Happy First Line Friday! Today I’m featuring Lauren K. Denton’s newest release, The One You’re With.

Summer 2000

“‘Hey, you.’ Mac heard the deep voice but was sure it wasn’t directed at him.”

The One You’re With by Lauren K. Denton

The Basics

Title: The One You’re With

Author: Lauren K. Denton

Publication Date: July 6, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Written in Lauren K. Denton’s signature Southern style, The One You’re With tells a story of marriage, choices, and what a good life really looks like.

High-school sweethearts Mac and Edie Swan lead a seemingly picture-perfect life in the sleepy-sweet community of Oak Hill, near Mobile, Alabama. Edie is a respected interior designer, Mac is a beloved pediatrician, and they have two great kids and a historic home on tree-lined Linden Avenue. From the outside, the Swan family is the definition of “the good life.” And life is good—mostly. Until a young woman walks into Mac’s office one day. A young woman whose very existence threatens all Mac and Edie have built and all they think they know about each other.

Nineteen years after a summer apart, with a family and established lives and careers, the past that Mac and Edie thought they left behind has come back to greet them. For the first time, constants in their lives are called into question: their roles as parents, their reputation as upstanding members of the community, and the very foundations of their marriage. As they wade through the upheaval in both their family and professional lives, they must each examine choices they made long ago and chart a new course for their future.

My Thoughts

Lauren K. Denton is a go-to author for richly layered stories with emotionally engaging characters. The One You’re With is a powerful story about regrets, choosing love and forgiveness, and the effects our choices have far into the future. The book alternates between Mac and Edie’s story in the present day and the summer that changed both of their lives in ways they never fully realized. Their family is confronted with the consequences of both the choices Mac made and his decision to keep those choices from Edie, and those consequences bring major upheaval to their lives.

Commitment is not something our society places a high value on, but it is the focus of this book, which I found refreshing and compelling. The story moves at a slower pace, taking the time to develop the characters fully and bringing the reader on the journey with them as they ask, “What if?” I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, especially to fans of Katie Ganshert and Rachel Hauck.

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday, and happy Independence Day weekend! It’s kind of ironic that the book I’m featuring for First Line Friday takes place in Europe 😉 But The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski is still a great story that I enjoyed, and I think you will too!

October 1917

Petrograd, Russia

“The night burned red with the flames of revolution.”

The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski

The Basics

Title: The Ice Swan

Author: J’nell Ciesielski

Publication Date: July 6, 2021

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover: Amid the violent last days of the glittering Russian monarchy, a princess on the run finds her heart where she least expects it.

1917, Petrograd. Fleeing the murderous flames of the Russian Revolution, Princess Svetlana Dalsky hopes to find safety in Paris with her mother and sister. But the city is buckling under the weight of the Great War, and the Bolsheviks will not rest until they have erased every Russian aristocrat from memory. Svetlana and her family are forced into hiding in Paris’s underbelly, with little to their name but the jewels they sewed into their corsets before their terrifying escape.

Born the second son of a Scottish duke, the only title Wynn MacCallan cares for is that of surgeon. Putting his talents with a scalpel to good use in the hospitals in Paris, Wynn pushes the boundaries of medical science to give his patients the best care possible. After treating Svetlana for a minor injury, he is pulled into a world of decaying imperial glitter. Intrigued by this mysterious, cold, and beautiful woman, Wynn follows Svetlana to an underground Russian club where drink, dance, and questionable dealings collide on bubbles of vodka.

Out of money and options, Svetlana agrees to a marriage of convenience with the handsome and brilliant Wynn, who will protect her and pay off her family’s debts. It’s the right thing for a good man to do, but Wynn cannot help hoping the marriage will turn into one of true affection. When Wynn’s life takes an unexpected turn, so does Svetlana’s—and soon Paris becomes as dangerous as Petrograd. And as the Bolsheviks chase them to Scotland, Wynn and Svetlana begin to wonder if they will ever be able to outrun the love they are beginning to feel for one another.

My Thoughts

The Ice Swan is the first of J’nell Ciesielski’s books I’ve read, but it won’t be the last! This story is full of rich historical detail and dives into the fascinating time period of World War I and the Bolshevik revolution. Svetlana is a fierce heroine, doing whatever it takes to protect her family even at the expense of her own dreams. Wynn was the perfect balance for her, a caring, compassionate protector (and funny too)! Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and it was done so well in this book. Svetlana and Wynn both have to learn to be honest and trust each other, how see the best in each other, and fight for each other’s dreams. The mystery and suspense along the way add a layer of intrigue to the deftly woven plot. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this one!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

Happy Friday! If you’re in the mood for a fun romcom this weekend, I have just the book for you! For this week’s First Line Friday, I’m featuring Plot Twist by Bethany Turner.

February 4, 2003

“Mind if I sit here?”

Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

The Basics

Title: Plot Twist

Author: Bethany Turner

Publication Date: June 15, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover: An aspiring screenwriter has a chance encounter with an actor who could be the man of her dreams. Over the next ten years, she’ll write the story . . . but will he end up being the star?

February 4, 2003, promises to be a typical day for Olivia Ross—a greeting card writer whose passion project is a screenplay of her own. But after she and a handsome actor have a magical meet-cute in a coffee shop, they make a spontaneous pact: in ten years, after they’ve found the success they’re just sure they’re going to achieve, they’ll return to the coffeehouse to partner up and make a film together. The only problem? Olivia neglected to get the stranger’s name. But she doesn’t forget his face—or the date.

For the next ten years, every February 4 is marked with coincidences and ironies for Olivia. As men come and go and return to her life, she continues to write, but still wonders about the guy from the coffee shop—the nameless actor she’s almost certain has turned out to be Hamish MacDougal, now a famous A-lister and Hollywood leading man.

But a lot can happen in ten years, and while waiting for the curtain to rise on her fate, the true story of Olivia’s life is being written—and if she’s not careful, she’ll completely miss the real-life romantic comedy playing out right before her eyes.

My Thoughts

Plot Twist is a charming, romantic story that earns its name! Each February 4 over the span of a decade brings a new plot twist to Olivia’s life, sometimes funny and sometimes tragic, culminating in an ending I never saw coming. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, but I also didn’t want the story to end!

While this book is a romantic comedy, there are plenty of serious moments that deal with betrayal, friendship, lost love, and second chances. I couldn’t help but root for the memorable characters, even when I found myself shaking my head at the missed communication and connections! The creative plot was brought to life with Bethany Turner’s signature witty dialogue and pop culture references. Highly recommended for rom-com fans!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

We’ve made it through another week, and you know what that means… it’s First Line Friday! Today I’m featuring Charles Martin’s newest release, The Letter Keeper.

Florence, Italy

“She didn’t move when I opened the door.”

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin

The Basics

Title: The Letter Keeper

Author: Charles Martin

Publication Date: June 8, 2021

Series: Murphy Shepherd (Book 2 of 3)

Genre: Contemporary Christian

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Combining heart-wrenching emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension, Charles Martin explores the true power of sacrificial love.

He shows up when all hope is lost.

Murphy Shepherd has made a career of finding those no one else could—survivors of human trafficking. His life’s mission is helping others find freedom.

But then the nightmare strikes too close to home .

When his new wife, her daughter, and two other teenage girls are stolen, Murphy is left questioning all he has thought to be true. With more dead ends than leads, he has no idea how to find those he loves.

After everything is stripped away, love is what remains.

Hope feels lost, but Murphy is willing to expend his last breath trying to bring them home.

My Thoughts

Charles Martin’s unique, powerful writing style is on full display in The Letter Keeper – it gets to the point, keeps the story moving, and packs an emotional punch. In this book, we pick up where The Water Keeper left off, with Summer, Angel, and Ellie starting a new life in Freetown. Meanwhile, Murphy continues making enemies as he rescues more children from traffickers. This book also dives into more of his backstory, from his childhood to how he met Bones and found his calling. Now he faces his most dangerous mission yet, with the highest stakes – rescuing the women he loves. The fierce, sacrificial love Murphy shows in his fight against evil is a beautiful picture of the lengths Christ has gone to rescue us. Suspense, drama, action, and a powerfully emotional story are all wrapped up in this one book – I highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next book to round out the trilogy!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday! If you need a nail-biting suspense novel to read this weekend, look no further! Today for First Line Friday, I’m featuring Terri Blackstock’s newest release, Aftermath.

“Taylor Reid’s phone flashed as she snapped the selfie with her two friends, their heads touching and their backs to the stage.”

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock

The Basics

Title: Aftermath

Author: Terri Blackstock

Publication Date: May 11, 2021

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

A devastating explosion.

Three best friends attend a concert. Only one makes it out alive.

A trunk full of evidence.

When police stop Dustin Webb with a warrant to search his trunk, he knows there’s been a mistake. He’s former military and owns a security firm. But he’s horrified when the officers find explosives, and he can’t fathom how they got there.

An attorney who will risk it all for an old friend.

Criminal attorney Jamie Powell was Dustin’s best friend growing up. They haven’t spoken since he left for basic training, but she’s the first person he thinks of when he’s arrested. Jamie knows she’s putting her career on the line by defending an accused terrorist, but she’d never abandon him. Someone is framing Dustin to take the fall for shocking acts of violence . . . but why?

My Thoughts

This is an intense story from beginning to end! It gets off to an explosive start when a bomb goes off at a concert – but who was the target and why? When Dustin becomes the number one suspect, he knows he is being framed and turns to his childhood friend Jamie for help. Terri Blackstock once again proves why she is one of the biggest names in Christian romantic suspense with this masterful novel!

Aftermath is part suspense and part legal thriller, as Dylan and Jamie race to find the truth before more people get hurt. It also shows the far-reaching effects tragedy can have on everyone involved – in Dustin’s life, after his turbulent childhood; in the lives of the survivors of the bombing; and in the lives of the perpetrators. In the aftermath of tragedy, we have the choice to grow and become better, or to become bitter and compound the impact by making bad decisions with ripple effects. We can choose either healing or destruction, and the contrast is stark in this book.

This is a story of friendship, second chances, and redemption as Jamie and Dustin rekindle their childhood friendship and reestablish their trust in each other. It is definitely heavier on the suspense than romance, though, with a gripping plot that keeps you guessing. The added perspective of one of the survivors of the bombing, whose story we follow throughout, also provides plenty of twists, turns, and tense moments! If you are a suspense fan looking for a book that will keep you turning pages long into the night, don’t miss Aftermath!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday! The book I’m featuring for this week’s First Line Friday is one you won’t want to miss. Sticks and Stone just released this week and is the next installment in the incredible True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series!

“The pieces of two lives sit in my brain like they should fit together, but no matter how hard I press, I can’t get them to line up.”

Sticks and Stone by David James Warren

The Basics

Title: Sticks and Stone

Author: David James Warren

Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone (Book 3 of 6)

Publication Date: June 1, 2021

Genre: Time Travel Suspense/Thriller

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Third Time’s The Charm … Or Not

Rembrandt Stone has only made things worse. This time, upon his return, he discovers his closest friendship is up in flames. Andrew Burke’s new scars reflect the havoc Rembrandt has left on his own timeline and he must go back—one last trip into the past. This time he’ll save Burke, fix his life and track down a serial killer who possess an uncanny ability to evade him through time.

When Rembrandt lands in the past and two children disappear into an epic Minneapolis blizzard, he’s in a race with time to save the children, his partner, and create a future he can live with.

Sticks and Stone—the third book in the gripping True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series—starts sprinting on page one and doesn’t slow down till the final words.

Hold onto your head…and your heart.

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing as DAVID JAMES WARREN.

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness, what a wild ride Rem is on in his latest time travel adventure! Things have majorly shifted, both in his present timeline and in his past. Of course, it’s his own fault, as he has broken the first rule of time travel (don’t mess with the past!), but how could he not? Not only is he trying to get his old life back, but he also has the opportunity to stop a serial killer in his tracks.

As Rem bounces back and forth between the past and the present, his relationships with Eve and Burke grow ever more complicated. The effects of those relationships reverberate across time, keeping Rem on his toes. It’s becoming challenging for Rem to keep up with all of his timelines, but the authors do a great job of keeping everything straight for the reader. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Rembrandt Stone book without a major cliffhanger! I never saw this ending coming, and I have absolutely no idea how Rem is going to get himself out of this one. Good thing the next book will be out in August! If you enjoy mind-bending suspense and characters who jump off the page and into your heart, you will love this series!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of the launch team. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own; I was not required to write a positive review.

We’ve made it through another week, and that means it’s time for another First Line Friday! Today I’m featuring a book set in my home state of Maine: At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher.

“It was a long way home.”

At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Basics

Title: At Lighthouse Point

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Series: Three Sisters Island (Book 3 of 3)

Publication Date: May 4, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover: Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan–to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor’s kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn’t know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.

As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined. 

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the coast of Maine for a story that reminds you to release what doesn’t matter and cling to what does: faith, family, and friendships.

My Thoughts

At Lighthouse Point, the conclusion to the Three Sisters Island series, follows the Grayson family through another summer at Camp Kicking Moose on Three Sisters Island off the coast of Maine. This story focuses on the youngest sister, Blaine, and picks up two years after the last book left off. She is arriving back on the island after two years in Paris, and things have changed in her absence – including the kitchen she was hoping to remodel and turn into her own restaurant at the camp.

While I enjoyed the story overall, something I found a little lacking was the character development. Some of the reactions characters had to problems seemed a little unrealistic to me – almost a little shallow or childish. One of the characters I did enjoy, though, was Blaine’s friend from Paris, Jean Paul. His klutzy moments provided some comic relief, and he had some wise advice for every member of the family. I did also enjoy seeing Artie and Blaine reconnect and come to terms with some unresolved issues in their friendship. Overall, this book is a light summer read and a good conclusion to the series.

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday – we made it through another week! For First Line Friday, I’m featuring Never Miss, a newly released book by debut author Melissa Koslin.

“‘Sarah Jeane Rogers,’ she muttered. ‘Elizabeth Jeane Jones.’ Which ID to use this time? ‘Eenie meenie minie moe….’ She held up the license in her right hand. ‘Sarah Jeane Rogers it is.'”

Never Miss by Melissa Koslin

The Basics

Title: Never Miss

Author: Melissa Koslin

Publication Date: May 4, 2021

Genre: Christian Suspense/Thriller

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

From the Back Cover: Former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle possesses a special set of skills and a rare pedigree. She comes from a family of assassins, and by saving Lyndon Vaile’s life she risks being found by them. Despite the danger, Kadance feels compelled to help Lyndon discover who is after him–and his research that seems to prove that the Ebola virus was manmade and is about to be weaponized.

With shadowy figures pursuing them and a Mastermind watching their every move, Kadance and Lyndon must scramble to stop an impending bioattack at the State of the Union address. But their warnings fall on deaf ears, and it becomes increasingly clear that there’s no one they can trust–except perhaps each other.

Strap in for a breakneck story that will have you up all night, hurtling toward the last page as the clock ticks and time runs out.

My Thoughts

Melissa Koslin is a fresh, unique voice in Christian fiction! This story features two main characters who are anything but typical. Kadence, a former CIA sniper, and Lyndon, a medical researcher, are two no-nonsense people who are thrown together under some terrifying circumstances and who are certainly not looking for love. As they work together in a race to stop a bioweapon, their mutual trust develops into a deep friendship unlike any either of them has had before.

The action is definitely high-stakes, and the threat of both the impending Ebola attack and the threats on their lives keep the tensions high. But in the midst of the craziness, there are still some quieter moments that help the characters develop and give the reader some moments to breathe. One of the most unique characters isn’t even human – Mac, Kadence’s cat, is an incredible addition to the story as he provides both companionship and some tactical assistance! I really enjoyed this book, and I think fans of James R. Hannibal and Carrie Stuart Parks will as well. I can’t wait to read what Melissa Koslin writes next!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Revell!

Happy Friday! If you enjoy spy thrillers, you won’t want to miss this book! Today, for First Line Friday, I’m featuring James R. Hannibal’s newest release, The Paris Betrayal.

“From a rooftop perch, Ben Calix watched the courier leave the Tiber and cross the piazza.”

The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal

The Basics

Title: The Paris Betrayal

Author: James R. Hannibal

Publication Date: May 4, 2021

Genre: Christian Suspense/Thriller

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover: After a rough mission in Rome involving the discovery of a devastating bioweapon, Company spy Ben Calix returns to Paris to find his perfectly ordered world has collapsed. A sniper attack. An ambush. A call for help that brings French SWAT forces down on his head. Ben is out. This is a severance–reserved for incompetents and traitors.

Searching for answers and anticipating a coming attack, Ben and a woman swept up in his misfortunes must travel across Europe to find the sniper who tried to kill him, the medic who saved his life, the schoolmaster who trained him, and an upstart hacker from his former team. More than that, Ben must come to grips with his own insignificance as the Company’s plan to stop Leviathan from unleashing the bioweapon at any cost moves forward without him–and he struggles against the infection that is swiftly claiming territory within his own body.

Award-winning author James R. Hannibal ratchets up the tension on every page of this suspenseful new thriller.

My Thoughts

The Paris Betrayal is an intense spy thriller with heart-stopping action from the first page – my favorite of James R. Hannibal’s books yet! I stayed up way too late to finish it, because I was so engrossed in the story I lost track of time. That doesn’t happen often! Lots of action, great dialogue, and fascinating characters all come together to make this book impossible to put down. I loved the spy notes sprinkled throughout – tips and tricks Ben had learned during his training and career. A complicated web of deception and betrayal that leaves Ben’s life hanging in the balance illustrates powerful spiritual themes of faith and God’s sovereignty. I highly recommend this book for fans of high-stakes, high-octane suspense and thrillers with just a hint of romance. I already know it will be one of my favorites this year!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and author as part of the launch team. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday! For today’s edition of First Line Friday, I’m featuring To Save a King, a gorgeous new book by Rachel Hauck, one of my all-time favorite authors. The official release date is next Wednesday, May 5th, but you can preorder the Kindle version now for $2.99! You will not regret spending some time with this fabulous story.

“Once Upon A Time…

… Prince John believed in fairy tales.”

To Save a King by Rachel Hauck

The Basics

Title: To Save a King

Author: Rachel Hauck

Series: True Blue Royal (Book 2)

Publication Date: May 5, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover: After growing up in small-town Hearts Bend, Tennessee, Gemma Stone set off to Hollywood to make her mark in the world.

But her ambition turned into a journey of a “thousand” bad decisions and after twelve years of seeking fame and fortune, Gemma returns home with a limp and a dark secret.

HRH Crown Prince John has learned a royal title cannot shield him from heartbreak. As heir to the revered House of Blue and married to the love of his life, he believed his future reign would strengthen the royal dynasty of Lauchtenland. Then tragedy changed everything. Can anything save him from his grief?

With a touch of divine help, Prince John and Gemma just might find the kind of love that saves and ultimately write their very own fairy tale.

My Thoughts

To Save a King is another enchanting story by Rachel Hauck! She is the queen of writing royal stories marked by characters who grab your heart and won’t let go. John and Gemma are two wounded hearts who don’t expect to find love, but who find second chances and healing in their friendship-turned-love-story. This book doesn’t shy away from heavy issues, but instead infuses them with redemption, hope, and light. It will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of God’s goodness in a powerful way. The gospel and the transformation Jesus offers are on full display in John and Gemma’s captivating story.

I would recommend reading The Wedding Dress and To Love a Prince before reading To Save a King. If you are a longtime Rachel Hauck reader, you will also recognize characters from her Royal Wedding series and her other books set in Hearts Bend. I highly recommend all of her books, and To Save a King is definitely one I will want to read over and over again!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but I loved it so much I will be purchasing a copy for my keeper shelf! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.