From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Here is the book summary:

A lost ring brings together two wounded souls—a youth minister haunted by the past and a spunky church custodian—in this heartwarming romance from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow.
 
“Kim Vogel Sawyer is an amazing storyteller who crafts each of her stories with page-turning excitement and rich character development.”—Tracie Peterson, bestselling author of the Golden Gate Secrets series

Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiancée's untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can't seem to set aside his doubts about God's goodness long enough to embrace his new life.

Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she's not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?

And now, my review:

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer had my heart tugged toward it all the way through.  There is heartbreak, loss, change, new beginnings, restoration, and more.  The brownies had my mouth watering even though I’m not a brownie-type person.  This author has a way with words that I just love.  I love the phrases that she uses like “he must have lost his ever-lovin’ mind,” “flibbertigibbet,” and “we need your thinker for a problem.”  The characters were believable and I loved how they all interacted.  Yes, to this one!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/This-Moment-Kim-Vogel-Sawyer/dp/0525653686/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=from+this+moment&qid=1628195305&sr=8-5 

https://www.christianbook.com/from-this-moment-a-novel/kim-sawyer/9780525653684/pd/653684?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-this-moment-kim-vogel-sawyer/1137077499?ean=9780525653684

Let it be Me by Becky Wade

 

Here is the book summary:

Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he's tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery--Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.
Leah's a math prodigy who's only ever had one big dream--to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she's not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.
When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian's help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they're drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life--like love--can't be explained with numbers.

And now, my review:

I really enjoy reading books by this author and this book didn’t disappoint.  I felt like the plot was believable and it was heart-wrenching to think that happens to some people.  The love storyline was tastefully romantic.  My heart went out to Ben.  On the downside, I also found myself frustrated with the main female.  There seemed to be a side of today’s agendas that I didn’t think was necessary to bring into an enjoyable read. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Let-Be-Misty-River-Romance/dp/0764235613/ref=monarch_sidesheet

https://www.christianbook.com/let-it-be-me-2/becky-wade/9780764235610/pd/235611?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/let-it-be-me-becky-wade/1137897819?ean=9780764235610

Melodies of Christmas Love

 

Here is the book summary:

The Heart of Christmas - Lynnette Bonner

When Wynn Mason sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes inside to investigate and is just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch Ryland Sage in the face. What is the star of her favorite TV show doing in their tiny Pacific Coast town? Since Wynn is the only medical help for miles around, she has to stitch up his face—and also maybe his heart—all while protecting her own heart from the worldly charmer.

Love on a Mission in Millcreek - JoAnn Durgin

Angelia Ford wonders if she’ll ever live down her unfortunate outburst at the end of the Millcreek Elementary Christmas program. Sixteen years later, she’s home to care for her grandfather and prays the town’s citizens have finally forgiven her youthful indiscretion.

Millcreek’s newest resident, Nicholas Sanders, recognizes the beautiful blonde server at the local diner, but it’s clear Angel doesn’t remember him. What better time than the festive holiday season for Nick to reintroduce himself to the girl he’s never forgotten?

The Bells of New Cheltenham - Chautona Havig

When Justine Driscoll decides to enter a short story contest using a Christmas carol as the inspiration, she discovers love in the carols she investigates, in the story an ex-Army guy tells, and in the little tourist town of New Cheltenham.

A Christmas Duet - Annette M. Irby

A breakup steals a cellist’s inspiration. How will she create new compositions for her ensemble’s next album? Perhaps the church’s handsome music director could help. Join Kate Fleming and Zach Tillmon as Christmas music brings them together on Whidbey Island, Washington.

A Night Divine - Dawn Kinzer

One chilly December night, a tragedy connects successful model Camryn Tate and outreach minister Trace Gardner. As they share a common mission serving the homeless on the streets of Seattle, they provide more than food—they offer hope. But as Christmas Eve approaches, secrets have the potential to break Camryn’s heart.

To Hear the Angels Sing - Lesley Ann McDaniel

Being guardian of her niece isn’t as easy as Devlin Welsh might hope. When her niece is invited to be in a church show, the free childcare is hard to pass up. But when Devlin admits to knowing how to sew, she’s enlisted as costume designer. How will she find the time?

One of Jonah Ryan’s favorite parts of his job as worship leader is working on the kids’ Christmas musical. There’s something about the woman who’s volunteering to design costumes this year that gets him thinking. Could there be more to life than music?

Prairie Rose - Sylvia Stewart

For many years, Rose Morris has lived alone with her dog, Rusty. Mitch Foster, a handsome, un-married neighbor, brings her a bright red geranium, and insists on helping with chores. But who should drive into Rose’s farmyard? The scoundrel husband who had deserted her and her teenaged son years before. Later, a pre-teen runaway, found in her barn, adds his troubles to her own, so Rose decides to re-capture the peace and serenity of Christmas.

And now, my review:

A Christmas Duet by Annette M. Irby is one of seven stories in Melodies of Christmas Love.  This story is full of wonderful moments of connection.  It starts on a ferry, which I just love because I personally enjoy riding them when I’m in the PNW.  The author made me feel like I was right there enjoying the ride with them.  She has a way with words and she drew me right in to the story, painting each scene with wonderful word choices.  I really loved the cello centerpiece of this one.  It’s the encompassing pivotal piece of it.  Makes me want to sit down and enjoy a cup of something warm and some cello music.  Tis the season for some great Christmas reading and I was so blessed with this one.  I’m sure I’ll go on to enjoy the others as well. 

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Melodies-Christmas-Love-Collection-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B08K3WG9S2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9YLZM0JGFAHS&dchild=1&keywords=melodies+of+christmas+love&qid=1603235980&sprefix=melodies%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1

Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher

Here is the book summary:

Can two broken paths—and broken hearts—lead toward God’s redemption?

When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?

Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.

This sweet split-time read is a standalone novel, though it can be read as a part of the Legacy of Faith series. 

Book one: Who I Am with You

Book two: Cross My Heart

Book three (coming in 2020): How Sweet It Is 

And now, my review:

Book 2 in this series by Robin Lee Hatcher is Cross My Heart which I found to have a wonderful weaving effect of real-life situations brought alive through fiction.  She brings faith into it a lot and I really appreciate that while I’m reading.  Being a person who enjoys horses, I enjoyed her descriptions of them.  Bringing the therapy into it was top notch with the healing it brought.  The two main characters had a hurtle to jump to come together and have a relationship.  It was a delight to see how this author brought that about.  I’ve read both book 1 and 2 in this series and I think they could stand alone but they are both wonderful reads so why not read them both.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Heart-Legacy-Faith-Novel/dp/0785219307/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cross+my+heart&qid=1578073659&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/cross-my-heart-robin-hatcher/9780785219309/pd/219309?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cross-my-heart-robin-lee-hatcher/1129853334?ean=9780785219309#/

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Here is the book summary:

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

And now, my review:

I found Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson to be a well-flowing read from the very start.  I liked the author’s theme of a teacher who was preparing to retire early.  She shared loads of emotions that go along with this change in Mr. Emerson’s life.  I found myself shaking my head yes when the teacher’s thoughts of today’s changing culture come into play.  How they lack the desire to connect with friends by looking them in the eye and they lack the ability, drive, desire… to have a real connection.  I also really enjoyed the character of the hippie lady, Willow, and their blooming relationship. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Courting-Mr-Emerson-Melody-Carlson-ebook/dp/B07F3NCPR9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TA2JC7AFBECG&keywords=courting+mr+emerson&qid=1568824073&s=books&sprefix=courting+mr+%2Cstripbooks%2C158&sr=1-1

https://www.christianbook.com/courting-mr-emerson-melody-carlson/9780800735272/pd/735276?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/courting-mr-emerson-melody-carlson/1128873066?ean=9780800735272

Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn

Here is the book summary:

From the author of the best-selling Christy Miller and Sisterchicks series comes a refreshing novel that celebrates the gift of friendship.

Five young women, including beloved Gunn characters Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen, gather for a simple Christmas party and soon become unlikely best friends. Told from the viewpoint of Emily, a timid young mom going through a difficult season of life, the regular gatherings provide the much needed community she's longed for. As the women begin sharing their life stories in Becoming Us they are endeared to each other and find ways to challenge, encourage, and help each other become the nurturing mothers they wished they'd had when they were growing up. They see themselves as Haven Makers and unite to be remembered for what they do and not for what was done to them.

And now, my review:

Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn was a lovely story about relationships.  There are hurts and hang-ups and life navigating trails in this one.  To be introduced into each of the women’s life and why they are the way they are is a real picture of people around us every day.  Hurt people hurt people and forgiveness is so healing and important.  Seeing the real enemy and not switching into self-preservation mode.  Sometimes I laughed and sometimes I cried.  Should she move or should she stay, all emotions were wrapped up in this read.  I look forward to the next book in this series with the anticipation of where it will take me. 



I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Us-Novel-Haven-Makers-ebook/dp/B0755ZVBGR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TV1U7RHLUZ6M&keywords=becoming+us+robin+jones+gunn&qid=1559917145&s=gateway&sprefix=becoming+us%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/becoming-us-1-robin-gunn/9780735290754/pd/290754?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-us-robin-jones-gunn/1130521064?ean=9780735290754

Finding Love on Whidbey Island Washington by Annette M. Irby

Here is the book summary:

Could what drove them apart be what draws them back together? Liberty Winfield lives with loss every day. She’d rather leave her history behind her, but when faced with moving back to her hometown, the past becomes unavoidable. She takes a job at the florist shop owned by her ex-boyfriend’s family from a decade ago. Now he’s unavoidable. Clay Garrison knows the pain of ruing his mistakes. Most of his regrets center around Liberty. If he could undo his poor choices, he would. Liberty is back. He has one more chance to make things right. She doesn’t believe anyone could love her unconditionally, so he sets out to prove her wrong. He’ll also try to right the biggest wrong of their past. Will addressing the past together help them find love?

And now, my review:

Finding Love on Whidbey Island by Annette Irby is the third book in this outstanding series by this author.  Each book brings its own appeal and this one had so much to offer to the reader.  It was complex and well-executed.  This story includes heartache and healing.  Searching and finding.  Love and loss and find love again.  The setting was on point on the island shores of a beautiful place in the Pacific NW.  My favorite characters outside of the two main characters were Roy and Gloria.  Placed there to show the love of Christ in such tangible ways.  Shea was such an encouragement to me as she was a Godsend to Liberty and went beyond her job duties.  The importance of forgiveness and the freedom in it was definitely felt in this novel.  I highly recommend you check it out for yourself.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Whidbey-Island-Washington-Romance-ebook/dp/B07N4J3M9Z/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=2DAEEB22JXLHJ&keywords=finding+love+on+whidbey+island+irby&qid=1551459941&s=gateway&sprefix=Finding+love+on+%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130542731?ean=9781943959549