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. 

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.

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. 

 

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. 

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. 

 

Braced For Love

Left with little back in Kansas, Kevin Hunt takes his younger siblings on a journey to Wyoming when he receives news that he's inheriting part of a ranch. The catch is that the ranch is also being given to a half brother he never knew existed. Turns out, Kevin's supposedly dead father led a secret and scandalous life.

But danger seems to track Kevin along the way, and he wonders if his half brother, Wyatt, is behind the attacks. Finally arriving at the ranch, everyone is at each other's throats and the only one willing to stand in between is Winona Hawkins, a nearby schoolmarm.

Despite being a long-time friend to Wyatt, Winona can't help but be drawn to the earnest, kind Kevin--and that puts her in the cross hairs of somebody's dangerous plot. Will they all be able to put aside their differences long enough to keep anyone from getting truly hurt?

 My Rating: 5 Stars

This my new favorite Mary Connealy book. What a fantastic start to her new series! It starts off with a bang(literally!) and it keeps an intriguing story line through out. It has a great cast of characters, lots of Mary's trademark humor and an exciting ending. Do not miss this one! I can not wait for the rest of this series!! It can't come soon enough for me.

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

The Prince Of Spies

 

Luke Delacroix has the reputation of a charming man-about-town in Gilded Age Washington, D.C. In reality, he is secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission is to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

But trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's only daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented access to sites throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne's quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their feelings for each other with Luke's driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

My Rating: 4 Stars

What a satisfying conclusion to the Hope and Glory series! Luke has been a character who's story I have been looking forward to for quite awhile and it did not disappoint. I really liked Marianne and thought she was perfect for Luke. The story was interesting and moved really well. I enjoyed the look into the fight to make our food safe. What a battle that was! All in all, a great ending to the Delacroix sibling's series.

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