Sea Glass Cottage (Hope Harbor, 8)

 

Sea Glass Cottage 

(Hope Harbor, 8) 

– April 5, 2022

by Hannon (Author)

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.

Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon delivers another heartwarming and romantic story set in the enchanting seaside community of Hope Harbor that is loved by readers the world over. Once you visit, you'll never want to leave.

My thoughs: Sea Glass Çottage is number 8 in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon but it easily stands alone.  Fans will want to read all the books in the series especially to meet Charlie who seems to know all. The cottage sounds absolutely beautiful and I would have loved to seen it in person. The characters are realistically developed with real life problems that they had to work through. The book started a little slow but it quickly picked up the pace and I did not want to put it down. If you like romance you will love these books the series. I highly recommend this one and all of them… I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary (A Sunflower Café Mystery)

 

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary

 (A Sunflower Café Mystery) 

June 28, 2022

by Amy Lillard  (Author)

In a charming new cozy mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Amy Lillard, twenty-something advice columnist Sissy is ready for a fresh start in the small town of Yoder, Kansas – along with her loyal Yorkie, Duke. She’s planning to help out at her aunt’s Sunflower Café, but little does she know her new duties will soon include solving a murder!

After Sissy’s rodeo cowboy boyfriend turns out to be more of a rodeo clown, she packs a bag; picks up her Yorkshire terrier Duke; and leaves Tulsa, Oklahoma, bound for her parents’ former hometown. There are still plenty of Yoders in Yoder, Kansas, including Sissy’s aunt Bethel, who owns the Sunflower Café but recently broke her leg. It’s a homecoming of sorts as Sissy arrives to help in the café and reunite with her pregnant cousin Lizzie. Plus she can continue to secretly write her newspaper advice column as seventy-year-old “Aunt Bess.” But it’s Sissy who could use some advice when she finds the milk deliveryman out behind the café with a knife in his back. As the sheriff’s prime suspect, it’s up to Sissy to catch the backstabber herself—before someone else gets creamed...

Marilyn’s thoughts:

 

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary is a the first book in A Sunflower Cafe Mystery series by Amy Lillard. This cozy mystery is filled with numerous characters, witty sayings and set in a small rural town where everyone knows each other and their business. Sissy Yoder’s arrival to help her Aunt Bethel at her cafe gave way to tense moments with Aunt Bethel’s remarks and Sissy’s determination to discover the suspect of the milkman’s murder. Sissy and her dog Duke created havoc at times as she sought out individuals who could be the offender. The small town setting with everyone knowing each other made this a relatable and fun cozy mystery.

 

Fans of cozy mysteries with Amish and Englishers will enjoy this latest book by Lillard. I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher without any obligation to write a review. I have expressed my own opinion.

He Stole a Truck by B J Bassett

He Stole a Truck

B J Bassett

“So, get going. I’ll be right there with you . . .” Exodus 4:12MSG

We are in a battle between good and evil on foreign soil and on the home front. Many Americans remember historic disastrous days: December 7, 1941, the day President Kennedy was shot, 9/11, and the Las Vegas shooting at a country music festival on October 1, 2017.

On that day, shots rang out in rapid machine-gun fashion over the crowd, killing 58 and wounding more than 500. While many ran for cover, compassionate people helped the injured. One of those who helped was Taylor Winston, a Marine veteran. He ran to the parking lot, stole a truck with the key in it, and transported twenty-plus injured victims to the hospital. There could have been more fatal casualties if not for those who helped others in need of medical assistance.

What about those who are lost and in need of salvation? Will we leave them behind and run for cover, or do we have the compassion to tell them about the Savior so they’ll spend eternity in heaven?

Father, I ask for a compassionate heart. May I run toward the lost with You right there with me. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

A Women’s Devotional 

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.

 

 

 

 

When the Meadow Blooms 

May 3, 2022

by Gabhart (Author)

If any place on God's earth was designed to help one heal, it is Meadowland. Surely here, at her brother-in-law's Kentucky farm, Rose and her daughters can recover from the events of the recent past--the loss of her husband during the 1918 influenza epidemic, her struggle with tuberculosis that required a stay at a sanatorium, and her girls' experience in an orphanage during her illness. At Meadowland, hope blooms as their past troubles become rich soil in which their faith can grow.

Dirk Meadows may have opened his home to his late brother's widow and her girls, but he keeps his heart tightly closed. The roots of his pain run deep, and the evidence of it is written across his face. Badly scarred by a fire and abandoned by the woman he loved, Dirk fiercely guards his heart from being hurt again. But it may be that his visitors will bring light back into his world and unlock the secret to true healing.

Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart explores the tender places within the human heart in this character-driven story of trusting God to turn our burdens into something beautiful.

Marilyn’s thoughts:

 

 

This is one outstanding and exceptional historical fiction by Ann Gabhart. Her storytelling is filled with dimensional characters, scenes, dialogues and realistic situations that draw me into each book I’ve read.

 

When the Meadow Blooms has to be her best story yet. The historical setting in the 1920’s with Rose Meadows in a sanatorium and her two daughters in an orphanage. There longing to be together could be felt as I read each word. My heart went out to Calla and Sienna with tears at time for the treatment Sienna received as well as Calla later. Dirk Meadows was a recluse with his scars as a young man and losing the love of his life. His career was intriguing with his nature articles and how he perceived things at his Meadlowland home. There is touching and heartbreaking scenes that are filled with unexpected heart pounding happenings, tender moments, letting go, forgiveness and a second chance at romance and happiness with God’s love being present for each one despite the past difficulties and sorrowful times.

 

I highly recommend fans of Christian historical fiction to read Ann Gabhart’s latest release. This story has stayed with me and I would love to see a sequel with Calla and Lincoln then Sienna’s story.

 

I borrowed this book from our library inter-loan services, thus a review was not required. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Welcome to the Legacy of Love Celebration Tour!

 

About the Book

Book: Legacy of Love

Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 14, 2022

She’s struggled her entire life to overcome her parentage.

Skye Stratton is nearly perfect. Or at least, she tries to be. She carries the Stratton name, but everyone knows her true half-breed heritage. When she completes her education and is hired as a teacher at the local school, she hopes to finally find acceptance in the town. But when most of her class elects to stay home rather than be taught by an Indian, she knows things will never change.

Alan McNaughten went to Washington, D.C. to make a difference. Instead, he finds himself entrenched in political lies, manipulation, and deceit. When he finds a way to return home to Texas as an Indian Agent, he leaps at the chance. Even if he must hurt an innocent woman to secure his position.

But when the lovely Miss Stratton agrees to teach for the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, Alan knows he’s gone too far. He’ll do anything to protect her from further heartache and harm. But what will happen when she learns the truth about her position…and the truth about him?

Marilyn’s thoughts:

 

It was a delight to read Legacy of Love to see what is happening with the Stratton family legacy. This is Skye’s story as a young teacher with community members being prejudice regarding her ancestry. She was strong, determined and filled with fortitude to accept a teaching assignment at the reservation. The beautiful story that unfolded gave her a new love and admiration for her younger years living with her Indian mother. There were characters I wanted to put in there place with their deceitfulness and political stunts but events and prayer can change lives.

 

Renae Brumbaugh Green knows how to pen historical stories filled with realistic issues of greed, power, faith, matters of the heart, life’s lessons and romance. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

 

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Renae Brumbaugh Green is an ECPA Bestselling Author, award-winning humor columnist, and wannabe superhero. She lives in Texas with her handsome, country-boy husband, four nearly-perfect children and one nearly-perfect son-in-law, and far too many animals. When she’s not writing, Renae teaches online classes and tries to be rugged without chipping her nail polish.

 

More from Renae

Enough

All my life, since I can remember, I’ve been told I’m part Native American. My great-great grandmother on my mother’s side, they said, was full-blooded Comanche. So even though I am blonde and fair (I have glow-in-the-dark skin) I believed them. I told people, and laughed at their sideways looks. I was proud of my heritage.

Then I took one of those Ancestry DNA tests. Nope. Not one drop of Native American in me. According to the test, I’m English, Scottish, Irish, and Swedish. And yes, I am the biological child of my father (very blonde and fair) and my mother (brunette, with high cheekbones). So I guess it’s just the way the genetic dominoes fell. When I got my mom’s half, I apparently didn’t get the Native American part.

I’m not sure how the science of DNA works, but I will tell you I feel extremely connected to Skye, the heroine of Legacy of Love. She’s a perfectionist. I’m a perfectionist. She thinks she has to perform to be accepted. I do, too. Though she’s always been loved, she struggles to fit in, to feel like she’s really a part of things. Ditto.

Skye’s journey is both difficult and beautiful. It helps that there’s a dreamy beaux (or three!) along the way. But in all the hardship and heartache, she finds herself. And she finds that she’s enough, exactly as she is. Most importantly, she finds a relationship with the One who created her and loved her before time began.

I hope you enjoy Skye’s journey in book two of The Stratton Legacy series. If you haven’t read book one, I encourage you to do so—you’ll meet Skye as a child. More than anything, I hope you’ll glean some beautiful truths along the way.

You are precious.

You are loved.

You are enough.

Blog Stops

Guild Master, June 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

lakesidelivingsite, June 22

Lighthouse Academy, June 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, June 24

Inklings and notions, June 25

For Him and My Family, June 26

deb’s Book Review, June 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 29

Connie’s History Classroom, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Pause for Tales, July 3

Miriam Jacob, July 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Renae is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1eff8/legacy-of-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Deadly Shallows (Coastal Guardians)

 

The Deadly Shallows 

(Coastal Guardians) 

July 5, 2022

by Dani Pettrey  (Author)

Book 3 of 3: Coastal Guardians

A deadly attack.
A stolen weapon capable of immense destruction.
A painful secret that threatens to tear two hearts apart.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

My thoughts: this is one of my absolute favorite romantic suspense writers and not only because she writes about the Coast guard which I absolutely love but also because the stories are well layered and compelling and they keep me guessing and they hold my interest and they are just the best. I love to romance I love the drama I love the Coast guard I love the setting I love it all. If you are looking for a romantic suspense author give this offer a try you will not be disappointed. I was given a copy free and all opinions on my own

Crime Strikes a Chord (The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries)

 

Crime Strikes a Chord 

(The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries)

December 15, 2021

by Christy Barritt  (Author)

With Christmas fast approaching and Grand Isle Music Conservatory’s big show to oversee, Camryn Paine has plenty to keep her occupied. Add a request to locate a stolen—and possibly cursed—Stradivari violin into the mix, and she fears it’s more than she can handle. After some pressure from her boss, Camryn agrees to investigate.

Things take an alarming turn when a suspect is found dead. Then someone from Camryn’s past appears with a secret that turns her world upside down. Suddenly, her busy Christmas seems perilous as well.

The more clues Camryn uncovers, the deeper she sinks into danger. With the holidays upon her, and both her past and future feeling uncertain, Camryn knows she can’t rest until she has answers. But the cost may be more than she’s willing to pay.

My thoughts, this cozy mystery was a delight to read you're very expensive musical instrument has gone missing and the owner asked a professor to find it for her. The professor is not a crime solver but she took on the case which led her on a wild goose case. I did not guess who did it and there were someone expected twist and turns. There's a dual romance possibly happening in the story and I'm hoping one of the characters when over the others but I guess I'll find out in the next book maybe. I am looking forward to the third book in the series. If you like quirky characters in a cozy mystery I will keep you guessing you will love this series. Pick up your copies today. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

End of the Trail (The Texas Trail Series)

 

End of the Trail 

(The Texas Trail Series)

June 1, 2012

by Vickie McDonough  (Author)

End of the Trail is part of a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. 

Brooks Morgan left home 11 years earlier and is just too stubborn to return home.  In 1896 he pulls into the town of Shoofly to take refuge from a storm and befriends John Langston in the local cafe. A high stakes poker game ends with Brooks holding the deed to John's ranch with one condition - Brooks must promise to take care of Keri. Brooks agrees, assuming that Keri is a horse.

Overcome by guilt, Brooks return to the cafe to give back the deed but finds John on the floor dead. Brooks heads off to take care of John’s ranch and is ambushed. With a noose around his neck, hands tied behind his back he offers a prayer up to God.  A stunning shot is delivered from the rifle of a lady on horseback that breaks the noose and frees Brooks. But could this lady - Keri - be an enemy, too?

Marilyn’s thoughts

 

 

 

End of the Trail is the last book in the Texas series but can easily be read as a standalone. I was immersed into Brook’s story from the beginning. He had left home out of anger at an early age. John Langston offered him a job to care for him in Shoofly. Brook matured and gained respect with John but was unprepared when he won John’s ranch in a poker game with one condition of caring for Keri. There are tense moments when she returned to Shoofly. Vickie McDonough penned a beautiful story from the start to finish with plenty of emotion, intrigue, mystery, action and a gently woven gospel message that is easy for all to find forgiveness, new beginnings, hope, love and peace.