It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #240

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

Fun reads this week!

What I am currently reading:

There were a few books ahead of this on my non-review book list but my little bro wanted to read this one so I decided to read it now so he can read it during his holiday break.

What I hope to read this week:

Cannot wait to read both of these! Not sure which will win getting to be read first though!

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

About the Book

Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town.
Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.
With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future?

My Thoughts

I'm always excited to start a new series by one of my favorite authors and the prequel novella whet my appetite and I was even more anxious to dive into this novel!
Susan's Team Hope series is still one of my all time favorites so I was quite happy to learn that this series would be about another SAR team. But that also meant it had a lot to live up to (not that I was worried, hello, it's Susan May Warren) and thankfully it was as amazing as I was hoping it would be.
Ben and Kacey were both amazing characters. They'd been in love once, but mistakes, misunderstandings, and misinformation, drove them apart and kept them from speaking for 13 years. After finally being face to face again they are forced to work through and beyond everything that had happened all those years ago and as they did that the old feelings surfaced and it was beautiful to watch their love blossom again.
I loved that Ben was a country singer and I loved the lyrics to his songs. I wish I could listen to them! And Kacey's piloting skills were awesome!
And all of the other characters were fantastic, some of which we got to meet in the prequel novella. I was especially excited to get more of Ian and Sierra's story even if it's just bread crumbs at the moment! Ben's dad was awesome and so was the rest of the PEAK rescue team! I can't wait to get to know them all better.
There were stranded teens, injured hiker, flood damage, and the continuing mystery of Esme's disappearance that all kept me hooked on this story in addition to the amazing characters!
So basically I loved everything about this book and after talking to Susan (see my post about meeting her here) about what is to come for the rest of the series I absolutely cannot wait until I can read them!

Meet the Author

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over forty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas. 

With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three time RITA finalist and an eight time Christy Finalist.

Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.” 

And Library Journal adds, “Warren's characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…” 

Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I Got to Meet Susan May Warren...

...and it was absolutely amazing!!!! 

I was mindlessly scrolling through Facebook when I saw Susan May Warren's post about her Montana Rescue tour. I almost kept scrolling but then one of the cities caught my eye, my city, Pittsburgh. Upon closer inspection I discovered that she was going to be less than a half hour away from where I live.

Needless to say I was over the moon excited! But then I realized she was going to be there on a Monday when I was at work. My hopes slipped a little but my amazing bosses asked one of their awesome parents to come (I'm a nanny so I needed some else to watch the kids if I was going to leave) and said I was free to go! 

Monday morning came and with giddy excitement I picked up my sister and we drove to the Family Christian Bookstore. When we walked in the employee who was coordinating the event asked us if we read fiction. We laughed and then said yes and that we had actually come just to see Susan.

And guys, she is as awesome in real life as she is online! We got to talk for almost a half hour and it was one of the best conversations I've ever had! We discussed her newest book and then she started talking about what was to come in the rest of the series. She even told us about what she was thinking of doing for the fourth book (Ian and Sierra's story for those of you who've read If Ever I Would Leave You and/or Wild Montana Skies) and asked what we thought about her idea (of course it was awesome)! We talked about some of her other books, novellas she had coming out, as well as some other author's books (Melissa Tagg and Rachel Hauck). She asked what we did and gave my sister support raising tips (Susan was a missionary in Russia if you didn't know). 

It was so much fun to gush about books and characters with the person who created them. And to talk about details I'd never have gotten anywhere else!

So yeah, meeting one of my absolute favorite authors went a million times better than I could have dreamed and I will forever be grateful for the experience! Now to figure out how to meet the rest of my favorite authors!

Another Day, Another Dali by Sandra Orchard

About the Book
When a valuable Salvador Dali painting belonging to her grandmother's friend is mysteriously replaced by a forgery, FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is called in to investigate. Serena hopes finding the thief will also mean finally measuring up to Nana's expectations. But when the evidence points to members of the owner's own household, it becomes increasingly clear that Serena won't be winning any popularity contests.
The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the specter of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather.

With plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena Jones--and readers--a new high-stakes case to crack.

My Thoughts
I wanted to love this book, I really did. After finding the first book in this series enjoyable I had hopes that this one would be even better but sadly this one didn't quite measure up. It was still a fun and amusing read but I didn't get hooked and it took me a bit to make my way through it. It was fun to catch up with the characters from book one and they are an eclectic bunch, from by-the-book Tanner to wild and adventurous Aunt Martha. We're still no closer to knowing whether Serena is going to end up with Tanner or Nate and I'm honestly not sure which I prefer though if forced to choose right now I'd probably land on #teamTanner.
The mystery kept me guessing to the very end and I don't think I'd have figured it out even if I was trying.
All in all it wasn't a bad story! The main problem for me the fact that a lot of the time I had a hard time finding what was happening to be very believable. And yes, I realize this is fiction, but it was just the way everything was elaborately connected seemed a little far-fetched and while I liked Serena, she came across like an amateur sleuth instead of the FBI agent that she was supposed to be.
But if you are able to suspend reality for a bit you'll find an entertaining book to while away a few hours with!

Meet the Author
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several books, including the Port Aster Secrets series. The winner of five Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, a National Readers' Choice Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more at www.sandraorchard.com.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Friday Memes 10/28

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

You've been invited to a costume party and the theme is classic literature characters. Who would you go as?

My Answer:

I would probably go as Meg or Jo March from Little Women.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

The steep sides of the pass into the canyon pressed down on Heath Kincaid until he could hardly breathe. Though it was a blustery November day, a sheen of sweat broke out on his forehead. It surprised him because Heath knew mountains, and he knew tight places.
No Way Up by Mary Connealy

My Thoughts
Good beginning! 

Waiting on Wednesday #225: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen
Bethany House-December 6, 2016

About the Book

First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen!
The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.
Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.
With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

Why I Want It

I always enjoy Julie Klassen's books and it's cool that she's finally doing a series! The plot hasn't fully captured my attention but I know it will be good!

Top Ten Halloween TV Show Episodes

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Halloween (II III IV)-Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Tuesday the 17th-Psych

Witch Hunt-NCIS

The One With the Halloween Party-Friends

Vampire Weekend-Castle

Spooky Endings-Happy Endings

It's the Great Pumpkin Sam Winchester-Supernatural

Ho'oma'ike-Hawaii Five-0

Life of the Party-Angel

Halloween-Buffy the Vampire Slayer

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #239

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

A pretty good non-fiction read!

What I am currently reading:

Still working on this one but it's enjoyable!

What I hope to read this week:

Hopefully I will actually get to this one this week!

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

If Ever I Would Leave You by Susan May Warren

About the Book
If you harbored a devastating secret, had given your solemn promise of silence… what would make you to break it?
Ian Shaw can have anything he wants…
...except the woman he loves. After all, Sierra Rose is his amazing assistant, a woman who helps him hold his empire together, leaving him free to pursue his adventurous hobbies—his only distraction from his excruciating past… until now. But what if she is the one who can finally free him from his regrets?
Sierra Rose harbors a terrible secret…
...the fact that Ian’s favorite niece and ward, Esme, just might elope with her less-than-awesome boyfriend. Sierra’s made a promise to Esme—but her first loyalty belongs to her boss Ian, the man she's admired for years. But letting herself fall in love with him risks the best job she’s ever had.
When tragedy strikes, sparks ignite…
...because Esme has vanished. Ian fears the worst--has she run away with her boyfriend? Or, has something more sinister happened in the wilds of Glacier National Park? It's a race against time, with Sierra and Ian caught in the crossfire of secrets, regrets and what-ifs.

My Thoughts

I had a bit of mixed feelings about this novella. On one hand, like everything Susan May Warren has written, I loved it. But on the other hand the way it ended left me a little frustrated. You see while the entire novella was really good the story ended without anything being resolved. And while I realize it's because the rest of their story takes place in the series this novella was a prequel for, I still want to know what happens! 

That aside, the characters were great and I especially loved meeting Ian and Sierra. They're one of those couples that has feelings for each other but neither will admit it for fear of ruining the relationship they already have. I was rooting for them to finally just tell each other. Esme was a well written character too, your typical teen not always thinking everything through. 

The mystery of what happened to Esme when she disappeared was extremely intriguing and I desperately wanted to figure it out! But like I said at the beginning of this review, nothing got resolved so as I read the last sentence of this book I still had no clue where Esme was and Ian and Sierra's relationship was at pretty much the same place. And I need to know so I was quite happy that I already had Wild Montana Skies to dive into next!

**Full disclosure, I'm now fairly certain after finishing book one in this series that we'll have to wait till the last book to figure the mystery of Esme's disappearance and find out if Ian and Sierra ever get together! But don't let that stop you from enjoying these stories now!

Meet the Author

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over forty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas. 

With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three time RITA finalist and an eight time Christy Finalist.

Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.” 

And Library Journal adds, “Warren's characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…” 

Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.

Friday Memes 10/21

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Instead of giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, you're going to give out homemade bookmarks. What would the bookmarks look like?

My Answer:

They'd say "Trick or Treat! It's time to read!" and I'd put pumpkins and fall leaves all around!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

I tore my gaze from the porch that wrapped around the drug dealer's house and cringed at the number on my phone's call display.
Mom said there'd be days like this.
Another Day, Another Dali by Sandra Orchard

My Thoughts
Fun beginning! 

Union With Christ by Rankin Wilbourne

About the Book
To experience why the gospel is good news and answer life’s most foundational questions about identity, destiny, and purpose, we must understand what it means to be united to Christ.
If you are a Christian, the Bible says that Christ has united his life to yours, that you are now in Christ and Christ is in you. This almost unfathomable truth is the central theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Yet few Christians today experience or enjoy this reality. Union with Christ reveals the transformational power of this ancient doctrine while addressing the basic questions of the human heart:
Who Am I?
Why Am I Here?
Where Am I Headed?
How Will I Get There?

Nothing is more practical for living the Christian life than union with Christ. The recovery of this reality provides the anchor and engine for your life with God—for your destiny is not only to see Christ, but to actually become like him.

My Thoughts
This book had its ups and downs, for me at least, but overall it was a very well written book packed with some powerful truths that we all need to hear. The author took a topic that can come across as to hard to understand (which in some ways it is) and explained it in a very clear yet intelligent way. As a pretty much life-long Christian it's easy for me to feel like I've heard it all before but the way this message was presented and the words that he used hit me in a new way and really made me do some reevaluation.
There was one section that was a little harder to get through and a bit of redundancy (which might be helpful to others if this book is read over a longer period of days but I read it in a few days so it stuck out to me more) but that didn't detract from the heart of the book.
I feel like the words on these pages will speak to just about anyone who is willing to listen whether they are new Christians, long time Christians, or maybe just someone who wants to know what this whole Christian thing is all about.

Meet the Author
Rankin Wilbourne (M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary) is the pastor of Pacific Crossroads Church in Los Angeles. A former commercial banker, Rankin understands the “gap” between the gospel preached on Sunday and the world people face on Monday. Leading a thriving church in a city driven by imagination, he’s concerned with practical theology—drawing connections between what we believe and how we live. Rankin and his wife, Morgen, reside in Los Angeles with their three children.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Waiting on Wednesday #224: For the Record

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

For the Record by Regina Jennings
Bethany House-December 6, 2016

About the Book

Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle's newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don't seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies' pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She'd be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.
Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.

Why I Want It

I've really enjoyed all of this author's books and this one sounds fun!

Top Ten Character Names I'd Use for My Future Kids

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


First Names

Washington
From Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser
(The actual George Washington made me want to use this name but the book made it work for this list!)

Beckett
Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

Dominic
When A Heart Stops by Lynette Eason

Eden
To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Shiloh
Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig

Middle Names

Tobias
Divergent by Veronica Roth
(Tobias Fornell from NCIS is the real reason I like this name but again, a book character made it work for this list!)

Luca
The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren

Patrick
The O'Conner Family Saga by Julie Lessman

Finn
Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon

Amelia
The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #238

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

I had a great reading week! All of these were fantastic!

What I am currently reading:

So far these are enjoyable. I need to get Union With Christ finished by Thursday.

What I hope to read this week:

Maybe I'll get to this one this week!

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon

About the Book
After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.

Bestselling author Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners . . . and keeps them captive until the very last page.

My Thoughts
I love Irene Hannon and I've read almost 20 of her books but this series just might be my favorite.
We got to know Finn a little in his brothers' books but it was great to finally get in his head. I admired the way that he fought and worked as hard as he could to recover from his injuries rather than just wallowing in the fact that his military career was over. I also loved how, like his brothers, he had heroism and being a gentleman built into him. He was willing to run headlong into possible danger without a second thought if he thought someone was in jeopardy. And he was always very respectful and kind to those around him.
Dana was great heroine caring and quiet yet not afraid to take a stand when the need arose. She'd had a traumatizing experience but she didn't let it break her, as hard as it tried. Both Finn and Dana were in recovery mood and trying to figure out their next steps and they were exactly what each other needed. I loved how Finn kept showing up with little excuses and coming up with ways for them to spend time together. Their whole romance was adorable.
The suspense side of the story was a little bit different in that the bad guy really wasn't a bad guy, he just got in over his head. I even found myself feeling sorry for him. There was a second "villain" who definitely fit that title more than the other guy but he wasn't as much the main focus, at least at first. But the author wove it all together brilliantly and I found myself devouring the pages to find out what was happening.
It was great seeing more of Mac and Lance and I absolutely loved when all three McGregor brothers were together! They had me laughing so much! They're great on their own but the three of them play off each other so well!

I'm sad to see this series end but I loved every page of it and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!

Meet the Author
Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, www.irenehannon.com

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White

About the Book
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

My Thoughts
The first books I read of Roseanna M. White's were her Culper Ring series, and I immediately knew I'd found an author to add to my favorites list. Then she began her Ladies of the Manor and, even though I didn't think it was possible, they were even better! I absolutely adored the first two books and I anxiously awaited Ella's story, what a story it was! I had mixed feelings about Clayton going in but those were rapidly changed to be one hundred percent positive! Yes he had made mistakes in the past but he was working his hardest to become a different man, a better man. I loved his interactions with his daughter so much! In a time when parents left the raising of their children to servants and fathers were typically barely involved or not involved at all, it really showed how much he was changing and how much he truly loved his daughter!
Ella was her typical happy and sweet self but she also showed her stubborn side! Despite everyone warning her away from Clayton, including the man himself, she sees the good in him and decides they'll be friends. Which turns into working together to rid their families and friends of the Fire Eyes and the trouble they've brought, which forces them to put on the pretense of a relationship. But the fake romance turned into real feelings despite the fact that Clayton is convinced he's not good enough for Ella. I loved their banter with each other and their whole relationship was fun to watch!
The Fire Eyes were finally dealt with once and for all, though I won't spoil it by saying how! It was great to spend more time with Brooke and Justin and even Bryce and Rowena for a bit!

I loved every single part of this book and while I'm sad to see the series end it was the perfect conclusion!

Meet the Author
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of nine novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Love Everlasting by Julie Lessman

About the Book
He sets hearts on fire.
She’s been burned by love.
Can hope survive the flames of the past?
School teacher by day, ghostwriter by night, sweet and shy Shannon O’Bryen doesn’t mind writing romance on the sly, but to live it? No, thank you, not since the man she loved turned out to be a player who broke both her heart and her spirit. Now focused more on her faith and her fiction, she vows the next time she falls in love, it will be safely—through the pages of a book.

Dr. Sam Cunningham is a charismatic player who breaks hearts as regularly as he washes his pearl-white Corvette. Abandoned as a baby, Sam was an orphan shuffled through the foster-care system, bitterly driven to prove he is worthy of love—the kind that lasts forever. Once he learns Shannon is a romance writer, he enlists her help in winning back his ex-girlfriend. She teaches him about faith and the true definition of love, and he soon discovers he’s been seeking it in the wrong place all along—and with the wrong girl. But can he convince a woman who's been burned by love to open her eyes—and her heart—to a love everlasting?

My Thoughts
I've made no secret of my absolute love of every book that Julie Lessman has written and this book was no different! I dove into this book the first chance I got only to realize that there was a different book that I had to finish within two days. So I begrudgingly set this aside but as soon as I was able to get back to it I had it finished a less than 12 hour window.
I loved Shannon and Sam! We got to meet them in the previous book, Shannon quiet and sweet, and Sam the wild playboy. I was very intrigued by how their relationship would play out since they were so different but I had no doubt that Julie would make it work! I loved how while Shannon was quiet and sweet she also was strong and knew how to stand up for herself. She could go toe to toe with Sam and win and that was exactly what he needed. And she somehow knew exactly what to say to get through to Sam and help him realize his need for God and become a better man. Sam had a rough childhood but he didn't let that stop him from making something of himself. And yes that made him a bit cocky and self-assured but he also has a rather soft side especially when it comes to kids (and let me tell you, a guy that's good with kids is enough to make this girl melt) and those he cares about. At first glance Shannon and Sam would appear a mismatched couple but up close it was obvious they were exactly what each other needed! It was entertaining how the basis of their friendship started with Sam convincing Shannon to help him win the heart of another girl, but everything worked out the right way in the end!
It was great to get a bit more of Jack and Lacey's story and to see Ben and Tess continued working out their relationship!

This book made me laugh, tear up a bit, and yes, melt. And it was wonderfully perfect! I can't wait for book three and since I'm pretty sure I know who it's about I know we're in for a fun ride!

Meet the Author
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” not only underscores her intense passion for God and romance, but her staunch advocacy for sexual purity before marriage as well. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys reading what she writes -- close-knit Irish family sagas as well as both historical and contemporary religious and inspirational romance for the sweet and Christian markets.

You can contact Julie and read excerpts from her books at www.julielessman.com, or through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or Pinterest, as well as sign up for her newsletter. Check out Julie’s group blog, The Seekers, Writers Digest 2013, 2014, and 2015 “Best 101 Websites for Writers,” and Julie’s own personal blog, Journal Jots, voted blog of the month in the Readers’ Choice poll of Book Fun Magazine.

I received an ebook copy of this book free from the author in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Friday Memes 10/14

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

You come across an old library that has the one book you've been searching for for years, but the library happens to be haunted by ghosts. Would you go into the library to find the book?

My Answer:

Okay pretending that I actually believed ghosts existed I probably wouldn't go in. Why risk it just to borrow a book?

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Kacey didn't want to raise eyebrows and alert the entire town to her return. She simply hoped to tame the beast that had roared to life when she spotted the billboard for the Gray Pony Saloon and Grill, of Rt. 2, on the outskirts of Mercy Falls. 
The home of the best hickory rib sauce in the west.
Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

My Thoughts
Instantly gives you a small town feel and makes you wonder why Kacey doesn't want everyone to know she's in town.

Waiting on Wednesday #223: Conspiracy of Silence

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig
Bethany House-December 6, 2016

About the Book

Four years after a tragic mission decimated his career and his team, Cole "Tox" Russell is persona non grata to the United States. And that's fine--he just wants to be left alone. But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed, Tox is lured back into action.
Partnered with FBI agent Kasey Cortes, Tox has to pull together a team to begin a globe-spanning search for answers--and a cure. As their quest leads them from continent to continent, it slowly becomes clear they're not just fighting a plague--but battling against an ancient secret society whose true goals remain hidden.
With time running out and opposition growing on every side, the key to everything may rest in an antique codex, the Crown of Jerusalem--but will Tox and his team be able to trust each other enough to break this century-spanning conspiracy of silence?

Why I Want It

Ronie Kendig-enough said!