Book Review - Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson

 

Amy Whey is happy with her easy going life and the simple things that come with it. She enjoys teaching people how to dive, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run a local book club, and even baking cookies for her neighbors. She adores her family. She has a husband who is a professor, a fifteen year stepdaughter, and an infant son. She lives near her most trusted and reliable friend, Charlotte. However, Amy's perfect life might unravel when a new neighbor, Angelica Roux, arrives on her doorstep.

Roux has a magnetic charm that cause all the neighbor women to surround her. She plies the woman with wine to lure them into a game of spilling secrets to each other. They all think its a game for fun but Amy knows that Roux is up to something.  Roux seems to know a secret that Amy has kept buried in her past.

Roux has a proposition for Amy. She wants Amy to pay her to keep her mouth shut, otherwise, Roux will make Amy pay for her sins. Amy is desperate to keep her secret safe and she is willing to do anything. She decides that the best thing she can do is to beat Roux at her own game.

This book was recommended by someone in my book club. I was excited to read it but, I quickly realized this may not be the book for me. The book starts off okay but, then quickly dissolved into a hot mess. I didn't really care for any of the characters as some of them felt over the top. I had hard time believing Roux and the plot even felt far-fetched. I felt like a few times Amy could have ended this whole cat and mouse thing sooner. The book did have a few surprise twists but, I am not even sure they were worth it.

Book Review - Network of Deceit (Amara Alvarez #2) by Tom Threadgill

 

After Amara Alvarez rescues nearly fifty kidnapped children, she finally lands her dream assignment. She is transferred to the San Antonio's Homicide Division. Amara receives her first case of a suspicious death of a teenager at a local water park. 

As Amara investigates the case, she notices as she applies pressure to her suspects she bring more chaos to her personal life.  Someone is watching her entire move and is stalking her online. Amara will have to trust her intuition and use unconventional methods to find the killer. She will need to prove herself that her first case won't end up in the cold case files.

This is the second book in the series and the first book I read. I was able to follow along and understand the story but, I felt like there were some character nuances that I missed. The book mentioned several times the case that Amara worked on previously. I enjoyed the story but, I had a hard time liking Amara. I felt like she was a bull in a china shop and had no chill.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series especially, the drama with her new partner.

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

 

Book Review - The Widow of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox

 

In 1846, Gabriel Stone is desperate for a fresh start. He decides to move to Maine to escape the ghost of his past that haunts him in Massachusetts. After the death of his wife, he decides to take the position of a minister in the remote town of Pale Harbor.

When Gabriel arrives,  the town isn't as quiet as he thought. There are strange and unsettling things that started happening when Gabriel arrives. The townspeople are certain that Sophronia Carver, a reclusive widow, is responsible for all the heinous acts. Sophronia lives with her spinster maid, Helen, at Castle Carver. The townspeople believe that she is a witch because she reportedly killed her husband.

The incidents start to escalate from benign creepy to dangerous acts of violence. It becomes clear to Sophronia and Gabriel that the person is copying the stories of  Edgar Allan Poe. The pair realize they must work quickly to find the culprit otherwise, there might be more bloodshed.

I thought the novel was an interesting read. I thought the main characters would be spending more time figuring out who the culprit was. Instead, they spent most of the time pining for each other. I thought the novel was going to be a murder mystery and not heavy on romance.  I found some of the characters and their actions questioning. For example, Gabriel coming to Pale Harbor to honor his wife. However, he makes such a lame attempt to be a proper minister. Or Sophronia claiming Helen is like a doting mother or sister figure but, barely knows the woman or her past. Then there are times that Helen is openly defiant to Sophronia and acts like she is the mistress of the house. The story moved a bit slower than I would have liked but, I found enjoyed the mystery portion of the book.

Book Review - They Did Bad Things by Lauren A. Forry

 

In 1995, six students move into a house at Caldwell Street, while studying at the university. Several months later, one of the students was found dead at the end of the year party celebration. The student's death was ruled an accident by the police and his case was closed. The other five roommates knew it wasn't an accident but, they went on with their lives and kept the truth of what happened buried with them.

Twenty years later, the remaining five of them arrive at the Wolfheather House. They were lured there under false pretenses. They realize this after seeing each other there.The house is an old crumbling secluded mansion that has limited cell signal and has no way out when a storm hits. They realized that they were all trapped together unless they confess their crimes.
 
I thought the novel was an interesting read. However, there were a few times when I was questioning the motives and thoughts behind the character's reaction. For example, they were quick to blame someone who might have done something but, when they saw evidence of someone else committing a devious act, they quickly believed that they were innocent. I didn't really care for any of the characters and thought they all deserved what they got. Although, I am not even sure if the entire plot is quite believable. It was an okay read but, I won't go out of my way to read other books by the author.

Book Review - Death of an American Beauty by Mariah Fredericks

 

 

 

In 1913, Jane Prescott is a lady's maid but, she is taking a break to visit the opening of an art exhibition. The cubist exhibition is shocking and scandalous in New York City. This is also the fiftieth anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation speech. The wealthy society women are determined to celebrate the occasion in style. 

Dolly Rutherford, the heiress to the glamorous Rutherford's department store, has gathered her friends to put on a play. Louise Tyler, Jane's employer, is scheduled to play the role of Lincoln. Jane is torn between helping Louise and enjoying her vacation. However, the decision is made for her when a murdered outside Jane's childhood home. The house is used as a refuge for working women who want to leave the profession. 

Her uncle runs the shelter and he falls under suspicion. Jane fears for him because he is keeping his whereabouts a secret. Jane decides to enlist help from her friends to help solve the murder. Will Jane be able to solve the murder before she is next?

This was my first book by the author. It seems that each book could be read as a standalone.  I thought the book was an interesting read but, sparse with twists and turns. I was able to guess the murderer halfway into the book. I did like that the author including tidbits of history in the novel. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

  **Disclosure -  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 - The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

 

 

Immanuelle Moore is living in Bethel where the Prophet's word is the law. Her very existence is blasphemy. Her mother had an affair with an outsider of a different race. For her mother's sins, her entire family was cast out in disgrace. Immanuelle tries to atone for her mother's disgrace by trying to worship the Father and follow all the rules as the other women in the settlement.

Growing up, Immanuelle has heard stories about the Darkwood forest. Settlers are forbidden from entering the forest. The forest is where the first prophet chased and killed four powerful witches. When returning home from the market, an accident occurs which causes Immanuelle to enter the Darkwood forest. She comes across two of the witches and they give her a gift. When Immanuelle opens the gift, she realizes it's her dead mother's journal. She finds out that her mother once sought sanctuary in the woods.

Immanuelle knows that having the journal is forbidden but, she is fascinated with the secrets that are buried in the pages. She is struggling to understand how her mother could go against her faith and conspire with the witches. As she tries to dig deeper into the journal, she learns the truth behind the Church and its history along with the secrets it keeps.

The novel is an interesting read. I thought it was interesting reading the description of the witches. However, I was expecting a bit more from the novel. The secrets that the church has is more about human greed than a secret scandal. I felt like the story followed most storylines about cults where men are fearless leaders and women are stripped of most of their rights. Then one woman will try to stand up to the leaders but, the "faithful followers" will go against her but, she will do the right thing anyway. I was confused by the role of witchcraft. It seems like some of the other "darker-skinned" people worshiped the witches but, the witches seem to be evil people hurt whoever gets in their way. I thought when Immanuelle saw the marks on the witches' faces are similar to the Prophet's wives, the story was going to take a different turn but, it didn't.  The story had potential but, failed to live up to it. Also, can we stop making people who look different especially people of dark skin color villains by the story characters?

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Book Review - Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn

 

 

 

Three weeks after his twenty-third birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life when he was assassinated at the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ethan has felt a profound disconnect between the man he was meant to be and the man he became after that fateful day. His days are a jumbled mess as he constantly replays the scene of his failure again and again.

His brother's widow enters his life and calls for his help to discover who was really behind his brother's murder. Ethan is shocked to learn that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew—one that threatens the global power system. When Ethan joins the search for answers, he will travel back to his past and find a way of redeeming his future.

I thought this novel had an interesting spin. However, I found myself having a hard time getting into the novel. I thought the main character was annoying and all the female characters were either stupid and annoying or aggressive and rude. The entire novel felt like a chore and was very boring to read. I stopped reading halfway and never looked back.

 **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 - The Suicide House by Charlie Donlea

Photo Credit - Amazon

Indiana's elite Westmont Preparatory High School is well known for its strict rules and high expectations. Students are expected to follow their highly enforced rules. However, behind the campus is an abandoned house in the woods that is a late-night hangout for students. At the abandoned house, the students play a game called "Man in the Mirror" and they have one rule: don't let your candle go out.

One year ago, two students were brutally murdered one night. The case became well known and became the focus of a hit podcast, The Suicide House. While a teacher was convicted of the murders, there are still many mysteries and questions surrounding the case. One chilling mystery is why the survivors of the horrible night all return to the boarding house to kill themselves.

Rory is an expert at finding clues on cold cases. She is working with her partner, Lane to solve the mystery behind the murders. They try to recreate the night to find answers that were missed.  As they begin to dig into the case, they discover dark secrets and someone willing to stop at nothing to get what they want.

This was my first book by the author and I am hooked. I already added his other books to my reading pile. The novel was thrilling and kept me entertained until the end. I wasn't a fan of the writing style though. I am guessing the author formatted the chapter to feel like short bursts but, it felt annoying after awhile. Overall, I loved the book and can't wait to read more by the author.

**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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Book Review - The Half Sister by Sandie Jones

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kate and Lauren are sisters who were never really close. They meet for lunch every Sunday at their parents' home. Since, their father passing, their family gathering never really felt the same. However, their lives get turned upside down one day when there is a knock at their door. A young woman named, Jess tells Kate and Lauren that she is their half-sister. She even has the DNA test to prove it. As Kate starts digging into Jess's story, she realizes that they are all hiding secrets.

I have all of the author's novels and have enjoyed them. However, I am stuck between liking this novel and it being "meh". Towards the end of the novel, it seems like one of the characters just breaks and spirals out of control when she seems to have planned things out. The novel was a quick and thrilling read but, I didn't find myself really connecting to any of the characters. The majority of the book was predictable but, it was an entertaining 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 - The Third Mrs. Durst by Ann Aguirre

Photo Credit - Amazon

Marlena Durst lives and survives her husband's shadow. He controls her every move and every decision she can make. He decides what she will wear, where she can go, who she can talk too, and even what she can eat. If Marlena disobeys his command, she has to pay the dire consequences. In their marriage, he holds all the power.

On the outside, it may look that Michael is a doting husband and Marlena is living the fairy tale life. However, Marlena has traded her freedom and safety for a gilded prison. As the days go by, it seems the only way to escape is by death.

I usually love reading revenge thrillers as they often have a few bombshells. However, this book had almost zero bombshells and most were predictable or barely worth a yawn. I didn't even care for any of the characters. I understood why Marlena did what she did but, I am not sure if I agreed with some of her plans. I did wish we did understand a bit more of Michael as a character. I didn't like that the book seemed to have a lot of violence for just a shock factor. While I am not a fan of this novel, I will still be on the lookout for other books by the author.

**Disclosure -  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 - The Midwife's Dilemma by Delia Parr

Photo Credit - Amazon

Midwife Martha Cade has finally decided that when Mayor Thomas Dillion returns in February, she will marry him. With everything else in her life spinning out of control, Martha feels this is the only thing she has control over. Her daughter, Victoria, is besotted with the town's younger doctor. Martha feels that she is ready to settle down and pass on her role as a midwife to someone younger.

The Pennsylvania town has grown in size and population. It has become an important hub for agricultural and economic needs. There are plans of canal allowing the town to be connected with the outside world. With everything changing, Martha will need to decide how she will spend the rest of her life.

I have read the first book of the series but, didn't realize this was the third book. Unfortunately, while each book can be read as standalone, I felt like I was missing portions of the story because I didn't read the second novel. I felt like the novel dragged and most of the time, Martha was spent debating her marriage proposal or about her horse. I also had a hard time understanding why Martha couldn't get married and continue being a midwife. I understand that she will eventually need to retire but, the constant pushing by Thomas to get his way seemed like drummed drama for an otherwise boring book.  I didn't also understand why there was a need for her to be a midwife and if she didn't want to do it, why not say she is no longer a midwife? Perhaps, I am looking at her struggle through a modern lens. I also didn't understand why Martha was stubborn and did things that she didn't like other people doing. I liked the first novel in the series but, this one was quite disappointing.

**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 - Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid by Marcus Emerson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Last year Ben Braver saved Kepler Academy and it's students from mass destruction. Yet, he still feels that he doesn't fit in with the rest of the kids who have special abilities.  He has been keeping his lack of ability a secret since most of his classmates are getting stronger. Will Ben be able to find his superpower? Or will he risk everything to gain his ability?

This was the second novel in the series. While you could read each novel as a standalone, I found it to be more enjoyable to read the books in order. The second novel is packed with humor and surprises just like the first novel. The book is littered with comics shorts and fun drawings. A fun series and a great read for young readers.

**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 - The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith

Photo Credit - Amazon

King Solomon was known for his wealth and wisdom. He could get anything he wanted, including many wives and concubines. King Solomon had four women he loved: Naamah was his first wife, Abishag was his father's caretaker, Siti was a daughter of a pharaoh and Nicaula was the queen of Sheba. Even with all his wisdom, was Solomon or his wives ever truly happy?

I was torn between liking this novel and hating it. I felt like the novel went into details for some trivial things and then other things were just glossed over. The novel seemed like it was all over the place and that I didn't get to know anything. I think this mostly applied to Solomon's wives. We get to know a bit of them before they get married and then a bit more after their marriage. Then they mostly fade into the background of the story. He also sings the same line of poetry to each of his wives, it makes me wonder if he was actually in love with any of them. The author does portray different sides of Solomon and his life but, it wasn't enough to keep me interested.

**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 - The Prince and the Wedding Planner by Jennifer Faye + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

When Bianca's parents are killed in an accident, she and her siblings find her mother's journal with a family secret. After the reading of the will, their parents initiated a contest that the sibling who brings in the most revenue to the family vineyard will take control.  With her inheritance on the line, Bianca needs the royal wedding to go smoothly.  However, when she meets the bride's brother who is also a prince, her plans for a smooth wedding go out the door. Prince Leo is also set to announce his engagement in a few weeks. But, he can't seem to get Bianca out of his mind.

I have read a few of Jennifer's books and have enjoyed this one. I did like this book but, I wish it had more details added to the story. I was disappointed that we didn't get to find out the results of the DNA test. I am guessing this will be a segway into the next book in the series. I was surprised that more details about the royal wedding weren't given especially since Bianca was planning it for more than half of the book. Overall, it was a quick read and I can't wait to read the rest of the novels.

**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

The Prince and the Wedding Planner
(The Bartolini Legacy #1)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages

March 1st 2020 by Harlequin Romance

When different worlds collide…

…sparks fly!

With her family name on the line, wedding planner Bianca Bartolini needs this royal wedding to go perfectly—she can’t afford distractions. Too bad the bride’s dashing brother has other plans! Duty-bound Crown Prince Leo has mere weeks to announce his own engagement, but none of the candidates measure up to Bianca. They’re the most unlikely match, but might that just make them perfect for one another?

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About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

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- One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and one of Jennifer's backlisted titles, winner's choice of print (US only) or ebook (if outside the US)

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Book Review - Promise for Tomorrow by Michelle DeBruin + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Logan and Karen decide to live a life of faith but, things are not going as they planned. Karen Millerson hoped to be teaching at a high school but, she is now teaching at a country school while boarding with a family of farmers.  She becomes engaged to  Logan De Witt and shares a life of faith with him. However, after a tragic accident occurs and the school catches on fire, Karen is blamed. Her future at the school remains uncertain.

Logan De Witt is working to remove his family from financial debt. However, when he accidentally breaks his leg, he is unable to work the farm which affects his ability to repaid the debt. Logan is faced with difficult decisions that might affect his desire to marry Karen. Will Logan and Karen find a way to care for his family and protect his love for Karen?

This the second novel in the series and while it can be read as a standalone, I felt like I was missing as few references as I didn't read the first book. For example, the struggles that Logan and Karen faced before agreeing to get married were already sorted in the beginning but, the couple didn't want their relationship to be noted as scandalous as they were courting while she lived with him. There were a few places were the book was a bit slow but, I enjoyed the plot twists. I enjoyed the part where the kids were playing pranks with each other even though, I felt for Karen.

**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

Promise for Tomorrow
By Michelle De Bruin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 290 Pages
November 19th 2019 by Mantle Rock Publishing

Living a life of faith isn’t going the way Logan and Karen hoped until some special visitors arrive and offer them their future back.

Karen Millerson dreamed of teaching high school but now finds herself boarding with a farm family and teaching country school. She is engaged to marry Logan De Witt and is getting prepared to share in ministry with him. But when she gets blamed for the tragic fire at the school, Karen’s future grows uncertain.

Logan De Witt is working to clear his family’s name with the bank. But when he breaks his leg, hindering his ability to work the farm, Logan is faced with life-changing decisions. When his best friend can’t offer the help he requested, can Logan find a way to care for his family and court Karen at the same time before his love for her destroys all of them?

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Other Books in the Series

Hope for Tomorrow
By Michelle De Bruin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 294 Pages
October 23rd 2018 by Mantle Rock Publishing LLC

When Logan De Witt learns of his father’s sudden death, he returns home to the family’s dairy farm. During his stay, he discovers his mother’s struggle with finances and his younger sister’s struggle with grief. Concern for his family presses Logan to make the difficult decision to leave his career as a pastor and stay on the farm. As a way to make some extra money, he agrees to board the teacher for their local school.

Karen Millerson arrives from Chicago ready to teach high school but her position is eliminated so she accepts the role of country school teacher. Eager to put her family’s ugly past behind her, Karen begins a new career to replace the trust she lost in her own father who had been in ministry when she was a child.

Logan and Karen both sense a call from the Lord to serve him, but neither of them expected that one day they would do it together.

Can Karen learn to trust again? Will Logan lay aside his grief in exchange for God’s purpose for his life?

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About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019.

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One winner will receive a signed print copy of Promise for Tomorrow, chocolates, and a winter-themed quilted table runner (US only)

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Book Review - Always the One: Meet Me at the Altar by Tara Randel + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Years ago, FBI agent Derrick Matthews's childhood sweetheart and the love of his life disappeared in the middle of the night. He receives a mysterious envelope with a clue leading to her. However,  Hannah Rawlings isn't happy they cross paths again and wants the past to stay buried between them.

Hannah and her family disappeared overnight and went on the run during the middle of the night. She blames Derrick for not keeping a secret between them. Hannah is intent on moving on and thinks he should move on too. However, Derrick believes Hannah is still in danger and intends to protect her even if it means betraying her trust again.

The characters in the novel were both likable and believable people. However, I found some parts of the story didn't belong. Derrick, his father, and three brothers are all in law enforcement but, he didn't realize that Hannah and her family went into witness protection. His neighbor said that "They left in the middle of the night with some official-looking people" right after he told his law enforcement dad a secret. That screams witness protection even to me, who isn't in law enforcement. Then Derrick kept bringing up that he didn't get along with his father for keeping what happened to Hannah a secret. Each time Derrick bought it up, it felt like it was the first time he was mentioning it to Hannah because of her reaction to his story. While the novel was an interesting read, I felt like the reason why Hannah ran away in the middle of the night played a minor part. I didn't feel like there was any danger to Hannah and her family. I wish this part of the story took center stage. I like that the author included how Hannah felt disconnected from her community and the struggles she faced as being a part of the Witness Protection program. Overall, I thought the novel was a nice cozy romantic 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.**

Always the One

(Meet Me at the Altar #4)
By Tara Randel

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

February 4th 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

From USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Randel

She’s the love of his life… but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

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Other Books in the Series

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman’s Secret Vow, tote bag and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends February 19, 2020

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Book Review - Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

Photo Credit - Amazon

Meg Mackworth is known for her famous hand-lettering. She is known as the Planner of Park Slope as she designs custom journals for her clients. Meg has another hidden skill; she can read signs that other people miss. When Meg was hired to create the invites for Reid Sutherland and his fiancee, Avery, she knew that their marriage was doomed to fail. She wove a secret warning message into their wedding program. Meg thought no one would be able to spot it and especially not, the groom to be!

Reid is unable to come to terms with how Meg knew that his marriage to Avery was going to end badly. He decides to track her down a year later and ask her. Meg doesn't have time to deal with Reid and his questions when she has a deadline and she is suffering from creative block. However, as they begin to spend time together, they notice a connection between them.

The novel was a fun and entertaining read. Meg was very down to earth and relatable character. I wish the author spent more time on developing the plot than giving and explanation on some of the fonts. I felt my eyes glaze over after reading about it. I felt like Reid was a mystery until much later in the novel. I wish we could find out more about how he felt about Meg and what he was thinking. Overall, it was a fun read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

**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 - The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham

Photo Credit - Amazon

Agatha knows everything about Meghan but, Meghan doesn't even know Agatha. Agatha looks forward to seeing Meghan every day when she comes into the grocery store where Agatha works.  Agatha thinks Meghan has a perfect life. Meghan is effortlessly chic and has two children, a handsome husband, a devoted marriage, and a gorgeous house. Meghan is the writer of a popular parenting blog that Agatha follows and reads each night while waiting for her boyfriend and the father of her unborn child to return her calls.

Meghan's life might look perfect from the outside but, her perfect life is filled with secrets and doubts. Meghan and her family have a few secrets that they will keep secret no matter what the cost. After an incident occurs, the pair finds their lives and future entwined with each other.

I was excited to read the book but, I did find the novel to be predictable. A few of the secrets weren't noteworthy but, as the story progressed we did find out more shocking ones.  However, I did find the writing to be engrossing and made a normally boring train ride entertaining. I might be open to reading more books by the author in the future.

 **Disclosure -  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.**