Stories That Bind Us

Betty Sweet is still recovering from the loss of her husband when she becomes the temporary guardian of a five-year-old nephew she never knew she had. As they struggle to move forward, they build a relationship upon the foundation of storytelling and its special kind of magic.

My Rating: 5 Stars
This was such a sweet story, with a lyrical voice to it. This was my first Susie read and I can guarantee it will not be my last. This story has a lot of things I loved about it, from the lyrical sense of the story, to the subtle wisdom peppered throughout to the Sweet family. I need more stories with this family! This was a quick read and it just has something that sets it apart from most of the books I read. I can't quite put my finger on it, whether it's Susie's storytelling style or the fact the story line offers a little "something different" or a combination of several factors. I just know I loved this story. Excited to read more of Susie's stories!

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

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey

When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity, as well as his dangerous mission.

Trapped by not only the duty to her country but her limited options, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her illegitimate son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. She is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Afraid of what Lord Torrington might do if he learns of her son’s true identity, Elizabeth must remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless mystery person bent on her new family’s ruin. 

My Rating: 5 Stars

This was a FANTASTIC mystery! I could not read it fast enough to see how everything fit together and who the bad guys were. I really enjoyed the characters of Elizabeth and Lord Torrington and the ways they worked together to solve the mystery. I loved the way Torrington included Elizabeth in everything rather than shutting her out simply because she was a woman. This was such a fun read and I highly recommend it.

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

At Love's Command

Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

My Rating: 5 Stars
Oh my, what a hero Matthew is! He was such a fun character to meet and his love for his Josie was so fun to read and swoon at. This book has a ton of excitement and kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next. I think this story has a bit more danger than Karen's previous stories and it was hard to put down when life intruded(which it did far to much!). I can not wait to see all of Hanger's Horsemen get their happy endings!! The next story can't come soon enough to suit me! 


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

The Englisch Daughter

A marriage is tested in this Old Order Amish novel of longing for renewed love and a path for forgiveness from the best-selling author of Gathering the Threads .

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She's set herself aside. Raising four children, she's followed all the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own.

But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone--and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman--her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy's child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down?


My Rating: 5 Stars

This story surprised me by how much I loved it! I am not a huge Amish fan overall, but this story intrigued me enough to sign up for a review copy. I am so glad I did. This story hooked me early on and I could NOT put it down. The characters were great and had me rooting for them from the beginning. Honestly, I want more of these characters!! This is a favorite read of 2020 for sure.

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

Justice Undercover

Keeping her true identity a secret

is the only way to stay alive.

Going undercover as a nanny brings presumed-dead ex--US Marshal Kylie Stone closer to catching the man who murdered the witness in her protection--and also killed Texas Ranger Luke Dryden's sister. When someone tries to kidnap the twins in her care, Kylie must tell their uncle the truth...and convince Luke to help her. But will revealing her identity put all their lives at stake?


My Rating: 4 Stars

This was a fantastic debut for Connie. I really enjoyed the mystery of this book and Kylie's unique backstory. The story moved really well and there were several surprises along the way especially at the end. I will be looking for more of Connie's books for sure!! I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own honest opinion.

This Wandering Heart

In the first entry in the Madison River Romance series, Keira Knudsen gets the traveling opportunity of a lifetime, but when she reunites with her first love, Robbie, she learns that even a wandering heart needs a home....

No one in the quaint town of West Yellowstone, Montana knows that unassuming geography teacher Keira Knudsen moonlights as sensational travel blogger Kat Wanderfull. No one, that is, except for her first love, Robbie Matthews, who has just discovered the woman he is falling for online is the same one that broke his heart five years ago.

But Robbie has another problem: the mother of his daughter, Anabelle, has resurfaced after a three-year absence determined to rip Anabelle away from him. Robbie needs a steady paycheck for a chance at custody, and now, on the eve of a grand adventure that could give Keira a chance to flee her old, troubled life once and for all, she is in need of assistance.

With so much broken trust between them, Keira and Robbie must keep an arms-length away to make this partnership work. But the more time they spend together, exploring majestic places and sharing new experiences, the closer they get--until their secrets and dreams threaten to cost them everything.

My Rating: 5 Stars
This was charming! It was a fun story with great characters and it kept me smiling. I really enjoyed reading and listening to the audio version. Annabelle stole my heart from the beginning and was a joy. The humor was super fun and one of my favorite parts of the story. I can not wait for book two...need it super soon!

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

On A Coastal Breeze

For Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can't wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island--they're all too young, too old, or too weird--Maddie feels like she's finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.

And then Ricky O'Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again--the one who'd been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance--parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O'Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.

Time to panic.

With wit and a bit of whimsy, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Three Sisters Island where family, forgiveness, and a second chance at love await.

My Rating: 4 Stars

I am so happy to be back on Three Sisters Island. After loving the first book in the series last spring, I was excited to see what going on with the Grayson family-this story didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed this book which focuses more on Maddie and what happens when her nemesis/crush from childhood becomes the pastor on the island. Ricky was such a fun and likable character. Their relationship was fun to watch progress and the way Suzanne weaves in their backstory was a cool element. I also loved catching up with Cam, Seth and Cooper and seeing their story progress. Now I am super excited to get Blaine's story..can't wait to see what happens next!


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