Tuesday, February 18, 2025

STORM WARNING by Elizabeth Goddard, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

(Hidden Bay Book #1): (Christian Romantic Suspense Thriller with 
Mystery and Survival Set at a Washington Storm Lodge)

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"She just had to focus and climb. She'd be up on top soon. Otherwise, she'd be swept away forever."

Remi Grant's efforts to rescue a little dog along the rocky cliffs of the Washington coast was a race against tides, and one that Remi was in present danger of losing . . . until the strong hand of a total stranger pulls her to safety . . . setting off a series of events that makes Remi wonder if she really wants to remember what her mind is determined to forget.

Former military pilot Hawk Beckett has come to the Cedar Trails Lodge to adjust his outlook on the future. When he sees the lodge manager dangling off the rungs of a shredded rope ladder, he springs into action. But it's obvious the lady is suspicious underneath her polite gratitude. It doesn't take long before the two are thrown together again; Hawk manages to save Remi's life for the second time in one day.

What is going on?

With dizzying speed, this story jumps headfirst into a labyrinth of forgotten details, frantic determinations to sort out the truth, and an assortment of players whose motives remain tucked in the shadows. Following its rapid launch, the action decelerates into a comfortable, but mildly predictable holding pattern before accelerating again towards a didn't-see-that-coming kind of landing. Fans of romantic suspense . . . hang on for the ride!
*For review purposes, I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 3.5 stars

 
PAULA'S REVIEW:
This was a page turner from the get-go, with nonstop, action and heart pounding scenes of danger.

Remi has hidden at Cedar Trails Lodge in the Pacific Northwest for two years, trying to recoup her memories after a close call with death. The storm of the decade is approaching, but so is someone who is after Remi, urging her to remember before it’s too late. Hawk comes to her rescue more than once, and he becomes the one person she can trust.

This plot was very complicated with many twists and uncertainty lurking in the background. The characters were focused on doing the right thing, even with limited knowledge

The author gave Remi a strong faith to sustain her, even when she has gaps in her memory. Hawk is weaker in his faith, but it grows as the story unfolds. They rely on God when things get tough and boy do they get tough

Riveting, action, and things that are not what they seem had me turning pages until the end.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author and via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Haunted by a half-forgotten past, former army photographer Remi Grant is working at an isolated storm-watching lodge on the rocky Washington coast when she receives a mysterious puzzle piece. The piece may be the catalyst to unlock a disturbing incident she struggles to remember--the event that sent her into hiding. But with heavy storms rolling in, she must focus on the present, not get caught up in the past.

When a mysterious man at the lodge saves her life--more than once--Remi becomes suspicious and confronts him. After a catastrophic event in his own life, former military pilot Hawk Beckett is trying to get some perspective at the suggestion of his former commanding officer. Faced with the fiercest storm to hit the coast in a decade, Remi and Hawk are forced into survival mode.
 
Revell Publishing, February, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:



AN OVERDUE MATCH, (Checking Out Love #1) by Sarah Monzon, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

Closed Door RomCom with a Librarian Heroine

REBECCA'S REVIEW
" . . . books are more than just paper and ink. They're a portal leading to anywhere you ever wanted to go - heart, mind, or soul."

So anyone who would dare to dog-ear the pages of one of Evangeline Kelly's books (well not her books exactly, but the books in the library where she so dutifully presided) . . . "pistols at dawn" . . . for the perpetrator.

The presumed culprit? Tai Davis, a local tattoo artist with mischief in his eyes, a questionable reputation (not anymore . . . that was years ago, thank you very much) and enough charisma to charm a snake . . . which Evangeline clearly was not . . . interested. Little did they know, the lovely librarian and the flirting artist were destined to form a partnership (definitely not a dating relationship, according to the bookworm), of the matchmaking kind.

On one level this story absolutely qualifies as an entertaining romantic comedy with witty exchanges between ingenious characters sporting lightning speed chemistry. However, on a much deeper level; which actually sets this book apart, is the extent to which the author explores beneath the surface, using gentle precision to uncover emotions that desperately need the light of unconditional love to fully showcase their merit. With great success!

"God is the lover of your soul, Evangeline. He woos you every single day of your life . . . And nothing can change that. . . . He'll love you for all time." 

*I voluntarily agreed to review a complimentary copy of this book.
4.5 stars

SEE TRIXI'S REVIEW!

BackCover Blurb:
Can a librarian's matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn't convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn't heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what's a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that's what. Armed with library patrons' check-out histories, she's determined to make at least one love connection--even if it's not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn't surprise him when the town's quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can't help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline's secret matchmaking scheme, he's not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can't judge a book--or each other--by the cover 

Bethany House Publishing, February, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

 

Friday, February 14, 2025

VALENTINE ROMANCE FAVORITES with Kim and Rebecca!

💗💗They didn't have to think twice!!💗💗

KIM'S CHOICE:
For me, it’s Love You, Truly by Susan Tuttle. It’s one of my favorite stories ever. It is romantic and has a great salvation scene!




REBECCA'S CHOICE
When I think of romantic stories, I think of Becky Wade. I have not only read all of her books, I have read them more than once.

If I were to choose a favorite, based on the number of those re-reads, it would have to be "A Love Like Ours". Lyndie James' sweet, patient spirit penetrates the walls of darkness and trauma that have become a fortress around the heart of her once-best-friend Jake Porter. The result becomes "a love like ours". 

 

and this is why...

Kim's Review of LOVE YOU, TRULY
I can’t say often that a fiction book has changed me, but Love You, Truly by Susan Tuttle has! I loved this book! It is has romance, humor, character growth, a fun storyline, and a wonderful message of God’s love. But, there is also a depth to it that totally took me by surprise.

Susan Tuttle has such a way with words that she makes you feel the way the characters are feeling. I laughed and shed a few tears right along with Blake and Harlow. This story also has the most touching, tear inducing salvation seen I’ve ever read. I literally got chill bumps.

In a word, the story is about love. Yes, it’s a love story between Blake and Harlow, but more than that, Susan Tuttle has shown the love of God beautifully. She has shown the fruits of the Spirit in action and I am praying this story gets into the hands of everyone who needs it- which is everyone! Love You, Truly is definitely one of my top books of the year!

*I bought a copy of this book, and was under no obligation to review it.


BackCover Blurb:
Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.

After her fiancé dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.

As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged. Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, worth both of their hearts.

Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy Love You, Truly at Amazon

Rebecca's Review of A LOVE LIKE OURS
Tall, dark and brooding, Jake Porter is a study in contrasts. Admirable, accomplished and handsome on the outside, but so miserable, guilt-ridden and utterly broken on the inside that he can hardly manage any measurable human contact. Enter Lyndie James; beautiful, imaginative, free-spirited Lyndie; Jake's childhood friend who has dared to re-enter his life twenty years after exiting. Lyndie arrives back in Texas with her family after living in California for years; padding her resume as a horse trainer with the best stables in the area, and she eagerly seeks employment at Whispering Creek Ranch; exercising Jake's magnificent thoroughbreds and continuing her career as a writer and illustrator of children's books.

Lyndie takes Jake's breath away; his first reaction is to shove her into the dark recesses of his mind and heart where she belongs, but he cannot ignore her talent on a horse and reluctantly agrees to hire her. When Lyndie decides that God has placed her in a position to not only motivate Jake's skittish stallion Silver Leaf to race, but to infiltrate Jake's thick post traumatic stress disorder barriers, the two are poised for an adventure that could have disastrous results in the short term. Or just perhaps, a love like theirs, could last a lifetime, with the miracle of God's faithfulness.

Becky Wade's third installment in the Porter family series is both thought provoking and heart-breaking, but utterly worth the trail of tears that these two endearing characters must face. And . . . there is a bonus feature . . . Amber Richardson . . . has her second chance at love.
 

BackCover Blurb: 
Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:


 

UNEASY STREET by Becky Wade, Reviewed by Kim #ReleaseDay


KIM'S REVIEW:

I have really enjoyed each story in the Sons of Scandal series. Uneasy Street has so many things I love in a romance! it has great characters, banter, humor, complex family relationships, faith, and lessons on forgiveness. 


I absolutely loved Max! He’s the perfect swoony male character that I look for in my romance novels. He’s confident, smart, funny, kind, and caring. I loved the slow progression of his and Sloane’s relationship and their chemistry was off the charts- or as Ivy would say, “spark-y!” Sloane is a bit of a complex character due to her family history. Her growth throughout the story felt real and believable. I really enjoyed Ivy’s character, her story, and how it ended. One of my favorite things about this novel is the lesson on forgiving versus not forgiving and how that could affect your life.


Uneasy Street by Becky Wade is the third and final story in the Sons of Scandal series. I’m seriously going to miss these characters. While I’m sad it’s over, I am looking forward to reading whatever Ms. Wade writes next!

*I received a complimentary copy of this story. I also purchased a copy. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 5 stars.


BackCover Blurb:
Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

Once upon a time Max Cirillo and Sloane Madison were close friends and business partners. But when their business relationship imploded, so did the friendship.

Now, four years later, Max is a rich CEO. Sloane’s a not-so-rich etiquette expert who returns to Maine to serve as her niece’s temporary guardian and help the girl search for her birth father. Sloane and her niece move into a darling garage apartment but Sloane’s joy in their accommodations soon turns to horror when she realizes their apartment belongs to Max. Thanks to an unbreakable lease, she’s stuck living right next door to him.

Max pulled strings to bring Sloane into his orbit because he needs closure on what went wrong between them. Quickly, though, his scheming comes back to bite him. The world might view him as a cold-hearted rake, but this one woman has dangerous power over his emotions.

They’ll have no choice but to confront their history—and the undeniable spark between them—while living side by side on uneasy street.

Discover witty humor, rich emotion, banter, and charm within the pages of this sweet enemies-to-lovers romance! 

Available February, 2025 in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

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