First Line Friday - Week 8

Happy Friday!

Tomorrow (July 1st) is Canada's 150th birthday so I thought I would celebrate on the blog for the next few Friday's by featuring books set in my home country - Canada. To start we are going be visiting the beautiful Prince Edward Island. Me and my husband went for the first time a few years ago and loved our visit and can't wait to go back again sometime. 

Today's book is: The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

 

 "The change in Marie Carrington's pocket wouldn't pay for a ferry ride across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island, let alone a bus ticket to anywhere else in the world."

If Marie doesn't have enough money to get a ferry to the island, how does she get there and why is is hoping to get there? I just finished reading this book for the second time (getting ready to read book 3 that is releasing soon) and loved it just as much the second time as I did the first time. Keep an eye out for my review to be posted later this month.

Now it's your turn! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Then join in more First Line fun by visiting these blogs:

 

A Baker's Perspective // All the Book Blog Names Are Taken // Bibliophile Reviews // Bookworm Mama // Cafinated Reads // Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen // Faithfully Bookish // Fiction Aficionado // Joy of Reading // Kathleen Denly // Lauraine's Notes // Moments Dipped in Ink // Radiant Light // Reading is my SuperPower // Robin's Nest // Singing Librarian // With a Joyful Noise

My Unexpected Hope by Tammy L. Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Released: June 27, 2017
332 pages

About the Book:

 

After a year of grieving her divorce and living a life permanently stuck on pause, Laila Richardson is finally ready to have her own happy ending. Then a listing for a quaint cottage in another town answers her prayers for a fresh beginning—one that will bring her closer to her new boyfriend, Ben. Unfortunately, in her small town of Fairfield, Georgia, letting go of the past is virtually impossible. No one wants to see her move on, including the man who destroyed her heart to begin with.

 

Chad Richardson has spent years in misery but finally has his life on somewhat stable ground. When he learns his ex-wife is dating, he knows it’s time to go back and fight for the life he abandoned. Bolstered by his newfound sobriety, Chad has every intention of winning back the woman he loves, even if that means facing old demons that are waiting for him to fail.

 

Passions run deep as two souls searching for a second chance find the courage to let go of old patterns. Can they recognize that their dreams are still possible, even when forged from a broken past?

 
 My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟  (4 stars)
 

“I am not going to question whom God uses, and you shouldn’t either.”

Wow! I felt for these characters so much, much more than I expected to. There were quite a few difficult situations addressed throughout - the constant fight of trying to overcome an addiction, friends and family who are addicted, and the heartache these things bring. Laila thinks she is ready to move on from her past and start over, but is she really? I felt so much for Laila (and cried with Chad at one point). I did not want to like Chad but I just couldn’t help myself, after getting to know him more I was cheering for him to be happy. I was pleased that he appeared to be getting on the right track and when he struggled I cried with him or yelled at him to be strong. His struggles were dealt with honest and openly and felt real. Nothing was sugar-coated. I could feel how much he loved Laila and his struggle between wanting her and wanting the best for her. The secondary characters helped (and forced) Laila and Chad to deal with their emotions, actions, thoughts and faith. Cooper might have had his own issues but he was a true friend to Chad and his support might just end up costing him everything. God can and will use us in ways that we cannot picture, this was shown in many different aspects throughout, such as the way he used Laila in a little girl’s life, the way he used Katie helping Chad, and the way he used Ben in Laila’s life. I especially enjoyed the flashbacks to the teenage years. I do wish there had been more focus given to the times that the characters turned to God for help. Chad and Laila’s story is wonderful example of Christ’s love and His healing power. I was very pleased with the ending.

“She’d been fighting all this time to stay in control. But maybe that was the problem. Maybe it was time to give all of herself to a God who had never rejected or abandoned her.”

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley; opinions expressed

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Over the Moon by Liz Isaacson

Series: Gold Valley Romance # 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: AEJ Creative Works
Released: June 26, 2017
210 pages

About the Book:

Caleb Chamberlain has spent the last five years recovering from a horrible breakup, his alcoholism that stemmed from it, and the car accident that left him hospitalized. He’s finally on the right track in his life, and he’s found peace with being a cowboy at Horseshoe Home Ranch for the rest of his life. Until Holly Gray, his twin brother’s ex-fiance mistakes him for Nathan. Caleb wasn’t around much when Nathan and Holly were an item, and it takes him a few minutes to figure out who she is, but definitely not that long to want to get to know her better. Holly’s back in Gold Valley to get the required veterinarian hours to apply for her graduate program. When the herd at Horseshoe Home comes down with pneumonia, Caleb and Holly are forced to work together in close quarters. After checking with his brother, Caleb decides he wants to start something with Holly, despite her plans to leave town in eight months. Holly’s over Nathan, but she hasn't forgiven him—or the woman she believes broke up their relationship. As she and Caleb get to know one another better, she’ll have to figure out if she's really in love with Caleb—or the memory of Nathan—and how to forgive everyone she hasn’t. Can Caleb and Holly navigate such a rough past to find their happily-ever-after?

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟  (3 stars)

I struggled with this story. I really liked Caleb and the peace he had with life. I also liked Holly, but there was just something about the story that felt off to me. I can only narrow it down to the fact that Caleb’s twin brother was once engaged to Holly and this didn’t seem to bother the two of them much. I know I would feel strange if I began dating the brother of my ex-fiancé. But other than just the one phone call between Caleb & Nathan asking for permission to ‘hang out’ with Holly, they seemed to have no strange feelings about starting a relationship. However not everything goes smoothly for them. Their families are not as accepting of the relationship as they hoped. Another obstacle in their path together is the fact that their plans seem to taking them in separate directions. Can they overcome their struggles and find happiness?

(I received an ARC of this book from the author; opinions expressed

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

 

First Line Friday - Week 7

Happy Friday!

I was lucky enough to recieve an advance copy of Rachel Hauck's new book that releases July 11th.  Since I was blessed with this opportunity I decided I would share a sneak peak with you.

Today's book is: The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck 

"This should be her night of triumph."

Yep, that's all I am giving you… I know I'm mean! But trust me you will want to pick this one up find what happens. My review will be posted on July 11th.

Now it's your turn! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Then join in more First Line fun by visiting these blogs:

A Baker's Perspective // All the Book Blog Names Are Taken // Bibliophile Reviews // Bookworm Mama // Cafinated Reads // Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen // Faithfully Bookish // Fiction Aficionado // Joy of Reading // Kathleen Denly // Lauraine's Notes // Moments Dipped in Ink // Radiant Light // Reading is my SuperPower // Robin's Nest // Singing Librarian // With a Joyful Noise

Stormy Lake by L.D. Stauth

Series: A Campground Mystery # 1
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Word Alive Press
Released: April 30,
329 pages

About the Book:

A camping trip with creepy spiders and menacing thunderstorms? Seriously?

Little did Maya realize those fears would be the least of her worries. Maya Montgomery is in desperate need of a vacation. When her best friend, Karly Foster, convinces her that a camping trip in Northern Ontario will be the remedy she needs, Maya is skeptical. After all, she has never camped a day in her life.

 

The moment Kerrick Kendall, park superintendent at Lake Williwaw Campground, lays eyes on the novice camper with the dancing freckles and large coffee-coloured eyes, he feels compelled to tell her his story. But is opening up old wounds worth the risk?

 

From frightening encounters with nature, to non-stop—often humourous—bickering between her friend Karly and an irritating park employee, the trip is filled with conflict.  But when Maya suspects she is being stalked, everything else that has happened pales in comparison. As danger escalates will Kerrick be able to protect the life of the woman who has captured his heart?

 

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟  (5 stars)

 

“God does his best work when we are broken.”
 

This book was written by a local author that attends my in-laws church. This is her debut novel and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her next one.

 

Ms. Stauth has done an amazing job of combining intrigue, suspense, and romance with faith lessons throughout. Maya is going on her first camping trip ever with best friend Karly. She is unsure about the whole thing at first and just as she is starting to get comfortable with her new surroundings strange things begin to happen. And then things take a turn even worse. Can the two park employees, which they have struck up a friendship with, provide the safety they need? Who can and can’t they trust? I did not want to put this down; I had to know what was going to happen next.

 

Ms. Stauth did a wonderful job of describing all the events, I found myself immersed the camp life with the girls and jumping at every sound. I was cheering for all four main characters and enjoyed the different bonds of friendship displayed. The banter between Karly and Blake was really entertaining and I laughed out loud throughout. Both Kerrick and Karly could put Blake in his place in different ways, but through everything he did Blake grew on me and I wanted him to be okay. Kerrick has a heart for God and feels God prompting him to share his story with Maya, but where that leads may take him on a path he is not ready for, but it will be the path that is best. The character I related the most to was Maya, I understood her out of her element fears, her naivety when it came to camping and I also can’t stand bugs, spiders or snakes. I would have reacted the same as her in many scenes. I enjoyed that there were many lighthearted moments mixed in with the heavier suspense filled ones.
 

“The thought of impaling a slippery, slimy worm in hopes of catching a slippery, slimy fish appealed to her about as much as getting another case of poison ivy.”

 

“He (God) can use everything that happens to us for our good, although we may not understand the good it will accomplish until we get to heaven.”

(I borrowed this book from my mother-in-law; opinions expressed

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

All of You by Sarah Monzon

Series: Carrington Family # 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Radiant Publications
Released: May 15, 2017
336 pages

About the Book:

Maryland, Present Day
Jacquelyn Rogers can rebuild anything...except the shambles of her past. A restorer of vintage planes, she's worked hard to earn the reputation of being one of the guys. The last thing she needs is a former Navy pilot fighting his own inner demons stepping in to defend her from dangers she thought she’d outrun long ago. Some battles must be fought alone.

After a freak accident severs Lieutenant Michael “Finch” Carrington’s dreams, as well as two limbs, he’s left with nothing but a fragile faith and a duty-bound promise to watch out for his friend’s baby sister. A promise she insists is as unnecessary as it is unappreciated. But when she turns the tables and begins to weld together the broken parts of his life, it may be his heart that is in need of protection.

England, 1944
With the world at war yet again, Alice Galloway rejects her father’s traditional expectations and offers her piloting expertise to the Air Transport Auxiliary. She may be a woman in a man’s world, but when she overhears key intelligence, she must find the strength to transcend boundaries and her own fears. Or countless people may die.

Sometimes the past reaches forward to bring hope to the future.

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟  (5 stars)

“God was God, and he wasn’t, but he had to trust and believe that in

the end, everything was going to turn out more than just all right.”

Loved it! Story is told in a dual timeline style (a style I have really come to enjoy). Readers first meet Michael from the present day storyline and then we meet Alice from the WWII storyline. Both are pilots and you know their stories are going to connect eventually but how?

I was sucked into both storylines right away and each time the story switched between time periods I couldn’t wait to get back to the other one. Alice is a strong woman and I couldn’t help but be inspired by her strength and desire to serve. The way her story ended was amazing.

Michael has gone through a very traumatic experience that changes the course of his life, but he has not lost his faith in God. Yes he struggles and asks the question why, but does not turn his back on God, rather he asks God to show him the new plan for his life. The author does a wonderful job of describing his physical recovery and struggles. He meets Jack (who he will only call Jackie) when his teammate asks him to watch out for his sister while he is deployed. The two develop a friendship that leads to deeper feelings, but Michael is still dealing with the emotional challenges of accepting the changes in his life and feels that Jackie deserves much more than he can offer and tries to keep his promise of protecting her while still protecting their hearts. However Jackie sees so much more in Michael than he sees in himself and is determined to let him know this. Will Michael be receptive to this or will he stick with what he thinks is best?

The secondary characters of both their family members enabled readers to see more sides of Jack and Michael. The banter between the Carrington siblings was really entertaining and it was great to catch up with Trent & Summer from book 1. Ms. Monzon had me laughing, crying and swooning throughout. There were so many good parts, but one of my favourite moments was when Jack was bold and revealed her feelings. I was shouting you go girl! The ending felt perfect. This is a must read!

“Don’t be afraid to live the life you’ve been given. Some of us

don’t have the chance . . . Don’t waste yours.”

 

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed in this review

are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

 

First Line Friday - Week 6

Happy Friday! Another one of my favourite author's is Susan May Warren. Earlier this year I reviewed the first two books in her Montana Rescue Series. Coming July 4th is the third book, which I have been lucky enough to recieve an advance copy from Revell. My brain can't decide what it really thinks about reading a book set in snowboarding season in June, on one hand it will definitely help you think cold thoughts when it is so hot outside but on the other hand my minds keeps saying wrong season. Does it bother you to read book set in a different season that it currently is?

Today's book is: A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren

 

"Gage Watson blamed the trouble on the bright, sunny day."

 Can a bright, sunny day really be trouble? I love the sun so I don't think so, but maybe Ms. Warren will prove to me that yes it can be.

Now it's your turn! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Then join in more First Line fun by visiting these blogs:

 

 

A Baker's Perspective // All the Book Blog Names Are Taken // Bibliophile Reviews // Bookworm Mama // Cafinated Reads // Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen // Faithfully Bookish // Fiction Aficionado // Joy of Reading // Kathleen Denly // Lauraine's Notes // Moments Dipped in Ink // Radiant Light // Reading is my SuperPower // Robin's Nest // Singing Librarian // With a Joyful Noise

A Wedding for the Widower by Liz Isaacson

Series: Brush Creek Brides # 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: AEJ Creative Works
Released: June 13, 2017
149 pages

About the Book:

Former rodeo champion and cowboy Walker Thompson trains horses at Brush Creek Horse Ranch, where he lives a simple life in his cabin with his ten-year-old son, Michael. A widower of six years, he's just trying to provide a life for Michael that his late wife would've approved of. He's worked with Tess Wagner, a widow who came to Brush Creek to escape the turmoil of her life to give her seven-year-old son, Graham, a slower pace of life. Together, they run a cotton candy stand at the town's Heritage Festival every fall, donating the money they raise to the National Widows & Widowers Foundation to help those who've suffered the way they have.

Walker's boss and best friend, ranch owner Landon Edmunds, has encouraged him to start dating, and Walker looks no further than Tess. She's interested in him too, but neither of them wants to inflict more sorrow and suffering on the other than they've already endured. So when Tess confesses that her breast cancer has flared up again, Walker backs off. Way off.

 

In the end, he'll have to decide if he'd rather spend even a short time with Tess and Graham than not have them in his life at all. Tess wants to feel God's love and power, but she'll have to discover and accept God's will in order to find her happy ending.

 

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟  (3 stars)

Walker was letting fear control his actions and Tess is living in survival mode, can these two find the faith to trust that God has a plan for them and follow his lead? Tess & Walker have a lot in common, both have young sons, both lost a spouse in an accident, both have faith in God. They have been friends for four years and their sons are friends but when they begin to see each other in a new light will their friendship end up ruined or better? Some heavy issues are discussed such as the loss of spouses and moving past grief. Walker uses his son as an excuse to allow fear to control him, but finally he finds the faith he needs to move forward and is there for Tess just when she needs him the most. My only issue with the plot was that I did not feel Tess fought for what she wanted. She gave in too easily. I also felt that their issues were not properly discussed before the climax scene and so what could have felt really right, felt rushed to me. Also what’s with the fascination of PB&J? Overall I enjoyed spending time in Utah getting to know these two characters and reconnecting with Landon & Megan but would have liked more depth to the story.

“Stunning? I wouldn’t describe Walker as stunning.

Maybe gorgeous, or handsome, or dignified. Exciting, maybe.

Sexy, sure. Strong, definitely. But stunning? Not sure it fits.”

 

(I received an ARC of this book from the author; opinions expressed

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson

Series: Follow Your Heart # 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Revell
Released: June 6, 2017
320 pages

About the Book:

High school art teacher Nicole Anderson is looking forward to a relaxing summer in Savannah, house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a family friend. The house is luxurious in a way that only old money could make it, and the gallery promises interesting days in a gorgeous setting. Yet it isn't long before her ideal summer turns into more than she bargained for: a snooty gallery employee who's determined to force her out, a displaced adolescent roosting in the attic, and two of Nicole's close childhood friends--who also happen to be brothers--vying for her attention.

 

With a backdrop of a beautiful historical city, incredible architecture, and even an alleged ghost or two, combined with the opportunity for romance . . . anything can happen!

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟  (3 stars)

“Just because a path feels easy does not make it the best path.”

 

Nicole is expecting to spend her summer break from teaching painting, but an unexpected invite to manage an old family friend’s art gallery turns her world upside down. She suddenly finds herself travelling from Seattle to Savannah, learning the gallery world, dealing with a testy co-worker, reconnecting with brothers Alex & Ryan, and mentoring the teenage daughter of one of the brothers. She is definitely outside of her comfort zone. How will she handle the challenges that come her way and can she follow her heart?

 

I thought a lot of expectations were placed on Nicole without much explanation, but she was a trooper and handled everything nicely. Nicole grew throughout the book, at the beginning she was letting people tell her what to do but by the end she was able to stand up for herself and go after what she wanted (while still being nice).

 

As she is reconnecting with the two brothers, one she had crush on and one she thought was a nerd, she begins to see them in a different light than she did when she was younger. Feelings develop for one but nothing can happen because of current circumstances or are things really as they appear?

 

This was an enjoyable read set in a beautiful town. There were moments of lighthearted entertainment and moments where I wanted to give some characters a shake. The teenage daughter definitely added some flare. There was one brother I liked so much more than the other. I especially enjoyed the scenes between Nicole and the brother I liked. The ending frustrated; as much as I was pleased with the way last scene played out I found the ending to be very abrupt. I would have liked to have more closure, such as what happens with Nicole and the gallery?

 

Savannah was already on my “I want to visit someday” list, but thanks to such beautiful descriptions given of the gardens and the architecture it has now moved further up my priority list.

 

“Being here with him, looking out at the river and the paddle-wheel boats, waiting for the fireworks . . . it all felt almost heavenly. So much so she never wanted this evening to end.”

 

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley; opinions expressed

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

First Line Friday - Week 5

Happy Friday! Rachel Hauck is just one of my many favourite authors and I can't wait to read her newest book 'The Writing Desk' releasing July 11th. Until then we revisit one of her previous books.

Today's book is: The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck

Cora

April 1930

Heart's Bend, Tennessee

 

"The morning began like every other weekday, with Cora making her way up the back walk to the shop, unlocking the door, and clicking on the lights."

This book gives us two stories interweaved in one, one set in the 1930's and the second in the present. It's loved how Ms. Hauck made the stories flow together so well. To read my full review click here.

Now it's your turn! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Then join in more First Line fun by visiting these blogs:

A Baker's Perspective // All the Book Blog Names Are Taken // Bibliophile Reviews // Bookworm Mama // Cafinated Reads // Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen // Faithfully Bookish // Fiction Aficionado // Joy of Reading // Kathleen Denly // Lauraine's Notes // Moments Dipped in Ink // Radiant Light // Reading is my SuperPower // Robin's Nest // Singing Librarian // With a Joyful Noise

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

Series: Ladies of Harper's Station #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: June 6, 2017
336 pages

About the Book:
 

Grace Mallory is tired of running, of hiding. But when an old friend sends an after-hours telegraph transmission warning Grace that the man who has hunted her for nearly a year has discovered her location, she fears she has no choice. She can't let the villain she believes responsible for her father's death release his wrath in Harper's Station, the town that has sheltered her and blessed her with the dearest friends she's ever known.

 

Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His telegraph companion, the mysterious Miss G, listens eagerly to his ramblings every night and delights him with tales all her own. For months, their friendship--dare he believe, courtship?--has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intended for him. Yet when he takes the next step to meet her in person, he discovers her life is in peril, and Amos must decide if he can shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

 

 My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟  (5 stars)  

 

“Odds didn’t matter when God fought at one’s side.”  

 

I may have just found another favourite historical romance author! This is the first book I have read by Ms. Witemeyer but she had me hooked from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the end. I went through so many emotions – sad, laughter, cringing, huge smiles, and scared.

 

First off I have to say I loved that Amos wasn’t your typical tall, strong, lawman type hero but rather the average guy who was full of heart. He and Grace have become friends over the telegraph wire, without ever meeting, and yet as soon as he hears she is in trouble he comes running to town to help her. How sweet is that! Amos grew on me more and more throughout the story.

 

The town of Harper’s Station was formed by women and they trust very few men (only 1 actually lives there). This definitely added an interesting perspective to the story. Grace has found refuge here after her life is threatened and it should be easy to spot a stranger when one comes to town. The women are strong and independent, determined to do things themselves. However this doesn’t bode well for Amos when he first arrives. Can he get past the first impression he makes, earn Grace’s trust and maybe her heart?

 

Helen is not happy that the number of men coming to town seems to be multiplying rapidly, but then her opinion changes. I really enjoyed her part of the story and as I got further into it I was pretty sure I knew the impact her part would have. But was I on the right track? I had to keep reading to find out.

 

Along with the romance there is quite a bit of drama and action weaved throughout. I fully enjoyed this story and this town.  

 

“Grace stilled, her entire focus on the man who had crept into her heart. The one who could not be any more a hero than he was at that moment.”

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley; opinions expressed

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

More than a Soldier by Irene Onorato

Series: A Veteran's Heart Romance #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Kensington Books
Released: June 6, 2017
260 pages

About the Book:

There’s more than one way to be a hero . . .

 

Former Special Forces soldier Hank Fleming is living a safe, quiet life in upstate New York, but there are days he isn’t sure he’s going to make it. The sole survivor of a devastating grenade attack in Afghanistan, he is still scarred, physically and emotionally. He hangs on to his faith and tries to keep moving forward, waiting for the day that something—or someone—can make him feel whole again.

 

Cindy Giordano is searching too—for her biological family and a fresh start. When her journey to find her brother, Edward, leads to Hank’s front door, she is instantly drawn to Hank . . . and instantly wary. With her ex-fiancé’s betrayal still fresh in her mind, friendship is about all she can muster. When shadows from Cindy’s past threaten, Hank’s protective instincts shift into high gear, and he realizes everyone has their own battles to fight. But the road to healing would be much sweeter with the right person by his side . . .

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟  (4 stars)
 

“If perfection on our part was required for admission

to heaven, no one would get in.”

 

These characters grew on me very quickly and I found myself not wanting to put it down until I got the happy ending I wanted, but getting there wasn’t going to be simple. Cindy has been betrayed by those closest to her (her ex-fiancé and foster sister) and now with time on her hands because she has no job, she decides to search for her biological brother. Her search leads her to not only finally meeting her brother, but she meets his foster brother, Hank, and their foster parents. Cindy and Hank hit it off right away and Edward asks Hank to watch out for Cindy while his job takes him away. Due to events in Cindy’s past her she is leery of beginning a new relationship and tries to keep Hank in the friend zone, but the chemistry between these two is obvious. Can Hank show Cindy that he is not like her ex and win her heart?

 

Cindy’s ex begins to threaten both Cindy and Hank when he sees the two of them together. How far will the ex go to get what he wants and can they catch him before someone gets hurt? There were definitely some tense moments where I wondered how they would get out the situation. Hank has his own demons that he is trying to put behind him, but amazingly after everything he has been through he is still able to keep a positive outlook on life and is able to help Cindy deal with her anger. I really enjoyed the interactions between Hank and Cindy, however I felt for Hank with the way that Cindy treated him at one point. Thankfully this was resolved. The secondary characters were very likeable, entertaining and supportive. I loved Mrs. B she was such a sweet lady. I did think that Cindy’s search for her brother and their acceptance that she was who she said she was seemed to be too easy. I also did not like the way the story ended with the ex, I would have liked more closure. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would read more by Ms. Onorato in the future.

 

“Understanding the workings of a woman’s mind might be more

than a mortal man could ever hope to achieve.”

 

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley; opinions expressed

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

 

First Line Friday - Week 4

Happy Friday! Once again this week I am giving you a sneak peek into a book that releases next week (June 6th).  Isn't the cover gorgeous?

Today's book is: Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson

"Nicole Anderson had no idea why her mother had slipped into the back of her art classroom this afternoon, but because this seventh period class was half over, Nicole pretended not to notice."

What brings Nicole's mom to the classroom, does she have something up her sleeve?

Now it's your turn! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Then join in more First Line fun by visiting these blogs:

  

A Baker's Perspective // All the Book Blog Names Are Taken // Bibliophile Reviews // Bookworm Mama // Cafinated Reads // Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen // Faithfully Bookish // Fiction Aficionado // Joy of Reading // Kathleen Denly // Lauraine's Notes // Moments Dipped in Ink // Radiant Light // Reading is my SuperPower // Robin's Nest // Singing Librarian // With a Joyful Noise

Finders Keepers by Sarah Monzon

Series: Carrington Family # 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Radiant Publications
Released: May 23, 2016
336 pages

About the Book:

Three lives. Three hundred years. One ship that ties them together.

 

Florida, Present Day
Summer Arnet will go anywhere to capture the perfect shot that will get her marine photography noticed by the prestigious nature magazine, Our World—even diving in waters haunted by great white sharks. When a treasure hunter with a ladies’-man reputation approaches her about a sunken ship at one of her dive locations, it may be the chance she’s been looking for to launch her career…if his charming smile doesn’t derail her first. A past tragedy has left a hole in Trent Carrington’s life—a hole he’s tried to fill with women, money, and adventure. Could the feisty marine photographer be the missing piece, or will Trent finally accept that the treasure he seeks can’t be found where rust and moths destroy?

 

Spain, 1689
The same evil that stole her mother’s life stalks Isabella Castellano. Afraid for her safety, Isabella disguises herself as a cabin boy and hires on to one of His Majesty’s treasure fleet vessels. But has her flight from a known threat only led her to be ensnared in a sea of dangers?

 

 My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟  (4 stars)

“If you hide or shy away from something just because you might be afraid,

then you’re going to miss out on the best things in life.”

This story is told in two timelines, the late 1600’s and the present day. The historical story focuses on Isabella while she travels on a Spanish ship from Spain to the new world. There was a lot of action happening within this story and I was on pins and needles wanting to know that she would be okay. The present day story revolves around Trent and Summer. Trent is searching for a sunken ship and Summer is trying to get a unique picture that will hopefully get her the photography job she has been dreaming about. You know the two stories are going to connect through the ship, but if Trent is searching for the sunken ship that Isabella was on what happened to her?

Trent grew up in a Christian home, but has become angry with God and is living a self-serving life. However after meeting Summer he starts having feelings he has never had for a women before and wants to pursue them, but Summer is not interested in a relationship with a guy like him no matter how her heart reacts to him. The banter between these two was entertaining. Trent really annoyed me at first with his constant flirting and womanizing but through his determination to prove to Summer that he was worthy of her he grew on me. Summer was the perfect girl for him as she wasn’t swayed by his charm and could put him in his place. By the end I felt like he was worthy of Summer.

One of my favourite moments was Trent’s conversation with an ex that got him really thinking about his life and lead to his reconciliation with God. Summer does not know her biological father and doesn’t know what a loving father is like but the way Trent’s mom explains the love of God to her helps her understand. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Monzon has in store for readers in the future.

“Every pain we feel? God feels it too. Every tear we cry?

God sheds it too. He hurts with us, because He loves us.”

 

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed in this review

are my honest opinion and completely my own.)