Beach Brides Message in a Bottle Boxed Set: "Claire" by Grace Greene - A Novella Review

   

Beach Brides Message in a Bottle Boxed Set includes nine sweet romance novellas each by a different author. Each story focuses on a member of a romance readers book club of which each has been let down by love. The members decide to do a girls' getaway on a Caribbean island and while there each sends off a message in a bottle.

I jumped straight to Grace Greene's contribution to this writing project because I have read and thoroughly enjoyed so many of her books. This novella was no exception. Claire's story, along with her little sister Darcy's, was poignant as are all of Greene's books. The theme of giving oneself and others time to recuperate and move on from tragedy and grief is an important one, and is well woven into the story. Now I am anxious to move on to the new-to-me authors. While I don't expect to make it to the beach this year, this great beach read will take me on a virtual trip without all the sand and sunscreen.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Elusive Dreams Press via Book Funnel. All opinions expressed here are my own.

No Man's Daughter - A Book Review

   

I was so excited to learn that Maher was releasing the third book in her Sons of Shenandoah series, and then to learn that I was being included in the group that was to receive an advanced copy from the author was a special bonus. No Man's Daughter features the story of the youngest of Sam Sharpe's sons, Ben. Struggling to be seen as his own man, not just the little brother, spurs Ben on to enter a marriage of convenience in order to acquire the property he has set his eyes on. His bride, a Civil War orphan who has learned out of necessity to be independent and to stand up for herself, struggles with the impact of the great losses she suffered during the war, finding it most difficult to place herself in any perceived position of vulnerability.

Maher beautifully tells this story of redemption and blessings. She is a strong writer who paints intense mental images in the mind of her readers. Maher is particularly skilled in character development. I highly recommend No Man's Daughter as well as the first two books in this series. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Paint and Nectar by Ashley Clark - A Book Review

   

The Dress Shop on King's Street is a book that lingers with me even now. What a treat to revisit Millie and Franklin's story with their brief appearances in Paint and Nectar. This second book in Ashley Clark's Heirloom Secrets series celebrates beauty and its power to uplift us and point us toward heaven. The series honors God as Creator and acknowledges the emotions we have as we, who are created in His image, create and spend time in His creation. Eliza's creative spirit takes the forms of watercolor artistry and gardening. Lucy, her descendant and also an artist, learns to discern between the beauty of a likeness and the beauty of the original, and to realize when she has allowed herself to settle for the likeness in her life

Clark's beautiful, well-crafted story is a tale of awakening. May you embrace this story and experience awakening in your own life. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Paint and Nectar from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock - A Book Review

    

When I first started reading Christian fiction years ago, Terri Blackstock was one of my most favorite authors. I hadn't read her much over recent years, and now I wonder why because this book proves she is still at the top of her game. This book is heavy on suspense, and light on romance. It is very contemporary with headlines one would not be surprised to see in today's culture. Attorney Jamie Powell is placed in a position of defending her closest childhood friend when he is framed for a mass casualty event. Her best defense is to find the real culprits. This is one of those wonderful books where the reader can't wait to find out how all will be resolved, yet not wanting the book to end.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Hooked on You by Kathleen Fuller - A Book Review

    


This book has many elements of a sweet, old-fashioned romance: a boy and girl who had admired each other from afar in high school, a second chance, a small town with a-bit-tarnished southern charm, the requisite quirky characters, and difficulties to get past. The pace of the story was a little slow, and some of the descriptions a little cliché. Overall it was an okay read for someone looking for a quick read that doesn't get too deep into the reader's head.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

   

The previous books that I had read by this author were war time books set in Europe. While they were wonderful reads, it was nice to read a different sort of story by Roseanna M. White. The Nature of a Lady is set in the early 1900s in the Scillies, a group of islands off the southwest tip of England. The story follows Lady Elizabeth Sinclair; her lady's maid, Mabena Moon; and Mabena's family and friends on the Island of Tresco, all of whom find themselves in the middle of a mystery involving a missing girl, a case of mistaken identity, a possible murder, and treasure. White makes the most of these plot elements, while also exploring the theme of reconciling Christianity and science. The book is a pure pleasure to read, and I will find it quite difficult to wait for the next book in the Secrets of the Isles series.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Nature of a Lady from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal - A Book Review

   

I was so glad to have two rainy days in which to devour this book. I can only hope for a sequel. This is one I will definitely be recommending to my husband. It is not always easy to find books that appeal to both men and women. A well-written spy novel with a hint of romance is just the ticket. Ben Calix is a man of honor who has been labeled a traitor, a man who finds himself without support or resources while trying to save thousands from a horrible death. The author's background as a stealth pilot, one who has not only been shot at, but who has been chased down winding German roads by an armed terrorist, gives him insight into his protagonist's life, adding to the intrigue of his story.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Paris Betrayal from Revell via Library Thing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher - A Book Review

   

It was a treat to return to Three Sisters Island, its residents, and locals. (We learn in this book why those are not necessarily synonymous.) This story focuses on Paul Grayson's youngest daughter, Blaine, as she returns from two years in France with an unexpected guest in tow. Cam, Maddie, and their husbands along with Cam's son, Cooper, are still living with Paul at Camp Kicking Moose, and now there are more babies on the way as Cam and Maddie are both expecting. The theme of this book is that God will never give up on you, even if you give up on Him. He comes through in amazing ways in the lives of the Grayson family. They learn, although maybe not quickly, to live by Blaine's friend's motto to pray and release, a motto that would likely help us all. As always Fisher delights, entertains, and inspires.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of At Lighthouse Point from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.