Love at First Bark by Dana Mentink is a 2017 publication.
This is a super short and sweet contemporary romance novella- a part of the ‘Love Unleashed’Love at First Bark by Dana Mentink is a 2017 publication.
This is a super short and sweet contemporary romance novella- a part of the ‘Love Unleashed’ series. The story is about Marcy, an author, who gets a taste of unexpected success, but must now meet deadlines… and her heart just isn’t quite in it. One of her many distractions is a cute dog who showed up out of the blue...
Enter cowboy Jackson Parker who seems to recognize Marcy’s dilemma and gently leads her to a few realizations making her think about the direction her life should go going forward.
This is a cute ‘lunchbreak’ read and a nice introduction to the series. Who can pass up a cute dog and a handsome cowboy?
Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter is a 2020 Thomas Nelson publication.
The plan was to get the Bluebell Inn in shape to sell it. Now the Bennett siblings Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter is a 2020 Thomas Nelson publication.
The plan was to get the Bluebell Inn in shape to sell it. Now the Bennett siblings feel that time has come. With Levi and Molly all set to move forward with their lives, Grace is the one who will be staying in Bluebell, North Carolina. She still has a few moves to make before the inn sells so she needs to get busy getting her business in shape before her siblings leave. But her plans are diverted when Wyatt Jennings shows up for an extended stay at the inn.
When Grace realizes Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she readily volunteers despite some reservations and her sister’s concern. But once they are alone together, they find it easy to discuss their pasts, and get to know each other a little bit, yet they each hold back information about themselves not knowing that key events in their past are about to have a huge impact on their future.
This story has a little bit of suspense mixed in the family drama and romance, which I loved. Grace is the youngest and her siblings still treat her like a child, though she is twenty-one, and is a business owner in her own right- but even Wyatt believes she’s too innocent to get involved with him. But Grace is determined to prove herself, while also finally facing a nightmare from her childhood that resurfaces in her nightmares and occasionally causes full blown panic attacks.
Wyatt works in security, specialized security- but is still haunted by his mother’s death. So, when circumstances arise that put him on leave, he decides to return to Bluebell, hoping to somehow come to terms with what happened all those years ago.
Survivor’s guilt is a big theme in this story with our two MCs suffering from this syndrome. I liked the way the past merged with the present and offered them both a bit of long overdue redemption. The situation presented in the story is definitely an unusual one- but the way it brought two people together who needed to find closure, despite the oddity of the circumstances, could only have come from divine intervention.
Overall, a lovely story all around. I’m so glad I found this author- I get the romance and family dramas, with a sweet Christian message- without the language and explicit content I have grown so weary of. I’m looking forward to going back and reading Molly and Levi’s story someday.
4 stars
*Note: This is the last book in a trilogy- but I think these can be read as stand-alone novels- I just wanted to read a book set in the fall season. Other than knowing the two other siblings get a HEA- the details of their journey are sparse– so no real spoilers if you happen to read them out of order....more
The Lawman Returns by Lynette Eason is a 2014 Love Inspired Suspense publication.
Deputy Clay Starke returns home after his brother’s death, determineThe Lawman Returns by Lynette Eason is a 2014 Love Inspired Suspense publication.
Deputy Clay Starke returns home after his brother’s death, determined to find his murderer. But because of the conflict of interest, he can’t investigate officially. But then he meets Sabrina, a social worker, who may have information about his brother’s murder. As the spend more time together they become aware of a growing attraction between them, but Sabrina’s knowledge about the crime may have made her a target…
I stumbled across this one while browsing through the KU offerings. Lynette Eason has been on my radar for a long time, and so I checked this book out on impulse.
While I admit, I really, really want to like this line of romantic suspense novels, I haven’t had very good luck with it, struggling with some quality issues. This book, though, is quite good considering its brevity. The writing is solid, and the story is fleshed out nicely.
There is a realistic crime drama, with some suspenseful moments, and of course there is a romantic element which is handled perfectly. It does not interfere with the investigation, although feelings develop a bit too fast, still one must remember the time constraints with less than three hundred pages to work with. Besides, these are mature adults, and the relationship is one I could believe in.
The story is labeled as Christian fiction- so there is a gentle message, and the story is ‘clean’, which is always refreshing.
Overall, I’d say this was a nice, quick introduction to this author’s work and I liked what I saw- so maybe now I'll try to read some of her titles published through Revell.
If I Run by Terri Blackstock is a 2016 publication.
Casey’s best friend has been murdered and she’s the prime suspect. While she runs from law enforceIf I Run by Terri Blackstock is a 2016 publication.
Casey’s best friend has been murdered and she’s the prime suspect. While she runs from law enforcement, Dylan Roberts joins in the chase, independently. As he hunts for Casey, he comes to believe she may be innocent…
But who would want to frame Casey… and why?
This is a fast-paced thriller told partly from Casey’s perspective and partly from Dylan’s, as he begins piecing the puzzle together.
The novel touches on the themes of PTSD and plants the seeds of a Christian message as Casey begins to see her need for answered prayers, faith, and trust in God.
While there were revelations along the way, none of them were exactly shocking. I suppose that’s the hazard of reading so much crime fiction- but the story is still compelling and held my attention without losing any momentum along the way.
One thing to know, if you are considering this one, is that this is the first book in a trilogy. There are still some threads hanging at the end of this book, so you’ll have to read the other two installments to get all the answers and you’ll have to read them in order.
Overall, while some plot points were predictable and the story doesn’t really cover much new territory, it is still an engaging thriller. I’m on board for the whole trilogy and am looking forward to seeing how everything wraps up.
Thanksgiving Target by Laura Scott is a 2009 publication.
Tara is watching over Melissa, her friend and client, as she lies in a coma due to a viciousThanksgiving Target by Laura Scott is a 2009 publication.
Tara is watching over Melissa, her friend and client, as she lies in a coma due to a vicious beating by her boyfriend. When Melissa’s brother, Max, an army Lieutenant on leave, arrives, he steps in to help when it becomes clear that someone has Tara in their crosshairs...
I’ve been on a mission to find some Thanksgiving themed books this year. Surprisingly, I have stumbled across a few, after doing a deep dive at my Overdrive library- and this was one of them.
This is a romantic suspense novel, and though it is a few years old now, it hasn’t aged all that much. The story moves at a brisk pace, and the mystery is solid enough- though it was easy to figure out who the stalker was -Still, it didn’t deflate the suspense.
Because these books are so short, some situations were rushed through, and not fleshed out properly, when they desperately needed to be.
Since this is a “Love Inspired” novel of suspense- (which, for those who don't know), is a Christian/ Faith-based/ Inspirational imprint), there was a strong Christian message included in the story.
While I expected the story to be clean, this one was chaste to the extreme- but that’s fine since the mystery/suspense was the big draw for me anyway.
As to the main reason I chose this book- the Thanksgiving theme…
Well…
Thanksgiving does finally come up- though I was beginning to wonder- and it was a sweet part of the happily ever after for Tara and Max.
Overall, this is not a story that will stick with me for very long. It was highly implausible at times, but was still a quick, easy, and enjoyable holiday diversion on a very cold, wet, dreary afternoon.
Her Darkest Secrets by Jessica R. Patch is a 2022 Love Inspired Trade publication.
This was a good one!
It has been a long time since I’ve read a goodHer Darkest Secrets by Jessica R. Patch is a 2022 Love Inspired Trade publication.
This was a good one!
It has been a long time since I’ve read a good romantic suspense novel. I used to gobble up this type of RS like candy back in the late 90s and early aughts, but the style changed, and I couldn’t relate to it anymore.
This book would be a good script for an episode of 'Criminal Minds'- but with a gentle Christian message and a side order of second chance romance. My kind of Romantic Suspense!! Yes!
I really like this style of Romantic Suspense, which is not easy to find these days- and is why I rarely read the genre anymore. Now that I have discovered this author, I will definitely return for more!!
Turn to Me by Becky Wade is a 2022 Bethany House Publication.
Just before his release from prison, Luke’s friend, and fellow inmate, died of a heart aTurn to Me by Becky Wade is a 2022 Bethany House Publication.
Just before his release from prison, Luke’s friend, and fellow inmate, died of a heart attack. His dying words to Luke were to help his daughter, Finley, with her annual birthday treasure hunt, alluding to the possibility that this time the hunt could put Finley at risk.
Finley works at a non-profit dog rescue and is a devout Christian. When Luke arrives, announcing his intentions help Finley with her treasure hunt, she accepts his help, working hard to ignore her attraction to him, as well the idea that the birthday hunt might be dangerous...
This is my first novel by Becky Wade, and I really liked it. The story involves two people who have both lived through gut wrenching tragedy, and still carry the pain and scars with them.
Luke is out on parole, but still riddled with guilt, while Finley lost her fiance, and believes she is destined to be single for life. But, Luke and Finely must rethink their presumptions about what plans God may have for them, while they work through the mystery of the birthday treasure.
There is a side romance, and a thread involving Luke's troubled teenage sister who is out sowing some wild oats.
That's a lot going on in one book, and it kept the pacing from ever picking up steam- causing the mystery to unfold at a snail's pace. Things do pick up in the last few chapters, though, with a few intense, 'hold your breath' moments.
The author note at the end explains where she came up with the inspiration for the mystery thread, but for me some of the details were still stretched the realm of plausibility- at least for me- yet, the human nature parts of criminal elements were spot-on.
That said, I loved Finley’s unconventionality, Luke’s transformation, the character development, the great message about mistakes, guilt, and worthiness, the sweet and often funny romance…. And of course, all those rescue dogs.
Overall, this is a lovely story and a nice introduction to Becky Wade’s work. I’ll definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.
Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter is a 2022 Thomas Nelson publication.
Laurel and Gavin’s marriage fell apart after the death of their son. Now tragedy haHarvest Moon by Denise Hunter is a 2022 Thomas Nelson publication.
Laurel and Gavin’s marriage fell apart after the death of their son. Now tragedy has truck once again- and they must come together to care for Emma, a small child whose parents named the divorced couple as guardians, in the event of their death.
Forced to put their own issues aside for Emma’s sake, Gavin and Laurel have the chance to view the past from a different perspective, own their mistakes, and rekindle the feelings that brought them together to begin with…
This is the last book in the Riverbend trilogy, and I will admit I skipped book two, but will circle back around to it soon, but by all accounts, this is the strongest installment in the series, thus ending on a very strong note.
The story deals with some very, very emotional topics. It starts off with a horrific tragedy that leaves a toddler orphaned, which is weighty enough on its own, but as the novel progresses, the situation causes Gavin and Laurel to finally deal with the loss of their own child, together, instead of individually. It is painful and heartbreaking, but the way everything comes together is riveting stuff!
This book is good! I loved it. I’ve been in a ‘lighter’ frame of mind this summer, and the subject matter here is hard to read about- but the heavy material is balanced with some lovely, romantic background about Laurel and Gavin’s courtship, and Emma is so precious, she nearly steals the show- plus, there are even some taut courtroom moments too.
Overall, this a touching, beautiful story of second chances!
Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter is a 2021 Thomas Nelson publication.
Katelyn is on her way to meet her boyfriend, Gavin's parents for the first time. BRiverbend Gap by Denise Hunter is a 2021 Thomas Nelson publication.
Katelyn is on her way to meet her boyfriend, Gavin's parents for the first time. But she winds up teetering off the edge of a cliff after swerving off the road.
A Sheriff’s deputy, named Cooper comes to her rescue, talking her through some intense moments while they wait for help to arrive. Cooper feels an instant connection with Kate but is taken completely by surprise when he discovers she’s his brother’s new girlfriend!
Kate has moved to Riverbend Gap for more personal reasons that she lets on and has many emotional issues to work through. Gavin is also trying to put his life back together after a tragic loss, which keeps Kate from acknowledging her burgeoning feelings for Cooper.
Cooper is something of a ladies’ man, but right now, though, he’s got an election campaign to run while shooting down a multitude of stumbling blocks that could derail his run for Sheriff. The last thing he needs is to create more scandal by getting involved with Kate…. If only his heart agreed with his head.
This is, to my knowledge, the first book I have read by this author. I took the plunge with this one because it was the first book in a new series, and I wouldn’t have to play catch-up. While this is an emotional story, it is also a wonderful book about the strength of family, friendship and true love.
Like Kate, I think I could come to love the Robinson family as much as she did. The story has some nice thought-provoking scenarios addressing different ways people react to rumors and possible scandals. The story also tackles the pain and ruin that comes from drug addiction, and the toll it takes on everyone involved. There is a love triangle- and that can be a tricky sell sometimes- but I thought the author did a great with it.
As you may have gathered there is a lot going on in this story, and sometimes it gets a little messy. I love messy! I love seeing how people rise to the occasion, face their fears and own up to their shortcomings. I loved the message of healing and forgiveness, and the warm-hearted way the story concludes.
Overall, I’m glad I finally got around to giving this author a try. I hope I can fit some of her older titles into my reading list and am definitely on board for the next book in this series....more
After She Falls by Carmen Schober is a 2021 Bethany House publication.
Adri’s life veered off course when she married the wrong guy. Her career as a mAfter She Falls by Carmen Schober is a 2021 Bethany House publication.
Adri’s life veered off course when she married the wrong guy. Her career as a mixed martial artist fell by the wayside and she found herself living in a vicious cycle of abuse. She finally wakes up and gathers up her courage to leave, returning home with her young daughter, Eva. From this time forward, Adri hopes to get her life back in order and her first order of business is getting right with God.
Along the way she reconnects with her former best friend, Max, with whom she also has romantic feelings for, and resurrects her dormant career, all while trying to cope with the ever-present threat her ex-husband might be considering.
I liked many things about this book. One, Adri gets herself and her daughter out of a bad situation which could only come to a tragic conclusion.
From there, Adri realizes her hope lies in her faith, and her spiritual growth is one of the most wonderful parts of this story.
The one thing I had mixed feelings about, though, was Adri's career as a mixed martial artist. I was intrigued by her occupation, and thought it made the premise sound a lot more intriguing- but I also don't really get the attraction of watching two people punch each other until one of them loses consciousness. But, my curiosity won out in the end.
Initially, I was a little surprised by some innuendo and actions of the characters which were not exactly the type of material, I’d have expected in a book marketed as Christian Fiction. On the other hand, as the story progressed, the messages became a little stronger, and I got a lot more about living a Christian life in this book than in my previous experiences with this genre, where the story might have been ‘clean’ but the ‘Christian’ part was barely detectable.
My one real complaint was that while categorized as a romance, I don’t think it truly fits into that category. There was the unspoken promise of relationship developments between Adri and Max, but that’s about it.
Mainly, the story is about Adri pulling her life and career back together, turning to her faith to steer her in the right direction, and committing herself fully to living a Christian life.
She still makes mistakes and errors in judgment, but eventually learns from her missteps- occasionally the hard way- but her will is strong and she triumphs in the end.
Despite my reservations about the mixed martial arts career choice, I confess to feeling the adrenaline and excitement of the matches and found myself cheering Adri on. There was a 'Rocky' like atmosphere during those passages, and the author did a great job of stirring the reader's emotions.
Overall, this is a solid debut novel from this author. I liked the characters, the mostly sound, positive spiritual messages, as well as the unique premise of the story.
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