Monday, December 31, 2018

Upcoming Releases I'm Looking Forward to: Jan. - June 2019


Upcoming Releases Jan-June 2019
As the new year begins I am making my list of books that are releasing within the first six months of 2019 that I am excited to get my hands on to read. This past year I did two previous posts liks this with 10 books each that were coming out in 2018 and I am excited to say that I have read all 20 books listed! Wow! While I do want to focus on reading some of the older books that have been sitting in my TBR pile for a while I can't help myself but want to read the new releases as well.


Releasing January 1st
Code of Valor
What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend's cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe--and catch those who would see her dead.

Financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain doesn't trust many people. And even though she let the detective who saved her life in on a few pertinent facts about why she was being attacked, there are some things you just don't share with a stranger. Little does she suspect that the secret she is keeping just might get them both killed.


This is book 3 of Lynette's Blue Justice series. I actually received an advanced copy of this book and just recently finished it, but I had to include it on this list because I had been looking forward to it ever since finishing 'Called to Protect'. I have falled in love with the St. John family and this one did not disappoint. Hightly recommend this series so far!


Releasing February 5th
Breach of Trust
Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to seek justice and make the killer pay.

The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn't add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.

Mia soon has more than the criminal prosecution to worry about, however. She is tasked with taking over her friend's last case and learns he was hiding secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion on the homicide case. Can he win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?


Book 3 of the Atlanta Justice series. I have read the previous two books in this series and when I saw there was a third coming out I had to add it to my list.


Releasing February 5th
Bunch at Bittersweet Cafe
Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.

Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.

Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.


Book 2 in the Supper Club series. I was first introduced to Carla Laureano's writing when I read 'Five Days in Skye'. I eargerly picked up book 1 in this series last February when I found out she had a new book and loved it. I can't wait to read this one.


Releasing February 26th
The Secrets of Paper and Ink
Brought together by a charming bookstore in England, three women fight to defy expectations, dream new dreams, and welcome love into their lives.

As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature.

Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance.

Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch.

Eager to know more of Emily’s story, Sophia goes on a quest—dragging Ginny and William with her—to discover the heart of the woman behind the beautiful entries. Soon Ginny’s need to save the bookstore becomes more than a way to save her marriage, and Sophia finds new purpose of her own. Together they find that sometimes both heartache and hope can reach across the centuries.


Set in England and a bookstore, who could pass this up? Not me! I can't wait to read this.


Releasing March 12th
Knox
Can she outrun her past into the arms of a Montana rancher?

Montana rancher, Knox Marshall's, danger years are behind him. A former bull-rider, he now runs the Marshall family ranch, raising champion bucking bulls for the National Professional Bullrider's Expo (NBR-X). But although he's successful and wealthy, at 30, he can't help but wonder if his best years are behind him. His life is stable, expected and…boring.

Kelsey Jones just wants a safe life, a family, a home. Well, at least when she's off stage. Onstage, she's the beautiful rising star of the country trio, the Yankee Belles. Onstage, she becomes the person she longs to be, vivacious and confident, not the mess she knows she is inside, the result of a violent attack years earlier. But certainly, the more success she has, the more she outruns her past, success that includes becoming NBR-X's next country act.

Knox and Kelsey's paths collide when an explosion at an NBR-X event traps them in the rubble. Now victims of a random trauma, they have to figure out how to put their lives back together. For Kelsey, it awakens her nightmares, and for Knox, it ignites in him an obsession to find the bomber.

Problem is…someone is after Kelsey, and when her past follows her into Knox's life, threatening his family and legacy, he'll have to choose between saving the people he loves, or becoming the protector he's always longed to be.


I love reading series where I can fall in love with the characters and then catch up with them later in future books. Susan is really good at this. I loved the Montana Rescue series and anxiously awaited book 6, Wait for Me, to come out this past November I was also sad that the series was ending. I can't explain how exicted I was when I found out that she is starting a new series with this book. I can't wait to return to Montana and see where this story takes us.


Releasing April 2nd 
Driftwood Bay
After tragedy robs her of everyone she loves, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room--until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn't worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

Yet when both Jeannette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it's least expected?


Book 5 in the Hope Harbor series. I first discovered Irene Hannon through her suspense books and wasn't sure if I would enjoy her contemporary romance ones as much, but I was wrong. I have fallen in love with the town of Hope Harbor and can't wait to return.


Releasing April 2nd 
The Memory House
Embracing the future means remembering the past . . .

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House. 


It was through Rachel Hauck's stories that found myself really enjoying the dualtime set books. I have enjoyed each book I have read by her and can't wait to discover the journey this one is going to take me.


Releasing April 2nd 
Sweet on You
Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?


Book 3 in series. Finally Britt and Zander's story. From the previous two books we know that Zander has been in love with Britt for quite a while but she has now idea. Can these two longtime friends fall in love? Here's hoping for the ending I want.


Releasing May 14th  
The Printed Letter Bookshop
Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop.

One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened her heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.

While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a captivating story of good books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings, and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship.


I have never read anything by Katherine Reay before, but have heard a lot of good things about her previous books. The cover drew me in and after reading the description and finding out that the story revolves around a bookstore and one of the main chracters is an attorney, I was drawn in.


Releasing June 4th  
More Than Words Can Say
After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free. No family entanglements. No disappointing those around him. Just the quiet bachelor existence he's always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away when the baker of his favorite breakfast bun is railroaded by the city council. Despite not wanting to get involved, he can't turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples.

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery's deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. That person definitely isn't the stoic lumberman who oozes silent confidence whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can't even control her pulse when she's around him.

When vows are spoken, Abigail's troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. Can she put even more trust in Zach without losing her dreams of independence?


Book 2 of the Patchwork Family series. I fell in love with Karen Witemeyer`s writing ever since reading 'Heart on the Line' and all her books have been added to my TBR list. I really enjoy marriage of convenience stories so I have high hopes for this one.

Monday's RSU: December 31st


Welcome to Monday's RSU. Every Monday I share an update of my reading status - what book (or books) I finished since last Monday, what book I am currently reading and what I am planning on reading next. 

Just Finished:

Racing Christmas  Christmas at the Red Door Inn  Code of Valor  Gaffe Out Loud 


Currently Reading: 

Secrets at Cedar Cabin
  

Reading Next:

To Win Her Heart


What are you books are you currently reading or have recently enjoyed?

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Jane Reviews: Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher

Series: Legacy of Faith #1
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: Dec. 11, 2018
320 pages
About the Book: 
For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.

Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.

Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.

When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have wronged them, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.

Who I Am With You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.


Who I Am With You Quote 1

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

While I liked the characters I struggled with various parts of the story. One being I could not figure out how the dual-timeline connected and I got frustrated with the jumping between the two. The connection does come out near the very end of the book, but by that point I was done trying to figure out the connection. The second thing that bothered me with this story was that Jessica seemed to deal with her struggles really quickly and easily, it did not feel realistic. I enjoyed the interaction between her and Ridley but the relationship felt like it moved too fast for me, considering what Jessica was dealing with.

I enjoyed Andrew Henning’s story the best. I liked how he faced his challenges head on and took his marriage vows seriously. The way that he was determined to stick with his wife and work through their difficulties was inspiring.

This story is about love and commitment, learning to forgive and moving forward. There is a lot of emotion in this story, dealing with the loss of people, loss of jobs and heartache. I enjoyed seeing the characters turn to God and lean on him rather than others. The friendships and commitment are what kept me reading, I really wanted to know what happened in Andrew’s marriage, were they able to work things out? I was pleased with the way his story wrapped and my questions were answered.

Who I Am With You Quote 2

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.
Opinions expressed in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)
JaneReads






Saturday, December 29, 2018

Jane Reviews: The Christmas Confection by Shanna Hatfield

Series: Hardman Holidays #6
Genre: Historical Romance
Released: Dec. 5, 2017
330 pages
About the Book:
Born to an outlaw father and a shrewish mother, Fred Decker feels obligated to atone for the past without much hope for his future. If he possessed a lick of sense, he’d pack up and leave the town where he was born and raised, but something. . . someone. . . unknowingly holds him there. Captivated by Hardman’s beautiful baker, Fred fights his attraction to the lovely woman. He buries himself in his work, refusing to let his heart dream.

Elsa Lindstrom adores the life she’s carved out for herself in a small Eastern Oregon town. She and her twin brother, Ethan, run their own bakery where she delights in creating delicious treats. Then Ethan comes home unexpectedly married, the drunks in town mistakenly identify her as a missing harlot, and a mishap in the bakery leaves her at the mercy of the most gossiped-about man in Hardman.

Mix in the arrival of three fairy-like aunts, blend with a criminal bent on dastardly schemes, and sprinkle in a hidden cache of gold for a sweet Victorian romance brimming with laughter and heartwarming holiday cheer.





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


Wow, I did not expect to fall in love with Fred like I did. When I first met him in The Christmas Calamity I did not like him. But now he has grown from a troubled teen into a hardworking, respected man. He struggles to move on from his past, and feels he is not worthy of someone like Elsa, but he can’t stop thinking about her. Elsa has noticed Fred in town and feels attracted to him, but she is hesitant to accept her feelings because she wants to focus on her career. Elsa is able to see beyond Fred’s past and sees his true heart, but is she willing to risk her feelings?

I cheered when Fred stood up to Ethan on behalf of Elsa, someone needed to knock some sense into her brother. He frustrated me! Fred’s three aunts added spunk to the story and Fred’s life. I loved their energy and enthusiasm and looked forward to finding out what they came up with next. Elsa was so sweet and the creations that she was able to come up with at the bakery had my mouth watering. No wonder Fred visited the bakery so often. I was so excited when I got to the end of the book and found out there was another book in this series coming out very soon! I can’t wait to read it.

 
The Christmas Confection Quotes

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed in this review
are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Friday, December 28, 2018

First Line Friday: Christmas at the Red Door Inn


Happy Friday!

Welcome to First Line Friday's hosted by Hoarding Books.

Today's book is:  Christmas at the Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson
    
Christmas at the Red Door Inn
First Line:
"Brooke Kane knew better than to venture far from hom when there was threat of a blizzard."


All month long I have been reading Christmas themed books and this was the last one I read this season. I am not normally one for novella's (because they are so short) but I really enjoyed this one. A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit PEI (not in the winter thankfully) and fell in love with the island. Reading this series by Liz Johnson made me feel like I had returned to the island. I was so excited when I learned that she had released another story set at the inn I had fallen in love with.

Now it's your turn!
Let me know your first line in the comments and then head over
to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Jane Reviews: The Christmas Quandary by Shanna Hatfield

Series: Hardman Holidays #5
Genre: Historical Romance
Released: Nov. 10, 2016
212 pages
About the Book:
Tom Grove just needs to survive a month at home while he recovers from a work injury. How bad can it be to return to Hardman for the holiday season? He arrives to discover his middle-aged parents acting like newlyweds, the school in need of a teacher, and the girl of his dreams already engaged.

After the loss of her parents and her fiancé abandoning her to spend a year abroad, Lila Granger desires a change of scenery. She leaves her home in New York to spend a few months with relatives in Hardman, Oregon. The idea of stepping off the train into a place that gives her a true sense of coming home never entered her mind. Neither did the notion of falling in love with a man who clearly can’t wait to get away from the small town.




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


It was fun to catch up with the Hardman families once again. Ms. Hatfield always makes you feel like you have been transported into the time period. Tom is a big kid at heart but the kind of man that you want to spend time with and root for. Lila is a sweet girl who has endured some heartache. It was easy to see the chemistry between these two, but there are obstacles to overcome. I really enjoyed the relationship that Tom had with his parents - fun and loving. There were many laugh out loud moments throughout the story along with a lot of sweet moments that had me loving these characters. I was pleased with ending and looking forward to the next in this series so that I don't have to say goodbye to Hardman and the characters that feel like family.

 
The Christmas Quandary Quotes

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed in this review
are my honest opinion and completely my own.)