Falling for the Single Dad by Lisa Carter ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Veterinarian Caroline Duer comes home to Kiptohanock to start a marine rescue center. She approached in the library by a girl who needs help finding books about turtles and dolphins. The girl's name is Izzie Clark and her dad dropped her off for storytime, but hasn't come to pick her up yet, so Caroline stays to read with her.

Weston Clark gave up his career as a Coast Guard Commander in order to be more present in his daughter's life after the death of her mother. He is currently working to restore an old lighthouse and turn it into a home for himself and his daughter.

Caroline's sisters Honey and Amelia insist that she stay at the Duer Lodge, Caroline agrees despite knowing that it won't be easy as her father still blames her for leaving after her mother's death.

Weston really likes how Caroline and Izzie have taken a shine to each other, but he hopes that his daughter won't get hurt if Caroline ever leaves. Weston is a caring father who is doing his best to raise Izzie.

Overall, this is a sweet tale of family, forgiveness, and hope. Weston is a strong man of faith who stands by Caroline even after finding out her secret, and loves his daughter fiercely. A enjoyable read with a thrilling and dramatic ending!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Has Anyone Ever Seen God? by Carolyn Larsen ~ Review

My Review:

A lovely read that concisely answers 101 common questions about God and the Bible, with a pleasing layout and bound into a gift book format.

A lovely book to share and give as a gift to a new Christian or to someone who could use some cheer and comfort. It would also be perfect for reading with young children who have many questions that can be tricky to answer.

Each question is answered in about the length of a page, so of course it is impossible for every question to be answered in absolute thoroughness, but it does provide a great start in the right direction. The book serves it's purpose well and I was pleased with how concisely many of the questions were handled, while pointing to scripture for authority.

Overall, it was a pleasant and enjoyable read, that skillfully skims through and answers tough questions. It would make a lovely gift for someone who is a new Christian. A very well done read for its intended audience.

Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Missing by Lisa Harris ~ Review

Astor's Review: 

2 missing. 2 murdered. Nikki Boyd is on the case.

But when her investigation leads her to her good friend Tyler Grant, she must decide who to trust and figure out what his connection is to the missing persons since all clues point to him. Her search leads her into a dangerous den of drugs, counterfeit tender, and lies, putting her directly in the path of a killer that wants her off his trail.

A fast-paced adventure, page turning and taunt with tension, as the stakes are raised. There are plenty of twists and turns, that had me holding my breath in suspense. I sped through this book in a matter of days (which is very fast for me), and it left me anticipating the next in the series.

Nikki is clever and quick witted, and I liked her relationship with Tyler and how their friendship grew through the book, as they fight to find answers before the clock runs out.

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end that had me spellbound and wrapped up in the plot throughout. Great characters that had me cheering for them from the start, I loved their protectiveness of their families, and how Nikki was honest with herself about her weaknesses and relied on God for her strength. Highly recommend this amazing read!!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review:



This book picks up where the last one left off, Kate Mason has been reunited with her lost sister, Claire, and with the support of her sister has beaten the chronic and draining illness that she has suffered for years. Kate is a survivor and she is determined to make it on her own, and since her blueberries didn't produce this year, she decides to rent the cottage across from her to a man named, Drake Newham.

Drake Newham is a man who walks under a shadow, in search of teh truth of what happened to his brother and wife when they were vacationing in Folly Shores, Maine. He brings his two nieces with him, Emma and Phoebe, who have become his world after their losses. He hires Kate to help him care for his nieces, and she helps to keep them busy and unplugged in the outdoors.

Strange things start happening at Blueberry Barrens, will Kate and Drake be able to help each other find peace, and get to the bottom of the mysteries?

Drake is a man of faith, who is looking for answers, he has a keen mind, and is protective of the ones that he loves. I liked how he and Kate worked together to protect the girls and solve the mysteries.

Kate is my favorite, she is courageous, compassionate, and tenacious, and she turns to God in prayer through the troubled times.  I love how her sister Claire is there for her.

Overall, this is a action-packed read, with multiple mysteries, a dramatic climax, and several surprises along the way! I loved every minute of it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Stacey Broussard volunteers as an airport ranger, riding the perimeter of the airfield, but one Saturday she comes upon a brutal crime scene and next to the body is an injured dog, and a laser capable of taking down a 747.

FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear cut case of terrorism when he sees the case, but his training has taught him not to always assume the obvious, but as the incidents increase he and Stacey must work together to prevent any future casualties.

A fast paced, suspenseful adventure, with great interactions between the characters. I really liked the friendship between Alex and Ric, and how thee encourage each other to do the right thing, and also know how to have plenty of fun. Alex is a smart, man of action type guy, and sometimes his pride can get him in trouble, but he is devoted to his job. He has a good friend and mentor in Dextor Rayken who always points Alex back to his Heavenly Father.

I loved Whitt, the 12 year old boy who lives across the street from Stacey, he has a high IQ, and spends most his time at Stacey's because of his difficult home life.

Stacey is a strong woman, with a soft spot for people and animals that need loving. She brings home the dog that she found on the crime scene and she and Whitt work together to care for her. I like how she shares her faith with Whitt, and is respectful and understanding of his need for time to research and think about it all.

There is great interaction, as sparks fly between Stacey and Alex who are both stubborn Cajuns.

Overall, this is a fantastic story, that dove right into the action and I was engaged instantly by the plot. This was a well wound read, with great dimension throughout with amazing characters, though Stacey was my favorite because of her tenacity, and commitment to helping Whitt. A well done, multi-faceted mystery, where things are not as they seem, fraught with tension that only built as the story progressed! You won't want to miss it!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Taste and See: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life by John Piper ~ Review

My Review:

In the past I'd read a few concise reads by John Piper, so I was excited to read this book of 120 meditations. It didn't disappoint, each reading is about 2-3 pages long, Mr. Piper takes examples from his own life, our current culture, and more, connecting them to scripture to tackle tough topics, and subject matters concisely and with God's word.

I was impressed by how wonderfully Mr. Piper pulled this book together so thoroughly covering more in 2-3 pages on tough teachings like sanctification, truth, our identity as Christians, God's wrath, our adoption and inheritance, and so much more, than I ever would have thought possible. Very well written, and great to read with morning devotions, as often it gave me something to think upon for the remainder of the day, with wonderful nuggets that I couldn't help but share with others.

I loved how diverse the subject matters are. yet each chapter is firmly rooted in sound Christian teaching of scripture taken within context.

Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough, I have recommended it to many friends already--especially people who are already fans of John Piper--and I think it would make a terrific gift! Well written, concise, powerful, thought-provoking, with sound in context teaching, highly recommend!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Secrets and Lies by Shirlee McCoy ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Widowed and pregnant, Ariel Martin returns home to take a job as an English teacher, when one of her student's brothers arrives just in the nick of time to protect her from a shooter.

Tristan left behind his military career when his parents died, coming home to care for his young sister, Mia. He's doing his best, but he doesn't know much about raising a teenage girl, so he strikes a deal with Ariel that he will help fix up her place if she will spend time with Mia.

But the danger is far from over for Ariel, and Tristan and his K-9 friend are more than up to the task of getting to the bottom of who is after her.

Ariel has had a rough year, with her divorce, and then the death of her husband, she finds satisfaction in teaching the children in her class, and she genuinely cares for every one of them.  I like how Tristan is there to help her out, he is a man devoted to his family and dedicated to his job. He and Ariel work together to determine why she is being targeted, and Tristan does everything he can to make sure that she is safe.

Ariel is independent and wants to do everything she can to give her baby a life that's good. Tristan is a man of faith and integrity, and he and Ariel learn to trust one another, and their friendship grows as they spend time together.

Overall, a fantastic, fast-paced read that leaps right into the story, and is packed with action and suspense. I really liked Ariel and Tristan's determination to fight for what is right. This was a riveting read that I just couldn't put down, I am enjoying this series so much and I can't wait for the next one!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

God Made You Just Right by Jill Roman Lord and illustrated by Amy Wummer ~ Review

My Review:


A delightful board book with charming illustrations and rhyming, sing-song, verse, perfect to share with the child in your life.

Ms. Lord and Ms. Wummer have created a gem of a book, that tells of how each child is unique and made in God's image. A playful read that conveys the truth of God's love for us, and how he made us special and unique with a plan for each one of us.

Written in a flowing rhyme, this is a book that children will enjoy reading over and over again! Colorful illustrations go right along with the story, and make for a absolutely delightful read that you will want to share with the young ones in your life. Definitely recommend this fantastic little board book!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Haley returns to Heart's Bend, TN, after serving in the armed forces, she feels that the time has come to go home. When she finds that the wedding shop that she and her late best friend, Tammy, played in as children is being torn down, she jumps right in to help save the shop.

Cole Danner has stayed in Heart's Bend, and he is the head of his construction company, and he was engaged to Tammy before she died. He looks at the shop with Haley, but even he has to admit that it needs a lot of work to fix it up.

So Cole and Haley work together to bring the old shop back to life.

Back in the 1930's Cora has taken over her family's wedding shop, all the while waiting for her riverboat captain, Rufus, to return so that they can wed. Cora waits for months, and when Rufus returns, she finds that he has married another. Cora struggles to help brides make their dreams come true, while her's have crumbled to the ground.

A tale of two women, decades apart who find second chances as they work to make the wedding shop a success.

Cole and Haley were childhood friends, who struggle to reconnect because of Tammy between them, but as they get to know each other again, they find new things to admire abut each other every time. I like that Charlotte is there to help Haley and mentor her, reminding her of God's love and that there is hope for everyone.

Birch has liked Cora since they were young, and he is a good friend to her family, offering to help Cora out whenever he can.

This is my favorite book in the series, I loved Cole, he was my favorite as well. I loved Haley's journey and how she comes to realize truths about her past and future. A well done read, with intertwining storylines, surprises, and plenty of romance!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Riley Callahan isn't the same man that he was before he left for Afghanistan, and he's given up a lot, including his right leg.

His best friend Paige Warren is there with his family when he steps off the plane in Maine. His family has decided that since he can no longer do stairs that he will stay with Paige, who runs the local animal shelter that the town is threatening to shut down.

Riley has been in love with Paige for years, and he hates that she has to see him like this, and he's definitely not about to tell her how he feels now. As Paige fights to save the animal shelter and enlists Riley's help, will he find the healing that he needs?

Riley has been closed off since returning from Afghanistan and he throws himself into physical therapy, while avoiding counseling, and helping Paige along with the rest of his family.

I like that Paige has close friends to confide in about her struggles and the confusing feelings that she has for Riley. Great dialog moves the story, but there is still a lot left unsaid.

I loved returning to Summer Harbor and reconnecting with the Callahans from the previous books in the series. This is a great community romance, with so many people coming together to help their community. I loved how Riley and Paige rediscover and redefine their friendship, as they learn about moving on from the past and not being afraid to take a leap of faith.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

No Way Up by Mary Connealy ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Action packed western adventure and romance combine as they work to unravel the mysterious events on the mountain no one can climb.

Hired hand Heath Kincaid comes to Chance Boden's aid when an avalanche knocks Chance form his horse, breaking his leg. Because of his close brush with death, and far from out of the woods yet, Chance demands that his will be read and that Heath have the directives carried out immediately to ensure the future security of Chance's family and stop the land from going to their cousin Mike.

Heath finds himself deeply involved with the Bodens and after discovering that the avalanche was a murder attempt, he is even more determined to protect them, especially Sadie Boden, and get to the bottom of the dangers that seem to follow the Boden Family.

I absolutely LOVED this book, I read it straight through, and when I finished, I just started reading it again. There is plenty of humor, and though the Bodens fire Heath, he never stops trying to find ways to help them and fulfill the deathbed promise he made to their father. I like the brotherly banter between Cole and Justin, and how they come to accept Heath as more than the hired help. I loved the hilarious interactions and dialog throughout the book.

Sadie is a strong willed woman with a good head on her shoulders, compassionate and responsible, she is is ready to defend what is rightfully her's and get to the bottom of the mystery of who is out to get them. I liked that Sadie looks past Heath's status as hired help, and sees as he is, an honorable man, of intelligence and integrity.

Overall, a fast paced, page-turner, full of fascinating characters, and riveting plots twists. I really admired Justin, Cole, Heath, and Sadie, and how they came to find common respect for one another, as they worked together to find the culprit. There was so much going on in this action packed read, along with lots of humor and fun along the way--there were multiple moments when I just had to laugh aloud. Highly recommend this fantastic read by Mary Connealy!!!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."