"Sea Rose Lane"

Irene Hannon

 Two people starting over . . . in a town known for second chances
After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to Hope Harbor--only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed and breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos--and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect who's invaded the house with her motley crew. As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces for to help Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms

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"Sea Rose Lane" is a sweet, charming read.  Where small town people and big as life problems collide, this book has it all.  You will be swept away by this darling little town of Hope Harbor, because the people are so delightful and genuine.  

At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, but I was proven wrong!  The characters are so vivid and easy to relate to.  I especially felt like I could relate to BJ, given her struggle with her weight and her love for the elderly.  For once the heroine didn't just naturally have a Barbie figure, she had to work at being trim, just like the rest of us do.  Most times in a book the girl has a perfect figure, perfect hair etc. and is unrealistic.  I'm glad that Irene Hannon made BJ real!  

Eric was a big sweetheart and a very understanding man.  While his personality isn't the norm for men these days, it should be.  I love how he reached out to Luis and tried his best to be the friend that Luis needed.  

Luis' story broke my heart.  What a devastating blow, but God wasn't done with him yet!  

Charlie was also a favorite!  I'm not a big seafood person. In fact, I don't like seafood at all, but the way Hannon wrote about those fish tacos, I was actually craving some!  Charlie's insight was uncanny!  Could he be an angel?  :)

Each and every character was unique and special.  By reading Sea Rose Lane, I feel as if I'm a part of this charming, little town.  

I highly recommend this book!  You will not be disappointed if you read this novel and if you don't, you'll be missing out!  It is book 2, but is also a stand alone novel.  I didn't read book 1 and was not confused one bit by starting with book 2.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Beautiful Pretender"

Melanie Dickerson

What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?
The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.
Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

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At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book because medieval times aren't don't usually interest me.  But I was proven wrong.  This book intrigued me.  Especially Avelina's role as an under cover "Lady".  

The Margrave didn't really impress me though.  He was kind of a grouch. Similar to Beauty and the Beast.  

This is an exciting and charming book.  A true fairy tale romance!  I'm glad that I was able to review this book.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Someone Like You"

Victoria Bylin

Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate.
A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father’s less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she’s shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort’s general manager and her college sweetheart.
With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can’t ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

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Such a delightful, summer read.  "Someone Like You" is a very true-to life story, as in it's very relatable.  The characters face real life problems and handle them like every day people.  I love how the characters were dedicated to God and being the best for Him that they could be.  Well, most of them.  I also liked how the characters handled the jerk in the story.  They treated him a lot better than I might have, had I been in the same situation.  He really grated on my nerves.

The author brought Zeke and Julia back together beautifully.  It wasn't extremely drawn out as it usually is in other books. 

There is a strong theme of God's grace, love and forgiveness.  But I do wish that we could have read the scene where Zeke get rights with God instead of it just being stated later that he did.  

While this book was enjoyable, it was a bit drawn out for me, as a whole.  

"Someone Like You" would make a nice, relaxing summer read.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Sit, Stay, Love"

Dana Mentink

Take one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog, and you’re ready for a lesson in love . . . Tippy style.
Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother’s elderly dog, Tippy, he’s quick to call on a pet-sitting service.
Gina isn’t thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can’t abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy.
As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too…
Discover the charming story of Tippy, the dog who brought a family together.

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"Sit, Stay, Love" is a light-hearted romance that just makes you smile.  The story is as cute as the dog on the cover.  Dana Mentink made the characters real and easy to relate to, even if one of them is a professional MLB pitcher.  

Tippy seems to be a somewhat lazy, old dog, but she's more intuitive than you would think.  She has a knack of bringing people together at just the right time, even if she is a handful.  

I love the fact that it takes place in San Fransisco.  I'm believing that Cal was really on the SF Giants, since I'm a huge Giants fan! 

This is an easy and delightful read that is any book love and dog lover alike will enjoy reading.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Back In The Saddle"

Ruth Logan Herne

The prodigal is coming home.
It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.
He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding…and why.
Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

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I kinda' have a thing for westerns and for cowboys, so I was excited to get to review this book.  This was my first time reading Ruth Logan Herne's work and it won't be my last.  From the beginning I was drawn to the characters and their stories.  She made me feel like I was part of the family.  

A well-written story of faith, family, redemption and forgiveness. Oh!  And you can't forget romance!  This book has me impatiently waiting for the next one!

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

 

"With This Ring?"

 Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

Sometimes Love is Found in the Most Unexpected Places!

Love isn't always a fairy tale, and it doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes the best stories, though, are the ones that are the most unexpected. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that celebrate the power of love to triumph . . . even when circumstances go awry!

The Husband ManeuverWhen ranch foreman Daniel Barrett seems ready to leave her life forever, Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins on their relationship. But to have any hope of maneuvering him into a proposal, she has to act fast or risk losing him completely.

Her Dearly UnintendedJosiah Huckabee just wanted to make sure Katie Ellen Watson was safe, but when the only bridge to her farm is washed out, the two find themselves alone. Alone, that is, until a menacing stranger appears. Maybe by pretending to be newlyweds, they'll save their reputations--but can pretending to be in love turn into the real thing?

Runaway BrideHired to help Carrie Halsey escape from a dangerous man intent on making her his wife, Big John Conroy never expected the job to interrupt his solitary Texas Ranger life. But now that he's promised to keep Carrie safe, he discovers he may just want to make a few more promises.

Engaging the CompetitionHarrison Gray and tomboy Charlotte Andrews have been rivals for years. With Charlotte intended for someone else, it seems they'll never settle their differences until an accident changes things completely. When Charlotte breaks Harrison's glasses--without which he's nearly blind--she must help with his teaching position, and working together forces these former adversaries to reconsider everything.

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"With This Ring?" is such a great collection of novella's!   Each has it's own unique twists and turns to it as well as a beautiful and somewhat expected ending.  Expected because of the title, but the events leading up to the inevitable result, was anything but expected!  

While three out of the four of these start out very similar, they are anything but that!  The authors may have had similar ideas, but each one's talents reveal their individual creativity. 

Mary Connealy's was a pleasure to read because she brought in former characters from previous books.  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to read all of her previous books, so it was a little confusing at times just who everyone was.  (from the Kincaid Bride series)

I enjoyed each of these novella's and will for sure read them again!  I do believe that Melissa Jagears story was simply beautiful.  Charlotte loved Harrison even if he was practically blind.  That is true love.  Loving others strengths and imperfections. 

A couple of these authors I have never read before, but I'm glad that I was able to!  Each of these authors are very talented in their writing!  I hope that they do another novella collection together!  

This is a romantic western fiction book, but I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading contemporary Christian romance.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Playing The Part"

Jen Turano

Can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?
Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucetta’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.
Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.
Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

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Jen Turano writes a fantastic novel!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  "Playing The Part" is not at all what I was expecting, but that's a good thing!  This book had me enthralled from page one!  Just when I thought I had things figured out, the unexpected happened, really, my mouth dropped open of it's own accord because of the turn of events.

However, the fact that the men lingered in their disguises longer than necessary bothered me.  It didn't seem quite normal or realistic.  Strange, actually.  While Jen Turano probably meant it to be funny, for me it was not.

Filled with mysterious characters and happenings, witty and unpredictable circumstances, this book was a joy to read!  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Keeper Of The Stars"

Robin Lee Hatcher

Because it’s not always love at first sight!
When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny’s mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain—but that’s exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.
Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can’t get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn’t behind the wheel, but he still blames himself… and so does Brad’s sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.
Still feeling the pain of Brad’s death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

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This novel is as beautiful as the cover is!  It's filled with sweet moments, sad moments, happy moments, unsure moments and everything in between.

I must admit, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book at first.  I got the impression that it was going to be a tear jerker, but it wasn't that at all. 

The characters are well developed and may seem predictable at first but they are not.  They are all struggling in one way or another, but they all learn to let go and let God do His will.

I absolutely loved Trevor's character.  He wasn't your average musician who is so self-centered that they don't even realize that there's a world that exists beyond the end of their nose.  Trevor was a truly selfless person, yes, he still wants to be a singer, but he realized that it's not about him.  I'm glad that Robin Lee Hatcher didn't drag that part out, for any of the characters.  

Usually, the characters wait until the absolute end of the book to get things right, but that wasn't the case in this one and it was so refreshing.  

Another refreshing part of the book was the fact that Penny didn't struggle so much with her growing affections for Trevor.  She did at first, but then she realized he wasn't the jerk she thought he was.  She also learned to forgive and to finally put everything in God's hands.

Penny's dad and Trevor's mom were very likable characters as well.  I was hoping that something would develop between them, but Robin Lee Hatcher leaves it up to your imagination.

This book is a must read for those who enjoy reading about second chances, romance and people who learn to fully trust in God.  Even though this is book three, it is also a stand alone novel.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOKLOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Kissed By A Cowboy"

Debra Clopton

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.
Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.
Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.
Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.

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You will be swept away in Debra Clopton's latest work, "Kissed By A Cowboy".  I have been able to read the previous books in this series and from the beginning, Jarrod was my favorite and I couldn't wait to read his story.  

The Monahan brother's are definitely swoon-worthy and full of charm, but I believe that Jarrod has special cowboy, charming powers that he uses on Cassidy - who refuses to be give in to them.  Well, at least she tries to refuse.

Filled with romance, wit, swoon-worthy cowboys and down home charm, this book is a delight!  As well as all of the fun stuff this book contains, it also focuses on letting go of past mistakes, forgiveness and opening up your heart for God's blessings.  

You will not be disappointed by reading "Kissed By A Cowboy".  While this is book three in the series, it's easily a stand alone novel.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"You're The One That I Want"

Susan May Warren

Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.
Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after—especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama—and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.
But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.

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"You're The One That I Want" is another hit!  Filled with drama, mystery, romance, humor, forgiveness, redemption and so much more, this was a perfect end to this wonderful series.  

Reading this was bittersweet for me because I feel like I'm loosing touch with friends.  Susan May Warren writes in such a way that you just know that her characters are real!  Actually in some ways they are.  She has them face everyday, real life challenges and shows how God is always nearer than we think.

While getting to know each of the family members throughout the other books, I have to admit, Owen was my least favorite.  I actually couldn't stand him.  Now that I've read his book, he is my favorite, at least of the brothers.  I love how finally accepted God's grace and love and wasn't ashamed or embarrassed to share his faith.  He finally grew up and became the man that God created him to be.  Of course, he still had to face the mistakes he made in his life, but he did so with courage and did what was right.  

 

I'm really sad that this beautiful series is over, but I'm so glad that I was able to enjoy reading it and getting to know this wonderful family.  

Well done Susan May Warren!  I can't wait to read your next book.  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Express Rider's Lady

by Stacy Henrie
Adult Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
February 9th 2016 by Love Inspired

Westward Wedding Journey

Delsie Radford is going to make it to California, no matter the danger or difficulty. Her father may have kept her and her sister apart, but Delsie refuses to miss her sister's wedding—even with only eighteen days to get there. And she's found the perfect escort in Pony Express rider Myles Patton.

Myles can't believe it when a pretty socialite hires him to take her cross-country through rough terrain and dangerous territory. Surely she'll quit before they reach their destination—he's known girls like her before. But the longer they ride together, the more Myles notices Delsie's toughness and kindness beneath her polished exterior. And though they may be worlds apart…they might just be perfect for each other.

 

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This was a beautifully written story that involves a lot of adventure, trust, love and experiencing the unknown.  At first I thought that this would be a book that just dragged on and on, but it was the exact opposite.  Stacy Henrie knows how to write in such a way that keeps her readers hooked till the very end.  

Deslie's faith in God was strong and consistent.  She wanted Myles to share her faith, but she didn't judge him because he didn't or push him into being something he wasn't ready to be yet.  She waited patiently and her reward was worth the wait.  

I was a bit concerned about how it would turn out.  Of course, the guy and the girl always end up together at the end, but this one kept me guessing until the very end.  And what a beautiful end it was!  

Anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction with adventure and romance should read this book.  You will love it!  

I will be looking forward to reading more books by Stacy Henrie.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM PRISM BOOK TOURS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Harlequin - Walmart

Stacy Henrie has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Tour Schedule

February 1st: Launch

February  2nd: Heidi Reads... & The Power of Words

February 3rd: Katie's Clean Book Collection & Min Reads and Reviews

February 4th: Babs Book Bistro

February 5th: Savings in Seconds & Literary Time Out

February 7th: Wishful Endings & Zerina Blossom's Books

February 8th: Mom with a Reading Problem & Backing Books

February 9th: Seasons of Humility & I Am A Reader

February 10th: Singing Librarian Books, Christy's Cozy Corners, & Mel's Shelves

February 11th: Getting Your Read On & Tell Tale Book Reviews

February 12th: Dixie n Dottie, Reading Is My SuperPower, & Rockin' Book Reviews

February 14th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Print copy of The Express Rider's Lady (US only)
ebook of The Express Rider's Lady (open internationally)
Ends February 19th

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