I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
Serial dater and travel blogger Jayna Scott lands a dream assignment in Bimini, Bahamas at Mario Delgado’s resort. But after she falls hard and fast for her host, she discovers his terrible secret. Her flight instinct sends her to the mountains of North Carolina on a trip with a Tampa church group, but Mario pursues her, determined to prove his actions were justified.
Private investigator Liam Bracken helps his best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain to the woman he once liked. Now, the mysterious Jayna, the new addition to their group, tugs at his heart, but his instincts warn him she’s running from something. When Jayna emerges at the epicenter of his agency’s high-profile drug investigation, Liam prays he can save her—and guard his heart at the same time.
My Thoughts
Although this is the second book in a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. This novel tells the faith journey and perilous adventures of travel blogger Jayna Scott. Traveling to the Bahamas, she gets unwittingly trapped into illegal activity there and has to depend on new friends from her Bible study group to help her out. The genre is cozy mystery with a firm faith foundation. The characters are relatable and realistic and the plot moves along at a good steady pace that is engaging and entertaining. I especially enjoyed how Jayna interacted with the Bible study group and really wanted to be a part of it even though she did not feel as though she really belonged. I also liked Liam Bracken’s willingness to be a hero for a young woman he barely knows but who touched his heart. The mystery is just complex enough to keep me on the edge of my seat at times as I cheered for the good guys to get there on time and for the bad guys to be thwarted. This is a feel-good and satisfying read, but readers should be warned that there are triggers like sexual and emotional abuse within the storyline. This is a Christian read with no graphic details or expletives, so I found it suitable for anyone able to read on this level. With a breathtaking setting and an engrossing story, this is one not to be missed for those who enjoy powerful stories with engrossing suspense. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her launch team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Christian fiction with intense suspense. Rated PG
About the Author
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. Her own suspense story involved waiting on God into her thirties to meet her husband, and she desires to keep embracing God’s plan for her life when it’s not what she expects. Kristen also teaches English online and enjoys being a podcast guest. Her young adult dystopian novels, The Revisionary and The Reactionary, both won the Selah for speculative fiction, and she has partnered with Mountain Brook Ink for her Christian romantic suspense series, beginning with Take My Hand (2022). Hold Your Breath, book two, releases November 2023. She also enjoys guest blogging opportunities for both The Write Conversation and the KHCB Network. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband and young son.
This was the first book that I have read by Kristen and I really loved it so much that I purchased the first book in the series and I’m enjoying it, too. What a talented faith-filled author! Don’t miss her newest book! The first book in the Crossroads Suspense series, just FYI. All of Kristen’s books are on her website that I listed under her photo. Please check them out!
Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has dealt with her share of shady characters, but the firm’s latest client has an even darker past than most. In fact, Nashville Metro Police seems to think he’s a murderer.
Finley isn’t so sure. Her investigation into Ray Johnson’s history focuses on the unsolved murder of a teenager who died seventeen years earlier. The case went cold, but questions remain. Months after the girl’s death, people close to her started disappearing—her mother first, then Ray’s brother. But why?
As Finley races to solve a decades-old murder, she uncovers new clues and long-buried secrets that could blow the case wide open. But whoever killed the girl all those years ago may still be a threat—and now the chase is on.
My Thoughts
Finley O’Sullivan is a kick butt and take no prisoners private investigator and lawyer. She wants all the truth, but first she has to methodically weed through the lies. She’s my favorite character in the series because she is damaged but refuses to be broken, vulnerable but not weak, intelligent and intuitive. In the latest Finley novel by Debra Webb, Finley has to try to solve a cold case of a murder and a disappearance that are over a decade old. Lucy Cagle was an intrepid high school student, determined to investigate a crime syndicate and expose the bad guys just like her famous reporter mom did. But Lucy was killed and her murderer was never found. At the same time, Ian Johnson, a younger son in the Johnson crime family, disappeared, never to be seen again. Now it is up to Finley to find out if the two events are related and if so, how since she is helping her employer Jack investigate Ray Johnson for an impending case against him. There are a lot of very satisfying twists in this novel that had me wondering just where the story was going and how it was going to get there. But author Debra Webb never disappoints in weaving a tale that is complicated and that stimulates my imagination as it keeps me mesmerized in the story and the characters. Each character contributed to the story and none was more evident than Finley’s unassuming and kind-hearted father who apparently knew something about Lucy that he wasn’t sharing. I loved the dynamics of the characters and how Finley had to prod and poke at them to get to the truth. This is a book with breath-stopping suspense and sharp, addictive writing that kept me reading and guessing all the way to the end. With well-crafted and cleverly written twists, this book is absolutely brilliant and one of the best suspense books that I have ever read! With a compelling and multi-layered mystery, this novel had me intrigued, only willing to put the book down once I had reached the satisfying conclusion. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley as well as from the author as part of her street team. I was not required to write a positive review, and 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.”
Rated PG-13 for content
About the Author
DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency and the Shades of Death series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel. With this award Debra joined the ranks of a handful of authors like Nora Roberts and Carole Mortimer. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm and spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
Available for preorder now! Releases on 11-07-23. Purchase Links:
Detective Trevor West is determined to find the sister who went missing in Alaska over a year ago. Bush pilot Carries James is determined to track down the person who murdered her closest friend. When the two join forces and skill sets to solve these mysteries, they’ll discover they are connected in ways they never imagined.
My Thoughts
The setting in the wilds of Alaska invited me into the pages of this book and the plot and characters kept me there all the way to the end. The premise is that Trevor West, a detective from Montana, arrives in Alaska with the sole purpose of finding out what happened to his missing sister Jennifer. Jennifer left behind photos but no other clues about her strange disappearance, so Trevor seeks the help of intrepid bush pilot Carrie James. Carrie has just suffered a devastating loss when her mechanic and best friend Isaac is murdered, so she agrees to help Trevor follow the clues in the photos if he will help her find who killed Isaac. The hunt is on, for Jennifer and for Isaac’s murderer, but it is not without peril to the determined duo. Just when I thought things were calming down, something else happened to bring danger closer to both Carrie and Trevor and anyone whom they question. Something strange is going on in the wilderness and the trail these two follow is scattered with bread crumbs and false leads. The plot is fast-paced and heart-in-your-throat thrilling as they get closer to the bad guys who are set on taking them out before their deeds are uncovered. The plot is believable and completely engrossing, with an addictive mystery as well as a developing romance. I enjoyed getting to know Trevor and Carrie, but I especially enjoyed some of the native characters like Elias and Rip, men who are not afraid of danger or taking chances to help others. There is an underlying faith element in the story that is the glue that holds it together as the lives of the main characters are being ripped apart. The plot threads are intricate and masterfully woven together into the stunning landscape of Alaska. With sharp writing and authentically riveting details, the author tells a story that is rich and intriguing. I cannot wait for the next book in the Missing In Alaska series, although each book can definitely be read as a standalone. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as well as from the author as part of her review team. In addition, I purchased two copies, one for myself and one for a gift. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This book is coming in for a landing tomorrow, so I want to put it on your radar today so you can get the freebies that are being offered for preorders. Just preorder and then go to http://www.missinginalaskaseries.com for information about how to claim your freebies.
Don’t miss this riveting romantic suspense that will hold you on the edge of your seat! (I will be posting a full review next week, but just let me say that this book is five plus stars!)
This is an amazing thought-provoking book with multiple layers that had me enthralled from beginning to end. The premise of Cora having to return to her old home at Moonberry Lake and try to discover the secret why she and her mother left suddenly when she was a child is one that promised from the start to be revelatory and it was. I enjoyed the story and the faith that undergirded it, but mostly I really enjoyed getting to know the characters who were all different and who all added to the tale. Cora was the vulnerable one who needs to find her place in the world. Sam is her helpful guide, the one who meets her and explains the requirement that she stay in her grandparents’ old lodge for one year in order to inherit it. Kitty is my hands-down favorite; she keeps the cemetery orderly and offers wise advice if anyone will listen. I even liked the old grumpy neighbor who insists that Cora is living on his land and he will get it back, one way or another! I think the most memorable character is the handywoman named Widgy who not only fixes things but she also tries hard to apply her lifetime worth of knowledge to fixing people, too. She is homespun hilarity in a bundle of energy! The story is an emotional one that made me laugh, cry and even think a lot as I read about Cora’s quest to make a new life for herself that doesn’t include constantly moving to a new place or running from old entanglements. The novel is very well-paced and totally engaging, but the characters make the story and the setting adds the charm. This is a debut novel but I would not be able to tell it from the masterful craftsmanship displayed in the telling of a story of finding hope for the future and depending on virtual strangers to be kind. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G for all audiences. Christian Fiction and a clean read
About the Author
Check out the author’s website at https://www.hollyvarni.com/ for additional information and to listen to her podcast or read her blog.
This first book in a new series by Irene Hannon is a heart-pumping, edge-of-your seat read from the first page to the satisfying conclusion. Bri Tucker is a former smoke jumper turned fire investigator and when one of her former colleagues is killed in a fire, Bri takes on the responsibility of investigating his death as well as others that he was investigating when he died. Assisted by swoonworthy hero and ATF agent Marc Davis, Bri can’t seem to avoid danger. In fact, she seems perfectly content confronting it, much to the consternation of Marc and her siblings Jack and Cara. All of the characters were realistically portrayed and relatable, but none more so than the vulnerable Bri who was hurt in the past and not looking for more pain in her present. The plot moves along at a fast and fiery pace, with head-spinning twists and riveting revelations along the way. There are red herrings and false trails galore, plenty to keep the mystery buff in me totally happy and reading long into the night. I loved the action and suspense, but I was completely enamored with the characters and their willingness to face danger in order to pursue truth and justice. This book is addictive and held me spellbound, so I’m already anticipating the second book in the series! Irene Hannon is a master storyteller who expertly crafted this tale that I would categorize as high-octane thriller and sparkling romance, too. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian Read, probably a PG because of intense suspense and conflict
About the Author
Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention. Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut! Since then, she has written more than 60 romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels. She is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—and a member of the Romance Writers of America elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Her many other awards include Daphne du Maurier, Carol, HOLT Medallion, National Readers’ Choice, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist. Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full time. She is happy to say she has no regrets! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church. When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri. For more information, go to the author’s website at https://www.irenehannon.com
Publisher : Lake Union Publishing (October 10, 2023)
Publication date : October 10, 2023
Language : English
Print length : 263 pages
My Thoughts
This book presents a complicated and emotional story of a family in turmoil after a young girl drowns in a neighbor’s reflecting pool. Almost two decades have passed and Astrid, the older sister of young Nina, is loathe to return to Heron Bay but does so when her aunt urgently summons her. The action really begins to pick up and keeps a fast pace once Astrid arrives in Heron Bay and confronts her past and all of the ghosts that haunt her dreams. There is an eerie feeling that something is missing from her memory and Astrid is determined to discover the truth about Nina’s drowning, a tragedy for which Astrid blames herself. As Astrid delves deeper into mysterious letters typed on an old manual typewriter, I was fascinated with the research into how the letters matched the typeset and the expertise of Astrid as one who verifies documents. The entire story flowed seamlessly, even with multiple characters and flashbacks into an illusory, dreamlike past. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense, but I especially liked the clever character development which was slowly revealed and so brilliantly written. The plot was compelling and multi-layered, with secrets hidden by most of the characters and plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing. The drama is intense, the characters are dynamically unique and the entire book is a well-crafted dive into the waters of what you think you know because your subconscious tells you it is true. As the story progresses to the climax, it fairly crackles with tension that captivated me all the way to the stunning conclusion. For fans of suspense that does not waiver and authentic details that are riveting, this novel is perfect! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and 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.”
Rated PG
About the Author
As a child, A. J. Banner loved reading everything from Nancy Drew to Tolkien to her parents’ spy novels, borrowed from their bookshelves and hidden beneath her pillow. She wrote her first thriller, Mystery at Crane Corner, at the age of 11. She drew her own cover art and bound the pages with staples. Born in India and raised in North America, A. J. graduated from high school in southern California and received degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. She tried various professions after college, including a stint in law school and a memorable job at a veterinary clinic, since she loves animals, but eventually she returned to writing.
Q and A with A. J. Banner
1. What was the most interesting (or most frightening) thing you learned in the research you did for this book?
A letter written in blood.
A typewriter used to type threatening notes.
During my interviews with a forensic document examiner and a former police detective, I learned that people act in extreme and unexpected ways. Reality is stranger than fiction, seriously! It’s true: a forensic document examiner (not the one I interviewed, but someone she knew) was once asked to analyze a letter written in blood! And the former detective told me about a case in which a man stalked his ex‑girlfriend and typed her sinister letters on a typewriter. He thought that if he used a typewriter, he could remain anonymous, but he didn’t know what each typewriter has a particular “fingerprint.” The typewriter in his possession was identified and matched to the letters, and he was arrested.
2. What was your favorite part of writing this book/series?
I always love typing my first drafts on my collection of manual typewriters! A typewriter is like a percussion instrument. I find the clacking sound extremely satisfying, and I can see the print appearing on the page as I type! I cannot go back and edit what I’ve typed. No distractions, no digital notifications. I have to set aside perfectionism and simply keep going, wonderfully liberating!
3. Did anything in the story end up surprising you or changing trajectory?
My stories always surprise me and change direction! In my first draft, I presented the entire story in chronological order, beginning with Nina’s drowning 17 years ago, the aftermath (about 100 pages in that early draft), and then moving forward in time to Astrid in the present day. But I ended up completely restructuring the book and opening with Astrid’s arrival in Heron Bay in the present day, with occasional flashbacks to her sister’s drowning. Also, the final revelation changed! It was entirely different in the first draft. No spoilers.
4. When and how did you know that you wanted to be an author?
From the time I was about eight years old, growing up in a small Canadian town on the shores of the Winnipeg River, I knew I wanted to be an author. I typed stories on a toy typewriter, drew cover art, stapled the pages together and wrote little copyright notices inside the front covers. When a little boy in town self-published his stories, and they appeared in a box set in our local library, I remember feeling incredibly envious of him! I also thought that having a book published was an impossible dream, like shooting for the moon. But eventually, my dream came true.
5. What is your writing process like?
When I’m writing a book, it always feels like the first time. I’m full of fear, joy, pain, worry, self‑doubt, and I feel as though I’m writing garbage. Then I love what I’m writing. Then I hate it. Then I love it again. I tear down the story and rebuild it again multiple times. Whoever said writing was easy? It’s extremely difficult, but it’s also wonderful. In the end, I’m the only one who cares if I ever complete a writing project. So I need incredible self-discipline and inner drive.
6. What would be your advice to new authors?
If you’re an unpublished, aspiring writer, I suggest reading a lot, writing a lot, treating writing as a lifelong endeavor, and learning the craft. Respect the profession. Find a mentor.
7. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?
I enjoy antiquing and discovering vintage stationery and typewriters. I regularly exchange typed letters with wonderful type pals all over the world. I love walks in the woods and on our wild Pacific Northwest beaches. I also play piano, take care of rescued cats, and I love photographing the wildlife in our garden, which is a certified wildlife sanctuary.
8. Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?
I hope my readers enjoy Dreaming of Water and reach out to me with comments and questions! Thank you for a wonderful interview.
Genre: Fiction Tag: Lost and Found Publisher: Revell Publication Year: 2023 ASIN: B0BW1373WH ISBN: 9780800739522
Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver–and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.
Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy’s older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she’s started to leave distressing phone messages for him.
When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he’s confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don’t want to be found.
What Micah doesn’t know is that what you’re looking for isn’t always what you find.
My Thoughts
Set in the quaint Amish town of Stony Ridge, this book included all of my favorite characters and gave me greater insight into some of my favorites. Most of the characters are facing difficult life choices and have to learn to depend on God and each other to make their decisions. David is the pastor of the local church and has to decide whether to relocate his church or not since the Beachy Amish have moved in and are encroaching on their farmland and tourism. Micah Weaver, an intrepid birder and a good friend of Trudy Yoder, faces his own challenges when he answers a call for help from Shelley Yoder, a young woman who left Stony Ridge and is not apparently in some kind of trouble. Trudy thought her relationship with Micah was progressing well until he starts insisting that he has to leave the town. It makes her question her judgment and her developing feelings for him. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into each character’s mind and heart as they faced almost impossible difficulties and had to overcome them. The story tells how they reached their decisions and why as well as adding details about the other Amish citizens and the dynamics of the town itself. The pacing is good, just right for the story that is being told. The characters are all dynamic and relatable, especially Trudy who has to learn to live with a broken heart and move on with her life. I especially liked the descriptions of the birds at the end of each chapter featuring Trudy as she relates the birds to Biblical truth and stories. I also appreciated the author’s notes at the end explaining the schisms between the Amish and why there are three different groups referenced in the novel. I learned from this book, Biblical lessons about trust and faith, and practical lessons about getting along with others and life in general. Inspirational and welcome addition to the series that can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G, clean Christian fiction
About the Author
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher wrote her first novel in sixth grade, about Pompeii, a dog, and the erupting volcano (terrible ending!) and, from that point on, she was hooked on the writing life. Curiously, she doesn’t remember anyone, ever, telling her she was a talented writer. She just loved to write. (And she worked hard at the craft. She still does.) College happened, work, then marriage, children, a sprinkling of corporate transfers, and Suzanne kept plugging away at freelancing for several magazines. (Four kids = lots of great material.) As her children headed off to college, Suzanne had the time to get serious about writing. She wrote a little World War II love story, Copper Star, which was published by Vinspire, a small royalty press. The novel won some awards, and it also caught the eye of a wonderful agent. And that’s when things started to happen. Joyce Hart of the Hartline Literary Agency knew of an editor at Revell Books who was looking for an author who had a genuine connection to the Plain People. Knowing that Suzanne’s grandfather was raised Plain, Joyce connected her to that editor. The result was Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a finalist for the ECPA Book of the Year. Thirty-some books later (in a variety of genres—historical fiction, contemporary women’s, and Amish fiction), Suzanne is still writing for that same editor at Revell Books. And she still loves to write. For more information, go to her author page at https://suzannewoodsfisher.com/meet-suzanne/
Title: An Amish Cinderella By: Shelley Shepard Gray Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 304 Vendor: Kensington Publication Date: September 26, 2023 ISBN: 1496739841 ISBN-13: 9781496739841 Series:Amish of Apple Creek
Now that her friends are all marrying or moving away, Heart Beachy has started feeling lonely. Worse, everyone keeps asking when she’s going to find a man of her own. Don’t they realize Heart has her hands full at home with her widowed dad, too many chores, and a menagerie of needy, small animals? Besides, she doesn’t understand the fuss about marriage. It’s enough to make her consider finally becoming a pet-sitter, or moving to an English community, where she won’t be an oddity . . .
Newcomer Clayton Glick is utterly charmed by Heart—and completely confounded. He can’t figure out why this beautiful woman is as awkward as a teenager whenever he’s around, which is often now that he’s an apprentice to her blacksmith father. So Clayton starts assisting with Heart’s never-ending tasks, even helping her corral her unruly pets. How else can he court an adorably flustered woman who doesn’t know the first thing about courtship? Because courting is exactly what he intends . . .
Heart doesn’t know why her pulse hammers every time she sees Clayton. She only knows yielding to such emotions will mean trouble. . . But maybe with a little faith—and the loss of a shoe—Clayton can convince her to join him on the road to happily ever after.
My Thoughts
Heart Beachy lives with her widowed father Levi and stays busy taking care of the household and numerous adopted pets. Levi is a brusque, no-nonsense blacksmith who takes on an apprentice and is a little leery about having Clayton around. The entire story is magical and engaging, with Heart full of hope, Levi overcoming bitterness and loss and Clayton emerging into a new world of family. I enjoyed how well-developed the characters were and how the plot flowed smoothly between the action in the house and out in the barn where Levi and Clayton worked together. Filled with heartwarming family love, friendship and hope, this is not-to-be-missed by anyone who loves a good Amish story with a pet rat as a likable and intelligent addition to the tale. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian Read, Rated G
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weeklycalls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.” Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow Thisepisode on the popularity of Amish fiction. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.
Releases on 9-26-23. Available now to preorder! Purchase Links:
This Christmas, USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan returns with another heartfelt exploration of change, the power of books to heal, and the enduring strength of female friendship. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Jennifer Weiner.
With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered the winter destination. As the holidays approach, the inn is fully booked with guests looking for their dream vacation. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through the festive season.
But when Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life’s ups and downs. But Hattie can see they’re also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs. In the span of a week over the most enchanting time of the year, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter?
My Thoughts
What a charming and insightful book! The story of widow Hattie Coleman who runs the Maple Sugar Inn and her dynamic meeting of three lifelong friends is one that was memorable, bringing tears to my eyes as the four women learn to live life in the best way as friends. Erica, Anna and Claudia are friends and each year take a trip together to discuss a book. This year, instead of their usual summer trip, they plan a Christmastime trip to a rural inn, complete with snow and hot chocolate and all of the decorations that anyone could want to have. The town near the inn is picture perfect and is a magnificent backdrop to the inn itself and the drama that unfolds in the lives of these young women. This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Morgan and I am a totally enraptured new reader of her style and the way she drew me into the story, making me second guess as what some of the surprising outcomes would be. I really enjoyed getting to know the three friends, but my favorite was Hattie because she is a strong and vulnerable young woman who has had to overcome many challenges, not the least of which is being a widowed mother of a young, intuitive girl. Delphi, the child, made the story sing with realism as she added her loving wisdom to some of the most dramatic scenes. The story was well-paced, engaging and a winsome look at how all of us would like our friendships to be. I loved the realistic characterization that let me know the real hearts of the main characters and the setting was a place that I would like to step into and visit. My first book by Sarah Morgan will definitely not be my last as I sped through this novel and enjoyed every minute I spent getting to know the characters and the places that they hold dear. The themes of friendship and being willing to step out of your comfort zone are evident and well portrayed in this delightful and winsomely magical book. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
I would rate this book PG.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes lively, sexy contemporary stories for Harlequin.
Romantic Times has described her as ‘a magician with words’ and nominated her books for their Reviewer’s Choice Awards and their ‘Top Pick’ slot. In 2012 Sarah received the prestigious RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America. She lives near London with her family.
“Maple Sugar Inn, how may I help you?” Hattie answered the phone with a smile on her face because she’d discovered that it was impossible to sound defeated, moody or close to tears when you were smiling, and currently she was all those things.
“I’ve been planning a trip to Vermont in winter for years and then I spotted pictures of your inn on social media,” a woman gushed, “and it looks so cozy and welcoming. The type of place you can’t help but relax.”
It’s an illusion, Hattie thought. There was no relaxation to be had here; not for her, at any rate. Her head throbbed and her eyes pricked following another night without sleep. The head housekeeper was threatening to walk out and the executive chef had been late two nights running and she was worried tonight might be the third, which would be a disaster because they were fully booked. Chef Tucker had earned their restaurant that coveted star, and his confit of duck had been known to induce moans of ecstasy from diners, but there were days when Hattie would have traded that star for a chef with a more even temperament. His temper was so hot she sometimes wondered why he bothered switching on the grill. He could have yelled at the duck and it would have been thoroughly singed in the flames of his anger. He was being disrespectful and taking advantage of her. Hattie knew that, and she also knew she should probably fire him but Brent had chosen him, and firing him would have severed another thread from the past. Also, conflict drained her energy and right now she didn’t have enough of that to go around. It was simpler to placate him.
“I’m glad you’re impressed,” she said to the woman on the phone. “Can I make a reservation for you?”
“I hope so, but I’m very particular about the room. Can I tell you what I need?”
“Of course.” Bracing herself for a long and unachievable wish list, Hattie resisted the temptation to smack her forehead onto the desk. Instead, she reached for a pad of paper and pen that was always handy. “Go ahead.”
How bad could it be? A woman the week before had wanted to know if she could bring her pet rat with her on vacation—answer: no!—and a man the week before that had demanded that she turn down the sound of the river that ran outside his bedroom window because it was keeping him awake.
She went above and beyond in her attempts to satisfy the whims of guests but there were limits.
“I’d like the room to have a mountain view,” the woman said. “And a real fire would be a nice extra.”
“All our rooms have real fires,” Hattie said, “and the rooms at the back have wonderful views of the mountains. The ones at the front face the river.”
She relaxed slightly. So far, so straightforward.
“Mountains for me. Also, I’m particular about bedding. After all, we spend a third of our lives asleep so it’s important, don’t you agree?”
Hattie felt a twinge of envy. She definitely didn’t spend a third of her life asleep. With having a young child, owning an inn and grieving the loss of her husband, she barely slept at all. She dreamed of sleep but sadly, usually when she was awake.
“Bedding is important.” She said what was expected of her, which was what she’d been doing since the police had knocked on her door two years earlier to tell her that her beloved Brent had been killed instantly in a freak accident. A brick had fallen from a building as he’d been walking past on his way to the bank and struck him on the head.
It was mortifying to remember that her initial reaction had been to laugh—she’d been convinced it was a joke, because normal people didn’t get killed by random bricks falling from buildings, did they?—but then she’d realized they weren’t laughing and it probably wasn’t because they didn’t have a sense of humor.
She’d asked them if they were sure he was dead, and then had to apologize for questioning them because of course they were sure. How often did the police follow we’re sorry to have to tell you…with oops, we made a mistake.
After they’d repeated the bad news, she’d thanked them politely. Then she’d made them a cup of tea because she was a) half British and b) very much in shock.
When they’d drunk their tea and eaten two of her homemade cinnamon cookies, she’d shown them out as if they were treasured guests who had honored her with their presence, and not people who had just shattered her world in one short conversation.
She’d stared at the closed door for a full five minutes after they’d left while she’d tried to process it. In a matter of minutes her life had utterly changed, the future she’d planned with Brent stolen, her hopes crushed.
Even though two years had passed, there were still days when it felt unreal. Days when she still expected Brent to walk through the door with that bouncing stride of his, full of excitement because he’d had one of his brilliant ideas that he couldn’t wait to share with her.
I think we should get married…
I think we should start a family…
I think we should buy that historic inn we saw on our trip to Vermont…
They’d met in England during their final year of college and from the first moment she’d been swept away on the tide of Brent’s enthusiasm. After graduating, they’d both taken jobs in London but then two things had happened. Brent’s grandmother had died, leaving him a generous sum of money, and they’d taken a trip to Vermont. They’d fallen in love with the place, and now here she was, a widow at the age of twenty-eight, raising their five-year-old child and managing the historic inn. Alone. Since she’d lost Brent she’d tried to keep everything going the way he’d wanted it, but that wasn’t proving easy. She worried that she wasn’t able to do this on her own. She worried that she was going to lose the inn. Most of all she worried that she wasn’t going to be enough for their daughter. Now Brent was gone she had to be two people—how could she be two people when most days she didn’t even feel whole?
She realized that while she’d been indulging in a moment of maudlin self-pity, the woman on the phone was still talking. “I’m sorry, could you say that again?”
“I’d like the bedsheets to be linen because I do struggle with overheating.”
“We have linen bedding, so that won’t be a problem.”
“And pink.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’d like the linen to be pink. I find I sleep better. White is too glaring and drab colors depress me.”
Pink.
“I’ll make a note.” She grabbed a notepad and scribbled Help followed by four exclamation marks. She might have written something ruder, but her daughter was a remarkably good reader and was given to demonstrating that skill wherever and whenever she could, so Hattie had learned to be mindful of what she wrote and left lying around. “Did you have a particular date in mind?”
“Christmas. It’s the best time, isn’t it?”
Not for me, Hattie thought, as she checked the room occupancy. The first Christmas after Brent had died had been hideous, and last year hadn’t been much better. She’d wanted to burrow under the covers until it was all over, but instead, she’d been expected to inject festive joy into other people’s lives. And now it was the end of November again and Christmas was just weeks away.
Still, providing she didn’t lose any more staff, she’d no doubt find a way to muddle through. She’d survived it twice, and she’d survive it a third time.
“You’re in luck. We do still have a few rooms available, including one double facing the mountains. Would you like me to reserve that for you?”
“Is it a corner room? I do like more than one window.”
“It’s not a corner room, and there is only one window in this particular room, but it has wonderful views and a covered balcony.”
“There’s no way of getting a second window?”
“Sadly not.” What was she supposed to do? Knock a hole through the wall? “But I can send you a video of the room before you make your choice if that would help.”
By the time she’d taken the woman’s email address, put a hold on the room for twenty-four hours and answered the rest of her questions, half an hour had passed.
When the woman finally ended the call, Hattie sighed. Christmas promised to be a nightmare. She made a note under the reservation. Pink sheets. Linen.
How would Brent handle it? It was a question she asked herself a million times a day and she allowed herself to glance at one of the two photographs she kept on the desk. This one was of Brent swinging their daughter high in the air. Both were laughing. Sometimes, she’d discovered, remembering the best of times sustained you through the worst.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 