Happy Friday! This week I’m joining Reading is My Superpower’s First Line Friday linkup and sharing the first line from Since You’ve Been Gone. Tari Faris takes us back to Heritage, Michigan in her newest release, and it makes for a great fall weekend read!

“One person can fail only so many times. That was her theory, so after two big failures in her life, a win had to be around the next corner for Leah Williams.”

Since You’ve Been Gone by Tari Faris

The Basics

Title: Since You’ve Been Gone

Author: Tari Faris

Publication Date: September 7, 2021

Series: Restoring Heritage (Book 3 of 3)

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover: With her vision and his know-how, this thing just might work . . .

Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah’s past difficult, but he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

In order to avoid forcing a buyout of Leah’s building, Jon will have to strike a compromise. Can the two of them work together? Or will their troubled past set the tone for their future?

My Review

Tari Faris brings us back to Heritage, Michigan in this charming conclusion to the Restoring Heritage series! You will definitely want to read this series in order, as there are lots of returning characters and interwoven storylines.

In this book, Leah returns from Costa Rica with the dream of reopening her grandparents’ store. That dream seems to be out of reach when she realizes Jon, her high school arch nemesis, holds the key to making it happen. As they end up working together, he forces her to confront her history of running when things get hard. She helps him gain the courage and perspective he needs to take over his father’s company and help his younger sister Abby launch into adulthood. Mistakes and miscommunications abound, but their community of friends help them see the value in letting their guard down and giving each other a second chance.

On a lighter note, we finally learn in this book how and why Otis the hippo moves! Fans since the beginning of the series will appreciate that revelation 🙂 This book is the perfect combination of small town community, romance, and poignant spiritual truths that fans of Susan May Warren, Becky Wade, and Melissa Tagg will love.

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!

Happy Friday, and happy October! It has been almost chilly the last few days – perfect weather to stay in and read 🙂 Today I’m linking up with Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday and sharing from A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano.

Covent Garden, London, 1833

“He was so very blue. That was all my scattered mind could gather as he sailed past the window of Craven Street Theatre.”

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

The Basics

Title: A Midnight Dance

Author: Joanna Davidson Politano

Publication Date: September 7, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

At their core, all theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most–and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater.

After a chance encounter with one of the ballet company’s handsome dancers late one night, Ella is swept off her elegantly pointed toes. The dance they share and the promise he makes to her feel like a new beginning. Yet as she faces mounting challenges in the ever-shrinking ballet company, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the ghostly ballerina.

Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own disastrous end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the unyielding grip of the past?

My Review

Joanna Davidson Politano’s evocative, lyrical writing style brings ballet in Victorian London to life in A Midnight Dance! Ella is an orphaned ballet prodigy looking for answers about her past and her identity. Jack, the unlikely hero, brings color and spontaneity to her rigid, perfectionist life. I love the way he helped her break out of her shell, and her faith helped bring him growth and stability. The mystery of her past raised the tension and kept the story moving. There was a twist at the end that I probably should have seen coming, but the surprise was delightful and ended the book on a high note for me! I recommend this book for fans of historical romance, especially readers who enjoy Elizabeth Camden and Roseanna M. White.

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.

Happy Friday! Today I’m linking up with Reading is my Superpower for First Line Friday and featuring Trace of Doubt by DiAnn Mills. She is one of the first Christian suspense authors I read as a teenager, and I never miss one of her books!

“Would I ever learn?”

Trace of Doubt by DiAnn Mills

The Basics

Title: Trace of Doubt

Author: DiAnn Mills

Publication Date: September 7, 2021

Genre: Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con.

FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case.

But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby—and the truth—forever.

My Review

Trace of Doubt is a can’t-miss story from one of the most well-known Christian suspense authors out there. DiAnn Mills has definitely not lost her creative edge, even after writing so many books! Shelby’s story as an ex-con is a unique take on the suspense genre. Her strength, street smarts, and reliance on her faith make her a fascinating, compelling, heroine. The threats on her life after being released from prison become more sinister throughout the book, giving the story a psychological thriller feel. The twists and turns in this fast-paced story will keep you turning pages long into the night!

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.

Happy Friday! For today’s First Line Friday linkup, hosted by Reading is my Superpower, I am sharing a beautifully written time-slip story by Amanda Cox. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery came out last week, and it is sure to tug at your heartstrings!

“Sarah nudged aside last night’s puddle of clothes with her bare foot, the exposed designer label sticking out a bit too much.”

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

The Basics

Title: The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

Author: Amanda Cox

Publication Date: September 7, 2021

Genre: Southern Women’s Fiction

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Present Day. Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home, determined to finally follow her dream of running the family business alongside her mother and grandmother. So when her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that Old Depot Grocery is closing, Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a plan to save the store. But Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons–but she’ll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she’s pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve her family’s reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined.

This dual-time story from Amanda Cox deftly explores the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the healing power of telling the truth.

My Review

Amanda Cox is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with the release of her second book! This dual-timeline story introduces us to three generations of women in Glory Ann, Rosemary, and Sarah. From the relatable characters to the small Southern town to the heart-wrenching twists with a hint of mystery, this book has something for everyone. It touches on many issues women face, including mother-daughter relationships across generations, with themes of forgiveness, redemption, and hope.

While romance is a part of each woman’s story, it is a supplement rather than the main point. All three heroes are wonderful complements to our heroines, but Clay in the present day is my favorite. His steady friendship and care for Sarah as someone who had also suffered loss and rebuilt his life allowed her to find her place and grow into her new life. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy women’s fiction with heart, especially fans of Rachel Hauck and Lauren K. Denton!

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.

Happy Friday! Today I’m linking up with First Line Friday, hosted by Reading is My Superpower. This week I’m sharing the first line and my review of Lynette Eason’s new release, Hostile Intent.

“Today, the watching ended and the killing started.”

Hostile Intent by Lynette Eason

The Basics

Title: Hostile Intent

Author: Lynette Eason

Publication Date: August 3, 2021

Series: Danger Never Sleeps (Book 4 of 4)

Genre: Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother’s illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there’s no way she’s going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.

Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can’t discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.

My Review

Hostile Intent is a fantastic conclusion to the Danger Never Sleeps series! I was invested in Ava and Caden as soon as he saved her life at the beginning of the book. They had been friends growing up, but he quickly discovered a side to her past he never imagined. Ava’s father has spent the last 15 years preparing her for this moment, when his secrets would finally catch up with their family. When families start dying, she and Caden discover the connection to her father and race to find the killer before he completes his mission.

Captivating characters, nail-biting tension, and a brilliant plot work together to make this book my favorite of the series. It was fun to catch up with the characters from the three previous books, although this one can be read as a stand-alone. Part suspense and part thriller, I thoroughly enjoyed this high-stakes, action-packed conclusion to the series. Suspense fans can’t go wrong with a Lynette Eason 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. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday! This First Line Friday, I have a fun rom-com to share with you! If you’re looking for a book to make you laugh and take your mind off the heaviness of the world for a few hours, check out Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong.

“I hated My Best Friend’s Wedding.”

Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

The Basics

Title: Husband Auditions

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Publication Date: August 17, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding–a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”–she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love–Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

My Review

With the perfect blend of lighthearted humor and heartfelt authenticity, Husband Auditions is a fresh take on dating, purpose, and “adulting.” Meri and Kai seem like an unlikely match at first, but they grow on each other as they grow throughout the story. Meri’s crazy antics and Kai’s sometimes cringe-worthy job-hunting tactics (or lack thereof) make them relatable, engaging characters. Through clever wit and poignant moments, Meri and Kai’s story reminds us not to let our expectations keep us from seeing what God has for us. If you enjoy rom-coms by Bethany Turner or Melissa Ferguson, you 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.

Happy Friday! The book I’m featuring for First Line Friday this week is a great book to enjoy on a summer weekend. Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson has beautiful summery cover, and a beautiful story inside to match!

“Morning had a terrible habit of arriving too early, at least as far as Meg Whitaker was concerned.”

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson

The Basics

Title: Beyond the Tides

Author: Liz Johnson

Series: Prince Edward Island Shores (Book 1)

Publication Date: August 3, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

When Meg Whitaker’s father decides to sell the family’s lobster fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should take it over instead. Though she’s never had any interest in running the small fleet–or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness–she can’t stand to see Oliver Ross in charge. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn’t proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg–an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, as well as a way to provide for his mother, and he’s not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg’s father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg will work the business together, and at the end of the season, he’ll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren’t what they expected.

My Review

Beyond the Tides is a charming start to Liz Johnson’s new series! I have never been to Prince Edward Island, but being from Maine, I could relate to the cool summer mornings, Tim Horton’s coffee, and descriptions of the lobstering industry. Meg is a strong heroine, a hard worker who is willing to give up her dreams to preserve her family’s legacy. Although she and Oliver were enemies in high school, he has transformed into a strong, gentle hero, keeping the lobster business afloat while supporting Meg and her family through some difficult days.

This powerful story of forgiveness and sacrificial love will have you rooting for Meg, Oliver, and the Whitaker family all the way through. I can’t wait to travel back to Prince Edward Island with the next book in the series! Fans of Courtney Walsh, Melissa Tagg, and Becky Wade will especially enjoy 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 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.

Happy Friday! This was a great week, because the next book in the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series is finally here 🙂 Set in Stone by David James Warren is the perfect book to get lost in this weekend (start with Cast the First Stone if you haven’t read the rest of the series yet!).

“What is happiness? Is it a place? A time? A choice?

I am afraid of the answer. Because if it is either of the former two, it’s lost to me.”

Set in Stone by David James Warren

The Basics

Title: Set in Stone

Author: David James Warren (Susan May Warren, James L. Rubart, and David C. Warren)

Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone (Book 4 of 6)

Publication Date: August 10, 2021

Genre: Time Travel Thriller

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Trapped in time, he’ll have to use the past to fix the present.

Thirty-eight women. Dead. All the in the past. All because Detective Rembrandt Stone played with fate, and somewhere in time unleashed a serial killer. He can’t undo their deaths, not anymore, but the serial killer is still at large, twenty-four years later, and now it’s personal. Especially when the evidence points to the last person on anyone’s radar: Rembrandt himself.
Now he’ll have to use the clues from his pasts to track down the killer in the present.

But the killer is onto him and puts the one person Rembrandt loves in his crosshairs. Now, Rembrandt must outwit time to save the people he loves.

Because time is playing for keeps.

The fourth installment of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone will have you holding your breath and leave you gasping for more.

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 Review

For every question each new installment of this series answers, it seems like five more pop up! In Set in Stone, Rem has made it back to a timeline he thinks he can live with. He has Eve back, and he is at the top of his game in his career, on the cusp of finally finding the serial killer who has been haunting him through time. The action doesn’t let up as his search takes him from the streets of Minneapolis to the beaches of Miami, delving into his wife’s unknown (to him) past. Of course, nothing is that easy when you’re dealing with time travel, and things quickly unravel in ways he could never have imagined.

Rem’s story is a powerful reminder to stop and enjoy the happy ending you have, instead of wishing away your what-ifs and regrets. You never know how good you have it until you change the past and find out your happy life is gone! The plotting and pacing of this book (and series) are incredible, with so many interconnected timelines to bring together. Each installment provides plenty of suspense and action but leaves more to be discovered in the next book. The last two books in the series are going to be a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see how these brilliant authors tie it all together!

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.