A Man for Honor by Emma Miller ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When Luke Weaver hires Sara Yoder, the Amish matchmaker, he already knows who he wants to marry, but he needs Sara's help to win her back. Years ago Luke jilted Honor, and she married another, now widowed and the mother of 4 children, she could use some help around her farm.

Honor reluctantly agrees to let Luke help to fix up the farm, but insists on paying him.

Can Luke win back Honor's trust, and her heart?

Honor has her hands full with three boys who are always getting into mischief and a baby daughter. With Luke around she gets the opportunity to get out more, and socialize with the women of the community. She is likes Luke's easy going nature, and how he doesn't nit pick every move she makes.

I like how this book has a lot going on and brings back many characters from Sara's previous clients. There are a lot of problems to solve, and I like how Luke is great with Honor's children.

I like the man that Luke has become, he is a hard worker and doesn't give up when he knows what he wants. He doesn't shy away from his mistakes of the past and owns up to his past. I like how he encourages Honor, and is respectful of her loss and that she needs some time to trust him again.

Overall, this is a great Amish read, surprises and second chances, as well as great interaction between the main characters, make this a highly enjoyable read--especially if you have read the previous books in the series. Enjoyable 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."

The Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Police Officer Isabella St John comes from a large family of law enforcement, so she is never without supportive backup. Her best friend is her partner, Kevin Marshall. Crime is on the rise in their city, with gangs growing in confidence, when their informant tips Kevin off that something is going on in a warehouse, he and Izzy go to check it out. Kevin is shot and right before he dies he tells her to take his phone.

Homicide Detective Ryan Marshall wants to get to the bottom of his brother's murder, and will do anything to bring the gang to justice. He thinks that Izzy knows more than she is telling him, can he trust the woman that he has always admired?

A heart stopping read from beginning to end, intrigue and suspense, filled with conspiracy, this is a book you won't want to put down. Political threats, put her mother, who is the police chief, in a tough spot, trying to protect the mayor. Surprises at every turn, Izzy questions who she can trust when she sees her twin brother in a place he shouldn't be in. Plus the man who attacked her and held her at knifepoint, is now out of prison and bent on retaliation.

Izzy is mentally strong, and has a determined spirit. Despite her mother being the chief of police, Izzy has more than earned her place with the force, she doesn't back down and is willing to face challenges dead on, and keeps her head in a heated situation. She is careful, and likes to keep her personal life private. I like how close knit her family is despite them all having high pressure, demanding jobs they always make time for each other.

Ryan is still grieving the death of his brother Chris, when he shows up on the scene of Kevin's shooting. He struggles to stay focused and not get too involved in the case. He's always admired Izzy, but wondered if her and Kevin's good natured teasing was more than that. I love how protective he is of Izzy, he sees that she needs help and keeps his head and despite how much he wants to bring down his brother's killers.

Fast paced, with so many twists and turns along the way, there are so many shocking reveals that kept my head spinning. I loved Izzy's family and look forward to knowing them better in future books. Highly recommend this action packed suspenseful 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."

The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection by Mary Connealy ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A wonderful collection of variety, action and humor.

The Advent Bride--Teacher Melanie Douglas uses a special box to encourage a struggling student's productivity. Soon she has his father the town Sheriff stopping in as well.

A Bride Rides Herd--Matt Reeves comes to Montana to visit his brother but ends up helping Betsy Harden to take care of his three nieces which is a full time job. When Betsy's parents find out about Matt's help, they are not pleased, could marriage be the solution?

His Surprise Family--Si Harden gets more than he bargained for when he sent away for a mail-order bride. Meghan McCray decides to get married first and confess later, her secret being that she brought her 3 younger brothers to come live with them as well. Si and Meghan's brother get off to a rough start, can Si accept his surprise family?

Homestead on the Range--Elle Winter and her 4 children lend a hand to their new neighbor, Dr. Colin Samuelson, who has 3 children of his own. Colin is new to homesteading so the Winters show them the ropes. Colin and Elle are hesitant to think beyond friendship, so their children take matter into their own hands.

Sophie's Other Daugther--Laura McCellen shows that she can hold her own braving the narrow canyon and the wild Reeves boys to be there when Grace has her baby. Ike Reeves who is now a doctor shows up to help as well. On the way home Ike and Laura feel as if someone is following them, will they make it out of the canyon alive?

The Sweetwater Bride--Tanner Hardin rides to the rescue when he hears a scream, he finds Debra McClain who hasn't left the valley since she was young. He and Debra get to know each other and get some surprise visitors.

Texas Tea--Libby Cooper has been friends with Luke Reeves for years but they haven't seen eah other in a while, Libby is not pleased when she learns that Luke works for an oil company now, as there is oil on the Cooper property and con men have been trying to get it for years. But as Luke proves himself to be a man of integrity, will Libby and Luke find more than friendship?

Hope for Christmas--A contemporary Christmas tale of love. Tanner Harden V finds Kelsey Blake on the side of the road after her car goes off the road into a ravine--not only that she's pregnant and in labor. Kelsey is widowed and on the run form her mother-in-law who wants to take the baby away from her. Tanner rallies support for Kelsey, and his family welcomes her with open arms.

This is a terrific collection of fun quick reads, and many of the characters are the children of previous main characters of Ms. Connealy's novels, which is just an extra bonus, and makes these novellas a must read for a true fan, but they can also stand alone. I love the theme of cowboys and the strong women that win their hearts, great humor, and plenty of adventure!

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."

A Cowboy for the Twins by Carolyne Aarsen ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Shauntelle Dexter has been through a lot, but finally she and her twin daughters, Millie and Margaret, are on their way to making her dream of opening a restaurant a reality. When they get stranded on the side of a country road, Noah Cosgrove comes upon them and offers to help. Shauntelle doesn't want his help at first, her brother died working for his construction company, but Mille, her more outgoing and impulsive daughter befriends Noah, and convinces them to accept his help.

Noah feels bad about what happened, they passed all the safety requirements, but Shauntelle's family still blame him. When Noah takes the job finishing up the arena after the original contractor quits, he finds himself in close proximity to Shauntelle, who's new restaurant is part of the arena.

Will Noah and Shauntelle be able to overcome the past, in order to God's opportunity for a second chance?

Millie and Margaret are best friends, with different but complementary personalities, they enjoy being twins and dress alike for fun. Millie is more talkative and outgoing, with Margaret is more quite and observant, and thinks before she speaks.  They love to help their mother cook.

As Shauntelle and Noah work in close proximity, she sees what a kind man he is, and how good he is with her daughters and his mother. As she begins to admire and respect Noah, she feels guilty because her parents are still bitter.

Noah is a great listener, and is great at encouraging Millie and Margaret. He is a good man and wants to be respectful of Shauntelle's parents' feelings towards him, and doesn't want to come between them and their family.

Noah and Shauntelle are great for each other and bring out the best in each other. Fay, Noah's mother is warm and welcoming, with a few matchmaking schemes up her sleeve. Noah and Shauntelle lean on their faith to overcome the past, and the challenges they face. A great conclusion to the series.

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."

Montana Groom of Convenience by Linda Ford ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Carly Morrison is a cowgirl, who loves to ride and rope with the best of them but her father wants her to settle down, and has put up an ultimatum. Carly must get married within 2 weeks or her father will sell the ranch that she loves. When a man volunteers to be her husbands, she thinks that he has lost his mind, but this is her chance to save the ranch, so she agrees to marry him, but on her terms.

Sawyer Gallagher hears about her problem and volunteers to be her husband. He and his sister have recently lost their parents, and Sawyer has been struggling to be both brother and parent to his sister, Jill, and to give her a stable home life.

Carly's father is a big boisterous man, he and Carly have been working the ranch together for years, but he knows that his days of work are numbered which is why he thinks that she needs a husband to help her, but his methods are questionable. He loves his daughter and is scared about her life after he  is gone, but I did think that he could have found a better way to help her find a husband. I like how he connects with Jill and instantly accepts her as a granddaughter.

Sawyer is a man of his word, he is a hardworker, he is shy and used to keeping to himself, but Carly really draws him out and helps him to find balance with his sister, as her brother and parent figure. He is a skeptic about love at first, but I like how he changes his mind over the course of the book.

Carly is great with Jill, and helps her to adjust to her new life and grieve properly for her parents. I like how she brings out the best in those around her.

There is good interaction between Carly and Sawyer, and even though they are very different, they are also very much alike, with similar fears of failure. I like that they are both strong and independent people, and how this unlikely situation brings them together.

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."

An Amish Arrangement by Jo Ann Brown ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Mercy Bamberger has a dream of starting a camp for city children so that they can experience farm life. When her grandfather Rudy dies she assumes that she will get his place and starts working to fix it up.

Jeremiah Stolzfus wants to move to a new Amish Community, he buys a farm sight unseen and is surprised to find a woman working the property. He discovers that the man he bought it from has died, and the sale had not been finalized so he and Mercy agree to a compromise while everything gets sorted out, and Mercy and her daughter, Sunni can stay for the time being.

I like how the situation brings Mercy and Jeremiah together, because the legal ramifications are complex, it gives them plenty of time to get to know each other. And they work together to restore the farm.

Mercy takes in another foster child, a young boy named Parker, who is hurt and angry. But Mercy still treats him with kindness and understanding, I like how Jeremiah is able to help Parker as well, and gives him jobs to do to help out.

Sunni is like her name, bright, independent, and adventurous, and she doesn't let obstacles get in her way.

I love how a mistake and unfortunate circumstances bring this family together. Mercy and Jeremiah are strong in their faith and do their best to be good examples for the young ones. A sweet story of family and love.

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."

Very Veggie Bedtime Prayers by Pamela Kennedy and Anne Kennedy, illustrated by Lisa Reed ~ Review

My Review:

Say your bedtime prayers with all your favorite Veggie friends. Whether your young one is ready for bed or not this delightful board book is filled with rhyming prayers of thankfulness and praise perfect for bedtime.

I love how each rhyming verse is different, with prayers of thankfulness for friends, moms, dads, pets, stars, moon, as well as of praise, prayers for the children of the world, and for a quiet and obedient heart at bedtime.

Filled with colorful illustrations of all your favorite Veggie friends, along with excerpts of scripture, this is a great book to share with the little Veggie Tale fan in your life. A great addition to bedtimes that cane be read in one night or stretched out over the course of many nights.

Bedtimes prayers for the young one in your life whether they want to go to bed or not, this is a delightful collection great for teaching young ones thankfulness and worship in prayer.

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."

Charming the Troublemaker by Pepper Basham ~ Review

My Review:

The last thing that Rainey Mitchell needs is a man, still reeling from her ex-husband's betrayal, she is raising her 6 year old daughter, Sarah, and working at TLC to help troubled children.

Alex Murdock comes to their small mountain community his pride stinging from his recent demotion. Rainey and her daughter touch something in his heart and make him the man he wants to be, but will secrets from his past come back to endanger his chance at a future with Rainey and Sarah?

Rainey is practical, compassionate, and responsible. She loves her job and how how it helps the children in the community, and she is very focused on raising her young daughter. I like Rainey's strength and determination as well as her big heart. She has a passion for the children of TLC, and I love how she stays strong for her daughter.

Alex Murdock takes a demotion which leads him to TLC and Rainey Mitchell. He has ghosts in his past that still haunt him, but Rainey and her daughter Sarah have him rethinking everything in his life. I love how Rainey and Alex compliment each other well with their strengths, and encourage and support each other through the storms in their lives.

Sarah is so adorable! She and Dr. Alex hit it off immediately, with their shared love of Pretty Little Ponies, I loved Alex's love for children and his love for Sarah. I like how the Mitchell clan welcomes Alex with open arms, especially Rainey's mother who invites him over and he can't say no.

A great read with plenty of great back and forth between Rainey and Alex, great dialogue, and plenty of chemistry. A perfect read for fans of Hallmark romance, as noted by even the main character Dr. Alex himself. The wonderful Mitchell Family had me counting down to when I could return to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains with them!



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 Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Lucie's Review:

Rachel Ashford moves in with the Misses Groves at Ivy Cottage, hoping to find a way to support herself now that her cousin has inherited her family home, but teaching at Mercy's school is not a good fit for her. The ladies come up with the idea of a subscription lending library with the books that Rachel's late father left to her as well as a few donations.

Meanwhile Jane Bell has put her grieving behind her, and is ready to move on with her life. While Mercy has long ago put thoughts of love and marriage behind her, so when suitors begin to swarm she assumes that they are coming to see the lovely Rachel, but the reason they come may not be what she thinks.

Three women solve mysteries from the past, and face their future, could love be coming their way as well?

This book continues to follow childhood friends, Rachel, Jane and Mercy, as well as featuring many returning characters from the first book in the series, like Sir Timothy Brockwell, Mr. Drake, and the patrons of The Bell.

I love how Mercy has found her calling in teaching and wants to reach out to more children by opening a school for all children no matter their ability to pay. But Mercy struggles to raise the funds for such a venture. On top of that she is approached by the guardian of one of her students with a request that she adopt the little girl. As complications escalate, Mercy must stay true to her faith, family and friends. Mercy faces every challenge with grace, and I admired her faith and determination.

I really like how Rachel opens herself to new ideas and takes on the challenge of a library, even though it wasn't something that she had originally imagined for herself. She also must make a decision about her future, and where her heart belongs.

Gabriel Locke returns to Ivy Hill a changed man, to take care of the horse that he had left in Jane's care. He and Jane renew their friendship, and the spend much time together. Gabriel is charming and romantic, but respectful and never pressuring.

I like that there is a lot going on, the ladies uncover many mysteries, and I liked how Rachel, Jane and Mercy's stories are interwoven as they support each other through the ups and down of their lives. While this is the second book in the series, and I think it would be easier to jump into the story with having read the other book before, I think that this book could also be read as a stand alone. A wonderful read with a Jane Austen flair, and many colorful characters.



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."

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden ~ Review

My Review:

Lucy and her brother, Nicholas Drake, have followed in their family’s footsteps and taken up the fight in a lawsuit that has lasted forty long years and torn their family apart. While Lucy and Nicholas labor in New York City to scrape together enough money to keep fighting, the Saratoga Drakes live in lavish luxury holding the patent to wondrous valve that could change tenement living forever.

Lucy works for the Associated Press as a telegraph operator, while her brother works as a plumber in the hog house underground of the city. But Lucy and Nick have a secret that could send them both to prison, but it could also give them the edge that they need to win the lawsuit once and for all.

But when Sir Colin Beckwith the head of the Associated Press’s rival Reuters comes into their lives, Lucy finds the infuriating heiress seeker tipping her world upside down, but could it be that Colin is the secret weapon they need to bring down their uncle who is willing to do anything to stop Lucy and Nick from threatening his fortune?

Lucy is determined and hardworking, she and her brother have sacrificed everything to continue the legal battle. Lucy is intelligent and quick witted, she doesn’t give up, and is skilled in morse code. She fights with the hope of someday being able to improve the lives of the working poor, and has already sacrificed so much to make her grandfather’s dream a reality.

Sir Colin Beckwith has the title and a grand sounding estate, but he has worked for what he has and to support his family. His estate is crumbling around his sister’s ears, and he does not have the funds to make the much needed repairs to his estate. The answer seems so clear, marry a rich American heiress. But behind his cultured charm of a polished member of the aristocracy, he is an honorable and hardworking man, who struggles to overcome his past and the trauma of war.


Masterfully written, and effortlessly seeming to teem with so many well researched details about the city that didn’t detract at all from the gravity of the plot. I couldn’t help but be drawn into the rich drama of a decades long dispute, and the exciting underworld of New York’s plumbing system, as well as the thrilling new world of news stories able to fly thousands of miles over a telegram wire halfway around the world. Lush with detail and brimming in suspense, I didn’t want to put this book down. From the high society of Saratoga to the dark underground of New York, this book had me hooked. I really liked how Lucy was forced to look at her faith in light of the lawsuit and everything that had happened already, and how she wanted to take control of her future but giving it to God. Ms. Camden outdoes herself with every new book, and this is no exception. I was thrilled to find out that the Drakes’ saga will be continued with Nick’s story. Suspenseful drama, romance, and rich history await in A Dangerous Legacy. 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."

Shattered Lullaby by Laura Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Lacy Germaine is spending Spring Break at her sister's home, and helping with her 3mo old nephew, Rory. She acts quickly to protect Rory from his abusive father, dodging gunshots and escaping the house.

When Matt Callahan sees a shooter chasing Lacy and Rory he sends his trained K-9, Duchess, after their attacker. He insists on helping to protect them and bring their attacker to justice.

Matt helps Lacy to cope with the gravity of her situation, and Matt calls in his resources to help protect them. He is protective, has genuine concern for them, and non-threatening manner. He is open about his faith, and is great with Rory, he stands by Lacy and is there for her through the whole ordeal.

Lacy is under a lot of stress but she perseveres, and does everything that she can to take care of her nephew. She reacts with strength, courage, and thoughtfulness in a difficult time.

Full of action, mystery, suspense, love, faith and family, I loved Lacy and Matt's interaction as they come to depend on each other. I loved revisiting the Callahan family, and the camaraderie between Matt and his brothers.

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."

Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Aurelie Harcourt grew up in a debtor's prison with her father, and spending most of her time among the other prisoners. Aurelie has a vivid imagination and loves to share her stories with the children. When her father dies he leaves her the unfinished story of her mother's disappearance, and a wealthy family that wants nothing to do with her. As Aurelie navigates her new life she takes up her father's pen name, Nathaniel Droll, and sets out to finish his last novel.

When Silas Rotherham comes to pick up the late Woolf Harcourt's belongings, he is surprised to find a girl waiting for him. He is intrigued by her story and her thoughtful answers to his simple questions.

Will Aurelie be able to solve the mystery of her mother?

Silas becomes Aurelie's rescuer, guiding her through the  maze of high society rules, he enjoys her stories and encourages her to be herself. I like how Silas respects Aurelie's past, and how she doesn't fit into the world of the wealthy. Silas also happens to be courting Juliette, Aurelie's newfound cousin.

Juliette welcomes Aurelie, and takes her under her wing, accepting her into her family almost immediately. Aurelie also finds a friend in the seamstress, Nelle.

Aurelie writes her stories from the heart and draws on her experiences in the debtor's prison and her new life, but as she writes the family begins to believe that Nathaniel Droll is spying on them. As imposters show up claiming to be Nathaniel, Aurelie has a line to walk, discrediting the imposters while keeping her identity a secret.

I loved the book from beginning to end, it is by far one of the best regency books that I have read, I was stunned that this was debut novel. Full of mystery, romance, secrets, and a full cast of intriguing characters. I loved the quick wit and engaging style of this writing. It was impossible to put down, ful of poignancy, surprises and romance. Highly recommend! Stunning 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."

Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Zoe Collins returns to her hometown in Copper Creek, Georgia, when her grandmother leaves her the peach grove. Zoe has spent the last  5 years singing backup in Nashville, and living with her boyfriend Kyle. Kyle expects her to sell the orchard and get back to her life in Nashville, but Zoe wants to give it an honest try. Zoe's best friend Hope Daniels encourages her to stay.

Zoe and her daughter move to Copper Creek, but working the peach groves it harder than she thought it would be as she will be working alongside the man who was the reason she left 5 years ago. Cruz Huntley is the manager of her grandmother's grove, and she must face the mistakes that she made when she left.

Zoe's confidence grows as she works the grove and she has ideas to help bolster the success of the grove. I love how her brother is supportive of her, and she looks to the faith of her grandmother and decides that is something that she would like to have too. As she and Cruz come to an understanding they begin to see that this working together maybe the second chance that they didn't even know that they wanted.

I like how their relationship changes over the course of the book, and it shows the grace in their lives. But at times it was hard because of the slow pace due to the heavy backstory that we needed to catch up on. And I really didn't like Cruz's self pity. There is great interaction between Cruz and Zoe, with a good tension as well. Not my favorite by this author, but a story of second chances and redemption.


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."

Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

On the first week of Garrett Anderson's new job he is called to the scene of a gruesome murder of a young girl, the third in a series of seemingly connected killings, where a polaroid of the victim is left at the scene.

When the FBI is called in to help with the case, Garrett finds himself working with his old flame Jordan Lambert. As the killings continue and the killer begins to aim closer to home, Garret begins to question his abilities and if they will be able to bring the killer to justice.

This book is both a prequel and a sequel to the Nikki Boyd series, and covers a long span of time. It delves into why Nikki became an agent after the disappearance of her sister, and the case follows Garrett from the very first week of his job. I thought that it did a great of showing the frustration of a case like this, when all the pieces don't fall into place right away, and realistically showed the hard reality that some case just don't get solved, haunting the investigators and the many people who pour themselves into their jobs to protect others.

Jordan and Garrett reconnect, and rebuild their friendship throughout the case. But I felt like the long span of time that this book covers with the time jumps did hurt the relationship building aspect of the story as well as the pace, and instead was a more grim read than others in the series. It was a hard book to read due to the tough subject matter, full of gory details.

Overall, a tougher book to really get into because while I liked the realistic-ness of the long timeline, it did make the pace harder to latch onto, and make the relationship building harder  to see. Not quite the normal romantic suspense read, but great for people who like more crime reads.

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."

Welcome to Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

In the middle of a heavy snowstorm, Deputy Hale Jackson goes to check out a call about seeing tail lights go off the road, and finds Kelsey McCleary unharmed, but in labor and stuck in her car. He helps her to safety and to a midwife.

Maggie and Joe, the couple who reported the accident invite Kelsey to stay with them until she figures out what to do next. They are welcoming and understanding towards Kelsey and are excited to share their home with her and her baby girl. I admired their faith and how they shared their faith with Kelsey through the way they lived.

Hale came home to Wishing Bridge after an injury ended his NFL career and he bought a farm. He is hesitant to give interviews and doesn't want to be called a hero for doing his job and being in the right place t help Kelsey out when she needed him. But he is good with handling the press, and finagles a deal. He has his own heartaches around the holidays, and he volunteers to work so that others can be with their families. He admires Kelsey's strength and determination, but wonders if there is more to her being in town when her face sparks a memory.

I love how Kelsey's friends, Jazz and Thea, come to see her even though it's been a long time since they have seen each other.

I love how this story comes together, with lots going on and several surprises along the way! I can't wait to return to Wishing Bridge and all the wonderful people. The perfect book for holiday season!



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."

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, a fun-filled, fast-paced read, full of humorous situations.

Gertrude Cadwalader is the most patient and long suffering lady's companion ever. Her employer, Mrs. Davenport considers herself a fashion designer and dresses Gertrude in her overdone and impractical creations. Gertrude does her best to keep Mrs. Davenport out of trouble, but her employer can be sneaky. While Gertrude and Mrs. Davenport are on Harrison Sinclair's yacht to celebrate Permilia and Asher's engagement, Gertrude goes looking for Mrs. Davenport who has disappeared again, when her impractical dress gets stuck and Harrison Sinclair comes to her aid.

Gertrude makes a memorable first impression on Harrison, he admires the grace with which she handles the situations that she is thrust into by Mrs Davenport. He himself has a unique sense of style, and even though Asher keeps suggesting to him that he and Gertrude would be great to together he keeps insisting that they are only friends, even though he keeps coming to her aid.

I love Gertrude, she holds her head high in awkward situations that would completely destroy a lesser woman. She is a great friend and an encourager to her friends, she is quick to forgive and to run to her friends' aid. She is kind and thoughtful towards others, but also has a backbone.

This book is full of colorful characters, with delightful interactions and comedies of error. I loved the larger than life characters, revisiting old friends and meeting new ones. The pages flew by and I couldn't keep a smile from my face. A fantastic read from beginning to end!


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