Tipping Point (Lantern Beach Mayday)

Tipping Point 

(Lantern Beach Mayday) 

September 8, 2021

by Christy Barritt  (Author)

Awakening in a boat surrounded by nothing but water, a yachtie has no doubt someone wants her dead.

Kenzie Anderson is determined not to let anyone scare her away from completing the charter season—even with the threats on her life. The only person she can trust is Captain Jimmy James Gamble, despite their tumultuous relationship.

Kenzie and Jimmy James both suspect turbulent currents rush beneath the tranquil surface aboard the luxury yacht Almost Paradise. Secrets seem to abound, each one increasing the tension aboard the boat.

As answers rise to the surface, neither Kenzie nor Jimmy James is prepared for what they find. Have they both reached their tipping points? Their adversaries want nothing more than to make Kenzie disappear . . . forever. It may be too late for a mayday call.

My thoughts: this is the third book in a new series by ms. Barritt. I have not read the first two books in the series yet so I felt like I kind of came into the story in the middle. However, whatever I missed might or might not have been important to the story, but it still was a good read. Like a luxury yacht, Rich patrons, and a mystery at sea. The hero and heroin were not unlikely pair but miss Barrett made it work. If you like romantic suspense you will like tipping point and probably the first two books in the series as well. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

 

Much Ado About a Latte (A Maple Falls Romance)

 

Much Ado About a Latte 

(A Maple Falls Romance) 

 January 4, 2022

by Kathleen Fuller  (Author)

A coffee war is brewing in Maple Falls, where Anita and Tanner are serving up plenty of sparks to keep the town buzzing.

Anita Bedford needs to face reality. It’s time to decaffeinate the dream that she and Tanner will ever be more than friends. Growing up in small-town Maple Falls, she’s had a crush on Tanner for years. But he’ll only ever see her as good, old, dependable Anita. Now she’s finally ready to make her own goals a reality. In fact, that deserted building next door to Sunshine Diner looks like a promising location to open her own café . . .

Tanner Castillo may know how to operate a diner, but he doesn’t know beans about love. After pouring his life savings into buying the Sunshine Diner, he needs to keep his mind on making a success of it and supporting his widowed mother, not on kissing Anita Bedford. First order of business: improve his customers’ coffee experience. Next, he should probably find out who bought the building next door . . .

It’s a bitter cup to swallow when ambition turns longtime friends and coworkers Anita and Tanner into rivals. Now that they own competing businesses, how could they ever compete for each other’s hearts? Or will the two of them come to see what’s obvious to the whole, quirky town of Maple Falls: potential for a full-roast romance, with an extra splash of dream?

Welcome to Maple Falls, where everyone knows your name, your coffee order, and your relationship status.

My thoughts: this was a sweet romance about two young people who fell in love as teenagers but nothing ever came of the relationship until - now they both work for the same establishment except they both have bigger dreams. Neither shared their dreams with the other what happens when the dreams clash? Everything topples over and nothing seems like a workout ever. Will this  young couple find a second chance at love? You have to read the sweet romance to find out. There is some beer drinking for more conservative readers and there isn't much of a Faith message. It is more of a sweet romance. If you like romance you will love this book. Don't miss it. I was given a copy free. And all opinions are my own.

 

An Amish Quilting Bee: Three Stories 

December 7, 2021

by Amy Clipston  (Author), Kathleen Fuller (Author), Shelley Shepard Gray (Author)

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance

 Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston 

When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is?

Story 1: my thoughts: this was a sweet romance featuring  a quilter and a milk farmer 

who lost everything he owned except for his grandmother dash not that he owns her. Grandma this morning her heirlooms quilt which burned in the fire. She can't sleep 

and cries all night which keeps our hero like so it's up to Johanna to save the day if 

she can recreate a quilt that she had never seen. There was no passion in the story 

and it was rather flat what films of Amy clipston shook love the story.

A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller 

Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart.

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray 

Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted.

My thoughts the story was my favorite story in the park Miss gray has the ability 

to bring the characters to life and I enjoyed getting to know both of the main 

characters. Pinecraft Florida this a fun place to visit via book. It's nice to read 

about Amish in a different environment.

I enjoyed all three stories in this book but especially the last one. If you are a fan 

of romance involving the Amish you will love this book. This book make a great 

gift for somebody this Christmas. I was given a copy for you and all opinions are 

my own

• Sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-afters
• Book length: 75,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Christmas Vendetta (Emergency Responders, 4)

 

Christmas Vendetta

 (Emergency Responders, 4) 

 November 30, 2021

by Valerie Hansen  (Author)

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Valerie Hansen

Is she a mistaken target…

or next on an enemy’s hit list?

Sandy Lynn Forrester's Christmas holiday takes a terrifying turn when someone breaks into her home and attacks her roommate…thinking it's her. But no one believes that an imprisoned man from Sandy Lynn's past is behind the attacks—except for her high school heartbreak, ex-cop Clay Danforth. Can she trust Clay to keep her safe in the Ozark wilderness long enough to stop a ruthless criminal’s vengeance?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Emergency Responders

Book 1: On the Run
Book 2: Christmas Vendetta

My thoughts.  Valerie Hansen has written another winner of a romantic suspense. Set in Springfield Missouri mostly it's an area I'm familiar with and it was nice to see the city again without all the traffic. Although there was plenty of traffic in the story. This is formula suspense with a twist some of which I never saw coming. There wasn't untied threat at the end of the book that left me wondering what happened but otherwise it was well written in a nice addition to your holiday reading this year. Pick up your copy today. I was given a copy free free and all opinions are my own.

Amish Christmas Escape (Amish Country Justice, 12)

 

Amish Christmas Escape 

(Amish Country Justice, 12) 

 November 30, 2021

by Dana R. Lynn  (Author)

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Dana R. Lynn

Hiding in Amish country

may not be enough to save her…

In a killer’s sights after she witnesses her sister’s murder, Christy O’Malley’s only option is to flee to Amish country—and the estranged husband she left behind. But there’s something Sam Burkholder doesn’t know—they have a daughter. With enemies closing in, Sam will do anything to protect Christy and their little girl…but can he forgive the past for a chance to be a family for Christmas?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Amish Country Justice

Book 1: Plain Target
Book 2: Plain Retribution
Book 3: Amish Christmas Abduction
Book 4: Amish Country Ambush
Book 5: Amish Christmas Emergency
Book 6: Guarding the Amish Midwife
Book 7: Hidden in Amish Country
Book 8: Plain Refuge
Book 9: Deadly Amish Reunion
Book 10: Amish Country Threats
Book 11: Covert Amish Investigation
Book 12: Amish Christmas Escape

 

 

 Marilyn's thoughts

 

Amish Christmas Escape is a captivating tale from the beginning to the end. Lynn sure knows how to create a thrilling plot filled with heart pounding action, disappointments, new beginnings, faith and romance.

Christy O'Malley's life had been a sad one except for her young daughter. When she needed help there was only her Amish friend she could turn to, as even her father was deceitful to her. The scenes are vividly descriptive and I definitely felt like I was in the midst of the action, storms and experienced the pain and suffer Christy had endured. Sweet little Ellie stole my heart with Christy being a caring and loving mother. Will Sam and his driver be able to accept Christy and her daughter when they learn of her reason for leaving her home? Who's trying to kill Christy and why? This gripping tale had surprises and Lynn did a wonderful job bringing the plot to closure with they why and who was behind all the malice and dishonesty. I look forward to the next Love Inspired Suspense by Dana R. Lynn.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion.

An Unexpected Amish Christmas (Surprised by Love)

 

An Unexpected Amish Christmas 

(Surprised by Love) 

October 26, 2021

by Rachel J. Good  (Author)

In USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good’s new Surprised by Love Amish romance, two lonely pen pals—a grieving woman with too many responsibilities and a shy man paralyzed in a buggy accident—fall in love through their letters. Will the Green Valley Farmer’s Market be the unlikely backdrop for translating their feelings from the page to in-person?
 

Recovering from a horse and buggy accident that took the lives of his family, Jacob Zook is struggling to regain both his spirit and his body. While his legs remain stubbornly opposed to moving, he exercises his hands by writing, and finds the perfect outlet for his grief in inspirational letters to the Amish newspaper. When Keturah Esch, a woman who works at the Green Valley Farmer’s Market, responds with gratitude, Jacob has no idea that his hardship is about to become a blessing…
 
Dealing with her own loss, and responsible for her three siblings, Keturah’s new correspondence with the anonymous letter writer becomes a source of joy. And when a shy young man confined to a wheelchair begins to visit the market, Keturah is happy to make his acquaintance—never knowing that Jacob is afraid to reveal himself as her pen pal. After all, what can he offer her, when he can’t even walk? Can faith bring two lonely people together in perfect union? As Christmas approaches, Jacob and Keturah get a chance to make their gifts to each other worthy of the blessing of love…
 
A crackling fire, the promise of snow, the delicious smell of fresh-baked cookies and fallen pine needles…when Christmas is coming, every heart lifts in song.

Marilyn's thoughts

 

 

An Unexpected Amish Christmas is a touching and heartfelt story that brought tears and smiles as the tale unfolded. Jeremiah is struggling to accept his confinement to a wheelchair but desire to inspire others by writing to others suffering also. When he wrote to Keturah Esch, after seeing that she and her three younger sisters had lost both of their parents in an accident, he was surprised to receive a response.

 

This charming tale gave way to touching moments along with awkward and embarrassing times. I truly appreciate how Good brought this story full circle with the characters in an unusual way. It was a delight to catch up with other vendors at the Green Valley Farmers Market along with Mrs. Vandenberg

who was invested in the market and lives of the market vendors. The picturesque description of Christmas decorations at the market and the scents mentioned made me wishing there was a market like that to attend during this time of the year. There’s a gentle weaving of Biblical scriptures that inspired and encouraged the primary characters to continue on with life, let go and find a renewed peace and place of belonging after their world had been shattered with the death of their parents.

 

Being a fan of Rachel J. Good’s touching story this one is a favorite in her Surprise by Love series with the challenges the main characters faced and how their story developed showing growth in their lives. I look forward to more superb books from Good.

 

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion.

 

 

Go Home! By Jenna V Hilton

While on a walk, I saw what looked like an Australian shepherd border collie mix. He had a collar, but no leash and he was alone. He was happily trotting down the road, tongue hanging out, then he saw me. And he started slowly tiptoeing past with his head bowed, like I couldn't see him if he moved at a glacier pace.

I know how it feels to lose a dog, even temporarily. So I told him, "go home." And he stopped, and stared at me, then slowly turned around and went the right direction, then he did a u turn around a house and ran into me again. He was a strange dog, so I didn't want to get too close, but I didn't let him see my apprehension. I kept telling him to go home, very firmly. And he'd start to walk that way, then he turn around and give me a piece of his mind.

The dog's still out there, and I'm praying he makes it home, but my walk was cut short by the story of the prodigal son.

How many times did that boy waffle between, "I wanna go home" and, "I can't go home"? He was so ashamed of himself, he was sure he could never be forgiven. But he was. He was welcomed home with open arms and a party! There might be people out there who accepted Christ as their Savior, and meant it with all their heart, but never grew, never stopped what they were doing, and over time they became self aware, and disgusted at themselves, and feel they are too far gone, that they've lost their salvation. But that's not possible. A child of God is always a child of God. That title can't be taken away. Repentance is needed, but God will always forgive his children.

Dear God, thank you for being patient and forgiving. Help us to remember that you will always love us. In Jesus name, amen

Jenna V. Hilton is nineteen, and lives in Arkansas with her parents, two sisters, a brother, and dog. She is planning to attend college to become a veterinarian. TikTok handle: imperfectchildofGod19

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