I have enjoyed the few books I have read in the Micklewick Bay series by Eliza M. Scott. And this one was appealing to read while the weather in North Carolina this summer has been extremely hot. So a dip into the pages of this book was a welcome relief. This was a sweet read. A book of love, loss, relationships, and a time of self discovery. I enjoyed watching Hannah’s growth and the second chance at life and love. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced

This eighth book in the Lost Daughters series by Soraya M. Lane was an emotional read. The story is overflowing with love, loss, and a deep sense of hope. I enjoy reading historical fiction books … and especially if they feature a dual timeline. I have loved how each book in the series focuses on a different character and how they are blessed with the box that allows them to discover their true story. This final addition to the series ties the books up with a beautiful bow of

I have enjoyed the books I have read in the Micklewick Bay series by Eliza J. Scott. The characters are what makes this book come alive. The relationship between Florine and Ed is refreshing. And the community of friends is heartwarming. Of course there has to be the one character who is difficult. And Ed’s mother takes it to the extreme. Mother-in-laws like her is why I was determined to NOT be “that” mother-in-law. A nice story about love, family, relationships, humor, and

This was a sweet and easy read that wrapped you up in warm hugs. I loved the two primary characters, Gracelyn and Brent. The interactions between them is open and honest. I appreciated Gracelyn’s sense of humor and her outgoing personality helped balance Brent’s more why and reserved nature. Their families provided a wonderful support network for each of them. The Christian focus was heartwarming and a delight. This is a refreshing story of hope, love, faith, family, communit

I love cozy mysteries and especially those that are set in a bookshop. However, this one just did not appeal to me. The relationship between the two main characters was awkward and had a plain “ick” vibe. I appreciated the small town setting and the premise of the book, but that is as far as the positive aspects went. I hate being so negative in a review. I evidently was not the intended audience for this book. However, this type of book might appeal to you. Thank you to NetG

This was a great start to a new series by author Nicola May. The characters are delightful and the setting will have you wishing you could escape to Seahaven Bay for a retreat. An emotional read that will have you shedding tears in grief and then smiling at the possibility of second chances. There is a wonderful sense of community that is refreshing and heartwarming. A wonderful story of love, loss, resilience, found family, secrets, and discovering a new purpose. Thank you t

I love reading historical fiction books ... especially when they take place during WWII. I was not familiar with the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands. So I enjoyed learning about a new aspect of the war. However, other than that, this was just an okay read for me. The Christian theme was a plus for me and I enjoyed learning about the divided loyalties and how people had to compromise in order to survive. The romance was too predictable and became a “Hallmark” version ..

I absolutely LOVE the books in the Deep Dish series by Mindy Quigley. From the characters to the setting to the murder mystery, you will be drawn into the story and anxiously waiting to see how the case will be solved. Delilah and her gang at the pizzeria are a wonderful sense of community. Their caring for and support of each other while holding each other accountable is heartwarming. I missed Capone in this book. He had a few moments and I still enjoyed seeing the relations

When I open up a Richard Paul Evans book and get lost in the story, I know I will have an emotional and moving experience. Once again, he did not disappoint. The pages are overflowing with love, loss, despair, new beginnings, encouragement, resilience, loneliness, healing, and grace. What a powerful story of flawed characters who are brought together through their struggles and finding forgiveness and comfort. This is by far one of the best books. I have read this year. The l

This book has stayed with me long after I have absorbed the last word and close the book with a satisfying sigh. I could not wait to pass it along to the person who picks books for our book club. It will be one with lots to talk about. How often would we choose to go back and relive a moment in our life to change the outcome? This is an emotional read that has you journey through family, love, loss, regrets, life-altering decisions, failures, and second chances. As Mitch Albo

I enjoy reading historical fiction books, especially when they take place during WWII. The characters are well developed, and the author does a good job of pulling you into the lives of Luc and Lisette. I enjoyed the aspect of spending time in France and the espionage and work of the resistance. An interesting love story but the end kind of fizzled out for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. For more review

This was definitely a failure for me and my attempt to read more historical fiction books that introduce me to a unique aspect of history. One big turn off for me was the amount of crude language. I can handle some when it is imported to the story or the characters, but this was over the top unnecessary. I felt like I was plotting through mud to get through the pages. There are too many wonderful books out there to enjoy for me to spend hours, forcing myself to pick up the bo

I have come to love historical fiction books that take place in England. And spending time post WWII was a new frame of reference for me. Ginevra (Gin) Bishop and Sidney Braithwaite wore a wonderful combination for teammates. The mystery and intrigued pulled me into the story. And Gin and Sidney’s very different approaches to espionage kept me entertained. Lots of clues are sprinkled throughout the pages which held my attention and had me anxious to see what danger lurked aro

This was a sweet, though sometimes overly sweet, story. There were some strong emotional moments and the typical mean girl vibe that tends to be prevalent in the South. The dialogue was probably one reason why I did not enjoy the book that much ... syrupy sweet and not much depth. I felt like the characters were rather shallow. I know there are plenty of readers who will love getting to know Tina and the rest of the gang in Benson. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my a

This book was one that had me emotionally invested in the story and the characters. It tugged at my heartstrings and I enjoyed getting to know Tula. You will have the opportunity to learn about Tula as well as go back in time to 1941-42 during WWII. Experiencing life on the final voyage of the Oceanus as it traveled during the war and individuals who were aboard was entertaining. This book will expose you to mystery and intrigue, emotional trauma, fear, deep sea diving experi

When I open up a Janet Evanovich book, I know I will be in for a thriller ride. A little bit of danger, a touch of snarky humor, and a splash of romance will have you flipping the pages as fast as possible to see what adventure you will experience with Gabriela. Factor in time spent with her ex, Rafer, and his buddy, Harley, and you will be traveling the world, attempting to outsmart the bad guys, and recovering long lost treasures. Just a fun series in which to spend your ti

I loved this third book in the Royal Street series by author Karen White. This one will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and wondering what creepy and mysterious incident will happen next. The characters will pull you into the story and the eerie and haunting moments will hold you captive. The description of the settings is so real, I could feel the hairs stand up on my arms. There are sad and emotional moments that touch your heart. The past and present are expertly

What a wonderful story of faith, family, community, and love. The characters were richly developed and I fell in love with each of them for different reasons. Lauren’s personality and deep sense of commitment reeled me in. Watching Joel grow and become attached to the restaurant and the people who were part of the diner family was heartwarming. The power of prayer and the willingness of them to turn to prayer at every situation ... good and bad ... asking for help or guidance

I love reading historical fiction books and really enjoyed learning about the Harvey Girls. The characters are well developed and I loved getting to know Billie and Charlotte. I had never heard of the waitresses who served at America’s first hospitality chain along the Santa Fe railroad. The adventures you get to experience as the girls are trained to the people they meet along the way to the various locations they work ... you will be drawn into the story and learn to much a

I am loving books by Judy Leigh. What a delight to spend time in the pages of a story of "women of a certain age" when that is exactly where I am! The characters are delightful and the relationships that develop our heartwarming. I wish I had the same Moxie that Max has. She readily grasp the latest life has given her and shows that you are never too old to embrace change and discover, a second chance at new friends, love, and enjoy. I want to be one of Max's friends and expe