A Tender Hope

A Tender Hope

Cimaroon Creek Trilogy #3

Amanda Cabot

Thea lost her unborn baby and husband almost all at once. It's time for a change. She can't stay and be surrounded by all of the memories. So she takes a job as a midwife in Cimarron Creek. She has barely arrived when a Texas Ranger shows up on her doorstep with a baby. The child's mother has been murdered and Ranger Jackson is hoping that Thea can care for the baby until he can find the killer. Thea isn't sure she can take on a baby so soon after the loss of her own. 

I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it. Somehow I missed reading the second one, but was able to read this one without feeling like I was missing out. But since I enjoyed the third book, I'll be grabbing the 2nd one soon.

The author did a great job of creating a story full of romances, suspense, humor, and faith. I enjoyed how she created authentic and enjoyable characters. Even the characters that were abrasive were done well. Elements of faith are woven throughout the story. I enjoyed this new series and look forward to what the author has coming next.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Courting Mr. Emerson

Courting Mr. Emerson

Melody Carlson

Willow is a free-spirited, adventurous artist who is raising her grandson. Her husband passed away several years ago and Willow moved back to her hometown to start an art gallery. She meets her grandson's teacher Mr. Emerson when she goes to the school to talk to him. He is the exact opposite of her. He wears the same clothes, follows the same routines, and needs structure to survive. When the two get together they mix like oil and water. Add into the equation a church going Willow and an aloof, perhaps agnostic Mr. Emerson and their future together doesn't look promising. 

I always enjoy a good romance story. This is not really a romance, at least not in the expected way. Sure it has romance between several of the characters. But this book has so much more. The message of salvation is woven between every line. The author does a fantastic job of creating authentic, realistic characters that pull at your heartstrings. There are also elements of humor, family, and drama woven into the plot. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it for a quick, enjoyable read. But expect to also be pulled out of your comfort zone and be left thinking long after you finish the book. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. all thoughts expressed are my own.

Almost Home

Almost Home

Valerie Fraser Luesse

Life is changing because of the war. Farms are collapsing, men are leaving home, and the ones left behind are flocking to the munitions plants to keep their families afloat. Several families arrive at Dolly's family home turned bed and breakfast. Each person is fighting their own personal battle. But when disaster strikes the family home, the families rush to solve a previous generations mystery and rally around to save Dolly.

I'm not usually into these types of books. So I went into it with a bit of trepidation, expecting cheesy plots lines and predictability. And while there might have been a bit of that; this book was so much more. The author was able to draw out the different characters and their emotions so that the reader becomes completely engaged. It was like two separate stories were happening at the same time - the current one with the different boarders and the mystery from decades ago that had never been solved. There is a touch of miracles, lots of heart, and plenty of laughs. Even if this doesn't seem your style, I recommend giving it a try. It made me think long after I finished the book. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Sweet On You

Sweet On You

A Bradford Sister's Romance #3

Becky Wade

Britt and Zander are best friends. They've been together since high school and nothing has driven them apart. Zander left over a year ago to travel the world and Britt misses him so much. When a death in the family brings Zander back stateside, Britt is saddened. But she's also so excited to have her best friend back home again. But the reason Zander left is still between them and Britt will need to wake up and take stock of her emotions before she ruins the best thing that ever happened to her.

This was one of those books that was eagerly anticipated and read through in just a day. I wasn't disappointed. But I was surprised. I expected the sweet romance, little bits of drama and intrigue, the importance of focusing on family, and the zany and fun characters. What I wasn't expecting was how much I would fall in love with Zander or how amazing the romance between the two main characters would be. I can honestly say that this was one of the hottest romance I've ever read. It's clean - so don't get excited. I'd let my daughter read it. But it was so full of emotion and feeling that I felt like I was experiencing it myself. It was real and authentic in a way that most romances tend to miss. The whole package was amazing. And I had to stop and think for a bit before I wrote the review. There were several points that the author made that really gave me food for thought. I think this would be perfect as a gift or book club selection. While it can definitely be read alone, I would recommend picking up the first two books in the series, as well as the prequel. It will make the story richer.

I received a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own thoughts and opinions.