Pelican Point by Irene Hannon

About the Book
A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.
Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home--and she's determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.
Sparks fly as the two go head to head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. And as they work together, might Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?
Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites readers back to their favorite town for a story that will light a beacon of hope within their hearts.

My Thoughts
I enjoyed this visit to Hope Harbor, like I have enjoyed all the previous visits. I love the quiet little town with it's close-knit community, and kind (but occasionally quirky) residents.
Ben was an amazing addition to the town and I really liked his character! He had a calm manner and was always willing to help without being pushy about it. Marci had to grow on me a bit but I ended up liking her and I admired her determination to save the lighthouse.
My favorite part of this book though, was the side story of Greg and Rachel! The newly married couple had faced quite a lot in their brief marriage but they didn't throw in the towel and I was cheering for them through the whole book.
It was fun to catch up with all the other Hope Harbor locals, including the couples from the previous books and Charley, the seller of fish tacos and provider of wisdom.
This is book four in this series but it can be read as a standalone.

Meet the Author
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including One Perfect Spring, Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, and Sandpiper Cove, as well as Dangerous Illusions and the Private Justice and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include a National Readers' Choice Award, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers' Choice Award, two Booksellers' Best Awards, two Carol Awards, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Cross My Heart by Emma Browne

About the Book
Julia comes home to her flat in Edinburgh, Scotland, to find her brother's annoying friend Nick is living in her flat. Nick won't go away, and soon their frenemy relationship turns into friendship, and attraction turns into... love. But Julia's guilty conscience and Nick's broken background put up hurdles for their relationship, and they soon find themselves questioning the beliefs they've held as true for as long as they can remember. A contemporary romance with Christian themes.

My Thoughts
I hadn’t heard anything about this book or its author until she contacted me through Instagram asking if I would be willing to read and review her book. I checked it out and since it looked good I said yes!
Honestly this was a rather good story, sure there were some things that could have used a little tweaking, I could have done without the sprinkling of language throughout, and the subject of the “social enterprise” the characters started was a little off-putting for me, but overall I genuinely enjoyed this one.
The hero and heroine had a very unique relationship. They’d known each other for years and had initially kind of liked each other. But after they both decided it wasn’t going to happen/work without even talking to the other person, they settled into a more “frenemy” kind of relationship. Always trading barbs and bantering back and forth. After years of that they started to come to their senses and though they had both had some deep seated personal issues to work through, it was entertaining to watch their relationship develop and change.
I also enjoyed their friend group and the dynamics there. I know Jack and Miranda are getting their story next so I’m hoping that Michael and Sophia’s will come after that!

In short this was a fun read, I enjoyed the setting and the characters!

Meet the Author
Emma Browne lives in Scotland where she writes romance novels with Christian themes. With a firm conviction that faith and reason have to co-exist, Emma continues to ask (often) controversial questions about who God is. Through her love stories, she wishes to inspire others to ask questions and push the boundaries of the boxes we have put God into.

Emma is also a fulltime mum, wife, student and reader.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Love Letter

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. 

The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck

June 12, 2018
Thomas Nelson

About the Book

Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.
When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart. 
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.

Why I Want It
Love Rachel Hauck's books and the unique ways she entwines stories!

Top Ten Books With 'Heart' in the Title

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This is going up late because life has been a little non-stop the past few days and then my battery died on me the one chance I had to get it up. But better late than never! There are a lot of frequently used words in Christian Fiction book titles and one I come across quite a lot is the word "heart" I found about 20 titles with the word on my shelves and here are ten of them!

#1. A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

#2. Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

#3. My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren

#4. My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

#5. Paper Hearts/A Change of Heart by Courtney Walsh

#6. The Bound Heart by Dawn Crandall

#7. The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel

#8. Rebelious Heart by Jody Hedlund

#9. A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

#10. When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #289

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

Finally had a solid reading week again! Storm Front was the clear favorite, I read it in practically one sitting!

What I am currently reading:

Loving Forever Doon! So excited to finally read this conclusion! Gatsby is interesting and I'm hoping to finish it this week.

What I hope to read this week:

Not sure what's next. It's my birthday week and my sister is visiting me from out of state. So while I want to read like crazy I also want to spend lots of time with her so we'll see what happens!

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!

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Defense of Honor

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. 

A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

Haven Manor #1

June 6, 2018
Bethany House

About the Book

When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.
After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.

Why I Want It
I adored Kristi's first series and I'm so excited for this new one! The prequel was awesome and I can't wait for Kit's story!

Top Ten Classics I Want to Read

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

#1. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

#2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

#3. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

#4. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

#5. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

#6. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

#7. Emma by Jane Austen

#8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

#9. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

#10. The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #288

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

You guys, I finally did it! I finished Les Mis! It took me about 4 years (three of which I didn't read any of it) but I did it! Also High as the Heavens was amazing!

What I am currently reading:

Just getting started on this one but it shows promise!

What I hope to read this week:

Once again going to try to get to these two! Had another busy life/slow reading week and then a review book came that took precedence.

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!

Can't Wait Wednesday: More Than Meets the Eye

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. 

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

June 5, 2018
Bethany House

About the Book

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.
Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

Why I Want It
I love Karen's books and this one sounds like such fun!

Top Ten Books I Loved But Don't Care to Reread

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

There are so many books I've loved, some that I really wish I could reread again and again. But some of them I just don't really have a burning desire to reread at all. They were amazing, and I gave them five stars, yet I'm content with only having read them once.

#1. Logan Point Series by Patricia Bradley

#2. Anomaly Series by Krista McGee

#3. Safe Lands Series by Jill Williamson

#4. The Seer Series by Rachelle Dekker

#5. Misty Willow Series by Johnnie Alexander

#6. Under Texas Stars Series by Colleen Coble

#7. Whisper on the Moors Series by Sarah E. Ladd

#8. Edwardian Brides by Carrie Turansky

#9. Belle Meade Plantation & Belmont Mansion Series by Tamera Alexander

#10. To See the Sun by Peggy Blann Phifer

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #287

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

A light reading week. I DNF'd the book I was reading at the start of the week because I just wasn't getting into it. And then after finishing (and loving) this book I started two others that I quickly decided weren't for me.

What I am currently reading:

Really enjoying High As the Heavens so far and Cast of Characters is of course good. Made a decent bit more progress in Les Mis and the end is so close I can taste it! Hoping to have it done by the end of the month!

What I hope to read this week:

Next two random draws from the TBR! Looking forward to both!

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!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Falling for You

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. 

Falling for You by Becky Wade

Bradford Sisters Romance #2

May 1, 2018
Bethany House

About the Book

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.
Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.
When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

Why I Want It
I love Becky's books and I can't wait for Corbin and Willow's story! Also this cover is absolutely gorgeous!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #286

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

A good week of reading! Some fiction and some non-fiction!

What I am currently reading:

Just starting this but hoping I enjoy it!

What I hope to read this week:

Looking forward to this new one from Irene Hannon!

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!