WINDSWEPT WAY by Irene Hannon, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW
Or perhaps, it was . . . not haunted after all. Honestly, if first impressions made any difference, spotting a chainsaw-wielding stranger at the front entrance was at least minimally unnerving. Transforming a beautiful historic property into an event venue was an ambitious dream, especially when the current owner was reportedly a recluse, but preservationist Ashley Scott was smitten with the thought of bringing the beautiful coastal estate at the end of Windswept Way back to life.

Wounded war veteran Jonathan Gray had come to terms with living a solitary life, his disfigurement only slightly marginalizing his professional landscaping business, but his personal life . . . who was he kidding, what personal life? So, "why was a drop-dead gorgeous woman visiting Edgecliff?" and what business was it of his? The next thing Jon knew, he was "sealing the deal" . . on a contract with Ashley Scott, the aforementioned "gorgeous woman".

Restoration; there's so much of that going on in Hope Harbor, isn't there? What a lovely story, written by an author whose characters display bits and pieces of all of us.. . . . coupled with a beautifully staged romance and an octogenarian whose life is far from over, and you have . . . "Windswept Way".

Oops, wait a minute, we cannot forget Charley and his sage advice; "Predictability has its virtues, but too much routine can get stale and bland. A touch of spice is as essential for life as it is for my tacos."

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Enchanting story of wounded warrior, Jon Gray, who had to change his career plans after extensive injuries. Ashley Scott had her job go up in smoke but finds a new opportunity in Hope Harbor. It was great to go back to one of my favorite fictional settings. I would love it to be real. The familiar people, Charley and his taco truck, the golfing buddy clerics and even Floyd and Gladys, the seagulls, just make it that much more enjoyable.

The theme is: look beyond the physical trappings and into the heart. Many things can cause us to be reclusive, but God often works through other people.

Ms. Hannon always infuses her stories with hope and faith that we can all take a lesson from. The community is welcoming and people look out for each other. And romance is there waiting!

I love the premise of Rose wanting to partner with Ashley in order to bring life back to a beautiful Victorian mansion by making it into a venue for weddings and such. Second chances are not just for old houses but for wounded souls and recluses.

I am excited that there are more stories planned for Hope Harbor. I’m not ready to say goodbye yet!

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

BackCover Blurb
Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.

Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn't sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor's isolated property, but her presence is none of his business--until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There's no room in his life--or his heart--for romance.

Yet, as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also find healing, hope, and happiness for themselves.

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms. 

Revell Publishing, April 4, 2023

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

Buy WINDSWEPT WAY at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

THE SOUND OF LIGHT by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"She'd always been careful not to do wrong, but people in the resistance had no such qualms. They claimed to be doing right. Could doing wrong ever be right?"

When the Germans occupied the tiny country of Denmark as a way to protect access to valuable shipping routes, the Danish people were presented with a choice; go on as if nothing were amiss or begin to take a stand for freedom, especially when their own liberties began to be compromised and the lives of those they loved were threatened. Deep within the heart of nobleman Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt lay a passion to become a new kind of man, and thus he transformed himself into a common laborer, Hemming Anderson, whose intellect and prestige went silent, in addition to his tongue. But working in a shipyard was not all that Hemming was doing, or being asked to do; he also became the "Havmand".

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen held a mild curiosity about the man with the simple speech and kind words of wisdom that lived in the same boarding house. Hemming kept mainly to himself, but seemed to enjoy her company in the evenings, asking basic questions about her work and encouraging her to stand up for herself in an occupation dominated by males. As tensions in Denmark began to mount, Else was challenged to use her connections for the greater good, but could she take the risk? It seemed that she and Hemming had a lot more in common than either of them realized.

What lies beneath the surface of this story is what makes it so interesting; the unbidden attraction between Else and Hemming is only one of many layers that sound and silence use to advantage. Does " light sound like speech . . . whenever someone speaks words of kindness or courage, speaks out for the downtrodden and oppressed, speaks out against injustice?"  . . . or does "light sound like silence . . . The silence of someone concealing his nobility and sacrificing everything so he can quietly do great deeds"?

You decide . . . as you turn the pages of this outstanding historical romance!

*I purchased the book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

 SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 SEE WINNIE'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

Revell Publishing, February 7, 2023

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

Buy THE SOUND OF LIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

WHEN TOMORROW CAME By Hannah Linder, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

Ms. Linder captures the flavor of the Regency period with this tale that often yells of the harsher side of life.

Siblings Nan and Heath are left to the care of a despicable woman by their sailor father, they escape that bad situation and survive on in an alleyway. After waiting so long for their father and tomorrow to come, “Perhaps tomorrow belonged to God.” Nan ends upwith a wealthy family and is raised almost like a daughter. Heath finds himself at a rectory, helping at the church, until many years later, their father returns. 

The story takes a dark turn when Nan is expected to wed a titled man, and Heath is accused of a heinous crime. Even through many troubles, Nan holds on to her faith in God and rises above her circumstances. Heath is loyal to a fault and strives to forgive those who wronged him.

This story has many layers with danger aplenty, several romances and faith that is demonstrated by many of the characters. The battle between good and evil is clearly defined.

Recommend for those who love Regency stories

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Review Program. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives? 

Barbour Publishing, April 1, 2023

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

Buy WHEN TOMORROW CAME at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

 

IN SPOTLIGHT AND SHADOW by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"For years, I had chased the spotlight, believing that my talent was what gave me worth. I was wrong. I didn't need the world's applause because someone was cheering me on all along. God's love taught me I was never alone . . . "

Gracious, and possibly understandably . . . it had taken Sophie Walters awhile to give up her passion for "center stage" attention. Maybe it had something to do with grieving the loss of what had been so cruelly stolen; filling the void of a broken heart does take considerable effort. Ironically, at present there is a flesh and blood thief behind the curtain, or at least that's what the police believe to be the case, dubbing the no-evidence-left-behind culprit as the "mirage". What about the handsome detective? What does he think?

What in the world? The mystery gift not only whispered one of her life's most perplexing questions, but concealed a genuine emerald necklace cleverly sewn into the hem of a vintage coat. Elise Malvern is stunned. What's even more shocking is literally colliding with her teen heart-throb of yesteryear at a birthday party for his eighty year old grandmother. Elise's note-by-note life is suddenly being interrupted by an award winning country music star bent on speeding up the cadence.

Assuming the author had a limited page count, she creatively managed to pen two amazing stories, cleverly dove-tailing them together in the end, ensuring that the reader may only slightly recall that there had ever been two stories; only just the one.

Add in a little humor (or quite a lot of it actually) . . . "If you looked at me the way you look at waxy processed food, I'd be driving you to the preacher" . . . and the result is a fabulous story!

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

SEE REVIEWS BY KIM AND PAULA

BackCover Blurb:
A Gem of a Mystery Takes Center Stage

​Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Elise Malvern has a habit of letting people down. Her former boyfriend who hoped she’d be his bride. Her grandfather who hoped she’d take over the family’s auction company. But mostly she’s disappointed herself. What’s the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist, if she is too scared to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony? Her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall places her in the wings of the stage, but never on it. By accident, she discovers an old stage prop. Her instincts tell her there’s more to the paste necklace than meets the eye. Whether a good idea or not, she accepts help from a childhood friend, who happens to be country music megastar—Peirson Brooks. Peirson and Elise share a history; one she doesn’t care to repeat. The more involved they become in the mystery, the more things get tangled, including her heart.

A century earlier…
Sophie Walters longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more difficult than she imagined. Having spoiled all her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. She watches her dreams pass by from behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew’s Penn Theatre. She finally gets the coveted spotlight, but not for her talent. No, her surge to fame is all one terrible mistake. Somehow, she’s suspected to be a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. The man she pleads for help is none other than the man she jilted at the altar five years before, Sterling Monroe. 

 

Barbour Publishing, 

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audio:

Buy IN SPOTLIGHT AND SHADOW at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House