Tag: forgiveness

fiction · four star

The Getaway Emily March 

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

Widowed young, Genevieve Prentice dedicated her life to raising her four children. Now, though, they’re all grown and scattered to the wind, and Genevieve is ready for a change. In a flash of inspiration, she puts her home on the market and heads to Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, to renovate a rustic waterfront lodge with her sister. But just as they begin, Genevieve gets the shock of a lifetime: the arrival of her son.

Jake Prentice built a career out of being dependable, one that left him perennially stressed and overworked. Finally heeding his mother’s words of wisdom, he’s quit his job and is ready to find out what truly makes him happy. And now, as he stands surrounded by open sky and fresh, pine-scented air, he’s got no regrets . . . until former colleague Tess Crenshaw appears at the lake, forcing him to reassess what—and who—he really wants.

As they work together to renovate the lodge, Genevieve and Jake embark on a heartfelt and inspiring journey to learn about themselves, each other, and the true meaning of family.

My Review:

Oh my gosh yall this book was just what I needed right now. It had the right amount of drama, love, family and who can I beat up right now( fictional of course) also the right amount of laughter. I loved Gen and Helen the sisters were thick as thieves and would make sure that Gen’s four adult children did not get away with anything. I loved Helen and her no nonsense take on life you will not get anything past her that she won’t call you out on if she sees fit. (we all need this in our lives lets be honest) Tessa was a gem she really started with nothing in life and fought to have what she has today. She had her guard up, but in a way that still allowed the right people in even if she knew they might hurt her. Now as far as Willow, Brooke, Jack and Lucas those four had me rolling my eyes. If you have siblings you know there is the boss, the peacemaker, the stubborn one/trouble maker and or maybe the silent one and I feel like this sums up the siblings. I am not sure if there is more to come from this family but I will say I want to know more about what is going on with Willow there is a secret there and was the whole book that makes you wonder just what the author has in store for her. Overall this book does have few curse words and implies sex but overall I felt like the author kept it on the clean side and I wasn’t even half way through it before I started recommending it so that should tell its worth the read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Apple Books

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

emilymarch.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Emily’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Must Love Flowers Debbie Macomber

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

Two women at different stages of life find themselves on a journey of renewal after undergoing hardships in this uplifting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

“Wise, warm, witty, and charmingly full of hope, this story celebrates the surprising and unexpected ways that family, friendship, and love can lift us up.”—Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Four Winds

Joan Sample is not living the life she expected. Now a widow and an empty-nester, she has become by her own admission something of a recluse. But after another birthday spent alone, she is finally inclined to listen to her sister, who has been begging Joan to reengage with the world. With Emmie’s support, Joan gathers the courage to take some long-awaited steps: hiring someone to tame her overgrown garden, joining a grief support group, and even renting out a room to a local college student. Before long Joan is starting to feel a little like herself again.

Across town, Maggie Herbert works mornings as a barista, tending to impatient customers before rushing to afternoon nursing classes. She lives with her alcoholic father, ducking his temperamental outbursts and struggling to pay the household bills. But her circumstances brighten when she finds a room for rent in Joan’s home. In the unexpected warmth of her new situation, Maggie finds a glimmer of hope for a better life. But will Maggie’s budding attraction to one of her favorite customers ruin the harmony she’s only recently found with Joan? Meanwhile, what is Joan to make of the mysterious landscaper who’s been revitalizing her garden—a man who seems to harbor a past loss of his own? 

As Maggie and Joan confront difficult life choices, they draw strength from this new friendship in surprising ways—discovering in the process that “found family” is often the very best kind.

My Review:

I really liked this book. I grabbed based on the author alone not reading what the story was going to be about, and I was not disappointed. I loved this group of friends/family they were just a group of broken people on the journey to finding healing and love. Joan in her hurt found away to help Maggie who was also hurting while working to live without those they have lost and loved and dealing with and processing the grief of it all. The author discussed covid but the way she did it played so well into the story it just felt like these characters walked through the same journey the rest of the world did without the author putting to much emphasis on covid. At first I would have loved to slap Steve and Nick but they too were on there own journey to healing and finding themselves that there actions just made sense and it was hard to not like them in the end. Phil was one of this people who when he spoke people noticed and listened. Overall this book was refreshing and well worth the read. The author kept the story clean to it would be suitable for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Apple

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

debbiemacomber.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Debbie’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

A Summer Changes Everything Isabelle Grace

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

When his wife died, Reese was sure he’d never love again… until that one summer.

Widowed horse and cattle farmer Reese Blackwood does not need a keeper. Not for himself or his two sons. They can manage just fine on their own. At least that’s what he keeps telling everybody, especially himself.

Elementary school teacher Shelby Corbett is no pushover. Just ask anyone who has seen how easily she handles a classroom full of boisterous kids. So spending the summer break looking after Reese’s two energetic boys is totally within her wheelhouse.

Which shocks Reese completely.

That’s only the first surprise, though. The second is the undeniable attraction that sparks between them. An attraction that’s totally unexpected but becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. As she helps Reese reconnect with his boys, Shelby shines a light into his dark and lonely world, bringing hope to his broken and grieving heart.

Hope that Reese fears will be lost again when Shelby’s six-week stay at Lone Oaks is over.

Unless he’s willing to risk everything by asking her to stay.

Previously published by the author as Reese’s Long Hot Summer.

My Review:

This book is cute! I really loved Shelby she came into a situation and owned it like she had been there and doing it for her whole life. She was so sweet and had the biggest heart, so independent and ready to take on anything life threw at her. I liked Reese and his boys the little boys Adam and Zach were such pistols and were so fun to read the author did an amazing job with these boys jumping off the pages and had you laughing out loud with their antics. Reese was trying to find himself while he took a little to grow on me I also felt he was a good guy who only wanted what was best for his boys. I feel like if I had to sum up this book with two words is would be finding forgiveness and healing. Overall this was a fun book to read. This book does contain sexual content so may not be suitable for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Where you can connect with the author:

isabellegracewriting.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Isabelle’s other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · five star

The Wedding Ranch Nancy Naigle

SarahLeave a comment


Description:

A second chance at love awaits two brokenhearted people if they’re just willing to trust each other—and themselves, in USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s The Wedding Ranch. 

When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper. 

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

My Review:

This book was amazing, seriously had the hardest time putting it down, and then when it was over I just wanted so much more. This book had so many emotions in it. The author also did an amazing job at making you feel like you were right there in the story the whole time. I really like Lorri, she had this big heart and she was so relatable but she also came off as putting people at arms length, but that  felt like it was for the purpose of finding healing and forgiveness in the pain she face. Ryder was a big old grouch except when it came to family then he would do just about anything for them, His world stopped the day he lost his wife and son but his family and his small town was trying to help him find himself again. I loved Reece and Ross what amazing characters and they just felt so real. I really hope this is not then end of the story with these characters I am so ready for more. Overall I really could not say anything bad about this book it was worth the read hands down. I also liked that the author kept it clean so it would be suitable for all readers. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.nancynaigle.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Nancy Naigle’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

The Matchmaker and the Cowboy Robin Bielman

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

Callie Carmichael has a gift for making bridesmaid dresses—some even call them magical. Somehow, every person who’s worn one of her dresses has found love. Real love. And as long as that happily-ever-after is for someone else, Callie is happy. Because she’s fully over getting her heart broken…which is why her new roommate is definitely going to be a problem.

After being overseas for six months, Callie’s only choice is to stay with her best friend’s ridiculously hot brother, Hunter Owens. Cowboy, troublemaker, and right now, the town’s most coveted bachelor. Only, Hunter isn’t quite the player she thought. And if it weren’t for her whole “no more love” thing, their setup could get confusing really fast.

Now, Hunter wants Callie to make him a best man suit—a “lucky for love” kind of suit. But what happens if she makes the suit and he finds true love…and it isn’t her? 

Each book in the Windsong series is STANDALONE:
* The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy
* The Matchmaker and the Cowboy

My Review:I really liked this book, I loved how the author draws you in and make you feel like you are in the think of it. I felt that with Hunter he loved everyone in his life so wholeheartedly, that he didn’t seem to know any other way. He wanted what was best for everyone in his life including his small town, but he also wanted to show his family he was no longer the “kid”. I felt with Callie she took a little to grow on me but she had this big heart and guarded it with her life because being hurt and feeling rejection was just not something she wanted to have to face over and over again. She too really loved wholeheartedly but she was different in the sense she was so guard so her love was where and who to chose. I really loved there relationships in this book between Nova and Callie and then The Owens family opening their door to people it really sums up that you get to pick your family and that blood doesn’t always make you family. I can’t wait to read more from this group I feel like the Journey for this group of friends is just beginning. Overall this book was a fun read, there is adult content and sex in this book so it may not be suitable for all reads. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

robinbielman.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Robin Bielman’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Christian fiction · four star

Harvest Moon Denise Hunter

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

She thought he was arrogant. He thought her walls would never come down. Then they fell in love.

Forever walking the line between passion and conflict, Laurel and Gavin’s relationship ended in divorce after years of miscommunication and unmet expectations. Now pursuing their own separate lives and careers, the two are content . . . though not completely happy.

When their best friends, Mike and Mallory, are killed in a plane crash, Laurel and Gavin are stunned to learn they’ve been named guardians of their friends’ young daughter, Emma. Putting their differences aside, the estranged couple search for a suitable guardian as they care for Emma and manage Mike and Mallory’s apple orchard.

Soon tempers flare—as does the passion they both remember so well. And Laurel and Gavin find themselves working through their past—their mistakes, their miscommunications, and ultimately the tragedy that ended their marriage.

Will the seeds of love, still growing inside them, thrive and flourish? Or will grief and regret strangle the feelings before they can fully blossom?

My Review:

This book was really good. There are so many emotions with this story. While it was tough to read sometimes, it was also hard to put down. I really like Gavin he faced a lot and took on all he lived in his pain but also tried to find a way to heal. Laurel came of super insecure throughout the book and it came of sometime as whiney. However she worked really hard to find healing in the pain. I felt this book was pretty original its not something you read about in christian fiction and it was very refreshing. I will say the author does switch back and forth from the present to the past and in the beginning it takes a minute to realize but you do catch on quick when the switch goes on. Overall this is a clean read and I would totally recommend its well worth the read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Christian Book

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.denisehunterbooks.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Denise Hunt’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.  

five star

Angel Kisses and Riversong Lynnette Bonner

SarahLeave a comment

Description:
He’s a former NFL quarterback from Florida with an injury that has put an end to his career.

She’s a penny pinching innkeeper from Washington, just trying to make enough money to care for her grandmother.

Needing to escape the media and the constant pressure to make a decision about his future, Jett Hudson escapes to a B&B in the small town of Riversong, Washington. A month of R&R in the middle of nowhere ought to do him some good. But when he arrives and has to wake the owner, who is sound asleep at her desk, he starts having second thoughts about his choice of lodging—even if her messy bun reminds him of a halo, and her soft gaze has a way of making him forget to breathe.

After a long night, and even longer day, of taking care of her grandmother, Salem Finn jolts awake to find her new guest—and financial hope—eyeing the door like he wants to make a run for it. All her exhaustion comes to the fore. How is she supposed to be a twenty-four seven caretaker and still run a prosperous business?

Sometimes the river of life takes unexpected turns. And sometimes those turns lead to angel kisses…and Riversong.

This contemporary, sweet, clean romance will take you to small-town America, where the neighbors all know each other’s business, and the police chief’s biggest worry is where to find his next fishing hole.

My thoughts on the book:
He’s a football player who’s been injured and looking to get away from it all, the media the disappointment of not knowing what to do next and just finding himself. He ends up in Riversong Wa, with a prayer in his heart and relaxing on his brain. Salem just needs to hold it all together taking care of her grandmother and finding a way to provide for them both and starting a B & B. When her first client shows up it seems everything is going wrong and she starts to question if she is making the right choices for herself and her grandmother. If she can just survive this she know she can take whatever is thrown at her. 
I really loved this book. I haven’t read many with the main character being a football player. I was telling my husband about the book only to have to let him down that it was fiction and he wouldn’t recognize the player :-). I totally got sucked in to the story and it was really just the sweetest love story. I was glad that the book wasn’t to deep it was light hearted and with just enough drama it keeps your attention and keeps you turning the pages to see whats going on next. I am super excited to read more of Zai story. I love her and Salem’s friendship it truly is the definition of what a true friend is all about. This book is a good clean fun read you really cant go wrong. 

Where you can buy the book:
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:
www.lynnettebonner.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Lynnette Bonner’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Uncategorized

Christmas Grace Mindy Steele

Sarah1 Comment

Description:

Second chances and the Christmas spirit abound in Mindy Steele’s heartwarming novel, one of faith, love, and the power of community.

Grace Miller believed herself in love with the charming Englischer who eventually broke her heart. Now alone except for the secret life growing inside her, she arrives in the unfamiliar small village of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, to hide and hopefully gain forgiveness.

She is pleasantly surprised, however, to find a tight-knit, welcoming group who help her heart grow right alongside her belly. And with the holidays around the corner, there’s plenty of preparations to occupy her mind. Also occupying her mind? Her strong, protective neighbor, Cullen Graber, the town’s blacksmith, who seems intent on not allowing her to ever suffer alone.

Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses early in life. He planned to live out his days focusing on his smithy business, yet the beautiful and mysterious Grace refuses to leave his thoughts. But can they open their hearts to God’s grace and create a new family together before Grace must return home?


My Review:

I really, really liked this book. I feel like Grace was so relatable and why not many face her situations I feel that as Christians we all at one point have wondered if we deserve the forgiveness God gives us. Grace while faced with a tough situation she took things in stride and you seem to “watch” her grow as the story went on. Cullen oh man I liked him to his heart was always in the right place to help those who needed help. He truly loved deeply and with the losses he faced he seem to not have a wall around his heart and he was open to what God gave him. This book is a clean read and I really felt like I was catching up with friends why reading it. I love Tess and you will need to read the book to find out why, because I would just give to much away about her. Overall I could not put this book down and this was a quick read and a really good book to me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where to Buy the book:

www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:

mindysteeleauthor.wordpress.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Mindy Steele’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Uncategorized

A Mother’s Strength Allie Pleter

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

Will finding her son a friend

lead to forever love?

Single mom Molly Kane will do anything to help her son overcome his anxieties—including enlisting former police officer Sawyer Bradshaw to give him golf lessons. Sawyer’s a loner, yet he quickly forms a bond with little Zack. And with Molly. But protecting Zack means Molly must keep her heart off-limits from Sawyer, even as her little boy draws them together…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Wander Canyon

Book 1: Their Wander Canyon Wish
Book 2: Winning Back Her Heart
Book 3: His Christmas Wish
Book 4: A Mother’s Strength


My Review:

I really liked this story. I liked Molly, she was always trying to find the positive in every aspect of her life and her sons life. I loved how she would do just about anything to help Zack fit in and calm his anxiety. Sawyer facing his own rough patch wants to help Zack but knows he is not the best but even his heart is in the right place. I really enjoyed how the author kept everything clean and the story is suitable for all. Overall such a sweet love story. so well worth it. 

Where to Buy the book:

www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:

alliepleiter.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Allie Pleiter’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Uncategorized

A Woman of Fortune Kellie Coates Gilbert

SarahLeave a comment

What is the book about:

Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream. Her world is filled with designer clothes, luxury cars, and stunning homes. But her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly, she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must start over against incredible odds to save her family–and discover a life worth living.   

My thoughts on the book:

I would have to say on a a-f rating I would rate this a B. I did not dislike the book but I have to say it wasn’t one of my favorites either. I felt the book draws you in and then it goes down and up and down till you get till about the middle of the book and then its stays really steady. I do like how the book talks about unconditional love in the hard times. There is a lot of how not all rich people but so rich people act high then thou attitudes and to me it seems a little extreme at times. Since this book is based on a rich family who goes through something and then as a family they are tested greatly, and everything they know has been thrown upside down. At some points I was wondering if I was reading a christian book faith is not a big thing in the book but it is underlined.
I have to say my favorite characters in the whole book were Max and Jana Rae and it was because they seemed like the most down to earth and realistic people. They truly show what God’s Love is and I think that was what the author may have been going for. The biggest factor in this book is forgiveness, and how we need to forgive and don’t let the past dictate the future. I read this book in 2 days only cause I had to work other wise it is a fairly quick read. On the 2nd morning I woke up and the first verse that came to mind is John 15:13 I looked it up and this is what it reads: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
When I started reading this again the 2nd day this verse came to mind again and I really feel that that sums this book up perfectly. Over all I would say read the book give it a shot you may feel different about it then I do. But in the end I would have to say this is probably not a book I would keep on my shelf.

I was given a free copy of this book by netgalley for my honest option.  

Where you can find the book:

www.cbd.comwww.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can catch up with the author:

http://kelliecoatesgilbert.com/

  Enjoy your reading!!!