Hunting an Arsonist by Jessica R. Patch // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Helena Rutherford is investigating a string of fires, when she becomes a target. K-9 officer Trevor Slate and his dog Lark comes her rescue, together they team up to find answers before it all goes up in flames. 

An intense read, with two mysteries that have them racing for answers. I liked how Trevor comes beside Helena to help her out, and is supportive of her throughout, as they come to trust and depend on each other. I liked that they also bonded over their pasts and shared faith. 

An engaging story with well developed characters. Plenty of action, good interaction and a clever dog. This story is more intense, and tad more dark than other Love Inspired Suspenses. It kept on my toes for sure! A twisting thriller with great characters and a dramatic climactic ending!

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

Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review: 

The matchmaker meets his match. 

One part fake engagement, one part marriage of convenience, and another enemies to lovers. This mash up of tropes centers on Zaira the middle of the Shanahan clan and Bellamy McKenna the wily matchmaker who has found a match for each of her elder siblings. 

Zaira has a passion fo writing and wants to experience more in life so that she can write about it in her books. Meanwhile Bellamy's father is pushing him to find a match for himself. When a lapse in judgement ends up binding the two together in what they believe to be a temporary arrangement, they learn more about each others, their secrets and hearts for others. I liked how they worked together to help a pair of lost children. 

Overall, a quick read, with plenty of banter and chemistry between the characters. A fun addition to the series, and I liked seeing the couples from the previous books and getting an update on how they are doing. An enjoyable read. 

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

Taking Back Truth by Douglas Groothuis // Review

My Review: 

In our fast paced world full of podcasting, AI, and reletivism, truth can feel hard to find. In this book Mr. Groothuis takes us back to the source of all truth, encouraging us to think through the current issues critically and from a Christian worldview. 

Engaging and conversational, it is an easy to read book. And I liked how the authors starts by making sure we have a proper theology of who God is and who we are not. The author is very well read and he traces current issues to their historical roots. 

A quick read, that is encouraging for readers in this present age. It doesn't go super into depth on any of the single one issues, but it is a great knowledgeable introduction to a large swath of them.

Overall, a well written response to today's issues, pointing back to the timeless truth of Scripture. 

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

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming and uplighting Christmas tale of hope and new beginnings. 

Maggie Oliver is given no small order when tasked with pulling together a Christmas USO show with little time to spare. I admired her sunny positive attitude and how she met every roadblock with bright determination. Duke Prescott is a former Hollywood actor, burned in a terrible accident while serving his country, scarred and without options in Hollywood, his life feels like a dead end. But an invitation to join Maggie's USO production unexpectedly changes his life. 

A compelling and hopeful read, with likable protagonists and an engaging plot. Maggie has a sunny can-do attitude, and I loved her close relationship and comraderie with her grandfather. I like how Prescott is down to earth and ready to jump right in and help wherever he can. 

A fun fast paced read, with a full cast of wonderful characters and plenty of heart. I loved the creative ways that the Twelve Days of Christmas and the Twelfth Night played into the story. An uplifting and inspiring story of faith and purpose. Highly recommend!

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

Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer // Review

My Review: 

If we knew what would happen in our lives, would we change the outcome? 

Ally is a time-crosser living one of her timelines in 1849 trying to make her family's fortune in the California gold rush, and the other timeline in 1929 as a breakout star on the silver screen. She finds that not all is as it appears and though she can't knowingly change her path, it isn't set in stone either. Ally is devoted to both her families not wanting to leave either of them, without securing them some hope for the future. In 1929 she finds herself in a fake relationship with a Hollywood bad boy for the publicity, and in 1849 she finds her family trusting a man with a questionable past. 

Engaging and compelling plot. Ally struggles with the temptation to take control, and learns to trust in God's perfect plan. I liked how there was more to both Spencer and Sam once she got to know them, though both still so different from each other. Hazel and Johnny's friendship was so cute! I liked that both of Ally's fathers were principled and wise men of faith. 

Overall, another fantastic addition to the series, but also a novel that stands well on its own. Plenty of twists and turns throughout, with likable characters, and strong themes of faith. I was very excited to hear that there are more books in this series down the pipeline, and can't wait to read them!

I checked this book out from my library. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Cassie Reed comes back to her hometown after a divorce to help her brothers and aunt reopen the beloved family summer camp. 

Cassie is surprised to see former high school bad boy Devon Spencer working alongside her brothers on the camp. But Devon has changed a lot in the years since school and now he is the single father to a little girl. 

Working alongside each other, they realize that they have both changed, and their children help draw them together. I admired Devon's drive to build a stable future for his daughter. 

A heartfelt and heartwarming romance, with cute children and strong faith. Great interaction in this inspirational romance, compelling and uplifting. Definitely recommend!

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

Fugitive Manhunt by Sharee Stover // Review

Lucie's Review: 

K-9 officer Lizzie Reynolds teams up with an old high school crush Deputy Marshal Walker McCane to recapture a group of escaped convicts. But one of the convicts is out for revenge. Can they stay one step ahead of who is after her? 

An engaging read, with plenty going on. Lizzie and Walker have known each other a while but haven't talk since high school. While working together they reconnect and bond over their jobs and shared faith. Walker is supportive and quick on his feet to help Lizzie. Lizzie is resilient and talented. 

A fast paced read with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Great interaction and chemistry, with a plot that had me on the edge of my seat. Great addition to the series. Highly recommend!

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

The Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof // Review

My Review: 

A reflective character driven split time novel of holding tight and letting go in the mining town of Kenworthy California.

Juniper has not heard from her husband in a long time, she struggles to hold on and keep hope while raising their young daughter in a slowly dying mining town. In the present day, Johnny is going through a difficult divorce and buys a historic house to restore. He stumbles upon information about the previous owners and the weight of their secrets. 

This book has a slower more reflective pace, as both of the main protagonists struggle with perseverance, forgiveness, and second chances. Juniper is strong and supportive of her friend Edie, but also struggles to come to term with her own husband's absence and what it means for their family. Johnny is learning to move on, and let go, even though he didn't want his marriage to end. I liked that he is determined to be the dad his kids need, and try to move forward with co-parenting with his ex. 

Overall, a more character driven and reflective read, the first split time novel I've read from this author. It takes a little more time, but you do feel like you get to know the characters well through their humanity, struggles in faith, and resilience. Beautifully written journey of faith, hope and accepting second chances. 

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

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright // Review

My Review: 

A death at 322 Predicament Avenue awakens stories of other haunting tragedies that happened within its walls. 

A haunting story of two women split by time, trying to get to the bottom of the disturbing events that happened decades apart. In the present-day Norah finds an unlikely friend in a true crime history podcaster and his daughter, as disturbing details emerge. While in 1910 Effie James wants to know what her sister saw on Predicament Avenue has taken a toll on her and left her fighting for her life. A British stranger with an odd tale comes to their small Iowa town looking for answers as well. What truths will they discover?  

A mysterious and riveting tale, that unwinds into an explosive ending. I found both timelines engaging, filled with faith and a search for truth. Effie envies the bravery of her bolder sister, Polly. But I liked how she find her own type of courage. 

Overall, there are so many twists and turns, making the story so hard to put down. Compelling storylines, and suspense to keep you on your toes. A thoroughly enjoyable and haunting read. 

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

The Story of Harriet Tubman: The Trailblazer Who Led Many to Freedom by Shar Walker // Review

My Review: 

A middle-grade biography of the life of Harriet Tubman, chronicling her life from childhood to her continued fight for equal rights after the end of the Civil War. 

A well written biography, it does a great job of explaining words and giving historical context to the time period. Great for older elementary and middle school readers. I liked learning about Harriet Tubman beyond the underground railroad and how she stayed active and involved. I was inspired by her perseverance and determination despite all her set backs. 

Overall, a quick read, great for middle grade reading levels, that does a great job of covering the life of Harriet Tubman, though this telling has a more subjective slant, and I would recommend further reading for a more objective history. 

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