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.

Coordinates of Death by Darlene L. Turner // Review

Lucie's Review: 

 Corporal Aurora Hunt has been haunted by a serial killer who got away, and when the killings start up again she is determined to get to the bottom of things, but it seems like the killer is taunting her. 

A chilling read, darker than other books by this author that I have read in the past. The Shadow Box Killer likes to play dark games, and with each kill a signature is left. Aurora is a strong Christian and clings to her faith through the gruesome games. She finds a dependable ally in Kordell Greene, a friend from the past. 

Aurora is clever and cool headed; I liked that she is fighting for answers. She and Kordell make a good team. Kordell has a wonderful and supportive family around him; it was fun getting to know some of his siblings. But both of them have been through a lot. 

An engaging, yet darker read, with gruesome details, that are grislier, that made it hard to read for me personally. Not recommended for younger teen readers.  There is a lot going on to keep them on their toes, in high-stakes situations. Good suspense elements, but personally it was just too dark for me, and not what I typically read from Love Inspired Suspense. 

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

Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Nicole and her sister Maddie are witness to their father's murder, but they have no idea why anyone would want to kill him. But the killer knows they saw him and now they are the next target. Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 offer support and protection, while they work to unravel what is behind their targeting. 

A fast-paced read, with a high-stakes chase as the sisters work to stay ahead of the killer. I liked that the sisters got to spend more time together, as they aren't the closest due to their large age gap. Ceasar is an excellent guard dog, and I liked how Braydon is always working hard to keep them safe. 

Suspenseful plot, with likable characters and great interaction. There is a lot going on and I liked how the events in this book cause the sisters to grow closer, and strengthens Nicole and Braydon's faith. A gripping read, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. 

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

Falling Into Us by Denise Hunter // Review

My Review: 

Gabby Donaldson is on a mission to deliver a letter to her estranged grandmother, but first she has to find her. She hesitantly accepts the help of single dad and journalist Mason Morrison as they follow the clues and track down contacts. Their new friendship has them wondering if they could let down their walls and give love a chance. 

A heartwarming smalltown romance. Gabby has a hard time trusting, as she has been let down so many times in life. And in a way this story is about holding on a letting go. Gabby is used to running away, and Mason is facing the reality that his little girl is growing up and that means giving her wings. It's a cute story, with good interactions, I liked how supportive and welcoming Mason's family is towards Gabby. 

Overall, a sweet feel-good romance, great for fans of Hallmark style movies, with little twists along the way. I liked how Peyton takes to Gabby right away and how they enjoy baking and crafting together. An enjoyable quick read, with a sweet romance. 

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

Create in Me a Clean Heart by Matthew Boswell // Review

My Review: 

A thoughtful, concise and engaging exposition of Psalm 51 by Matthew Boswell, encouraging us to meditate on the deep truths of who God is. 

Written in an engaging conversational style that is also concise and to the point. I liked the background knowledge that Mr. Boswell brought to the book. It was easy to read, and does an excellent job of diving deep into the Scripture, and how David though he knew he had sinned grievously, still knew that God was unfailingly good, and was the only One who could bring him comfort and peace. We look at David's heart, and how this Psalm can inform our own Christian walk as believers. 

Highly recommend this engaging verse by verse exposition of one of the most stirring Psalms. 

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