Dear Santa - A Delightful Christmas Romance by Debbie Macomber

 

Publisher: ‎ Ballantine Books

• ISBN-10: ‎ 1984818813
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1984818812

 Rlease Date - October 19, 2021

From the Publisher

In Dear Santa, Debbie Macomber celebrates the joys of Christmas blessings, old and new.

Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic-design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up—but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter’s spirits.
 
Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she’d wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. With Ellen’s encouragement, she decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic—especially an unexpected connection with a handsome former classmate, Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

 I found Dear Santa to be a delightful story with engaging characters, holiday ambiance and clean romance.  When I finished reading this book, I came away with a holiday warmth in my heart and a big smile on my face.  

           I highly recommend Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber!                                         

                                     5 STARS!

 

 I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ballentine Books and Ms. Macomber for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

                                     

The Stolen Child by Roberta Kagan - 5 Star Read!

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• Publisher: ‎Independently published
• Release Date: September 13, 2021
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From the Publisher

 Hide Karl in plain sight.

That was the idea. It was meant to be foolproof.  Who would think of finding an Aryan-looking Jewish child in the household of a high-ranking Nazi officer?  What could possibly go wrong?

When four-year-old Karl, Kara’s son, suddenly disappears, Kara’s worst fear becomes her painful reality. Has someone seen through her cover?

An increasingly frustrating search for the missing boy ensues. Kara is succored by Oskar, an SS officer who would do anything to have Kara's love. His compassion is in stark contrast to his office's macabre nature.

As her world is turned upside down, the grim nature of the Third Reich becomes much more apparent to Kara. The rot has eaten deep into many German hearts, even that of her beloved sister Anka.

As a fog of fear and evil envelops Kara's life, the hope of a love she had always ached for stirs ever so slightly.  

How far would one go to get a hold of what they so desperately want?  Will Kara see her son ever again?

My Thoughts

The Stolen Child by Roberta Kagan is a masterful story that had me captivated. It is beautifully written and Ms. Kagan's gift of storytelling brought this story to life for me. I found it deeply moving and I have to admit I shed more than a few tears while reading it.  I am still emotionally engaged and contemplating this book even after having read it a few weeks ago. For me, that's the highest praise I can give! 

All in all, I highly recommend The Stolen Child  and this book series. It's truly worth experiencing! 

5 Stars!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Kagan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

The Third Mrs. Galway by Deiredre Sinnott

 

• Publisher: ‎ Kaylie Jones Books (July 6, 2021)
• ISBN-10: ‎ 1617758426
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1617758423

From the Publisher

Antislavery agitation is rocking Utica in 1835 when a young bride discovers an enslaved family hiding in her shed, setting in motion the exhumation of long-buried family secrets.

"In this eloquent debut, a diverse cast of characters embodies the political, class, and racial upheavals of its time and milieu, and does it all in living local color...[A] powerful look at the prologue to Emancipation."

~ My Review ~ 

4 STARS

The Third Mrs. Galway by Deirdre Sinnott is a book I definitely recommend!

It is an excellent but at times a challenging read due to the topics addressed within this story. It has great characters and historical setting and the plot drew me in and wouldn't let me go. It's story stayed with me for quite a while after I finished this book.

Ms. Sinnott wrote of discrimination, slavery, women and men trapped in roles defined by a pre-civil war society. Characters who had issues with addiction, others who wanted to create their own life rather than follow in family tradition as well as those who were persecuted for their religious beliefs.

The common denominator? A wish for true Freedom - a life they chose rather than dictated by others. This book set me to thinking what Freedom really means to me and what does it mean to others? Do I take it for granted? If needed, am I or are we as a nation willing to protect freedom for ourselves, our families and others at all cost?

Have you read this book? I'd love to hear what you thought about it!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Kailey Jones Books and Ms. Deirdre Sinott  for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Ashfar

• ASIN: ‎ B08MLQ2K9S
• Publisher: ‎ Tyndale (June 1, 2021)
• Publication date: ‎ June 1, 2021
• Language: ‎ English

From the Publishers

In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters—including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.

My Thoughts

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar is a faith based, great story! This book is captivating, emotionally moving with realistic characters and setting. The plot is excellent with it's unexpected but timely twists and turns.  Frankly, the story just seemed to jump off the page, grab my heart and wouldn't let it go till I finished it!    Ms. Afshar's Jewel of the Nile is a wonderful story and I highly recommend reading it! I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Tindle House Publishers and Ms. Afshar for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.

 

A Cup of Silver Linings by Karen Hawkins

 

• Publisher: Gallery Books (July 6, 2021)
• Publication date: ‎July 6, 2021

From the Publisher

Ava Dove—the sixth of the seven famed Dove sisters and owner of Ava Dove’s Landscaping and Specialty Teas—is frantic.

Just as her fabulous new tearoom is about to open, her herbal teas have gone wonky. Suddenly, her sleep-inducing tea is startling her clients awake with vivid dreams, her romance-kindling tea is causing people to blurt out their darkest secrets, and her anti-anxiety tea is making them spend hours staring into mirrors. Ava is desperate for a remedy, but her search leads her into dangerous territory, as she is forced to face a dark secret, she’s been hiding for over a decade.

Meanwhile, successful architect Ellen Foster has arrived in Dove Pond to attend the funeral of her estranged daughter, Julie. Grieving deeply, Ellen is determined to fix up her daughter’s ramshackle house, sell it, and then sweep her sixteen-year-old granddaughter, Kristen, off to a saner, calmer life in Raleigh. But Kristen has other plans. Desperate to stay with her friends in Dove Pond, Kristen sets off on a quest she’s avoided her whole life—to find her never-been-there father in the hopes of winning her freedom from the grandmother she barely knows.

My Review - 5 Stars!

A Cup of Silver Linings is beautifully written and an evocative story of family, friends, love, loss, forgiveness and redemption with a bit of mystical magic mixed in. I cried, laughed and read it every second I could till I finished it. This book is amazing and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Gallery Books and Ms. Hawkins for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.    

What did you think of this book?

Thanks for stopping by! 

My Son's Secret by Roberta Kagan

 

• ASIN : B0942KC467
• Publisher : Independently published (May 3, 2021)

From The Publisher 

( Click the above link to read the Publisher's book synopsis.)  

My Son's Secret by Roberta Kagan is an emotionally moving, remarkable story set during  WW2. It  clearly portrays the events that happened during the war and within the Jewish communities. 

At times, I had a hard time reading the events that happened but the story also had an underlying theme of hope, love and perseverance. It is a remarkable book and I couldn't put it down!   

The ending took me by complete surprise and now I can't wait to read the second book in this series that is soon to be available! 

5 Stars! 

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Kagan for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

The Beach House by Jenny Hale

 

• ISBN-10 : 1800196512
• ISBN-13 : 978-1800196513

• Publisher : Bookouture (June 4, 2021)

The Beach House by Jenny Hale is perfect for Summer romance reading. If I'm totally honest though, this book is a great read any time of the year!  It's full romance, a beach house in a quaint seaside town and a stack of mysterious letter that leads to a mystery needing to be solved. All my favorite things rolled into a wonderful story! 

I found The Beach House to be an engaging, relaxing read with realistic characters and a story that kept me on my toes.  At times I laughed out loud and other times I was moved to brief tears. I walked away from this story with a warm fuzzy feeling and big smile. I definitely recommend this book!  

4 STARS!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When her gram passes away, Melanie Simpson feels utterly lost. But her grandmother’s will gives her a purpose: an inheritance to buy a crumbling house in Rosemary Bay. They used to visit the village every summer, sit by the sparkling water on a beach the color of pearl, and daydream about turning the place on the corner into a bed and breakfast.

On her first night in her new hometown, Melanie meets local contractor and landowner Josh Claiborne, whose eyes match the dazzling sea. Melanie plans to restore the beach house to its original glory, and Josh is the perfect person to help renovate the wrap-around porch weathered by the coastal breeze and the peeling white paint faded by the sun.

But hiding in a closet is a yellowing stack of letters that could change everything. The looping handwriting reveals the mystery of the rickety house—a buried history that touches everyone in Rosemary Bay. Will its secrets bring Melanie and Josh together or tear them apart?

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Bookouture Publishers and Ms. Hale for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

An Ordinary Life by Amanda Prowse - Worth the Reading!

 

ISBN-10 : 1542017297

• ISBN-13 : 978-1542017299
• Publisher : Lake Union Publishing (February 9, 2021)

From the Publisher

Christmas Eve, 2019. Ninety-four-year-old Molly lies in her hospital bed. A stroke and a fall may have broken her body―but her mind is alive with memories.

London, 1940s. Molly is a bright young woman, determined to help the war effort and keep her head up despite it all. Life becomes brighter when she meets and falls in love with a man who makes her forget everything with one dance. But then war forces her to make an unforgettable sacrifice, and when she’s brought to her knees by a daring undercover mission with the French Resistance, only her sister knows the secret weighing heavily on Molly’s heart.

Now, lying in her hospital bed, Molly can’t escape the memories of what she lost all those years ago. But she is not as alone as she thinks.

Will she be able to find peace―and finally understand that what seemed to be an ordinary life was anything but?

An Ordinary Life by Amanda Prowse An Ordinary Life had me riding the emotional rollercoaster throughout this story. The trials/ challenges Molly faced were overwhelming and how she coped and overcame them kept me engaged and sitting on the edge of my seat. Her life was anything but ordinary and I really enjoyed reading each page of this book. I definitely recommend An Ordinary Life!

4 Stars

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Prowse and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.

We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels

• ISBN-10: 0800734912
• ISBN-13: 978-0800734916
• Revell (January 1, 2019)

From the Publisher

When Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich, his strange request--that she look up a relative she didn't know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos--seems like it isn't worth her time. But when she loses her job after a botched investigation, she suddenly finds herself with nothing but time.

At her great-aunt's 150-year-old farmhouse north of Detroit, Elizabeth uncovers a series of mysterious items, locked doors, and hidden graves. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding. And as Elizabeth soon discovers, the past is never as past as we might like to think.

Debut novelist Erin Bartels takes readers on an emotional journey through time--from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to the Michigan's Underground Railroad during the Civil War--to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide. 

  My Thoughts

We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels is an emotionally moving, well written story that is truly one of the best books I have read this year!  

I was glued to the story, the characters, the shifting timelines. This beautifully written novel moved me deeply and while at times it was hard to read due to my emotional reactions, I am so glad I did! I came away from this story changed and for the better. I highly recommend this book!

5 STARS!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Revell and Ms. Bartels for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. 

Destined for You By Tracie Peterson

                                                    

                                                                  ISBN-10 : 0764232355

                                                    ISBN-13 : 978-0764232350

          Publisher : Bethany House Publishers (March 2, 2021)

From the Publisher

In 1869, Gloriana Womack's family is much smaller since smallpox killed her mother and two of her siblings.She lives in a modest cottage in Duluth, Minnesota, with her father and young brother, and she has dedicated her life to holding her tiny, fractured family together--especially as her father is frequently gone on long fishing trips. Their livelihood may come from the waters of Lake Superior, but storms on the lake can be dangerous, even to those who know it well.

Luke Carson has come to Duluth to help shepherd the arrival of the railroad to the city's port, and he's eager to be reunited with his brother, Scott, who recently moved there with his pregnant wife. Competition for the railroad is fierce, with the neighboring city of Superior, Wisconsin, fighting for the tracks to come through their town instead. But the real danger lies in a resident of Duluth who is determined to have his revenge upon Luke.

When tragedy brings Gloriana and Luke together, they help each other through their grief and soon find their lives inextricably linked. If they survive the trials ahead, could it be possible they've been destined for each other all along?

Destined for You  is the first book in the Lady of the Lake Series by Tracie Peterson.  The story is set in the late 1800's  in Duluth, Minnesota during a time when the great rail road was expanded North. I found this story to be well written with an interesting plot and engaging characters.  This story is full of faith, family and clean historical romance.  

I really enjoyed reading Destined for You this book and I can't wait to read the next novel in this series, Forever My Own being released on July 6, 2021!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and Ms. Peterson for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

The Sweet Taste of Muscadines by Pamela Terry

• Publisher : Ballantine Books (March 16, 2021)
• ISBN-10 : 0593158458
• ISBN-13 : 978-0593158456
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From the Publisher

Lila Bruce Breedlove never quite felt at home in Wesleyan, Georgia, especially after her father’s untimely demise when she was a child. Both Lila and her brother, Henry, fled north after high school, establishing fulfilling lives of their own. In contrast, their younger sister, Abigail, opted to remain behind to dote on their domineering, larger-than-life mother, Geneva. Yet despite their independence, Lila and Henry know deep down that they’ve never quite reckoned with their upbringing.

When their elderly mother dies suddenly and suspiciously in the muscadine arbor behind the family estate, Lila and Henry return to the town that essentially raised them. But as they uncover more about Geneva’s death, shocking truths are revealed that overturn the family’s history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives. This Sweet Taste of Muscadines reminds us all that true love never dies.

My Thoughts

The Sweet Taste of Muscadines by Pamela Terry took a bit of time before I really could sink into this story but once I did, I couldn't put it down. The story was poignant, evocative and the plot with all it's twists and turns kept me glued to my seat eager to see what was happened next. 

I was also captivated by Mrs. Terry's beautiful descriptive writing style that truly brought her book to life for me.  Her ability to set the stage and weave a descriptive, emotionally engaging story made the story leap off the pages  and captivate me.  I love when this happens while I'm reading a story and I can't wait to read more of her books!

4.5 Stars

I highly recommend The Sweet Taste of Muscadines! 

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Terry, Ballantine Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Mary, Did You Know? - Pentatonix

A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber

• ISBN-10 : 0399181369
• ISBN-13 : 978-0399181368
• Publisher : Ballantine Books (July 14, 2020)

 FROM THE PUBLISHER ...

The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of care-taking to the whole Oceanside community.

Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.  

Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk.  

Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.

I found A Walk Along the  Beach  to be deeply moving as well as   poignantly beautiful, heart wrenching and endearing all at the same time.  

It moved me to tears more than once but on the flip side, it also moved me to joy and wonder regarding life, love, family and the ties that bind us. 

Yes, I found this book  bitter sweet but ultimately I found it to be an emotionally moving and wonderful book. I highly recommend it!

5 Stars

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ballentine Books, Ms. Macomber and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.