Leaving Darkness by Greg Schaffer

Book Description

Long-haul truck driver Lowell Ferguson is on the brink of suicide. He is haunted by the guilt of a horrible secret from his senior year of high school. Therapy and antidepressants aren’t able to lift him out of depression. At twenty-eight years old, he believes his life has dissolved into a meaningless annoyance. Only the strong bond with his lone friend—a Chihuahua named Rufus—keeps him from choosing death. But when Lowell learns Rufus may have cancer, he fears there will be no reason left to live if his beloved dog dies.

My thoughts:

I went outside of my comfort zone by reading this which I rarely do but I'm pleased with the decision I made because it was a story of forgiveness and letting go of the past.  I wasn't sure I would connect with any of the characters at first but found myself liking and understanding Lowell as the story progressed.

This isn't an easy read due to the subject matter but it's an interesting read. The characters are undoubtedly flawed but Lowell became likable to me and that is due to his love of his dog Rufus.  I have always thought if any human being loves and cares for an animal they must have some redeeming qualities.  I liked that Lowell was willing to take responsibility and seek forgiveness for something he was involved in as a teen.  As much as I grew to admire Lowell, I became less fond of his friend Alan which is how the author wrote his character.

Overall, I liked the personal growth of Lowell and the path he chose to take.  His journey wasn't an easy one but it was one built on faith and I think they are the most important ones to take.  I thought the storyline was interesting and some of the secondary characters were likable.

I received a complimentary copy of Leaving Darkness and have given my honest opinion.

More Than Words Can Say (Patchwork Family #2) by Karen Witemeyer

Book Description

After being railroaded by the city council, Abby needs a mans name on her bakery's deed, and a man she can control, not the stoic lumberman Zacharias who always seems to exude silent confidence. She cant even control her pulse when she's around him. But as trust grows between them, she finds she wants more than his rescue. She wants his heart. 

Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: June 4th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers (first published June 2019)

Links to purchase     Amazon        B&N

My thoughts:

Oh how I loved this book!  This is the second book in the Patchwork Family series and one of my most anticipated reads of 2019, partly because I have often thought of Zach since meeting him in More Than Meets the Eye and I have been waiting for his story but mainly because I love anything written by Karen Witemeyer.  

Abby was instantly likeable and her story made me so glad that I live in a world where it's perfectly acceptable for women  to own a business without having a man's name to put on the deed.  That's  how things were during the 1800's and since her father's death the city council started giving her a hard time. So, what's a single woman  who owns and operates a successful bakery to do?  Well, she decides to enter into a marriage of convenience which adds several humorous interactions with a couple of the single men in town.  My goodness, Abby is determined she is not giving up her bakery and livelihood without a fight and that's when I rooted for her to have the best life had to offer her.

Things didn't  get off to a good start as Abby went through the list of suitable men to marry, there were some duds who frequented her bakery but there was that one man she thought would be a good choice.  Unfortunately he disagreed much to my disappointment but luckily Abby has a sister who  has her back so that was a wonderful surprise when she pays Zach a visit.   Zach has changed so much since the first book and the change has been positive making this readers heart so happy. I have admired the sacrifices he made for his Patchwork family and was so happy to reconnect with Evangeline and Seth.  I didn't always condone Zach's behavior but knew he had little choice in how he provided for his family.

I think the author strikes the perfect blend of humor, love of family and faith in this wonderful story.  This could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading  the books in order to fully appreciate the characters and the fantastic writing of Ms. Witemeyer. 

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley but was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own. 

Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner

Book Description

After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. Convinced Will doesn't love her in the "forever" way she loves him, Cadie believes it's time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing.

But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie's favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It's a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?

Bethany Turner is back with more of the heart and humor readers love. Anyone who enjoys a good romance or binges romantic comedies on Netflix will devour this delightful story. 

My thoughts:

From the moment Cadie and Will met I was hooked on this super cute, fast paced book.   They were meant for each other or so I thought.  There are doubts, misunderstandings and dialog that had me laughing as I turned the pages.

I was team Cadie for the majority of the of the storyline but my feelings changed and I was all about Will for a while.  Of course, as the story progressed, I became a fan of both characters and rooted for them to have their happily ever after.   I liked the secondary characters as much as I liked the main characters in this book, too. 

Overall, this is a good book for those lazy summer days when you want to escape, read it at home or take it with you on vacation, but read it for the pure entertainment it provides.   

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review.  All opinions are my own.

The Strongman and the Mermaid

The Strongman and the Mermaid by Kathleen Shoop

Publication Date: February 28, 2019

eBook & Paperback; 573 Pages

Series: The Donora Story Collection (Book 2)

Genre: Historical Fiction/Saga

Myscowa, Poland—1910

Once upon a time in tiny, rural Myscowa, Lukasz Musial competes in feats of strength against his lifelong nemesis to win passage to America. He leaves behind grinding poverty and despair, to seek the clear blue skies, and better life he sees on a postcard. Settled in Donora’s Polish community, Lukasz secures a coveted job in the wire mill, and is matched to marry Donora’s very own Polish princess. Life is set on course. The American Dream is nearly his.

Donora, Pennsylvania—1910

Mary Lancos is no princess. A tall, athletic girl who loves the water, she spends her days keeping house for families in town, digging coal out of a backyard seam and rowing her father across the Monongahela River for work. Mary is dependable, tenacious, and always ready to help when someone needs her. She dreams of a gas-heated home, a bedroom for each of her future children, and good meals on the table each night. To help make that happen Mary attends local dances, waiting for the few men who are taller than her to ask her to dance, hoping one of them is right for her.

An unexpected Christmas Eve visitor brings bad luck, and Lukasz’s world crumbles. Meanwhile, tension grows at the Lancos home when money is short and Mary’s dreams clash with her parents’ old world expectations. Just when Mary and Lukasz are at their lowest, they find themselves under an odd pink moonlit sky and Lukasz rescues Mary from a fall into frigid river water. The attraction between them is sudden and consuming, turning the pair onto an unexpected path. With mounting disapproval from Mary’s parents, and increased pressure on Lukasz, they must decide if love is enough to risk losing everything else that matters.

Available on Amazon

Praise

Kathleen Shoop has bejeweled this book with her magnificent imagination and impeccable writing. The Strongman and the Mermaid by Kathleen Shoop is a romance that goes beyond looks and settles deep into the souls of readers. Every so often, a love story comes that your heart can't let go. One of those love stories, for me, has been Mr. Darcy and Lizzy in Pride and Prejudice. Now Mary and Lukasz in The Strongman and the Mermaid will stay with me for a long time to come. –Ankita Shukla for Readers’ Favorite

The Strongman and the Mermaid by Kathleen Shoop is a gorgeous story, a gripping romance with a strong setting. The plot structure is unusual and it has beautiful twists. I love stories with great characters and a well-developed conflict and I always want to see characters evolve through the conflict. It is something that this author does impeccably well. The narrative is emotionally rich…The writing is cinematic, punctuated by exciting dialogue. The Strongman and the Mermaid will keep you awake through the night. –Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite

I was hooked from the very start...The Strong Man and the Mermaid is skillfully plotted and written in beautiful prose. The reader is pulled into a fairytale-like world with strong and memorable characters. The love adventure between Mary and Lukasz is one of the key elements that add to the entertaining potential of this narrative. Kathleen Shoop keeps it real and human, succeeding in creating an emotional connection between the reader and the characters.—Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

Review:

The cover of the book caught my eye and when I read the book description I was intrigued so I knew it was one I wanted to read.  I am so glad that I did because it is artfully written and I quickly became caught up in the lives of the characters.  I loved Patryk. the grandfather who is hiding in the attic and who tells the story of Lukasz and Mary along with the cast of characters in Donor, Pennsylvania.

And what a story it is!  I became emotionally attached to Mary and Lukasz but I have to admit that it was Mary who I had the most sympathy for.  She had such a difficult life for one so young and I realize she wasn't the only young girl during that time who had to work to help her family but boy did I feel so bad for her.  I cannot imagine what it would it must have been like to have such a huge responsibility as a young teen.

I felt the emotions the characters felt and wanted them to live their best possible lives.  I celebrated when they had any success just as I was saddened by any setback they had.  I have often thought of them since I finished the book which means that I will read it again at some point because that's what I do when become attached to a novel like I did with this one.  This is the first book that I've read by Ms. Shoop but it wont be the last.  I look forward to what she has in store for her readers next.

I received complimentary copy for an honest review which I have given.

About the author:

Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards, Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wednesday, May 22</span></strong>

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Sing a New Song by Candee Fick

Book Description:

The pampered diva is about to meet her match.

Songbird Gloria Houghton has always needed to be the center of attention, but the spotlight has shifted. Seeking fame and a fresh start, she finds a new stage in Branson, Missouri…only to risk being replaced by a manipulative rival. If Gloria can’t be the star, who is she?

Jack-of-all-trades Nick Sherwood is just one leaf on a vast family tree that includes a restaurant chef, hotel owners, and even the headline act at a family-owned theater. He’s seen how fame can blind a person with jealousy and is more than content to stay in the background thank you very much. If only he wasn’t so fascinated--and irritated--by the newest addition to the staff.

After a disaster of a first impression and financial difficulties land Gloria in the humblest of jobs—with Nick as her boss—it might be time for her to learn to sing a new song.

If you like strong families, country music, and redeemed villains, then you’ll love this next chapter in The Wardrobe series by Candee Fick.

My thoughts:

I had been waiting for Gloria's story for so long.  She's been the one character throughout the Wardrobe series who annoyed me so much.  Is it terrible that I wanted her to get her comeuppance?  Well of course it is, but I'm only human and she's fictional so maybe it's not so bad after all.

Something happened to me while reading this book and I owe it all to the writing of Ms. Fick.  You see, I actually started to like Gloria and I thought her move to Branson, Missouri was just the reality check she needed to become the humble young woman who she became.  She had to perform menial tasks before rehearsing and performing in the family-owned theater where she worked.  I have to admit to respecting her for doing what she needed to do in order to survive and realize her dreams.

This series has focused on family and friends from the very beginning but in this one I liked the family dynamic more than I thought I would.  The Sherwood family are hardworking and down to earth. I loved them all but have to say Nick is my favorite.  He's kind, caring, funny and the true friend Gloria needs as she makes a fresh start in Branson.

Although this is the third book in the series I think it can easily be read as a standalone and if you like sweet clean reads I recommend this one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel by James Markert

Book Description:

For years, guests of the Tuscany Hotel could leave their pasts behind and live among fellow artists. Now guests of a different sort fill the rooms, searching for their memories—no matter the cost.

Run by renowned sculptor Robert Gandy and his wife and muse, Magdalena, the Tuscany Hotel hosted guests of a certain kind—artists, actors, scientists, and engineers who left their worries behind so that they could create their latest masterpieces. Surrounded by lore, the hotel was rumored to free the mind and inspire artists’ gifts. But tragic circumstances force Robert and his family to move.

After thirteen months at war, Vittorio Gandy is haunted by memories, and his former life is unrecognizable. Once a gifted painter, now he can’t bear the vivid, bleeding colors on a canvas. His young son doesn’t remember him, and his wife, Valerie, is scared of him. But the most disconcerting change is in Vitto’s father, Robert Gandy, who has fallen from being a larger-than-life sculptor to a man whose mind has been taken by Alzheimer’s. 

When Robert steals away in the night, Valerie, Vitto, and his new acquaintance and fellow veteran John go to the only place Robert might remember—the now-abandoned Tuscany Hotel. When they find him there, Robert’s mind is sound and his memories are intact. 

Before long, word gets out that drinking from the fountain at the hotel can restore the memories of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. The rooms once again fill up with guests—not artists this time, but people seeking control over their memories and lives. Vitto desperately wants to clear his own mind, but as he learns more about his mother’s life and her tragic death, he begins to wonder whether drinking the water comes at a price. 

A story of father and son, memories lost and found, artists and their muses, Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel explores the mysteries of the mind, the truth behind lore, and the miracle of inspiration. 

My thoughts:

The setting of post World War 2 is very interesting as it deals with pretty heavy topics such as PTSD and returning home to a young child who doesn't remember his father.  I cannot imagine how that would feel but it certainly tugged at my heart.  That's what life was like for Vitto Gandy who once was a gifted painter and who now can't look at the colors on a canvas.

In this novel the author takes his readers on an incredible journey where he introduces his characters to you and makes you feel as though you are seeing what they're seeing and sharing their experiences with them.  It' almost like looking at a work of art but so much better because I could go back to read certain passages whenever I chose to since I don't own any works of art!

I loved that the Tuscany Hotel was the kind of place where the guests were creative and interesting and I would have eavesdropped on their conversations.  It just seemed so opulent but yet a fun place to spend time with like minded people.  There is some Greek Mythology which confused me at first but the author connected the dots for me and it made sense.  The author masterfully pulls you into his story page after page which is why I recommend reading Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow

Book Description:

During a terrorist attack near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a courageous mother sacrifices her life to save her four-year-old daughter, leaving behind a grieving husband and a motherless child.

Hana Abboud, a Christian Arab Israeli lawyer trained at Hebrew University, typically uses her language skills to represent international clients for an Atlanta law firm. When her boss is contacted by Jakob Brodsky, a young Jewish lawyer pursuing a lawsuit on behalf of the woman’s family under the US Anti-Terrorism laws, he calls on Hana’s expertise to take point on the case. After careful prayer, she joins forces with Jakob, and they quickly realize the need to bring in a third member for their team, an Arab investigator named Daud Hasan, based in Israel.

To unravel the case, this team of investigators travels from the streets of Atlanta to the alleys of Jerusalem, a world where hidden motives thrive, the risk of death is real, and the search for truth has many faces. What they uncover will forever change their understanding of justice, heritage, and what it means to be chosen for a greater purpose.

My thoughts:

It took awhile for me to get interested in this novel but once I did it was one of the most enjoyable and fascinating novels I have read in awhile.  Jacob and Hana team up to bring justice following a terror related crime which would be quite an undertaking but these two young lawyers are up to the task.

I happen to like legal thrillers so much but when I pick up one by Mr. Whitlow I know I am in for a treat which is exactly what I got.  The characters are amazing and I loved  the exceptional storyline.  Is this an easy read?  No but it is definitely a worthwhile read. Having said that I can see myself watching a movie based on this book and I am not a person who can watch television without falling asleep and I rarely see movies in theaters but I would be more than willing to watch this one.

This book will make you think about all of the things going on in our world today and  opened up a discussion in my home which is why I think this might be a good read for book clubs.  I can see my myself reading this book again at some point.   The author is a storyteller like none other.

I received a copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.  All opinions are my own.

The Bishop's Daughter by Patricia Johns

Book Description

In this poignant, beautifully written novel, a faithful young Amish widow is reunited with her wayward first love . . .

As a bishop's daughter and good Amish mother, widowed Sadie Hochstetler teaches her young son that God blesses those who try their best to please Him. But her brief marriage taught her that life is infinitely more complicated than that. Older, and serious, her late husband seemed a sensible choice--especially compared to Elijah Fisher, the spirited boy with whom she butted heads and hearts. Then Elijah abruptly left for the Englisher world, taking Sadie's beloved brother along with him--a double betrayal she still strives to forgive. Especially now that Elijah has returned . . .

Elijah plans to stay in the Amish community only as long as he's needed, helping his family and working for Sadie's ailing father. The outside world has changed him, leading him to question rules and restrictions that others take on faith. Once, he'd been head over heels in love with the bishop's daughter--a girl he was judged unworthy of courting. Nine years have changed so much between them. Yet something remains--a spark that, for all their differences, might light the way home again . . . 

My thoughts:

This is the first book that I have read by Patricia Johns but after reading this one I asked myself why? 

I loved her writing and her compelling characters so I will definitely be reading more of her work.

Let's be honest and admit that we are all flawed people and the author didn't shy away from showing the flaws in her characters which I liked.  I felt sorry for Sadie Hochstetler the young widow who returns to her parents home with her young son and I liked her immediately.  At first I viewed Elijah Fisher negatively but as the story progressed I started to like and respect him.  The family has so much to deal with from the bishops illness to a son who has left the Amish community and it was interesting how they chose to handle those situations.  

I read this book pretty fast because I got caught up in the storyline and wanted find out what would happen in the lives of the Hochstetler family.   The author made me care about her characters so much that I didn't want to say goodbye to them.  

I received a complimentary copy of The Bishop's Daughter and was under no obligation to post a review.  All opinions are my own.

On a Summer Tide (Three Sister Island #1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description

Sometimes love hurts--and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals--and one in particular. Sam Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones. 

My thoughts:

In this charming novel the author introduces us to the Grayson family and a whole host of memorable characters in the first book in her Three Sisters Island series.  As a longtime fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher I was pleased to see that she was writing contemporary fiction although I  have absolutely loved every single one of her Amish fiction books that I have read.

I thought the premise of the book was really good but I have to admit that I would have been just as shocked as Cam, Madison and Blaine Grayson were had that happened in my family. Because having your father buy an island would surely surprise anyone.  Although Cam and her young son Cooper are the main focus in this book we do see more of the family dynamic and the relationships the family has and have had in the past. Each of the three sister have a distinct personality and yes they sometimes clash but that happens, right? 

One of my favorite characters is Peg Legg a nickname she doesn't like but that doesn't stop Paul Grayson from calling her that.  Peg's storyline is pretty humorous and unexpected, I mean who would run the Lunch Counter and General store without knowing much about cooking?  Peg does just that and I loved the help she gets from Blaine who became my second favorite character.  Seth Walker, the schoolteacher on Three Sisters Island is an unusual but likable character who I became fond of the more I got to know him.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and the quirky but sweet characters.  Is island living for me? No but I certainly enjoyed reading how the Grayson family, their friends and neighbors adapted to the lifestyle.   There is one huge twist that I did not see coming but oh, how I loved it!  This is a quick and fun read that would be perfect for a day at he beach or really anywhere you like to read.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.

The Inn at Hidden Run (The Tree of Life #1) by Olivia Newport

Book Description:

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees

Meri's family has been producing doctors for so many generations that no one remembers why, so when she flunks out of medical school, she runs as far from her parents as she can get. In the small mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado, she takes a job at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. And waits. It's only a matter of time.

What she doesn't count on is genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, having her back when it takes everything she has not to bolt again but to stay and face the truth that only unfolding her family's history will reveal. While Nolan works on keeping Meri calm--and in town--Jillian pulls out of her gems of information she doesn't know she has and arranges the puzzle pieces.

But none of that changes the fact that Meri's family is closing in to haul her back to her "real" life. 

When their arrival inflames tensions and Meri finally does bolt, Nolan and Jillian may be out of time.

The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to 

backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.

My thoughts:

The Inn at Hidden Inn is such an enjoyable story and is the first book in the new Trees of Life series by Olivia Newport.  Thanks to a few family members who are interested in genealogy I do have information on our family history but am curious to find out more after finishing this book.

I love a time-slip novel so that was a huge plus for me along with the authors smooth transition of each of the storylines.  I truly dislike when I feel that there is a jarring and abrupt interruption between the two which didn't happen in this book.  The small town feel in the present day added to my enjoyment while the yellow fever epidemic in 1878 in Memphis was heartbreaking but very relevant to the family history of Meri, a newcomer to the town of Canyon Mines.

Nolan and Jillian Duffy are a father and daughter who I could imagine being friends with and would happily tag along with to Canary Cage Coffee for a cup of coffee and some pastries.  Their relationship was sweet and loving but I liked their willingness to help those around them when needed.  I loved the town and I grew fond of the residents who I met because I felt like I got to know them through this well crafted story.  

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fast and fun week-end read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.