The Sugarcreek Surprise (Creektown Discoveries #2) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Book 2 in the Creektown Discoveries series. 
Antique Store Owners Offer Romance Advice to a Smitten Carpenter

Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

My thoughts:

This is the second book in the latest series by Ms. Brunstetter and I enjoyed catching up with Orley and Lois Troyer, the Amish couple who own and operate an antique store.  I enjoyed meeting the younger couple, Lisa Miller and Paul Hershberger. I wasn’t too sure I would like Lisa at first but, after she takes in Maggie, a stray dog, I saw the sweet, softer side of her.

I felt bad for Lisa losing her family when she was a young child, but I loved the relationship she has with her grandparents who she lives with.  This is a story involving secrets, the love of family and forgiveness.   Overall, it’s a sweet story.

I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Death Valley Double Cross (Desert Justice #3) by Dana Mentink

 

A killer seeking revenge 
will stop at nothing to get it…

Pilar Jefferson is shocked to learn that her supposedly deceased father is alive and has been in prison—and now his ruthless former partner is after her. Fleeing on her wedding day was the best way to protect her loved ones. But now with her mother held for ransom and her ex-fiancé, Austin Duke, stumbling back into her life, can she keep everyone safe—and escape an assassin?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My thoughts:

I was super excited to read this book by Dana Mentink, she pens stories with non-stop action, suspense and the perfect amount of romance. I knew this one would be another page turner and boy was it!  This is the story of Austin and Pillar, the last time these two were together it involved a wedding…. theirs…it didn’t go quite as planned but that doesn’t matter too much to Austin as he gets caught up in a plot to harm Pillar.

There is a kidnapping and a sweet, loveable canine which added to my overall enjoyment to the story. This is my idea of a perfectly wonderful read. I loved everything about this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Finding Her Way Back (K-9 Companions, #2) by Lisa Carter

Healing his daughter is worth risking his heart.

After a tragic event leaves Rob Melbourne’s little girl traumatized, he’ll do anything to help her recover—even enlist his first love, Juliet Newkirk, and her therapy pup, Moose. Working with Juliet stirs up old feelings for Rob, a distraction he doesn’t need. But with the dog’s help, the road to healing his daughter might just give Rob and Juliet a second chance at happiness…

My thoughts:

This is such a wonderful, heartwarming story.  I loved the characters, especially Moose the therapy dog who stole my heart.  Juliet Newkirk is a lovely, kind young woman who gives of herself to help those in need of her help. I loved the interactions between the characters and the overall storyline.

It's quick read and one that will appeal to readers of all ages.

 

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

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 the mother of all bombshells--Brielle is a princess in the kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, King Tiwa Jimoh Adebayo, is failing.

Distraught by her mother's betrayal, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before assuming the throne or the crown will be passed to another. Uncertain who to choose from the council's list of bachelors, she struggles with the decision along with the weight of her new role in a new country. With her world totally shaken, she must take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring.
 

My thoughts:

The beautiful cover caught my eye, then once I opened the book, the story caught and held my attention from beginning to end. It was easy to immerse myself in the story of Brielle, a young woman living and working in New York, but, once her mother told her she is a Princess, time just flew by as I followed her on a journey that one can only dream about.

I loved how level-headed Brielle is and she isn't willing to make fast decisions that will alter her future, the love between her and her grandfather is beautiful and one of my favorite aspects in the novel. The secondary cast of characters are well- developed and add different layers to this beautifully crafted novel. Beautiful settings and palace intrigue added to my overall enjoyment of the book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

 

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

 

My thoughts:

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I will say that I was surprised by how much I liked it.  The setting, the descriptive writing and the characters are all amazing. I loved reading about the Claddagh ring, it’s an interesting story.

The places they visited, the food they ate and the reaction of someone new to a different lifestyle in new surroundings made me feel like I was experiencing the same things the characters experienced.  This is a book to savor and one for your keeper shelf.

I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Along the Rio Grande (Love on the Santa Fe, #1) by Tracie Peterson

 Recently widowed Susanna Jenkins has decided to follow her family to the booming town of San Marcial, New Mexico, for a fresh start and to aid in her family's sudden change in fortune. They are tasked with managing her uncle's new Grand Hotel, and it takes all her patience to try to help her parents see the good of their circumstances and relinquish their sense of entitlement.

Owen Turner works as a boilermaker for the Santa Fe's train shops in San Marcial. He's immediately attracted to Susanna upon meeting her, but he hesitates to risk opening his heart again. Especially as painful memories are stirred up of his own late sibling when Susanna's brother is assigned to work under him.

When misguided choices put Susanna's family in an even more precarious situation, she needs someone to rely on. But if Owen can't face the past, he'll miss out on his greatest chance at love.

My thoughts:

This is a fantastic start to the new series by Tracie Peterson and I already think it’s going to be one of her best.  It was hard to stop reading it once I started, the characters practically jumped off the page and came to life before my eyes. Susanna Jenkins has a lot to contend with, not only is she a widow, but due to the challenges her family is faced with, she decides to move along with her parents and brother to make a new start in New Mexico. My heart went out to her for having to go through what she did, she deserves all the respect she finally received.  What a strong, dynamic lady she is.

I absolutely adored Susanna and once Owen Turner came into the picture, he was an instant favorite of mine. There is a strong message of faith woven in the storyline which is another thing I loved about the novel. The parents and son have led fairly charmed lives which led to their dismay when they check in at the Grand Hotel and discover the new tasks and responsibilities they must face. I loved the growth and changes the characters; it was such a wonderful part of the story.

I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. I think it will be another 5-star delightful read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.

To Treasure an Heiress (The Secret of the Isles #2) by Roseanna M. White

 Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. As an adolescent, she dreamed of love in London's ballrooms. Now, stumbling across an old map on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever craved in the hunt for pirate treasure. Unfortunately, Beth can't escape the attentions of her family's guest, Lord Sheridan.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests caught his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his favorite pirates of history, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But the true surprise is the treasure they discover in each other.

My thoughts:

This was one of my favorite books by this author, the humor, the setting and as usual her characters. The story of Beth and Sheridan was truly enjoyable and one I won’t soon forget. Sheridan was comical which added to my overall enjoyment.

Who doesn’t like a little mystery and a treasure hunt? I confess it’s not something I normally enjoy, but I certainly did in To Treasure an Heiress

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

 

Fatherhood Lessons by Gabrielle Meyer

 

To be a good father

he needs the right teacher

When his twins’ nanny leaves for a family emergency, single dad Knox Taylor knows he’s in over his head caring for the girls alone. But having their aunt’s aid for the summer wasn’t the assistance he had in mind. But Merritt Lane’s crash course in fatherhood might just teach Knox what he desperately needs to know…and reveal she’s the partner he didn’t know he was missing.

My thoughts:

This is a sweet story of faith, family and friends. I loved the setting the author chose, I mean who wouldn’t love spending time on the lake?  Merritt Lane comes to Timber Falls to care for her young twin nieces and gets more than she expected when their father, Knox Taylor soon joins her. 

I loved how Merritt and Knox work together for the good of the girls and the annoying neighbor added the perfect amount of cringe to make the story interesting.  I’m always a fan of second chances and discovering you have always been worthy of much more.

To Disguise the Truth (The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency #3) by Jen Turano

 When Arthur Livingston arrives out of the blue at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire the agency to seek out a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her.

Having fled from the scene of her grandfather's murder seven years before, Eunice is a lady with secrets--the most important that she is the missing heiress Arthur is seeking. She has no intention of allowing him to learn she's been disguising herself, especially when she has reason to believe Arthur could hold her responsible for her grandfather's death.

In order to avoid Arthur and conceal her real identity, Eunice takes on another case that requires her to go deep undercover. With secrets from the past--and Arthur--appearing wherever she looks, she wonders how she will ever uncover the truth behind her grandfather's murder. Will what she discovers set Eunice free or place her in peril's way?

My thoughts:

When I read a book by Jen Turano, I know I will be treated to a funny, fast paced, non-stop entertaining, wonderful read.  I am always delightfully surprised by her wit, her spunky characters and the storylines that keep me turning pages as fast as I can. This author never disappoints. 

This is Eunice’s story and what a story it is!  The dressing in widow’s weeds and weeping veils is quite clever of her and quite honestly in her best interest, that is until Arthur Livingston comes along and everything could come crashing down on her if her true identity is discovered.  Naturally, there are some surprises along the way, more than a little danger and a lot more laughter.   I have loved everything about this series and am sorry to see it. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Turano has in store for her readers in the future.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy.  All opinions are my own.

 

Where the Last Rose Blooms (Heirloom Secrets #3) by Ashley Clark

 

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 thoughts:

Where the Last Rose Bloom is an amazing and beautifully written novel written by Ms. Clark.  Actually, it’s another amazing and beautifully written novel the author has written.  The Heirloom Series has been one of my favorite series and while I’m sad to see it end, the conclusion is deeply satisfying and brought back characters from the previous two books.

I love a time-slip novel and Ms. Clark certainly writes some of the best I have had the pleasure of reading.  All of the characters were well crafted, but I have to admit to being drawn to Clara’s story, a young abolitionist who is strong, fearless and selfless.  I loved how she was eager to help an enslaved woman reunite with her daughter.  It was rather frightening at times, and I don’t mind saying I was pretty nervous for her, and the three other people involved in helping her.

I also liked the story of Alice and her longing to find her mother who was lost after Hurricane Katrina. Both of the and timelines were woven together in a way that that added to my overall pleasurable reading of this book.  This one is going on my keeper shelf.

I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher.  All opinions are my own.