Book Review - Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks

 

Beverly and her six year old son, Tommie, flee their home during the middle of the night. Beverly is determined to start a new life after leaving her abusive husband behind. She has to be on guard in case, her husband finds her and takes them back home. Beverly becomes on edge when Tommie insists that he is hearing someone call his name and when a mysterious truck keeps parking in her driveway, Beverly will need to act quick if she is planning to escape again.

Colby Mills gave up his career as a musician to run his family's small farm in North Carolina. He decides to take a working vacation and head to St. Pete Beach, Florida to play at a local bar. While playing at the bar, he crosses paths with Morgan Lee and he finds himself falling for her.

Morgan is from an affluent family of doctors from Chicago. She graduated from a prestigious music program and wants to head to Nashville and break into the industry. When she meets Colby, she finds herself falling for him. However, is she willing to give up her dream to be with him?

This was my first time reading a book by the author. I can see why people enjoy his writing but, this book wasn't for me. The book moved so slowly and the surprise ending was predictable. The book dragged on forever until the ending where everything is tied up nicely. I did enjoy reading Beverly's story line but, felt that Colby's and Morgan's was boring. I don't think I will be in a rush to read any of his other books after reading this dud.

Book Review - The House of Ashes by Stuart Neville

 

Sara Keane and her husband, Damien moved from England to Damien's native Northern Island for a fresh start after Sara suffered from a nervous breakdown. Sara feels isolated in Ireland because she has no job, no friends, and no car. She feels like she is a prisoner in her own home.

One night, a blood-soaked old woman turns up at Sara's door insisting the house is hers. After the incident with the older woman, Sara finds out that the house has a terrible history that her husband was keeping a secret from her. As the two woman bond over their shared traumas, they both will need to find their own voice.

I thought this book would have more twists and thrills than it had. I felt like the story line was very straight forward and predictable albeit depressing. At times, I felt like the story was just muddling along. I can't say that I cared much about Sara's story line and was a bit annoyed that she put other people in danger. I felt that Sara's story wasn't as developed as Mary's and I struggled to understand why she stayed with Damien. I believe Sara hinted that she had an iffy relationship with her mother but, I wish they went into more details.

Book Review - Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

 

 In 1863, Elizabeth Kaufman's husband perishes in the Battle of Vicksburg. Instead of feeling sad over his death, she is relieved. She is determined to never let a man control her life again, even if it means she will never have a family of her own.

Aaron Zook joins Elizabeth's brother, Jonas in his journey home. He wants to move the West and restart his life because his past is too painful. He never imagined that the Amish way of life would be appealing as his grandfather left the faith years ago. However, as Aaron spends more time with Elizabeth and Jonas, he finds the Amish ways enticing.  Aaron is stuck between moving to the West and starting a new life with the Amish.

The book was a quick and easy read. I thought Elizabeth to be an annoying character. She claims that she doesn't want to settle down and is content by herself. However, when Solomon throws a bit of interest at her she fawns over him. She feels uncertain about him and her gut is telling her that he is a bad guy. And several people are telling her the same thing but, she still refuses to believe them. When she meets a guy who does care for her and put her interest first, she gives him harsh words even when he was looking out for her. She claims that she doesn't want to beholden to any man who is cruel or mean but, she does the exact opposite. Except for Elizabeth, I thought the rest of the book was an interesting read.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Ready to Trust (Hearts of Oklahoma, #2) by Tina Radcliffe + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Reece Rainbolt is shocked to learn that he has inherited half of the Ballard's family farm next door. He was close to his neighbor but, not close enough to inherit property. Reece is even more shocked when he discovers that he and his ex, Claire Ballard, have a five-year-old daughter together. Claire is devastated that she has to share the farm with Reece, especially since he broke her heart. She is determined to sell off the farm and leave him behind. However, Reece will buy the farm on one condition - Claire must stay the summer to help with the harvest and allow Reece to get to know his daughter.

The book was a quick and fairly straightforward read. I like that there wasn't a ton of back and forth drama of misunderstandings. I do wish that Claire had followed her heart earlier and made more attempts to win Reece over too. I didn't like that she wanted to know more about him without showing her true feelings while he was wearing his heart on his sleeve. I did love that family played an important role in the novel. I look forward to reading more books from the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Ready to Trust

(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

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Other Books in the Series

Finding the Road Home

(Hearts of Oklahoma #1)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

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About the Author

Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only)

Ends August 19, 2020

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Book Review - Reunited with the Cowboy by Claire McEwen + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Maya Burton is finally returning home at her grandmother's behest. While tracking local wildlife, she runs into Caleb Dunne, the last person she wanted to see. She blames herself for surviving the car crashed that killed his sister. Given their troubled past, she has to convince Caleb that he needs her help to save his ranch. Will Maya be able to earn his trust and his heart without running away again?

I thought the novel was a nice cozy read. I love the Old Biddies and felt that they were the best part of the book. I like the themes of redemption and how Maya used a bad experience to become a better person. She used all the "bad energy" to do something with her life.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Reunited with the Cowboy

(Heroes of Shelter Creek #1)
By Claire McEwen

Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

July 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

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About the Author

Claire McEwen writes stories about strong heroes and heroines who take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-after. She lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When she’s not writing, Claire enjoys gardening, reading and discovering flea-market treasures. She loves to hear from readers! You can find her on most social media and at www.clairemcewen.com.

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Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends July 24, 2019

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Book Review - Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard decides to give up her life in Norway. She travels to Blackbird Mountain to become a housekeeper for her husband's family. When she arrives she finds three grown men on the farm. Aven was expecting to help care for three children. As she adjusts to life living with the brothers, she learns the brothers make a living by brewing hard cider.

Aven's appearance at the farm has the two youngest brothers at odds. They are both in love with Aven and want to marry her. Haakon, the youngest is bold and passionate. While Thor is a gentle deaf and mute giant who drinks to cope with his pain. Will the love for Aven tear the two brothers apart? Will she be able to find the solace she is looking for?

I enjoyed that this novel had a character who had disabilities. I thought the author portrayed Thor's challenges and frustrations in a humanizing and sympathetic way. I enjoyed reading the novel but, at times I felt like it was a bit slow and boring. I felt like novel could have more action/drama, instead of the fluff.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain
Author: Joanne Bischof
Genre: Historical Romance
After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.
But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.
As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?
A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

 

JOANNE BISCHOF is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com, Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof, Instagram: @JoanneBischof.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joanne is giving away

Grand prize of a country crate, a jar of apple butter, a bag of gummy berries, journal, bath salts, honey spoons, copper earrings, and a blackbird sign!!

Click below to enter.  
https://promosimple.com/ps/d140/sons-of-blackbird-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Return to Bella Terra by MaryAnn Diorio

Photo Credit - Amazon

When Maria Tontta receives news that her mother is dying, she travels back to her homeland with her beloved son, Nico. She finds herself missing her home and wanting to return back home. She is devastated when she learns her childhood home might be sold because the family is bankrupt. Maria finds herself torn between the love of her family back home and her new life with her family in America.  When Nico's biological father reappears in Nico's life, Maria is afraid that she will lose him too. Will Maria be able to let go past wrongs?

The book was an interesting read about a woman who conflicted with two separate desires. Maria tries to follow her heart but while abiding to God's will. Each of the characters are flawed and are in situations that they hope can be better. I enjoyed reading this book especially with the dynamic between Maria and Nico. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I just might!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

Book Review - Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions (Auntie Poldi, #1) by Mario Giordano

Photo credit -Amazon

Aunt Poldi decides to retire to Sicily on her sixtieth birthday after dealing with her fair share of pain and heartbreak. She wanted to relax the day few remaining days by drinking herself into a stupor while enjoying the view of the sea. However, life never goes as one expects it to.

When a friend and handyman goes missing and is eventually discovered murdered; Poldi takes matters in her own hands and try to solve the murder. After asking one too many questions, she finds herself stuck in the middle of the murder investigation. Will Poldi be able to figure out who the real murderer is?

I have read a many books that were written in a different language and then translated into English for US consumption. There a very few books translated books I find enjoyable because you miss maybe of the hidden meanings that are sometimes lost during translations and sometimes the jokes do not make much sense. I also found the amount of details a bit overwhelming and detract from the story. Along with their being a lot of chance coincidences and not any investigation really done from Poldi. I also don't understand why she rushes into things and then screams for "help" or thinks she is dying. It was an interesting novel but not one I would re-read again.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Place at Our Table (Amish Homestead #1) by Amy Clipston

 

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kayla Dienner vowed to protect  her heart after seeing the heartache her sister-in-law, Eva, faced when Kayla's brother, Simeon died while firefighting. Less than two months after her brother's death, Kayla's boyfriend, Abram, also breaks up with her. She felt abandoned and hurt, so she closed off her heart to love.

James Riehl tries to juggle the volunteer work at the fire department and running his farm. James finds he barely has any time for himself, let alone to find the time to date someone. However, when an accident calls him to the Dienner's family, James can't deny the attraction he feels for Kayla. Will Kayla and James be able to put their past behind them and love again?

I have read a few other books from Amy Clipston and felt they were enjoyable. However, I felt that Kayla was a bit demanding. James is reeling from a tragedy and Kayla wants him to put her first, when they only just started dating. She tries to be understanding,  but once they start dating, she puts most of the burden on James. She used to go visit James at work, but after they start dating, she expects him to plan all the dates along with seeing him everyday. When James tries to make the effort, she is constantly pushing him away and then wonders why he doesn't make the effort. However, he is always the one coming back and asking for another chance, even when Kayla broke up with James just when he needed her the most. Kayla came across as needy and demanding when they became a couple instead of the caring and understanding person, she was portrayed to be.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Gift (The Amish of Hart County #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit - Amazon

When the Schwartz family inherited a small fortune, they couldn't wait to start their new life on a farm instead of their duplex. The family hired a real estate who found them a beautiful and affordable farm in Hart County. However, strange and deadly things start to occur once the family arrived.  Susanna hears gunshots that frighten her horse and topples over her buggy while her little sister, Traci falls through a wooden bridge into a creek. At first, the incidents seem like accidents, but eventually it starts to become clear, someone wants them gone. Who is targeting the Schwartz family? Why are they targeting them and will they be able to survive?

I have read a few of Mrs. Gray's novels and been a fan of most of them. This novel is no different, it offered a lot of suspense and questionable characters on who could be the culprit. However, I felt something was missing as the novel wasn't as exciting as her other "Hart County" novels. As the culprit became very clear midway through the novel. That isn't to say that I won't read her other novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**