Category: Uncategorized

There’s a lot of great book coming out next month. Here are a few I have my eyes on:

Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don’t want to go. Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

About

She’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware that a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairy tales.

Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic minister of culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future — and his own.

Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever.

Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide whether she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together — with a little divine intervention — Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.

Review

Who didn’t/doesn’t wish they were a princess? That’s what I really like about the Royal Wedding Series. It speaks to the heart of just about every girl. Here’s my thoughts:

What I liked:

-How Regina learns she’s a princess. This moment could be a bit cliché. But I found it to be executed well. I also liked the details that surrounded her being a princess because the more you learn about Regina’s past, the more you understand why it is that she didn’t know she was a princess.

Regina. I liked that she restored old cars and that she had been an accountant. It made her personality a bit more rounded.

Tanner. I liked that he had a story of his own that had nothing to do with Regina becoming a princess. And his story was not at all what I would have expected.

The politics. I really enjoyed the fact that not everyone in Brighton was excited to get a princess. Particularly an American one. It really amped up the tension.

Spiritually, I love the theme of forgiving one self and also, accepting the plan that God has for your life.

What I didn’t like:

Regina acted as though it were a hardship to live in luxury and dress like a princess. While I could maybe see this getting annoying after a few months, I simply could not think of one girl who wouldn’t have enjoyed the pampering. Her insistence on wearing jeans and cowboy boots made me want to say, “really?”. I understand she was trying to hold onto her identity, but that wasn’t working for me.

Okay, this is a minor quibble, but the people of Brighton all had American sounding names and British culture. I just wish they had had something that made me think that they were a different country and not just a European country. I studied abroad and let me tell you, as close as those nations are, they are completely different from each other and I wished the differences were played up more here.

Overall, a very sweet, meet-your-needs kind of book.

Romantic Scale: 8

I’m a picky reviewer. As someone who reads tons of books a year, I appreciate picky reviewers because there’s nothing more disappointing than spending money on a book I don’t want to finish. When I’m interested in a book, I click on the negative reviews, because those people can usually tell me what to expect in a book and whether or not I will like certain elements. So, I look at it as a good thing, because then my readers will know that when I like something I really like something. But, sometimes I wonder, am I too picky? Writing is subjective, and what one person may find okay (widows with children) another person may find cliché (widows with children). And yet, if you can pinpoint specific things that bother you as a reviewer, does it not at the same time tell the reader about things they may or may not like?

For instance, I once read a negative review about Amish people that said that these Amish people read more like “ordinary people”. Well, for me that’s a good thing. I was glad they pointed that out and I bought that book and enjoyed it.

I think with vague reviews, that does the author more harm than not because if it’s vague than the reader neither enjoyed it nor disliked it. And then I have to do more research. At least that’s my impression.

But then again, sometimes I wonder if authors read my reviews and think really? Really?! That small detail stuck out in your mind? And so then I wonder again, am I too picky?

What do you think? Do you like picky reviewers? Do you just want to know if their 5 stars or 3 stars? Thoughts?

About

Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn’t take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can’t pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station’s photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.

Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town’s handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family’s past hides in the shadows, it’s clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she’s searching for hidden forever–even if the cost is Wynter’s very life.

Review

To be perfectly honest, straight up mysteries are not my thing. I was never an Agatha Christie lover (though for a while I was stuck on the old Nancy Drews). I am more about character development, and so I usually avoid books that look like “mysteries”, which is why I am just now getting around to reading a novel by Nancy Mehl. My thoughts:

What I liked:

There was plenty of character development. Yes, there is obviously a mystery, but the book focused just as much on Wynter and who she was as it did on solving the mystery of what happened to Ryan.

The suspense. Sanctuary was a creepy town to me. I was sufficiently nervous for Wynter throughout the book. Probably too nervous.*

The mystery. It was creative and unique which I think can be hard to do.

Spiritually, I liked watching Wynter (and Zac) get to know Jesus again. And more importantly, I like that they acted on their faith.

What I didn’t like:

*The romance. The town (and townspeople) managed to be so off-kilter to me, that I didn’t trust anyone from that town (Amish, Mennonite, Pastor, whatever) and especially not the guy Wynter fell for. Almost the entire book I kept waiting for him to turn around and try to kill her. Needless to say, I was not buying the romance at all. In fact, I wanted Wynter to fall for this other guy who she knew. That, would have been original. I think the problem here for me, is that you can’t really be a serious follower of Christ and protective of secrets to the point where you try to keep people away. I questioned whether everyone who claimed they were a believer really was one. The town could not be both a Sanctuary and unwelcoming in my opinion.

One thing about the mystery bothered me. In cases where you think you might be related to someone else, you discreetly take some of their hair and do a DNA test. That will save you lots of time.

Overall, very fun and suspenseful.

Romantic scale: 4 or 5 (not because there wasn’t any; I just wasn’t feeling it)

**I received this novel from BethanyHouse. My opinion was not affected in any way.**

About

Welcome to Casa de Vida—eleven quaint bungalows located three blocks from the Pacific Ocean in tiny Seaside Village, California. Owner Liv McAlister never advertises vacancies beyond a small hand-lettered sign out front, preferring to trust that God will send the right tenant at just the right time. And He always does.

Meet Jasmyn Albright—she’s had more than her share of bad breaks lately, beginning with the tornado that demolished her farmhouse. Emotionally fragile and feeling utterly alone, Jasmyn heads west, hoping to outrun her heartbreak. And she doesn’t stop until she notices a small sign that reads “Vacancy.” Before she’s quite aware of how it all happened, Jasmyn finds herself the newest tenant at Casa de Vida. She hardly dares to hope that her fortunes might be about to change…but of course when God is at work, anything can happen, and new beginnings are one of His specialties.

Sometimes among strangers, family happens. And sometimes, when we least expect it, romance is a welcome guest.

Review

When I first saw the cover of this novel, I will admit that it looked boring, but I’ve read Sally John before and she’s a wonderful author. So glad I gave this book a chance!

What I liked:

It’s engaging. This novel is probably what is considered “women’s fiction” as it is more focused on relationships and friendships, particularly between women. And usually, that’s kind of boring to me. But, I found all the main characters (and there is quite a few) to be interesting. It wasn’t hard to turn the pages.

The unique cast. There are a lot of people in this book: Sam, Jasmyn, Keagan, Beau, Liv, etc., but not only was I not lost, I really enjoyed reading from everyone’s point of view. They also managed to have strong personalities that shown through. At no point did I get confused about who I was reading. And I hope that this is a series, because I would like to find out more about some of the other secondary characters.

Spiritually, I like the relationship Liv has with God and how her relationship with God influences every person around her. It’s an all-consuming relationship that is lived out each day in the way she interacts with others. I liked how because of her, Jasmyn and Sam began to desire to know God more. And also, that God can use something bad that happens and make it for our good.

What I didn’t like:

This is a personal preference thing: the romance wasn’t the focus and in fact it was a small part of the novel. But, you have two people in the novel who fall for people who are natural loners and I kind of wanted more as to why they changed. It just happened to quickly for me.

The novel does have it’s slow moments, but the writing is fantastic.

Overall, a very nice read, particularly for the beach.

Romantic Scale: 7

**I received this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

Every year I usually post the same books that I recommend if you’re feeling particularly patriotic. You can find that list Here.

Have a wonderful holiday!

About

In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance. 
 
Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?

Review

After reading Ms. Benton’s first novel, I knew I had to get my hands on this one. Here’s why:

What I liked:

The ratio to historical facts and storytelling is perfect. At no point does the author stop the narrative to explain some history. Instead the state issues, slavery, different clothes that people wore, American Indian concerns, are seamlessly interwoven into the story so that I learn much without realizing I am being taught.

The premise. It was very Last of the Mohicans except they were running from white men as opposed to Indians. The book will keep you on your toes and at the same time allow you to experience such a lovely romance.

The romance. It was slow, and yet smoldering. Tamsen has to learn to depend on Jesse, and Jesse, who has never really been around women, has to learn what they’re like. LOVED watching them together.

Tamsen. She’s a wonderful heroine, who was raised well off and must now learn how to survive.

And Jesse who is a delightful mix of innocence and warrior-ness.

The mystery. Who is Jesse? Better read it to find out.

The secondary characters (Cade), even the bad ones, are very rich and fleshed out.

What I didn’t like about this book?

It ended.

Overall, a wonderful novel, that sucked me in from page one and I didn’t want it to end.

Romantic Scale: 9.2

About
In a kingdom where the Old Ways hold fast and a man’s worth lies entirely in his skill with the sword, Conor Mac Nir is a scholar, a musician, and a follower of the forbidden Balian faith: problematic for any man, but disastrous for the son of the king.

When Conor is sent as a hostage to a neighboring kingdom, he never expects to fall in love with the rival king’s sister, Aine. Nor does he suspect his gift with the harp (and Aine’s ability to heal) touches on the realm of magic. Then his clan begins a campaign to eliminate all Balians from the isle of Seare, putting his newfound home in peril and entangling him in a plot for control of the island that has been unfolding since long before his birth.

Only by committing himself to an ancient warrior brotherhood can Conor discover the part he’s meant to play in Seare’s future. But is he willing to sacrifice everything—even the woman he loves—to follow the path his God has laid before him?
Review
With fantasy novels, I’ve noticed that they can be either really good or very bad….and this one was really good. The world that Ms. Laureano is both unique and familiar and her storyline rich. My thoughts:
 
What I liked:
 
The story world. Half the time I felt like I was in Scotland, and the other time I knew I was in a world of Laureano’s own making. And yet, I didn’t feel like I lost anything by having that Scottish feel. In fact, I found the similarity comforting. With fantasy novels there is always that risk of getting lost in the details and skimming, but I never felt that way about this world. But, I also loved the elements that were uniquely her own. Like most novels in this genre there’s a bit of a coming of age and lots of prophecy, but it just adds to the tension of the novel as a whole.
 
The romance. Romances can suffer sometimes in fantasy novels because the focus is usually on the main character developing. Not so much with this one. The romance was beautifully interwoven in the pages. While there may have been an instant connection, there was also plenty of time for their friendship to grow. And thus, when they were separated, I had the utmost faith, they would be together again…and I wanted it so bad!
 
Conor is a fabulous narrator. You really connect with his emotions and how he must deal with the situations around him. I will admit that there are certain elements that are “familiar” to this kind of novel, but it’s done in a unique enough way that I am sure you will enjoy reading it.
 
Aine was a fantastic heroine. She was strong and independent and yet she worked within the confines of her society. I love that she matches Conor and that while she needs him, there are plenty of times when he needs her.
 
There is a time when Aine and Conor go there separate ways, and usually I do not like when the hero and heroine split up. I usually flip pages quickly in an effort to get them back together sooner, but I found myself to be highly entertained even though they were separated. They still had stories to tell apart from each other.
 
Some of the secondary characters were pretty amazing. Eoghan I’ve got my eye on you.
 
Spiritually, its a bit of a journey, but Conor learns to trust God even when things look like they haven’t worked out, and Aine’s steadfast faith is like a breath of fresh air.

 What I didn’t like:
 
I liked everything about this novel. As previously noted, some elements have been “done” before, but good writing will allow you to experience them anew all over again.
 
Romantic Scale: 8.5
Overall, very good. Very satisfying. Loved the ending! And counting down the days until I get book two!
**I received this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in any way.**

I am one of those people who generally does not like faces on the covers on my books. Sometimes, I do. But more often than not, I would rather not because no offense, but usually on the covers, the people seem a little weird looking. They are an odd mix of cartoonish and just not what I pictured in my head. And yet, I like when authors post pics of people who inspired their characters. Strange? Yes. What about you? Do you like to picture the characters in your head without any reference? Do you picture the person on the cover? Or the person the author used to inspire the character?