The Brightest of Hope by Susan Anne Mason

ABOUT THE BOOK

Quinten Aspinall is determined to fulfill a promise he made to his deceased father to keep his family together. To do so, he must travel to Canada to find his younger siblings, who were sent there as indentured workers while Quinn was away at war. He is also solicited by his employer to look for the man's niece who ran off with a Canadian soldier. If Quinn can bring Julia back, he will receive his own tenant farm, enabling him to provide a home for his ailing mother and siblings.

Julia Holloway's decision to come to Toronto has been met with disaster. When her uncle's employee rescues her from a bad situation, she fears she can never repay Quinn's kindness. So when he asks her to help find his sister, she agrees. Soon after, however, Julia receives some devastating news that changes everything.

Torn between reuniting his family and protecting Julia, will Quinn have to sacrifice his chance at happiness to finally keep his promise? 

MY REVIEW

I just finished reading this awesome 

book and I must say that I enjoyed taking Quinn's  journey right along with him. I loved meeting his family too.

Many times I wanted to smack him upside the head because of his selfishness and pride.  

Right along with Julia too. 

There in lies the key to this whole story line. Pride and selfishness

His journey took him through many twists and turns. Along with the heartbreak and disappointment  

Life is full of disappointments.  Especially if you shut God out of it. 

A lesson that Quinn and Julia learned the hard way.  

I feel like them because I am them.  Most of the time I find myself learning the hard way that it never pays to do it yourself.  That's when I turn to the Lord like they did. 

God is the key to making your life a good one.  Put Him at the forefront and you'll have many blessings and happiness  but only if we ask for it and in His own time. 

Patience is a virtue.  Something I was never good with at all! Trust me,  it is never good to try it by yourself.  

I enjoyed that the characters prayed to God whenever they needed help.  

Prayer is our lifeline to God.

Sometimes it's hard to do because we feel that we are too proud in asking God to intervene or to asking other people to help us. I often have that problem.  I feel too embarrassed to ask at times. 

Mason has done a great job with this story and again with tough subjects. Parts of this story will break  your heart and other parts just simply make you want to get mad at the unfair things that are happening to the people of this story. 

I love this book because it was based on the events in real life.  

Another reason is that I learned a little more about the children that were placed in Canada.

I strongly recommend this book. I feel that this book will be going on my list of favorites.  

My thanks to Netgalley and Bethenny House for this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Anne Mason's historical novel Irish Meadows won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA as well as the Christian Retailing's Best Award for Debut Novel. A member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at

www.susanannemason.net.


Susan lives in a suburb near Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where she works part-time as a church secretary. She is a wife and the mother of two amazing kids, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In addition to writing, she likes to scrapbook and to research her family history on-line. You can connect with her on Facebook or on her website www.susanannemason.net.

Cottage at the Beach by Lee Tobin McClain

ABOUT THE BOOK

Escape to the Chesapeake Bay, where beach life is full of love, surprises and second chances…

When an injury forces K-9 officer Trey Harrison onto the sidelines, his only thought is getting back to the police force where he belongs. And he’ll do anything to make that happen—even volunteer in a small waterfront community, just to please his boss. But no one ever said Trey had to enjoy it…

Since the surgery that destroyed her dreams of having children, schoolteacher Erica Rowe has grown even more dedicated to her work with at-risk teens. So she doesn't need some cop with a chip on his shoulder putting the program's future in jeopardy. But when Trey finally connects with the students, Erica's heart melts. And when, in a tender moment, he admits he longs to have children, her heart breaks. She's convinced he'd be better off with someone who can give him everything, but she can't seem to shake the hope that maybe love is enough…

MY REVIEW

McClain has once again given us a wonderful story.

I love the way she writes and is able to draw us into her story with a injured cop, a hurting woman, and some

teen kids that really needed a second chance in life.

I especially loved Erica's dog Ziggy! Oh my, such a handsome dog too! I wish that I could've had all of his energy!

This is my favorite place to be is on the beach! Don't you love the sound of the waves to relax you and sing you to sleep at times? I know I do!

She makes me want to go there now! I wish I could however: I can't at the moment so this lovely book will do.

McC;lain has described some of the scenes in the book that I felt like I was really there!

I think Erica is a wonderful character. I love how the author shows that she is human and that she feels that she needs to be the one in control. She is the one who holds everything together or so it seems.

There were times that I wanted to reach in through the book and just give her a hug to remind her that someone does care.

God does care. He loves us unconditionally and He asks us to lay our burdens at His feet. I know it's hard to do but it can be done. This is where trust comes in. Trust is such a fragile thing.

But what we choose to do with it it's up to us. God is good that way. He leaves it up to us to come to Him.

I'm so glad that I have Him in my life. I don't know where I'd be without him.

Trey and King were a couple of awesome characters too. I loved watching Trey come around so to speak.

A lot of the time attitudes doesn't get us anywhere in which Trey found that out the hard way.

I enjoyed reading about Trey trying to just get through life the way he knows how.

I was rooting for him because I knew he could do it.

It's not up to us where we end up at times. It's where we were meant to be and where God places us where He feels that is best for us even though we don't see it at first and then after awhile, I smiled with joy when Trey realizes that is where he's meant to be.

I did feel that there were two different stories going on here and at times it left me feeling confused as to what was going on. It kept going back and forth between Trey and Erica and then Julie and her grand kids.

Here is where I can relate to Julie in trying to connect with my teen. It's hard believe me.

I feel like sometimes the only way that we can connect with each other is through our music. I'm so glad that he took right off with that. . I'm blessed that he is a good young man now.

The thing that I felt most important was that I felt God working throughout the story from the author's heart. I could tell she enjoys writing these stories for us readers.

I do like how she deals with some tough subjects in real life and doesn't beat around the bush about it.

Forgiveness was the most important part of this story.

I just wanted to mention that the supporting characters were wonderful too. Especially the dogs!

They are the real heroes!

I will be looking for more from Lee in the future! Her books are so inspirational and wonderful at the same time.

I'm feeling blessed that I got to read this wonderful story by Lee. I think what makes her stories so great is that she writes from her heart and with Jesus at the wheel to guide her along.

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because the cove will make you want to jump into it and sweep you away with the story that's inside.

My thanks to the author/Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book.

was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Lee Tobin McClain watched Dr. Zhivago way too young and developed a lifelong passion for angsty romance. Her emotional love stories deal with life's tough challenges, but they also include heartwarming communities, kids, and happy endings. And dogs! Lots and lots of dogs. When she's not writing, she's probably facetiming with her college-student daughter, mediating battles between her goofy goldendoodle and her rescue cat, or teaching aspiring writers in Seton Hill University's MFA program. She is probably not cleaning her house. For more about Lee, visit her website at www.leetobinmcclain.com.

Mountain Hostage by Hope White

ABOUT THE BOOK

They’re tracking a kidnapper. But will they be the next targets?

After an ambush during a mountain hike, Zoe Pratt ends up shoved off the mountain and her friend kidnapped. Enigmatic search and rescue volunteer Jack Monroe tracks Zoe with the help of his K-9 partner, Romeo, but as the only witness to the attack, she’s far from safe. With Jack’s help, can she find her friend and take down her would-be killer?

MY REVIEW

I don't usually do quotes but there was one that stuck out at me and it's coming from Heather Jack's assistant. I love how she put him in his place.

Here she tells him that "Nothing is more important than love boss.". "Even a man as brilliant as you must know that."

Smart lady. I wish she could have been in the story more.

How true this is! God's Love is the most important thing to ever happen to a person once they discover His love.

Man, I can't tell you how awesome this book was! This author knew what she was doing when she wrote this book.

All the added ingredients with just the right amount of everything including the song Amazing Grace wrapped it up nicely.

Zoe is an amazing character whose personality I just love. I think I would love to have her along side of me as a best friend too. Her belief in God and when she prays before she steps into anything is just rad ( another word for cool is my guess).

Another quote is I can do All Things in Christ which strengthens me. This is also one of my favorite verse from the Bible.

How true that is. This is one of my favorite quotes ever. Because like Zoe sometimes we just have to ask Him for strength to do the next right thing.

I thought the author also done a wonderful job in bringing Jack's feelings to life where he figures he inadequate and not worthy of love.

What!? how can Jack say that about himself? Made me want to give him shaking syndrome at times.

We are all worthy of love and Grace. No one is exempt from that if we ask for forgiveness and mean it from our hearts. It's all God wants.

I can't imagine a dog with that many names. Just Romeo would have done ok. But anyway, Romeo is a special dog so I guess it's ok. I rather liked having him around.

I spent most of today reading this wonderful book. It was so exciting that I had to see if the characters could accomplish their mission.

Made my Sunday afternoon rather pleasant.

I enjoy reading stories like this.

This is a new author for me and I feel that she has done well for this book.

I gave this book 5 stars since it all the right recipe for the makings of a good book.

I highly recommend.

My thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review of this story. All opinions are my own

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Accused of being an eternal optimist, I was born and raised in the Midwest and migrated to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago. I began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when I was in grade school, and wrote my first book when I was eleven — a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!

My college sweetheart and I have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, a bossy kitty and feisty Golden Retriever.

When not dreaming up inspirational tales, I’m usually out hiking in the Cascade Mountains, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theatre. I love to hear from readers! hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com 

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna White

ABOUT THE BOOK

All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster—a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test. 

MY REVIEW

I did read this book and I apologize for it being late but life happens!

I will start by saying that I absolutely hate that name Black Heart. Just because things happen no one deserves that ugly name. .But Philip Camden ended up wearing that name.

In my opinion since it's a war they were fighting anything can happen and whether Philip did it intentionally remains to be seen.

This is where Grace and Healing come into play. And we can't leave out forgiveness. But that is the hard part.

Roseanna really does a great job with this story! She kept my attention throughout the whole book.

I enjoy how she puts her characters through their paces and I found myself rooting for them the whole time.

I love her stories so I was really excited to read this one and she didn't disappoint! I think this the best one so far!

The characters are wonderful and so is the plot!

This is a story that will keep you riveted to your seat reading to see what happens next!

Oh and we can't forget the little mystery that was woven in throughout the story.

I didn't really relate to these characters but then, you don't have to to enjoy a great story! I was even able to imagine myself alongside Arabella and her co workers helping to treat their patients.

Arabella is part of the Codebreakers.

I loved the chemistry between these two and things escalated from there if you know what I mean.

I didn't want to say Goodbye either!

Highly recommend.

My thanks to Bethany House/Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

see also Roseanna White

Collision of Lies by Tom ThreadGill

ABOUT THE BOOK

Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she's correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie.

With time running out, Amara must convince others--and herself--that despite all evidence to the contrary, the boy lives. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.

A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.

MY REVIEW

A definite first for me by this author! I've never read anything by him before and I think I like him. 

In fact, I know I do! This author will give you the ride of a lifetime along with mystery, twists and turns throughout the story. 

I loved this action packed story and this is another one that you won't want to put down until you finish and plus, you'll be thinking about the characters long after the book is finished. 

This story y'all! Just totally fantastic and a wowzers! 

I spent the whole night just to finish it because it was just that good. Yes, I lost some sleep over it but it was well worth the read. Especially if you like suspense!

Amara is a cool detective.  I really enjoyed "watching" her in action. I was rooting for her the whole time! 

The supporting characters were awesome too! 

I hope there's a sequel because I feel that there is more to the story than the author is letting on! 

I highly recommend this book because it's just that exciting! There wasn't nothing that I didn't like about the book. 

My thanks to Baker Publishing/Revell. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Threadgill's books have a distinct focus on clean, suspenseful action with strong character development. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In his downtime, Tom enjoys woodworking, riding his Harley, and chasing the elusive Yard of the Month award. He currently resides with his wife in the Dallas area and can be reached through his website at TomThreadgill.com. 

Hometown Healing by Jennifer Slattery

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Hometown Healing by Jennifer Slattery, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Hometown Healing
Author: Jennifer Slattery
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: August 1, 2019
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

She’s home again, but not for long… 

Unless this cowboy recaptures her heart.

Returning home with a baby in tow, Paige Cordell’s determined her stay is only temporary. But to earn enough money to leave, she needs a job—and her only option is working at her first love’s dinner theater. With attraction once again unfurling between her and Jed Gilbertson, can the man who once broke her heart convince her to stay for good?

  PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository

MY REVIEW

Slattery does a marvelous job with this story! Her style of writing will bring healing to these who need it. She leaves wonderful messages throughput the book.

I try not to miss any of her books she's just that good!

I enjoyed this book. Mainly because of Jed's grandmother. She's kind caring and very friendly! I would love to have her as my grandmother! I found myself missing mine and reaching through the book simply because I wanted a hug too! She was the solid supporting character and when u first meet her well, let's just say she's one of those people that you feel like you've known for life! I love people like that don't you?

Paige has a lovely name but I think that over the years she's been gone from her home she's forgotten who she is and where she came from! But hey it happens to the best of us! She is stubborn that's for sure! Full blown stubborn with her heals dug in all the way just like my husband does sometimes!

Jed is the same ol hometown boy he always was but with a dark secret.

I loved Jed from the start simply because he was the real man. Not those fake kind. And he's good looking too only in my opinion he doesn't know it. I love that everything he does comes from the heart.

I love how God sees the bigger picture where we can only see what's around us. And that He sends people to help us along the way when we least expect it. I've been there and done that!

Will Paige and Jed find a way to work things out? Or will life lead them somewhere else?

This heartwarming story will not let you go until it is finished. Yes, you might want to have some tissues by your side.

My thanks to Just Reads Tous for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to writ a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She’s the author of the soon to release Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, she’s passionate about helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE  and make sure to connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed four print book bundle including Restoring Her Faith (Love Inspired), Hometown Healing (Love Inspired), Breaking Free (New Hope), and Restoring Love (New Hope)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 22, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on February 29, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Continental US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Desert Willow by Patricia Beal

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Desert Willow by Patricia Beal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Desert Willow
Author: Patricia Beal
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Release Date: February 12, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance

After a failed engagement, Captain Andrew Lee James has focused on building a career in the Army he loves. That commitment includes helping a feisty, out-of-work ballerina whose devotion to her grandmother’s dying wish immediately grabs his heart. She’s the one, but will he be able to win the heart of a woman who has vowed to never be involved with a soldier?

College graduate Clara Malone swore to never love anyone in the military again but when her dying grandmother asks her to deliver a love letter to the general who broke her heart decades ago, she agrees and finds herself escorted by a handsome Army captain whose kindness challenges her beliefs. Surrounded by desert willows that shower her path with pretty pink flowers and sing with the buzzing of hummingbirds, Clara enjoys the wild beauty of El Paso—and her time with Andrew—more than expected.

Can she deliver her grandmother’s last love letter without losing her heart to a man who represents everything she fears?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this book to the fullest! And it's been a long time since I've read anything by this author. I wasn't disappointed. She's a great writer that has done her research well.

This is a story about forgiveness, truth and love. Oh and I can't leave out 2nd chances. I love those stories best! Especially when the author includes God! For He's left out of so many things, places, and people's lives! So sad.

But, there are still some of us who love Him including me. I was saved at 14 years old. Yes, I've made mistakes just like Clara and Andrew. But, the best thing of all is God's love. He wants our hearts not the past things that we have done because that's where Grace and forgiveness comes in. We only need to come to Him and ask for forgiveness and plus we need to forgive ourselves. To me, that's the hard part. Forgiving yourself.

I loved this story on so many levels! I finished it in a couple of days. I wanted to savor this story. I don't like to say goodbye to my friends!

Sometimes it takes just the right people to lead us back to the Lord's arms. I wish that were the case for my son. Heaven wouldn't be the same without him. Yes, I'm starting to cry as I write this review. Because he needs just the right person to help him.

I'm glad that Clara and Andrew prayes to the Lord. For us, prayers are our lifeline to our Lord Jesus. I'm delighted to have Clara and Andrew as friends!

There are some excellent supporting characters in this book too. One of them is Alice. She's so delightful and so energetic. I love her enthusiasm for life.

The plot is wonderful too. This book will show you that God will put you where you need to be and I loved that He has a plan for Clara. She just didn't know it yet. I call that life's adventures.

This story will keep you riveted to your seat and eagerly turning the pages as we see how Clara and Andrew manage to get through their day to day lives. And you'll not be disappointed!

There wasn't one thing that I didn't love about this book! I love every minute of it!

I just wanted to add the setting was wonderful! Beal had described I so well that I can see it in my mind perfectly.

I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book! It's so very good!

My thanks to Just Reads Tours for a complimentary copy of this book.

I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia Beal has danced ballet since her childhood and has performed with pre-professional companies in South America, Europe, and the United States. She fell in love with a handsome airborne infantryman at Fort Bragg, married him, and quit her day job to have his babies. Soon came the desire to have book babies, too. Patricia is a Genesis Award semi-finalist, First Impressions finalist, and the author of A Season to Dance (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, 2017). She writes from Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband and two children.

CONNECT WITH PATRICIA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 10, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on February 24, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Secrets of the Pastor's Wife by Christina Claypool

ABOUT THE BOOK

Wherever Cassandra Martin goes, her secrets go with her. And hiding her past is beginning to take a toll.

Cassie lives in a small white parsonage in the village of Maple Grove. For 15 years, the beautiful and talented artist has appeared to be the perfect wife for Rev. John Martin, the new pastor at Maple Avenue Community Church.

The couple has moved frequently, and Pastor John is too busy with other people’s problems to notice Cassie’s distress. She has no close friends to confide in, fearing her secrets could jeopardize her husband’s position.

That’s until Maple Grove coffee shop owner Katherine “Katie” Montague embraces Cassie as if she were the daughter she never had. Sensing her pastor’s wife is haunted by something tragic, the caring widow begins praying for her. Will Cassie trust Katie with the pain of her past or will she let the secrets destroy her?

***********************************************************************************

Secrets of the Pastor’s Wife features discussion questions for women’s book clubs, church small groups, and recovery ministries. Entertaining and inspiring fiction, this compelling storyline will encourage emotional healing, forgiveness, and restored faith.

MY REVIEW

I couldn't put this book down until it was finished.

This novel will hold you spellbound and eagerly turning the pages to see where Cassie's story goes next.

Memories makes us who we are today. Some are good and some can be bad. They have a strange way of showing up at the most inopportune moments. Especially when we think we have buried them.

I think that God puts certain people into our lives to do just what Katie did for Cassie.

It's certainly rare to find a friend like that.

I wish that I did but it's hard to find that special friend.

Secrets are hard to keep. Harder than you can imagine. I especially don't like the ones that weigh us down.

I love how Claypool shows us that even though Cassie is a preacher's wife she is also human just like the rest of us and is weighted down by life's events.

She also shows us that even through our life's events there's nothing like God's love and he will forgive us. In fact, He's already forgiven and forgotten. He wants us to lay our burdens at His feet and He will take care of us. We need only to ask.

But, as humans we make it so complicated.

We think that if everyone knew how bad our past has been or is that no one will ever want to be around us but y'all, that's soooooo not true!

I give this book five stars because I love how Claypool doesn't beat around the bush on tough subjects like these.

So this book y'all! It was a blessing to get to read it. I think this author knew exactly what I needed.

My thanks to a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina Ryan Claypool is an Ohio APME award-winning newspaper columnist and former TV reporter, who has been featured on Joyce Meyer's Enjoying Everyday Life TV show and on CBN's 700 Club.

Her book, "Seeds of Hope for Survivors..." chronicles her incredible journey of surviving a near fatal suicide attempt and confinement in a state mental institution as a teen to her successful life today through God's grace. Her latest book, "Secrets of the Pastor's Wife: A Novel," was released fall 2018.

Her husband is a public school administrator whom she affectionately refers to as "Mr. Rules." She adores her adult son, Zach, and is grateful he survived the helicoptering years. Coffee and chocolate really are her favorite things.

Christina has a B.A. from Bluffton University and an M.A. from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. 

If For Any Reason by Courtney Walsh

ABOUT THE BOOK

Emily Ackerman has traveled the world, her constant compass and companion a book of letters her mother left for her when she died. With no father in the picture, her mom's advice has been her only true north. But when professional failure leads Emily back to Nantucket to renovate and sell the family cottage she inherited, she wonders if her mom left advice to cover this . . . especially when her grandmother arrives to "supervise." And especially when her heart becomes entangled with Hollis McGuire, the boy next door-turned-baseball star who's back on the island after a career-ending injury.

As sparks fly between her and Hollis, Emily is drawn to island life, even as she uncovers shocking secrets about the tragic accident that led to her mother's death. With her world turned upside down, Emily must choose between allowing the voices from her past to guide her future or forging her own path forward. 

Affiliate link included.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

MY REVIEW

I think that this book is a wonderful read. This is also my first Walsh read. I wasn't disappointed at all!
This is a beautiful story of past mistakes, hurt, second chances and forgiveness and you can also throw a little truth in there as well. All of it very nicely written. Just a perfect blend for everything included.
Sometimes it takes going back to your hometown to "find" yourself again that and other circumstances that brings Emily Ackerman home again. I really found myself loving Emily the moment she stepped off the ferry boat.
I think that the one thing I can relate to Emily is theater. I've played at an Opera House and been down in the orchestra pit so to speak. The theater has an awesome presence that you'll not want to leave even if you don't want to. Which I certainly didn't but I didn't have any choice in that matter. It broke my heart. There's just something about working with the actors,actresses and especially the music. I'm thankful that God blessed me with that. I wished the orchestra director hadn't gotten too big for his pants if you know what I mean.
Reading this sweet book took me back to that place and time. Thank you Courtney.
I am also thankful to get to go back to Nantucket again. Through my reading of course.
It's a wonderful place to visit. I didn't want to leave after I finished this book. Makes me actually want to go there!
I loved imaging myself with Emily and Hollis. Jolie of course is just so adorable!
I think what I really liked was that Walsh didn't write her characters like they were perfect in every way. I loved that they were flawed and I enjoyed "watching" them learning to heal through hope and love.
I just wanted to remind everyone that secrets doesn't keep forever. At least most times they don't. They do have a way of coming out and sometimes ruining everything for us. But, only if we let it. I believe that is where forgiveness comes in.
I wanted to give Emily a hug more times than one let me tell you. I even found myself praying that she'll overcome the things that life has thrown at her. I was rooting for her all the way!!
I highly recommend this book. Walsh tends to throw some super surprises in as well! Especially when you aren't expecting them!
I'm a forever fan of Courtney Walsh and I look forward to reading more from her.
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

                                           ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Just Let Go will be her eighth inspirational romance novel. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.

Always the One by Tara Randel

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Always the One

(Meet Me at the Altar #4)
By Tara Randel

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

February 4th 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

From USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Randel

She’s the love of his life… but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

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Other Books in the Series

MY REVIEW
I enjoy blogging because I get to read so many awesome book this one included. I love helping to support authors to get their books promoted and I feel that this was the Lord's calling.  I enjoyed the story line and the wonderful characters that I got to make friends with.  Randal has pulled me into the story from the beginning to the end and I loved the suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out who done it.  I love a book that can keep me entertained all the way through. There wasn't one thing that I didn't like about this book. It's a wonderful and clean read all the way through.  Hannah is trying to come to grips with everything that has happened past, present, and future.  She's an amazing lady who has had a lot to overcome and somewhere along the way, she's gotten the idea that she had to do everything and control whatever situation that she's in.  I love how the author put Hannah through life. While I didn't enjoy watching her struggle, I was rooting for her along the way.  I like to thing that when God closes one door He opens another. He might have closed that first door for a reason.  I really wanted to shake and tell her that she didn't have to do that that there was One died on the cross just for that purpose. He died to save us from our sins and tells us time and time again to lay our burdens at His feet. ( Admittedly I have that trouble as well. But we're all human. That's where forgiveness comes in).  I admit it's easier said than done especially when you feel like you're the one who's trying to do it all. I feel like that sometimes. Especially somewhere along the line that my husband thinks all he has to do is work and then come home go to bed, play on his phone.   Derrick is my kind of guy but someone doesn't see that yet. She's too busy onto the past.  He's kind, caring and compassionate. I wish the cover would have showed his face lol. That way I can drool lol! I love that he's interested in everything including life and how he digs his heels in so to speak.  And at last we're to the mystery that is unfolding in the novel. I love that! It makes for an interesting plot.  Now last but least we get to Johnathan. I don't trust him at all. He comes off as a shady and suspicious person of interest. Especially since he disappears all the time.  This is a book I highly recommend if you want an excellent read. It is chalk full of mystery, romance not too heavily overdone and second chances. I promise that it will keep you glued to wherever you are at until the book is finished. I sighed happily after it was finished.  Randel certainly can write a story that's for sure! My thanks to Prism Tours for a wonderful read.  I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are entirely my own. 
   About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman’s Secret Vow, tote bag and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends February 19, 2020

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