The Berenstain Bears Love One Another by Mike Berenstain ~ Review

My Review:

Brother, Sister, and Honey are helping Mama Bear make berry muffins. When they ask if they can eat them Mama tells them that the muffins aren't for them, but for a new mother, and that there are many ways to show our love for one another.

A sturdy board book, about what it is to love one another, with the Bear family. I think one of my favorite thing about this book, is that it showed that small acts of loving kindness can go a long way in showing hoe much you care, it doesn't have to be huge showy acts.

A classic story that is great for sharing with children, about being helpful and showing love to each other. Makes a great gift to share with the young ones in your life.

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."

Reunited at Christmas by Belle Calhoune ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ruby Prescott comes to Love, Alaska looking for answers. She lost her memory in an accident 2 years ago, she's been living in Colorado for the past couple of years, but nobody there knew her before the injury.

The first person that Ruby sees in Love is the sheriff, who also happens to be her brother-in-law. He immediately calls his brother, Dr. Liam Prescott, who rushes over. Ruby learns that her family thought that she had died in the avalanche that took her memory during a search and rescue mission in Colorado.

After he get's over his shock, Liam asks Ruby to stay and get to know their son, Aidan, who was a toddler when she disappeared. Will they be able to be a family again?

I love how Liam is willing to go the distance and to do what he can to make Ruby feel at home, and doesn't pressure her to remember him. He gives her space, but is always there and is happy to see her reconnecting with their son. Liam is a good doctor, and genuinely cares for his patients, and famil y is very important to him.

Ruby is a strong, brave and compassionate woman, even if she doesn't always see herself that way. I liked how the town worked to make her feel welcome, even though she didn't remember them, they didn't make her feel bad about it.

This is a wonderful read set in the beautiful town of Love, Alaska. I loved the characters, especially Liam and Aiden, and how they welcome Ruby back into their lives with open arms. This is a beautiful story of second chances at love in time for Christmas.



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."

Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review: 


John Newton is smitten when he hears the angelic voice of Polly Catlett caroling with her cousin Susanna. He follows her home and discovers that he is her cousin, despite having a job lined up on a ship destined for Jamaica, he lingers with the Catletts, each day making it harder to leave Polly behind him. John is reckless and godless, with very little motivation to work and make something of himself--constantly dismissing opportunities for career advancement.

But when John finds himself impressed into service upon a Navy vessel, he begins an arduous journey that will change his life forever.

A inspiring and passionate tale of a prodigal's flight from God, his redemption, and the woman who loved him. Before reading this book I'd never really heard much about Polly Catlett, besides the fact that John Newton was a married man and that she was his wife. Oh, how little I knew! I was riveted by this passionate tale of redemption and enduring love, and Amazing Grace.

Polly is a beautiful young woman inside and out, with a kind heart, and a bent for following rules to the letter. When impulsive and reckless John comes into her life, she is drawn to him, and finds him unlike anyone she has ever known before. When her father urges her to give John up, do to his lacking character, she struggles to obey her father, but finds that John is a man hard to forget.

John Newton is irresponsible and careless, letting important deadlines pass without more than passing acknowledgement. He has a chip on his shoulder, and a bent for undermining authority. He challenges those around him with his contemptible attitude and godless ways.

I liked that this book didn't shy away from the gritty truth about the things that John was involved in, and I thought that Ms. Hedlund captured his youthful, disregard for authority and responsibility well. I loved seeing how in hindsight, so many of the experiences in his life set the stage for future blessings.

Overall, a riveting, gripping read that took my heart on a roller coaster of emotions. A tumultuous and dramatic tale of redemption and God's boundless grace. 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."

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen ~ Review

Lucie's Review: This book brings to life a small village in England, full of colorful characters whose lives intersect and intertwine.

Upon the death of her husband, Jane becomes the owner of the local inn. When she realizes how many people depend on the inn, she becomes determined to do what she can to keep it open.

Jane's friend, Mercy, runs a school for girls alongside her aunt, and she encourages Jane to save the inn herself instead of selling it. She invites Jane to the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society, which is a meeting of all the local business women.

This book has many characters, and many storylines  to follow about the women in the village, and it reminded me a lot of Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. This book tells the story of a historical English village through the eyes of the women who live there. It takes a while to figure out who everyone is at first, but is lush with detail description and great dialog.

I loved the relationship between Jane and Thora, who is Jane's mother-in-law, and how it grows and changes over the course of the book. Thora returns from living with her sister, to find the inn in trouble, due in part to the fact that Talbot has left.

Talbot was the manager of the inn, but he left when he inherited his family's farm. But he is more than happy to lend a hand t help them out, especially since he has admired Thora since the death of her husband.

James Drake becomes Jane's rival, he stays at the inn and offers advice on how to improve the inn before acquiring her childhood home and opening a rival inn. Suddenly the two inns are competing for the Royal Mail route.

Gabriel Locke has more to him than what meets the eye, he is works with the horses that stay at the inn. but proves to be a good friend helping Jane where he can, as does Sir Timothy, Jane's childhood friend.

I loved the real sense of community that I got from reading this book, and the wonderful women and men that make up this town. Decidedly different in tone than previous books by this author that I had enjoyed, and at first I was definitely unsure, but by the end I realized that I had thoroughly enjoyed this 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."

Cowboy Creek Christmas by Cheryl St. John and Sherri Shackleford ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Mistletoe Reunion Marlys Boyd has worked hard to put herself through medical school, yet she struggles to find patients at her Philadelphia practice, so she moves home to Cowboy Creek and places an ad in the paper.

Sam Mason was a reporter in Philadelphia before serving in the War Between the States, he wrote a book about his experiences. But he came back to Cowboy Creek for a new start, and bought the local paper.

I like the reunion between Marlys and Sam as they become acquainted again. Marlys always makes a point of not ignoring August, Sam's 8 year old son, and encouraging his love of learning.

Marlys has a love of learning, and is open to finding new solutions, that serve her well as a Doctor.

Mistletoe Bride Colton Werner reluctantly agrees to help interpret for the midwife, with one of her patients that speaks German. He remembers enough to find out that her name is Beatrix Haas, and she came to town to marry the sheriff, who has been recently deceased. The labor is difficult and Beatrix fears for the fate of her child, so Colton volunteers to marry Beatrix in name only to care for her child, that he names Joseph after his deceased twin brother. But when she recovers, Colton is faced with an interesting dilemma, married and the father of a newborn.

Beatrix wants to be a good wife to Colton, she tries to get close to him, and is thrifty with his money. But Colton seems to have a wall around his heart.

I like how the town welcomes Beatrix and include her in their activities.

Colton does his best to show Beatrix that she is safe and that he would never hurt her or Joseph.


Two fantastic stories of love and family at Christmas time in Cowboy Creek.


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."

Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Kacey Fairing flies helicopters in rescue missions for the military, but her plane was shot down in Afghanistan and now she's home for the Summer hoping to leave the nightmares of war behind. She get's a job flying a rescue helicopter for PEAK Rescue pilot Chet King who has been injured and needs an interim replacement. But what she doesn't know is that her old flame, Country Music start Ben King is home to care for his father.

Ben King is a Country singer who got his start singing the songs that he wrote for Kacey back in highschool, going on to become part of a duo. But now his partner, Hollie has gone solo, and he has to reconfigure his career.

Will Kacey and Ben find a new beginning?

I liked the interaction between Kacey and Ben, they both acknowledge that they made mistakes in that past and want to move forward. Ben is surprised to learn about Kacey's 13 year old daughter, Audrey, who is a big fan of his previous Country duo. He wants to get to know Audrey, and wants to makes sure that letting her know him as her father is the right thing. Kacey and Ben make a good team, and they work hard to put together the clues to find the missing niece of Ian Shaw, Esme, who disappeared 3 years ago.

I loved Chet, he is a man of faith, who gives good advice and isn't above a little matchmaking. He is an impatient patient, but his heart is right on track.

This is a riveting, heartwarming read, with colorful characters, and lively dialog. I loved the drama and suspense, entwined with the strong vein of redemption that runs through the story. A fantastic read from beginning to end and I can't wait to read the next in 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."

Shielding His Christmas Witness by Laura Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

The safe house that Kari Danville has been staying at becomes compromised, sending her running for her life. Every person in uniform is a suspect, so FBI agent Marc Callahan must go off the grid to keep Kari safe.

Marc and Kari don't know where to turn or who to trust, so he called up his brothers, Mike, Mitch, and Miles who do what they can for Kari without asking questions. I liked how dedicated to his job that Marc is, he is good at what he does, though he can be very serious and rarely smiles. He comes to admire Kari for everything that she has been through, and she helps him come to terms with his past.

Kari is a brave, resourceful, quick-thinking woman, new to her faith, and pregnant with her ex-fiance's child.  I admired her faith, though new, was strong. She is in danger, because she was a key witness to a crime.

The interaction between Kari and Marc was well done, and in the midst of all the uncertainty they come to trust and depend upon each other. For Marc being with Kari has showed him how taxing his job has been, and that he wants to start really living again.

A highly engaging read, filled with action, that kept me guessing who was behind the threats until the very end. Great dialog with fantastic characters, and I loved getting to meet Marc's brothers. A fantastic read that I didn't want to put down!

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 Convenient Christmas Wedding by Regina Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Nora Underhill was raised by her brother, Charles, and his wife, Meredith, who don't let a moment go by that they don't remind her of that fact, and how much she owes them for taking her in. Nora finally escapes her manipulative brother by joining Asa Mercer's bride ship to Seattle to marry Simon Wallin.

Nora proposes to Simon, in exchange for his name, and protection, she will continue to work in Seattle, and he can return to Wallins Landing, claiming more land as a married man. But when Charles and Meredith arrive and insist that Nora stay with them, Nora changes her plans and moves to
Wallins Landing, which puts Simon in a bind as he has yet to tell his family about his marriage.

Simon is a good hardworking man, I loved how his family welcomed Nora into their lives. Simon takes his duty seriously, and is very detail oriented, which often leads him to focus on problems instead of finding solutions right away.

Nora is my favorite character, industrious, tender-hearted, and always ready to lend a hand. Her faith is strong and shes God's glory in all of creation.

I really liked the dialog between Nora and Simon, they always treat each other with respect and come to recognize the other's strengths, and that they are better together.

I loved the strong themes of family and Christmas traditions throughout this story, Simon's family si very supportive of his marriage, and I loved the dialog and humorous situations. This was a fast-paced and engaging read that I didn't want to put down. Highly 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."

Amish Christmas Blessings by Marta Perry and Jo Ann Brown ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

The Midwife's Christmas Surprise
Anna Zook has learned a lot from Elizabeth Miller about being a midwife, and now they share a clinic, but Anna worries that the ladies of the community will never take her seriously as a midwife.

 Elizabeth tries to encourage her, and does what she can to help her confidence. When Elizabeth's son Benjamin comes home after three years away, she welcomes him warmly and tries to play matchmaker by finding excuses for him to spend time with Anna.

Ben's return is not without plenty of challenges, he must overcome the resentment that same with his leaving in the first place. He works hard to prove that he has changed and that he's in it for the long haul. I liked his and Anna's dialog as they come to terms with what happened in the past and become reacquainted. Ben has a way of knowing just when Anna needs a hand, and he shows up just in time.

Overall, a sweet tale of Christmastime second chances at love, and mending family ties. I liked how Ben makes an intention choice to prove himself to everyone back home, and to heal old wounds.



A Christmas to Remember
When Amos Stoltzfus finds a young girl named Polly trying to steal bread from his shop, he gives it to her along with some peanut butter, and follows her home. He discovers that her companion, Linda, is not well, so he offers a hand, taking them to stay with his mother.

Linda is recovering from a head injury and memory loss, and finds it easy to be discouraged. Amos helps to cheer her up, but wonders about the wisdom of falling for a woman who doesn't even know herself what kind of woman she is.

I liked Linda, and her faith, she knows that God will reveal His will in His own time. And even though she doesn't remember everything, there are things that shine though, showing her genuine character.

I liked Amos, he is a kind man, who takes action when he sees a need.

Overall, a heartwarming love story of family and making memories at Christmastime.





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 Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson ~ Review

My Review:

Julia Grey has few prospects, as the orphaned poor relation who is living with her uncle and aunt she has little to offer as a dowry. Julia hopes to make a good match despite her financial shortcomings, so that she can avoid becoming a governess like her friend Sarah Peck. Julia attends the local parties as a companion to her flighty cousin Phoebe, who is titled, moneyed, and smitten with the dashing Nicholas Langdon.

Nicholas Langdon is on a mission for king and country, tasked with flushing out those trading confidential information with the French, and endangering the English crown. He has reason to believe that Mr. Wilhern, Julia’s uncle, is one of the traitors, all Nicholas needs is the final piece of evidence that will confirm his suspicions.

Melanie Dickerson’s signature themes of adventure, faith, honor, and abiding love, run strong in her regency fiction debut, but she doesn’t leave her fairy tale roots behind either. A compelling and riveting read the entire way through, filled with hope, faith, and love. 

 I felt for Julia and her less than ideal situation, though more fortunate than most, she struggled to reconcile herself to her lot in life, trying to follow the laws of society to the letter. Julia is an exemplary friend to her cousin, Phoebe, and tries to guide and shield her as best she can, offering support and sound advice. I admired Julia’s determination and bravery to do what was right in the face of an uncertain future, as well as her compassionate spirit.

Nicholas Langdon is a admirable man, strong, honor and duty bound, he is also intentional and he is very aware of his actions.He is kind and compassionate, genuinely charming, and impossible not to admire for his faith and sense of duty.

Overall, a riveting read that blended a well curated atmosphere with an Austen-esque romance, and a thrilling suspenseful plot. Julia matures quite a bit over the course of the story, coming to terms with her situation, and taking a stand for what is right despite the consequences A fantastic read, that I would highly recommend to fans of regency fiction and/or fans of Ms. Dickerson. 

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."