Where Love is Planted: A Meriside Romance Book 1 by Dawn Kinzer

 

Here is the book summary:

She’s bound to past promises.
He’s captive to future goals.
Will their loyalty to others cost them their own happiness?
Or will something beautiful grow where love is planted?

Two years have passed since a tragedy changed Beth Miller’s life forever. Since her father’s and brother’s unexpected deaths, Beth has put her future as a licensed horticultural therapist on hold. The garden center and floral shop that her mom and sister love is struggling. And her young brother’s widow is still trying to find her way. Beth’s devotion puts her family’s needs first.

To further his career and atone for his own tainted past, Tyler Sharp accepts a position as a social worker at a women’s prison. The facility is located near his great-aunt in the small port town of Meriside, Washington. While he’s intrigued with the woman living in the studio apartment behind his aunt’s home, as soon as he can return to Colorado, he and his best friend will initiate a program there for at-risk-kids.

As secrets are exposed and hearts soften, their growing feelings for each other bring new challenges. Will Beth complete a necessary internship if it means helping the person who caused her loved ones so much pain? And if she’s unwilling to leave her family, and Tyler will never intentionally disappoint his loyal buddy in Colorado, how could they ever hope to create a life together?

Join Beth and Tyler in the Pacific Northwest as they explore what it means to sacrifice, hope for the future, and experience miracles where love is planted.

And now, my review:

This book drew me right in and I found it hard to put down.  The story flowed so well.  The characters were exciting to follow and believable.  I loved how she brought in an unexpected plot location and tied it to horticulture.  Along with the romance, the strong family devotion rang loud and clear for me.  I encourage you to get your hands on this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book without any requirement to write a positive review.  All comments are my own.   

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Love-Planted-Meriside-Romances-ebook/dp/B0CDSV4JVS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LK8D36VR8GY1&keywords=where+love+is+planted&qid=1694738126&sprefix=where+love+is+plante%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-1

With a Trusting Heart by Dawn Kinzer

Here is the book summary:

Will trust be the winning ticket to mending two wounded hearts? 

The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition is taking place in Seattle with participants from all over the world when Lizzie Clark accepts a position at an orphanage in the city. After suffering heartbreak and loss, she is determined to make a life for herself independently.

Jack Butler’s mother abandoned their family when he was a young boy. Loyalty to his father cost him fulfilling his own aspirations, so Jack strives to take their family farm in a new direction.

A newborn is left at the orphanage with a note asking Lizzie to take care of him. Why did the woman abandon her child? And why is Jack, a handsome local farmer so interested in helping Lizzie search for the infant’s mother?

When shocking revelations disrupt their plans, Lizzie and Jack are faced with life-changing decisions. Will they open their hearts to trusting again? 

This story was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair.

And now, my review:

I found With a Trusting Heart by Dawn Kinzer to be a swift and pleasurable read. It was based on a long-ago time and she really put feet to the atmosphere of this historical event.  There are things that happened back in the day that truly saddens me to read about.  Raffling away of precious life is a heartbreaking scenario. The love between the two main characters quickly developed. The romance was fun to watch unfold. All of the characters in this story were very believable. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Trusting-Heart-Dawn-Kinzer-ebook/dp/B09PJTH1HV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A38XVRQOAKVH&keywords=with+a+trusting+heart+by+dawn+kinzer&qid=1644970230&sprefix=with+a+trusting+%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1

No Journey too Far by Carrie Turansky

Here is the book summary:

A family long divided, a mysterious trunk, and a desperate journey across the ocean—all in the name of love. The epic saga of the McAlisters continues in this riveting sequel to No Ocean Too Wide.
 
In 1909, Grace McAlister set sail for Canada as one of the thousands of British Home Children taken from their families and their homeland. Though she is fortunate enough to be adopted by wealthy parents, the secrets of her past are kept hidden for ten years until someone from her long-buried childhood arrives on her doorstep. With this new connection to her birth family, will she be brave enough to leave her sheltered life in Toronto and uncover the truth?
 
After enduring hardship as an indentured British Home Child, Garth McAlister left Canada to serve in World War I. His sweetheart, Emma Lafferty, promised to wait for his return, but after three long years apart, her letters suddenly stopped. When Garth arrives home from the war to unexpected news, he is determined to return to Canada once more on a daunting mission to find the two women he refuses to abandon—his long-lost sister and his mysteriously missing sweetheart.

And now, my review:

This is a book of much adventure with a twist of a court-hearing and a reconnection with long lost relationships because of the setting of war.  This book continues the story of the results of a family shipped across the sea to be offered over to families to be raised.  There was a separation of the children and this is the story of one of the children.  It’s exciting to read about the development of the life of this young lady.  The excitement of growing up and connecting with her love.  I’m really enjoying all the books in this series. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/No-Journey-Too-Far-McAlister-ebook/dp/B08GJZ4DCT/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=no+journey+too+far&qid=1628545164&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/no-journey-too-far-a-novel/carrie-turansky/9780525652953/pd/652954?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-journey-too-far-carrie-turansky/1137528590?ean=9780525652953

Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter

Here is the book summary:

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.

As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds?

And now, my review:

What a fun adventure I felt that I was on while reading this one.  To have a woman come on the scene to race this man’s horses was well played out.  I really enjoyed watching her devotion to her brother and concern for him.  She’s a woman of integrity that comes out of the background of working for the circus.  If she can hold onto her horse through the stunts she has to pull in the program for the circus, she can hold on through a race.  This is the second book in a series by this author.  I’ve read both of them and really enjoyed them.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Gentleman-Hearts-Kristi-Hunter-ebook/dp/B08CJPG9P5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=winning+the+gentleman&qid=1628543453&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/winning-the-gentleman-kristi-hunter/9780764235269/pd/235269?event=ESRCN

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winning-the-gentleman-kristi-ann-hunter/1137151803?ean=9780764235269

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

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

 
Here is the book summary:

A riveting new story of heroism, heartache, and the power of love to heal all wounds.

Murphy Shepherd is a man with many secrets. He lives alone on an island, tending the grounds of a church with no parishioners, and he’s dedicated his life to rescuing those in peril. But as he mourns the loss of his mentor and friend, Murph himself may be more lost than he realizes.

When he pulls a beautiful woman named Summer out of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, Murph’s mission to lay his mentor to rest at the end of the world takes a dangerous turn. Drawn to Summer, and desperate to find her missing daughter, Murph is pulled deeper and deeper into the dark and dangerous world of modern-day slavery.

With help from some unexpected new friends, including a faithful Labrador he plucks from the ocean and an ex-convict named Clay, Murph must race against the clock to locate the girl before he is consumed by the secrets of his past—and the ghosts who tried to bury them.

With Charles Martin’s trademark lyricism and poignant prose, The Water Keeper is at once a tender love story and a heartrending search for freedom.

“I’m telling you, it’s an action-packed, classic Charles Martin romance novel unlike anything I’ve ever read. And remember . . . the day you pick up this book is the day you become temporarily unavailable to the world.” —Charlie Martin, son of Charles Martin

“Charles Martin fans rejoice, because he’s done it again . . . a multilayered story woven together with grace and redemption, and packed tight with tension and achingly real characters.” —Lauren Denton, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Hideaway

“In The Water Keeper Charles Martin crafts a compelling story with skill and sensitivity. Open the pages of this book and you’ll enter the world of characters caught up in a real-life drama that grips the heart. As with all of Charles’s books you never finish it—you continue to live there in your own imagination. Current fans won’t be disappointed; new readers will understand why Charles Martin is on the short list of contemporary authors I recommend above all others.” —Robert Whitlow, bestselling author

·       The first story in a new series from Charles Martin

·       Full-length novel (c. 110,000 words)

·       Includes Discussion Questions for Book Clubs

·       Also by Charles Martin: The Mountain Between Us, Send Down the Rain, Long Way Gone, When Crickets Cry

 And now, my review:

I found The Waterkeeper by Charles Martin to be a book that I didn’t really like.  I was really disappointed that I couldn’t get into this one.  I found it to be sappy.  I didn’t even make it past the first chapter.  It seems to be written more for a female reader than a male reader.  But it wouldn’t appeal to a woman either because it’s gory.  It was trying to appeal to man’s adventure side but it missed the mark by drawing out the sentimentality of the characters.  An example of this is taking 15 paragraphs for a man to die.  The character had a bottle of wine in the middle of nowhere with a cracker that he had to take before he died.  I found this ridiculous. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Water-Keeper-Charles-Martin-ebook/dp/B07TCYXBGN/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+water+keeper&qid=1609289835&sr=8-1

Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

Here is the book summary:

Mysteries, family secrets, and the love of a true Father are found at the heart of this gripping novel from the bestselling author of Bringing Maggie Home

Newlyweds Sean Eagle and Meghan DeFord are no strangers to pain and loss. As cold-case detectives, they know intimately the anguish family members endure after the murder or disappearance of a loved one. But when a new case hits too close to home, it threatens to pull loose the fragile cords of their young marriage.
 
Sheila Menke was just a girl when her father left for work and never returned. An investigation revealed he had embezzled enough to start a new life elsewhere, but Sheila could never accept the court’s criminalization of her father. Meghan reluctantly takes the case, secretly fearing it will stir up buried feelings about her own biological father. And while Sean investigates the mysterious death of two young brothers, he longs to start a family. But Meghan worries that with a negligent mother and an absentee father as her parenting examples, she might never be fit for motherhood.
 
As they delve deeper into the past, both Meghan and Sheila must choose to either stumble along the road of bitterness and resentment or walk the difficult path toward forgiveness and healing. When the cases begin to break wide open, these young women are poised to discover that while earthly fathers may fail, there is one in heaven who is a father to the fatherless.

And now, my review:

I found Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer to be a favorable read.  The author let’s us into the characters lives as we watch how they work together on investigation cases and come into new ones.  Sometimes, based on their life experiences, there can be tension with this.  There’s also a story line of wanting to extend their family.  They have quite a few things to work through.  That sure kept me reading through this one. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Unveiling-Past-Kim-Vogel-Sawyer/dp/052565366X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=unveiling+the+past&qid=1609275204&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/unveiling-the-past-a-novel/kim-sawyer/9780525653660/pd/653661?product_redirect=1&search_term=unveiling%20the%20past&Ntt=653661&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unveiling-the-past-kim-vogel-sawyer/1133013412?ean=9780525653660

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter

 

Here is the book summary:

For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?

And now, my review:

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter had me hooked from the start.  The Viscount is arriving at his inherited estate to see the condition and make arrangements to keep it going strong.  I was laughing out loud when he comes upon the interaction of the woman thinking that he’s broken into the stable to steal a horse.  SO funny!  And so, the story unfolds from there.  There’s a wonderful twisting of a charming plot to this one. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Vying-Viscount-Hearts-Kristi-Hunter-ebook/dp/B0821NWYKB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3VEW1KZ3K0GKB&dchild=1&keywords=vying+for+the+viscount+by+kristi+ann+hunter&qid=1609274498&sprefix=vying+for+the+%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/vying-for-the-viscount-1/kristi-hunter/9780764235252/pd/235253?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vying-for-the-viscount-kristi-ann-hunter/1133988304?ean=9780764235252

The Blacksmith Brides by 4 Authors

 

Here is the book summary:

Hearts Are Forged by the Flames of Gentle Love in 4 Historical Stories
 
Worth Fighting For (1774—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) by Pegg Thomas
Talk of war has surrounded Meg McCracken, including her father and four brothers. Alexander Ogilvie doesn’t care about the coming war; his plans are to head west. When Meg comes to his smithy, sparks fly off more than the forge. But can they build anything during unstable times?
 
Forging Forever (1798—Cornwall, England) by Amanda Barratt
When the actions of Elowyn Brody’s father force her into a marriage of convenience with blacksmith Josiah Hendrick, she consigns love to a bygone dream. But as Elowyn comes to know her new husband, her flame of hope begins to burn again. Until heartache threatens to sever the future forged between them.
 
A Tempered Heart (1861—Charlottesville, Virginia) By Angela K. Couch
Buried under a debt that is not his own, Thomas Flynn’s only focus is gaining his freedom. He has learned to keep his head low and not pay attention to the troubles of others, until a peculiar boy and his widowed mother show him how empty his life has become. After years of protecting her son from slights and neglect of the people closest them, Esther Mathews is not sure how to trust the local blacksmith with her child…or her heart.
 
A Malleable Heart (California—1870) by Jennifer Uhlarik
A hard-hearted blacksmith finds acceptance with the town laundress. But when his past comes to call, will he resist love’s softening or allow God to hammer his ruined life into something of worth?

And now, my review:

The Blacksmith Brides includes 4 wonderful historical fiction stories in one.  I didn’t make it through Forging Forever because I found the main plot too disturbing.  This has nothing against the author and I’m sure other will love it.  I found Worth Fighting For a non-stop read of drama and romance.  I found A Tempered Heart to be a wonderful read set in a wonderful time period.  And for Malleable Heart what a great premise for another charming story.  Overall, I enjoyed this book. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Blacksmith-Brides-4-Historical-Stories-ebook/dp/B081GHZ1XL/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=blacksmith+brides&qid=1609269720&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/blacksmith-brides-stories-forged-hard-work/amanda-barratt/9781643524221/pd/524223?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blacksmith-brides-amanda-barratt/1136010580?ean=9781643524221

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham

 

Here is the book summary:

Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.

When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is the one person who can never know.

In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?

Fan-favorite Rachel Fordham brings to life the dusty streets of an 1880s frontier town in this story that affirms where you come from matters far less than where you're going.

And now, my review:

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham was a lovely read of romance.  A woman traveled far away from all she knew to set about life on her own with a new set of people in her life.  What she left behind eventually caught up to her.  I found this to be so drawing that I had it finished quite quickly and enjoyed the journey with these characters.  Well-drawn up and intrigue to the last page. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Once-Dreamed-Rachel-Fordham/dp/0800735390/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rachel+fordham&qid=1609269122&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/a-life-once-dreamed/rachel-fordham/9780800735395/pd/735395?product_redirect=1&search_term=A%20Life%20Once%20Dreamed&Ntt=735395&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-life-once-dreamed-rachel-fordham/1133988349?ean=9780800735395

If I Were You by Lynn Austin

 

Here is the book summary:

“A stunning historical saga of hardship and desire in wartime. . . . Readers won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough [in this] . . . unique take on the traditional World War 2 tale.” ―Library Journal

From bestselling and eight-time Christy Award–winning author Lynn Austin comes a remarkable novel of sisterhood, self-discovery, and romance set against the backdrop of WW2.

1950. In the wake of the war, Audrey Clarkson leaves her manor house in England for a fresh start in America with her young son. As a widowed war bride, Audrey needs the support of her American in-laws, whom she has never met. But she arrives to find that her longtime friend Eve Dawson has been impersonating her for the past four years. Unraveling this deception will force Audrey and Eve’s secrets―and the complicated history of their friendship―to the surface.

1940. Eve and Audrey have been as different as two friends can be since the day they met at Wellingford Hall, where Eve’s mother served as a lady’s maid for Audrey’s mother. As young women, those differences become a polarizing force . . . until a greater threat―Nazi invasion―reunites them. With London facing relentless bombardment, Audrey and Eve join the fight as ambulance drivers, battling constant danger together. An American stationed in England brings dreams of a brighter future for Audrey, and the collapse of the class system gives Eve hope for a future with Audrey’s brother. But in the wake of devastating loss, both women must make life-altering decisions that will set in motion a web of lies and push them both to the breaking point long after the last bomb has fallen.

This sweeping story transports readers to one of the most challenging eras of history to explore the deep, abiding power of faith and friendship to overcome more than we ever thought possible.

And now, my review:

In the historical war-based fiction of If I Were You by Lynn Austin there is found war, love, loss, and forgiveness.  Lynn pens another story that intertwines some interesting character plots and story lines.  I would say that if you haven’t read her work, you should and if you have read her work, this one will not disappoint a Lynn Austin reader.  My favorite part of this story is the weaving of the restoration that was needed.  Beautifully done. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/If-I-Were-You-Novel/dp/1496437306/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=If+I+were+you&qid=1609264393&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/if-i-were-you-a-novel/lynn-austin/9781496437303/pd/6437303?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-i-were-you-lynn-austin/1134724033?ean=9781496437303

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

Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell

Here is the book summary:

Do dandelion wishes actually come true?

Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn't last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband's death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming.

Then she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart, but she fears a relationship with him might send things over the edge. She must find the strength, wisdom, hope, and faith to remake her life, for everything is about to change.

And now, my review:

I found the audio version of Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell to be very romantic.  I liked that they changed the perspectives in that one time I was hearing from the Grandma’s perspective and another time I was hearing from the main character’s perspective.  This was all done with the same reader.  I enjoyed the way that they fixed their pasts and made a great new future. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Blowing-Dandelions-Love-Blossoms-Oregon/dp/B073RPHQ8Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VBFGBEF7SMK6&keywords=blowing+on+dandelions&qid=1596744064&sprefix=blowing+on+dan%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1#customerReviews

A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy

Here is the book summary:

It's 1885, and all Nora Shipley wants, now that she's graduating from Cornell University as valedictorian of the entomology program, is to follow in her late father's footsteps by getting her master's degree and taking over the scientific journal he started. The only way to uphold her father's legacy is to win a scholarship, so she joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove herself in the field.

India isn't what she expects, though, and neither is the rival classmate who accompanies her, Owen Epps. As her preconceptions of India--and of Owen--fall away, she finds both far more captivating than she expected. Forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.

In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices--between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.

And now, my review:

I found A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy to be a delightful read.  All about a woman back in the day trying to accomplish what society said she can’t and shouldn’t.  My heart was tugged at the loss of her father who believed in her and encouraged her love of insects and learning.  Her mother was sickly and remarried.  This caused quite the stir in the story.  This author does a great job at drawing you in.  I found myself cheering, angered, and emotional with the characters.  That’s what makes a wonderfully penned story. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Mosaic-Wings-Kimberly-Duffy-ebook/dp/B0821PWG3W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VT1CX077ZP6M&dchild=1&keywords=a+mosaic+of+wings+by+kimberly+duffy&qid=1596203506&sprefix=a+mosaic+o%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/a-mosaic-of-wings/kimberly-duffy/9780764235634/pd/235634?product_redirect=1&search_term=a%20mosaic%20of%20wings&Ntt=235634&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-mosaic-of-wings-kimberly-duffy/1133988296?ean=9780764235634

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

Here is the book summary:

When Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix's safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

And now, my review:

I found Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano to be a very romantic read.  I loved the characters, the intriguing plot, and how she pulled it all together as a masterpiece.  I love to laugh and there were so many laugh-out-loud moments in this one.  My favorite part was her use of Isaiah 30:21. This is one of my favorite authors and I was once again not disappointed in her work.  If you like fiction at its best, you’ll want to get this one.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Storing-Trouble-American-Heiresses-Book-ebook/dp/B0821QZ9Z9/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=storing+up+trouble&qid=1596201533&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/storing-up-trouble-3/jen-turano/9780764231698/pd/231690?product_redirect=1&search_term=storing%20up%20troubl&Ntt=231690&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/storing-up-trouble-jen-turano/1133988302?ean=9780764231698

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

Here is the book summary:

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

And now, my review:

I found Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham to be a charming read.  I loved her plot of using the Dead Letter Office as the premise for their coming together.  I felt like this book flowed really well and that the characters were all well placed and played out.  This book is a dreamy read with a splash of intenseness.  It described to me the power of writing words out and sharing one’s soul through writing, beautifully done.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Yours-Truly-Thomas-Rachel-Fordham/dp/0800735382/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1596200505&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/yours-truly-thomas-rachel-fordham/9780800735388/pd/735380?product_redirect=1&search_term=Yours%20truly%20tho&Ntt=735380&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yours-truly-thomas-rachel-fordham/1129716539?ean=9780800735388