Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through the Revell Reads blThank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through the Revell Reads blogger program. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This is one of those “I can’t believe I missed it” reviews. First – my apologies to the publisher for missing this, and second – sorry to the author.
As a single person caregiver for my mother, I was not only caring for my mom over the time this was due; but I ended up falling ill for about three weeks. By the time I caught up – I had completely spaced this. So, that should not reflect in any way towards the author or the publisher. It is completely on me.
Moving on …
As a 20+ year fan of romantic-suspense, it is my “go-to” genre for reading. And, when it is an author I’ve read before – there’s a 100% certainty I’m going to want to read their newest book.
I had recently read her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, which was my introduction to her work.
Like in that series, in this book; Bradley creates strong female leads who are capable of their jobs, but need protection from outside threats. Usually, that comes in the form of a love interest who doesn’t want to see his lady hurt.
But, in this one – she does counter the point with looking incapable of doing one’s job versus being treated differently.
Being that this is the first book in the series, Bradley not only has to establish the characters and their backgrounds, but tell a separate story.
Thank you in advance to the author, Mindy Obenhaus, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was Thank you in advance to the author, Mindy Obenhaus, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
The first book I read of the author’s was the fifth book of her Rocky Mountain Heroes series, Her Rocky Mountain Hope in January 2020. I was moved, to the point of tears, by her writing that I added the first four books in that series to my TBR list. They’re still on that list (I promise I’ll get to them … “someday”). But, I have since read all four books in the Bliss, Texas series and the first book in this series. The second book is on the TBR list as well.
As with any book series that has is set in the same town, and has reoccurring characters, it is ALWAYS best to read the books in order.
While this book centers on Alli Krenek, her father Bill and step-mother Francie return. Readers will recognize Francie as Gloriana’s mom (The Cowgirl’s Redemption). Also returning from book #1 is Kyleigh and Justin. Hawkins and Annalise from book #2 (A Christmas Bargain) return, along with a sweet wedding.
Like most of Obenhaus’ books, she doesn’t shy away from tough subjects. Giving Alli a former job as a CPS Case Worker definitely steps up to the difficult. Adding to that her perceived failure from a child’s death in an abusive situation, this already starts requiring readers to be handy with the tissues.
There are some triggers here: child death, drug addict father, kidnapping, and someone is drugged. These might be upsetting to some readers. Obenhaus doesn’t linger on them, and treats the subjects with reverence and respect. There is also mention of an “affair”. This involves a side character who is deceased prior to the events of the book
Obenhaus throws readers right into the story will Alli returning to Hope Crossing for a few reasons. Her old job being one of them.
But, Alli also has her own past to deal with – part of that soon becomes her present – Jake, widower and single father to two kids. The history between them is that he stood her up on a date in high school because of his friends – she’s never let him apologize, and hasn’t forgiven him. She absolutely won’t forget.
This becomes problematic when Alli is in the nursery at the church, reading to the children, and Jake’s daughter Maddy wants her to be the new nanny. I have to admit, the little girl on the cover looked mischievous.
Jake relents and asks Alli after two candidates don’t seem to measure up. Allie refuses, apologizes, accepts. Then, it is Jake who refuses. This prompts his mother to ask him “have you lost your marbles?”. I never laughed so hard. He apologizes and the two enter into an agreement.
It isn’t long until Jake wants to rekindle at least their friendship. Alli isn’t even sure of it, but finally forgives Jake. It is the forgetting that seems to be the issue. She doesn’t want to give me a second chance at breaking her heart.
It is clear the family and house needs structure.
Jake wants to re-earn her trust, but Alli can’t afford letting him back in.
She doesn’t judge the way they’ve been living, and as she notes – structure is the least of one’s worries when they’re in survival mode. Obviously, Jake and his mother have been in just that.
Seeing Alli’s “success” with not just the kids, but his house, makes Jake feel like a failure, but Alli is supportive of him as she understands what he has been through.
The two do get closer as friends. In honoring his pact to Alli to be truthful, Jake reveals a secret about his wife Bethany’s last few weeks alive. He isn’t the grieving widower the town thinks he is. Allie confides about failing a little girl – though in reality, it was the court system.
Alli’s past comes back to her when she runs into the mother of the little girl she failed. And, Jake has his own run-in when his in-laws want to visit. As it turns out, Jake’s father-in-law doesn’t know how to tell him about Bethany.
As any good story goes, especially a second-chance romance – there are the will they/won’t they moments, the “oh just forgive and kiss” moments, the natural disaster, a wedding, and even a “shock” incident in this read.
Obenhaus doesn’t hold back on evoking every emotion possible from the reader, keeping them reading until the very end. That made this, for me, literally a “day” read, and I couldn’t put it down.
I was drawn right in from the first page. The packing was such that it didn’t linger, but it didn’t feel rushed either. There was a slight “typo” towards the end of the book with “Maddie” instead of “Maddy”. That really didn’t hinder the story though. And, I’m definitely on board to read book #4 this fall/winter.
I did have a slight issue with the Tonya storyline. Without spoiling it, as soon as she showed up, I had a BAD feeling about her. I just KNEW there was going to be a problem. I didn’t know what it would end up being, but I had “that” feeling. Each time she showed up, I was really worried.
When the “incident” happened, I was left wondering what her real motives were and how long she’d planned. It did seem like a weak part of the story. Obviously, given the line, nothing sinister can happen – but, I was wondering what she really wanted. Her inclusion and the eventual “climactic event” was definitely an interesting part of the story though.
And, like she usually does – Obenhaus weaves a beautiful story that will move readers to tears with occasional laughs along the way. She makes the town and people feel like a place we all know, and friends we can’t wait to see.
Being from Texas, I loved the mentions of Blue Bell ice cream (which we got and lost for a while here in Nevada) and Whataburger. I haven’t had a burger from there since 2005. I kind of related to Alli eating three (3) pints of ice cream. Most I’ve EVER done was one (1) in a sitting – that was Häagen-Dazs’ Chocolate Chocolate Chip.
Since this is part of a Christian themed line, it will have references to the Christian faith and mentions of scripture along with other faith elements.
Fans of the author are absolutely going to enjoy this read. ...more
Thank you in advance to the author, Cathy McDavid, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was nThank you in advance to the author, Cathy McDavid, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This is the fourth (4th) and final book in the author’s Wishing Well Springs series. This is Laurel’s story. Laurel is Cash’s sister and co-owner of their business. Cash was featured in the first book, The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride. Channing and Kenna from the second book, How to Marry a Cowboy, briefly return.
The couple from the third (3rd) book do not return nor are they mentioned. Not even a business was referred to.
It might be a good idea to read all the books in order though. However, there are some discrepancies between books one and two. The third book could likely be skipped.
In addition to Cash, Phoebe, Laurel, Channing, and Kenna returning; McDavid introduces readers to:
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
I have followed Amanda Cox since her debut book – The Edge of Belonging (2020). Thanks again to Revell and their Revell Reads blogger program for that gem.
The Edge of Belonging was a dual time story, and I was completely overwhelmed by it – even three (3) years after its release. I read it inside of a nine (9) hour period, which for a book of that length, is a bit difficult.
Naturally, when her sophomore release came out – I wanted it. If her first book was good, the second had to be as well. Like her first book, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery was also a dual-time novel. While I didn’t get the same impact like from The Edge of Belonging, her second book was emotional and poignant it its own way.
Enjoying the previous two books (both standalones), naturally … I wanted to read He Should’ve Told the Bees. The title grabbed me on curiosity alone. Why would anyone need to tell bees anything? What does one need to tell bees anyway? How does someone communicate with bees? And, the story about Callie and Beckett seemed interesting as well. Why was Callie named in trust, who was she?
Unlike the first two books, this is a singular timeline. This is also a standalone read.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team.Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
The is the second book I’ve read by the author, the first being What Momma Left Behind.
As someone who is quite finicky when it comes to historical fiction, this was one of those books that grabbed me from the “blurb”. I also had to admit that I enjoyed seeing the character named Minerva. The first time I heard of the name was the Harry Potter series (Professor Minerva McGonagall). So, seeing it in a fiction title – I was definitely intrigued. And, I will say this – there was another “slight” Harry Potter reference – it deals with a character’s “eyes”. And, those of us who know – know Harry had his mother’s eyes. Getting back to the genre – like What Momma Left Behind – This is Where it Ends is not one of those “feel-good”, gushy, happy reads. It is a poignant, stoic, reflective, and dramatic read. It relies more on the message conveyed rather than a “happy ending” or a romance. Like the previous book, this is a standalone read.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads bloggeThank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads blogger program. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
The is the second book I’ve read by the author, and just like The Secrets of Emberwild, this was a book that drew me in and definitely held my attention.
Like that book, The Swindler’s Daughter, is a standalone read as well. There are no recurring characters or connections.
As a fan of that book (which I still need to review), I wanted to read this. The title and intriguing cover drew me right in. And, the story did as well. From the first page and line …
“Her entire life was a sham.”
I was captivated. I REALLY had to know more about the story. What was going on?
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads bloggeThank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads blogger program. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
As someone who enjoys World War II (WWII) fiction, I was drawn to this novel. The stunning and haunting cover hides a grim and foreboding tale, one that plunges the reader into a nightmare.
I’ve read different “sub-genres” such as romance, suspense/intrigue, “battle stories”. These were mostly set in Britain, Germany, or the “occupied” regions (Poland, etc.). This is the first one I’ve read from the Pacific area. This is also the first time I’ve heard of the Bataan Death March and what happened in that area. As of note – what I learned of WWII in school was quite truncated. That is another reason I enjoy reading different stories, especially those based on actual events.
I’ve read from mostly all angles, except Germany/NAZI – those in concentration camps, civilians working for the allied forces, those stuck behind enemy lines, as well as the fighting forces. Some, like this book, were based on real stories.
As a warning, this is a grittier look at what happened in that area from when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor (December 1941) to when Japan surrendered nearly four (4) years later (August 1945).
Despite being distributed by a primarily Christian publisher; this has only scant references to God and faith despite the main character’s father being a preacher.
There is some coarse language (b@st@ards, cr@p, pi$$) for a Revell book, though it lacks the “s-bomb” and “f-bombs” some books have. Also contained are references to cussing, womanizing, alcohol use. There are vivid descriptions of torture including waterboarding, graphic depictions of war battles along with dead bodies. This is more so during the “Bataan Death March”. There is a DUI death in the beginning as well.
Those who are sensitive to the language, subject, or triggers will want to read this with an abundance of caution.
The main characters are all connected from their hometown of Mobile, Alabama:
Thank you in advance to the author, Mary Alford, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all Thank you in advance to the author, Mary Alford, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
First of all – my apologies to the author for the late review. I got this book a few months ago, and being a single person caregiver (24/7) to my mother has not been easy. On top of that, I got sick for about three weeks and was on bed rest (except for caring for my mother) – so the late review is in NO way a reflection on the author or the story.
That said …
It’s no secret I enjoy the romantic-suspense genre. I also enjoy Amish romantic-suspense, though I do blame the Harrison Ford movie Witness for that, and I blame a few others for getting me into READING the genre – but, it’s definitely a good thing.
Moving on …
This is the third Love Inspired Suspense book I’ve read by the author, and have four of her Amish LIS books on my TBR list. I was also on the launch team for her Revell release of Among the Innocent (which I absolutely LOVED). So, naturally, Alford is on the “watch list” for new releases (and backlist titles when I can find them).
Most of her LIS books are standalone, meaning the stories are usually wrapped up by the end of the book. Readers won’t have to worry about reading a book before or after to get the entire story or to see what other characters are up to, as well as origin stories. That’s not to say I don’t like series, but often my check account doesn’t like them.
Getting back to this book …
Readers SHOULDN’T judge a book by the cover, but it draws us in and gets our attention. A good cover draws the reader to the book to check it out. Naturally, one showing a frightened person running will definitely get someone’s attention right off, I know it did mine.
Thank you in advance to the author, Tanya Stowe, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was notThank you in advance to the author, Tanya Stowe, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Believe it or not, I do have one of the author’s books on my TBR – Vanished in the Mountains, but this is the first book I’ve read.
When I began reading Harlequin Books back in 2000 – I was drawn to the Intrigue line which is Romantic Suspense. And, over the past 22-23 years, my tastes have changed (I still have some unread Intrigue on my TBR list though and still have a fondness for the line).
I was introduced to the Love Inspired line in 2003 when I got some “intro” books. I packed them away, and honestly – lost track of them. Then, in 2019, I was re-introduced to Love Inspired, and it wasn’t long until I found the Love Inspired Suspense line, a Christian version of what I enjoy.
So, being a fan of the genre – I’m drawn to it by default.
What also drew my attention – that cover. Eye-catching, intense, terrifying. Yet, despite all that – one cannot look away from it. The story is just as intense, terrifying, heart-stopping, and suspenseful as the cover appears.
Fire is the only thing that REALLY terrifies me and gives me nightmares. It’s truly a devastating and destructive force. Some say water is – but, even some water ravaged items can be salvaged – fire destroys. I can read a water-logged book once it dries. I cannot read a burnt one.
Anyway ...As someone who lived in California for about five years of my life (and returned off and on from 1991-1997; then from 2011-2019), I remember every summer with the smell of forest fires. It was almost a “summer begins” sign.
I don’t enjoy fires at all. I enjoyed the smell only because it reminded me of a fireplace (never had one), but heartbroken by the devastation (and death) it causes. I was intrigued by the glow, yet fearful of its approach. Naturally, I respect fire and electricity. One cannot be too cautious around it. I’m even leery around my gas stove preferring an electric one.
My last summer in California (1985), I remember being in a swimming pool with my mom and watching as the mountain range glowed red from the forest fire. I often wondered how fast it’d move, and if anything could stop it.
In 2016, a fire took out the historic Summit Inn on the I-15 in the El Cajon Pass. My mother and I had traveled by there before and after the fire. Incidentally, in 2017, my mother and traveled to Knott’s Berry Farm between the Canyon 2 fire and multiple Los Angeles fires. Seeing the resulting devastation cannot be put into words. It’s almost surreal.
Naturally, I approached this book with excitement for the story, yet fearful.
Obviously, as it is about a forest fire that will no doubt be triggering for some people in the affected areas, as well as those who’ve been in and survived a forest fire.
In addition, this also touches on a tough subject for me – mental health, particularly Livy’s mother who had severe issues resulting in a suicide. While my mother hasn’t contemplated it – dealing with a parent with mental health issues is very difficult, so I truly understood Livy’s position.
Stowe’s bio reads: “fills her books with the unusual – mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you – on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger – be prepared for the extraordinary” – that is EXACTLY true with this book. I honestly didn’t know what to expect.
I will say that I was drawn right in and couldn’t stop reading. It was definitely one of those “day reads” back from my Intrigue days.
Thank you in advance to the author, JF Ridgely, for providing a complimentary review copy through iRead Book Tours. A positive review was not requiredThank you in advance to the author, JF Ridgely, for providing a complimentary review copy through iRead Book Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This is a new-to-me author, and having seen the blurb, it sounded like an inspiring Christian read.
As of note – while this has some Christian themes – there is EXTREMELY strong language (F-Bombs; S-Bombs, a$$hole, b@stard). There are some crude terms for intimacy used, but there is no intimacy depicted. There are some references to child rape, child sex trafficking, kidnapping, suicide bomber, and a suicide attempt. Some of these are “re-lived” through the character’s memories. There are also graphic scenes describing the wound care for burns.
Those who are sensitive to such topics and language might want to exercise caution.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing an advanced review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positThank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing an advanced review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of those major names in contemporary romance as well as Amish romance. So, I’ve been trying to read more of her work. Have read two Amish stories, and the entire THREE SISTERS ISLAND series.
This is the second book in the author’s Cape Cod Creamery series. It is best to read the first book prior to this one. Leo the Cowboy from The Sweet Life returns and has a bigger role in this one due to his connection with Callie and another character.
In addition, it gives the history of the ice cream shop along with Dawn and Kevin’s history. Without reading that one first, readers might get some “spoilers”.
Like the first book, this one features “ice cream” items – only they’re popsicles.
Thank you in advance to the author, Virginia Vaughan, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, andThank you in advance to the author, Virginia Vaughan, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Some readers have “must-read” authors that they look forward to reading books by – back list and even new releases. And, yes, some of her backlist titles are still on my never-ending TBR list. Vaughan is definitely on my “must-read” list. And, when her stories take place in my home state of Texas – they definitely become “gotta definitely read them”.
And, when a cover such as this – one that’s pretty intense – gets my attention, I will be reading the book.
This is the second book in her Cowboy Protectors series that follows the men of Harmon Ranch.
As this book is part of a series, I suggest reading Kidnapped in Texas prior to this one. Not only does that book introduce the characters, but the plot from that book is referenced in this one.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Bethany House (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews & ReviewThank you in advance to the publisher, Bethany House (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
Up until a few years ago, Historical Fiction was NOT a genre I read much – if at all. Today, it is one I do enjoy. But, as with any book, I have to be drawn to it.
After reading Peterson’s first book in the series, Remember Me, I KNEW I had to read the remaining books in the series. As this is a continuation, readers will get the maximum benefit of reading the first book prior to this one. The main characters are not only established in that book, but one of the events referred to in this book was the major storyline in the first book.
Some of the characters from the first book reappear, even briefly:
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Berkley/Penguin Random House, for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team. A posThank you in advance to the publisher, Berkley/Penguin Random House, for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
I got introduced to the author’s work in 2019 with Hometown Hope, the third book in her Love Inspired series, Pine Valley.
I ended up getting the first two books of that series (still on my TBR). But, I’ve read each of her LI books as they’ve released.
Like other authors, she has branched into the more “mainstream” publishing, only the Amish fiction sub-genre of Inspirational fiction.
In May 2021, Shelter in the Storm – the first book in this series – was released. And, I ended up reading it prior to being on the launch team for the second book, Strength in the Storm.
For those wondering if this book can act as a standalone – not in my opinion. Much of Miriam’s background is established in the first book, the second book establishes the accident that Sam and Breeze are in, which brings Reuben into this story – Courage in the Storm. So, I HIGHLY and STRONGLY suggest readers get the first two books before reading this one.
Obviously, having read the first two books – I DESPERATELY needed this one. After all, isn’t that cover just STUNNING? Due to my favorite color being purple, the first book is technically my favorite cover. But, artistically? This one REALLY pops out!
Blount returns us to Johns Mill, home of the Hochstedler family:
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads BloggeThank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads Blogger program. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
It’s interesting to note, this is the first book I’ve read by the author. But, not the first book I’ve owned.
Just before the pandemic took a foothold in March 2020, I went to the library and bought some books – one of those was the author’s In Firefly Valley, the second book in the Texas Crossroads series. Not wanting to be without the first and third, I later bought them (and just had to add the third one to my Goodreads TBR list as I forgot).
Naturally, being from Texas, I gravitate to stories set there – contemporary mostly. Though, there are times a historical novel grabs me. And, the cover? It definitely caught my attention.
Of course, this – having a “murder” in it made it a “must-read”. I have ALWAYS enjoyed the romantic suspense genre. Enjoy it more than romance.
As this is the first book of a series, it is necessary to read all of them to get the full story.
The first book in a series has an overwhelming job of trying to establish the series, set the setting/tone/pace, introduce the characters, and tell its own story. As I haven’t read anything by the author before – I have to admit – she did a fantastic job.
There is a town mentioned in this one (where Louisa ends up) – Cimarron Creek. So, I am wondering if this is connected to that series.
Set in the 1880’s of Sweetwater Crossing, Texas; Cabot introduces us to:
Thank you in advance to the author, Donnah M. Cole, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required, and all words are mThank you in advance to the author, Donnah M. Cole, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
First off, my apologies to the author for getting to this review rather late. When I got the book, I had EVERY intention of getting to it within 30-45 days. However, being a single caregiver to my mother – time has not been my friend.
But, that wasn’t the biggest issue I faced. I ended up getting sick for about two (2) weeks at the beginning of June which resulted in a LOT of bedrest. Then, in August, I spent 10 days in the hospital. Needless to say, being sick for a total of 24 days, I’d lost some ground in my obligations. Some priority books had to be done first.
During a “lull”, and desperately wanting to catch up on my reviews since I’d promised to do them, I decided to pick this one up and read it.
I’d previously read The Monarch Fields, which was the second book in her Midwestern Series. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so that was one reason I wanted to read this book. Another reason – the premise. It really grabbed at me as I also love a good suspense and/or mystery.
The cover, which is artistically beautiful stood out, and I wondered what the connection to the title and the plot was. The title gets its name from a post where messages were exchanged, though this isn’t revealed until nearly the end. This definitely had the feel of a Lifetime movie and could easily see it playing out as such.
Thank you in advance to the author, Cynthia Hilton, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was Thank you in advance to the author, Cynthia Hilton, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Normally I don’t read overly depressing, dark, and solemn reads. It isn’t my thing, and to be honest – it didn’t seem that way when I read the blurb, which is what drew me to the story.
And, I usually don’t start off a review with content warnings.
This is one of those novels that definitely requires a good frame of mind as well as a sort of “de-sensitivity” of certain subjects that be quite triggering. I say that because the subjects are of such a realistic nature and integral to the story that it could re-trigger trauma for some readers.
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