The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green // Review

My Review: 

An unlikely head librarian brings a community together over books during wartime. 

Avid Montgomery is not the biggest reader, but she makes a promise to her brother before he goes to war and is determined to keep it. When Miss Cavendish threatens to close the library and turn it into a nursery school, Avis comes up with the idea of a book club to encourage indoor activities during wartime. 

The book club brings a variety of women and men together, slowly becoming friends while discussing books. Ginny is feisty and opinionated saying things like they are and saving to help her family back home. She brings a lot of humor to the story, and I liked her friendship with Freddy. Martina is a thoughtful and hardworking woman, doing her best to take care of her children and provide for them alone. 

Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable read that follows 4 very different women brought together in friendship through books. I loved how the book club brought the town together from all walks of life and situations, sharing their thoughts on books, laughing and learning together, showing the beautiful side of humanity. Engaging plot, with memorable characters, and compelling storylines. Highly recommend!

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

The Farmer's Unexpected Christmas Gift by Lillian Warner // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Louisa Slattery and her young son get caught in a treacherous car crash and are rescued by single father and farmer Stan Novak. She awakens with no memory of what happened or even her own name. But a tingling of familiarity has them both questioning, will her slowly returning memories threaten their new and tentative bond? 

An engaging heartwarming romance, with likable characters, great interaction and adorable children. I liked that Louisa was able to remember her strong faith, and that they both are devoted to being good parents to their children. Dominic is so cute, and he loves hanging out on the farm and learning to help out alongside Stan. 

Entertaining and enjoyable read, with an engaging plot that has plenty of twists long the way. There's a lot going on, and I liked seeing Lou and Stan slowly come to trust each other. Heartwarming and sweet holiday read!

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

One Last Shot at Christmas by Heidi McCahan // Review

Lucie's Review: 

 A heartwarming second chance romance filled with plenty of heart and holiday cheer. 

When Jenna becomes the guardian of her young nephew, Henry, she expects to pick him up and whisk him back to her life in Tulsa. But instead finds herself taking on the small town's Christmas Light Festival and working alongside her former flame Wyatt Morgan. 

A heartwarming small-town read. I loved how kind and welcoming Wyatt's family and the town of Opportunity was to Jenna and Henry. A sweet Christmas love story, perfect for fans of Hallmark holiday films. Jenna slowly warms up to Opportunity. I liked seeing her reconnect with Wyatt and bond with Henry. 

Overall, a heartwarming Christmas romance, with a picturesque smalltown setting. Good interaction and relationship building. A quick enjoyable read, great for getting you in the holiday spirit!

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

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright // Review

My Review: 

A gripping dual timeline novel with chilling suspense, engaging plotline, and faith. 

In 1921 Marian Arnold returns home to the ruins of her family's brewing empire in the height of Prohibition, and finds herself haunted unworldly nightmares that seem to bring death in the form of a killer with butterflies as their calling card. 

Decades later Remy Shaw takes a jobs as an assistant to a biographer digging into the life of Marian Arnold and hoping to discover more about the Butterfly Killer. But strange things start to happen at the manor, strangely reminiscent of what happened so many years ago. Could the key be in Remy's past? 

A gripping gothic dual timeline novel, that dives into a world of family secrets and the psychological. A little bit of a slower build up, but the clues laid along the way all pay off in a climactic ending full of twists and turns. I liked both Remy and Marian. Both had troubled upbringings and are trying to make sense of it as adults. Great storytelling, suspense, and character development. Another thrilling read from Ms. Wright!

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

Christmas in Chestnut Crossing by Heidi Chiavaroli, Tia McCollors, Amy Clipston, and Shaen Layle // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming collection of hopeful Christmas novellas set in Chestnut Crossing. 

Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Heidi Chiavaroli 

When Deborah finds a Christmas wish tucked inside the pages of a book donated to the Christmas Market, she is so touched that she goes on a mission to bring hope to its sender. 

Over the course of the story she meets many people and learns more about the sender, giving her hope on her first Christmas after the death of her husband. Heartwarming and hopeful a sweet story for Christmas. 

Love Never Leaves Us by Tia McCollors

Gloria is starting over in a new town after the loss of her husband. She takes over the local bakery and decides to take part in the local Christmas Market. Over the course of the story she makes new friends and finds a new sense of belonging in this heartwarming tale. 

One Starry Night by Amy Clipston

Sadie returns to her hometown after heartbreak, and finds herself reconnecting with an old acquaintance she never thought she'd talk to again. A sweet second chance romance Christmas time, full of second chances and forgiveness. 

Candlelit Christmas by Shaen Layle

Ella is disappointed to have her holiday plans cancelled, but a chance encounter with a stranger gives her and opportunity to help someone in need and help restore the hope of another and herself at Christmas. 

A heartwarming collection of feel-good Christmas stories with themes of new beginnings, hope, and forgiveness. 

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

Point of Revenge by DiAnn Mills // Review

Lucie's Review: 

SWAT team member Suzanne Barton is shocked to find her best friend Julia murdered and Julia's daughter Mia missing. She unexpectedly teams up with Julia's estranged husband Landon to get to the bottom of the dangerous game that took Julia and as Mia still in its clutches. 

A chilling thriller that had me on my toes. Landon and Suzanne scramble to put all the pieces together before it's too late. Together they make a good team. Suzanne is quick thinking and devoted to solving the case. Landon has grown and changed a lot since leaving his family for their own safety, growing into his faith. 

A fast-paced read, more of a psychological thriller, but still has plenty of action. Good faith and relationship building. Engaging storytelling with strong themes of family, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Overall, an entertaining read from DiAnn Mills, that kept me thinking and on my toes!

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

The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson // Review

My Review: 

Chloe Hollis is determined to change her people pleasing ways, even if it means suggesting the outrageous things just to be rejected. Coming home for the holidays she encounters James a workaholic big city businessman who is determined to embrace the season more fully and live in the moment accepting the opportunities that come his way. 

A quirky Christmas rom-com, with an over-the-top fun filled plot and characters. The story is clean and cute, I really liked James and his steady willingness to try new things and live in the moment. James is patient and I liked how he makes the best out of every situation. Chloe on the other hand had me feeling cringey secondhand embarrassment with her behavior and how she was willing to go out of her way to hurt others. 

The story has a cute premise, but borders on outrageous at times. It was a fun festive rom-com, with plenty of cute moments, and a handsome and thoughtful hero. A fun quick read, but perhaps too much for my personal taste. 

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

Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore // Review

My Review: 

Based on the inspiring true story of flying pioneer Nancy Harkness Love as she fights for women's place in the sky during WWII. 

Nancy discovers her love for flying as a young woman and pursues it into a career alongside her supportive husband Bob Love. I loved how she fought for quality and safety in training for the women, without taking shortcuts, and putting the ladies under her first. 

A well written historical novel, well researched and written with respect to the real historical figures. I loved the strong relationship between Nancy and Bob, built on a shared love for flying and mutual respect. I learned a lot about the formation of the WAFS and WASPs and the fight for women to serve their country during wartime. 

Riveting read, with strong characters great storytelling, while honoring the real-life women who sacrificed to serve their country. Entertaining and I walked away feeling like I learned so much! Highly recommend!

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

Missing in New Mexico by Kathleen Trailer // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sheriff Joaquin Fuentes rescues Luann St. John from the fiery wreckage of her rental car, that was sabotaged to cause her harm. Luann is visiting New Mexico with mission to find answers about her late father, who she believes was set up, but someone is determined to stop her from uncovering the truth. 

Suspenseful, and well-paced. I liked how Joaquin stays by Luann's side and helps her stay ahead of the would-be killers, with great relationship building and dialogue. Joaquin and Luann make a great team, working together, bonding over the case, their shared faith, and his young daughter. 

Engaging and entertaining, with great characters, plenty of twists and turns, strong faith and a riveting plot. 

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

The Heart's Most Wanted by Mary Connealy // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Picking up right where the previous book left off, this book follows Morgan, Owen, and Delany through the treacherous Rocky Mountains on their hunt for their missing friend. 

US Marshal Morgan Sawyer is on a mission to find out what happened to Marshal Tex who went missing while they were escorting a prisoner. His mission reunites him with his childhood friend Roz, who is now widowed with a young son. Roz is looking for an escape, decides that taking a chance on Morgan, a man she trusts is better than a slowly dying future in a small rural town. 

An action packed read, with great characters, it takes up the next chapter of the story began in the previous book. Definitely, important to read this series in order as it builds on a lot of stuff that happened in the last book. I liked the Morgan takes young Jesse under his wing, and the rekindling of friendship between Roz and Morgan. 

An engaging and entertaining read, with great dialogue, and deep friendships, plenty of action, faith and Western suspense. Great interaction and faith. I liked that we continue to follow Owen and Delany from the previous book. Wonderful addition to the series, I can't wait to read about Tex and Stella next!

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