The Wedding Dress Christmas Novella by Rachel Hauck - Reviewed

About the book:

Title: The Wedding Dress Christmas
Author: Rachel Hauck
Publisher: Hauck House
Genre: Inspirational Christmas Romance

December comes to quaint Hearts Bend, Tennessee, with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.

For JoJo Castle there is no place like home. Her onetime love of adventure ended when her life in the big city came crashing down. Now that she’s home, she never wants to leave again.

Country music sensation Buck Mathews has charmed the world with his smile and his music. However, news of his mother’s illness brought him home to Hearts Bend for the holiday season.

Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. But when her high school crush returns to town, her buried feelings surface.

Busy with his career, Buck hasn’t had time for family and friends, much less love. Seeing JoJo in The Wedding Shop reminds him there are things more important than his career.

But JoJo and Buck have opposing life goals, and there’s no middle ground. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmas, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?

With the help of a very special wedding dress, there just might a Christmas miracle. 

Purchase a copy HERE!



About Rachel Hauck:

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

You can follow her on these platforms:

Website || Facebook|| Twitter || Instagram 



My Thoughts:

“Everything she needed, everyone she loved, was right here in Hearts Bend. And The Wedding Shop was her favorite place in town. Especially at Christmas.”
I love Hearts Bend, and returning to it in this Christmassy, romantic and whimsical story was just what this book reader needed.

Rachel Hauck pens a story that is perfect for the Christmas season, really any season. Ms. Hauck seamlessly tied together the previous books into this one in setting, characters and continuity. 

Through flawed characters, Ms. Hauck shows God's love for us and our need for Him. Whether we've allowed fear to weigh us down, as JoJo has or for Buck find out what is really important in life. 

I've loved Rachel Hauck's books since I read Diva NasVegas now Nashville Sweetheart back in 2007. What keeps me waiting on pins and needles for a new release by Rachel Hauck is her heart and love for God that she weaves into every book she pens. 

I highly recommend this book!!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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With You Here (Carrington Family #4) by Sarah Monzon Reviewed

About the book:

Title: With You Here
Author: Sarah Monzon
Series: Carrington Family
Publisher: Radiant Productions

Holy Roman Empire, 1527

In the wake of Martin Luther’s religious reforms, Princess Christyne von Heidelbraum is compelled by her sense of duty to help ease the burden of her people. When she stumbles upon a dying man in the woods, she vows to aid him—even when she discovers the arrow shot in his leg was put there by a heretic hunter. With both her physical and spiritual well-being in danger, she must choose between conscience or adhering to the laws of the Empire.

Present Day

Doubting her calling to become a hospital chaplain, Amber Carrington takes time off from her theology studies to volunteer with refugees in Germany. Working with children, making a difference, reconnecting with the conviction that once drove her—these were her expectations. An instant attraction to a professional soccer player wasn’t a part of the plan…and she can’t let him distract her from her purpose.
As a new Christian, Seth Marshall is determined to put his popularity as a world-renowned footballer to good use. Unfortunately, old habits and public opinions are hard to overcome. When he falls hard and fast for Amber Carrington, his former life—and her no-dating policy—may block his perfect shot for the woman he loves.

Purchase a copy HERE.

About Sarah Monzon

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain's wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn't enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. 

When she isn't in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 SELAH award.

Sarah loves connecting with readers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and her website.

My Thoughts:

Have you ever wondered if you have a ministry God can use? Or one He's got for you? I asked that question for a lot of years and that is the question Amber Carrington is asking of herself which leads her to Germany. Using her ministry of writing Ms. Monzon shows Amber coming to realize what her ministry is.

I enjoyed getting to know Amber and Seth. Seth is a very swoony soccer player which I truly had fun reading about. 

Dual time novels are one of my favorite books to read. I enjoyed traveling to the reformation period getting a face to face view of what living during that turbulent time must have been like.

I'm only 50% invested in the Carrington family, since I've just read the last two books, but I love this family and I'm sad that the series is over. Family saga stories are a favorite and Ms. Monzon has created a family to love and remember.

I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book via the publisher in association with Sarah Monzon's street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cover Reveal - A Match for Emma by Pepper D. Basham

 

It's always fun to be apart of a cover reveal and today I am excited to be apart of the cover reveal crew for Pepper Basham's upcoming release A Match For Emma. It is book three in the Mitchell Crossing's series. It is a friend-to-lovers romance, which is one of my favorites since that is my love story.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first-class ticket to culinary school in Europe.  

When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…until her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life-long friendship begins to teeter on the brink of something unexpected.

With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. You can connect with Pepper over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley, her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.

The Art of Rivers (Coastal Hearts # 3) by Janet W. Ferguson Reviewed

About the book:

Title: The Art of Rivers
Series: Coastal Hearts #3
Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.
After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.
Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

Amazon || Goodreads

About Janet W. Ferguson:

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space. ​
I love to hear from readers! You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, Pinterest, use the contact page, or subscribe to my newsletter on the Under the Southern Sun page for exclusive book news and giveaways. ​
I also contribute at Inspy Romance blog once a month. Check out the authors and prizes!

 Website || Facebook || Twitter 

My Thoughts:

This is the first book in the Coastal Series that I've read and I need to catch up! Even though it was the first book I've read of this series I wasn't lost in the least. Ms. Ferguson asked me to review an early copy which I was happy to do. 

I was married to an alcoholic and Ms. Ferguson shows the disease honestly and respectfully. Rivers and Cooper are tenderhearted, compassionate, and real people. Wrapping the story of the pain, destruction, and impact addiction has family and friends around art is just beautiful. Addiction destroys and art has the ability to take destruction and turn it into something beautiful. Much like Christ does with our lives. Taking our brokenness and turning it into a beautiful story. 

If addiction has touched your life, even if it hasn't, this is a great book to read because it brings it to life in a real way without degradation and shows how beauty can come out of pain when God is placed in control. 

I definitely recommend this book!!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a digital copy of this book. A review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Surrounded by Darkness Windy Ridge Series Book 3 by Rachel Dylan Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Surrounded by Darkness
Author: Rachel Dylan
Series: Windy Ridge Book 3

When attorney Olivia Murray opens a legal clinic for victims of domestic violence in Windy Ridge, she knows she will face legal and spiritual opposition. The New Age presence has grown stronger as alliances form between groups hoping to spread their destructive way of life and gain a stronghold in the community. While the forces of evil target Olivia’s new clinic and her relationships, she refuses to let them stop her quest for justice.
Grant Baxter is facing legal woes of his own when a former client sues him for malpractice. His faith is shaken as he faces down the possibility that his legal career is over. While Grant struggles to save his once thriving law practice, he wonders if he truly deserves to be Olivia’s partner outside of the courtroom.
With evil coming at them from all angles, Olivia and Grant’s relationship is put to the test. The two of them must come together and fight for the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge. Will their faith be strong enough—in God and each other—to prevail in the battle that threatens to bring darkness to the entire town?

Amazon || Barnes and Noble ||

About Rachel:

Rachel Dylan writes legal thrillers and legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. 

Website || Facebook || Twitter 

My Thoughts:

Surrounded by Darkness book three of The Windy Ridge series picks up right where book two, Fatal Accusation left off. 

The characters were strong and well developed. I liked how she added the new element of a clinic for abused women. That provided a different setting not only for the characters but for her to create tension between Olivia and Layton.

I liked how she used the angels and demons within the story, I would have liked to see them more.

While this was a good book, I found the suspense lacking. Ms. Dylan is so great at creating suspense in her books yet I felt like she held back. I kept waiting for something to happen but it just didn't.

I know I review a lot of series and some book two or three etc can be read as a stand alone. This series can't be. You'll miss something if it's not read in order.

Disclaimer: I received a copy via the publisher as a member of Rachel Dylan's street team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Literarily For Keeps by Sarah Monzon Reviewed

 About the book:

Title: Literarily For Keeps
Author: Sarah Monzon

Literature professor Ashleigh Darmody never imagined her life would turn into a classic trope, but that's exactly what happens when her sister Claire calls with a bizarre request--quickly find a fake husband. Backstory is a powerful thing, and Ashleigh's has plenty of shadows, but is her past so shady that it requires an elaborate scheme to ensure Claire's prospective father-in-law, renowned TV evangelist Ken Abrams, will give her his blessing to marry his son?
Already divorced from a man who turned out to be other than he claimed, Ashleigh now has to pretend to be blissfully married to a stranger for the next five days. But when the lines of fiction and reality blur with each tick of the clock, could a temporary deal turn into something for keeps?

                                                      Amazon || 

About Sarah Monzon:

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain's wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world.
Playing pretend all day with them isn't enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn't in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.
Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 SELAH award for contemporary romance.

Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram ||



My Thoughts:


Sarah Monzon does it again! Whether it's a fun rom-com or a deep moving novel she captures the heart, mind and funny bone with her writing.

I love Ashleigh and Landon's story. The cute cover, bookish title, and the laugh out loud story within the pages made this a quick one day read. One swoony kiss, literary quotes, romantic moments, and heartache make up this sweet novella.

Ms. Monzon tackles a hot button topic among believers in this little book and she handles it well and shows both sides respectfully and honestly.

I adored this story and found myself attempting to hold laughter in so I didn't wake my husband, which was impossible. I love books that make me laugh, swoon, and think; this book does all of that. I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with the author's street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Royally in Trouble an Enchanted Events Mystery - Book 2 by Jenny B. Jones - Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Royally in Trouble an Enchanted Events Mystery Book 2
Author: Jenny B. Jones
Publisher: Sweet Pea Productions
Release Date: October 23, 2018

If an ex-popstar-turned-event planner can't find a Ren-faire killer, she may not survive the final act.
As a former member of a popular girl-band, Paisley Sutton knows what it means to be in the spotlight. So after she takes on an event- planning gig for the new Sugar Creek Renaissance faire, she's counting on a smooth opening night. But when one of the cast is murdered, Paisley knows her event has gone lethally off-script.
When her old flame Beau is named the prime suspect, Paisley enlists the help of her trigger-happy ex-CIA grandmother and aunt. As she tries to keep the faire alive and fights off her matchmaking family, she uncovers secrets that might just get her killed. Can Paisley shine a light on the killer in time, or will the faire be her final curtain call?
Royally in Trouble is the second book in the lively Enchanted Events cozy mystery series with a dash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town intrigue, and laugh-out-loud moments, then you’ll love Jenny B. Jones’ Renaissance romp.

Amazon || B&N || Kobo || iBooks ||

 About Jenny B. Jones:

Award-winning author Jenny B. Jones writes romance, mystery, and YA with sass and Southern charm. Since she has very little free time, Jenny believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as watching bad TV, Tweeting deep thoughts to the world, and writing her name in the dust on her furniture. Jenny is a foster care advocate, an animal rescuer, and mother of one beautiful boy.

Website || Facebook || Twitter || 

My Thoughts:

Jenny B. Jones creates a sassy heroine with Paisley Sutton, and her grandmother, Sylvie is just as much a hoot!

One of the things I've grown to love about Jenny B. Jones is the genuine laugh out loud humor she creates in her books. 

While I read the first book in the series, this book can be read as a stand alone, but you'll want to read the first one.

The whodunit part of the book is similar to other cozy mystery's. Nothing gory, and lots of humor. 

This is not a Christian fiction cozy mystery. There is no inspirational thread woven through the book. It is however, clean. No foul language or anything remotely distasteful. I'm a grandmother with grandkids from ages 14-3 and I'd be fine leaving this within their reach.

Bottom Line: This is a book full of humor, sass, and whodunit complications revolving around event planning and a Renaissance faire. There are also 80's references. A clean read that is safe for pre-teen on up.

Highly recommended!!!

 

 Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with the author's street team. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.