NOT WHAT WE PICTURED by Becca Kinzer, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Was there anything that ruined a perfect marriage proposal more than a snoozing, potentially dead body on a bench?"

And so it began. McKenna Boston was determined to plant her sister's engagement ring on a particular bench at a particular time in a particular place and then scurry out of sight to take pictures of the momentous occasion, thus opening the door to pursue her own aspirations. There was just this teeny, weeny flaw with the plan. A very real man was sleeping on that one-of-a-kind bench.

Nate Lambert had been minding his own business and trying to doze off a headache after attending the funeral of his beloved mentor and before catching a flight out of Nebraska. When a crazy acting redhead fumbles into his arm pit Nate somehow got the distinct feeling that his life was about to take an unexpected turn . . . like a ride on a roller coaster turned tilt-a-whirl.

The story that follows is one the funniest that I have ever read! Filled with rings zipped inside pants pockets, uninvited kisses, dunks in a river, trips to an emergency room, lost luggage, a crazy acting redhead (yes, her again), interrogation by airport security guards (with that aforementioned woman), and by this point you are still only a few chapters into the story.

Yet beneath all the hilarity, a steady cadence beats true; that God's love is unearned, immeasurable and everlasting. It doesn't get any better than that! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
This is absolutely not how they pictured their summer going.

McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She's spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She's ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister's boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right?

Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom's bed and breakfast is struggling and there's a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn't have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska.

With the ring nowhere to be found, all McKenna can do is wait and use the time to build her portfolio and plan her next career move. But she also can't help getting swept up in Nate's bed and breakfast renovations and in planning a community concert with the townsfolk. As both await news of Nate's suitcase, it begins to seem their serendipitous meeting, and the proposal gone wrong, could actually be everything going right . . . and that this may be their chance at a love neither could have pictured.

-A clean, witty rom com with a forced proximity trope and a reluctant allies love story
-Features laugh-out-loud humor and a sweet, endearing couple
-This contemporary summer romance with a Southern small-town setting is great for fans of Sarah Adams, Pepper Basham, and Emma St. Clair
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy NOT WHAT WE PICTURED at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

THE CINDERLELLA PLOT by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay #YA

PAULA'S REVIEW:
If you are looking for a book for your teen that is clean and a lot of fun, this one is rated PG for Pure Genius! I was hooked from the start and I am 76!

Ms Basham has captured the high school atmosphere and has penned a story that teaches a lesson: God loves you as you are!  

Paisley is a nerd with nerdy friends but wants to fit in with the popular crowd. So she starts taking an advice book called THE CINDERELLA PLOT seriously. But it backfires and she almost loses her best friend Chris (a favorite character) in the process. With hilarious high jinx that landed me in a coughing fit, Paisley and friends are characters that are endearing and entertaining. I loved all the movie and literary references and the chapter headings were fabulous. The story sees Paisley getting herself into a pretty pickle but with prayer, honesty and pure guts, she sets things right again.  

Ms. Basham is very adept at writing a comedy with heart and purpose. And in this one, she writes a book within a book when she also writes a self-help book that Paisley follows in hopes of a transformation.
This may be a YA book but all ages will absolutely love it!
*A little copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*Beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Paisley Harper is invisible.

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way.

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed.

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date.

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first.

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question:
What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself?

Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along.

**CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page ** 

MadLit Publishing, March, 2026

BUY Cinderella Plot at Amazon in digital ebook or paperback. 

PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Andrea Michelle Wood, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Home to Heritage Book 4

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another heartwarming small-town story in a favorite location: Heritage, Michigan. This author fits right in with the other books penned by Tari Faris. Welcome back to the close-knit community with the town mascot, Otis the metal Hippo. People still cannot figure out how he moves from place to place.
 

Starting out with a meet-cute with witty banter, it quickly turns into enemies: Coach Titus and substitute teacher Piper clash in the high school over a football player’s eligibility because of failing grades.
 

Soon, the rivals become allies and a bit more when they join together to do what is best for the football team and individual players.
 

I liked the theme of puzzle pieces being lost, found and fitting into their proper places. I especially liked that the community always comes together to help a newcomer and worthy causes. 

Faith is evident in the main characters and although there are challenges along the way, God and His leading is the ultimate focus.
 

I am delighted once again to visit Heritage and look forward to the next book, a Christmas setting!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Sunrise Publishing on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:
Substitute Teacher Piper Caveneau is all about making sure her students succeed—even if she has to bench the entire Heritage Football team. And of course she’ll stand up to the school’s new football coach. Even if he, inconveniently, happens to be the charming man who rescued her on her first night in town.

But being a teacher is her calling—and a fulltime position in Heritage is her dream and she’ll do whatever it takes to finally call this small town home.

Former NFL player Titus Ford can’t believe he’s back in the tiny, cramped town of Heritage, Michigan—but a guy has to do something while he’s trying to recover, so sure, he’ll coach his former high school team. Titus doesn’t have time for distractions—especially not the fiery new English teacher who’s derailed his season by failing his players.

When Piper suggests tutoring for his kids, he’s willing to give it a chance. He has no idea that one yes might lead to the life he never thought he wanted. And Piper just might find the home she longs for.

But when a prestigious coaching job comes calling…and Piper’s dreams go up in smoke, maybe Heritage wasn’t their happy ending after all.

Home to Heritage
Book 1: You're the Reason
Book 2: Here With Me
Book 3: Christmas With You
Book 4: Playing for Keeps
Book 5: Under the Mistletoe

 

Sunrise Publishing, September, 2025

Available at Amazon in digital ebook, or paperback

HOW SWEET IT IS, IT'S YOUR LOVE, THE WAY YOU LOVE ME (Deep Haven / FOX FAMILY Collection) Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA REVIEWS THREE ROMANCES in SUNRISE PUBLISHING'S FOX FAMILY COLLECTION (PART OF DEEP HAVEN COLLECTION)

#1 HOW SWEET IT IS by Andrea Christenson

"Paris was her dream. And she wasn't giving that up."

When gourmet baker Robin Fox's dream job in Paris turns into a nightmare of sorts, she decides to take a break and travel back home to Deep Haven. Her grandparents have asked her to keep their bread bakery in business while they take a much needed vacation in Florida. The only caveat? . . . "just don't change anything around here". Well . . .

Sammy Johnson loves his home town of Deep Haven, he just doesn't know how to re-acclimate after finally recovering from a horrific logging accident. Much to his surprise, he learns that his high school friend, Robin Fox, is back in town. When he happens upon Robin knee deep in water due to a busted pipe, Sammy steps in with his time and handyman talents; his only compensation???? . . . some of those delicious cupcakes she has started baking.

It soon becomes apparent that Robin's baking skills have the potential to whisk her far, far away from Deep Haven again, perhaps sooner rather than later. How exactly was that going to work since Sammy's heart had gotten all mixed in with the baker herself? A really sweet, and quite romantic story about discovering God's plan; "fitting in and belonging aren't the same thing".

Caution: Don't be at all surprised if you crave cake throughout the reading of this book! 3.5 stars

#2 IT'S YOUR LOVE by Rachel D. Russell

"We like to pretend we have a lot of control in this life, but the fact is, we have very little. But we have faith."

Grayson Fox's faith had been shoved to the back burner of his life . . . for a long time, if he was honest with himself. Returning to his home town of Deep Haven was supposed to put a plan into motion for realizing his dream of owning ranch property in Oregon, yet selling his family acreage has become much harder than he anticipated . . . perhaps that difficulty revolves around his new temporary summer job at the Trinity Horse Camp . . . or more accurately, it is the horse camp's interim assistant director who is giving his head a spin.

Could a face-to-face with Grayson Fox have been more embarrassing than having a heat-stroke inside a ridiculous book costume after being chased by a contingency of barking dogs? Ummm . . . the short answer is . . . no. Her teen-age crush . . . or "something" was back in town and looking like an honest-to-goodness cowboy, who was slated to be working at . . . "her" camp over the summer???

This sparks-are-flying reunion in a small town where everyone knows your name is so entertaining that it would be easy to concentrate on the fun factors and overlook the faith journey taking place . . . Beth and Grayson have deep-seated fears brewing inside their generous hearts and selfless motives . . . because when it comes down to it, he is leaving at the end of the summer and Beth is staying in Deep Haven forever  . . . and that is a problem that only God can work out! 3.5 stars

#3 THE WAY YOU LOVE ME by Michelle Sass Aleckson

"Love is never easy, Lena. Life together will be muddled and difficult at times. Relationships are risk."

Love was a risk that Lena Larson thought she would ever take again . . . except that when Oliver Fox arrived back in Deep Haven with an adorable little girl, her defenses began to crumble, one little giggle at a time. The man in question had shattered her heart those many years ago, and it seemed that even this newer version of Oliver Fox needed a big, bright caution sign hanging around his handsome neck.

Oliver Fox had made so many mistakes . . . but hopeful that he was on the right path forward. Coming back to his hometown with a list of amends could assure the custody of his five year old daughter . . . which meant providing Kiah with a stable home environment sourced from a steady income. Falling in love (again, if the truth were known) with his next door neighbor certainly hadn't been on his court order.

Do you love a story with deeply flawed characters whose understandings and misunderstandings collide at the best and worst of times, recovering with offers of love and forgiveness along with immeasurable measures of grace? Throw in family dynamics, a precious child, and animals who provide a multitude of comedic interruptions and there you have it . . . "The Way You Love Me" . . . a wonderful, romantic finish to this heartwarming series.

*I purchased all of these stories and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

SEE THE BACK COVER BLURBS and 

BUY THE FOX FAMILY BOOKS (PART OF THE DEEP HAVEN COLLECTION) AT AMAZON IN DIGITAL EBOOK, PAPERBACK, OR AUDIOBOOK

KINDLING CHRISTMAS IN WISHING BRIDGE, by Ruth Logan Herne, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

“Wishing Bridge. . . where prayers and wishes mingle to make dreams come true.”

It’s always a treat to read one of Ruth Logan Herne’s books, and Kindling Christmas in Wishing Bridge is no exception. Herne is a master at writing beautiful, meaningful, moving small-town stories and populating them with delightful, engaging characters. I enjoyed meeting Nora Corrigan and her adorable daughter Emmy, and also hero Luke Talbot, who has returned reluctantly to Wishing Bridge to help the residents following a deadly storm. When Luke saves Nora’s life, he feels responsible for her. I loved seeing the relationship grow and change between the two as they help each other.

“Her joy wasn’t dependent on another person. It came straight from the strength within her.”

The addition of a mystery element gave extra interest to the story, and, as always, Herne seamlessly incorporates an inspirational message which adds depth. Themes of redemption, forgiveness, faith, and hope resonate with this beautiful Christmas story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Former Army Captain Luke Talbot never intended to return to Wishing Bridge. But when the people who looked after him... the ones who cheered him and others onto a State Championship, the ones who looked beyond his criminal roots, the ones who cared when no one else dared.... When they were sideswiped by a wretched storm that swept down the hillsides, tearing out bridges and roads, Luke had no choice.

He had to come.
And once here, he did whatever needed to be done, including saving the life of a beautiful young woman. He didn't mean to save a life. She was there, the car was coming and he had just enough time (he hoped) to intervene. So he did. But there's a thing about servicemen. An old Chinese saying kind of thing that says if you save someone's life, you bear some responsibility for that person. That's just how it is, and honestly, bearing some responsibility for a beautiful woman wasn't exactly a hardship.

But she was staying.
He was going.
The last place on Earth that Lucas Talbot wanted to hang his hat was in Wishing Bridge. He'd slain old dragons, shelved the bad memories and banished the ghosts of Christmas past but here he was. And here she was... And maybe... just maybe... it was meant to be.

Available September 2024 in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

THE BLOOMING OF DELPHINIUM by Holly Varni, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

 Contemporary Small Town Opposites Attract Romance about 

a Flower Shop and Matchmaker

 

"We just need to give her time to get used to having the walking dead in her cooler."

Welcome back to the small, intimate lakeside community of Moonberry Lake, where the owner of the most beautiful flower shop in town has a "refrigerator full of elderly men"! You read that right, Delphinium Hayes is unintentionally participating in an attempt by the residents of the local senior care facility to escape what they perceive as ignored demands for better food and entertainment options. In all actuality, they are just a group of bored, senior men who want to play poker in their undershirts and Delphinium has the perfect space to do just that . . .

Delphinium . . . now how does one describe an exquisite young woman with a nose for sniffing out trouble . . . depending on your natural scent, of course . . . and a genius when it comes to arranging flowers and loving seniors? The fact is, just about everyone in Moonberry Lake adores Delphinium, with one exception (at the moment), a tangibly distressed director of the Moonberry Lake's Garden Assisted Living and Senior Care Facility, Mr. Elliot Sturgis, whose anxiety over all the safety rules and regulations being broken is topping the charts . . . but never fear, the lovely, disheveled floral designer extraordinaire tells him that he exudes the scent of . . . violets????

It's impossible to encapsulate all of the moving parts and heartfelt emotions that this story inspires. The characters are incredibly lovable and engaging, (when they aren't being stubborn) the struggles they experience are a universal reflection of life and love and loss . . . and thankfully . . . within a community that we all wish we could call our own, and the outcome? . . . expect to laugh and cry with both joy and sorrow as Delphinium learns to bloom!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

BackCover Blurb:
As far as hidden talents go, Delphinium Hayes is blessed with one of the more unique ones. With the slightest passing whiff, she knows someone's most admirable or weediest characteristic. This peculiar perception never fails to give her an advantage in life--until she meets two men who turn her world upside down.

Mason McCormack has agreed to help her with a group of seniors who have taken over her flower shop as their hangout. But his assistance is not without its price, and Delphinium agrees to compensate him with beautiful bouquets that seem to possess a bit of dating magic.

Elliot Sturgis, director of The Gardens Assisted Living Facility, is determined to discover why a group of his residents keeps sneaking over to Delphinium's shop to play poker in the walk-in refrigerator. He soon finds himself as enchanted by Delphinium as everyone else. But his devotion to following the rules and maintaining order does not endear him to the shop's owner.

Sparks fly as opposites attract and love finds a match in Delphinium's Flora Emporium--even for those who resist it the most. 

Revell Publishing, September, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE BLOOMING OF DELPHINIUMS at Amazon, Christianbook . com or Baker Book House

LEANING ON AIR by Cheryl Bostrom, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Wow, what a complicated, worthwhile story. The author gleans from her background in the beautiful countryside of Washington State. The descriptions are awe inspiring. The characters are complex, touching on dealing with autism as an adult and coping with daily life and relationships.
 

Burnaby is an outstanding character with a profound faith in God that his scientific brain explains in a fascinating way. Celia is a tortured soul who struggles to find meaning when tragedy strikes. A favorite character is Hazel, her solid faith and the love she shows to her newfound granddaughter, Celia.

This is a many layered story that deals with friendship, family drama and relationships as well as harrowing episodes told in a realistic way. The details of working with wildlife, farming and vet duties were extremely interesting.
 

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent book and will definitely check out the debut by this accomplished author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale via NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and an underlying faith thread

BackCover Blurb:

They last spoke as teens . . .

But on a country road twelve years later, a surprise encounter reunites ornithologist Celia Burke with veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes, and they plunge into the most unusual romance of her life.

After a decade of marriage, Celia and Burnaby have found a unique and beautiful rhythm. Then tragedy strikes while Celia hunts for the nest of a research hawk near the Snake River. Reeling with grief, she’s certain Burnaby won’t understand her anguish or forgive the choice that initiated it.

She flees to kindness at a remote farm in Washington’s Palouse region, where a wild prairie and an alluring neighbor convince her to begin anew. But when unexplained accidents, cryptic sketches, and a mute little boy make her doubt her decision, only a red-tailed hawk and the endangered lives of those she loves can compel her to examine her past―and reconsider her future.

A soaring tale of wonder, loss, redemption, and restoration from Cheryl Grey Bostrom, the award-winning author of Sugar Birds.

-A beautifully crafted story set in the Pacific Northwest that brings the setting to life.
-A compelling contemporary novel about love and loss.
-Explores the challenges of a marriage when one partner is on the autism spectrum.
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale House, May 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy LEANING ON AIR at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

LOVE IN THE STORM by Mandi Blake, Reviewed by Kim

 

A Small Town Christian Romance (Love in Blackwater Book 1)

Love in the Storm by Mandi Blake is the first book of her new series Love in Blackwater. If Blackwater sounds familiar to you, it’s because she has another series set in the same town! I’m looking forward to reading this series and seeing places and characters that are familiar!

I loved the beginning of this story and how Asa and Lyric met due to the storm and their forced proximity. Asa is such a wonderful character. He’s dedicated to his job and family, has a forgiving heart, and completely stands by those he loves. There is a scene at the end of the story that totally showed who he is for those he loves! Lyric has had a rough life due to some bad choices she made in the past, but she has worked her way through them and is trying to get completely back on track. The storm, and therefore Asa, showed up just in time to help her. The romance was quick in this story. Maybe a little too quick for me, but I’m more of a second chance romance trope person, so I’m sure others will love it.

I’m looking forward to Dawson’s story next! We get to meet him in this story and have a good sense of his personality and the teaser has made me want to read it asap!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 4 stars. 

 

BackCover Blurb:

When she's snowed in with the handsome man who doesn't remember arresting her, she might get a second chance at a first impression.

Lyric Woods has been sober for years now, but nothing about picking herself up from rock bottom has been easy. She’s behind on bills and on the verge of getting evicted, still paying for the mistakes of her past. When she is stranded with the police officer who doesn't remember her, she's afraid to reveal her secret.

Asa Scott isn’t complaining about being stranded with the beautiful Lyric. The kind woman tending his wounds after a wreck in the storm is the first to make him think he could move on after his wife’s death. But when he finds out about her record, he can't reconcile the woman from the past with the woman who cared for him at the cabin.

When Lyric needs his help after they’re rescued, Asa hopes they'll both get a chance to mend the wounds of the past.

Despite his fears, Asa can’t fight the way he feels about the resilient woman who helped him. But when it looks like Lyric has fallen back into her old ways, will Asa trust the evidence or believe the woman he’s falling for and fight to clear her name?

If you loved the Blackwater Ranch series and the Wolf Creek Ranch series, get ready to fall in love all over again in Blackwater, Wyoming. 

January, 2024

Buy LOVE IN THE STORM digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

KISS ME ON CHRISTMAS by Sarah Monzon, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"She laughs, and the sound is unlike anything I've ever heard before. Like the bell on the Polar Express- the sweetest sound on earth, but only for those who believe . . . I Believe."

Too good to be true? Beckett Walsh, her son's online hero, boarding their plane, choosing to sit beside them, conversing with Liam like they were long lost friends . . . goodness, maybe they were, their creative genius conversation had literally . . . lulled her to sleep? . . . or was it that Kaitlyn Stafford's single mom exhaustion status had been so grateful for someone else, even a virtual stranger, to ease her load. No, that wasn't right. Her extraordinary son was a gift not a "load", but there was no question about the fact that she rarely got much rest. Additionally, the change in their holiday plans was already challenging her son's proclivity for routine, regardless of the fact that Kaitlyn was thrilled that her sister was getting married.

"I have staying power, Kaitlyn, and I'm not afraid of proving that to you."

A larger-than-life story using fewer words than many? This compact powerhouse of a novella may just prove that they do indeed exist. The brief amount of time that it took to read it, in no way diminishes the long lasting impact of its characters. Memorable, emotional, personal; this trio of characters prove that love can, and did, come down on Christmas!

*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
Single mom Kaitlyn Stafford has never considered Christmas a balancing act, but when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married in less than two weeks—on Christmas Day—that’s exactly what the holiday looks like becoming. Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it.

At least, that’s what she thinks before her son’s favorite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up on the scene, knocking her world off-kilter with his speaking glances and knowing smiles. How on earth is she supposed to pull off her balancing act when her world’s just tilted on its axis?

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

ON MOONBERRY LAKE by Holly Varni, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise, #ReleaseDay

“People change when they come to Moonberry Lake. They shed their old skin and emerge into something new.”

This debut book was such fun to read. It had so many quirky, yet believable inhabitants of this small town and an underlying faith thread that caused me to think about the need for friends and family.

Cora inherits the lodge that her grandparents once owned and it has so many fond memories. She is now alone in the world after her mother’s death. She is required to live in the lodge for a year and she starts to restore the old building. She befriends elderly Kitty, a caretaker of the cemetery across the road. Kitty is a wealth of sage advice: “God gives everyone a special talent, and sometimes it is simply to make life sweeter for the rest of us.” She meets her neighbors, including the local dentist, Ben, in an unusual way.

A stand out character is Marry-em and Bury-em Widgy who learned her handy woman skills from her five husbands. She is hilarious. It took Cora some time to break through her crusty shell. Another quaint person is the deli clerk who keeps a Reader’s Digest handy so she can practice the vocabulary she is gleaning from its pages.

This reminded me of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kipp by Sara Brunsvold but with many more unusual characters to love in this book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Library Thing. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and an underlying faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Cora Matthews's life is a mess. A broken engagement and the unexpected death of her mother have left her wondering if things will ever return to normal. Whatever "normal" is.

It certainly isn't what she finds at Moonberry Lake. After she receives her family's dilapidated lakefront lodge as an inheritance--with a surprising condition attached--Cora finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.

As Cora works to put her life back together, she must decide if she is willing to let go of the past, open her heart to love, and embrace the craziest version of family and home she could ever have imagined.

Revell Publishing, September, 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover
Buy ON MOONBERRY LAKE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

HOOKED ON YOU by Kathleen Fuller, Reviewed by Kim

Hooked on You by Kathleen Fuller is a sweet, slower paced, small town romance. The cover was the first thing that drew me to this book. In the blurb it describes this story as a “lighthearted romantic comedy” which I’m always in the mood for.

Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with Riley. She was a bit too dramatic at times and even though she liked Hayden, when she was with him, it seemed like she was always trying to get away from him. Hayden was my favorite character, but I struggled to see why he was so drawn to Riley.

I enjoyed the small town feel and I really enjoyed Riley’s grandma, Erma, and her friends. If you enjoy small town romance, this might be the story for you!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread was light.
BackCover Blurb:
She never wanted to come back. He never wants to leave. The town of Maple Falls has plans for them both.

Riley McAllister is living the dream in New York City . . . if the dream means being a struggling mixed-media artist, part-time food delivery driver, and having a carefully curated social media to hide all of the above. She refuses to admit defeat and move back to small-town Maple Falls, but when her grandmother breaks her leg sliding into third base during a softball game (she was safe, by the way), Riley reluctantly agrees to go home and help the woman who raised her—while secretly hoping she can convince Mimi to sell her house and yarn shop and move in with a good friend. Then Riley can return to her new life in NYC, on her own and for good.

But Mimi has her own plans, which include setting Riley up with local baseball star Hayden Price, who returned to Maple Falls after an injury ended his major league career. Now he works at his father’s hardware store, coaches the church softball team, and worries about the declining town. It’s not the life he dreamed of having.

With a little meddling and a lot of kindness from the town, Hayden and Riley find themselves unexpectedly falling for each other as they discover the true meaning of home.

Welcome to Maple Falls, where everyone knows your name and your business.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, May 2021

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy Hooked on You at Amazon

Buy Hooked on You at Christianbook.com

Buy Hooked on You at Baker Book House

 

ALMOST HOME by Valerie Fraser Luesse, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

If you want a good cry, pick up this book!

Set in 1944 in Blackberry Springs, Alabama, this story is about how different people coped with the privations of war while here in the states. Filled with Southern Charm, it shows that struggles are universal, from veterans recovering from their war experiences to a young war widow, to a young married couple who had to leave their farm in order to save it. Diverse people find themselves at Dolly’s family home turned boardinghouse. Lasting friendships are forged and romance blossoms. Christian hospitality abounds and kindness and healing flourish. So many heartfelt moments and beautiful, descriptive language, but lots of light, funny, comforting scenes to encourage and entertain.

Favorite quotes:
*He had not list his faith, but he had lost the ability to cope with the powerful emotions it stirred.*

*What-ifs are big sticks with which we smite ourselves.*

*A cool, steady breeze was blowing, rustling the leaves overhead. They seemed to be whispering to each other, telling secrets from their undulating branches.*

*We see each other true, Anna. That’s what makes us sister-friends.*

This is the first book I have read by this author but will not be my last. I’ve found a new favorite.
*I borrowed this ebook from Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.*5stars, strong faith thread

*Ebook Currently free to Amazon Prime Members March 2021

BackCover Blurb:
With America's entrance into the Second World War, the town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama, has exploded virtually overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in Uncle Sam's munitions plants--and they're bringing their pasts with them, right into Dolly Chandler's grand but fading family home turned boardinghouse.

An estranged young couple from the Midwest, unemployed professors from Chicago, a widower from Mississippi, a shattered young veteran struggling to heal from the war--they're all hoping Dolly's house will help them find their way back to the lives they left behind. But the house has a past of its own.

When tragedy strikes, Dolly's only hope will be the circle of friends under her roof and their ability to discover the truth about what happened to a young bride who lived there a century before.

Award-winning and bestselling author Valerie Fraser Luesse breathes life into a cast of unforgettable characters in this complex and compassionate story of hurt and healing. 

Bethany House Publishing, March 2019

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:

Buy Almost Home at Amazon

Buy Almost Home at Christianbook.com

 

 

STARSTRUCK IN WILLOW FALLS by Pat Nichols, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt #ReleaseDay

“Willow Falls is a southern town that stands up for what's right and takes care of its own.”

That sums up this wonderfully written story! I love reading about small towns, there's just a certain charm about them that digs into your heart. Tight knit communities like Willow Falls make me fall in love with everything that makes them what they are.

I will admit that I wasn't really into the book at first, then about halfway through, the author started messing with one of my favorite characters; Mama Sadie! Oh that got me mad as a hornet (in a good way), and from then on this story really took off. I hadn't read any of the other books in this series, so I didn't really know Mama Sadie's history except for what Pat Nichols revealed. If anyone deserved happiness it was her and when the author threatened that...boy howdy that got my dander up! Sadie is sweet as honey and twice as nice, the epitome of a southern lady. Life gave her some pretty hard knocks—those of her own making—so she knows second chances at happiness just don't magically appear. I love her positive attitude and realistic outlook in life. She's like a big old warm hug and a gooey brownie rolled up in one!

Of course Emily and Rachel are two of the main characters and I enjoyed getting to know them too. Trying to keep the town calm under the barrage of movie stars and crew sets that descend on this normally slow paced small town was quite an undertaking! There are many hilarious and not so hilarious moments as they try to keep the peace between the townsfolk and the movie people.

Each and every character in this tale of small town dynamics played an important role and added such depth and personality to it. By the end of the book, I was left with a big smile on my face and the feeling that these people and this town belonged to me too! Willow Falls is charming, eccentric, full of itself at times, but has the kind of southern hospitality that makes you want to sit on the porch and drink a glass of sweet tea while watching the world go by.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and wasn't obligated to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.* (I'd rate this as a clean read with little to no faith thread) 

BackCover Blurb:
Two women whose dreams are about to come true find themselves in a town turned upside down.

As a Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars swoop into Willow Falls to film a full-length motion picture, the small town’s new normal as a popular North Georgia tourist destination is thrown into chaos.

Rachel Streetman fears her life-long dream to act is drifting into oblivion and leaving behind bitter regret. Weeks away from marrying Charlie Bricker, the manager of the town’s new winery, Rachel wonders if auditioning for a role in the movie will boost her lackluster career or open the door to a lifestyle incompatible with the small-town life she has come to accept.

Rachel’s twin sister, Emily Hayes, also has a dream—to be a famous author. But the release of her debut novel is upstaged by the Hollywood invasion. When she and Rachel accept the job as the director’s liaisons, their patience is stretched to the limit by starstruck residents.

Can these two sisters survive the chaos in Willow Falls and still achieve their dreams?

LPC Books, February 2021

Available in digital ebook and paperback:

Buy Starstruck in Willow Falls at Amazon

Visit Pat Nichols at her website and blog, or on Facebook!