Firday Line Friday (Week 68): A Worthy Pursuit

Happy Friday!

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

 

Today's book is: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer
  

First Line:

"I'm closing the school, Miss Atherton, and that's my final word on the subject."

I discovered Karen Witemeyer last year, when I read Heart on the Line. I loved that book and knew I needed to read some of her other ones. Since then I have read two others and also enjoyed them so when I saw this book on sale on Amazon earlier this week I had to pick it up. I'm hoping to read it soon.

  

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!
 

Jane Reviews: Tides of Deception by Christy Barritt

Series: Lantern Beach Suspense #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: River Heights
Released: August 14, 2018
198 pages

About the Book:

Change has come to Lantern Beach: a new police chief, a new season, and . . . a new romance?

Austin Brooks has loved Skye Lavinia from the moment they met, but the walls she keeps around her seem impenetrable. Skye knows Austin is the best thing to ever happen to her. Yet she also knows that if he learns the truth about her past, he’d be a fool not to run.

A chance encounter brings secrets bubbling to the surface, and danger soon follows. Are the life-threatening events plaguing them really accidents . . . or is someone trying to send a deadly message?

With the tides on Lantern Beach come deception and lies. One question remains—who will be swept away as the water shifts? And will it bring the end for Austin and Skye, or merely the beginning?

 

Goodreads / Amazon

                                                     Christy Barritt's Website

 

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

This is book one of the spin off series from Lantern Beach Mysteries, and features the closest friends of Cassidy and Ty. I was excited to return to Lantern Beach, not only had the community captured my heart but the friendships Cassidy and Ty had made me want to know more about their friends. We knew the surface stuff about Austin and Skye, what they did for a living, that they both believe in God and had seen glimpses of interest in one another, but that’s about as far as it went in the original series. Now these two are the focus of this one. Austin is ready to declare his feelings but is worried that Skye doesn’t feel the same and he doesn’t want to ruin their friendship. When a friend from Skye’s past appears on the island she is thrown for a loop, questions arise that begins seeking answers for however someone is determined to keep her away and her life is threatened multiple times. The danger makes Austin realize just how important Skye is to him and he not only declares his feelings but sets out to prove to her that no matter what is in her past it will not change his feelings for her.  

 

Right from the first page I was engrossed in the story and did not want to stop reading, the intrigue, mystery and romantic interest grabbed me. While I was pretty sure I knew who the bad guy was I had to what was going to happen next and if things would work out for Austin and Skye. Can Skye learn to trust Austin with her past? What secret is Austin keeping? Will their pasts keep them apart? 

 

I loved Austin, not only is he a hero when saves a boy’s life, but he is gentle with Skye, protecting and supporting her without being overbearing. I really enjoyed watching their friendship bloom into a romantic relationship. I felt for Skye and the things she has gone through, she has changed from the person she used to be and deserves peace and happiness going forward. With Austin by her side and her focus on God she will be okay. I would be remiss not to mention how much I loved reconnecting with Cassidy and Ty and seeing Cassidy in her now role of Police Chief. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

 

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

Books in The Lantern Beach Mysteries:

   

   

Hidden Currents Review / Flood Watch Review / Storm Surge Review

Dangerous Waters Review / Perilous Riptide Review / Deadly Undertow Review

Goodreads / Amazon

Monday's RSU: August 27th

 

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:

 

Currently Reading: 

  

Reading Next:

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

Jane Reviews: Corsets and Cuffs by Shanna Hatfield

Series: Baker City Brides # 3
Genre: Historical Romance
Released: April 9, 2015
276 pages

About the Book:

Sheriff Tully Barrett never knew trouble had such a pretty face.

Brianna Dumont never knew the law could be so handsome and hardheaded.

Pampered and privileged, Brianna Dumont escapes the life she’s always known in an effort to clear her father’s good name. She arrives in Baker City, Oregon, intent on selling her father’s shares in a mine. Only the mine is a bust, her father’s partner is a crusty ol’ coot who hates women, and the sheriff in town is determined to keep her behind bars.

With good friends around him, a small ranch of his own, and a fulfilling job as sheriff, Tully Barrett loves his life. Then an exasperating woman shows up, making demands and driving him crazy. No matter how hard he tries to ignore her brains and beauty, she works her way under his skin.

Corsets and Cuffs captures the fun-loving banter of two strong-willed characters determined not to fall in love in this sweet historical romance.

Goodreads / Amazon

Shanna Hatfield's Website

 

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

 

This is the third book in the Baker City Brides series and just as entertaining as the previous two. This one focuses on Tully and introduces Brianna. The two of them are complete opposites. Tully is Sheriff, a bit rough around the edges and likes to tease. Brianna comes from the other side of the states and is a proper lady used to the finer things. Her arrival in Baker City has not been pleasant and she rubs Tully the wrong way right from the beginning. I loved the banter between these two. There were so many entertaining interactions between them. Tully puts Brianna in jail, not just once but twice! What did she do? One of my favourite moments was the joke that Brianna played on Tully, she got him good.

There were a couple mysteries to unravel, what secret is Brianna hiding and what is Sammy’s story? As I was reading I was trying to figure out the answers before it was revealed, but I was unsuccessful. I was surprised but some of the twists that happened, but I loved that I hadn’t figured it all out.

 

Eventually Tully and Brianna are able to get past their differences and open themselves to love. This was an enjoyable story with some really sweet moments. I loved that the characters from the previous books are woven into this story, not only do we get to keep up to date what is happening with them but they have regular involvement that felt like you right there with the group of friends getting together.
 

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

Other Books in the Series:

     

Crumpets and Cowpies Review / Thimbles and Thistles Review

Goodreads / Amazon

First Line Friday (Week 67): Cape Refuge

Happy Friday!

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

 

Today's book is: Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock
 

First Line:

"The air conditioner was broken at City Hall, and the smell of warm salt air drifted through the windows from the beach across the street. Morgan Cleary fanned herself and wished she hadn't dressed up."

This week's Top Ten Tuesday blog posts were about books or authors that are bound to get you out of a reading slump. As I was reading various posts on this topic I began asking myself what are some of authors or books that do this for me, or what are some books that introduced to me an author. I remember picking up this book at a local Christian bookstore when visiting my parents one weekend years ago. I have since read it at least 3 times, it is one of those books that has fueled my love for suspense books and has encouraged me to pick up more books by Terri Blackstock. I think it might be time to re-read this book soon.

  

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!
 

Jane Reviews: Flee the Night by Susan May Warren

Series: Team Hope # 1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Tyndale House
Released: March 1, 2005
326 pages

About the Book:

Ex-CIA operative Lacey Montgomery is a liar, a murderer, and a fugitive—or is she? Former Green Beret Jim Micah must either prove her innocence or bring her to justice. Too bad his heart won't stay out of the way. With a little girl's life and national secrets hanging in the balance, Jim and Lacey must trust God to help them flee the secrets of the night.

 

Goodreads / Amazon

Susan May Warren's Website

 

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

I found myself getting into this story pretty quickly at the beginning with Lacey on edge and trying to determine if someone was after her, then the train wreck happens and Lacey ends up in hospital. Lacey’s daughter goes missing and she is arrested for murder. With limited options Lacey she calls her old friend Micah for help. However these two haven’t spoken for 7 years and there are issues between them that make this uncharted territory for them both. They once loved each other but never expressed their feelings and Micah is sure she is guilty of killing her husband, his best friend. When Lacey calls Micah he is torn between wanting to bring her to justice for killing her husband and wanting to help her find her daughter so he sets out to do both. Will he succeed with his mission or does God have different plans for him?

The story began to lose me during the search for the daughter. There were events that happened that felt impossible. The constant back and forth between Micah and Lacy trying to decide whether or not to trust one another frustrated me and felt very repetitive. I also struggled to follow all the talk about the computer program EX-6. I decided to keep with it and near the end there were quite a few twists and turns that had me on the edge wondering if things would work out.

Two of my favourite parts of the story were the flashbacks to Micah and Lacey’s high school times and the strong faith of Micah with his determination to get Lacey to understand that God is there for her. I enjoyed the way the story ended.

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

Other Books in the Series:

   

Goodreads / Amazon

Monday's RSU: August 20th

 

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:

 

Currently Reading: 

  

Reading Next:

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

Jane Reviews: Thimbles and Thistles by Shanna Hatfield

Series: Baker City Brides # 2
Genre: Historical Romance
Released: April 9, 2015
276 pages

About the Book:

Stubborn, mule-headed, independent woman!

She'd take that as a compliment...

Maggie Dalton has no need for a man in her life. Widowed more than ten years, she’s built a successful business and managed quite well on her own in the bustling town of Baker City, Oregon. Aggravated by her inability to block thoughts of the handsome lumber mill owner from her mind, she renews her determination to resist his attempts at friendship.

 

Full of Scottish charm and mischief, Ian MacGregor could claim any available woman in Baker City as his own, except the enchanting dress shop owner who continues to ignore him. Not one to give up on what he wants, Ian vows to win Maggie’s heart or leave the town he’s come to love.

Goodreads / Amazon

Shanna Hatfield's Website

 

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

 

We met Maggie through Thane in the first book of this series, other than knowing that she is a talented seamstress with her own shop, has been friends with Thane and Tully for years, and that she was widowed young we don’t know much else about her. Ian was a new character and we learn that he has had his eye on Maggie for the last two years, but she has never paid him any attention. Can he get her to notice him and see how much he likes her?

 

It was easy to fall for Ian, with his Scottish accent and caring nature. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Maggie had her heart broken when she lost her husband and doesn't want to go through that pain again, but she is attracted to Ian and find herself fighting her feelings. Her best friends try to push her to open her heart to Ian, but will they succeed? Their story was filled with many fun moments, quick wit, romance, and elements of danger. I loved how involved Tully and Thane were in pushing Maggie to open her heart, these two are romantics.

 

Now that 2 of the three friends are paired up I can’t wait to see what kind of girl is going to be able to turn Tully’s head?

 

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

Other Books in the Series:

     

Crumpets and Cowpies Review

Goodreads / Amazon

First Line Friday (week 66): Corsets and Cuffs

Happy Friday!

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

 

Today's book is: Corsets and Cuffs by Shanna Hatfield
 

First Line:

"Flames better be shooting from the buildings in town, a dead body sprawled in the stree, and a wall blown off the bank by a gang of robbers, or you're gonna have to come up with some goldurn dandy reason for dragging me away from Ian and Maggie's wedding."

I recently finished reading this series, entitled Baker City Brides, by Shanna Hatfield. Each book was filled with plenty of laughs, a bit of mystery and lots of romance. I highly recommend checking out this series (or others by Ms. Hatfield).
  

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!