A Seal's Temptation

A Seal's Temptation
Tawny Weber

Lark is an artist who specializes in pottery. But when her mother gets sick Lark goes home to help her mother run the coffee shop. When her mother passes away, she stays to keep the business running. But she's not really happy. Lark agrees to let her best friend store something in her vacant apartment. What she doesn't realize is that the something is actually a someone. Her best friend's brother Shane needs a place to crash. Shane has had to deal with family members not being able to cope with his job of being a Navy Seal. Staying at Lark's gives Shane a glimpse into what it would be like to have a relationship that still allows him to enjoy his job.

The story line was sweet. The relationship between the two characters seemed to be mostly physical (not surprising based on the type of book). While I enjoyed the story and thought it was a fun read, it did feel very shallow. It was emotion driven so the plot and characters were not as strong. This would make a good beach read when the reader doesn't want to get too involved in the plot.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

Guardians of the Heart

Guardians of the Heart

Secrets of Sterling Street Book 1

Loree Lough

Nell needed a job and found one working for Asa at the inn he had inherited. But both of them are running from their past. Disaster sends Nell back to her family mine and Asa into despair. He doesn't feel like he can be the man that Nell needs in her life because of his past.

The story flowed well and it was a quick read. The characters were entertaining and relatable. The two main characters were distinct and fit well together. I enjoyed several of the secondary characters as well. This is the second book in the series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone. The author took a sweet romance and mixed drama, faith, and history into it.

I received this book free of charge from BookClub Network in exchange for my review.

Just Show Up

Just Show Up

The Dance of Walking Through Suffering Together

Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn

Kara, who passed away earlier this year from cancer, wrote a book with her friend Jill about what it means to show up and be there for a friend who is suffering. The women take turns telling their story from their own perspective. The style of writing is simple, and feels like a conversation with two friends. Each perspective gives practical and faith filled advice to those who want to help their friends and just don't know how. 

The writing was real, raw, emotional, and profound. It's been a long time since I've read a book that spoke to me so well. It showcases what true friendship, community, and love should be about. The authors mention "big love" several times throughout the book. The friendship between these two was all about love, real love. I feel blessed to have read this book.

I received this book free of charge from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.

Four Secrets

Four Secrets to a Forever Marriage

Marriage Tips From a Not So Perfect Husband

Michael Letney with Karen Hardin

Marriage is difficult. Just look at the divorce statistics if you have any doubt. But what about the people who are on the other side of those statistics? What is their secret to staying married for so long? The author shares his secrets, mistakes, and triumphs with the reader as he share the four secrets that he's found to keeping that important relationship alive.

The author wove his personal story into the book while including lots of scripture. The style was entertaining to read and I didn't feel like I was being preached at. All of the "secrets" were clear and well laid out. It's great advice, told in an interesting way that would be invaluable to newlyweds and couples just engaged. It would make a wonderful gift.

I received this book free of charge from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Now & Forever

Now & Forever

Wild at Heart Book 2

Mary Connealy

Matthew Tucker noticed Shannon Wilde while helping the family with some home renovations. He doesn't believe the Wilde family that he's noticing a guy. This is confirmed when Shannon saves him from an angry grizzly by jumping with him into a raging river.  They spend a harrowing experience trying to survive on a river that no one is known to have survived. Once they are rescued their troubles only multiply. Now they are teaming together to stop a crazy man from killing.

I enjoyed this story. I think I even liked it better than book 1. While the two stories definitely go together, they can also be read as a stand-alone. There were two almost separate parts to the story. They were both enjoyable for me, but my mind had a slight problem transitioning between them. Otherwise the story was smooth and flowed well. The story has romantic elements, suspense, drama, and faith filled moments. It's a fun, quick read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House and Soul Inspiration in exchange for my honest review.

Paul's First Day of Preschool

Paul's First Day of Preschool

The Many Adventures of Preschool

Marianne Schwartz

Paul is really nervous. Today is the first day of preschool and he isn't sure he wants to go. He tries to convince his mom to let him stay home, but she insists he try. The story is of Paul's morning as he gets ready to go to school and what his reactions are once he arrives. It deals with the anxiety a child might have when facing a new situation.

The story would be a great book to read to a child who is getting ready to go to school for the first time or getting ready to do anything that might be intimidating for the first time. The vocabulary fits the intended age. Children will enjoy the story and will be able to relate to the little boy. My daughter enjoyed the story, but didn't care for the illustrations. My son read the book to his little sister and mentioned that the illustrations didn't fit with the story.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

Deadly Additive

Deadly Additive

Donn Taylor

Jeb was a soldier for hire. But he's ready to retire. He returns to his apartment to relax and plan his next move. But when one last job offer comes through he finds himself forced to take it. He must rescue a spoiled rich girl and her friend, a reporter. Her father will stop at nothing to get her back. But nothing is like what he's been told and now he's just hoping to make it out alive.

This was a good suspense novel with plenty of action. There was a touch of romance, but it wasn't over the top or mushy. The author used one of the secondary characters to bring in an element of faith that while at times subtle, got the message of salvation across very well. The two main characters were well written and their characteristics fit well with the plot. I also enjoyed quite a few of the secondary characters. This was a book that I enjoyed, but I'm sure my husband will enjoy reading as well. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.