- Jen Leave a comment

Something Good | Book Review

Happy Monday! If you’re looking for a new book to read this week, check out this new release by Vanessa Miller!

Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: Something Good

Author: Vanessa Miller

Publication Date: March 8, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

When three women find their lives inextricably linked after a terrible mistake, they must work together to make the most of their futures.

Alexis Marshall never meant to cause the accident that left Jon-Jon Robinson paralyzed—but though guilt plagues her, her husband hopes to put the past behind them. After all, he’s in the middle of selling a tech business—and if Alexis admits to texting while driving, the deal could collapse and cost them millions. Meanwhile, Alexis’s life is not as shiny and perfect as it may seem from the outside. She has secrets of her own. As she becomes consumed with thoughts of the young man she hit, can she reconcile her mistake with her husband’s expectations?

Trish Robinson is just trying to hold it together after the accident that left Jon-Jon dependent and depressed. As the bills pile up, Trish and her husband, Dwayne, find themselves at odds. Trish wants to forgive and move on, but Dwayne is filled with rage toward the entitled woman who altered their lives forever. Trish can’t see how anything good can come from so much hate and strife, so she determines to pray until God intervenes. Then one afternoon Marquita Lewis rings their doorbell with a baby in her arms and changes everything.

Vanessa Miller’s latest inspirational novel reminds readers that differences may separate us, but if we cling to each other, God can bring something good out of our very worst moments.

My Review

Vanessa Miller was a new-to-me author, and I’m glad I decided to read her newest book, Something Good! She has written a heartwarming story about the power of forgiveness and friendships. Alexis, Trish, and Marquita are relatable characters with unique perspectives that are woven together in ways they never expected. Their unlikely friendship is a powerful reminder that God really can make something good come of even the worst tragedies. If you are looking for a redemptive story with layered characters and rich, authentic faith themes, look no further than Something Good!

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

- Jen 4 Comments

Where the Last Rose Blooms | Book Review

Happy Sunday! Hope you have had a wonderful weekend with plenty of time to read 🙂 If you are looking for a new book for your TBR pile, I have a great option for you! Where the Last Rose Blooms by Ashley Clark has it all – history, romance, and a bit of mystery.

Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: Where the Last Rose Blooms

Author: Ashley Clark

Series: Heirloom Secrets (Book 3 of 3)

Publication Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Southern Historical/Contemporary; Dual Timeline

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Alice runs a New Orleans flower shop alongside her aunt, but thoughts of her mother, who went missing during Hurricane Katrina, are never far from her mind. After getting off on the wrong foot with a man who comes to the shop, Alice soon realizes their worlds overlap–and the answers they both seek can be found in the same place.

In 1861 Charleston, Clara is an abolitionist, unbeknownst to her father, who is heavily involved with the Confederacy. She attempts to assist an enslaved woman reunite with her daughter, and a dashing Union spy is just the person to help them. But things go very wrong when Clara agrees to aid the Northern cause by ferrying information about her father’s associates–and her own fiancé.

Faced with the unknown, both women across the years will have to dig deep to let their courage bloom.

My Review

This is a beautiful, moving conclusion to the Heirloom Secrets series! Ashley Clark has written another enchanting dual-timeline story, weaving threads from heroines in the 1860s and the present day into a work of literary art. Where the Last Rose Blooms completes the historical storyline that began at the beginning of the series, and brings our attention to Alice in the modern day. Readers will delight in the rich historical detail and the intricate way the characters and plots of all three books come together to create a beautiful story of heartbreak, hope, and courage. Exquisitely written, this novel will be enjoyed by fans of Southern fiction, historical fiction, and contemporary romance.

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

- Jen 9 Comments

First Line Friday | The Summer We Forgot

Welcome to First Line Friday, the linkup hosted by Reading is My Superpower! Today I’m featuring Caroline George’s new release, The Summer We Forgot.

June 13
Watercolor, Florida

“Mom keeps bins in the foyer.”

The Summer We Forgot by Caroline George
Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: The Summer We Forgot

Author: Caroline George

Publication Date: March 8, 2022

Genre: YA Suspense

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Some memories are better left forgotten.

Darby and Morgan haven’t spoken for two years, and their friend group has splintered. But when the body of their former science teacher is found in the marsh where they attended camp that summer, they realize they have more questions than answers . . . and even fewer memories.

No one remembers—or no one is talking.

The group of reunited friends begins to suspect that a murderer is stalking the coastal highway 30A, and they must try to recover their memories as quickly as possible . . . before the history they can’t remember repeats itself.

Everyone has a secret.

As tensions rise and time runs out, Darby and Morgan begin to wonder if they can believe one another . . . or if they can even trust themselves.

My Review

“Nowadays the world tells people to live their truths, but what if we’re not what we believe? What if we’re the lies we tell ourselves?”

Caroline George has written another gripping, evocative story in The Summer We Forgot. I don’t usually read YA fiction, but her voice, style, and ability to write such layered characters has made her a must-read author for me. This murder mystery follows a group of high school seniors whose lives were all turned upside down two summers ago, but they can’t remember why. The story drew me in from the beginning, from the coastal setting on 30A to the friendships between the characters to the twisty, layered plot.

“We’re part the lies we believe about ourselves and part the truths we forget.”

This is a coming of age story that readers of any age can relate to, as we question along with the characters whether or not we will let our past mistakes define us. If you are looking for a clean, deeply moving story that blends mystery with romance and friendship, look no further than The Summer We Forgot.

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 Reading is My Superpower 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.

- Jen 6 Comments

First Line Friday | Malicious Intent

Welcome to First Line Friday! Today I’m featuring the newest book in Lynn H. Blackburn’s Defend and Protect series: Malicious Intent.

“The stack of cash on his desk was as close to genuine currency as squeeze cheese was to Brie.”

Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn
Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: Malicious Intent
Author: Lynn H. Blackburn
Publication Date: March 1, 2022
Series: Defend and Protect (Book 2)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
From the Back Cover:

Her years of research and sleepless nights are about to pay off . . . if she can stay alive.

Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., is ready to begin clinical trials of her company’s cutting-edge prosthetic. Her work has been praised by government, medical, and advocacy groups, and everyone hopes the device will be a success. Well, almost everyone. Someone is trying to sabotage Hedera and the launch, but to what purpose–and how far will they go to get what they want? 

Meanwhile, US Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon can’t believe he’s finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. Now that he’s found her again, Gil intends to mend their broken relationship. But it will take all his skill to uncover the truth in time to save Ivy’s life, her life’s work, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

My Review

Another fantastic book by Lynn H. Blackburn! This is a fast-paced story that drew me in from the first page. It’s everything I’ve come to expect and love from the author – lots of action, edge-of-your-seat suspense, ensemble characters with great chemistry and camaraderie, and a sweet romance. Gil and Ivy get a second chance after fifteen years apart when she and her company are under attack. Their friendship lets the romance develop at a realistic pace, even in the middle of all the action. If you enjoy high-octane suspense with a fresh, unique plot and compelling characters, look no further – get yourself a copy of Malicious Intent!

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 Reading is My Superpower 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.

- Jen 1 Comment

Book Review | Find Your People

Happy Monday! Today I’m sharing my review of Jennie Allen’s newest book, Find Your People.

Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World

Author: Jennie Allen

Publication Date: February 22, 2022

Genre: Christian Living/Personal Growth

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

In a world that’s both more connected and more isolating than ever before, we’re often tempted to do life alone, whether because we’re so busy or because relationships feel risky and hard. But science confirms that consistent, meaningful connection with others has a powerful impact on our well-being. We are meant to live known and loved. But so many are hiding behind emotional walls that we’re experiencing an epidemic of loneliness.

In Find Your People, Jennie Allen draws on insights from science and history, timeless biblical truth, and vulnerable stories from her own life to help you:

– overcome the barriers to making new friends and learn to initiate with easy-to-follow steps
– find simple ways to press through awkward to get to authentic in conversations
– understand how conflict can strengthen relationships rather than destroy them
– identify the type of friend you are and the types of friends you need
– learn the five practical ingredients you need to have the type of friends you’ve always longed for

You were created to play, engage, adventure, and explore–with others. In Find Your People, you’ll discover exactly how to dive into the deep end and experience the full wonder of community. Because while the ache of loneliness is real, it doesn’t have to be your reality.

My Review

Find Your People by Jennie Allen is a practical, encouraging, and convicting look at Biblical friendship and community. Jennie writes in a conversational voice, sharing stories across time and cultures, as well as from her own life, that show how important community is for human flourishing. There’s no question that it’s hard to find true, authentic community – it’s hard to put yourself out there and work through the challenges that close relationships bring. What Jennie shows through Scripture, and examples from her own life, is that it’s worth it – and a vital part of living a thriving, faith-filled life. At the end of each chapter she gives practical examples and steps you can take to build this kind of community in your own life. This is a quick read, but you will want to refer back it to as you put it into practice!

If you are lonely and tired of living disconnected and isolated, this book is for you. This would be a great book to read with your Bible study, small group, or friends you want to go deeper with!

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

- Jen 11 Comments

First Line Friday | Until Leaves Fall in Paris

Welcome to First Line Friday! Today I’m featuring Sarah Sundin’s newest WWII novel, Until Leaves Fall in Paris. Her books are always on my list of favorites every year, and this one did not disappoint!

Paris, France
Wednesday, May 29, 1940

“As long as she kept dancing, Lucille Girard could pretend the world wasn’t falling apart.”

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin
Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: Until Leaves Fall in Paris

Author: Sarah Sundin

Publication Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: WWII Historical Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

When the Nazis march toward Paris, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. The Germans make it difficult for her to keep Green Leaf Books afloat. And she must keep the store open if she is to continue aiding the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. But in order to carry out his mission, he must appear to support the occupation–which does not win him any sympathy when he meets Lucie in the bookstore.

In a world turned upside down, will love or duty prevail?

My Review

Sarah Sundin sets the standard for WWII fiction in my book, and Until Leaves Fall in Paris is no exception. Every time I read one of her books, I learn something new about the WWII era. It’s apparent Sundin does her research, and the historical details come to life through her characters and settings. This is a captivating story of unexpected love in the face of adversity and unexpected courage in the face of evil. The romance between Paul, a misunderstood man of principle and conviction, and Lucie, a charming heroine who discovers she is stronger than she believed, is an enchanting part of the story. The suspense and intrigue of their work with the resistance make the book almost impossible to put down!

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is Sarah Sundin at her finest – engaging characters and powerful truths woven into a story that will stick with you long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy authors like Michelle Dobson and Amy Lynn Green, and also to readers who love finely crafted, compelling stories in any genre.

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 Reading is My Superpower 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!

- Jen Leave a comment

Book Review | Trust Me

Happy Saturday! There have been a lot of good books released so far in 2022 – if you’re a fan of the suspense genre, you might want to add Trust Me by Kelly Irvin to your TBR pile!

Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: Trust Me

Author: Kelly Irvin

Publication Date: February 8, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Suspense

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Her best friend is murdered the same way her brother was years ago. Is there anyone she can possibly trust?

A decade ago, Delaney Broward discovered her brother’s murdered body at the San Antonio art co-op he founded with friends. Her artist boyfriend, Hunter Nash, went to prison for the murder, despite his not-guilty plea.

This morning, Hunter walks out of prison a free man, having served his sentence.

This afternoon, Delaney finds her best friend dead, murdered in the same fashion as her brother.

Stay out of it or you’re next, the killer warns.

Hunter never stopped loving Delaney, though he can’t blame her for not forgiving her. He knows he’ll get his life back one day at a time, one step at a time. But he’s blindsided to realize he’s a murder suspect. Again.

When Hunter shows up on her doorstep asking her to help him find the real killer, Delaney’s head says to run away, yet her heart tells her there’s more to his story than what came out in the trial. An uneasy truce leads to their probe into a dark past that shatters Delaney’s image of her brother. She can’t stop and neither can Hunter—which lands them both in the crosshairs of a murderer growing more desperate by the hour.

In this gripping romantic suspense, Kelly Irvin plumbs the complexity of broken trust in the people we love—and in God—and whether either can be mended.

My Review

I have really enjoyed Kelly Irvin’s suspense novels, and the description of this one definitely sounded intriguing. The story starts off with Hunter being released from prison after serving time for a murder he didn’t commit. He sets out to prove his innocence and win the forgiveness of his ex-girlfriend Delaney. Things are complicated when another one of their friends is murdered on the same day he is released.

While I appreciated the uniqueness of the story, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have the author’s other books. I didn’t really feel connected with the characters, and the secondary plot line of Hunter’s investigation into the original murder felt a little like filler and a distraction from the real killer rather than a valuable part of the plot. Overall, it was still an enjoyable story, and if you’re a fan of the author I think you’ll still want to give it a try.

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

- Jen 7 Comments

First Line Friday | Shaped by the Waves

Welcome to First Line Friday! This week was so busy, I’m late posting… but at least it is still Friday 🙂 Today I’m featuring Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson.

“The Pacific Ocean licked the heat from her feet.”

Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson
Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: Shaped by the Waves

Author: Christina Suzann Nelson

Publication Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Cassie George is barely staying above water as she works to get her doctorate and raise her daughter. But she stubbornly keeps swimming to prove a few bad decisions haven’t ruined her forever. Plus, it’s all a great excuse to stay away from the small Oregon town she fled in shame years prior. But when she receives a call that the aunt who raised her has had a major health crisis, she knows it’s time to return.

Cassie is surprised to be more welcomed by the quirky seaside community than she expected, even if there’s still tension between her and her former classmate Nora Milford. But she still can’t help feeling unsettled and is mystified by a mysterious package that appears, full of typed pages that tell the story of an anonymous woman’s life. As her curiosity sends her on a journey toward truth, Cassie will discover that who she thought she was and what she wants for her life are both about to change.

My Review

Christina Suzann Nelson is a go-to author for powerful, thought-provoking, heartwarming stories, and Shaped by the Waves is no exception! The small Oregon town is a charming setting, filled with lots of likable characters. Cassie and her daughter, Lark, are lovable right from the beginning, and their story is a powerful reminder that families are more than just people we’re related to. The mystery woven in through the anonymous story Cassie received kept me turning pages late into the night. Fans of Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series or Robin Jones Gunn’s Glennbrooke series will love this 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 Reading is My Superpower 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.

- Jen 9 Comments

First Line Friday | Meet Me in the Margins

Happy Friday! If you’re looking for a fun story, the book I’m featuring for today’s First Line Friday linkup is a great option! Meet Me in the Margins is the newest rom-com by Melissa Ferguson and the perfect book for Valentine’s Day 🙂

“Pacing the back corner of the packed meeting room in outstandingly uncomfortable heels, I move as silently as possible along the three feet of available aisle space between my begrudgingly accommodating coworker, Clyve, and the horde of beady-eyed osprey staring down at me from the vintage wallpaper.”

Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson
Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: Meet Me in the Margins

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Publication Date: February 15, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Savannah Cade’s dreams are coming true. The Claire Donovan, editor-in-chief of the most successful romance imprint in the country, has requested to see the manuscript Savannah’s been secretly writing while working as editor herself—except at her publishing house, the philosophy is only highbrow works are worth printing and commercial fiction, particularly romance, should be reserved for the lowest level of Dante’s inferno. But when Savannah drops her manuscript during a staff meeting and nearly exposes herself to the whole company—including William Pennington, new publisher and son of the romance-despising CEO herself—she races to hide her manuscript in the secret turret room of the old Victorian office.

When she returns, she’s dismayed to discover that someone has not only been in her hidden nook but has written notes in the margins—quite critical ones. But when Claire’s own reaction turns out to be nearly identical to the scribbled remarks, and worse, Claire announces that Savannah has six weeks to resubmit before she retires, Savannah finds herself forced to seek the help of the shadowy editor after all.

As their notes back and forth start to fill up the pages, however, Savannah finds him not just becoming pivotal to her work but her life. There’s no doubt about it. She’s falling for her mystery editor. If she only knew who he was.

My Review

Meet Me in the Margins is perfect delightful rom-com to get lost in for a few hours! And what could be better than a rom-com about books? I absolutely loved this story, from the title to the plot to the characters and all of their mishaps and miscommunications along the way. Will is the perfect book hero – no-nonsense and all business at work, yet unexpectedly witty, charming, and thoughtful. Savannah and her quirks kept me smiling throughout, from her interactions with her sister to friendship with Lyla.

This is one of those books where you know how it will turn out in the end, but that doesn’t keep the story from being utterly enchanting. Melissa Ferguson is one of my must-read authors, and this book might be my new favorite of hers! I highly recommend Meet Me in the Margins for fans of romantic comedies by authors like Betsy St. Amant and Bethany Turner.

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 Reading is My Superpower 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.

- Jen 4 Comments

First Line Friday | In Search of a Prince

Happy Friday! This is the second weekend in a row we’ve had a big snowstorm – perfect reading weather 🙂 Today I’m linking up with Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday and featuring In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh.

“Your Majesty, I am afraid the news is not good.”

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh
Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

The Basics

Title: In Search of a Prince

Author: Toni Shiloh

Publication Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha’s Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell–Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

My Review

In Search of a Prince transports readers to the African island nation of Ọlọrọ Ilé and into a modern-day fairy tale. Toni Shiloh has created a world full of rich culture and a beautiful setting, where Brielle is thrust into both her royal role and a marriage of convenience. I loved how Brielle’s authentic, heartfelt faith was her foundation as her life was upended and she faced several difficult decisions. Her best friend, Iris, brought richness and depth to the story with the wisdom she spoke into Brielle’s life. I’m hoping there might be another book coming so we can read her story!

I hadn’t read any of Toni Shiloh’s books before, but now I’m definitely a fan! This sweet romance with hints of The Princess Diaries and The Bachelorette is a delightful addition to the Christian fiction world. Fans of Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series, as well as fans of contemporary romance authors like Becky Wade and Melissa Tagg, will enjoy this story.

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 Reading is My Superpower 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.