Book Review: A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck

I have a new blog!!  I'll continue to post here until the end of September, 2016.  After that you'll find all of my reviews, plus new content at Not Just a Stay-at-Home Mom.

Some people say that you reach an age where you should stop reading and believing fairy tales.  I believe those people are wrong, and I think Rachel Hauck agrees with me!  I have loved every one of the books in the Royal Wedding series, and I am so sad to see that A Royal Christmas Wedding is the final book.  Somehow Ms. Hauck makes you believe that a prince really can come along and meet an ordinary girl, marry her, and turn her into a princess.  The best thing about this series is that all of the new royal women are Americans!  I, like many Americans, am a royal watcher.  There is just something a bit magical about a king and queen. dukes, duchesses, princes and princesses.   The idea of a small-town southern girl running into a prince, falling in love with him and going to live in his faraway kingdom is definitely my idea of a fairy tale!
A Royal Christmas Wedding brings the series full circle, as Susanna Truitt (the main character of the first novel, who is now married to King Nathaniel) invites her mother, and sister, Avery, to visit Brighton Kingdom for the holidays.  Avery was once in love with Nathaniel's cousin, Prince Colin, but after a whirlwind romance, he abandoned her with no explanation.  It's been five years and Avery has moved on.  She's graduated college and is looking for a job coaching girls' volleyball.  She knows that she will run into Colin if she visits Brighton, but she's willing to go for her mother and sister's sake.  Colin regrets that he walked away from Avery to please his father.  When Avery shows up at the Harvest Ball, Colin realizes that he still loves her.  With the help of two lovable TV show hosts, a long-forgotten tradition and an old rusty bell, Colin will do all that he can to win Avery's heart again.  But once lost, trust is a hard thing to regain, especially when Colin's father hasn't given up trying to ruin his relationship with the American girl.  Can Colin and Avery find happily every after in spite of it all?
I really, really hate to see this series end, but I guess even fictional Brighton Kingdom can only have so many princes available for marriage.  I have loved getting to know all of the characters in this series.  Each story is different and unique, the characters are both diverse and authentic.  The ending of A Royal Christmas Wedding, is probably my favorite so far!  The Christmas morning wedding so beautifully described!  Also, the epilogue that told what happened to the couples from all the books was the perfect way to wrap up a great series.  If you only read one book this Christmas season, this is the one it should be!
A Royal Christmas Wedding will be available on October 18.  If you have read any of the books in this series, I'd love to hear your thoughts!  Leave me a comment below!

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Woman on the Orient Express by Lindsay Jayne Ashford

I have a new blog!  I will continue to post reviews here until the end of September, 2016.  After that you can find my reviews, and lots of other stuff at Not Just a Stay-at-Home Mom Check it out!

I can't think of any mystery books I'd rather read than those of Agatha Christie.  She was a literary genius in a time when a lot of women still didn't do things like write murder mysteries.  While I can't claim to have read all of her books, or even most of them, I have read a few.  Murder on the Orient Express is my favorite, and I have read it at least three times.  When I saw that this book is based on Mrs. Christie's own trip on the Orient Express, I knew it was one I needed to read!  It prompted me to read a little more about her life, and I found out several things I never knew before.
Agatha Christie took a trip to Baghdad on the Orient Express during the fall after her divorce from her unfaithful husband, and a reported mental breakdown.  In this book she meets two women on the trip, Katherine and Nancy.  The three women forge a friendship, in spite of the fact that they all have secrets.  Nancy is pregnant with a baby that doesn't belong to her husband, Katherine is going to marry a man she doesn't love and Agatha is pretending to be someone else.  As each of their secrets is discovered they will set in motion a trail of events that will change the course of their lives forever.
I thought this story about Agatha Christie's life was very intriguing.  I was half expecting to read a Christie-like mystery.  While this is not a mystery novel, I did find it very enjoyable.  While I read it, I found myself disliking some of the characters.  But as the book progressed I realized that I could at least understand the reasoning behind their actions.  I didn't expect to read a love story, but there's a little one here to be found!  I think fans of literary fiction will enjoy this book, as well as those who love to read Ms. Christie's novels.  You might see where she got inspiration for some of her stories, too.  Since this month is Agatha Christie's birthday, you should celebrate by reading The Woman on the Orient Express. 
This book will be available on or around September 20, 2016, but you can preorder it today! 

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  This post contains affiliate links.   

Book review: The Candidate by Lis Wiehl

Erica Sparks is back for the second book in Lis Wiehl’s Newsmakers series, and if you thought it couldn’t get any more twisted than the first book, you haven’t seen anything yet!  In The Candidate, Erica, who is the anchor of “The Erica Sparks Effect” on the GNN news network turns her focus to the upcoming presidential election.  During an interview with candidate Mike Ortiz and his wife, she notices some odd behavior.  Her journalistic mind is intrigued and she tries to find out more.  Is it possible that Mike Ortiz’s wife, Celeste, has some sort of hold over him?  The more that Erica investigates the deeper she advances into something darker than she could have ever imagined.  In her characteristic fashion, Erica ignores the danger to herself and her family and continues her search.  This time Erica’s investigations will lead her across the country and around the world as the bodies pile up in her wake.  But when Erica disappears and her car is found in the ocean, everyone assumes she’s dead and the bad guys—whoever they are—have won.  Can Erica make it out alive, and make it back in time to expose the people responsible for some of the most heinous acts in American history?    

This book involves everything you could ever want in a thriller, and some things you probably never knew you wanted.  It’s one of those books that I read at every possible moment, and stayed up way too late to read.  It’s full of all those plot twists and turns that make Lis Wiehl one of my favorite authors.  (And if you’re like me and can’t get enough make sure you follow her on Twitter!)  I dare you to read it without wondering “what if?” just a little bit!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  Look for The Candidate on or around October 4.

Book Review: Twilight at Blueberry Barrens by Colleen Coble

I have read many of Colleen Coble’s Christian romance novels, but she truly shines when she writes suspense.  The Sunset Cove series has been creepy and twisted from the very beginning, but reaches new heights in the latest book, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens.  I love Ms. Coble’s writing style.  She doesn’t shy away from topics that are generally taboo in religious fiction.  That’s certainly the case here.

Kate Mason was sick and about to die when she found her long-lost twin, Claire.  Claire gave Kate her bone marrow and she’s healthy now, and maybe ready for some changes in her life.  Her mother and uncle are both in prison, and she’s looking for a fresh start.  Her families’ blueberry barrens aren’t doing well, so she decides to fix up her mother’s old house and rent it out for the summer.  Drake Newham has had custody of his two nieces since his brother and sister-in-law were killed a few months earlier.  When someone breaks into his Boston home, he decides to take the girls to Sunset Cove for a visit.  He hopes to be able to investigate his brother’s death more thoroughly while he’s there.  He rents Kate’s cottage, and also hires her to be his nieces’ nanny for the summer.  The two begin to develop feelings for one another, but someone doesn’t want that to happen.  Someone is peeping at women, and leaving scary messages for Claire and following Kate. When Kate’s uncle escapes from prison, he is the likely suspect.  But there is something more sinister lurking.  Is the person who killed Drake’s brother connected to Kate’s stalker?  Is Kate’s uncle responsible for breaking into Kate’s house?  When Kate is in danger, will Drake and Luke find her in time?

As someone who has read most of Ms. Coble’s suspense novels, I figured out very early on who the stalker was, but there was enough mystery and suspense left that I still loved this book.  I read it in less than a day, and absolutely could not put it down.  While I figured out the stalker, I could not guess who killed Heath and Melissa, and the answer did surprise me.  I also enjoyed the romance that developed between Kate and Drake, and her decision to be brave and give herself a chance to live.  It’s obvious that she had a lot of pain and heartache in her life, and was emotionally abused by her guilt-ridden mother.  It was great to see her begin to put all of that behind her and learn to live her own life. 

I loved the characters in this book.  I like that the author has further developed the relationship between Kate and Claire, showing how great it is that they found each other, but also some of the difficulties that arise in such situations.  I loved that Luke was so supportive of his new wife and her twin.  Kate is such a great character, too.  I loved when she took the iPads from the girls at the dinner before Drake had even hired her.  She was so feisty and pulled no punches with Drake or the girls.  I also loved the cameo appearance by a character from Denise Hunter’s Summer Harbor series, which is another of my favorites!

I LOVE this book, but also this whole series.  You will need to read the first two Sunset Cove books before this one to really understand the story.  Trust me, it’s worth your time to read them all!

Happy reading!

Lyndsie

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own.  Look for Twilight at Blueberry Barrens at your favorite bookseller on or around September 2o, 2016.    

Book Review: Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter

I have only recently started reading Denise Hunter’s books, and I quickly became a fan.  If you haven’t read any of her sweet romance novels, you’re missing out!  After finishing The Goodbye Bride I couldn’t wait for the next book in the series to come out!  Just a Kiss is every bit as good as its predecessor. 

Riley and Paige have been best friends most of their lives, but Riley has a secret.  He’s been in love with Paige since the summer they were seventeen.  When she started dating his brother, Beau, Riley was so heartbroken, he joined the Marines and was deployed to Afghanistan.  When Paige and Beau broke up, Riley was determined to come home and win her heart.  He didn’t count on the IED that would leave him emotionally and physically scarred.  While Paige is determined to help Riley, every minute he spends with her is torture, especially when she’s going out with her new boyfriend.  But when Paige’s feelings begin to change, too, Riley will discover that her love isn’t the only thing he needs to make him whole. 

The storyline of a girl and boy who are best friends and fall in love isn’t exactly new or original, but Ms. Hunter makes it work in her trademark way.  I like that her stories always make it look like it’s going to work out, then it’s not, then it is again.  The Callahan brothers are simply dreamy, and I think a girl could easily fall in love with any one of them.  I did find it a little strange that so many of the characters in this novel set in Maine seem to have southern names—like Beau.  But these characters are so loveable that doesn’t bother me much. 

I have a few Denise Hunter books in my Kindle library that I now MUST go back and read.  I think I’ll start with The Conveniet Groom since it was recently made into a movie on Hallmark.  After that I definitely need to read about Beau and Eden.  Anyone have a suggestion for others that I should read?  Leave me a comment letting me know if you have a favorite!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.  All opinions are my own, and a favorable review was not required.  Look for Just a Kiss on or around September 6.    

Book Review: The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck

If you have read very many reviews on this blog, you know that I am a huge fan of Rachel Hauck.  In my opinion she has never written a bad book.  I loved The wedding Dress, I loved The Wedding Chapel, and now comes The Wedding Shop.  Can you guess how I feel about it?  Ms. Hauck is a master at telling multiple stories at one time, and somehow weaving them together into one incredible book.  This latest “wedding” book is no exception.

Miss Cora is the owner of the wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, in the 1930s.  She spends her days making other women’s dreams come true, while her own seem to be on hold.  She’s met the man of her dreams in Rufus, a riverboat captain who’s building his fortune.  He promises that one day he’s coming to marry her, but the day never seems to arrive.  Cora may miss out on true love while holding on to the broken promises of a more dashing suitor.  In the present day, Haley has served out her term in the military, and has returned home to Heart’s Bend to start a new life.  She doesn’t have a clue what she wants to do, but a promise to her childhood best friend to reopen the old wedding shop keeps ringing in her mind.  Even though everything seems to be against her, Haley is determined to open the shop and turn it into a success.  After a previous heartbreak, she isn’t looking for love, but her friend’s ex-fiance is working to change her mind.

Two women separated by years of time, but both looking for a way to make the impossible happen.  The Wedding Shop will have you wishing you could walk down the grand staircase in the dress of your dreams to where Miss Cora is waiting at the bottom with a glass of lemonade!  This feel-good read reminds us what it’s like to have a dream come true—even if it’s not the way we expect!  It’s a must-read for fans of Rachel Hauck and Denise Hunter.  I think you’ll love it!

Happy Readingj!

Lyndsie

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  Look for The Wedding Shop on or around August 16 or pre-order today!      

Book Review: Simply Calligraphy by Judy Detrick

Recently I’ve found a new obsession…as if I didn’t have enough already!  It’s the beautiful art of hand lettering.  There are so many talented artists out there who make beautiful word art.  As a person who’s always loved pens, pencils and writing in general, I am intrigued.  When I saw the book Simply Calligraphy by Judy Detrick, I knew I had to have it!

The first thing I must say about this book is that it really is simple, but in the best way possible.  The cover features only the title on a solid turquoise-colored background, decorated with gold dots.  The simple theme is continued inside with neat, concise chapters and not a lot of frills.  The instructions are clear and easy to understand.  She gives advice about what kind of pen to buy to start out, which I found very helpful.  There is also info about how to use your new-found skills.  This book is a great jumping-off point for beginners.  I can’t wait to buy my pen and get started!

Happy reading (and writing!)

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own.     

Book Review: Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

I’m sure you’ve heard the old adage, “Always leave them wanting more.”  That’s exactly how this last book in Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan’s Return to the Canadian West series made me feel!  The story has a satisfying conclusion—if that means that all the characters ended up like you wanted them to.  But I wish there could be more!  I’d love to know where Beth and Jarrick’s life leads them.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a continuation series like the one that followed When Calls the Heart, or the original Canadian West series.  Maybe finding out what happens to their future children would satisfy me enough!

Beth’s summer vacation abroad with her family has come to an end.  While it was frought with disaster, it did give her a chance to spend some time with her handsome Mountie and introduce him to her family.  He has received her parents’ full approval, and she is expecting a proposal upon her return to Coal Valley.  With Jarrick’s ring on her finger she rides into town, sure that she knows what to expect during her second year of teaching.  But things are not the same in Coal Valley as they were when she left at the beginning of summer.  Not only is she no longer living with Molly at the boarding house, she finds that the town has hired a new teacher.  They’ve built a new school that Beth will be forced to share with this man, and his views on teaching and life in general could not be more different than hers.  Beth is now forced to live in a tiny apartment that was once owned by some scary people, and she hears strange noises in the night.  Add that to the fact that her father has offered Jarrick a position in his business, and Beth isn’t sure where she belongs any more. 

This final book does bring the series to a nice close.  Beth gets her happy ending, even if it’s not quite like she thought it might be.  I did think that some of the secondary characters needed a more complete ending.  I would like to have seen a better ending for the new teacher and his fiancé, since it seemed like their story just dropped off.  I think it was important to see Beth deal with the changes in Coal Valley, as well as in her relationship with Jarrick.  I do wish Jarrick’s family had been introduced a little sooner so that we could have seen Beth interact a little more with her new mother-in-law. 

If you haven’t read this series yet, get the first two books as soon as possible so you’ll be ready for this one when it’s released!  It’s Janette Oke at her finest.  I truly hated to see this story end!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own, and a favorable review was not required.  Look for Where Hope Prevails at your favorite bookseller on or around August 2.

Book Review: They Danced On by Carre Armstrong Gardner

Have you ever come to the end of a book or a series and felt like you were saying goodbye to a friend?  That’s how I felt when I realized that They Danced On is the final book in The Darling Family series.  This has been one of my favorite series of all time, and I eagerly waited for the release of each new book.  It’s hard even to describe why the Darling family is so appealing.  These books aren’t full of mystery, suspense or even romance.  They’re basically just the tale of a family. They love each other, but are far from perfect.  Throughout the series we’ve seen them struggle, fight, fall in love, deal with disappointment and heartache, and ultimately triumph with the care and support of each other.  They Danced On brings the story full circle as they face their hardest battles yet.

Jane Darling is the matriarch of this big, crazy family and she has loved Leander for most of her life.  When he faces a serious illness, Jane can only cling to faith that he will be miraculously healed.  But her denial his condition only hurts Leander.  It takes all of her children working together (and perhaps a little Divine Intervention) to help her see that her husband needs her support now more than ever.  Meanwhile, Laura is fighting her own battles in her new home in Arizona.  She went there for a fresh start after dealing with substance abuse, but when her new life begins to crumble, Laura has no one to turn to, and her old addictions come calling again.  Only a tragedy will bring her to her knees.  Nick and Ivy are also having problems with their adopted son, Hammer, and some new anger issues that have arisen with him.  Amy and Mitch are slowly building a friendship until the day he’s been one-year sober and they can begin dating.  Justice and Sephy are happily serving in Africa as a veterinarian and a nurse/midwife, but they have trials of their own ahead, too.  The Darlings will face all of these problems head-on with the same courage and determination that they’ve always had—and with the love and support of family.

While I hate to see this series end, I think this book was the perfect way to complete the Darlings’ story.  And even though we thought some of the characters got their happy ending in the precious books, they aren’t finished yet.  Real life doesn’t always have happy endings, and some of the Darlings will find that out.  I guess that’s part of the appeal of this series.  The Darling family could be your family, or your neighbors, or people from your church.  None of them are perfect, but they’re always there for each other.

This book has a lot of happy and sad moments, and even some heartbreaking ones.  The epilogue is literally one of the best endings I’ve ever read.  I actually closed the book and cried.  The only negative thing I can say is that I wish this book had more of Sephy, since she’s my favorite character, but that’s just personal preference, and not a true negative.  I dare you to read The Darling Family series and not fall in love with their family.  However, definitely don’t start here!  You absolutely MUST begin with All Right Here and Better All the Time.  Fortunately for me, I love the cover art on all of these books, so they earned a place on my physical shelf instead of the digital one!

Even though The Darling Family has ended, I truly hope that Carre Armstrong Gardner will write many more books in the future.  I plan to read them all!  I love her style, and how she writes about every day, ordinary things in a way that makes them seem extraordinary. I highly recommend this wonderful series.

Happy reading!

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.     

Book Review: Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon

I am a huge fan of Irene Hannon’s suspense novels, and for some reason I thought Sea Rose Lane was one of those.  When I finally stopped waiting for someone to be murdered or kidnapped or stalked, I really enjoyed this book!  I should have guessed from the title and cover art that it’s more of a romance than a mystery!

Eric Nash has had a plan for his life set out since he graduated from high school.  He planned to go to work at a large law firm and get on a partner track.  He’s worked hard towards that end for years, but now his company has downsized and he’s been let go.  He heads home to his dad’s house in Hope Harbor, Oregon, hoping to find some peace and answers there.  When he arrives he finds that his dad is turning his childhood home into a bed and breakfast.  Eric is continually being distracted by the beautiful architect/contractor who’s making the renovations on his dad’s house.  BJ Stevens left the corporate world and a bad relationship in her past when she moved to Hope Harbor.  Now Eric has come into her life, and he seems to represent all that she’s tried to forget.  But the more time they spend together, the more she realizes that he’s different than the man she left behind in LA.  She wants to explore a future with him, but she worries that he’ll walk away from the small-town life for a partnership in the big city.  As Eric tries to decide if he’s ready to give up his old dream for a new one, BJ struggles with her own past mistakes.  They both must decide it they’re ready to move forward in a relationship.

This novel is a perfect read for summer.  Ms. Hannon’s characters are spot-on as usual, and the scenery she describes on the Oregon coast is beautiful.  This is the second book in a series, but I have not read the first one, and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I definitely recommend this as a sweet beach read!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  Look for Sea Rose Lane at your favorite bookseller now.  

Book Review: The Promise of Jesse Woods by Chris Fabry

Chris Fabry is an author that I had never read before, but the summary of his new book The Promise of Jesse Woods made it look too good to pass up.  Not to mention that I have a hard time resisting books set in my home state of West Virginia.  I was not disappointed with this one! This story is moving and poignant.  It’s a coming-of-age story about starting over, loyalty and how one decision can change your life forever.

Matt Plumley moved with his parents from Pittsburgh to Dogwood, West Virginia in the summer of 1972, before his first year of high school.  On his first day in his new home, Matt made two new friends, Jesse Woods and Dickie Darrel Lee Hancock.  They were far from being “acceptable” friends for the new preacher’s son.  Jesse’s family, with her ill mother and absentee father was considered to be no better than trash.  Dickie was a mixed-race boy, who no one would befriend.  Together with Matt, they formed an unlikely trio who spent the summer riding their bikes around town and sometimes getting into scrapes.  But when the unthinkable happened, Matt and Jesse made a promise that would alter everyone’s lives forever.  Years later, Matt is living in Chicago when he hears that Jesse is planning to get married.  He drops everything to rush back to Dogwood to try to stop her—and to find out what really happened one rainy night long ago.

This book was incredible.  I’ll admit that after requesting it I had a moment of doubt about it, but once I started reading it, I didn’t want to stop.  The story unwinds slowly, alternating between Matt as a teenager and an adult, recalling the days of that one fateful summer that changed him.  As someone who has read thousands of books in her lifetime, I feel like I’m usually pretty good at guessing the outcome of many stories, but The Promise of Jesse Woods left me guessing until the very last minute.  The characters and dialogue were on point, enhancing the feeling of small town life that Mr. Fabry writes about.  It was also true to the Vietnam War era time period with a feeling of uncertainty and fear.  This author also does a great job showing things from Matt’s perspective as a teenager, and then showing how his perceptions changed when he became an adult and saw that summer differently.

I cannot rave enough about The Promise of Jesse Woods.  It’s a book that I would recommend to any fiction lover, not just Christian fiction.  Chris Fabry is not a new author, but he’s new to me.  I can guarantee, though, that this will not be the last of his books that I will read!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  Look for The Promise of Jesse Woods at your favorite bookseller on or around July 1.

Book Review: Kiss the Bride

It’s a little tricky to review a set of novellas, since you may like one book and not like another one.  That’s how I felt about Kiss the Bride.  I enjoyed two of the novellas, but one of them was a disappointment to me.  These books are a continuation of the year of Weddings series, and include three summer wedding stories. 

Picture Perfect Love  by Melissa McClone was a pretty good book, if a little unbelievable.  Jenna Harrison’s fiancé, Ash, left her at the altar because he believed she told him a lie.  When Ash’s younger sister gets married, she wants Jenna to take the pictures, and only then does she tell her brother that she knew the truth all along.  Ash and Jenna decide to work to rebuild their relationship, but what will happen when Ash is faced with the same situation again?  This is the part where it became a little unbelievable for me.  I can understand Jenna forgiving Ash the first time, but probably not the second.  Overall, though, I did like this book.

I Hope You Dance by Robin Lee Hatcher was my least favorite book here.  That really surprised me, because I’ve liked several of her novels before.  However, the story of Skye and Grant wasn’t one for me.  Skye has dreamed her whole life of a big family, but so far she just hasn’t met the right man.  When she’s asked to teach Grant private dance lessons, they fall for one another right away and are engaged in a very short time.  She’s so excited because Grant is from a large family, so she assumes he’ll also want a lot of kids.  But Grant has always resented his large family, and wants no children.  Can they come to a compromise, or will they give up on love?  This story just seemed to happen so fast for me.  I didn’t think the characters were well-developed, and I didn’t really like them at all.

The last novella, Love on a Deadline is one that I’ve read and reviewed before, and I did like it.  Mac is writing a newspaper article about the wedding of her old nemesis, Hollis.  She keeps getting thrown together with Hollis’ older brother, Ethan, who was her first crush.  Maybe this time around it can be more than a crush…

Kiss the Bride is a nice summer read that I recommend for long car trips, or sitting on the beach (or by the kiddy pool!).  I think it’s one you’ll enjoy.

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  Kiss the Bride is on sale now.

Book Review: The Bad Miss Bennet Abroad by Jean Burnett

Many times when I read Jane Austen re.tellings or continuations I set my expectations too high.  I don’t believe I did that with The Bad Miss Bennet Abroad.  I thought it would be a fun, exciting read about Lydia Bennet Wickham’s adventures.  I was sadly disappointed.

The prologue was interesting and very promising, but after that it fell flat.  Maybe I just didn’t read far enough, but I kept waiting for it to get interesting, but, for me, it never did.  This is one book I’d recommend you skip it.

Happy reading!

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  The Bad Miss Bennet Abroad is on sale now. 

Book Review: The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

There is nothing more magical to a child, and many adults I’m sure, as the circus.  I have been several times, and it never fails to thrill and amaze me.  I’m the kind of person who likes to try to see behind the scenes.  I like to try to watch the props change and the performers as they prepare their acts.  But inevitably my attention is drawn away by something happening elsewhere and I don’t see the changes.  I guess that’s what makes it so magical.  That’s one of the reasons that I loved The Ringmaster’s Wife so much.  It’s an in-depth look at what happens (or at least what used to happen in the ‘20s) behind the scenes of “the greatest show on earth.”

This book is really two stories, that come together to form one in the end.  Part of the story is centered on Mable Ringling, and her marriage to and life with John Ringling, one of the founders of the Ringling Brothers Circus.  Mable is a kind woman, who never fails to reach out and touch the lives of those around her.  One of the lives she touches is that of Rosamund Easling.  Rosamund’s father sold her beautiful horse to the circus, and instead of letting him go, Rosamund traveled with him and took a job as a trick rider.  She has much to learn along the way about life, love and finding her place in the world.  She is under the care of Colin Keary, the man who runs the day-to-day operations of the circus.  Just when she thinks she’s ready to give her heart to him, she suffers a tragic accident that may steal everything she’s worked for.  Through Mable’s kindness and encouragement, she can find the way back to life and her dreams again. 

This book was so beautifully written.  This is the first book by Kristy Cambron that I have read, but I know it won’t be the last.  She whets your appetite in the prologue, so that you have a little idea what’s going to happen, but the journey is beautiful and intriguing.  It’s really a wonderful story.  The characters were well-written, and believable, which I think can be more difficult when they’re based on real people.  I loved the descriptions given of the animals and the big top, as well as the Ringling’s beautiful estate the Ca’D’Zan.  It was so fun to see it all through Rosamund’s eyes, as she saw and learned it for the first time, too.  Mable and John Ringling’s story was so sweet, and I did like Rosamund’s character, but Colin was my favorite.  I loved imagining his Irish accent, and the way he watched out for Rosamund and took care of her was so sweet.  My only issue with the book is the fact that I never read where either John Ringling or Colin Keary was called the ringmaster.  I guess technically Mable was the title character, but I can’t be sure.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for something a little different from the ordinary love story.  If you’re even a little fan of the circus, you’re sure to love it, too.  This one gets two thumbs up from me!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own, and a favorable review was not required.  Look for The Ringmaster’s Wife on or around June 4, or pre-order your copy now!

Book Review: Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies

Every once in a while I take a break from quilting, and pull out some other form of needle or a hook.  I was so excited to be able to view an advance copy of Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies, especially since I have a little one due this summer.  My goal was to whip up a little project from this book to tell you about it, but unfortunately I let the time get away from me, and I wasn’t able to complete one.  However, I can give you an idea of what you’ll find here.

This book is FULL of absolutely adorable crochet projects for babies!  Every time I turned the page I wanted to make the item featured.  I think that every baby deserves at least one thing made especially for them, and these projects are just the key!  The projects aren’t too complicated, or too time-consuming, but every one turns into the perfect little baby gift. 

There is a lot of variety here too.  You’ll find little sweaters, booties, hats, stuffed animals and even small blankets.  The projects are designed by different people, and no two are alike.  Even if your crochet skills are rusty, or you’re new to the art, you’ll find something here. If you have friends or family members expecting little ones soon, pull out those hooks and a little yarn and get busy!  With this book you’re sure to have a cute, one-of-a-kind gift with just a few hours of stitching!

Happy stitching!

Lyndsie

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies is on sale now.    

2016 Must-Read: The Mother Letters by Amber and Seth Haines

I don’t know if anyone reads the books I recommend here, or doesn’t read them because I don’t recommend them.  I like to think that I influence at least one person’s reading habits just a little.  But this book I’m not only telling you that I think you should read it, but, if you’re a mother, I’m asking you to read it.  If you only read one book that I ever recommend, The Mother Letters is the one.

The Mother Letters is a compilation of letters written by moms, to moms.  There are letters here for moms in every stage of life, and every circumstance imaginable.  There are letters for young moms, struggling to get through the night-feeding and endless diapers stage.  Letters for moms with kids in high school, facing an empty nest soon.  Letters for moms of disabled children, crying when their child can’t be like everyone else, but so proud of each little accomplishment.  Letters for moms who have struggled with infertility, or have lost their precious little one.  There are funny letters and teary letters, long letters and short letters, letters from popular bloggers, letters from women you’ve probably never heard of, and some letters simply from “anonymous.”  The common thread between them all is the thread of encouragement that runs through them.  The message is clear.  You can do this.  You’ll make it through this hard time.  You are a good mom.  Your children love and adore you and need you and only you as their mom.  I cried so many times while I read this.  There are women out there who are facing the same struggles and battles as me, and they have knowledge and wisdom to share.  I’m so happy they were given this opportunity to share it in this way.

Mothers, read this book!  Read it on the days when it’s raining and you’re stuck indoors with two toddlers whining for your attention.  Read a little between your endless loads of laundry.  Read just a few pages at night before you lay down, or with your morning coffee.  Sneak in a few pages while you’re in the school pick-up line.  Just be sure to have a few tissues handy.  I promise when you’re done your heart will feel lighter, and your burden easier.  You’ll still know that this thing called motherhood is hard, but you’ll see even more than ever that it’s also beautiful, and worth every minute.

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  The Mother Letters is on sale now. 

Book Review: Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Becky Wade is one of the authors that I discovered through blogging book reviews, and I enjoy getting the chance to read her new books before they are released.  I didn’t realize that Her One and Only is the fourth in a series, but it didn’t keep me from enjoying it.  Instead, it makes me really want to go back and read the rest of the Porter Family Novels.

Dru Porter is the youngest of four siblings.  She was raised with three older brothers, and she’s spent a lifetime trying to prove that she measures up to them.  After serving a tour in the Marines, she went to work for a protective agency, and she’s just received her newest assignment.  She’s going to be a bodyguard for Gray Fowler, a popular NFL tight end.  Sparks fly as Dru and Gray initially decide they don’t like each other.  When they decide to try to tolerate one another, they realize they not only like one another, they really, really like one another.  Gray has a stalker who’s sending him threatening letters.  Recently they’ve escalated and the stalker is promising to kill Gray and Dru.  As the danger increases, Dru’s determination to keep Gray safe does as well, and because of his deepening feelings for her, Gray is bothered by this.  When Dru wants to pursue a deeper relationship, Gray pulls away.  But that won’t stop Dru from making the ultimate sacrifice for the man she’s decided is “her one and only.”

This book is great and I loved it from the first page.  It leads off with Dru realizing she’s been tricked and pursuing a gunman in an unknown location.  Shots are fired and then the first chapter jumps back three months to Dru and Gray’s first meeting.  It was a great way to start the book, that captivates the reader’s attention immediately.  I was left guessing about the identity of the stalker until the very end.  The only issue I had with this book was Dru’s decision to date Gray even though she knew he wasn’t pursuing a relationship with God.  While it worked out good for them in the end, we all know that it doesn’t always turn out that way.  Other than that, I thought this book was charming, sweet and very non-traditional.

This finale in the Porter Family series wraps everything up nicely.  I loved this book and highly recommend it, even if you haven’t read the others.  Ms. Wade has a gift for writing believable, enjoyable books that are clean and leave you feeling happy at the end.  Give this one a try!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  Look for Her One and Only on or around May 3.    

Book Review: Eligible by Curtis Sittenfield

It's no secret that I love Jane Austen.  I've read all of her books, continuations of her books and modern-day retellings of her stories.  Nothing that I have read has even come close to touching the originals.  However, in the case of Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld, I feel like someone has captured the spirit of Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  This book is not perfect, and has it's downfalls, which I will highlight in a moment.  I think the thing that makes this book the best modern-day retelling, is that Ms. Sittenfeld doesn't try to copy the storyline exactly, but uses a little creative license to reimagine the original.
While the original Jane and Lizzie Bennet were around twenty years old, in this version they are nearing forty.  They left their home in Cincinnati, several years before, and now they both live in New York City, two basically independent women.  When they receive news that their father has had a heart attack, they both make the trip home to take care of him.  Lizzie Bennett finds that her father's money affairs are in shambles, her mother is an obsessive shopper, her sisters are totally self-absorbed and the family estate is in disrepair.  Lizzie sets out to help her father get well, and try to fix all the other family issue along the way.  Her mother's scheme to get her and Jane married off is in full swing now that they are back in her city again.  She arranges for them to meet Dr. Chip Bingley, believing that he will fall in love with one of them, and she may finally see one of her daughters happily married.  But Jane has a secret that may ruin everything with Chip before their relationship even gets off the ground.  And then of course there is Lizzie and Darcy.  After some bad first impressions, they begin to admit their feelings, but some miscommunications and misunderstandings bring things to a halt.  Throw in Lydia and her relationship with an "inappropriate" person, and you've got yourself a modern-day Pride and Prejudice.
I think that Eligible is probably pretty close to what Jane Austen would have written if she had lived in the present times, however, I think some of the scenes in this book would have the Austen of that day rolling in her grave.  In her day men and women barley touched one another, or even spent time alone in each other's presence, so I can only imagine how she'd feel about Lizzie and Darcy's relationship.  Women barely even acknowledged when they were pregnant, so Jane's situation would most likely have shocked her.  Lydia's running away with the dashing Mr. Wickham was the worst thing she could think of to destroy the Bennett family's reputation, so the currents Lydia's situation would be totally beyond her imagination. 
The basic story line in this book is really good, and the characters are well-written.  However, because of some of the situations and language used, it's not a book that I recommend as reading for Christians.  I don't really know what I expected, but I found this to be very disappointing.  Curtis Sittenfeld is obviously a great writer with a lot of talent, but her books aren't really for me.

Happy Reading!
Lyndsie

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required. 

Book Review: The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter is one of those authors whose books I've seen for years, and always wanted to try, but never did for some reason.  I'm so glad that I finally got a chance with The Goodbye Bride.  This story is sweet and charming, and unique.  A book about a woman who wakes up wearing a wedding dress with no knowledge of the last seven months of her life could very easily become cliché, but I think Ms. Hunter has avoided that pitfall here.

Lucy Lovett was attracted to Zac Callahan from the moment she met him.  She moved to the little town of Summer Harbor, Maine from Georgia mostly to be near him.  The last thing she remembers is the two of them planning their wedding in the fall.  Suddenly she wakes up and it's June.  She's in a diner bathroom in Portland, Maine, and she's wearing a wedding dress.  She has no idea how she got there, and when she calls Zac to ask for his help, she's surprised by his cold reaction.  She is shocked to find out that she is not marrying Zac, and has no memory of who she is marrying.  Zac agrees to take her back to Summer Harbor until she recovers.  Lucy only remembers loving Zac, and the sparks are still there between them, but Zac continues to push her away.  He never knew why she left, and now she can't remember leaving.  Will Zac let her back in, even if she never remembers?

I have to say that I absolutely loved The Goodbye Bride so much that I read it on my Kindle app in bed while my hubby snored away beside me.  I kept telling myself I'd just read a little more, then I'd go to sleep, but I finally realized that I was going to stay up as long as it took to finish it all!  The characters are wonderfully written and loveable.  Zac is such a hero, taking care of Lucy even after she left him.  He comes to her rescue again and again, and won't allow the townspeople or even his family to talk bad about her.  I also liked the fact that Lucy didn't play the damsel in distress, even when it seemed like she had nothing left.  My favorite part might have been the unlikely who told Zacthat he just needed to accept that he still loved Lucy.  I won't tell you who it was, though, you'll have to read the book for that!

I truly hope you will read this book.  If you enjoy Christian romance, you're sure to like it.  And there's a nice little ending that wraps it all up nicely, too.  I definitely plan to read more of Denise Hunter's books in the future!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own, and a favorable review was not required.  The Goodbye Bride is on sale now.

Book Review: You're the One That I Want by Susan May Warren

I have only read two novels and one novella in this series, but from these small peeks into the Christiansen family I think I have a good grasp on them.  These are some of the story lines I've found: two unwed pregnancies, multiple fistfights--one at a family wedding and one where one brother nearly lost his eye, a sister who married the man who nearly cost her brother his eye, at least two brothers who left home and told no one of their whereabouts, a brother who wants to marry his brother's girlfriend and raise his child, a near divorce between the parents, and now a brother who is accused of murder.  So, not exactly a picture-perfect family by any means.  But somehow their stories, no matter how unlikely, draw you in and make you want to know them more.

The final Christiansen Family novel, You're the One That I Want, follows Owen Christiansen, who left home after nearly losing his eye in a fight and ending his NHL career at the same time.  His family doesn't know where he is, but his older brother, Casper, has gone searching for him.  (For his own selfish reasons, in my opinion.)  Owen has been working on a crab boat off the coast of Alaska, and has fallen in love with the owner's daughter, Scotty McFlynn.  One night in the middle of a terrible storm, Scotty is tossed overboard and Owen jumps in to save her.  As they huddle in a life boat, nearly freezing to death, Owen proposes.  When they are rescued Scotty has second thoughts about her hasty answer when Casper shows up in the hospital leveling terrible accusations at his brother.  Scotty walks away from Owen to return to her job as a police officer.  Then she is asked to accompany a man accused of murder back to Minnesota.  Casper is shocked to learn that he is suspected of the murder of Monte Riggs back home, but Scotty agrees to travel with him and Owen and ultimately to prove his innocence.  The relationship between Owen and Casper is strained, and as the evidence mounts against Casper for Monte's murder, the family faces its greatest test yet. 

I have not read the book that contains the story of Casper, Owen and Raina, so maybe that was the reason I felt so negatively towards Casper in this book.  I loved Owen and Scotty, and felt they were treated very unfairly by Casper.  I hated Casper's attitude that he was trying to do the right thing by denying Owen any chance to know his daughter, and his feelings that he was the hero for bringing the "prodigal son" back home.  I think the situation between Owen, Casper and Raina was very odd and I have no idea what the answer for such circumstances could be.  I was, however, disappointed that the author didn't seem to know, either, so she just let the matter drop.

Now that I've made you think that I hated this book, I need to convince you that I really did love it.  I loved that Owen wasn't backwards about his feelings for Scotty from the very beginning. He saved her life and proposed so sweetly even while he was nearly dying in the boat.  When Casper told him about Raina and his daughter, he was so torn, wanting to do the right thing by Raina, but knowing that he loved Scotty.  I loved Scotty's character also.  She was tough and hard on the surface, but underneath she really loved Owen.  She didn't think she would be a good wife, but she couldn't deny that she wanted to try for him.  I loved the scene when she let his sisters dress her up to flirt with him.  I admired her determination to prove Casper's innocence, even when he was unkind to her.   The title turned out to be perfect when both Casper and Owen chose the "one" they wanted to be with. 

One day I really do plan to go back and read about Grace and Max, Eden and Jase, Casper and Raina and Derek and Ivy.  Even though the Christiansen family is extremely flawed, they always come through for one another in the end and that makes this series worth reading!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.  You're the One That I Want is available now.