Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

 

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet read about Sophia and Aiden and their second chance at love. They dated back in high school but parted ways eventually. Sophia raised her siblings after the passing of their mother and is just now getting to a place of doing what she's been wanting to do....open a bookstore. When Sophia's sister announces that she's getting married, Sophia is excited for her and then finds out that Aiden is the best man. What are the odds that they might have that second chance?

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Love's Every Whisper (Eagle Harbor #2) by Naomi Rawlings

 

Love's Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elijah has been in love with Victoria for over 15 years. His background as a fisherman's son doesn't give him the clout that he needs to marry, let alone court, the daughter of a shipping baron. As Victoria struggles to find her way in life, and hopefully marry one day, Elijah is out rescuing men left and right from the waters of Lake Superior. Another man comes into the picture, one that Victoria is much more suited for socially. The question is, can Elijah save her from her own personal drowning?

This is a great story with many enjoyable elements. There is a forbidden love, someone trying to swoop in, action, danger, reconciling, sweet romance, and so much more. The narrator of this audiobook did a great job conveying the different emotions of each character throughout the story. This is the second book in a series and can be read as a standalone but it's fun to see previous characters popping in to say "Hi!".

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The River Queen (River Romances #1) by Stephenia H. McGee

 

The River Queen by Stephenia H. McGee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First, let's talk about this beautiful cover!! I love Anola's dress in this picture!!

Anola is doing everything she can to keep the family business afloat....literally. The Mississippi Riverboat show has been dwindling in attendance but Anola is determined to keep it going one way or another.

Emmett is rescued by the The River Queen after pirates attacked him and took over his ship. He is enamored with Anola and her singing voice. He's concerned about her losing her family business and vows to help her save it.

A great read (or listen to in this case)! I am a lover of historical fiction and I felt as though I was on the river with these characters.

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The Bookseller's Promise (The Amish Bookstore #1) by Beth Wiseman

 

The Bookseller's Promise by Beth Wiseman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yvonne is in Amish country to purchase a book for her client. The book is so special to the client that she's willing to pay the bookseller an absurd amount of money.

Jake promised his grandfather many years ago that he would never sell the book under any circumstances and he's committed to that promise. When Yvonne comes into town, a sense of jealousy strikes Jake's employee Eva.

Eva has had a crush on Jake for years but doesn't know that he will ever see her outside of the friend zone. She and Jake begin reading his grandfather's book together over dinner and Eva hopes that Jake will see how she really feels about him.

There is a lot of mystery surrounding this book in question and it has the potential to bring three people together in a very unlikely way. Overall, I enjoyed this book.


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Crossfire (Extreme Measures #2) by Lynette Eason

 

Crossfire by Lynette Eason
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This read will keep your attention! Just when you think things will calm down a bit, more drama ensues.

Julianna, an FBI Special Agent, is an excellent hostage negotiator and most are surprised to learn that's the career path she's chosen. She's so good at it, she's never lost a hostage.

Clay is a high school resource officer after leaving the military. Clay happens to work at the same school that Julianna's younger sister Dottie attends.

Things heat up a bit when, during a career day, Julianna and Clay have to work to save students from a crazed fanatic who is looking to make amends for an incident that happened several years ago. It just so happens that this specific day is the anniversary of that incident. The people involved turn out to be a bit surprising to Julianna and she has to face some things from her past to get through this event.

If I were ever in need of a hostage negotiator, I'd want someone like Julianna. She has a way with people that speaks to their conscience and allows for a successful situation.

There is a bit of a romance between Julianna and Clay but nothing vulgar or unbecoming at all. There are also spiritual elements within this book, mostly the changes in Clay's heart.

This is a great book and I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I did listen to the audio version of this and enjoyed the narrator's clear and concise voice. This book can be read as a standalone.

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Love's Unfading Light (Eagle Harbor Series #1) by Naomi Rawlings

 

Love's Unfading Light by Naomi Rawlings
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautifully written story about Tressa, a bakery owner, her 10 year old son, and Mac. Tressa's a recent widow who's quickly learning that her former husband was quite the scoundrel. He's wracked up a pretty healthy stack of debt and everyone is calling on Tressa to make amends for his misdeeds. As she struggles with all this, money that she had saved up to pay her rent on her bakery is stolen, further putting her in the crosshairs of the money-hungry men of Eagle Harbor, Michigan.

Mac enters the picture and sees that Tressa is really in need of some help. She is done with men and does not want or need any help that Mac provides but he keeps offering anyway. It's when she's being threatened further that she finally relents and allows him to step in for assistance.

I listened to this audiobook and found the narrator very easy to listen to. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

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The Negotiator (O'Malley #1) by Dee Henderson

 

The Negotiator by Dee Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable read about the O'Malley family, which is a conglomerate of different people from different backgrounds who are looking to belong after being abandoned by their family of origin. Kate O'Malley is a hostage negotiator who is trying to figure out who blew up an airplane just days after she receives black roses. Is she being targeted?
Enter Dave Richmond who is a specialist with the FBI assigned to the case. He meets Kate and starts to develop feelings for her. They are working together so a relationship isn't in their best interest but he just can't stay away when it's possible that she's being targeted.
I enjoyed listening to this book and I look forward to reading more in this series.

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A Reluctant Bride (The Bride Ships Series #1) by Jody Hedlund

 

A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a truly enjoyable book to listen to! The narrator was very easy to hear and follow along with on this story of Mercy and Joseph. I probably shouldn't have listened to it while driving though because there was a spot or two were it started raining on an otherwise very sunny day! This book tugged at my heartstrings a bit. I could identify with Mercy's struggles as a nurse and the situation with Sara really got to me. I wanted to smack Joseph for not being more aggressive, but I also highly respected him for his actions as well.

Overall, very enjoyable and I look forward to reading other titles in this series!

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Direct Threat (Protection, Inc. #1) by Kimberly Rose Johnson

 

Direct Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love finding a new series by a new-to-me author! This was a great start to this series and I look forward to reading more about Carissa (CJ) and her Protection Inc. Her first client is a young lady named Olivia who's just as feisty as CJ is. Her work is cut out for her with this one. Then Marc comes on the scene and fireworks ensue. Can the two of them together do what's best for Olivia and keep her safe from those who are out to harm her and her parents?

I did have a pretty good idea fairly early on who the culprit (or at least one of them would be). It still made the story very enjoyable though!

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Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

 

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a beautiful, yet at times tragic, story. I love historical reads and this one did not disappoint. I don't believe I've read anything by this author before (if I have it's been many, many years) and I can't wait to get ahold of another one of her stories.

I loved so many things about Lucie and Paul's story. I can't imagine the fear that they both lived in during that time of life. The secrecy and lies that had to take place just to survive all the events of the time in Paris. Then, there's Paul's daughter, who stole my heart right away when I thought her dad was being a jerk....she's precious!

A great clean Christian romance novel set in Paris during World War II. A few tears were shed during the listening of this audiobook.

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A Cowboy Unmatched (Archer Brothers #2.25) by Karen Witemeyer

 

A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neill Archer is looking for a way to fund his dream of a ranch and land to go with it. He starts asking around about work available in the area while at church and before he can leave, he finds a note in his Bible with an opportunity for an interview. There is a widow needing a new roof put on her house. When Neill arrives, he doesn't receive the warmest welcome and then is surprised to learn who the widow is. He's gonna fix her roof but there might be more involved than originally intended.

I LOVED this novella but I didn't want it to end when it did. It was a super fast read and I kept wanting more of this story. I have really enjoyed this series from one of my all-time favorite historical fiction authors!

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Love on the Mend (Full Steam Ahead #1.5) by Karen Witemeyer

 

Love on the Mend by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great read from one of my all-time favorite authors!

Jacob Sadler is looking to settle down and to deal with some past grievances. He returns to Cold Springs, Texas, after serving in the War Between the States. It's been 17 years since he's been here. The first day he's in town, he finds himself rescuing a young lad who broke his leg. He also meets Mollie Tate, who will eventually become Dr. Sadler's nurse.

Mollie was a difficult child who lived a difficult life. That is, until Uncle Curtis came in and rescued her and gave her a home. Mollie has a tender heart and tries to only see the best in others. She has Uncle Curtis on a pedestal, but not everyone sees him in that way.

A budding romance ensues between Dr. Sadler and his nurse Mollie, but can they put their personal differences for Uncle Curtis aside or will it destroy their relationship?

I loved this short novella! It's very short and sweet, but chocked full of adventure and a heartwarming story.

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More Than Meets the Eye (Patchwork Family #1) by Karen Witemeyer

 

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great book!! It starts out with gut wrenching information about Evangeline and her family. Then things seem to smooth out and be alright. Then more drama ensues with a very sweet ending. I was all over the place with my emotions in this book. There is prejudice, there is murder, there is gambling, there is redemption, there is romance, and so much more!

I'm looking forward to reading book 2.5 in this series as I read book 2 before reading this one. Thank you, Karen Witemeyer for writing such amazing books!

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An Ivy Hill Christmas (Tales from Ivy Hill) by Julie Klassen

 

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun little novella that I had intended to read during the Christmas season but just now got around to reading it. My favorite characters in this book are Wally, the terrier, and Jaime. I loved hearing about the outfit that Wally was wearing and it just made me chuckle as I was diving into this story. I pictured Richard to be a bit like Scrooge with his attitude but his heart was more like Tiny Tim. Most didn't see Richard as a kind individual but he's more likely to do things behind the scenes. They also hold his past against him.

This is a heartwarming holiday story that is sure to delight no matter what time of the year it's read.

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Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

 

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off, I'm really loving the cover on this book! You'll read more about this dress!

Secondly, I'm a huge fan of Karen Witemeyer! I love her writing style and the way she incorporates the Word into her stories. These are my favorite types of books to read!

Crockett Archer is on his way to audition for the open pulpit job when a band of train robbers stops the train. They only want one thing...the preacher man. Crockett realizes his plans are all messed up now but when he learns that he was abducted because the leader's daughter wanted a preacher? Well, things might end up working out ok.

Joanna Robbins has been praying for a preacher for quite some time. Their little local church hasn't had a preacher in awhile. Joanna is also hoping to fulfill a promise she made to her mom. A promise to get her dad to see the love of the Lord and how He could help Silas out through life.

The Lord works in mysterious ways sometimes, and often in ways that aren't the way a mortal human plans. Joanna, Crockett, and Silas learn this in a variety of ways in this story of love, redemption, and correction.

This is a very clean romance with a spiritual message. Bible verses are spread throughout. I highly recommend this great read!!

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Protective Custody by Lynette Eason

 

Protective Custody by Lynette Eason
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great suspenseful mystery with a small amount of romance scattered throughout.

Carly Masterson is a US Marshall who has been assigned a new duty station. She isn't thrilled when she sees that she is responsible for guarding Judge Nick Floyd. He let a murderer go who then in turn murdered Carly's partner. Can she keep her personal feelings for Nick out of this assignment?

I figured out pretty quick who the main person involved in all the activity was going to be. There were not so subtle clues throughout that led me to that conclusion. It didn't stop me from reading the book though, as I wanted to see how it all played out.

Overall, an enjoyable read!

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If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 

Coming March 2024!!

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This beautifully written book is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story with a western twist.

The Three Cedars Ranch is hosting a ball, or rather Eli Dearing is hosting the ball, in the hopes of wrangling a husband for his daughter Samantha. She's not happy about it because she just returned home from her schooling in Boston and she doesn't need or want Daddy's help in finding a man. In her time away, Sam has become rather prim and proper but also has a wild side to her.

Clint Dearing is the younger brother of Samantha and he's just now starting to learn the ins and outs of running a ranch. It's a lot of work but he's learning a lot and super happy to have his sister home.

Asher Ellis is a ranch hand at the Bar 7 Ranch but he comes home to take care of Momma Bess and his younger siblings. When he learns that Eli Dearing has evicted his family from their home, Asher sets out to find out why. He dares to enter the ball to find the study and the paperwork he needs to confront Mr. Dearing about putting his family in dire straits. When Mr. Dearing enters the study and hears something, Asher has no choice but to jump out the window.

A pursuit takes place and Clint finds himself in the pond and he can't swim. Sam is screaming for help and Asher jumps in to save Clint. He leaves behind a clue to his identity but that could come back to haunt him eventually.

This is a clean romance novel that is full of adventure, family secrets, traitors, and lots of good cooking! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to many more from author!

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Life Flight by Lynette Eason

 

Life Flight by Lynette Eason
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Penny is a helicopter pilot who works for the local EMS services. Many people rely on her flying skills to get them the medical help they need quickly and safely. Penny is one of the best out there and she has a great team to work with as well!

A call comes in that will change Penny's life forever. The weather is atrocious and she argues with her director that it's not safe to fly. The director doesn't give her an option (well, he does but it involves her losing her job) so she flies out to the site to pick up the victim. On the way to the hospital, things start to fail on the "bird" and Penny has to make an emergency landing. Little does she know that she's landed on a mountain top and that a serial killer is loose in the same area. With no way to communicate with base, Penny leaves her team caring for the patient and she begins to walk to find someone that can help her. She finally is able to secure a satellite phone and call in for help. On her way back to the bird, however, she encounters who she believes to be the serial killer. Life gets a lot more interesting then and so does this story!

We follow Penny throughout her ordeal with Rabun and the many ways he tries to come after her and those she loves. With the help of FBI Special Agent Holt, is it possible that Penny and her team can put an end to all the killings?

This is a very fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't eat while reading this though as there are some gruesome scenes described that might turn your tummy! I am looking forward to reading even more in this series!

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In Honor's Defense (Hanger's Horsemen #3) by Karen Witemeyer

 

In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book from my local library's online reading app. I absolutely love Karen Witemeyer books and knew this one would not disappoint! I have not read the previous books in this series but felt comfortable diving into this one. It can be read as a standalone but I have to know more about Hanger's Horsemen so you can bet I'll be going back and reading the other two, plus any to follow!

Damaris....I love her name! She's a rather unattractive woman in her mid twenties who is caring for her elderly Great Aunt when a letter comes informing her of her brother's demise. She also learns at that time that her nephew, Nathaniel, has been left in her care. Damaris packs up her life in St. Louis and moves to Texas to be with the teenage boy who's now lost both of his parents.

Luke Davenport was born a fighter and will probably fight until his last breath. He is a member of Hanger's Horsemen and has been hired by a Mr. Grimes to help investigate the case of his missing cattle.

Damaris and Luke meet under rather unfortunate circumstances (at least for Damaris!) but they form a bond that is unlike any that either of them have experienced before. There are perils, heartache, sub par food, fires, a teenage boy, books, and more that bring them together in some fairly unique circumstances. Their love for the Lord will see them through all of these circumstances though!

I loved this book and struggled to put it down. When I did have to put it down for a bit, I thought about what life might have been like in this fictional story. I love how Luke didn't focus on Damaris's physical appearance, but rather her heart. It's a very touching story that I found myself tearing up over at times. Other times I laughed, then I'd get mad. I hope there will be more stories in this series and I'm going back to catch up on the stories that I've missed! I'd love to see the wives get a series too!! (**HINT HINT**)

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The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen

 

The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the Summers family loses their patriarch very suddenly, they find themselves losing their standing in the community that they were so well acquainted with at one time. Sarah, the acting oldest sister in the family, makes a decision that could either diminish their standing forever or could make a positive impact on their lives. Opening their home as a place for people to stay while travelling, they expect to cater to a much older crowd due to their proximity to the healing sea waters. However, they find themselves entertaining a variety of age groups and social standings. Viola, a very "special" sister refuses to do any of the grunt work but has agreed that she will read to invalid people. Each family member finds themselves having to dig deep within to save the family from leaving their beloved home.

I enjoyed this story very much. There is a couple of sweet romances brewing, a mysterious "missing" sister, an ailing mother, and lots of decision making in a time when women were frowned upon for running businesses on their own.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

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