Silent Partner (A Pine Falls Novel) by Jennifer Peel {Review}

Silent Partner (A Pine Falls Novel) by Jennifer Peel

324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given. 

He thinks his silence will protect her. She needs to hear what’s in his heart.

When it comes to love and life, Kinsley Kramer knows one thing—she’s always second best. Tired of feeling like she’s never enough, she decides to give up on men and adopt a cat. What Kinsley doesn’t know is that Brant Holland wants nothing more than to tell the world how much he loves her, but he has kept his distance to protect Kinsley from the secrets he keeps and from his ex-fiancée’s family.

But when Kinsley is about to lose her restaurant, Brant can’t help but act. He steps in and becomes her silent partner. Unable to deny the passion that sizzles between them, they must open painful doors to the past, and the secrets Brant has been keeping must be unleashed. Secrets that threaten to destroy everything and everyone he holds dear. Kinsley must now decide if she can bear the pain of Brant’s past choices and an uncertain future as everything in the Hollands’ world hangs in the balance.

See how it all unfolds in this heart-tugging final chapter of the Pine Falls series.

   

My Review: 5 Stars

The books in this series must be read in order, as the drama and intensity builds with each one and you'll definitely be lost without the backstory. That said, I've been waffling between eagerly anticipating this story and dreading it. Why the contradicting feelings? Because I've been dying to get Kinsley's story, yet this is the end of the series.

This story is full of drama--the kind that makes a reader question everything in life and spend lots of time assessing what they would do in this situation--yet I just couldn't get enough. Peel has a way of magically transporting a person right into her books.

Kinsley and Brant are multi-dimensional characters and I loved peeling their layers to discover what is underneath. They have heavy burdens, yet they are each full of grace. With stories full of love, loss, forgiveness, and tension, these characters grow and although their situations may differ from the reader's, they are built on relatable facets. My heart was tugged and stretched, but I wouldn't have it molded in any other way.

Content: PG-13 romance (kissing; talk of intimacy and some innuendo); mild+ language

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay {Review}

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

Paperback, 324 pages

Published May 14th 2019 by Thomas Nelson 

Source: Audiobook

 

 

 

Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop

One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.

While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and when a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a captivating story of good books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings, and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship.

 

  

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

This charming bookshop was the coziest setting and a wonderful place to get to know these three narrators and the way recently deceased Maddie affected each of their lives. I loved the personal letters that Maddie left for each of them with a list of personalized books for them to read.

 

Claire, Janet, and Madeline are each so different, yet they connect and bond in beautiful ways as they navigate life, joys, struggles, and more. There were pieces of each of them that were easy to identify with and it was a wonderful tale of friendship, finding oneself, and second chances. Don't we all make mistakes and deserve a second chance?

This story warmed my heart. I enjoyed watching the bookshop change the lives of these characters and their families and loved ones, and the way it played such an integral role for this small town.

Content: mild romance; very mild religion

In Name Only (Pine Falls #2) by Jennifer Peel {Review}

In Name Only (Pine Falls #2) by Jennifer Peel

Kindle Edition

Publication: October 26th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

He gave his name to protect her. All she wanted was his heart. 

Dani Kramer used to think growing up in foster homes was the most difficult thing she would ever have to do until all her dreams come true. Married to the love of her life, Dr. Brock Holland, and running a foundation that specializes in finding jobs for kids out of foster care, Dani seems to have it all. What no one knows is that it could all go away tomorrow if anyone finds out about the precious secret she carries.

For Brock Holland, military doctor, life has always been about duty to his career and country. But when he's captured during a joint allied training mission, thoughts of Dani, his best friend, the woman he's tried for years not to fall in love with, help him not only survive but reevaluate his priorities. However, when he returns home, he finds Dani is pregnant. In a cruel twist, duty calls again. He must marry Dani to save her from becoming a political pawn in a dangerous game she didn't know she had signed up to play. 

But who will protect Dani's and Brock's hearts from each other? Or will they discover their marriage is more than only sharing a last name?

Content warning: This book contains sensitive material related to PTSD, brief military violence, and pregnancy. For more detailed descriptions that include spoiler alerts see the authors blog on her website.

   

 

My Review: 5 Stars

I always wonder what I would do in given situations and it's hard to know until I'm actually in them. I could see both sides to these heartbreaking circumstances and I still don't know what I could do, even though I was treated to a front row seat in this emotionally charged novel that took me through all the feels.

Peel is a master at drawing the reader right into the book, and this one was no exception. As always, she does a fantastic job of creating characters to care about. They become realistic and friend-like, and I was beyond emotionally invested in this story, even though I had my feelings jerked all over the place. I personally know someone who went through a snippet of what Brock and Dani did and while shattered trust is tragic, I loved that Peel sprinkled glimmers of hope throughout. 

In this modern twist of a marriage of convenience, Brock and Dani shine in their individual and joint journeys towards healing and wholeness. I loved these characters and enjoyed watching them grow and become strong in their convictions and relationships. 

Content: moderate romance; moderate language; moderate triggers (see above)

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese {Review}

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

Paperback, 368 pages

Expected publication: March 31st 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

My Review: 5 Stars

I used to think it might be fun to be a school teacher to little kids, but when I got older, I decided that I didn't have the patience or creativity for it, and after homeschooling my kids for a week+ through this coronavirus, I know for sure it's not for me. I applaud those who can teach and who love it, just as Lauren and Joshua do. 

Lauren is exactly the kind of teacher that every child dreams of having, just as she dreams of being a mother and of adopting a child from China. I loved the way this story shaped her character and allowed the reader to delve into her personal life. Of course, she's not perfect and her flaws endeared her even more to me. 

Joshua, on the other hand, is quirky, hilarious, and has no qualms about being his true self. The way these two mesh into a strong friendship with inklings of chemistry stole my heart, especially as they faced massive decisions and sacrifices.

I was completely captivated by this perfect cover and the emotionally charged story within. Well done, Ms. Deese!

Content: adoption; mild romance; moderate religion

The Dear Wife (More Than a Wife #3) by Jennifer Peel {Review}

The Dear Wife (More Than a Wife #3) by Jennifer Peel

Kindle Edition, 354 pages

Published February 12th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

She’s been holding on for dear life, now she must learn to let go.

Marathon runner and quintessential wife and mother Avery Decker appears to have it all together. But don’t let her smile fool you. Since the death of her daughter four years ago, she’s been trying to fake her way through life.

So far, it hasn’t worked out so well.

Avery is overwhelmed not only with the grief of losing her daughter, but with the fear that she’ll lose someone else she loves—her husband James. This time not to death, but to the secret demons he’s been using to cope with the loss of their little girl. Day after day she’s been privately battling to save him and their marriage, but it’s only left her exhausted and lonely. Tired of pretending, she turns to the strongest women she knows. Together they help her face the truth and realize that the only person she can save is herself. But will it cost her the person she loves the most? Or will James remember who he is and hold on to the person he holds most dear?

Content warning: This book contains sensitive subject matters including pornography addiction and the loss of a child.  

My Review: 5 Stars

Some couples seem to be perfect, but there's the key word--seems. No one is ideal and everyone has their demons to face and battles to wage--even fictional characters. Jennifer Peel manages to peel the layers back and exposed the real and raw pain and hurt that secrets can cause, allowing for a deep reader connection with these realistic protagonists.

It's not a secret that I HATE to cry, but this book turned me into a blubbering pile of goo...and more than once. Although there are some heavy and sensitive topics within these pages, I felt the glimmering threads of hope streaming throughout. I had no idea how this story would end, but I had a strong desire to see it conclude how I wanted it to. Alas, life doesn't always go as we would like or how we would plan, but how God sees fit. 

My whole world revolved around this book and these characters from start to finish and Peel tackles these tough issues in a tactfully refreshing way. I feel like a better person for reading this book and would like to think that my compassion for others has expanded because of it. This story was worth every tear in my eye, sniffle sniffed, and crack in my heart. While this may not be a book for everyone, and especially not for younger readers, I would highly recommend it.

Content: moderate romance/sexual elements (no sex, but innuendo and talk of porn, affairs, vague talk of sex--no details); moderate language; moderate religion elements; loss of a child

Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel {Review}

Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel

Kindle Edition, 287 pages

Publication: December 27th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

He never wanted to leave her. She never expected him to return.

If Ariana Stanton has learned anything in life, it's that men leave. She's been taught this lesson well from the father she's never met, who sends her a mysterious letter once a year, to her ex-fiancé, who left her for another woman. So, when she meets the charming and seemingly perfect Jonah, she promises him they will never be more than friends. It's a promise she can't keep. But before he has a chance to leave her, she sends him away.

Dr. Jonah Adkinson has one regret--that he let Ariana remain convinced that love never lasts. But now, nine years later, the single dad is back in Pine Falls and on a mission: prove Ariana wrong. He's determined to win over the love of his life. And this time he won't let anything get in the way, not even her.

Now, not only does Ariana have to face the man she's still in love with, but she must confront the mystery of her father's letters, forcing her to reevaluate the past and her choices. But will it be enough to make her believe that, unlike the letter she's always returned, Jonah is hers to keep?  

My Review: 5 Stars

 

The emotional element is very strong with this story. Ariana has had a rough life, yet she has an inner strength that resulted from her challenges. Ariana displays a characteristic that is easy for me to relate to. On a completely different level and for obviously different reasons, I, too, fear my loved ones leaving me, although I don't allow that fear to debilitate me.

Years previous, Jonah left when Ariana pushed him away, but he's back and he's back to stay, along with his precocious daughter, Whitney. Jonah is a sweet and charming man with the patience of a saint as Ariana works through her issues.

While there is some romance, this book mainly focuses on some tough issues that stem from Ariana's past. I love that Ariana is so flawed, yet she remains likable and easy to relate to. Facing her past forces growth, which is where the emotions really come into play, drawing the reader completely into the book. This is the type of story that a reader will want to move into.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, some innuendo); mild language

The Christmas House: A Hickory Grove Novel by Elizabeth Bromke {Review}

The Christmas House: A Hickory Grove Novel by Elizabeth Bromke

Kindle Edition

Publication: October 8th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Christmas comes but once a year. Unless you never take down the decorations.
 
When a pipe in her home freezes and bursts, antiques collector Fern Gale knows her holiday season is off to a bad start. Her house was already a mess and all she wants to do is drink hot chocolate and binge-watch Christmas movies. 

The winter catastrophe pushes Fern to spruce things up at 313 Pine Tree Lane. And that's when she stumbles across a collector's item. The discovery sparks an idea, and for the first time, Fern sees a way out of her clutter. 

But then, her estranged husband turns up, looking for something he left behind when he moved out years ago. Something Fern isn't ready to part with.

If the small-town magpie can reconnect with the love of her life then maybe she'll be more than the lonely woman who lives in The Christmas House.
 
**Book Two in the Hickory Grove series is a stand-alone romance about a second chance that comes a little later in life. Order your copy in time for the holiday season.**

My Review: 5 Stars

There's something about Bromke's writing style, characters, and stories that resonates with my soul. I think my soul longs for a gentler, simpler time and not this crazy, busy, fast-paced world I live in. Maybe I live in the wrong place or was born in the wrong era, but I love that I can escape to Hickory Grove and find that pace I'm craving.

Fern, whom we met briefly in Book 1, is somewhat of an intimidating recluse and we discover why in this story. I loved the chats that brought two introverts together, the movie buff references, and the neighborly friendship that wakes Fern up and allows her to move on in her life. But most of all, I loved watching two soul mates connect with the magic of the season.

Hickory Grove is a beloved small town in Indiana (almost Kentucky) that oozes a Southern hospitality and charm. I was so excited for their Christmas tree lighting event and could picture it vividly. I loved getting to know previous characters even deeper, although this story can stand alone. If you love small town stories that warm the heart like a Hallmark movie, then this series is for you!
 
Content:  mild romance (some light innuendo, kissing); very mild religion (the committee in charge of the lighting ceremony is a church-related ladies group and there was one prayer)

Shanty by the Sea by Kelli Pizarro {Review}

Shanty by the Sea by Kelli Pizarro

Kindle Edition, 123 pages

Publication: August 7th 2019 by Dragon Soul Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Scarlett Cooper’s goals in life up to this point have been simple enough: run The Little Latte coffee shop by day and finish a novel-in-the-making by night. When her creative writing juices dry up, she visits the local bookstore for inspiration and leaves with a flier promoting an upcoming writer’s retreat in Cape Cod.

When announced as a winner, Scarlett crosses the state line from New Hampshire into Massachusetts. What she doesn’t realize is the retreat is themed The Great Writers of History, and she has been selected to play the part of starving artist Charles Dickens.

Hilarity ensues as Scarlett dresses in costume and competes against two fellow writers playing the parts of Jane Austen and William Makepeace Thackeray, spends her nights in a tiny shack on a cliff overlooking the sea, and finds herself developing feelings for a local man hired to tend to the retreat pet: a decrepit donkey named Janet.

Although things at the retreat don’t run as smoothly as Scarlett had hoped, and the competitive nature of the other writers tests her in a way reminiscent of Job who lost half his donkeys (one of which was probably named Janet), she learns that no amount of adversity is worth letting go of one’s dreams.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

There's nothing wrong with being a crazy cat lady, is there? Scarlett's life is very predictable and uneventful. At 29, she manages a coffee shop, is trying to write a book while dealing with writer's block, and she's never been kissed. 

I felt sorry for Scarlett, yet I was fascinated with the mundane events of her life, her interesting friendship with Kyle (her co-worker), and the brief encounters with the mysterious Mr. Coffee. But the story really took a quirky turn when she took a chance and followed her dreams. Honestly, I couldn't put this one down because I was dying to know how it would all turn out.

Scarlett is a character with many facets that a reader can relate to. This story is hilarious and far-fetched at times, but I found myself rooting for the unbelievable. Kudos to Kelli Pizarro for writing such a witty and fun story, and giving a dose of hope to her readers. Anything is possible if you just dream. My only wish? The epilogue felt rushed and while I was glad to have it, I wanted things fleshed out more.

Content: very mild romance/very light innuendo

Whatever It Takes by Jessica Pack {Review}

Whatever It Takes by Jessica Pack

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Publication: May 28th 2019 by Kensington 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Sienna has no memory of her late mother, yet every significant day of her life—birthdays, the first day of high school, graduation—has been marked by a letter written during her last weeks of life. Sienna knows her father feels grateful to be able to offer up these connections to the loving, talented woman his daughter never got a chance to know. Yet for Sienna herself, the letters have become a dreaded burden, a reminder that every milestone is less than it would be if both parents were still living.

A month before her twenty-fifth birthday, Sienna finds a lump. Facing a cancer diagnosis, Sienna begins to ask questions about her mother’s terminal illness—questions that reveal unsettling inconsistencies and voids in the stories she’s been told. The deeper she digs, the more the image of her mother as a contented homemaker warps into something much darker and far more troubling. If Sienna’s dad lied about this, what else did he lie about?

What does it mean to be a good parent? What role does the past play in who we are? And to what lengths should one go to protect a child? Like the best of Jodi Picoult, Whatever It Takes delves into these fascinating questions of family and identity with power, insight, and love.

My Review: 4 Stars 

Facing a serious health crisis, Sienna decides to ask questions about her mother, who died when she was only two years old, but discovers startling inconsistencies that lead her to dig deeper, finding a complex web of lies.

Marriage is challenging, but when combined with infertility, an overseas job, possible cancer, and other stresses, the breaking point for all of it can be achieved without much effort. My heart went out to Sienna, who tries to be strong and face everything pressing in on her alone. I could feel her desperate need for answers and thought the way the chapters went back and forth between past and present was a clever way to divulge the truth.

This tangled web of deception was interesting to watch unfold and really made me think about the impacts of family relationship and identity. Sienna's relationships are all complicated in one way or another and watching her sort out her connections with others, as well as the mystery surrounding her mother was satisfying. I enjoyed this one and thought it was well done, but wanted the vague threads of the story to have more resolution.

Content: moderate romance (affairs, innuendo, implied intimate relations); mild+ descriptions of drug use; moderate language

The Reluctant Courtship of Jack Allan by Dayle King Searl {Review}

The Reluctant Courtship of Jack Allan

Kindle Edition, 282 pages

Published November 5th 2018 by Books to Go Now 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Jack Allan cannot count the number of times he’s been approached with invitations beginning something like, “My sister has a friend…” It seems as if everyone in the small town of Corbett, Idaho, is intent on finding a wife for him--everyone except for Jack himself. The townspeople gossip that this is because Jack, a young widower, has not gotten over the death of his wife, Katelin, and in a way they are right. However, it isn’t his undying love for Katelin which is holding Jack back. Rather it is the memory of events surrounding her death, events about which only he knows and which have left him filled with guilt.

Undeterred, Ruby Henderson, Jack’s feisty neighbor, introduces him to her granddaughter, Ally. Jack unwittingly finds himself attracted to Ally, and it seems she is attracted to him too. So he is stunned when he finally asks her out and she turns him down his by saying it would be best if they were just friends. This sets in motion events which lead Jack into one romantic entanglement after another and with not one possible romantic interest but three.

Set against the backdrop of farming and small town life, The Reluctant Courtship of Jack Allan is filled with amusing characters. It tells a story which is sometimes humorous and sometimes poignant as Jack struggles with his guilt while also working to sort out his love life and those of the people around him. 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

This story is such an enigma. While there are hints of romance, it reads more like a women's fiction novel, yet our main character is a man. What? I know. I was truly fascinated and captivated by everything in this book!

Jack is a widower and leads a very ordinary and structured existence. He has women falling all over him, and everyone wanting to set him up, yet he's an average man--average in height, build, and looks--and he comes across as socially awkward. But there's something about him that is intriguing, for both the reader and these fictional women. His character is well-written and completely comes to life.

I loved the details of this small farming community in Idaho and especially enjoyed the quirky, close-knit cast of characters. There are many instances that caused the reader to feel a part of the story, from the small-town football games, to the wheat and potato harvests, to the holiday celebrations, and I loved being an honorary citizen through them all. 

The romance is very mild and a very slow burn, which is very conducive to the plot and the story as a whole. The loyalties, strong sense of community, and relationships of all levels are very binding, and emphasize the emotions involved, truly making this a story that was hard for me to forget.  

Content: very mild romance; mild instances of danger/injury/death; mild religion (they basically attend church a few times, but no preaching is involved, just humorous flirtations in the pews)

The Secretive Wife by Jennifer Peel {Review}

The Secretive Wife (More Than a Wife Series Book 2)
Jennifer Peel
Published: October 19, 2018
345 pages
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

  

I have a famous secret, but it's not the biggest one I keep.

From an outside view, my life would be the definition of boring. I'm married to a landscaper, albeit a very attractive one, I drive an old cheap car, and I write articles for an online magazine. So, maybe I've been a constant fixture on the New York Times Best Sellers list for the last few years, but that secret is locked safely in my attic.

Here's a word of advice. If you want to keep a secret, don't tease your mother-in-law about what's in that attic, especially when her life goal is to save her son from you. Now that my famous secret is out, past acquaintances willing to do anything to get their own fifteen minutes of fame are lying to the media about me. But my biggest problem isn't the lies in the press, it's the truth I'm forced to face. The secret I've kept from everyone, even my husband, the man I love, the first person who made me feel like I belonged somewhere.

Now I have no other choice but to tell the truth and face my biggest fear, that Peter and I were never meant to be together and my secrets could take him away too.

My Review: 5 Stars

Oh, my stars, Jennifer Peel! Way to make me cry my eyes out! I'm not a big crier, but this author tapped right into my very emotional week and knew exactly what heartstrings to pull and tug. Perfection!


Delanie is so opposite from Peter, yet they mesh better than peanut butter and jelly. Their palpable chemistry is so yummy and I loved their sacrifices and united front. Of course, every couple weathers at least one hurricane and Delanie and Peter aren't exempt. This author does an incredible job of enchanting the reader and drawing them completely into the story. There are some hard things in these pages, I'm not going to lie, but I rooted and cheered for the ending that I wanted and it wasn't quite what I expected.

It takes talent to bring characters to life in a way like this. I couldn't get enough; I couldn't put it down; and I didn't want to let this story and these people go. The emotions are high and intense and the secrets are massive, but the strong friendships and relationships mean everything. I want friends like these!

My final take on The Secretive Wife is to stop, drop everything, and clear your schedule because this amazing story needs to be read right away.

Content: moderate romance (kissing, innuendo, closed door and implied premarital sex); mild language

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Amy Matayo {Review}

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Amy Matayo

Kindle Edition, 333 pages

Publication: September 20th 2018 by SYG Productions
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Presley Waterman is a rescuer: of animals, of businesses, of people. Like the stray cat she's allergic to, but continues to care for. Like her small-town newspaper, a business that’s been dying a slow death for the better part of a decade. And like Micah. Her best friend and the man she has loved since they were kids, back when no one else cared.  

As for him…

Micah Leven loves Presley. She’s the girl who’s always been there to help, the one who knows all the ugly things about him and makes him believe he can be a better man, the one who will never leave because she’s promised over and over. 
But he also loves Mara. 

Mara is his ideal. She’s the dream he conjured up as a boy and never wavered from. She’s beautiful, ambitious, driven, a fellow newscaster at his Atlanta station, and the perfect asset for the life he’s always wanted. Together, they could conquer the world and their respective careers. Even better, with Mara he could prove that he did—in fact—finally amount to something. Maybe then his father would be proud.  

There are just a few things Presley and Micah have both forgotten. One, just because you rescue someone doesn’t mean they’ll love you for it. Two, some dreams disappear when reality wakes you up. Three, the only way to silence lies is to face the truth head-on.

This is the story of the man torn between two existences, the woman who finally took the choice away from him, and what happens when you stop listening to lies once and for all.

Even if the biggest liar is you. 

My Review: 5 Stars

What lies do you tell yourself? Some lies are told (and believed) because of what others say about you and they become such a part of you, they're nearly impossible to set aside. It's simple--the truth hurts, but not nearly as much as the lies. This story pierced my soul, swiftly and deep, and left a lasting impact on me.

Sometimes a gritty and raw story needs to be told in a visibly emotional way. Don't get me wrong--I love the fluffy, sweet stories, but the powerful and realistic ones have a solid place in my heart and that's exactly what Lies We Tell Ourselves is. And the message is exactly what I (and I'm sure others) desperately needed to hear--it's very powerful and I can't stop thinking about it.

Micah and Presley have a history and the way they helped each other, both past and present, was heartening and amazing. They are "that person" for each other, but the lies they tell themselves threaten to rip apart and destroy their relationship, especially when Mara enters the picture. We all tell ourselves lies, but when we start to believe them is when the trouble begins. I love the way these two are able to shed their pasts and march on to fulfill their destinies. 

Speaking of lies, I'm not going to tell one when I say that Micah was kind of a jerk throughout a good chunk of the book, but he's the type of guy that I love to hate and hate to love. Presley is adorable and I admired her when she finally stood her ground, despite the aching pain it caused. The feels are real with this one and I loved every single minute--even the extremely painful ones.

Content: talk of physical/emotional abuse (moderate); mild+ romance (some innuendo, kissing); mild+ language (a handful of Bible swears and 2-3 slightly stronger words)

The Neverland Inn by K.C. Grant {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

The Neverland Inn by K.C. Grant

192 pages

Published September 1st 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Daniel Cavanaugh has it all—a lucrative career as a lawyer, a gorgeous fiancée, and his future mapped out for him. So why is he feeling increasingly dissatisfied with his life? When the assignment to handle his late grandmother’s estate takes him to the California coast, Daniel welcomes the escape. Staying at the nearby bed-and-breakfast isn’t really his style, but he soon realizes the inn may hold the key to the answers he’s been seeking. Spindrift Cove has few opportunities for a young unmarried woman like Sarah Michaels. Even so, she enjoys her solitude as owner and chef at the Neverland Inn. She thrives on catering to the needs of her guests and treating them to her fantastic cooking. But when Daniel walks through her door, he immediately tests her patience. Though he is handsome and well-bred, she finds him insufferable. Soon, however, the tranquility of the inn works its magic, and Daniel and Sarah forge a sweet and unexpected connection—until the life he left behind in the city demands his return and it seems that a happily ever after may not be on the menu after all.

My Review: 4 Stars

First of all, don't read this book if you're even remotely hungry, because there are some very delicious-sounding recipes included after many of the chapters that I must try out stat! 

Sarah is a slightly scattered B&B owner, yet she will bend over backwards to make sure your stay is near perfect. She rents out only one guest cottage at the home that was her aunts, and seems to thrive on the simplicity and comforts of a small town. She's a very unassuming and caring person, which is perfect for the uptight and robotic Daniel. He's driven by his father's wants and wishes, until his pace is forced to slow down.

I loved the Neverland/Peter Pan theme that is dispersed throughout the story, and especially how it ties many unlikely souls together. There is a feeling of comfort and nostalgia woven between the relationships, setting, and characters. An almost magical feeling cast its spell over me as I read this one. Now, if only someone would make me some of that delicious food while I put my feet up for a minute...

Content: mild romance; mild moment of peril  

Schedule:
 

*Sept. 10^th: http://mybookaday.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, https://brightlystreet.com/ 

*Sept. 11^th:  http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 12^th: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/

*Sept. 13^th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 14^th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/ 

Giveaway:
   a Rafflecopter giveaway

As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack {Review}

As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: July 31st 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

  

Five a.m.: Amanda Mallorie wakes to the knowledge that her son Robbie is gone. And a new chapter of her own life must begin. She has spent four years as her son's only support, desperately trying to understand the actions that landed him on death row and to change his fate. Now Amanda faces an even more difficult task--finding a way, and a reason, to move forward with her own life.

Before the tragedy that unfolded in a South Dakota mall, Robbie was just like other people's sons or daughters. Sometimes troubled, but sweet and full of goodness too. That's the little boy Amanda remembers as she packs up his childhood treasures and progress reports, and discovers a class ring she's never seen before. Who does it belong to and why did Robbie have it in his possession? So begins a journey that will remind her not only of who Robbie used to be, but of a time when she wasn't afraid--to talk to strangers, to help those in need, to reach out. Robbie's choices can never be unmade, but there may still be time for forgiveness and trust to grow again. For a future as wide as the sky.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Amanda's son is dead because of his choices and now she must move on. There are many pivotal moments in life that affect us.  Life is full of resets and I love the way this mother's story unfolded with resets playing such a key part. 

 

Every other chapter is from Amanda's point of view and the chapters between are characters who had something to do with Amanda or Robbie, her son. Realistic development occurs because the reader is treated to tiny memories and vivid moments, touching emotion and gripping thoughts, and many miraculous coincidences. This author does a fantastic job of transporting the reader into the head of Amanda and I developed a lot of empathy and understanding. 

 

I felt like Amanda was like many moms--wondering where she went wrong, waffling between love and horror, and feeling alone in her position in life, that she came to be in through no fault of her own. Not every mom deals with what she did, but a lot do on a much smaller scale, with disappointment of failed expectations. The nuggets of wisdom that she comes upon along her journey to move forward are so tender.

 

The writing style is very expressive and the whole story comes together in a way that is deeply moving--this is a story that stayed with me for many days and I'm excited to see what Jessica Pack will come up with next.

 

Content: mild+ violence (nothing too graphic); mild language 

Narcissistic Tendencies by Jennifer Peel {Review}

Narcissistic Tendencies (Dating by Design #3)
by Jennifer Peel

Kindle Edition, 461 pages

Published June 18th 2018

 
 

He wants her future. She can't forget her past.

Psychologist Kate Morgan loves her job evaluating clients for the matchmaking service Binary Search. That is, until the one and only Nicholas Wells becomes a client and the new face of the company. Now Kate must take on a new role as his relationship manager to "fix" the actor-turned-writer-and-producer--not to mention egotistical, possibly narcissistic celebrity--and save Binary Search's reputation.

Once upon a time this would have been a dream come true, but older, wiser, and live-within-her-rules Kate knows more than she would like to about narcissists. Annulment is an ugly word and one she can't or won't forget. But is Nick the man he says he is on paper or is he the man she sees before her eyes? An adoring father with a generous heart who's willing to smooth out some of his rough edges for the right woman, making her think who's fixing who?

Can this Hollywood playboy and reluctant matchmaker make the ultimate connection?

My Review: 5 Stars

I love a good celebrity novel and this one is a total hit! Reading a Jennifer Peel novel is dangerous. Not only is it impossible to put the book down, but I become so immersed in the story that I feel the burning-fires-of passion kind of butterflies!

Kate is a cynic and she has a very good reason to be that way. I loved the way the story gradually revealed her reasons and showed a personal growth that wasn't easy to go through. But a beautiful beginning emerges from the smoldering chemistry that cautiously develops.

As much as I loved Kate, Nick and his daughter completely stole the show. Kate's connection with her tugs on the heartstrings and fulfills a need, while her hesitant attachment with Nick knocks you off your feet. Seriously...read at your own risk.

Content: mild+ romance (bigamy, some innuendo, kissing); mild language

The Sidelined Wife by Jennifer Peel {Review}

The Sidelined Wife (More Than a Wife #1)
by Jennifer Peel




She’s getting back in the game, one blog post at a time.
Samantha Higgins never thought driving her husband’s car would forever change her life. But one conversation later, heard through his Bluetooth, and Samantha is changing her last name. While trying to figure out who Samantha Decker is, she writes what she thinks is one final post on her blog, announcing her divorce. When the post goes viral, she finds herself with a new title, The Sidelined Wife, and an unbelievable following.

To make matters more interesting, her younger brother’s best friend, Reed Cassidy, who was a thorn in Samantha’s adolescent side, moves back to town as the new head football coach for her son’s high school team. Unbeknownst to Samantha, Reed has harbored a crush for his old babysitter all these years. But, Samantha isn’t keen on dating anyone, much less a younger man that used to booby trap her bedroom with firecrackers.

While Samantha is doing her best to learn and even make up some of the rules of single life and being a semi-celebrity, Reed comes in and changes the game. Now Samantha must decide if she should get back on the field or if she prefers the sidelines.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! I absolutely LOVED Sam and her story! I adore the way Sam is able to use a bit of humor and words to soften her pain and in doing so, support a lot of other women who have gone through something similar. She is a character who isn't going to back down from her choices, even when it might be easier to do so, but is going to stay strong and create a new path for herself and her son. There were some situations that Sam found herself in that would have made me wither and die, but no. She rises up in the face of pain. I love how she finds who she really is.

Sam's relationships are truly what captured my heart in this book. She is so close with those who mean the world to her, even when the ties could be cut, and they're not all selfish relationships. She gives as much as she takes and I honestly felt like I was one of her closest friends. I want to be her best friend! Her family is hilarious and her Mimsy had me rolling on the floor.

As for the romance? This one is a slow burn and that right there, grabbed me. She has a lot of doubts and insecurities, but the chemistry is present and smoldering. There's no rebound relationships for her and I fell for another book boyfriend, right along with Sam. Who could resist the charm and sweetness of Reed?! He is perfection and his ideas of showing her how he feels, especially in the grocery store, set the butterflies a-fluttering.

I could NOT put this book down and had a lump in my throat when all was said and done. Although I was completely satisfied, I need more; I'm not ready to let go of these people yet and it sounds like I won't have to (hint: Book 1). I'm seriously wondering if Jennifer Peel is magic because I feel this way about every single book she writes--I emotionally connect and I do NOT want to let go.

Content: mild language; mild-moderate romance (kissing; talk of infidelity; innuendo; sex talk, but nothing at all graphic).

*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buy Link:

The Song of Copper Creek by Kristen McKendry {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

The Song of Copper Creek by Kristen McKendry

Paperback, first, 226 pages

Published July 3rd 2017 by Covenant Communications 

It's been more than a year since she lost her family - a tragedy that has left Grace Whitaker a shadow of her former self. Unable to move on surrounded by so many memories, she makes the desperate decision to return to her childhood home in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada. There she hopes to salvage the broken pieces of her life - but what she finds is the promise of peace and healing in an unlikely place.

Copper Creek Farm is part of a Canadian historical museum, offering glimpses into 19th-century pioneer life. Yet the farm offers much more than that - it is a place of second chances. For Grace, the opportunity to work the land alongside the loving Whelan family is the first step toward healing. But she isn't the only broken soul seeking hope on the farm. Grace is joined by a young man in trouble with the law, as well as the Whelans' son and grandchildren, who are struggling through their own heartbreak. Together, these survivors discover the strength that can be found in friendship. But when faced with the uncertainty of the future, will they have the courage to move beyond the past to forge new lives for themselves?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My Review: 5 Stars

I can't imagine going through the grief, heartache, and pain that Grace has endured. I don't know if I would be strong enough to recover from losing my world, and although she has her ups and downs, Copper Creek Farm is really the first step towards finally allowing herself to heal.  

I was taken aback by the gentle, tranquil feeling of this story. I can only compare it to a comfort food or something like Anne of Green Gables (without the precocious red-head). Through farming, simple living, acceptance, and pure love, Grace is finally able to begin to know peace and to extend that feeling to others around her who desperately need it. 

This rag-tag assembly of characters wrapped themselves around my heart and found myself wishing for a summer exactly like this one, from the setting to the friends. The vivid descriptions and imagery stayed planted in my mind, long after I finished the story. 

There's not a lot of romance, some hints here and there, but I was still completely captivated and enchanted by this story.

Content: mild+ religious elements; extremely mild romance. 

*I received a copy from the publisher, which didn't affect my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 

Buy Links:

    

About the Author:

Kristen McKendry began writing in her teens and her work has been published in Canada and the U.S. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Linguistics from Brigham Young University and has always been a voracious reader.

Kristen has a strong interest in urban agriculture, sustainable living, environmental issues, and the local foods movement. She incorporates these themes in her writing, and she also lets her Mormon background flavour her work to make her culture more accessible to mainstream readers. She enjoys playing the bagpipes and banjo, learning obscure languages, growing wheat in the backyard, and making cheese. Raised in Utah, she now resides with her family in Canada. She's also the proud grandmother of the world's cutest kids, Rowyn and Eòghann.

Kristen won the 2012 Mississauga Arts Council MARTY Award for Established Literary Arts, and her book Garden Plot was nominated for the 2011 Whitney Award for excellence in LDS fiction. 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule: 

*July 10th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/ 

*July 11th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/ 

*July 12th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

*July 13th: https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*July 14th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/