Review of SECOND TIME AROUND by Melody Carlson

On By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

What a lovely story with all of the good feelings that come with happily ever afters! Mallory Farrell decides to upend her comfortable life when she inherits her grandmother’s tourist shop in a small town in Oregon. She decides to renovate the shop and the apartment above it, open the shop to feature her home design and move to the quaint little town. Once there, she meets mega-rich and super handsome Grayson Matthews, a widower who is not convinced that her business will succeed but he is willing to watch her try. The relationship between these two is puzzling at first as neither of them seemed to have the time to build a relationship together. I loved the interactions between the main characters and the plot that was woven so well around the themes of building and designs. The inspirational themes of redemption and hope were well interwoven into the plot and seemed a natural part of the storyline. With a quick pace, lots of humor, plenty of drama and characters that popped off the page, this is a book that is light-hearted with a deep underlying message that resonated with me. I especially loved the design tips from Mallory and her repartee with Grayson’s assistant Corinna. We could all learn from Mallory’s patience and resilience and her positive attitude in spite of one obstacle after another!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A clean read for all!
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/ (Bio from author’s page at Amazon)

New release on March 7, 2023! Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/41LGsn9 (Amazon)

http://bit.ly/3YlpGZ3 (Christian Book)

http://bit.ly/3mrQzgH (Powells)

http://bit.ly/3ZIgoaB (Target)

http://bit.ly/41QSI5K (Baker Book House)

http://bit.ly/3yhTMlQ (Barnes and Noble)

http://bit.ly/3ZN6c0J (Walmart)

https://amzn.to/3KZciXq (Audible)

Many thanks to Revell for including me in their Blogger Program and giving me early access to great books!

Review of UNDER FIRE by Lynn H. Blackburn

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The story of Zane Fletcher and Tessa Reed is one that had to be told. Their attraction to each other in previous books in the series was apparent but they had decided just to remain friends. Their decision is brought into question in this final book in the series in which Tessa is the lead agent in charge of protecting the President when he plans a trip to Raleigh. The President’s plans bring Zane back to Raleigh in order to liaison with Tessa. The chemistry between these two alternated between humorous and deadly serious as Tessa’s life is endangered because of events from her past. The characters are realistic, presenting a fascinating character study that pulled me into the story quickly. The plot is well-crafted with multiple layers involving the keeping the President safe, the President’s old friendships and reason for his visit and Tessa’s past that she thought was buried but has come to haunt her. The twists are clever and satisfyingly complex, creating a plot that is tightly woven and constantly crackling with tension between Zane and Tessa. With a fast pace and witty dialogue, this book kept me engaged with its intricate plot threads that were brilliantly woven together into one action-packed book. This is an addictive suspense that includes a developing romance that sparkles with laugh-out-loud banter between the two protagonists. Filled with warmth, humor and the creative complications that add to the pleasure of reading, this book is one not to be missed by fans of action-packed romantic suspense. Although it is part of the Defend and Protect series, this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her launch team. I also received an e-copy of the book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required by either entity to publish a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

An intense-filled suspense rated G for all audiences
Lynn H. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. Her Dive Team Investigations series includes Beneath the Surface and In Too Deep (a Fall 2018 Okra Pick and 2019 Selah finalist). The conclusion to the series, One Final Breath, releases in September 2019. She is also the author of Hidden Legacy and Covert Justice which won the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. (From author’s website at www.lynnhblackburn.com

New release on March 7, 2023! Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/3w4tOkz (AMZ)

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/465108 (Baker)

http://bit.ly/3WkFsTe (Barnes and Noble)

http://bit.ly/3IPJD6f (Books-a-Million)

Christianbook.com (Christian Book)

I have the privilege of being part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was also chosen to be part of the advanced review team for the author. Reading and reviewing this fantastic conclusion to an awesome series has been a double pleasure!

Write This Down

On By vickleaIn Scripture6 Comments

I don’t know about you but when I was in school, I often heard teachers say, “Write this down.” Those who were half asleep usually perked up because they realized that what the teacher was saying would be useful information for a future test or quiz. I even used similar words with my own students, drawing their attention to what I was saying so that they would not miss it.

God inspired John to write the Book of Revelation and in this verse, He specifically tells John to “Write this down.” What is God drawing our attention to? What does He not want us to miss? The fact that He is going to make everything new…everything! God is totally truthful and trustworthy and if says it, it will happen. So, when He says to “write it down” He is making sure our eyes are open, our ears are listening and that we are ready to receive an important message. We can worry and fret over all of the events in the world, over all of the godlessness of mankind and over all of the challenges we have in life. But when we read and meditate on this verse, it all becomes inconsequential. One day, God will make everything new. He said it, I believe it and I’m looking forward to that day!

Have a blessed day with your eyes fixed on the One who will make everything new!

Important to God

On By vickleaIn Quotation and Citations, Scripture1 Comment

I don’t watch awards shows anymore and it’s not just because they have become such an outright blasphemous display. I stopped watching them long ago when I realized that every award show is just a group of boastful people tooting their own horns loudly. My philosophy is that those who are doing good do it quietly and God rewards them, not the academy of motion pictures or the other musicians or even a group of fans. Doing good is without a lot of fanfare because one generally does it to benefit others, not to make themselves look good. It annoys me when millionaires announce that they have given a great sum of money to a certain charity. I would be more convinced of their generosity if they did it and didn’t then tout it everywhere.

Mother Theresa was a giver, deep in her heart and soul and for all of her life. So what if you don’t feel lauded by the world, appreciated and praised? That is not our purpose here on earth. God made each of us for a reason and He knows how important we are, so that is what really counts.

The Scriptures tell us numerous times not to boast or be filled with pride. The real reward comes from God when we stand before Him and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” I would rather have a “well done” accolade from the Lord than the applause of many empty-hearted people who don’t even know the real me. God knows the real me, the one that wants to do my best for Him, and He loves me and counts me as worthy of the death of His Son. I’m not really anyone important, but to God, I am His beloved daughter, and that’s enough.

May you be blessed with the knowledge of your worth before the Lord God and know that you are important to Him.

God Finishes What He Starts

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

If you are like me, you have numerous projects that you began but never completed. I used to crochet, back before arthritis made it too difficult, and I would start one project for one grandchild and another for another one and eventually, maybe, finish one. I had yarn for my first five grandchildren, but I only completed the blankets for three of them. I ended up giving the yarn away to a friend from church who loves to crochet so I knew that she would actually use it. I have started projects with coloring pages, projects to organize my books, and others that just never got done. I’m more than a little in awe that God always finishes what He starts.

Whereas I tend to get distracted by the next thing to do on my list, God always has His eye on all of His “projects” and He continues to work diligently to bring them to completion. God started a good work in me fifty years ago on February 28th, and He is still working hard to help me to be the person He created me to be.

The ultimate goal is eternity with Him, and our Sovereign Lord has prepared the way for us to escape death by saving us from it, daily. He continues to work with us to keep us out of the abyss and headed in the right direction. I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful that God hasn’t given up on me and never will. That’s how dedicated He is to His creation and to His purpose to establish a lasting relationship with each of us!

Have a blessed day and I hope that you will be aware of God’s working in your life today and every day.

Joyful, Patient, Faithful

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

It’s hard to be unhappy with life if you have joy in your heart. Patience will take you surely and steadily through any trouble you face. And faithfulness in prayer will prepare you for whatever comes your way. Just a little thought to start your day.

Have a blessed day filled with love for God and others!

Wisdom from God

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Many times, when we are trying to make a difficult decision, we choose to consult friends, counselors, those whom we trust and consider wise. But the best person to consult is God because His wisdom has all of the characteristics of leading to true success.

Look at all of the adjectives that describe the wisdom that comes from God as you read the verse again. Pure, peace loving, gentle, willing to yield. The phrases that lead to a good Godly decision include: full of mercy, full of the fruit of good deeds, shows no favoritism and always sincere. I need to practice asking God for His wisdom and then waiting for the kind of answer that is full of all of His promises for me and also not harmful to others.

May you be blessed today and every day with the knowledge of how important it is to seek wisdom from God.

Praise Report

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture8 Comments

If you follow my blog regularly, you know that I have been undergoing some cardiac tests because of a few episodes of suddenly passing out. I am delighted to report that my stress test results are back and I don’t have a blockage of any kind in any of my arteries! Praise God!

I am still wearing a cardiac monitor for about another three weeks and have two ultrasound tests at the end of the month. I am confident that no matter the results, God is in control and will continue to take care of me. As I joked with my grandchildren this weekend, “My warranty expired about ten years ago and when I asked God to renew it, He told me that was the first thing He would do when I get to Heaven.”

Have a blessed day and remember that God knows all about you and loves you deeply.