Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones ~ 5 stars + Favorite!

Save the Date

Jenny B Jones

Thomas Nelson

About the book:

You are cordially invited to the wedding of the year with the most unlikely bride and groom. Save the date...and say your prayers.

When funding for Lucy's non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair, former professional football star and heir to Sinclair Enterprises--the primary donor to Lucy's non-profit organizaiton.

Both Lucy and Alex have something the other desperately wants.


Alex has it all...except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn't quite what he seems, Lucy finds her heart--and her future--on the line.


Save the Date is a spunky romance that will have readers laughing out loud as this dubious pair try to save their careers, their dreams...and maybe even a date.


My review:

This is a fun, hilarious read with some powerful messages! I loved it cover to cover. The characters were lovable, and the antics were hysterical. Poor Lucy, she just never got a break! The plot had enough twists and turns to keep me hooked. I read it in one day. This book definitely made it to my favorites list deservedly! I highly recommend this book to readers who like funny books. Another touchdown read (I know, I know, it’s corny) from Jenny B Jones!

Thanks to Jenny B Jones and Thomas Nelson for my free review copy of this book. :)

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis ~ 5 stars

Invasion

Jon S. Lewis

C.H.A.O.S. series #1

Thomas Nelson

About the book:

Colt McAllister is drawn into a war against things he thought only existed in comic books.

After a car wreck takes the lives of his parents, Colt moves to Arizona to stay with his grandfather. There, an informant tells him that his parents were actually murdered because his mom, a journalist, was getting ready to write a story exposing Trident Industries.

Along with Oz and Danielle, his new comrades at Chandler High, Colt vows to uncover the truth. But the more they learn, the more bizarre reality becomes. Mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles only scratch the surface of what they discover.

Colt is recruited by a secret organization called the Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural. But the battle isn't just against an out-of-control giant corporation. A gateway to another world is opening, and the invasion has already begun.

My review:
I was pleasantly surprised with this book! It is definitely not my typical read, so I wasn’t sure what I would think, but I really enjoyed it! It was fast-paced, adventurous, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out. (Though, the fact that it’s going to be a whole YEAR before the next book comes out is kind of frustrating.) I was a little surprised at the basically non-existent faith factor in the book. I mean, it doesn’t promote secular ideals, but it doesn’t have a God-element, either. It wasn’t a big deal for me, but it might be for other people. All in all, this is a fun, interesting read, and I believe that it will go over well with fans of this genre.

Thanks to BookSneeze for my free review copy of this book.

A Suitor for Jenny by Margaret Brownley ~ 5 stars

A Suitor for Jenny

Margaret Brownley

Rocky Creek Romance series #2

Thomas Nelson

About the book:

Jenny Higgins is certain falling in love and finding a husband are matters of the mind. Her heart has other plans.

After their parents died, Jenny felt responsible for seeing that her two younger sisters were well taken-care of. Tipped off by an article naming Rocky Creek the town with the highest number of eligible bachelors, Jenny rolled into this Texas town with a clear objective: find suitable husbands for her two sister and then start fresh somewhere far, far away.

Jenny believe that women who fall in love at first sight often wish they'd taken a second look, so she diligently begins to follow all the rules set forth in her handy manual on how to land a husband.

But while Jenny is interviewing the less-than-promising candidates, her sisters are falling in love the old-fashioned way--with men of their choosing. And the longer Jenny stays, the more her sense of control slips away. The town isn't living up to her expectations, her sisters are rebelling against her practical choices, and soon her own heart starts to betray her, as US Marshall Rhett Armstrong stirs emotions in her that weren't part of her plan.

To relinquish her control to God and calm her restless spirit, she'll need to give her foregone conclusions about marriage, love, and faith.

My review:
From the first pages to the very last, this book cracked me up! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this author. I was (kind of) expecting another boring prairie romance, but that isn’t what I got. What I did get is a book filled with hilarious antics, lovable characters, and an excellent plot. I loved every minute. I highly recommend this book, as well as the first book in this series, A Lady like Sarah.

Thanks to BookSneeze for for review copy of this book!

Sorry it took me so long to post, guys! Ugh. Rough last few weeks!

Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart ~ 4 stars

Love, Charleston

Beth Webb Hart

Thomas Nelson Publishing

About the book:

Charleston’s Anne Brumley has long dreamed of romance while ringing the bells at St. Michael’s, but those dreams are beginning to fade. Her sister Alicia and cousin Della encourage her to strike out and make her own way—after all, she’s thirty-six. But the tall redhead is sure God said, “Stay here and wait.”

Widower Roy Summerall has happily ministered to the country folks of Church of the Good Shepherd for years. So why would the Lord call him and his daughter away to Charleston—the city that Roy remembers from his childhood as pretentious and superficial? Surely the refined congregation of St. Michael’s won’t accept a reverend with a red neck and a simple faith.

Meanwhile, Anne’s sister, Alicia, struggles with her husband’s ambition which seems to be taking him further and further from their dreams of a happy family together. And Cousin Della’s former fiancé has returned to Charleston, making her wonder if she chose the wrong path when she married her gifted but struggling-artist husband.

Family, friendship, and faith converge in a beautiful story about how God’s transforming love works in the Holy City of Charleston.

My review:
Well, I have mixed feelings about this book. The author has a unique writing style that appealed to me, where she often includes little details that other authors would leave out. One unusual thing is that the “main” characters don’t even meet until you are over 150 pages into the book. But, the storylines for the other characters kept me interested, so it worked out alright.

There was one thing that I didn’t care for, and that would be Lish’s situation. It broke my heart to read what she was going through. Her storyline basically gave me a mixture of sadness and anger. But, in the end she is doing better and you have hope for her character.

So, mixed feelings. I can’t say that DIDN’T like it, but I can’t say that I completely ENJOYED it either. I would recommend this to the person who likes books that are a little different from your average read. It’s not a typical romance, or any other genre that I can think of.

Thanks to BookSneeze for my review copy of this book.

Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter ~ 5 stars + Favorite

Driftwood Lane

Denise Hunter

Nantucket Love Story series #4

Thomas Nelson Publishers

About the book:

Meridith believes she is capable of weathering any storm. But she's never experienced a love powerful enough to uproot her...until now.

Meridith Ward has crafted a carefully ordered life to make up for the chaos that plagued her childhood years. But one phone call upsets all that. Within the span of several minutes, Meredith learns that the father who abandoned her is dead and she's been named the sole guardian of his other three children. She nervously heads to Nantucket to care for the siblings she's never met with plans to stay until their uncle returns from his trip before relinquishing guardianship to him.

She arrives to find the children living in Summer House, a Bed & Breakfast that's falling apart around them. Meridith wants to move on as soon as possible, but the inn will never sell in its dilapidated condition. Then an itinerant handyman, Jake, shows up with an offer she can't refuse.

Much like the powerful ocean just a short walk from her deck, Jake appeals to Meridith. But she senses he is also capable of pulling her under in a heartbeat. What if the thing she fears the most is exactly what she needs? Can she trust God with the details and relish the adventure?

My review:
Driftwood Lane is another great book by Denise Hunter. She really knows how to tell a story. This book has rich character details, and her writing draws you into the setting of Nantucket. I liked how real the book felt. It didn’t seem unbelievable despite the unusual circumstances. Denise did a great job tying in Meredith’s past experiences and showing the effect they had later on in her life. Jake is a great hero for this story and I loved how connected he was to those kids! The ending was *perfect* and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I would definitely recommend each and every book in this series.

Angel Song by Sheila Walsh & Kathryn Cushman ~ 4 stars

Angel Song

Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman

Thomas Nelson Publishing

About the book:

When Annie Fletcher returns to Charleston to see her younger sister, Sarah, receive her master’s degree, she finds herself riding in the back of an ambulance, watching helplessly as Sarah fights for life. During the ride, Sarah appears to talk to someone who is not there, humming a melody Annie has never heard before.

Neighbor Ethan McKinney lends a shoulder when Sarah unexpectedly dies. And as a carpenter, Ethan volunteers to help Annie get the Fletcher family home into shape for selling. Ethan’s presence is distracting, but what troubles Annie is her neighbor Tammy’s 12-year-old son. Keith has Down Syndrome and the guile to believe he can see and hear angels.

God begins to reveal Himself to Annie – both in her newfound friends and through heart-rending and clearly supernatural events. Annie discovers faith in God, finally experiencing the comfort that His angels really do surround us.

My review:
I definitely loved the subject in this book. Angels are something that most people, including Christians, don’t seriously think about very often. It really made me think and want to do a little more reading about angels and their roles in our lives.

There were some things that I didn’t quite agree with, because I believe differently in those areas, but for the most part I liked what the book had to say. Ethan is a really sweet male character, but I didn’t fall in love with him. I think that is because the main focus of the book is Ann and her coming to terms with her past, more than on the romance between her and Ethan. I enjoyed this book, but it’s not one of my favorites. However, the writing is good and I would recommend it to someone who favors this type of book.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my review copy of this book.

So Over My Head by Jenny B. Jones ~ 5 stars + Favorite

So Over My Head

Jenny B. Jones

A Charmed Life series #3

Thomas Nelson

About the book:

Newly single, stalked by a killer, and in desperate need of some chic clown shoes--Bella is one skinny mocha frapp away from total meltdown.

When the Fritz Family Carnival makes its annual appearance in Truman, Bella's keen reporter instincts tell her the bright lights hide more than they reveal. Her suspicions are confirmed when one of the stars is murdered. Though the police make an immediate arrest, Bella doubts this case is quite that simple.

She needs her crime-solving boyfriend, Luke, more than ever. Problem is, his ex-girlfriend has moved back to town, giving Bella some murderous thoughts of her own. Then again, there's no time for a relationship crisis when Bella's doing her best to derail her father's wedding and stay one step ahead of a killer.

Is God sending her a message in all of this madness? With a murderer on the loose and her boyfriend's ex on the prowl, this undercover clown has never had more to juggle--or more to risk.

My review:
In this final book in the Charmed Life series, Bella’s life is a little… difficult. Being forced to deal with her father’s upcoming marriage to a woman Bella has doubts about, not to mention the soon-to-be-stepmother’s evil little sister, is a big enough problem. Add to that her boyfriend’s ex being back in town, and the fact that she seems just a little too interested in Luke for Bella’s comfort. But, Bella is never happier than when she is using her sleuthing skills, so, in addition to all this, she takes it upon herself to find the killer of a murdered carnival worker whose body she was unfortunate enough to be the one to discover.

Jenny B. Jones can write a great story. This is definitely one of her best. I loved this book! Jenny writes mysteries from Bella’s perspective that will captivate kids of any age, whether 13, 93, or anywhere in between. This book pretty much has it all. Romance to make you sigh. Humor to make you laugh out loud (I know I did). Wit to make you grin and take notes from the master. Suspense to make you read as fast as you possibly can. And in the middle of it all, a subtle yet uplifting message of faith throughout our trials and trust despite our fears. This series is highly recommended.

Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James ~ 4 stars

Love on a Dime

Cara Lynn James

Ladies of Summerhill series #1

Thomas Nelson Publishing

About the book:

In age of elegance and excess, Lilly Westbrook longs for a love both true and eternal.

Newport, Rhode Island, 1899, is a place of shimmering waves, sleek yachts, and ladies of leisure. Of opulent mansions that serve as summer cottages for the rich and famous. Home of railroad magnates and banking tycoons--dashing young men and the women who aspire to marry them.

But it's not the place for lady novelists. Especially not those who pen disreputable dime novels. This poses a problem for Lilly Westbrook, because that's exactly what she does.

No one in Lilly's social set knows she pens fiction under the nom de plume Fannie Cole. Not her family or the wealthy young man about to propose to her. And especially not Jackson Grail, the long-lost beau who just bought her publishing company...and who stirs her heart more than she cares to admit.

But Lilly must put aside her feelings and follow the path that will maintain her family's social stature and provide the financial security that everyone is depending on.

Now Lilly faces a double dilemma. Can she continue to protect her secret identity? And will she have the courage to choose the man who will risk it all just to win her heart?

My review:
I loved the storyline of this book. I loved the whole idea and the characters and the plot. However, the writing style left a little wanting, to me. For example, there were a few instances in the book where I thought the author could have taken advantage of the situation to evoke more emotion in the reader than she did. I did see great potential though, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my review copy of this book.

An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller ~ 4 stars

An Honest Love

Kathleen Fuller

Hearts of Middlefield series #2

Thomas Nelson Publishers

About the book:

Anna must find the courage to tell Lukas the truth. Will he find the courage to forgive her?

Anna was once betrayed by someone she loved deeply. In an attempt to never be hurt again, she and her mother relocated to Middlefield, Ohio. It was the ideal place for Anna's broken heart to mend. In Middlefield, Anna withdrew from risk, placing all her attention on managing the new gift shop she and her mom bought.

When Lukas introuces himself, Anna can't resist her attraction to him. Though she finds herself falling in love, she's hiding a piece of her past in fear that their future will be destroyed if she tells him the truth.

But love can't be built on lies and the past comes rushing back to Anna in an irreversible way. Now Lukas must decide how he will react to Anna's betrayal. As they cling to their belief in an honest love, they realize it's a path they must walk together even as it leads to unexpected places.

My review:
I did not like this book as much as the first one in the series (which I loved), but I did like it. The writing was great. The author did a great job of portraying the Amish’s beliefs. I *loved* the secondary character’s romance, maybe even more than Anna’s. I would recommend this book to someone who loves Amish fiction.

Thanks to BookSneeze for the reviewer copy of this book.

Plain Promise Beth Wiseman ~ 3 stars

Plain Promise

Beth Wiseman

Daughters of the Promise series #3

Thomas Nelson - publisher

About the book:

Sadie Always Believed in God's Promises. But Can She Really Trust His Heart?

Young Amish widow, Sadie Fisher, leads a simple life in the quiet countryside of Lancaster County--selling Amish goods to a steady stream of tourists. Though it is a good life, lately she's wondered if it is God's will for her to remain without a husband and a family.

Winters can be brutally cold and lonely in Pennsylvania, so Sadie rejoices when a renter signs up for a three month stay in her guest cottage. But when wealthy, impulsive Englischer Kade Saunders arrives, she isn't sure she wants him around that long. Sadie feels the stress of the bishop's watchful eye, expecting her to act in accordance with the Ordnung, the understood behavior by which the Amish live. To complicate things, Kade is soon surprised with sole custody of a child he barely knows--his five-year-old autistic son, Tyler.

Sadie and young Tyler form an immediate connection. As she grows to love and understand this exceptional child, her feelings for Kade grow into something that both terrifies and exhilarates her. And while Kade seems to feel the attraction to her as well, their worlds couldn't be farther apart.

Sadie must stay true to her Amish roots, but denying the love she feels is impossible. Could it be that God has the improbable in store for Sadie? And will she have the faith to step into a love bigger than she's ever dreamed possible?

My review:
Plain Promise is a great example of how money will not provide happiness, and I enjoyed reading it. The only thing about this book is that I didn’t connect with it as well as the previous books in the series. (However, I was sick while reading it, and that tends to make everything not so fun for me.) This is a nice, sweet romance, and I think readers of the simple/sweet romances will enjoy it best.

Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman ~ 5 stars + Favorite!

**Make sure to check out my review of book one in this series, also posted today.**

Plain Pursuit

Beth Wiseman

Daughters of the Promise series #2

Thomas Nelson - Publisher

About the book:

Carley has given up chasing her dreams. Now her dreams are chasing her.

Carley Marek experiences culture shock when she visits her friend Lillian's family on their farm deep in Amish country. She'll get an article out of the visit--and maybe some of Lillian's newfound peace will somehow rub off on her.

Just when Carley is getting used to the quiet nature of the Plain community, Lillian and Samuel's son falls ill. But the local doctor who can offer the most help has been shunned by the community and forbidden to intervene.

As David's condition deteriorates, Dr. Noah determines to do whatever it takes to save the boy's life. Carley is caught in the middle--drawn to Noah, wanting to be helpful in the crisis--and confused by all their talk about a God she neither knows nor trusts.

Carley must decide what in life is worth pursuing...and what to do when she's pursued by a love she never expected.

My review:

Wow. For me, this book was a real tear-jerker. I cried so much! I was really touched by this story, and I love it. I really liked how this book shows that God works out everything for our good and that if we will let Him, the results of our bad choices can be turned into something great. These characters will start to grow on you, and they certainly did with me. I was so into this book that I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next books in this series!

Thanks to BookSneeze for sending me a copy of this book to review.

Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman ~ 4 stars

Plain Perfect

Beth Wiseman

Daughters of the Promise series #1

Thomas Nelson- Publisher

About the book:

A search for peace in Amish country proves anything but simple for a woman on the run from life...and herself.

On the rolling plains of Lancaster County, PA., Lillian Miller is searching for her grandparents' house...and so much more. After years of neglect and abuse, she's turning to a lifestyle of simplicity among the Amish to find herself.

As she discards the distractions of her former life, she befriends the young boy working on her family's farm and his attractive widowed father, Samuel Stoltzfus. Despite Lillian's best efforts to the contrary, her feelings for Samuel--and his for her--deepen. Will Lillian find her faith in Plain living, or will she be forced to return to her former life?

My review:
While I don’t agree with some of the beliefs of Amish people, I do admire their determination to follow God’s word. I like the way that people help and support each other. I liked this book and the characters, although some of the beliefs frustrate me at times. This is a nice sweet read.

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller ~ 5/5 stars

A Man of His Word

Kathleen Fuller

Hearts of Middlefield #1

Thomas Nelson Publisher

About the book:

Moriah's heart will only be safe with a man of his word.

In just a few short months, Moriah Miller's perfect life unravels. Newly wed and newly pregnant, Moriah is abandoned by her husband, Levi. He's left her, his family, and their faith without a backward glance. The community, stunned, rushes to the young woman's aid.

But there is someone who feels more than just sympathy for Moriah. Gabriel Miller--Levi's twin--longs for an intimate commitment that might someday bind them to one another. Convinced of the impossibility of his dream, Gabriel settles for a mere friendship with the woman he loves.

Moriah bravely goes on with her life, adjusting to her new role in their tight knit Amish community and preparing for the birth of her child. She is unaware that her brief marriage--once idealized as the happiest time in her life--may have been merely a shadow of the kind of love God has created her for. A love that can mend the soul, renew her heart, and give her a future filled with hope...if only she'll let it.

My review:
A Man of His Word is one of those books that will make you cry buckets of tears, then sigh while saying “Aww”. I really enjoyed this book. I don’t read much in the way of Amish fiction so really liking this one has encouraged me to try some more. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this series.

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble ~ 5/5 stars + favorite!

The Lightkeeper's Daughter

Colleen Coble

Mercy Falls series, #1

Thomas Nelson- Publisher

About the book:

At a lavish estate in Mercy Falls, California, Addie Sullivan finds danger—and quite possibly the love of her life.

Growing up as the lightkeeper’s daughter on a remote island at the turn of the century, Addie Sullivan has lived a hardscrabble life. When a long-lost and wealthy relative finds her and enlists her to work as a governess at a lavish estate, she hopes to discover the truth of her heritage. But at Eaton Hall, nothing is as it seems. Not the idyllic family she hoped for, not the child she was hired to help, not even the aloof man she’s immediately attracted to. Soon she must turn for help to Lieutenant John North, a man who views her with suspicion.

As Addie edges closer to the truth, danger threatens even as her romance with John blossoms and together they unravel a decades-old mystery. As Addie faces down her enemy, she discovers that faith in her one true Father is all she needs.

My review:
The Lightkeeper’s Daughter is about a girl who grows up as (you guessed it) the lightkeeper’s daughter. When a stranger comes to their home with new and shocking information about her heritage, she decides to set forth on an adventure to find the truth about where she comes from, and the loving family she has always longed for.

I’ll admit that I was a little bit leery of reading this book as I’ve read some other things by Coble and haven’t liked them. I’m very glad that I did though, as this book is now one of my favorites! The Lightkeeper’s Daughter is full of adventure, intrigue, and romance. The last part of the book especially kept me entranced as the bad guy was found out and the story was finishing. I loved Addie and have decided that I need to be more like her and not be conformed by the world, and to speak the truth no matter what. She is a character that you will be sure to love. John is a wonderful, strong male character with lots of love to offer. I will definitely be reading the next books in this series.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson, for sending the book to me for reviewing purposes.

Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter ~ 5/5 stars + *Favorite*

Seaside Letters

Denise Hunter

A Nantucket Love Story series, #3

Thomas Nelson Publisher

About the book:

Sabrina never intended to fall in love with Tucker McCabe, the man she serves coffee to every morning at a Nantucket café—especially since he’s unwittingly tied to a past she deeply regrets. But she’s fallen hard, though she’s kept her feelings a secret.

When Tucker learns Sabrina is the research assistant for a local mystery writer, he asks Sabrina to help him with a little sleuthing of his own…locating an elusive woman he’s fallen for online.

If Sabrina accepts the job, she’ll spend her evenings in close proximity to a man who can never be hers. If she turns him down, he’ll hire someone else—and that would be a disaster. Because if someone else sifts through all those letters and find out the truth, Tucker will discover her secret…

That the person he’s trying to find is her.

My review:

Seaside Letters is now one of my favorite books by Denise Hunter. Sabrina is a character that I believe all women today can connect with and understand. Tucker is SO full of love and integrity, and is just trying to get Sabrina to open up to him and trust him. Throughout the whole book Denise shows the incredible love that God has for each of us. How He longs for a personal relationship with us, and wants us to trust Him with every fear, insecurity, and hope that we have. I loved this book. I think it is a definite to-read, along with the other books in the “Nantucket Love Story” series. All of these books show the character of our wonderful, loving God. Sabrina and Tucker’s story is sure to be a big success. Make sure you read it!

I'm So Sure by Jenny B. Jones ~ 5/5stars + *Favorite*

I'm So Sure

Jenny B. Jones

A Charmed Life series, #2

Thomas Nelson- Publisher

About the book:

Think you're having a rough week? Bella's stepdad, a semi-pro wrester, just signed the entire family up for a reality TV show. Bella's first thought: Kill. Me. Now.

Living in Truman, Oklahoma wasn't 100% miserable for Bella. Sure, she misses Manhattan, couture clothes, and her dad. But she was making new friends at Truman High and almost enjoying her work at the school newspaper. Then the whole stepdad-wrestler-reality-show issue hit and her life is now being splashed across weekly tabloids and broadcast news.

As if having a camera crew following her around isn't bad enough, Bella soon discovers a conspiracy against the Truman High prom queen candidates. And the closer she gets to the answer, the more danger she's in.

As her relationship with Luke teeters between friendship and romance, Bella's ex-boyfriend Hunter reappears and vies for Bella's attention. Denying allegations of a love triangle, working to solve the prom queen mystery, and trying to keep her cool on national television finally motivate Bella to start talking--and listening--to God more.

But what comes next has Bella once again screaming: I'M. SO. SURE.

My review:

I’m So Sure is another great laugh-out-loud book by Jenny B. Jones. However, this book is more than just a comedy. It has elements of suspense that really keep the pages turning. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Bella is getting into more trouble than ever, while coming into her own in the “sleuthing” business. Luke is one of my favorite heroes, even though he is really ornery. The fact that he is totally hot has nothing to do with it. ;) I’m looking forward to the next book in the Charmed Life series, and seeing what new trouble these characters get themselves into.