do so by her late father. But work can only offer so much, and when there is no life beyond it, it is a sad and lonely existence. Is it possible to discover what one has sacrificed in the pursuit of career and position and make a life-changing about-face? I think that is the true underlying feeling in this story - what do we value in life, and how can we rediscover it if we have gotten off track?

I was provided a copy of this book with no expectations - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Dawn Dixon can hardly believe she’s on a groomless honeymoon on beautiful Cape Cod . . . with her mother. Sure, Marnie Dixon is good company, but Dawn was supposed to be here with Kevin, the love of her life (or so she thought).

Marnie Dixon needs some time away from the absolute realness of life as much as her jilted daughter does, and she’s not about to let her only child suffer alone–even if Marnie herself had been doing precisely that for the past month.

Given the circumstances, maybe it was inevitable that Marnie would do something as rash as buy a run-down ice-cream shop in the town’s tightly regulated historic district. After all, everything’s better with ice cream.

Her exasperated daughter knows that she’s the one who will have to clean up this mess. Even when her mother’s impulsive real estate purchase brings Kevin back into her life, Dawn doesn’t get her hopes up. Everyone knows that broken romances stay broken . . . don’t they?

Welcome to a summer of sweet surprises on Cape Cod–a place where dreams just might come true.

Crossfire ~ Review

Crossfire

Extreme Measures #2

By Lynette Eason

Julianna James is proof positive that a life going wrong can be turned around. Working with the FBI, she is one of their top hostage negotiators, and she takes pride that she has never lost a hostage during her years with the FBI. But she is haunted by an incident in her past, and with the 15th anniversary fast approaching, she's having to deal with the added stress to her already busy life. 

When a hostage situation arises during a courtroom trial, Julianna is called in to negotiate. Clay Snyder's younger sister, Reese, becomes the only eyes and ears available to law enforcement as the situation drags on. When Reese and the other hostages make it out alive, Julianna and Clay, along with Dottie (Julianna's teenage sister) and Reese, soon hit it off in the friendship department. Unfortunately, Julianna's past is about to put them all in danger - when a "hostage taker" begins to target Julianna and her perfect negotiation record.

Meanwhile, someone is determined to make threats against those nearest to Julianna. Can she keep her sister and friends safe while dealing with someone determined to destroy her?

Crossfire is the second book in the Extreme Measures series, and it is filled with intense action and suspense. And there is, of course, the makings of a romance if only the past and its regrets can be laid to rest. Both Clay and Julianna are dealing with past regrets that keep them from pushing past the guilt that has fettered them with its recriminations. Though this is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone as each book focuses on a different main character. The friendship between Julianna and her best friends and their work seems to be the string that ties the series together.  I really liked Julianna's sister Dottie who is dealing with her own smorgasbord of troubles with school, her relationship with her mother, and did I mention school.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations; all thoughts expressed are my own.                               

About the Book:

FBI special agent Julianna James is a top-notch negotiator who has never lost a hostage. Surely, she can manage to take care of her much younger sister, Dottie, who showed up unannounced to live with Julianna while she finished her senior year of high school.

A former sniper with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Clay Snyder left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Now he's working as a high school resource officer until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life.

Their paths cross when Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister. Impressed and a bit intimidated by the calm, capable woman with dark hair and blue eyes, Clay invites her to speak at his school. Dottie's school.

But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Julianna just might be one of them.

This intense story of revenge and redemption from bestselling author and master of suspense Lynette Eason will have you up all night as you race toward the explosive finish.

Twin Murder Mix-Up ~ Review with Instagram Giveaway

Twin Murder Mix-Up

By Sami A. Abrams

Today I'm featuring Sami A. Abrams's Twin Murder Mix-Up from Love Inspired Suspense. This book is part of the Deputies of Anderson County series.

His mistake has cost him his best friends. Stacie's dead, but he still has time to save Amy from the killer who seems determined to silence her. She saw a murder but someone seems determined to hide the awful truth and it cost her sister her life. With the killer closing in on her Amy does the only thing she can - she's taking her nephew and running to the one man she thought she could trust. Until he gave her the silent treatment a year ago, ignoring her calls and texts.

Keith Young is about to come face-to-face with the consequences of his biggest regret and his childhood best friend, though she's trusting him with her life, she isn't about to trust him to not betray her again. But to keep Amy and the baby in her care alive - he has to put the past behind him. But the past isn't so easily ignored when it is right next to you.

This is a suspense-filled read that will keep you wondering whether or not the killer will succeed yet again. With few clues and a case that was brushed away into the unknown, time is against them and the advantages are all in the killer's favor.

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

About the Book:

A case of mistaken identity… has lethal results

After capturing a murder on her camera, photographer Amy Baker becomes the next target—but her identical twin is killed instead. Now on the run with her sister’s newborn, Amy has only one person to turn to—Detective Keith Young, her childhood crush. But when they discover Keith is the baby’s father, can he regain Amy’s trust to keep them safe…before the killer strikes again?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

 

Check out my Instagram post to enter the giveaway for a copy of this book and an Amazon gift card. 
All the rules and such are in the post! 

The giveaway is part of the JustRead Publicity Tours Bookstagram Tour!

A Tenuous Betrothal ~ Review

A Tenuous Betrothal

Royal Regency #3
By Jen Geigle Johnson

What can I say - I love this series and Rhianna (Rhi) Davies is a perfect new potential daughter-in-law/wife to join the royal family of Oldenburg. There is just one small issue neither she nor Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg even knew they were betrothed. Mhm, so big problem as neither cares to be wed to a perfect stranger.

The perfect solution to their shared dilemma? Why a season in London to show Rhi around so she could find a possible love match of her own choosing, with Prince Marc's assistance, of course. What could go wrong? 

Plenty starting with the fact that after those first awkward moments the two actually seem to like each other. But Marc is firm - he can't take a wife while there is danger around. Oldenburg needs his skills and he won't marry and leave a wife to wonder if he would return from a mission. Nope as perfect as Rhi seems to be for him - marriage is out of the question.

When circumstances dictate a change of plans, Rhi finds herself in Oldenburg where she finds she has an unexpected connection to both the country and the royal family. But she has been promised by the king to one of his sons, so with Marc declaring he cannot marry, Rhi is expected to give the remaining unwed sons a chance to win her hand, if not heart.

I enjoyed this book in both print and audio so that was fun. I love the audio as it says the words so I can hear them as I read along. (Or just listen as I commute to work) This story is lovely and sweet. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking clean-reading Regency. The characters are realistic with a depth that brings them to life. I love the blend of the fictional with the historic as it plays well off of each other. 

Now ideally you will have read the first two books in the series, but if you haven't the story can be read as a standalone title.  I loved the narration by Luone Ingram, she brought the story to life and I think she presented Rhi and Marc perfectly. The story was well paced and engaging.

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

About the Book:

Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Without the protective love of her parents, Rhi has no illusions that hers will be a happy ending—until an addendum to her father’s will arrives in the hands of a prince.

Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands. But their journey takes them down unexpected paths, from the depths of a Welsh mine to the marriage mart of London to a warm reception in Oldenburg. Rhi and Marc discover that their connection and their challenges run deeper than either anticipated, but whether from their own hesitations or from danger that threatens without, the couple might be thwarted before they can even begin the happily ever after they so richly deserve.