Today for First Line Friday, I’m featuring a book that is perfect for spring & summer: Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter. The cover definitely makes me want to take a trip to the beach!

“Eleven months had not been long enough to prepare Sophie Lawson for the sight of him.”

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

The Basics

Title: Bookshop by the Sea

Author: Denise Hunter

Publication Date: April 13, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover: Sophie Lawson should be enjoying her sister’s wedding day. But nothing could have prepared her to see the best man again.

After her mother became bedridden and her father bailed on the family, Sophie found herself serving as a second mother to her twin brother, Seth, and younger sister, Jenna. Sophie supported her siblings through their college years, putting aside her own dream of opening a bookshop in Piper’s Cove—the quaint North Carolina beach town they frequented as children.

Now it’s finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden Maddox, her high school sweetheart who left her without a backward glance.

When an advancing hurricane strands Aiden in Piper’s Cove after the wedding, he finds the hotels booked to capacity and has to ask Sophie to put him up until the storm passes. As the two ride out the weather, old feelings rise to the surface. The delay also leaves Sophie with mere days to get her bookshop up and running. Can she trust Aiden to stick around? And will he find the courage to risk his heart?

My Thoughts

Bookshop by the Sea is sweet second chance romance that Denise Hunter fans will love. Set in a charming coastal North Carolina town, this story reunites Aiden and Sophie after seven years apart. A hurricane coming through town forces them to confront their past, and other circumstances lead to them unexpectedly working together to get Sophie’s bookshop ready to open. They each bring their own quirks and flaws to the story, making them both likable, relatable characters. If you read Denise Hunter’s Bluebell Inn series, you will enjoy Molly and Adam’s brief appearances in this book!

While Denise Hunter is known as a Christian fiction author, the faith element in this book wasn’t very overt. It’s a sweet, clean romance that would make a great beach read, and I just might want to start my own bookshop by the sea after reading it!

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 today for First Line Friday is the perfect fictional “spring break” getaway! Blackberry Beach, the newest book in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, returns to the fictional coastal Oregon town.

“The mystery woman was back.”

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

The Basics

Title: Blackberry Beach

Author: Irene Hannon

Series: Hope Harbor (Book 7)

Publication Date: April 6, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

From the Back Cover: Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted–fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn’t she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she’ll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss–and he has no plans to change the life he’s created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He’s had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you to come home to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

My Thoughts

Another delightful story from the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor! While traveling may be difficult right now, you can still escape to the Oregon coast in these pages. In this book we meet Zach, who opened a coffee shop in Hope Harbor to build a slower-paced life, and Kat, an actress struggling with the direction of her career. Although Kat is reluctant to open up at first, Zach is persistent at drawing her into a friendship and into the Hope Harbor community.

In Irene Hannon’s signature style, this is a character-driven, emotionally rich story. It incorporates several themes, including forgiveness, purpose, and second chances. While it can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel, returning readers will enjoy catching up with series regulars, including Charley, Reverend Baker and Father Murphy, and of course the seagull couple Floyd and Gladys!

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. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Revell!

Happy Friday! I hope you can enjoy some beautiful spring weather this weekend, wherever you are. Speaking of spring, the gorgeous cover of the book I’m featuring for today’s First Line Friday post is full of spring-y colors! All That Really Matters, Nicole Deese’s newest book, just released this week – you’ll want to add it to your spring TBR list!

“I used to marvel at the way my Great Mimi’s arthritic fingers would pinch her eyeliner pencil and trace a perfect stroke of midnight black along her upper lash line.”

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

The Basics

Title: All That Really Matters

Author: Nicole Deese

Publication Date: April 6, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover: Molly McKenzie’s bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have made her a major social media influencer. When her manager-turned-boyfriend tells her of an upcoming audition to host a makeover show for America’s underprivileged youth, all her dreams finally seem to be coming true. There’s just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

To gain an edge on her competitors, she plans to volunteer for the summer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids, but the program’s director, Silas Whittaker, doesn’t find her as charming as her followers do. Despite his ridiculous rules and terms, Molly dives into mentoring, surprising herself with the genuine connections and concern she quickly develops for the girls–and Silas. But just as everything seems perfectly aligned for her professional future, it starts to crumble under the pressure. And as her once-narrow focus opens to the deep needs of those she’s come to know, she must face the ones she’s neglected inside herself for so long.

My Thoughts

This is a charming story that feels fresh, relevant, and unique in the Christian fiction market! I love the way it shines a spotlight on an often-forgotten group – young adults aging out of the foster care system. Molly’s transformation from self-centered social media influencer to someone willing to sacrifice for the people she loves is compelling. Silas, although not without his own flaws, is definitely a swoon-worthy hero. He and Molly get off to a rocky start, but as their relationship develops, they inspire growth and change in each other.

The story tackles some serious topics and heart issues, but the lighthearted moments and witty banter sprinkled in provide just the right balance. The secondary characters, especially Glo and the girls Molly mentors, give such depth and richness to the story. I hope there will be another book so we can read more about Molly’s brother Miles and her best friend Val – I get the feeling there’s more to their story! I highly recommend this book, especially for fans of Rachel Hauck, Becky Wade, and Courtney Walsh.

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! Today I’m joining the First Line Friday linkup, hosted by Hoarding Books, and featuring an incredible book – No Unturned Stone by David James Warren. This is one you will definitely want to pre-order; it’s only $4.99 right now, but the price will go up to $7.99 on when it’s released on Tuesday!

“Just try and outrun your demons, I dare you.”

No Unturned Stone by David James Warren

The Basics

Title: No Unturned Stone

Author: David James Warren

Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone (Book 2 of 6)

Publication Date: April 6, 2021

Genre: Time Travel Thriller/Suspense

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

“The One Rule Is, Don’t Mess With The Past”

But he did, and now ex-detective Rembrandt Stone is reaping the devastation of ignoring those words when he traveled back in time to solve the one case that had haunted his dreams.

Yes, he solved the crime. Yes, he saved lives. But Rembrandt returns to find the unthinkable has happened and his life has shattered.

There’s only one answer: break the rule again. Go back in time once more, fix what went wrong, save what went right, and yeah, in his spare time solve another brutal crime.

But it’s not so easy to change time, especially when time turns you into a target. And of course there’s the strong possibility if he goes again, he’ll never get back.

Get ready for your mind to be blown in Book 2 of the time-travel suspense series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

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

I thought the first book in this series was incredible, but the intensity was ramped up even more in No Unturned Stone! I felt like I was right there with Rem, desperately trying to figure out what went wrong and how to get his life back. The cold case Rem gets a second chance at solving would make a great story all on its own, but throw in the intrigue of time travel and this book is impossible to put down!

This installment of the story sheds a little more light on how the time travel works, and Rem gains some insight from an unexpected source. His love for Eve tugs on the heartstrings and helps the reader understand why he makes the choices he does, in both the past and the present. The many twists and turns of this story lead to a totally unexpected and unpredictable ending! Only two books into the series, I can already tell that the way the authors are weaving this story together is absolutely brilliant. I am holding my breath waiting for the next book!

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.

Happy Friday! For today’s edition of First Line Friday, I’m featuring an upcoming release by Nancy Mehl. Night Fall, the first book in The Quanitco Files series, is coming out next week!

“His mother sat in the chair next to his bed, reading from The Book.”

Night Fall by Nancy Mehl

The Basics

Title: Night Fall

Author: Nancy Mehl

Series: The Quantico Files #1

Publication Date: March 30, 2021

Genre: Christian Suspense

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

“For any little boy or girl who hears the Train Man speak,
Who feels his rancid breath caress their pretty cheek,
Must close their eyes, pretend to sleep, and very softly pray,
Or else the evil Train Man may carry them away.”

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of the FBI’s elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains–all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars. When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she’d left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve the case and recover a deadly virus sample the killer intends to spread, Alex must face how far she’ll go–and what she’s willing to risk–to put a stop to the Train Man.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed Nancy Mehl’s Kaely Quinn series, but this Night Fall fell a little flat for me. The identity of the killer was revealed at the beginning, and that contributed to my feeling that the story could have been wrapped up sooner. The cult he was part of seemed a little unrealistic to me; it felt disjointed and contrived at times.

The story’s redeeming factor was the juxtaposition between Alex and the killer. They had some similarities in their upbringings, but they chose completely different paths. The spiritual elements emphasizing the choices we make that lead to either good or evil, light or darkness, were compelling – that is something Nancy Mehl does well. Although this wasn’t my favorite of her books, it was a good introduction to Alex and Logan. I will still read the next book in the series to see where their story goes!

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 first day of spring tomorrow! It’s time to link up with Hoarding Books for another First Line Friday. Today I’m featuring a new release by one of my favorite suspense authors, Lynn H. Blackburn! Unknown Threat is the first book in her new series featuring US Secret Service agents. If you’re a suspense fan, you won’t want to miss this one!

“Luke Powell’s head throbbed as he parked his sedan in the empty lot and glared into the nearby trees.”

Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn

The Basics

Title: Unknown Threat

Author: Lynn H. Blackburn

Series: Defend and Protect (Book 1)

Release Date: March 2, 2021

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover: US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He and his team are experts at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she’s assigned. She’s been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke’s life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it’s hard to know how to fight back when you don’t know who the enemy is.

Luke has teamed up with Faith before, but he’s not convinced she’s up for the job and she’s not convinced he’s telling her everything he knows. As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to learn to trust each other and work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.

My Thoughts

Lynn H. Blackburn’s new series is off to a great start with Unknown Threat! I loved the variety of law enforcement characters, from the Secret Service to the FBI. Readers of Lynn’s last series will also enjoy the cameo appearances by members of the Carrington dive team! The camaraderie of the team of Secret Service agents and the way they welcomed Faith into their group added richness to the story. I enjoyed how they worked the case together and the witty banter throughout. Some of my favorite moments were the fun interactions between Luke and Faith’s sister, Hope!

Of course, the story is also full of plenty of action! With the attacks on Secret Service agents escalating, Luke and Faith encounter danger around every corner as the perpetrator always seems to be one step ahead of them. I have to admit I was totally surprised when the attackers and their motivations were revealed; they definitely weren’t the villains I was expecting! I really enjoyed this book and will be eagerly awaiting the rest of 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 Revell and was not required to write a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday! The weather here has felt like spring the last couple of days – almost nice enough to make up for the hour we’re about to lose this weekend! For today’s edition of the First Line Friday linkup hosted by Hoarding Books, I’m featuring The Way It Should Be by Christina Suzann Nelson.

“The most beautiful things are those that survive a storm and find their glory in the restoration.”

The Way It Should Be by Christina Suzann Nelson

The Basics

Title: The Way It Should Be

Author: Christina Suzann Nelson

Publication Date: February 2, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover: After years of estrangement, the lives of Zara Mahoney and her twin sister, Eve, are suddenly and completely intertwined again. Eve’s troubled lifestyle causes the state to take custody of her two children and contact Zara and her husband, asking them to consider foster care. Newlywed Zara thought she’d finally been given a fresh start and feels wholly unprepared to care for a niece and nephew whose existence she wasn’t even aware of.

Meanwhile, Eve may have a real chance to start over this time with the help of Tiff Bradley, who’s dedicated to helping women everyone else has given up on after facing a heartbreaking tragedy in her own family.

Over the course of one summer, all three women’s hearts and lives hang in the balance as Eve desperately works toward a new life. Can they redefine their expectations of how life should be to find the hope they–and those they love–so desperately need?

My Thoughts

Christina Suzann Nelson has written a powerful, emotionally engaging story full of compelling characters. She did a great job of telling the story from the perspectives of three different women. The variety of viewpoints and the range of emotions all of the characters felt gave the story authenticity. The book doesn’t shy away from the gritty parts of life, but tackles topics like addiction, domestic violence, and foster care with honesty and grace.

While the book does deal with serious issues, there are still light-hearted moments throughout. Ultimately it is a story of hope, healing, and forgiveness, as each woman experiences transformation in her own unique way. While you might see yourself more in one than the others, Eve, Zara, and Tiff are all characters we can relate to in some way. All of the loose ends were not tied up with a bow at the end, and I thought that made the ending realistic and true to the story. This story tugged at my heartstrings and made me think – it will stick with me for a long time! I definitely recommended this book, especially for fans of Beth Vogt, Amanda Cox, and Rachel Linden.

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! Can you believe it’s March already? The days are starting to get longer, and I’m looking forward to when it’s warm enough to read outside!

Today I’m joining the First Line Friday linkup hosted by Hoarding Books, where participants share the first line from a nearby book. This week I’m featuring The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli – keep reading for the first line and my review!

Concord, Massachusetts

July 1995

“Thirteen isn’t quite grown-up, but it’s old enough for a girl to realize that hope can be a dangerous thing.”

The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli

The Basics

Title: The Orchard House

Author: Heidi Chiavaroli

Release Date: February 9, 2021

Genre: Women’s Fiction

From the Back Cover: Two women, one living in present day Massachusetts and another in Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House soon after the Civil War, overcome their own personal demons and search for a place to belong.

2001
Abandoned by her own family, Taylor is determined not to mess up her chance at joining the home of her best friend, Victoria Bennett. But despite attending summer camp at Louisa May Alcott’s historic Orchard House with Victoria and sharing dreams of becoming famous authors, Taylor struggles to fit in. As she enters college and begins dating, it feels like Taylor is finally finding her place and some stability . . . until Victoria’s betrayal changes everything.

1865
While Louisa May Alcott is off traveling the world, Johanna Suhre accepts a job tending Louisa’s aging parents and their home in Concord. Soon after arriving at Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft and, ignoring Louisa’s words of caution, falls in love and accepts Nathan’s proposal. But before long, Johanna experiences her husband’s dark side, and she can’t hide the bruises that appear.

2019
After receiving news of Lorraine Bennett’s cancer diagnosis, Taylor knows she must return home to see her adoptive mother again. Now a successful author, Taylor is determined to spend little time in Concord. Yet she becomes drawn into the story of a woman who lived there centuries before. And through her story, Taylor may just find forgiveness and a place to belong.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! I’m not all that familiar with Louisa May Alcott; I watched the movie Little Women a long time ago, but I’ve never read any of her books. I loved The Tea Chest, Heidi’s last book, so thought I would give this one a try. I’m so glad I did!

Although the connection to Louisa May Alcott isn’t what drew me in, the beautiful writing and storytelling had me quickly invested in both Taylor and Johanna’s timelines. Taylor’s powerful story of betrayal, forgiveness, and learning the meaning of family was beautifully tied in with Johanna’s story, and I loved how the historical and present-day timelines came together in the end. Heidi Chiavaroli’s beautiful writing style and excellent storytelling ability make this a captivating novel! I would recommend The Orchard House for fans of historical and women’s fiction, especially fans of Rachel Hauck and Erin Bartels.

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! I hope you’ve had a great week! I can’t believe it’s already time for another First Line Friday linkup hosted by Hoarding Books, but I’m so excited to feature Patricia Bradley’s newest release, Obsession.

“The January warm spell had definitely ended in South Mississippi.”

Obsession by Patricia Bradley

The Basics

Title: Obsession

Author: Patricia Bradley

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Series: Natchez Trace Park Rangers (Book 2)

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover: Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she’s forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation. To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed.

Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past and he doesn’t intend to let her down again. Especially since her life is on the line. As the threads of the investigation cross and tangle with their own personal history, Sam and Emma have a chance to discover the truth, not only about the victim but about what went wrong in their relationship.

My Thoughts

This book kept me guessing all the way through – I couldn’t put it down! Sam and Emma are forced to reconcile after a rocky past when they are thrown together to investigate two crimes: someone shooting at Emma seemingly to disrupt her work, and someone stalking her. As they are drawn deeper into the web of danger and secrets, it appears that the two crimes are connected, and may also be linked to Emma’s twin brother’s disappearance ten years ago.

I love the unique setting of Natchez Trace National Park! It lends itself to unique situations and puts the spotlight on park rangers, a lesser-known branch of law enforcement. I really enjoyed Emma and Sam’s relationship; the pacing felt authentic and developed naturally as they began to trust each other again after a broken engagement. It was just the right amount of romance to complement the suspense. The way the chapters from the stalker’s perspective were woven in made it hard to guess his identity at first, but gave enough insight to keep me on edge wondering how he would pull off his plans. I highly recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense, especially to readers who enjoy authors such as Natalie Walters, Lynette Eason, and Lisa Harris.

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! Another week has already come and gone… and that means it’s time for another First Line Friday. Today, I’m joining the linkup hosted by Hoarding Books and sharing the first line of Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill.

“How long could a human being scream?”

Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

The Basics

Title: Network of Deceit

Author: Tom Threadgill

Series: Amara Alvarez (Book 2)

Genre: Christian Suspense

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover: After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she’s worked for: a transfer to San Antonio’s Homicide Division. But reality sets in quickly when her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, plunges her life into chaos.

As the investigation moves forward, Amara finds herself stalked online by cybercriminals who uncover her personal life in frightening detail. With few leads, she’s forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer and prevent her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files.

Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see justice served and lives protected.

My Thoughts

Detective Amara Alvarez is back after her debut in Collision of Lies! During her first investigation as a member the Homicide Division of the San Antonio PD, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a group of hackers with some big secrets to hide. Amara is one of my favorite fictional law enforcement characters and reminds me of another one of my favorites, Raleigh Harmon. She is smart, tenacious, and has great instincts. I loved how the author’s writing style created the feeling that the reader is joining Amara in the investigation, piecing the evidence together alongside her.

In this book, we learn more about Amara’s family and get to see how her job affects her daily life. I especially loved the banter between her and Starsky – I can’t wait to see how their relationship progresses in potential future books! From the suspense to the character development, everything about this book felt authentic and made it hard to put down. I highly recommend this book (and series!) to fans of mystery and suspense.

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. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Revell!