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A Bookish Blog

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Miriam's Song


Miriam and her people have prayed for deliverance from the cruel tyranny of Egypt for generations. She believes her brother is the long-awaited answer to their pleas. But how can the exiled prince-turned-shepherd Moses stand against the most powerful man in the world?


My Rating: 4 Stars

This an extremely well written read! Biblical fiction is not my go-to but this one sounded good and it was. I really enjoyed the fictional account of Miriam, Moses and Aaron. The story was exciting and is written in such a way that it seems an easy read because Jill breaks down events in shorter chapters so you don't get overwhelmed with the all the details that need to be in the book. I actually read the book quicker than I would have thought given the length of the book and the subject which is cool. All in all, a enjoyable read. If you like Biblical fiction don't miss this one!


I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 
 

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Trailing A Killer


A killer with an explosive agenda…

And a K-9 and determined detective on the case.

In a hurricane’s aftermath, Detective Erin Jeffries is stunned when she and her search-and-rescue K-9, Alcee, uncover a collapsed building’s only survivor—her long-ago ex, Cody Elbourne. And it’s quickly clear that the disaster was no accident. Now only Cody can identify the man who set the explosives that killed his grandfather…and Erin must stop the killer dead set on silencing him.
 
 


My Rating: 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this story. It drew me in from the opening pages and made it near impossible to put down. I liked the second chance romance for Erin and Cody and Alcee was a fun addition to the story.  The story moved very well and was exciting and the ending was one of the most exciting I have come across. Great read!


I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

Friday, March 26, 2021

Dreams Rekindled

 


When a dashing newspaper man comes to Mesquite Springs, aspiring writer Dorothy Clark sees her dreams coming true--until a man arrives with altogether different plans for the town and its newspaper.

My Rating: 2 Stars

Not my favorite Amada Cabot story. I had been looking forward to this one after meeting Dorothy in the first book in the series. Unfortunately, this story for me fell flat. I liked Dorothy and Brandon and the adorable Nutmeg a lot. The characters were definitely my favorite part of the story. The story line was good for most of the book. Not my favorite but good for the most part. My main complaint and what lowered my enjoyment of the book overall was the ending. It just didn't hit right with me. I am still looking forward to seeing the ending of the series and will continue to read Amanda's books, as typically I enjoy her books. 


I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

All I’ve Waited For


 It’s Ashley Baker’s worst nightmare.

The man she’s loved for years is getting married—and she’s their wedding planner. She’d tell them to find someone else, but that would mean losing out on her dream of owning an event planning business. It would also mean saying no. And Ashley Baker never says no.

Derek Campbell returns from fourteen months in France with a heavy weight on his shoulders. With his dad sick and his younger sisters depending on him, he’ll do anything to save their family vineyard from ruin—even marry a woman he respects but doesn’t love.

He just didn’t anticipate one thing: that he’d still be in love with someone else. But love is fickle, and all that matters is saving his family’s legacy. And marrying Claire—not Ashley—is the surest way to do that.

If only his heart agreed with his head.

My Rating: 3 Stars

A fun sweet trip back to Walker Beach. I enjoyed Ashley's story. She is a relatable character in that she tries so hard to be all things to all people because she never wants to disappoint anyone. I can definitely relate to that! The story moves well and held my interest and it was fun seeing the cast of characters that make up Walker Beach that we've come to know over the last few stories. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Pay The Price

Sometimes homecomings can be deadly…
Jessica Parker left Harmony Grove with bad memories and a vow to never return – until she is called back eight years later to deal with her sister's suicide. When all the evidence points instead to murder, she is determined to find the killer and bring him to justice. Her handsome new neighbor is eager to help, but she is sure he's hiding something.

Undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton is in Harmony Grove investigating the crash of a plane full of cocaine and gets more than he bargained for when he runs into Jessica. He’s not sure whether she's involved or is just going to get in his way. Soon it becomes obvious that someone wants Jessica gone from Harmony Grove. As the threats intensify, Shane finds himself in a race against time to solve both cases. The closer they get to the truth, the closer the killer gets to making them his next victims.

My Rating: 4 Stars

A very enjoyable and exciting mystery. I really enjoyed the twists and turns Jessica and Shane navigate to find out what happened to Jessica's sister. Their back stories were also a good addition to the plot of the story. It has one of the more exciting endings and a great tie up of details. Really liked this one!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 


 

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

My Dear Miss Dupre






Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father's unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, plans changed. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan--find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the empire.


Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society's elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is expected to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn't expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets Cullen Dempsey, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.


My Rating: 4 Stars

A truly charming story.  I really enjoyed this read, the story line with Willow searching for a husband in a Bachelorette style competition set in the 1890s New York Four Hundred was a absolute hoot! The group of gentlemen competing for Willow’s affections were a great group and it was hard to pick a favorite to root for while I was reading the book. There’s humor, romance and some mystery elements throughout winding up with a satisfying conclusion. I already know who I hope will be the main characters in book 2 of this series and I can’t wait for it! 


I received this book from the publisher(as well as purchased my own Audible copy)and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

Sunday, March 14, 2021

From This Moment


A lost ring brings together two wounded souls--a youth minister haunted by the past and a spunky church custodian--in this heartwarming romance from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone's Hollow.

Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiancé's untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can't seem to set aside his doubts about God's goodness long enough to embrace his new life.

Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she's not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?


My Rating: 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this sweet story. Merlin and Leah were adorable and reminded me of my pastor and his wife when I was a child. I liked the intersecting stories of Jase, Lori and Kenzie and the paths their lives took in the book. I also liked the realistic feelings and emotions the characters had. Some of the characters were facing hard things and their struggles weren't glossed over. They were dealt with realistically. Just a lovely story all around and a quick, easy read-and listen! The audio version was very good. Great read!


I received the hard copy of this book from the publisher and purchased my own audio copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.