THE HAPPY LIFE OF ISADORA BENTLEY by Courtney Walsh, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"OBSERVATION: People who live on this planet are existing in varying degrees of comfortability, contentedness, and happiness.

QUESTION: What makes someone happy? Can happiness be derivatively reduced to a list of 'things' to do . . . . . "

"IS HAPPINESS ONLY AVAILABLE TO A SELECT FEW?"

So many questions. It's what introverted, slightly awkward-genius university researcher Isabella Bentley does best . . . organize answers (another word for conclusions) based on the data. So when she happens upon a magazine article titled "31 Ways to Be Happy" (on her thirtieth birthday, no less) she dares to test the author's hypothesis. The unexpected variable? . . . one very real Dr. Cal Baxter.

"It's so refreshing to see someone else who prefers real pencils." (That should have been a clue!)

As Isadora plows through her thirty-one self-inflicted tasks, she comes face-to-face with all the reasons that she has preferred isolation; relationships are messy and there are certain risks that come along with developing a community of . . . dare she say the word . . . friends. But according to Cal, "Happiness isn't that hard to find . . . It's all around us . . . It's something we pursue. And you'll never find it if you never let anyone in." Ouch. Double ouch.

What an ingenious story line! Isadora Bentley's journey to happiness is filled with all sorts of ups and downs, which is to be expected. Life never happens in a straight line, nor would we want it to. Be encouraged, especially those of us who experienced things in the past that we may literally want to burn in the fireplace . . . but a word of caution!!! Open the damper!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
She’s out to prove that there’s no such thing as choosing happiness.

Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.

As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.

But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.

As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.

Christian women’s fiction
Stand-alone novel
Book length: 100,000 words
Perfect for fans of Rachel Linden, Gail Honeyman, and Linda Holmes
Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, June, 2023

Buy THE HAPPY LIFE OF ISADORA BENTLEY at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

THE COWBOY BARGAIN by Tina Radcliffe, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

I loved traveling back to the Lazy M Ranch in Homestead Pass, Oklahoma for another story featuring the Morgan family. Tina Radcliffe has penned another delightful tale—this time featuring Sam Morgan and Olivia Moretti, who had skipped out on Sam right before their wedding day a few years before. When Olivia returns and Sam’s grandfather rents out the building Sam owns to her to start a restaurant and housewares business, he’s not too happy and that’s putting it mildly. Since Sam was planning on using part of the building to start his own handcrafted woodworks business, he confronts Olivia and they strike a deal to sell their goods together and see whose products sell the best.

Radcliffe is a pro at creating engaging, realistic, and endearing characters and plopping them down in a small-town setting, then wrapping a delicious and charming story around them. If you enjoy clean and wholesome contemporary romance, I recommend this book and author. It can be read as a stand alone story, but there are some characters that carry on in the series, and it was fun seeing them pop up in this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

SEE KIM'S REVIEW!

BackCover Blurb:
A little competition…

Brings a change of heart.

Sam Morgan never thought he’d see his ex-fiancée again after she skipped town days before their wedding. He certainly didn’t expect to find her opening a restaurant on his property—in the building he’d intended to sell his crafts from. This time Olivia’s sticking around, forcing Sam to strike a deal: work together and see whose products sell best. Could their business venture lead to a surprising reunion?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Lazy M Ranch

Book 1: The Baby Inheritance
Book 2: The Cowboy Bargain
Book 3: The Cowboy's Secret Past 

Love Inspired, August 2023
Available in digital ebook and paperback
Buy THE COWBOY BARGAIN at Amazon, or Christianbook .com

 

 

ALLEGIANCE and BLACKOUT (Benson First Responders Series) by Lisa Phillips, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

ALLEGIANCE Review
"His mother was as complicated as this case."

Police Detective Lucas Westbrook met the striking EMT Freya Olson when their careers intersected over a murder case with numerous unusual trails of evidence. A young Malaysian boy had been killed uttering Lucas' mother's first name with his dying breath, "Michelle". Coincidentally, Freya recognized the young man from a village in Malaysia where her parents had served as missionaries years prior. To further complicate matters, when Freya goes back to the scene of the crime she is nearly strangled to death by an unknown assailant warning her off the case before Lucas steps in to save her life . . . for the first time.

With its dizzying array of plot twists and gentle nods towards an allegiance of hearts, this story proved over and over again how "Love gave courage. It lent people strength"; pasts could be redeemed, mistakes could be forgiven. Faith could be restored. . ."giving both of them something they were desperately in need of. Home."
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars 

ALLEGIANCE BackCover Blurb 

BIG CITY CRIME. SMALL TOWN HEROES.

A dead man.

EMT Freya Olson has lost her faith, but not her drive to save those who need her help. When the past that her family left behind after her mother's death shows up in Benson, Freya lands on the target list as well. But things aren't what they seem, and Freya’s loyalty will be pushed to the limit.

A disgraced cop hiding a dangerous secret.

Police Detective Lucas Westbrook has served his whole career under the shadow of his mother's betrayal. Only his faith keeps him from crossing the line or becoming the cop everyone assumes he is. This time there’s no escaping the connection between his deepest pain and the case on his desk.

Caught in a tangled web between friend and foe, Lucas will protect Freya. For as long as it takes to close the case—and find out what could be between them.

October, 2022. Buy ALLEGIANCE in digital ebook, paperback, and audio book at Amazon

BLACKOUT Review
"He'd lived his entire life in a blackout."

Trying to re-group after a social media fiasco, EMT Trey Banning attempts to fly under the radar. His work schedule has been reduced to filing paperwork while he recovers from a serious abdominal injury, sustained while responding to a crime scene. Thankfully his side job with a private investigation firm has the potential to break the monotony, but he never expected to land an assignment lending medical supervision for an ex-CIA agent with a critical heart condition . . . and a missing sister. Ember Hendryx is one of a kind.

"In reality, he needed to let God light up everything."

Trey and Ember are wonderful characters, caught up in the most unusual of circumstances while racing against the clock; Ember's heart could literally stop beating at any moment and she is determined to locate her sister before that happens. The circumstances surrounding Annalise's disappearance are murky, but even cloudier are the prospects for any lasting relationship between Trey and Ember. It would take a miracle they are not certain God can provide.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

BLACKOUT BackCover Blurb:

BIG CITY CRIME. SMALL TOWN HEROES

A missing woman.

Cut loose from the CIA after a devastating injury, Ember Hendryx only wants one thing—to live long enough to find her missing sister. The clock is running down. She’s got the skills to do this, but she’ll need the one thing she can’t do for herself if she’s going to succeed. With no leads and little idea what her sister was into, this just might take everything she’s got. And give her a future she can’t even dream of.

An EMT with a choice to make.

Trey Banning got sidelined after he was stabbed a few weeks ago. Now he wants back on the ambulance so he can be who he is: a hero just like his dad. Except all his attempts to get his life on track again get him is social media attention he doesn’t want. His reputation is under fire, and for the first time Trey realizes he needs to change the way he lives. Helping Ember has nothing to do with furthering his career, but this side gig with Vanguard could save a life.

When the search for Ember’s sister lands them in the middle of a deadly scheme, there’s more than just one future on the line. Can they get to the bottom of it before it’s too late?

Each Benson First Responders book is a stand-alone Christian Romantic Suspense.

December, 2022. Buy BLACKOUT in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook at Amazon

 

 

VOICE OF THE ANCIENT (The King's Men #1) by Connilyn Cossette, Reviewed by Winnie and Paula

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
While I don’t often read Biblical fiction, there are some authors I make exceptions for, and Connilyn Cossette is one of them. Her impeccable research and beautiful prose bring her stories to vivid life. I often find myself re-reading parts of the pages because the writing is so captivating and the imagery so remarkable.

Voice of the Ancient is another of Cossette’s masterpieces, and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters were well-drawn, engaging, and flawed--with room for growth and development during the tale. Avidan and Keziah were both endearing characters and their growth in faith was beautiful to see. I also was delighted at the appearance of some of the characters from the author’s previous series in this story.

Plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, inspiration, and a touch of romance fill this book, and those who enjoy superbly written Biblical fiction will likely love this.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
A trip back in time to the beginning of the reign of King Saul. Four cousins embark on a journey to join the army slated to rescue their fellow Hebrews from the Ammonites. Told through the eyes of Avidan, a Benjaminite and a Levite, and Kesziah, a girl being used as a pawn in a political alliance. 

I was transported to a world that was dangerous and interesting. I learned a bit about how the tribes of Israel diverged from worshipping only the One True God and accepted other gods alongside Yahweh, diluting His true character. I appreciated Avidan because he was taught the old stories of his people and kept the True Faith. He was representing Yahweh as he recounted the history. Keziah was so very brave and came to know that Yahweh was the Only God through the stories that Avi told.

The themes included the steadfastness of God, the importance of remaining faithful to God and that “Only Yahweh knows the end from the beginning.”

A very exciting and immersive book that has me eager to read the next book in the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Reviewers. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a strong faith thread

SEE REVIEWS BY KIM AND REBECCA

BackCover Blurb:
As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. After an enemy attack strikes close to home, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan refuses to leave him behind.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

United during their journeys and battling to survive the dangers that surround them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As challenges pile up, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but also learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step. 

Bethany House Publishing, August, 2023

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

Buy VOICE OF THE ANCIENT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House