ReviewsByErin

Ellen Creighton doesn't know what to believe about the events surrounding her father and sister Marian, which we read about in Come Back to Me, but she knows she doesn't want anything to do with their quest for the ultimate cure. She's made peace with the fact that her genetic disorder combined with a more recent cancer diagnosis will cut her life short. Living now is more important than losing time seeking what may never come to pass.

Harrison Burlington, however, is a little more desperate. He's loved Ellen for years, though he hasn't wanted his own disabilities to slow down the fast pace at which she was living. But time is running out. How can he convince Ellen to believe in the ultimate cure? And if she does, how might that affect the charity work she's given her life to?

Follow Ellen and Harrison on their breathtaking journey. This time-crossing novel will keep you glued to the pages as you race to see what will happen next, and whether the ending will be happy or hold tragedy. No spoilers from me!

I found this book to be a little harder to follow where the time-crossing and its ramifications were concerned, but I still enjoyed it very much and hope there's a third book in this series to tie everything together. If you enjoy contemporary and historical stories with a dash of science fiction and corporate intrigue, jump into Never Leave Me and come along for the ride.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

2021 has been a long year filled with really great books. I'm glad to share the ones that stood out as most memorable to me. They're listed below in alphabetical order by the last name of the author.

Click on any title to read my original review, or click on the cover if you're interested in purchasing these books for yourself.

  "Yours Is The Night" by Amanda Dykes
War-torn France in 1918 is not where you expect hope to shine. Five characters sacrifice for each other and light the way through the darkness.

  "The Lines Between Us" by Amy Lynn Green
What does it look like to take a stand or take a risk when your beliefs aren't popular? An interesting and thought-provoking home front WWII mystery.

  "When Twilight Breaks" by Sarah Sundin
Evelyn and Peter discuss differing ideals and philosophies in 1938 Germany—but as war looms and danger threatens, they both must decide where they stand.


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2021 has been a long year filled with really great books. I'm glad to share the ones that stood out as most memorable to me. They're listed below in alphabetical order by the last name of the author.

Click on any title to read my original review, or click on the cover if you're interested in purchasing these books for yourself.

"A Flicker of Light" by Katie Powner
Three generations grapple with the changing seasons—a young woman newly pregnant, her father widowed too soon, and her grandmother dealing with early-onset Alzheimer's.

"Autumn By The Sea" by Melissa Tagg
Could a blueberry farm in Maine hold the answers to Sydney's mysterious beginnings? She's willing to risk meeting the Muir family to find out, but her heart is pulled in many directions.

"Let It Be Me" by Becky Wade
Math teacher Leah is heartbroken when she finds out she was switched at birth and that she shares no DNA with the brother she's raised. What does it really mean to be family?


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Welcome to the story of three generations in one family—a family full of secrets and loss and regret. And hope that springs eternal.

Glory Ann was young, unmarried, and pregnant when her sweetheart was killed in Vietnam. She never even had the chance to tell him about the baby they created together. Her pastor father, not wanting to deal with the shame of Glory Ann's situation, devises a solution will change everything for Glory Ann. How can she ever embrace Old Depot Grocery and everything it thrusts upon her?

Rosemary carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. She's always been the good and dutiful daughter—and when on rare occasion she dared to try her own way, disaster has followed. She hates being tied down to Old Depot, but she won't budge. Will a health crisis force her to finally look at what she really wants in life?

Sarah is the unconventional widow. She had literally packed her bags to leave her husband on the same day an accident claimed his life. In order to escape the condolences she doesn't desire, she escapes to Old Depot Grocery for time with her mother and grandmother. Can she deal with her grief and find hope for the future in this small town rather than the big wide world her mother has always pushed her to explore?

This story is really beautiful. The writing style connects you immediately with the characters, and though the subjects are heavy, they're handled in a way that doesn't feel dark. Plus there's hope and light shining throughout, even when things are difficult.

Though I realized after I finished the book that there isn't an overt faith message, the story of redemption is all over the pages. You'll have to look for yourself to see all the ways it is woven in. I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read more from this author.

Take a trip to Cornwall this Christmas in the pages of Lindsay Harrel's Like a Silver Bell. Kara Gentry is slowly getting her life back—or what passes for her life after her divorce from her powerful husband three years ago. Being a single mom on a limited income isn't easy, but she won't touch Jeff's money. All of that goes straight to Rose's college fund. And Kara has no desire to get involved with a man again, especially not one with any kind of wealth to his name. She's seen where that lifestyle leads, and it's not for her.

One of the ways Kara finds redemption is in working for an organization that helps abused wives, and now her job is taking her to England for a December fundraiser. Running the huge weekend event is taking up all her energy, except for the part of her that worries about what Jeff might be telling Rose while she's out of the country. And the part that won't stop thinking about Warren Kensington.

Kara has known Warren for years, but she's never considered him in any special way until now. In close proximity as they both prepare for the fundraiser, she notices many new things about him. His wealth puts him squarely out of her self-imposed boundaries, though her emotions are not paying any attention.

But is the enchantment of being in a fancy place for a special time just that? Is Warren as good a guy as he seems?

This is a sweet story that perfectly captures the Christmas spirit and the heart of a battered woman. You cheer for Kara yet completely understand her wounds and hesitations. If you need a touch of romance balanced with depth, this is a Christmas story you should check out.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this opinion are my own.

The California mountains come alive in this dual timeline story. Our historical heroine is Juniper Cohen, whose husband has disappeared into the hills, leaving her with their young daughter while the mining community drifts on to find another strike. In modern times, Johnny Sutherland seeks to restore the only building left standing—Juniper's home—in the ghost town of Kenworthy even while fighting for his marriage, his kids, and the life which has unexpectedly turned upside down on him.

Juniper doesn't know where her husband is, or if he'll return. Fighting for survival, she befriends the few people left in Kenworthy. She refuses to leave, wanting to be exactly where her husband left her in case he comes home. 

Johnny doesn't want to sign the divorce papers his wife has drawn up. Her infidelity doesn't cancel his love for her or the desire to raise their family together. As he connects with the history of Kenworthy, and especially that of Juniper Cohen, he finds kinship and comfort in the least likely places.

I really enjoyed this story. It is extremely character-driven, so it is not for readers who like a lot of action. Both Juniper and Johnny face deep hardship and have to make difficult decisions over the course of the novel, but there is always gentleness, truth, and God's faithfulness in the mix. I liked how the past and present storylines wove together, and there were some surprises along the way that took the story to places I wasn't expecting.

Like our characters, I could relate to this quote from late in the novel: "This is the story that God has woven for us, and I am learning to trust that He knows the way."

If you are a fan of the character-driven novel, please consider checking this one out.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Flynn McQuaid has taken over the care of his younger siblings since his mother's passing and his stepfather kicking them off their Pennsylvania farm. When older brother Wyatt sends for them from his new ranch in Colorado, Flynn knows it's the new start he and his siblings need, even if things were tense the last time the brothers saw each other. 

Linnea Newberry fought hard to be included in the group of botanists heading west. Alongside her grandfather, she and the team are cataloging the regional flora and preparing to write a manual on western plants. However, Linnea has a penchant for falling into trouble and she's worried that her grandfather will find an opportunity to send her back home. 

After saving Linnea from nearly drowning, Flynn is surprised when her grandfather offers to hire him to be Linnea's guard while they travel west. The older man insists on keeping the arrangement a secret. Flynn tries to stifle his feelings of attraction for the young widow, especially because he intends to shun marriage and fatherhood, but the more time they spend together, the more he is drawn to Linnea.

I really enjoyed Flynn as a character. As an involved big sibling myself, I always appreciate stories about the same. The romance here was a little heavier than I like, but it's balanced by plenty of historical and scientific tidbits to make the setting and characters come alive. There was also a big unexpected twist that I quite liked. The last chapter sets up the third book in this series so well. I'm already looking forward to its release!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Gordon Hooper is a conscientious objector of Quaker faith who finds himself serving his country as a smokejumper in Oregon during WWII. Both he and his best friend Jack Armitage believe in avoiding violence, though they are happy to work on the home front. Their conviction has cost them many things—respect of others, status in society, and even a chance at love. Jack's sister Dorie rebuffed Gordon and has even turned her back on her own brother, choosing to serve with the Women's Army Corps.

When Jack is injured in a fire, things aren't quite adding up. With his friend hospitalized and unable to answer questions, Gordon keeps his eyes open and tries his best to make peace with an uncertain situation.

Dorie's adventurous and indomitable spirit has gotten her into a scrape or two. But Jack's mysterious injuries prompt Dorie to leave behind all propriety and begin an undercover, unauthorized investigation. Using an assumed name, she travels to Oregon with the intention of getting to the bottom of the situation. But she didn't count on coming face to face with the one man who could blow her cover: Gordon Hooper.

This book is richly layered with memorable characters and a surprising WWII home front mystery. The title itself could apply to multiple aspects of the story. I loved the internal struggles and the way the author brought to life a part of history that was unknown to me. I've loved both of Amy Lynn Green's books, and look forward to more from her in the future!

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

If you enjoy women's fiction, you will not want to miss the new Barefoot Sisterhood series from Lindsay Harrel. In The Inn at Walker Beach, Jules Baker has invited a group of women to help her restore an old B&B. The women don't have anything in common except for the fact that they were on Jules' heart. Though some are quick to open up, others are more cautious. Each has talents and giftings that can bless the whole group... but only if they are brave enough to share.

We first met Jenna Wakefield in Harrel's Walker Beach Romance series, and though it's not necessary to read those first, it was really her story that made me want to read this one. Jenna was a teen mom who has struggled with depression and self-worth issues, and I wanted to see her blossom. With the encouragement of Jules and the other women, Jenna decides to go back to school. But will getting her degree open the right doors? Or have the desires of her heart been waiting in Walker Beach all along?

Elise Griffin is searching for meaning after her grandchildren start school. Her relationship with her husband has grown distant after forty years of marriage and a recent affair. Can she ever trust Charles? Does she even want to still be married to him? Looking for identity and healing, Elise doesn't know where to turn. Will the women of the Barefoot Sisterhood help her find her way?

I've heard many readers say they enjoy stories which involve more mature couples. Harrel does a great job with the relationship between Elise and Charles. I felt like the twists and turns were very real and relatable. I enjoyed all the different storylines, and my interest is definitely piqued for more books to come in this series.

Note: This story was written for the general market, and I truly missed the inclusion of a faith aspect. Lindsay has written some of my favorite women's fiction over the past few years, including The Secrets of Paper and Ink and The Joy of Falling. Don't miss those as this new series rolls out.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Meri is devastated to inherit The List—an advice column from the 1950s with ideas for how to catch a husband. As if being the last single girl in her social circle wasn't enough, there's the pressure of these ridiculous suggestions to live up to. In order to prove the advice isn't worth the old flimsy paper it's printed on, she begins a YouTube channel showing how silly it is to follow this antiquated advice. But will filming the show and following the tips actually bring her what she's looking for?

I have a lot of thoughts about this novel! You don't have to hang around my blog very long to know one of my very favorite books is Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston, and Husband Auditions reminded me of Flabbergasted in many ways. They're both laugh-out-loud funny, and both seem to have come into my life at moments when I could relate strongly to the characters. 

You see, next month I plan to attend the wedding of a dear friend, and then I will be the last single girl in one more social circle. I do know other single women, but in this particular group, I'm the last one standing. It's not my choice to be single, and it's hard enough already without being the last one. 

Husband Auditions is very funny. I was thoroughly entertained and laughed frequently. Like Flabbergasted, it uses its colorful premise and characters to sneakily weave in truth in a way that makes you go, "Ouch." Husband Auditions also made me cry. The growth arc. The longing. The sweetness. The wondering if Meri and I will both ever see our hopes fulfilled.

The story left me looking for more, though. I feel the growth arc was incomplete—and it's totally written to be incomplete, as doesn't try to tie up everything in a nice little bow. I understand the point is that we keep growing. However, I can't help wishing it covered a little more territory to show us Meri and the other characters further along their journeys. The ending is just right for the book as it is written, but for me, the story came up a little short.

So take my thoughts with a grain of "last single woman" salt. I really did enjoy this book, and it's a front runner to make my Best Of 2021 list. But it just left me a little unsatisfied, not unlike the feeling of still sleeping alone in a twin-sized bed.