To Capture His Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen // Review

My Review: 

A delightful read from beginning to end. 

 Photographer Eva Caldwell and detective Nathan Winston are both respected professionals who hold one another in high regard, content in their lives but longing for more than friendship. Nathan's mother throws a weeklong party for singles, with matchmaking in mind and in order to avoid his mother's schemes he asks Eva to attend as his love interest to prevent his mother from attempting to make him a match. Eva agrees to the arrangement but it also makes the feat of making known their true feelings for each other more difficult. When strange things start happening at the party the must work together to figure out what is going on before someone gets hurt. 

Just like its predecessor before it this charming Victorian mystery was engaging form the start with winning protagonists and a riveting plot. I loved that this book brings back many familiar faces, including the main characters who were a part of the previous book as well, though this book could also be read as a stand alone. Great character development and interaction, I loved how the speech and mannerisms felt authentic to the time period and really added to the story. I also really liked how Eva employs Sam as her assistant, he is such charming young man, eager to learn more and be helpful. 

Overall, this was such a fun read, engaging from beginning to end. I liked that Nathan is such gentleman, and is protective of Eva in the most gallant ways throughout. He is thoughtful and really admires her work. A wonderful escape of a read, clean in content with a great plot. Definitely recommend!

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

Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming romance of fresh starts and new beginnings. 

My heart went out to Emily for all the hurt and tragedy she had been through, now she works at a boy's school teaching reading. Her heart is captured by a young student and his handyman father who give her cause to hope again.

A heartfelt read with compelling characters, Emily is a giving yet vulnerable character slowly healing the pain from the past. I loved her heart for others, and how she reaches out to help Dev and Landon. 

Overall, a compelling read with great characters that tug the heartstrings. I'm looking forward to reading more books set at this school!

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

I'm Not Charlotte Lucas by Kasey Stockton // Review

My Review: 

Charlotte Lucas has the unfortunate luck of sharing a name with the pitiable character from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. 

When her elderly neighbor asks her to go on a blind date with her grandson, Charlotte can't say no. When Liam Connell shows up, he is full on main character material with a movie star ex-girlfriend to match, and way out of her league. Charlotte likes to play it safe in the background. Will Charlotte find the courage to become the main character in her own life? 

A charming romance with wonderful dollops of Jane Austen inspiration throughout in this fresh read about love and believing in yourself. A clean romance, with a likable heroine, and a wonderful cast of characters. I adored Vera and her matchmaking ways!

Overall, a quick enjoyable read for fans of clean romance and Austen-inspiration. Full of heart, and sure to bring a smile to your face. 

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

All That Fills Us by Autumn Lytle // Review

My Review: 

A heart-wrenching journey of a broken young woman, searching for something bigger than herself. 

Told in the first person, this story does a good job of showing the ways that the disease affected Mel, in her thinking, how she viewed others and herself through its lens. Most of the book is her walking on her journey to Mt Rainer, passing the times with her thoughts and her memories. She meets a full cast of colorful characters, trail angels, who tend to her physical and mental needs. I loved each of their unique and compassionate hearts. 

Mel has a complicated relationship with her faith, and her parents were portrayed as unlikable do-gooders with big visions that didn't include the family in front of them. Mel is drawn to Catholicism and she encourages herself with stories of the saints and their righteous pilgrimages, but she also seems open to other more new age things and self-help, self-love mantras. Theologically it is safe to say that I did not agree with the book. 

Overall, this was a difficult book for many reasons. Her journey was long and it was hard to read her story painted through such a lens of cynicism and disease, but at the same time that is what was well done as it showed how the disease was harming her. At times the book was whimsical, with the many friends she made along the way that brought hope and color to her world. The end felt a little anti-climatic to me personally, neat and folded up like that, so there was that too. In the end this just wasn't a book for me. 

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

Guarding His Secret by Jill Kemerer // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Randy Watkins has a lot on his plate when a baby is left in his care, he enlists the help of a longtime friend Hannah Carr who also has a passion for training dogs, to help him out. 

Randy has never let himself get too close to a woman before, but he can't help but admire Hannah for her helpful and caring nature. They work well together and I could see why Randy was hesitant to put someone through something that could have many unknowns. I liked that they shared a faith in God and had great interaction, working together. 

Overall this was an engaging and heartwarming read, with an adorable puppy to boot! A great story with well developed characters and a compelling plotline. 

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

The Love Everybody Wants by Madison Prewett Troutt // Review

My Review: 

Written in conversational chapters in an upbeat tone and style that reminded me of Sadie Robertson Huff.

I'm probably a little older than the target demographic of this book. It felt aimed more at teens and early 20's, so that is the age group that I would recommend this book to. Though the books claims multiple times to not be a relationship book about dating and how to find a spouse, that's pretty much what it is. Not all that it is by means, but that definitely is a big focus of the book as it talks about healthy standards for human relationships from a Christian standard, as well as the importance of knowing that only God can ultimately meet our deepest needs.

 I liked that Madison told stories from her life and shared things that she had learned from her relationships with family or romantically. I liked that she talked honestly about some of her struggles, though at time it felt more like a motivational speaker and drifted into more of that territory, though I liked that she brought it back to faith in Christ as our primary relationship. 

Overall, this was a quick read and as a person who has read similar books in the past it wasn't anything new or groundbreaking personally, but I could see how this would definitely appeal to a younger audience and that next generation of young women who are familiar with Madison in the public eye.

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

Radiant by Ashley Bustamante // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Radiant

Author: Ashley Bustamante

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: May 9, 2023

Secrets Come in Every Shade

After the introduction of Yellow magic in a society accustomed to only Red and Blue magic, the world inside the barrier has become more complicated than anyone imagined. Ava, Elm, and the former students of Prism navigate life in hiding. They face discord, secrets, betrayal, and danger that looms ever closer as the Benefactors narrow in on their hideaway.

Ava is determined to keep everyone protected, even at the cost of her own safety. She explores dangerous aspects of her new Mentalist abilities—against Elm’s dire warnings.

Tensions escalate when a new visitor arrives claiming to know a way out of the barrier. While this may be the only way to escape the Benefactors, what awaits them on the outside? Will they gain allies or make an entirely new set of enemies?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

In the aftermath of the previous book's events Ava, Elm and the other defectors from Prism find themselves trying to work out their next steps while staying out of reach of the benefactors. A mysterious friend from Elm's past promises a whole new world outside the barriers. 

An exciting addition to the series adding a new layer of tension and obstacles to face, as Elm and Ava find their growing relationship tested and explore magic they never imagined possible. I liked that this book explores new aspects of their gifts as well as goes in unexpected directions to keep me on my toes. we get a deeper look at some of the characters as well. 

There is plenty of tension between the characters, as well as action and revelations that made me even more excited for the sure to be amazing conclusion! A must read for people who read Vivid!

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

About the Author

Ashley Bustamante has created stories from the moment she could scribble and staple sheets of paper together. She simply cannot recall a time when writing was not a force in her life. When not running through lines of dialogue in her mind, she enjoys taking photographs and spending time with her husband, three children, and any furry, feathered, or scaly creature she can find.

 

More from Ashley

When I originally wrote Vivid, book one in The Color Theory series, I wasn’t sure if the story would continue. But it had to, didn’t it? Without spoiling anything, Vivid ends in a place where things are really just beginning, and that’s where Radiant takes the stage. What does coming together really look like? What does it take for a group of diverse people to unite? Radiant explores the strength that grows from working together and overcoming differences. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and our characters have a lot to learn. I hope you’ll enjoy Radiant!

Blog Stops

Labor Not in Vain, May 31

Texas Book-aholic, June 1

Through the Fire Blogs, June 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3

Blossoms and Blessings, June 4 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, June 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 5

Artistic Nobody, June 6 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 7

Stories By Gina, June 8 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, June 9

Simple Harvest Reads, June 10 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 11

Guild Master, June 12 (Author Interview)

Sheila’s Reading Corner, June 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ashley is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/263d6/radiant-celebration-tour-giveaway

Guess How Much God Loves You by Karen Ferguson // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

 

Book: Guess How Much God Loves You

Author: Karen Ferguson

Genre: Children’s book (picture book)

Release date: July 19, 2022

Take a journey through the Bible with Lucy Lu, a colorful, creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God.

Questions like: How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all – does God really love me?

After one very hard day, feeling like she doesn’t matter, Lucy sits with her Papa Joe who has promised to answer these questions and more, launching them onto an exciting journey to discover God’s never changing, never failing, never ending love.

What follows in this book series is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her Papa find themselves in the middle of it all, on each page of the powerful story of God’s love and faithfulness for all people, throughout all history.

This first book is all about God’s Creation 🌎

Guess How Much God Loves You is a vibrant, fun, and biblically based book that is sure to captivate young readers as it teaches them important Bible truths that will help them build a firm foundation in God and His Good Character – all through the lens of His unconditional love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

A beautifully illustrated picture book, with a message hope and love, perfect to share with the little ones in your life.

I loved how Lucy's grandfather shares God's word with her, making the truth come alive before her eyes, as she sees the wonder and care of God as he created the world for us to live on. The illustrations compliment the story well, full of color, each detail is graced with a loving touch that fits the story well. 

A beautifully put together book, that looks like it will be the beginning of a lovely series. I liked that it features a godly parental figure in the form of Lucy's grandfather, and a biblical account of creation. A  great book to read with the little people in your life, with a great easy to read style, and a different way of linking the creation story with God's love. Very well done!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. Opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Author

Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and small business owner with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom she loves words and the Word of God and is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attention, teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them.

Her first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was released in July 2022 through Ambassador International and is available wherever books are sold.

 

More from Karen

Are you looking for God honoring books that will captivate your child’s imagination, teach them faith-building biblical concepts, and help them grow in their reading skills?

Then I have the perfect book for your young reader…Guess How Much God Loves You

This beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to the Creation Account, through the eyes of seven year old Lucy Lu, a creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God.

Questions like…

How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all – does God really love me?

After one very hard day, feeling like she doesn’t matter, Lucy sits with her Papa Joe who has promised to answer these questions and more, launching them onto an exciting journey through the Bible to discover God’s never changing, never failing, never ending love.

I wrote this book because I want every child to know their life matters. To know that the God of all things created them in His image, on purpose and for a good purpose.

Guess How Much God Loves You will have seven books in the series with each one covering an important Bible account critical to building an understanding of God’s character and His love for all people, including your reader!

This first book is about the Creation Account as recorded in the Bible. Future books will cover the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, the Exodus and more.

I want children to understand these are not just stories about fictional characters, but historical accounts about real people they can relate to. People who experienced God’s power, love, and faithfulness.

My greatest desire is to see this next generation trust the Bible and enjoy reading it. More than ever, young readers need to hear the message that they are valuable, loved unconditionally by the One who created them and gave them the best gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 18

Lots of Helpers, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 19

Cover Lover Book Review, May 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 21

Texas Book-aholic, May 22

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 25

Bliss, Books & Jewels, May 25

Vicky Sluiter, May 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 28

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Labor Not in Vain, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, one signed hardcover, one eBook, and one digital activity workbook that will help to reinforce the learning concepts in a fun way!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/26071/guess-how-much-god-loves-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Loving the Rancher's Children by Mindy Obenhaus // Just Read

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Loving the Rancher's Children by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Loving the Rancher's Children 

Series: Hope Crossing #3 

Author: Mindy Obenhaus 

Publisher: Love Inspired Books 

Release Date: May 23, 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

A short-term solution

Could lead to long-term love

When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she’s surprised to find herself agreeing to become a nanny to Jake Walker’s children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli’s trust, and she’s avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli begins to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub

Review: 

Engaging and heartfelt story of second chances and finding love in unexpected places. 

Alli Krenek moves back to her hometown while navigating a career change, she unexpectedly accepts a job nannying for Jake Walker's two children, despite her complicated history with Jake. I liked that Jake and Alli were able to quickly move past what happened when they were kids, and develop an honest friendship. Allie is amazing with the children and does a great job giving them loving structure.

There was so much great interaction throughout, I loved how Alli and Jake shared a strong faith and were devoted to putting it into action in their lives. Jake's mom is also really supportive of Alli working with the kids. Alli is a wonderful caregiver, with a big heart for others. 

Overall, a fully enjoyable read from beginning to end, I connected with the characters quickly and found that it ended far sooner than I wanted. A wonderful read!

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

More Books in this Series

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About the Author

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching the Hallmark Channel.

Connect with Mindy by visiting MindyObenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Loving the Rancher's Children and $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 24, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter // Review

My Review: 

Sadie Goodwin has never written a romantic book in her life, it's not like she has any real life experience to draw from. But Sadie has one season to write a romance novel or forfeit her publishing contract so she takes up her friend on the offer of an empty beachfront house free of distractions, determined to research her way into the perfect novel. 

Sam came to North Carolina to get away from the noise, but a chipper new neighbor with an outgoing nature that attracts even more people isn't a part of his plans. 

An engaging read, with likable leads and a idyllic setting on the North Carolina Coast. I loved how the author wove in elements about the "rules" of writing a romance novel, throughout the story. It was fun seeing Sadie and Sam get to know each other, albeit begrudgingly on Sam's end. I liked their interaction, and how they worked together to reach their goals. 

A quick enjoyable read, it brought a smile to my face. Heartwarming and engaging, a wonderful standalone novel for fans of sweet romance! 

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