Nicole and the Unending TBR

I loved so much in this book! It was one of those books that I had seen on a few tours on Instagram,  but I hadn't read anything from that author before. I got the book when it went on sale and was looking forward to reading it.  I'm so glad I got to it! This author is going into my "must read" for contemporary romance.  She writes her characters in such a way that I just root for them! I lived how the characters had struggles that they had to overcome in their own growth and how their faith cam into play with that. The series is called "everyday romance " and that is so perfect.  These are characters that face those every day challenges and how to apply their faith and values in their life. I loved the "sizzle factor " and how it was incorporated into the romance.  I got to see how they had the chemistry and spark, but also how to face situations when they needed to make those decisions to stay true their convictions.  I love seeing how the faith ...

Oh. Wow. This. Book. Buy it!!!!!!!!! This book follows the story of the sister we met in the first book, and wow. I didn't think I would like Catherine as much as I did. She was just someone that I was rooting for.  Loved her redemption story.  And David......I mean...swoooooon! This love story took a spin that I did not anticipate, but it was soooooooo good! Pepper Basham knows how to build the chemistry at just the right pace and bring the heat, at just the right level and still stay clean.  Fantastic story. I loved it and recommend this to anyone who wants swoony romance set in world war 1!

Ah the book that started my obsession with all things Tamara Leigh! Going back and reading this book for the second time after several years was so nostalgic and delightful! I love the enemies to lovers trope and Tamara Leigh's books deliver that tension in spades! Seeing this book now I can see how much this author has grown and how her writing has only gotten better over the years! I enjoyed seeing this story play out again, the conflict, the intrigue, the love story that only Tamara can tell. The character arc that always leaves me smiling at the end of the book because you see how far they have come. Both Annyn and Garr had lessons they needed to learn, discoveries to be made and truth that needed to uncover. Wulfrith Forever!

I have been saying for years that Connilynn Cossette is my favorite Biblical fiction writer.  This book is her very first in a duology.  This book is so beautiful! The story is well crafted and it drew me in , because it is a two part story I am eager for the second! Boy .....am I eager! I loved the subtle references to her other series, and I loved seeing her characters grow! The pacing of this book is a bit slower in parts compared to some of her other books. However it is so good! Have I mentioned how I love how this author can weave a story?!!! She weaves such depth and truth into her fiction it is amazing.  The characters are flawed, and you see how their past has shaped how they view themselves.  I loved the message of adoption and being seen by The God Who Sees! A touching journey and a great new beginning!

This book was so good! I have always enjoyed SMW's straight up romances and her suspense reads, but this one had some serious depth to it. I always say I love the after " I do" type stories and this is definitely one for that list. I really loved the way the message of forgiveness and truth was woven into the story and how the characters were fleshed out so well. I love deep Haven books and this one is another winner! It had those real life questions, it had the drama, it had that dash of suspense that had me up until late at night. Loved it!

This is the second book I have picked up by this author. I love how she writes that sharp banter and quick humor. The inner dialogue is sooo funny and relatable! However this book is so much more than a rom-com with clever humor, it is a book that deals with a difficult yet prevent struggle that many people battle with. I really appreciate that the author took this struggle and incorporated into the story. My heart goes out to the lives that are burdened with this shame. The redemption angle of this story is so good. We say there is no sin that The Lord can not redeem, yet are living and loving like that is true? This book both entertains and challenges us to live out the truth in our own lives! Well done! I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are honest and completely my own. 

Okay, this book was amazing! I can't wait to read the next one, but this book was absolutely beautiful.  This book deals with a tough topic of a survivor of sexual abuse.  The topic is handled in such a way that you are not swamped with details,  but you see the shame and heartache left in its wake. I loved so much about this book,  Pepper Basham writes the best friends to more stories! She has great dialogue between the characters and builds the chemistry at just the right pace. The historical details of the Lusitania were very interesting and it added a suspenseful element to the story.  This was one of those books that had me chuckling at some points and almost in tears at others, and feeling all the feels ! A delightfully beautiful story! Like......go read it now!!!!!!!!

This is probably one of the best second chance romances that I have read.  Then again maybe by Susan l Tuttle is the second book in the series.  I loved her first so much and I was so happy to see more of Penny and Jonah! We got to see the falling away of Micah and Bell in the first book, and I didn't know how the author was going to spin this story to make me root for Micah.  However she absolutely did! This author crafts great characters that feel so real, and you can't help but root for them the whole way! I loved the powerful message of forgiveness and how love is an action that we need to commit to and carry through even when things look bad. I just loved how the nuances of how God tells us to love others, to put other's needs before our selves and how to truly forgive are all clearly here, yet in such a way that feels genuine without being preachy.  It was such a great read! I devoured the story and was left with all the happy feels! And as I said before WE GET...

The Devil was once an Angel." . Wow. This is the book that brings it all together.  This book had my heart racing and reading so fast, and at the same time I found myself stalling to finish it, because I didn't want it to end. And this book is a perfect example of why I read Kendig's books. She brings something completely unique to the suspense genre.  She has action,  and heart,  fast paced and complex plots intertwined. Heroes that go to battle while fighting their own inner war. Heroines that are strong, unique, and unforgettable. This series is epic.  It is everything I look for in a militarily suspense read.  It's intense,  with that gritty edge that had me wondering just how it was going to end! She really had me guessing! I really loved how the characters grew when pushed to the limits. I loved how the author brought it all to a climax and left me completely satisfied at the end. I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher,  all opini...

This book had some truly great pranks! Like the sneaky part of me is tucking these ideas away for futer reference! I adore books with the love /hate trope and this book definitely delivers so much of why I love this trope.  It is very entertaining to watch the sparks fly! I know that I shouldn't compare one book to another (I really try to rate each book, based on it's own merits). I do want to mention to other readers that the spiritual message is definitely not as prominent in this book as her first one.  I had read a review that eluded to that so I was aware of this going in.  However she used a quote from c.S. Lewis that really hinted at a deeper meaning and I thought that was a clever way to weave a bit of a spiritual message without making it obvious.  I do tend to gravitate towards the books that are uplifting and have a clear spiritual message. However it is still a great story.  There were times I was just grinning like........Chip really!  The ant...

Okay, this book was not what I thought it was, but a really interesting story! Imagine on the day you write a negative review of your favorite author, you find yourself kidnapped by the very author! Like, wow, that had my attention! I listened to the audio version of this book and I was completely pulled into the story. Without trying to give too much away, I really enjoyed how the author led me to think one thing and then in the end she pulled a twist that I did not see coming. I liked the originality of this story and took a look into the work of writing, publishing, grief and corruption. A very interesting combination! Very unique story and I love that in the suspense genre!

 I don't read a ton of novella collections, however with these authors all together how could I not read it? This is a beautiful collection of stories,  I found that each story built upon the previous. Regina's was so sweet. Karen's was just all the sweet romance and depth that I come to expect from her books. Amanda's was woven in her uniquely lyrical voice that pulls you in and reveals treasure within the story.  Denise's story topped it all off with such a beautiful story.  She actually made me cry.  Like twice.  That has never happened to me in a novella people.  It was just so beautiful.  My seriously sentimental side cheered for the tree as if it took on a life of it's own and was the embodiment of the steadfast, and enduring.  Now I want to have a little acorn in my house somewhere! *sniff* I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All my opinions are my own and completely honest. 

I have so enjoyed every one of the books in this series! And Reckless is another wonderful addition to the series. While it was a bit slower building in the beginning (I didn'thavemuch readingtime when I starede though), once it gets going I was completely absorbed into the story and stayed up  Waaaaaaaaay to late to finish the book. Worth it! I loved how the characters really grew over the course of the story. Nicola really grew up and learned so much. I just have loved seeing these characters find their way.  Happy sigh. Tamara Leigh's books are filled with authentic feeling setting in Medieval Europe,  the sword fights are on point! And practically every book in this series has a type of enemies to lovers so that is a win for me! They have peril and swoon worthy romance.  All the things! Highly recommended this series for someone looking for clean adult medieval romance. 

This was the perfect read that I needed! My brain can't handle anything heavy right now and this sweet wonderful story was just what I needed! I loved seeing how the story progressed! Noah was an absolute sweetheart and I loved seeing how he helped Camille.  Just so sweet! I loved how the amnesia angle was used in the story,  I thought that was really creative.  The only thing that kind of bothered me was how the problem in the book was kind of wrapped up a bit too easily convenient. But that was a small part and didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.  This is the perfect read for When you just need a  bit of escapism. And I can't wait to read more!

Do you like your romance with a good sweet to roast ratio? I sure do, and I absolutely loved the banter between these two characters! He is clinical and jaded, she is idealistic and sentimental.  But when they clash the jabs fly. And I do love verbal sparring! This book had that sweet charm with the meddling matchmakers and the fight to hold onto the memories of the past. This book had depth to it too. Ot had two characters that grew and realized that maybe their preconceptions about what love and life were supposed to look like can change. I loved seeing them grow. The plot kept me engaged and eager to find out how it would end. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to readers who enjoy Denise Hunter or any kind of contemporary romance.  I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are my own and honest. 

This book creates beautiful imagery through words. This book had me pulling out my art supplies and drawing insects! I loved the celebration of nature and how we can marvel at the amazing works of our Creator. That was how the book began. This book really transported me to the Victorian era India and I was the most excited about visiting this setting. For me I felt that Nora was overly critical and unforgiving of any percieved slight against her. For this reason I had a hard time connecting with her. Just when I thought she was going to grow out of her self focused ways,she slipped right back into them. She only was happy when others sacrificed for her or she got her way. This book had a really strong "women in a man's world " theme and I feel like this is often overdone in the historical genre. I really feel that we can have strong female characters that don't have to knock down men just to feel important. I really appreciated that this book mentioned the slavery tha...

I have just finished reading this newly updated version and it that same beautiful story that I loved before with some subtle changes. (Nothing major). I love this story for so many reasons. I love that it takes such a broken person and shows how the truth of God's live can heal and transform. I loved seeing Salmone grow and change. He can be a bit of a bear at times, but I loved how his character grew into the person Rahab needed. I loved that this books focus on healing and how to find the value of a person regardless of their past. A powerful timeless tale. Masterfully written, achingly beautiful glimpse into how life might have been for that courageous woman of the Bible, Rahab. Though not a light read, definitely a worthwhile read for a mature audience. A stunning work of redemptive Christian fiction! I recieved a copy of the newly updated version from the author.  All opinions of this book are my honest opinions. 

I don't read a ton of royalty romance,  but with that cover how could I resist? I thought this book was really good.  I loved how the characters felt so relatable and genuine. I loved their growth. It was a story that pulled me into it's world, it had an almost fairytale quality (especially with that faith element), but it felt grounded in a way that felt real too. It was so good.  Loved it and I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

I do believe that this is the best book I have read in the true colors series! I have loved Pepper Basham's contemporary stories and this historical romance set against the backdrop of a real massacre was really good. I loved the way the author kept dropping the little nuggets of wisdom in the story. It had me grabbing ahold of those truths and looking for the light in the story. I really loved how Pepper Basham wove fiction into nonfiction. I had never heard of this incident before and I really felt immersed in the setting with Pepper's perspective. I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are honest and completely my own.

I have read one other Persuasion adaptation and one movie version.  I have yet to read the original Jane Austen.  I thought this was a sweet story about fighting and hoping for love no matter the odds.  I love the theme of second chances. I enjoyed the tension of how the characters both had to overcome their insecurities and be bold. I liked the parallels that were made with the original story line. There were parts that I feel the romance kind of lagged a bit. However it had a sweet ending.  While not my favorite adaptation of this story,  it was enjoyable. 

Lavender and Lace is everything that I have come to expect from this author! And that's a very good thing! Thus book is the light,  fun, sweet stories that I love forward to. I really enjoyed seeing Lavender grow, this story really had depth as it asked the question of how different we portray ourselves in social media.  I loved the honest and thoughtful insights into remaining true, and authentic in life. I loved the hidden identities part of the story,  I really enjoyed seeing how Lavender and Emmett came together.  Just so sweet. Emmett came from a background that carried with it some serious insecurities,  I loved seeing him grow through that. And that ending has me really excited for the next book in this series! I recommend this book to lovers of sweet contemporary stories like those by Denise Hunter.  Can't wait for more from this close knit family! I was provided a copy of this book from the author.  All coments in this review are my honest opi...

I am sad to see this series ending because I really have enjoyed seeing this set of siblings grow! I really enjoyed how we got to see the continuation of each characters story through the series.  I loved how this book had a unique twist with the connection to the house that tied these siblings together.  This was such a great romance,  I didn't know if I was really going to like Grace. When we saw her in the previous books I worried that her character would come across as too much like a self centered teenager.  That is definitely NOT the case! I really appreciated how she has grown up and her insecurities and struggles.  She is a really sweet character that I loved how her story developed (even if their were times I didn't think she was acting too smart). Wyatt,  I loved that his character was a secret service agent!!!!! A truly great hero from start to finish! I loved the journey,  I loved the message that tied them together.  Everything that I...

Jaime jo Wright does it again! She crafts tales that make you want to cozy up and devour, and she weaves in the spooky feels, with great characters and depth.  She has truly made me enjoy timesplit novels! She develops both timeliness so well and then tries them together in the end with I twist that I never see coming! This book took be a little longer to get into, but once I was able to sit down and seriously read it I was whisked away by the story.  And the ending had me flipping pages as fast as I could. I was a little confused aboout how the author left some points hanging on what was supernatural or not. The faith message is a bit on the lighter side in this book, but there are great nuggets of truth in this story.

I just love the town of Heritage! I really looked forward to Nate's story since meeting him in the previous book. I really was pulled in by the dysfunctional sibling dynamic of Austin and Nate.  Nate was facing the stain and guilt of his past and Austin needed to learn to let go of the past as well as embracing forgiveness.  Sometimes I was mad at how Austin was so hard on everyone, then I realized how much he is like how I was. He has the feel of the faithful son in the Prodigal story.  And I feel like this story was how it may have been after the brother came home and the years that followed.  It is hard to trust again when you have been betrayed.  I would have liked a few things fleshed out a bit more, but overall I really enjoyed this story! Having the dual stories going really kept the pace up!  I recieved a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own and honest.

Dhhtrvsgnhujn Um. This book was amazing! Nicole deese has a magic way at crafting such beautiful depth to her contemporary stories. There is a slow burn quality to the story that draws you in and has you feeling all the feels, but you are unaware of the exact time that you fall in love with the characters. I loved the heart of this story, I loved the well developed drama I LOVED the subtle twist that made so much make sense in a whole new way. Just read it! It's soooooooo good!

I had a hard time deciding if I should read this book. That title kinda threw me because of my opinion is that the "little white lie" excuse to lie doesn't sit with me. Then I learned that this book is completely in the first person pov (not my favorite way to read a story), and it features a love triangle (probably my least favorite trope of all). However I decided to go ahead and try it because I absolutely loved Mecy's Fight by This author.  With all that said, this was a really well written, well done book. While dishonesty is a key element of the story I like how it is addressed (ahem...Dillon). This book explores how when dishonesty creeps into our relationships it never is beneficial. While there was a triangle trope between January and two really good guys I liked how it worked out.  I saw how the author used both guys to teach January something powerful about faith and herself.  I was team Dillon from the moment he was on the page. I loved his brutal honesty ...

I have really enjoyed the first three books in this series,  and I was so happy that Zeke was getting his own story! This book started out with me feeling a little disconnected from the main characters.  It's hard to narrow down why, but it just felt rushed in a way. However the author did draw me in. I think that this book was the lightest of the history feel of the series.  This book is all about the growth of character and the relationship between the two main characters.  I had a bit of trouble catching on to the "instant love " angle. I was wondering where the story was going,  and I was really happy with how the story played out in the end. Jody Hedlund always writes the on page chemistry that you can feel! And I love that in a romance.  I enjoyed the way the plot never lagged. Jody hedlund always pulls me in with her stories, and this one was no different. I loved the message of redemption. The story was wrapped up nicely it just wasn't my favorite o...

Wow. This book is a stunning memorial to those that stand for truth above propaganda. And who were willing to face punishment to speak up.  I really appreciated the historical details that made these real characters come to life and they will forever be remembered by me. I was equally drawn into the fictional characters that experienced the real events happening around them. I was crushed, and yet encouraged by this story of, bravery,  loyalty and sacrifice. A reminder to stand for truth and freedom.  Though not my normal reading material I am so grateful for the opportunity to have read this book.  If you enjoy fiction based on true events I would recommend trying this book. I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally,  all my opinions are completely my own.

This book was a book had a lyrical flow that had me looking up pictures of the bombed churches of London and admiring the resilience of the human spirit.  This book absorbed me into the tale, I really felt like I was there admiring the history and architecture of houses of worship while getting to see a love story that is fighting to weather the scars of war. One thing that I absolutely adored was the deep love and devotion that the two main characters had for each other,  even though they struggled with coming back and how the war had changed both of them, they were resolved to fight for each other.  I do not see that kind of stories much, with already married couples and it was a real treat.  I listened to the audiobook on this one and I am really glad I did,  the narrator's accent helped me to feel more absorbed into this tale set mostly in London. I think the only thing that I wished more for was a bit of a spiritual message woven into it. Theology and churc...

What is one of your favorite settings for a story? I love stories that are set on the high seas in historical times! There is something about those majestic old ships and how the close quarters forces the characters to interact that I always enjoy! And I always love a good ship battle!

Kristi ann hunter begins a new series and I am so happy! I began my love of reading with horse books and I loved how she incorporated that love of horses in this story! This author has a way of drawing me into the Regency world like no other! We get to see characters from previous books and meet new characters that are so fun! I adored Bianca! She was so relatable and sweet, I couldn't help but cheer for her. Hudson was such an interesting character how he came to England and was experiencing his own culture shock, I loved seeing him  grow and come into his own. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!

I have so many feelings right now! *deep breath* First of all I am going to disclose that my DNF list is littered with YA and fantasy.  I have even written in some reviews that the characters were too "YA" for me. That being said I chose to read this book because I wanted to join in on a book club experience.  I got a bit caught up in it and blew through it in just a couple days while juggling other books. I will also say that Peter Pan has never been one of my favorite stories (perhaps that is why I liked Clair so much). I never really liked his self centered attitude.  So now that all of the negativity is out in the open I am going to share why I enjoyed this book so much! It is deeply layered- I loved that there wasn't needless drama or a plethora of extra characters,  everyone mentioned serves a purpose and a key roll into how the story plays out.  We get a very interesting version of Peter- as mentioned earlier I never liked Peter as a character.  This...

Amanda dyke's stories beckon not to just simply be read then shelved. They draw you into the magic of the printed word. They beg to be experienced and meditated upon. Her gifting of words insights wonder and hope. Her books are completely different than anything else that I read and so memorable! This book is so well layered, so deeply rich. This book doesn't give you that instant gratification, it encourages you to lean closer and discover the wonder of everyday things and the beauty of discovery. While a tear may have escaped my eye early on this is not the same level of tears that her previous book (Who's waves these are). There is the tiniest connection to that book in this story for those looking and it was pure poetry. I think that is what I love about her style of writing. It is practically poetry. It is a story wrapped within a story, with a message intertwined within.  Its simply stunning. And it calls you to "just imagine "

Um, why is it that I have never heard of this book before????!!!!! I LOVED IT! It so much going for it! The characters go through so much and I loved them both Grace from her sheltered life wants to strike out on her own and make a difference.  Matt has come out of a scared past and is fighting against the hold of his old self. I ached for him and cheered for him at the same time.  These characters felt real and genuine.  I loved that they were both driven to help kids. It has great chemistry between the two main characters,  just the right amount of sizzle.  I really appreciated that though there are heated scenes there is a clear declaration of boundries that they commit to not crossing. I like seeing these lines drawn in a relationship like this.  I loved the element of danger that came into the story,  and the message about honesty and confronting the past. Matt and Grace just fit, even though they came from opposite worlds. I loved Matt's protecti...

I think this book is my favorite so far in the series! Why? Marriage of convenience  baby! There are not a lot of MOC stories in the contemporary genre and I always seem to love the few that come up. We had a tiny hint of something going on in Poppies life in Daisy's book and I was really looking forward to seeing what was up! I really love how each book is interconnected, but with a new view each time. At first I had a hard time accepting the reason behind the marriage but I really liked how it played out. I love stories that go "beyond the I do". I loved the building chemistry between the two main characters and the way that they overcame their insecurities from each of their pasts. My only complaint is that I wished that I could have seen more of their interactions, I enjoy seeing them together so much, I could have done with more. I was a bit annoyed with Harrison for considering going against his word, but I loved the nature and the message of the resolution. I love ...

I really loved this book! I read the prequel novella last year, then preordered the first novel..... and then shelved it until now! I am so glad I got to it! I really enjoyed how this author writes small town life, I enjoyed the setting and how the pacing of the story flowed. I really liked how the characters are shown how their actions and evasions have harmed their relationships.  I really liked how in a town named Heritage there are four characters that are struggling with their own heritage. They are struggling against their pasts and uncertain about their future. I loved the way the author shows that the attempts to avoid conflict or communication only create more obstacles to their lives. It is a reminder that we need to be open and honest with those close to us. I loved the representation of a child who grew up in foster care and how that affects his identity. I loved the message that came out of the story of how we are not defined by the actions of our parents and we all ha...

A perfect read for the beach or if you need to escape to the beach from the comfort of your home! This book had a very sweet tale of the broody/stormy type meets the sunshine/fun person. It took me a bit to get into the flow of T.I. Lowe's writing style, and when I did I enjoyed the story. Though I didn't connect with the characters right away, they grew on me and I loved seeing this story play out. Very sweet!

Once again Ronie delivers a high action, intense, complex, brilliant military thriller. I loved this book way more than Raptor(that one felt with a really heavy thing that happened). I loved the way the sparks fly between Hawk and Fekiria . I am always a fan of the enemies to lovers trope!  I would have loved to see more of their interactions but with so much happening in this story I can't always get what I want. I really got into this book, I ordered the third in the series while I was only a few hours into reading. So much that I didn't understand in Raptor 6, I get now!  Ronie Kendig has this phenomenal way of capturing the grit and honor of our armed forces. She writes some of the best warrior heroes that I have ever read. She makes them human, battling their own struggles, and yet brings out the hero, and showcases their selfless loyalty.  She writes rapid scenes that demand you hang on for a wild ride, don't blink, you might miss something! Amazing.  I loved t...

Full of small town charm and the struggles of never leaving your small town. This book was well written and I appreciate how it explored the different types of survivors guilt. I did want a bit more of the romance developed but that might just be me. Very charming, yet with depth

Okay, wow. I tell myself that I don't really love fantasy, and once again that changes when I pick up a Morgan Busse book! I absolutely loved her Ravenwood saga and I might have been sucked into this steampunk fantasy even faster! I loved how she creates her characters, how she builds her worlds, how she challenges her readers and her characters. For me it's all about great characters, I find that when I'm drawn to and root for these fictional people, it almost doesn't matter what world they live in. Kat and Steven are imperfect, flawed wounded people that are caught in a epic fight that has you asking "is there a cure for a wounded soul?" I especially love how Busse intricately weaves a deep and powerful message into her story. She uses fantasy to explore the profound questions of our life. She reveals darkness that hides in our reality. This story is fast paced and complex,  I loved it! Picking up right were Tainted left off, Awakened takes you on the final ...

This book took me on an unforgettable journey into ancient Egypt! I felt as if I was fully immersed it the culture and intrigue of the time. This book covers years of time surrounding a character we don't know much about. I usually don't get into books that cover such a span of time. I don't think I connected fully with the main character's perspective at times, but it was a very well written book. It is really a n amazing look into the Egyptian culture and I learned so much from this book. There were parts that I thought were a bit convenient for the plot just to wrap the story up and then the author mentioned the Bible verse for her reference and I was blown away with a detail that I had never noticed before! Seriously, I was taken by surprise! I love it when that happens!

Give me alllllll the seafaring adventures please! Put just about any story aboard a gallant ship and I am already halfway in love. I am really growing to love the split time genre, at least as far as a handful of authors are concerned, Sarah Monzon is definitely one of them! This book has great tension throughout the story and a great redemptive character development. I loved the banter and sparks between the two main characters, and the story of redemption. I enjoyed the flow of the story, the romance, the history woven into the present.  Such a fun read, perfect for summer.

Okay, I am a huge fan of this series! I have been a fan of Jody Hedlund for years and I have loved most of the books that I have read by her.  This series is fantastic! I loved the way she incorporates just enough history to make you feel like you are learning something about the setting, but not so much that you feel like you are reading a textbook. And the way she incorporates romance......swooooon! Abe and Zoe's story was so good, it was sweet, it was complex and they just meshed so well together as a couple, they had their obstacles and failings, but I was just rooting for them the whole time! Abe is a more reserved hero (especially in comparison to Pete), and I loved how Zoe had a way of drawing him out and encouraged him to stand up for himself. I really liked the way that their relationship developed, they started on rocky ground but I really liked that you could see them working together as a team. I liked that it wasn't only physical attraction that drew them together ...

This book had been sitting in my TBR for a ridiculous amount of time and I am so glad I got around to reading it.  Lorie Benton paints a very vivid picture with words. It is if you can smell the trees an earth as you are reading. In the start of the story we see Clair facing a horrible sequence of events and then her drive to keep hold of that what remains. Jeremiah comes into the scene and is willing to help her search for her missing son.  I really appreciated the attention to detail that this author portrays the frontier life with. She doesn't gloss over the gritty truth, and let's you see the issues from both perspectives. This book definitely took me on a real journey. The romance junkie in me wished for a bit more on the romance side of the story. A book I would recommend for someone who wants to be absorbed into a historical journey through the frontier life.

All the feels, all over again, read this the second time!  This book is such a beautiful work of fiction! The prologue itself sets the stage for a story that lives deep in the heart after the last page. I loved the message of waiting on God's direction, even when it's hard to know what He is doing. I loved how this book was both light and deep, it explores real pain, real struggles and a really good message. I adore Kate and Matt, they are opposite in some ways and I just adored seeing them grow over the span of the story.

I love Susan May Warren's ability to make you "feel" her character's emotions. That is something that not every author can do for me and that is one reason why I always come back to her books. To be honest I was a little apprehensive about Jake Silver's story. I didn't really like him in the first book, he seemed to be the character that played too loose with the rules. I loved Orion and Ham, but I didn't have high expectations for Jake or Aria(shrugs). However, Warren did a great job of fleshing out their character, delving into their fears, regrets and weaknesses. It is for those reasons I came to connect with them, because who doesn't have fears, weaknesses or regrets? At times I was put out with the flipfloping between Jake and Aria's "should we/shouldn't we," but then I was reminded of how indecisive I can be when it comes to really trusting someone or making life decisions. So this book really got me reflecting. This book has be...

I don't know how Pepper Basham does it. She writes novellas that do not feel lacking(even though I dire wouldn't mind more!). This is an absolutely adorably sweet story! The heroine is rigid and guarded,  the hero is sweet, adorable and open. Have I mentioned adorable? It just is the perfect way for me to describe it! Usually I find when a book has such a cute factor it lacks the depth, or any kind of complex message.  That is NOT the case with Jane by the book! There are quotes in this book that I want to save, and perhaps frame! There is a great message tied into this sweet story.

As strange as it may sound, it's books like these that make me think of the side figures of Biblical history as real people. Crazy, right? Well It does. When an author creates an fiction backstory about what might have led the people to being where they were at any point in history, it makes me think. It makes me wonder what their lives were like.  I found this book to be a very interesting look into the planting of the church at Philippi. I liked how the author incorporated the real historical figures into the fictional look into the story of the slave girl and the jailer. I wished for a bit more in the character depth but I did enjoy it. I'd recommend this book to people looking for more Biblical Novels set in the time of the early church.

Who is your favorite suspense author? Happy Suspense Saturday! This stack is a representation of my top suspense authors. These authors make the suspense feel real to me. They make me feel invested in the characters and the situations that they are in. .

I love a good marriage of convenience story and I have read a bunch of them. And sometimes it feels like you have read them all .....However. Melissa has done a fantastic job of making this story so unique and so very beautiful! It felt new and it made me feel like I haven't read something like that in a very long time. I absolutely loved how these two characters were wounded emotionally and had physical limitations, apart they struggled, but when they came together it was wonderful to see them build each other up. I loved the message of working things out "after the I do," I don't want to give spoilers, but there are so many great issues that are addressed. And I felt very invested in their story the whole time. In some parts I smiled, some I cheered for them and some I ached for what they were going through. Really, I have nothing but good to say about this story! This is one of my favorite couples this year!

I loved it!!!!!! Each book that I read from this author is just so good! I really loved the gentle way this story flowed. I loved the message of courage and taking a step out of our comfort zones. Not only did we get to see Willa grow and conquer some of her fear, but she turned the tables and challenged Patrick too. I love the way the tension slowly built between the two, the chemistry was just right. This author's work is just so beautiful! Looking forward to returning to Lenox!