The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Fresh starts and new beginnings. 

Widower Ben Wright has his hands full with his three children, farming, and coaching a baseball team, he doesn't have time to deal with the constantly escaping goats of his new neighbor, Jessica. Jessica moved home to reset and help revitalize the family farm. 

A heartwarming grumpy-sunshine romance, with cute kids (of the human and goat kind), good interaction, and a small town community setting. I liked how the Wright kids befriend Jessica, and enjoy spending time with the goats. 

A fun read, with an opposites attract romance. I like how they lowly start inviting each other into their lives in the everyday moments through all the craziness around them. Enjoyable and compelling, it has a lot going on, themes of faith and great interaction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Surprise Cowboy Dad by Deb Kastner // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A marriage of convenience and a baby in need of love, can Henry and Charli be the parents Levi needs?

Henry suddenly has the care of his nephew thrust upon him, while Charli is in danger of losing the family ranch to her sister who want to sell. Charli has worked hard her whole life on the ranch, Henry has always been a good friend and supporter, working alongside her. Together they make a good team, and I like how they have open communication and he never hesitates to back her up. 

An engaging read, with a friends-to-lovers romance, a great plot and family drama. I like how Charli gets to know her sisters better, and how everyone loves little Levi. 

A heartwarming read, with great interaction, strong, likable characters. Levi is so adorable! A highly enjoyable read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Liar's Treasure by Connie Mann // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A high stakes treasure hunt, filled with suspense, as this mother daughter duo work to uncover the Liar's Treasure before the other treasure hunters close in.  

The second in a series, it probably helps if you read the series in order, but the adventure is brand new. There is a lot going on, with a realistic relationship between mother and daughter. A fast paced read, that goes all over the world as they gather relics and follow the clues to beat out the other treasure hunters. High tension, with great characters, but I didn't like how we follow the bad guys so much. 

It was fun to see the members of Speranza working together in their different specialties. Camille must risk it all to keep her daughter safe, and I admired her quicking thinking and courage. I was uncomfortable with how much stuff they stole along the way, but the mystery around the relics kept me guessing. 

Overall, an engaging read that kept me guessing, with great tension and truly high stakes. Camille fights to keep the faith as she goes against the odds to capture The Liar's Treasure. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible: The New Testament // Review and Giveaway

The She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible experience was designed with special attention to the details to make opening your Bible every day even more enjoyable: 

 • Spiral-bound CSB, like you’ve never seen before 

 • Beautifully illustrated key verses 

 • Wide margins for journaling, notes & prayers 

 • Daily reading logs for accountability 

 • Five volumes, perfect for portability 

 • Built-in community with other women through She Reads Truth 

 • Additional study helps like timelines, maps, charts & book introductions

Order your copy toay wherever Bibles are sold: https://utm.io/um0R6

My Review:

A Bible truly made for an immersive study and journaling experience, spiral-bound so it lays flat on the table, with wide margins for notes, with an open layout, comprehensive outlines, full color key verse illustrations, reading logs, with maps and timelines. 

It measures 11 1/4 X 10 1/2 X 1 3/8 inches, so it is a heftier Bible and not the easiest to take with you to church, and the edition I have is the only New Testament, while 5 volumes make up the entire Bible. But don't let the size scare you, because this has many features that make it well worth the size. I think my favorite thing is that I can truly lay it completely flat on my table, making it great for making cross references or taking notes. The cover is durable, and the pages are thicker to complement and hold up to the spiral-binding, as well as hold up better to drawings, highlighting, as well as takes the color from colored pencils better. It has complete footnotes, and I liked how the Old Testament references were bolded for easy recognition. There are also empty pages in the back for more notes, or artwork. The 10 point font is easy to read, and the wide margins are perfect for notes. 

The introductions to the books include a map on the other side, give context to the book as well as information on the author, and topics touched upon. I really enjoyed using this Bible, and how the designers really went all the way, leaning into making it durable, and accessable for notes, journaling and artwork. A beautiful gift for someone you love or for yourself!

 #SheReadsTruthNotetakingBibleMIN #SheReadsTruth #SheWritesTruth #ChristianStandardBible #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 Giveaway: 1 GRAND PRIZE giveaway of the Five-Volume Hardcover set of the She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible (retail value of $149.99) 

 Qualifications: Giveaway winners must be a US resident. 

 To enter: Entrants must fill out THIS FORM

Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee // Review

My Review: 
Lucy is getting up the courage to leave island life behind for university, when suddenly her benefactor is found decapitated on the beach and she is the heiress of his vast fortune. Orphaned at a young age, she decides to pursue answers about her lost family and finds that it may be tied to her benefactor's death, meanwhile she begins to emerge as a leading suspect in the murder.

 An engaging historical read that delves into fantasy, with mystery and gothic vibes. Lucy Nowhere is a heroine who has responsibility thrust upon her, she finds herself walking a tight rope trying to stay one step ahead of the killer, while finding the answers that could unlock her origins. A swirling suspense, in which one is never sure of whom to trust. While Lucy also finds her heart pulled by two very different men. I admired Lucy for her quick thinking and courage in the face of danger. She is gutsy and willing to be a leader in high stakes situations.

 There is plenty going on, and the plot was well paced and riveting. I liked how it kept me guessing with the will they or won't they, and who can she trust? A gothic historical romance, with a love triangle and a high stakes murder plot. There are some instances of strong language, but for the most part it is appropriate for mid to older teens with PG-13 content. Another wonderful read from one of my favorite authors!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen // Review

My Review: 

Celebrate the holidays in Sidmouth in this final installment On Devonshire Shores.

 Sarah is torn between a chance at happiness and duty, when the handsome widower Callum Henshaw and his daughter return for a visit. Meanwhile, Georgiana is excited for Christmas surrounded by friends and is determined to help a displaced orphan while a friendship deepens into the possibility of something more.

 A heartwarming return to the shores of Devonshire, Sarah is happy to see two of her sisters settled and is adjusting to the changes at the inn. But Mr. Henshaw stirs hopes and questions of an uncertain future path. 

A gently compelling story, that in my mind is a lovely original blend of Little Women and Cranford or Downtown Abbey. I love how we follow multiple characters through their lives and everyday events and challenges. Georgiana is the youngest, and growing into a young woman, she has a heart for others and is always trying to help out, even if in unexpected ways. 

 A thoroughly enjoyable read full of heart and love for home, with themes of trusting God and new beginnings. Wonderful, captivating characters, I have so enjoyed reading their stories through this fantastic series. Highly recommend.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Rancher's Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Zane comes home to support his family and work on the ranch, doing so brings him face to face with his best friend's widow. Molly is hesitant to trust Zane, but her young son has fallen in love with riding, so she agrees to work with Zane to pay for her son's riding lessons. Can a shared past, help heal their future?

A heartwarming read, with likable characters and good interaction. I liked how Zane and Molly reconnected and rekindled their friendship after many years apart. Luke is a smart young boy, I liked how he and Zane bonded over Luke's father and the horses. 

Both Zane and Molly are Christians, but are challenged to grow in their faith. I really liked the ranch setting, and how wonderful and supportive Molly's family is. 

Overall, a heartwarming romance, with strong characters, a cute kid, and an engaging plot. A faith filled read, full of friendship, healing, family, and giving love a chance. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Lumber Baron's Wife by Lynn Austin // Review

My Review: 

A gorgeous historical house with a mysterious legacy, set in a white pine logging town in Michigan, holds secrets that bind three women from the past and from the present in this captivating dual timeline novel of God's deep and unfathomable love.

 In the past Hannah and her doctor husband John move to Michigan in hopes of a new beginning after losing their 3 children to tragedy, at the request of John's war buddy, Lumber Baron Henry Abernathy. Hannah is tasked with teaching Henry's young wife how to behave in polite society, but she believes her aching heart has little to give.

 In the present-day Ashley and her new husband David, struggle to find a home and common ground that they previously thought was so plentiful. Ashley is drawn to investigating the history behind the Abernathy home after being invited to join the community in reviving a once stately historical mansion.

 Hannah had everything until tragedy took it away, now starting over putting up with the childish antics of Kate Abernathy is the last thing that she thinks she needs. I liked how Hannah was patient with Kate, kindly showing her the correct way to things are done even if it was begrudgingly at first. Kate and Hannah are very different, but I liked how they found common ground and purpose in helping others. Hannah was probably my favorite character, not your typical protagonist, grieving and struggling to trust God, while putting one foot in front of the other and doing the next thing in front of her. I admired how John was tender, supportive of and patient with her. 

 Ashley in the present day is faced with a different set of challenges, but I liked her willingness and passion for the project. Despite their differences, Ashley and David have a deep love for each other. Freida is a spry older woman who brought her community to them, welcoming them with open arms, offering friendship and no condemnation. 

 A riveting read, that walks the line between 2 timelines, with complex characters against the ruthless and once beautiful white pines of Michigan. The book does a great job of drawing you into the lives of three very different women, unwinding their lives and delving into their relationships, revealing a beautiful and shining truth. Compelling and memorable. 

Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review: 

A wealthy business owner in search of a moneyed wife with a hefty dowery. A maid who needs to escape the clutches of a violent gang. Bellamy the matchmaker makes a wager.

 Alannah can scarcely believe her ears when the matchmaker suggests the son of her employer as a match, but she promises to give it a chance. Keiran wants to make an advantageous match, but cannot find someone that suits him, except for a woman who is completely out of the question. 

 Sparks fly in this chemistry filled historical romance; I loved seeing more of the Shanahan family and getting more insight into the character of Bellamy. Alannah and Keiran are likable characters, with a sweet and honest connection. I really liked Keiran's sister, Zaira and can't wait to read more about her in the next book! 

 Overall, an enjoyable read with a good place and plot. Good chemistry, with closed door sizzle. A lovely addition to the series, that is hard to put down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham // Review

My Review: 

A fun flirty food battle brings together a small town in this Jane Austen loving foodie, opposites attract romance. 

 Daphne Austen is surprised to find that her Jane Austen themed tea shop's new neighbor is a tea-hating British single dad, opening a pub style restaurant. Daphne is upbeat and creative, slowly working to introduce her own creations to her inherited tea shop. She is marvelous with children, and I liked the banter between her and her brother Jack, as well as her new neighbor Finn Dashwood. Finn is a hardworking single father who wants to give his young daughter a solid upbringing.

 Such a fun read, with all the hilarious hashtags as part of the food battle, and grumpy-sunshine interactions. I loved how Daphne and Finn embraced the opportunity to boost their small businesses and lean into the attention as the town takes sides and stirs the fires. A lighthearted read, with a full cast of delightful characters, great interactions and a solid helping of faith.

 Overall, it's a fun flirty read, with great characters and a small-town setting in the heart of Appalachia. Filled with humor, sweet moments, and witty banter, infused with a love of British literature. A satisfying upbeat rom-com, sure to bring a smile to your face!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.