Stay With Me Review

There are some stories that lightly feather your emotions and some that just whack you in all the feels. Stay with Me is the latter in the best possible way.

Having been a Becky Wade fan for a while, I had no doubt this would be a great story, but this-This!- book far exceeded my expectations. And my fangirl levels are soaring off the charts, because not only did this novel have layered-yet-relatable characters, an Intriguing plot, and a swoon-worthy romance, but the author tackled a delicate subject with brilliant strokes of grace. 

The scenes were so vivid I wanted to pack my bags and head toward Misty River. Seriously Sam’s house and Gen’s cottage (well, Sam insists it’s a guesthouse) is my kind of charming! And can we just talk about Sam for a bit. 
SAM!!!! 
Okay, he has such a tender heart. He knows it, Gen knows it, the reader knows it, but he was still so scared to open up again because of past hurt. His protectiveness and devotion was super endearing. I could probably gush on and on about Sam because he was that beautiful. Yes beautiful. 

In true Becky Wade fashion, this series has an amazing cast of secondary characters. Natasha is by far my favorite. She’s an Austen fan and quotes Pride and Prejudice like a boss. We could be besties. 

I love the spiritual theme woven throughout the pages. It reminds me of that verse- in my weakness, His strength is made perfect. In our struggles, God shows up and shows up BIG! That’s what resonated with me while turning the pages of this amazing story! I give it all the stars! 

** I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

To purchase Stay With Me, click here!

About the Author:

Becky Wade is a bestselling author of heart-pounding and faith-filled contemporary romance novels and the winner of the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year. She’s a native of California who married a Texan and now lives in Dallas with her husband and three children. To find out more about Becky and her books, visit http://www.beckywade.com.

This Wandering Heart Review

“God speaks in whispers when all the world is loud. Just remember—mountains, oceans, prairies? They may give beauty to our eyes and depth to our experiences, but it is God who gives peace to our soul. Don’t lose sight of him and don’t forget where or with whom your home is.”

This is just one of the many quotes—from Janine Rosche’s debut novel, This Wandering Heart—that ministered to me in a huge way!! I’m going to be totally honest here, this story epitomizes the reason why I adore Christian fiction. Yes, I get that swoon-worthy romance, the sigh-inducing hero, and that perfect reading escape, but along the way my heart gets refreshed. Grace is brushed with poignant strokes within the pages, painting a vivid and soul-stirring portrait of God’s unconditional love.

The heroine, Keira, has an adventurous spirit with a nostalgic heart. From the start of the story, I was championing her to discover what her heart craved the most—a sense of belonging. I wanted her to see herself the way God did. Having been hurt by her first love, she goes through life with a play-it-safe attitude, ensuring she never has to risk her heart again. Instead she chooses to watch the world through the lens of her camera, visiting sights most only dream of. The author used such brilliant imagery, I felt like I was there right alongside Keira. (And since it’s dreary winter here in Ohio, it was most welcomed.)

Okay, now I need to discuss Robbie. You guys! I fell in love with him from his introduction in the first chapter. He’s a single dad, and let me tell you, those affectionate interactions with his little girl totally won me over. I can’t even tell you how many “aww, I love him” moments I had. Super sweet. I soon learned his tenderness also extended to Keira. He didn’t suffocate her with his affections, but rather shown his love by giving her space. Though he was always there when she needed him. Sigh.

The engaging banter, the meaningful conversations, the fan-the-face kissing scenes, all blend beautifully together, producing a satisfying story that left me scouring Amazon for the next installment to this series!

***I was provided a copy of this story from the author. All opinions are my own.

To PREORDER this fabulous story, click here.

About the Author:

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into each of her rustic romance novels in the Madison River Romance series. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades.

The Land Beneath Us Review

Sarah Sundin wrote a Marriage of Convenience story!! Repeat – Sarah Sundin wrote a Marriage of Convenience story!!!! And folks, it’s amazing! I can’t gush enough over her brilliant storytelling! 

About the Story:

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers’ betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for–fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family–the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago. 

After Clay saves Leah’s life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay’s recurring dream comes true?

My Thoughts:

I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for this last installment to the Sunrise At Normandy series, and so when I finally got my hot little hands on The Land Beneath Us, I devoured the book! I confess to staying up past one o’clock because that ending was just…wow! 

This author has proven again and again that she knows her stuff concerning the World War II era, and this time she takes us into the trenches with the Rangers of the U.S. Army. There are portions that are intense, filled with combat, and then there are places when the romance steps forward and you find yourself sighing. There’s such an artful balance to it all! 

The heroine, Leah Jones, has faced a series of heartbreaks since her childhood. I found myself rooting for her to see herself as God sees her—valued, cherished, and loved. Then there’s the youngest Paxton brother, Clay, who had born the brunt of injustice and yet maintains that honorable spirit. His tenderness with Leah undid me several times throughout the story. 

This book is the perfect finale to a phenomenal series. I am going to miss those Paxton brothers, but a visit is only a bookshelf away.

**I received a copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

To Purchase The Land Beneath Us, click here.  

On Wings of Devotion Review

On Wings of Devotion is the second story in The Codebreakers series, and oh my word is it amazing! Confession here, I’m not much of a re-reader of novels, but after I reached the satisfying ‘The End’, I had the overwhelming urge to flip back to page one and devour the book all over again.

The interactions between the brooding, mad-at-the-world pilot, Phillip Camden, and the tenderhearted, Jesus-loving nurse, Arabelle Denler, were brilliant. Their witty banter made me chuckle while their heart-to-heart chats made me root for the success of their love story. And I’m going to go on record and say this story has one of the BEST kissing scenes I’ve ever read. And folks, I’m a romance junkie. It was just…all the sighs.

Add in the drama and suspense of WWI in England and you have a stellar story not to be forgotten!

** I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

Purchase your copy here!

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Lake Season Review

Anyone who knows me fully understands that I will fangirl ANYTHING Denise Hunter writes—be it contemporary romance, time slip books, grocery lists, etc. So needless to say, I was looking forward to her latest release—Lake Season. And wow, this story captivated me from start to finish. 

About the book:

When their parents die in a tragic accident, Molly Bennett and her siblings pull together to fulfill their parents’ dream of turning their historic Bluebell, North Carolina, home back into an inn. Staying in town would be temporary—three years at most—then they plan to sell the inn, and Molly can get back to chasing her own dreams.

Adam Bradford (aka bestselling author Nathaniel Quinn) is a reclusive novelist with a bad case of writer’s block. Desperate for inspiration as his deadline approaches, he travels to the setting of his next book, a North Carolina lake town. There, he meets his muse, a young innkeeper who fancies herself in love with his alter ego.

Molly and Adam strike up an instant friendship. When Molly finds a long-lost letter in the walls of her inn, she and Adam embark on a mission to find the star-crossed lovers and bring them the closure they deserve. But Adam has secrets he isn’t ready to share. Past and present collide as truths surface, and Molly and Adam will have to decide if love is worth trusting.

My thoughts:

I feel the need to mention that the temperature dropped into the teens here in Ohio, and so a story set in the summer on the lake is absolutely ideal. The author did a great job painting the North Carolina backdrop with vivid descriptions that helped me envision the charming town of Bluebell.

As for the characters, Molly had such a sweet spirit about her and seemed to be one of those unique individuals that always lights up the room. And she loves reading. So yeah, we could be besties. Adam, the hero, is the character that surprised me the most. He was just such a nice guy. And as the pages wore on, I found myself rooting for him, wanting him to break free from the shadows he hid behind. Of course, the romance element was exploding with spark-filled chemistry. Hunter excels in that area for sure. 

What was different about this story is that it’s a time slip. I loved the historical portions of the book, and it seemed to flow perfectly with the contemporary parts. Sometimes time slips can feel choppy and awkward, but this one had smooth transitions. Very well done. 

The plot was well thought out and interesting. The romance, like I said above, is spot on. And the pacing was fabulous. If you enjoy stories that are both refreshing and intriguing, then this one is for you.

*I received a copy from Netgalley. My opinions are my own.

To purchase a copy, click here. 

About the Author:

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. To learn more about Denise, visit her website DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: AuthorDeniseHunter; Twitter: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: deniseahunter.

The Major’s Daughter Review

The Major’s Daughter by Regina Jennings is a fabulous conclusion to the Fort Reno Series. I’ve been following this series since book one, and each story—while able to be read as standalones—complimented each other in a charming way. I loved coming to know the characters and returning to Fort Reno for this series finale was almost like a reunion for me. 

About the Book:

Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, they find his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run pending, they may just join the rush. 

Growing up parentless, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It’s no wonder that he fought to open the Unassigned Lands. After years of sneaking across the border, he’s even managed to put in a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he’s poised to claim. 

When the gun sounds, everyone’s best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco soon find themselves battling over a claim–and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.

My Thoughts:

I’ve always been a fan of this author’s storytelling, and this novel was engaging from start to finish. First of all, I adore a strong heroine, and that’s exactly what I got with Caroline Adams. While she has the finesse and charm to grace the polished circles of society, she also has sass, grit and a thirst for adventure. What I love about Caroline is that she doesn’t want to be handed everything in life—something her upbringing as the Major’s daughter had afforded her—but she wants to carve her own path, and the land run gives her that very opportunity. Even though she planned everything out as much as she possibly could, she didn’t quite factor Frisco Smith into the equation. 

I got to meet Frisco clear back in book one of the series. While he was an intriguing side character, he really shines as the hero in this story. I loved his vulnerable heart. And I adore the fact that no matter how much Caroline irks him, he can’t help but offer her aid when she needs it. It made for some major swoon-worthy moments! 

Another thing that I absolutely LOVED about this book was the setting. This author painted each scene with such vivid imagery that I felt like I was dropped right into the excitement of the 1889 land run. I experienced the rush of excitement that came with the great race, but I also became more aware of grueling hardship that went along with establishing a home on the wild frontier. (I would’ve NEVER made it! Give me air conditioning and indoor plumbing! LOL) 

All in all, this was a fun story filled with witty banter, charming characters, and a whole lot of heart! 

I received a copy from the publisher/author. All opinions are my own.

To purchase a copy, click here.

About the Author:

Regina Jennings is the winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. A graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history, Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children when not traveling the world. Visit Regina’s website at http://www.reginajennings.com.

Deadly Deceit Review

Having already read—and adored!—Natalie Walters’ debut novel Living Lies, I was eagerly waiting for book two in the Harbored Secrets series, Deadly Deceit. Now be prepared for my exuberant gushing because—I LOVED IT! Seriously, this story had everything I look for when it comes to a novel. 

Pacing in a book is huge to me. If the story lags, I tend to get bored and skim. That was NOT the case with Deadly Deceit. I savored each page leading up to the satisfying ending. 

Character depth is another kinda big deal to me. And this one totally met my must-be-layered criteria. Now I must confess that I didn’t like Vivian DeMarco in Living Lies, BUT she totally redeemed herself. Her insecurities, her flawed reasoning, and her impressive knowledge of Marvel characters all helped sway my opinion of her. I found myself rooting for her, wanting her to get her happily ever after. Now let me chat a while on Deputy Ryan Frost. I loved him in the first book for he had some of the best lines. I judged him kinda nerdy, but big-hearted. Fast forward to his center stage role in Deadly Deceit, and we have ourselves a one-of-a-kind hero. He still has the good-natured attributes from book one, but this time add in swooniness of Captain America proportions! But what really made me sigh was his tenderness toward Vivi (his sweet nickname for the heroine).

The plot was intricate but easy to follow. Which is important to me because it’s irksome when I have to break the reading flow to reread portions to ensure I understand. None of that here. The storyline was twisty-turvy, leaving me in suspense of the Watcher’s identity. 

What I loved the most—besides the awesome romance—was the spiritual theme: that in God you are enough. That we can live chosen because He loved us before we even drew our first breath. And I’m thankful for that beautiful reminder in Deadly Deceit.

**I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

To purchase Deadly Deceit, click here.

About the Author:

Natalie Walters’ world revolves around GIJOE and their three adult (or almost adult) children who keep her life anything but predictable. Their boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends them but home is when they’re all together no matter the zipcode. Her passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share her belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.

The Painted Castle Review

Okay, folks. Prepare for excessive gushing because I absolutely loved The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron.

About the Story:

It was supposed to be a one-week job: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mysteries surrounding the old English manor and the enigmatic art thief who’s employed her stir more questions than answers. Then, Kiera finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin—a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria.

Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith, family, and stories that are generations in the making.

My Thoughts:

First of all, I was amazed, impressed, entranced and every other fabulous adjective you can think of at the three—yes, three!—storylines. (One was contemporary, another was set during WWII, and the last was Victorian.) I thought for sure I would have difficulty following along, but no! All three settings were unique with each character engaging in their own way. And the story as a whole just flowed so seamlessly. I found myself intrigued and wondering how it all would unfold. The layered depth in this story is a credit to Ms. Cambron’s masterful storytelling skills. So entertaining, yet moving. I sighed. Gasped. Got teary-eyed. From chapter one to the powerful ‘The End’ there was All. The. Emotions.

And the way the author tied all three plots together was fascinating. Can you tell I love this story? Novels like this makes my little reading heart so happy. I can’t recommend The Painted Castle enough. And I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this talented author. 

*I received a copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

To purchase The Painted Castle, click here

About the Author:

KRISTY CAMBRON is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing both award-winning historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of nonfiction, including the Verse Mapping series Bible studies. She’s a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations, and has been featured at CBN, Lifeway Women, Jesus Calling, Country Woman Magazine, MICI Magazine, Faithwire, (in)Courage, and Bible Gateway. 

Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working in partnership with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.

To stay connected, visit: http://www.kristycambron.com

Finding Lady Enderly Review

Have you ever discovered an author that you love so much that you gush over their books again and again? Well, I placed Joanna Davidson Politano in that I-will-fangirl-over-anything-she-writes group after reading her first two novels. I eagerly awaited my copy of her latest release Finding Lady Enderly and devoured—yet savored it—like a sliver of dark chocolate on a hectic Monday. And just like chocolate, it left me satisfied and in a much better mood to take on life. 

About the Story:

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

My Thoughts:

From page one, this story captured my attention and held it mesmerized until I reached The End. I can’t gush enough about the author’s vivid prose. I felt like I stepped inside the shaky life of Raina Bretton and experienced the grandeur and intrigue of Rothburne Abbey. The mystery kept me guessing while the romance prompted happy sighs. 

But what I loved most about this story is Rothburne Abbey. It almost takes on the role of a main character, stealing the show with its layers of wonder. From the magnificence of the outer rooms to the decay of the inner courts, this estate breathed its personality into every scene. I was entranced by the way the author connected the condition of the abbey to that of the human soul. It was both thought-provoking and heart-strengthening. 

I completely recommend this five-star story to anyone who loves being swept away to another time and place.

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Just One Kiss Review

I’m so thrilled to chat, okay GUSH about Courtney Walsh’s latest release Just One Kiss! It is such a memorable book! 

About the Story:

He broke her heart. Now, he’s back, and he’s determined to show her what they had isn’t over. . . and he can prove it with just one kiss.

Single mother Carly Collins likes predictability. However, when her son Jaden’s health is threatened, her neatly controlled world is tossed into a tailspin. Nothing is certain anymore, especially her feelings for Josh Dixon, Jaden’s father, her first love and the man responsible for shattering her heart sixteen years ago. 

When Josh Dixon walked out of Harbor Pointe, he left behind his only shot at a real family. Now a successful tech mogul, the town rebel has found a cause—ensure his son’s recovery and prove to Carly and Jaden that he’s not the same guy he was back then. 

Carly and Josh are forced to wade through messy emotions and questions that have gone unanswered for years, which would be easier if not for the pesky feelings, every bit as strong and impossible to ignore as they ever were. 

Will forgiveness win, giving Carly and Josh a second chance at love . . . or will the past prove too much to overcome?

My Thoughts:

I’m gonna start out saying I LOVE LOVE LOVE reunion stories. (Books where the main characters share a romantic past.) It creates conflict straightaway with their beautifully messy relationship. And this book was no different. Carly harbors a mountain of hurt against Josh, and he only wants a chance to prove himself—to show her that he’s capable of being the man she needs. But oh, that opportunity isn’t easily procured. Josh must earn it.

What’s I found so engaging about this book is the witty banter with Carly and Josh. And let me just say—the chemistry!!! When there’s an undeniable spark between the main characters, then the entire book is remarkably interesting. Another thing that’s worth noted is the depth of the characters. They’re not cookie cutter personalities, but rather layered, complex.

I appreciated the theme of how forgiveness is the key to unlocking the freedom to love again. This author addressed some sensitive topics with delicate brushes of grace, revealing that past hurts are never too deep for God to reach in with His healing touch. 

*I was given a copy by the author. All opinions are my own.

To purchase a copy of Just One Kiss, click here.

About the author: 

Courtney Walsh is an author, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Just Let Go will be her eighth inspirational romance novel. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois where she and her husband own a performing arts studio and youth theatre. They have three children.

Connect with Courtney online at her website (courtneywalshwrites.com) or on any of these social media platforms:

Facebook.com/courtneywalshwrites
Instagram.com/courtneywalsh
Twitter.com/courtney_walsh