reviewsbyerin

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I read some really great books this year! Here are my ten favorites, separated by genre. Click any cover to visit the book's Amazon page.

"Positively, Penelope" by Pepper Basham

Penelope ventures across the ocean to help restore a 100-year-old family-owned theater. Along the way, the pure joy of her personality proves infectious, even in the face of difficulties.

"Memory Lane" by Becky Wade

Remy rescues a man suffering from amnesia. As she helps him find his memories, she fights to keep her own at bay.

"The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass" by Katie Powner

Garbage truck driver Pete sees a side of people that most do not—and I'm not just talking about their trash. He sees beauty and value in others that may be overlooked by those not paying attention.

"Dear Henry, Love Edith" by Becca Kinzer

A mix-up leads Henry and Edith to share a house without ever having met. He thinks she's an elderly widow, and she thinks he's a nice little old man. Such a fun story!

"Wedding at Sea" by Melissa Tagg

Can two decades-old mysteries be solved? Can two people who have never gotten along plan a wedding for someone very dear to them?

"The Sound of Light" by Sarah Sundin

The Danish resistance during WWII takes center stage. A baron and a physicist must both decide what they will do to protect their country and save their friends.

"An Elegant Facade" by Kristi Ann Hunter

Lady Georgina has a closely-held secret. Colin is a businessman in a world of gentlemen who look down on honest work. Can they see past their dislikes of the other to find true depth of character?

"A Beautiful Disguise" by Roseanna M. White

Lady Marigold and her brother use the talents gained from their unusual upbringing to run a secret spy ring among highbrow society in Edwardian London.

"Kiss Me on Christmas" by Sarah Monzon

A single mom and her neurodivergent son travel for the holidays to help with a family wedding, and on the way they meet the boy’s favorite YouTuber, who happens to be the best man at the same wedding.

"This and Every Christmas" by Jaycee Weaver

One family's December 23rd tradition plays a pivotal role in their daughter's romance. Visit this one special day through the years to see the story unfold.

Find more Top Ten Tuesday posts at That Artsy Reader Girl.

Current Mood: chipper

In 1849 St. Louis, RIley Rafferty is more interested in doing good deeds and becoming mayor than in remarrying. His first marriage was anything but happy before his wife's passing. But his father's ill health forces him to consult with a young matchmaker, who insists the perfect woman for him is the one who has vowed never to marry.

Finola Shanahan's interests lie in joining a convent. She believes she is not worthy of love or a family of her own. But her well-established family won't accept this for their oldest daughter, and they are certain their thirteenth round with the matchmaker will be the one that sticks.

The first thing I was surprised about in this book was that the matchmakers were both male. Maybe I've seen too much Mulan or Fiddler on the Roof, but I thought matchmaking was a singularly female pursuit. The second thing I was surprised about was how much physical attraction played a role in the story. One knows to expect a certain level of that with a Jody Hedlund book, but this pushed it a little too far for me personally. Another surprise was just how scheming Riley, Finola, and the matchmaker each were. Constant schemes! Always trying to work things out the way they wanted. None of them came across as very realistic characters to me.

The best part of this book focused on Riley's work within the city and the portrayal of St. Louis in this time frame. The worst part of this book were the scenes involving romance at a cholera sickbed.

This end did set up the next book in the series very well and I am curious to see it unfold.

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

Current Mood: busy

What if you could get to know a family whose December 23rd tradition will touch your heart and bring romance to the lives of their daughters? The Sinclair family is crazy about Christmas, and each Dec. 23rd finds them at a Christmas tree farm in northern New Mexico to enjoy the festivities and bring home a tree. How will their tradition impact Clari, CJ, and Cindy? You'll have to read the novellas to find out!

While these stories are fun and full of Christmas spirit, they also gently and realistically touch on difficult subjects like betrayal and emotional abuse. Is there healing to be found, even in silly traditions? There's definitely healing to be found in the reason we celebrate Christmas, which is Jesus Christ coming to earth to bring hope and salvation to a troubled world.

If you love Christmas traditions or think you'd like to know more about music teacher Clair, chef CJ, or hotel manager Cindy, find yourself a copy of this delightful Christmas trilogy and settle in for a good read. Make sure to have some hot chocolate on hand!

Current Mood: hungry

When twin sisters Antonina and Helena said goodbye to their father as he left to fight the oncoming Nazi army, they had no idea how their lives were about to change. Under German occupation, they see Jewish friends removed to the ghetto and their own lives dictated by the war. Where they work, what hours they can be on the streets, even where they themselves live as bombing changes the face of the city.

That was only the beginning.

This book spans the entirety of the German occupation of Warsaw, from 1939 until 1945. Along the way, Antonina and Helena both join the resistance in their own ways, one by helping smuggle Jewish children out of the city and the other by becoming a courier for the underground Polish army as they plan an uprising against their captors.

I had expected this book would be intense and grueling, and the last 30% definitely was. You could tell the author had done much research to bring to life the horrifying stages of Warsaw's occupation. Some passages were absolutely heartbreaking.

I was disappointed that this story was not the sisters facing the war together, but rather how the war took them apart. The double first person narrative is not my favorite, and it sometimes felt like we went too long without checking in on the other sister. Part of that was the actual war timeline, with such a long span of time covered in one novel.

Overall, I would recommend this book for those who enjoy historical novels with much detail given to real life history, but do be aware that the tragedies of war are very realistically spelled out on the page.

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

Current Mood: busy

When her baby sister wants to pull off a last-minute Christmas Day wedding, Kaitlyn Stafford is willing to adjust her own traditions to be there—but not drop her traditions entirely, as they are important to her neurodivergent son. Kaitlyn's been a single mom since her husband decided Liam was too much and took off. Liam thrives off routines and traditions. Can Kaitlyn find a way to blend what they love in order to help her family?

Beckett Walsh makes his living posting science videos on YouTube. He's on his way to his friend's wedding when he meets a young fan at the airport, and he enjoys talking with the smart youngster. When he finds out that Kaitlyn and Liam are also going to the same wedding, the trio find lots of reasons to be together while helping with the wedding preparations.

Beckett is a wonderful hero, Kaitlyn is a strong heroine, and Liam steals every scene. This story is very sweet and shows both the struggle and delight of having a special child like Liam, who is based on the author's son. This novella is currently up for a Christy Award and I can certainly see why. Highly recommended holiday reading!

Current Mood: good

Mackenzie Graham just wants to make beautiful graphics, take care of her mom, and not attract anyone's attention. Her social anxiety keeps her from more than surface relationships with most people, and it especially keeps her far away from Jeremy Fletcher, her attractive coworker. Then her boss declares that the holiday promotion will go to either her or Jeremy, and the competition is on. Who can out-Christmas the other and win the promotion?

Mackenzie needs the promotion to help with her mom's bills at the memory care facility. Jeremy needs it because he's raising his twin preteen niece and nephew. Both are grieving their own losses during the holiday season—Mackenzie with her mom's early onset Alzheimer's, Jeremy over the death of his sister.

Jeremy had never really noticed Mackenzie before, but now that they are rivals he is paying a lot more attention. Her quiet but thoughtful ways make him take notice in a completely different way.

I thought the portrayal of social anxiety was realistic and well done. Mackenzie desires to do better, but it's not an obstacle easily overcome, and even when she makes strides there is the occasional regression. While I enjoyed all the Christmas activities, I also wondered where Mackenzie and Jeremy had the funds to pull off their festive feats. The romance was super sweet and slow burn, though at the same time it somehow felt a little rushed, probably due to the length of this shorter novel. Also the whole forced workplace rivals thing and its resolution was kind of gimmicky. Though it did seem a bit of a stretch, the story is fun, has some depth and a faith arc, and also captures the spirit of the season. If you're looking for something new to read this holiday, All's Fair in Love and Christmas might be the book for you.

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

Current Mood: okay

I got to meet Bethany Turner and hear her talk about this book when it was still in its idea stage, and I was glad for a chance to review the audiobook now that the story is out in the world.

Morning show host Brynn Cornell lands herself in big trouble when she's caught in a hot mic moment blasting her hometown—the one she left almost 20 years ago without a backward glance. Knowing she needs to restore herself in their graces, she sets off for a journey of patching things up, but she packs one thing that isn't going to help her: a terrible attitude.

Sebastian Sudworth has found a haven in Adelaide Springs, and who is this lightweight faux journalist to throw shade on their traditions, and then to blow in like an entitled princess? But he's stuck ferrying her around town, even though they clash like baking soda and vinegar.

I do enjoy a small town setting with plenty of quirkiness, and Adelaide Springs provides that in spades. I understood from the beginning that Brynn was written to be unlikable, but even so, she's a bit insufferable at times. Some of the things that happened seemed too implausible even for suspension of disbelief, and I noticed the lack of faith arc.

However, the characters are very deep and well-developed, and the more you get to know them the more they will touch your heart. The depth really was the shining star of this novel, and it gave some wonderful moments that took me by surprise with their meaning. If you enjoy this type of story, I would recommend this one to you.

I received my copy of the audiobook from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Current Mood: content

When Beckett Walsh unexpectedly lost her father, she didn't think she might lose everything else too. Their farm has been her entire world since her mother left when she was a child, when the grief and insecurity of the loss drove her to become agoraphobic. Now her father has left the farm into the care of two people—Beckett, and an unknown woman named Callie Peterson.

Callie is on the verge of setting up a permanent store front for her online business, but her alcoholic mother may come between her and her dream—again. Rehab is expensive, and if her mother is willing to go, shouldn't Callie do all she can to help? But when she finds out a man she's never heard of has left her half a bee farm, maybe that will allow her to help her mother and grow her business without giving up anything.

But who was George Walsh and why did he leave his farm to two young women who didn't know the other existed?

This is a gentle story that explores big emotions and the needs of humanity. Both Beckett and Callie have endured deep wounds, and both are in need of help from others to help them overcome. But help isn't easy to accept when you've known loss and betrayal from the ones who should have loved you most.

I deeply related to Callie but I also loved Beckett's part of the story. I appreciated the way faith was woven in and truths were expressed by the supporting characters. The hints of romance and one young girl also brought a lot to the novel.

I'd recommend this for fans of contemporary and womens fiction. "It's possible for treasured things to come out of brokenness. Even if it doesn't happen the way any of us would have wanted. Even if it comes through loss." (Chapter 44)

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

Current Mood: excited

On the day Samuel anointed Saul king of Israel, four young men sneaked to the top of the ridge to watch the proceedings. One year later, when Saul calls his first troops to assemble, the same four youths leave their homes, eager for battle. Avidan knows he goes without his Levite family's permission. He is not supposed to be near the fighting, but he longs for adventure.

Keziah knows her father will soon seek a husband for her, but she never guessed it would be to a man who is so loathsome. Will she even be safe in his household? A daring flight sets her free but leaves her on the run.

When Avidan, fresh from the battle but seeking what was lost, stumbles upon Keziah, the two join together for the remainder of their journey. Will they each find what they are looking for?

I've enjoyed most of Connilyn Cossette's books, and have eagerly waited for this one, which was delayed while Conni was fighting (and beating!) breast cancer. But the story didn't grab me. It has a very slow start, and the main characters don't meet until the 45% mark of the story. Things definitely pick up from there, and the interaction between Avidan and Keziah is the strongest part of the story. I also liked how Avidan came to embrace his true calling, and both characters come to know and rely on God in deeper ways.

I think the setting of this series, during the years of King Saul, will prove interesting. Looking forward to the next book!

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

Current Mood: calm

Violet Lambton is outraged to discover the local baron is stealing from his people, including her beloved grandmother. Armed with the education her adopted father gave her, Violet writes to the king—and proceeds to land herself into a whole heap of trouble.

Sir Merek is loyal to the king and to his new assignment with Baron Dunham, but when he learns the baron might not be honorable, he joins forces with Violet and others to uncover the truth and bring peace to the land.

This is a young adult tale simply told, with a spirited heroine and a trustworthy hero. It's supposed to be a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, but aside from Violet having a grandmother and a red cloak, I didn't see any similarities. That was pretty disappointing, since the whole reason I chose this story was to see how the retelling played out. It's an easy and clean read, definitely geared more toward younger readers.

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

Current Mood: sleepy

This second book in the Climbing Higher series picks up not too long after When the Ice Melts, with sisters Addisyn and Avery trying to mend their relationship in the mountains of Colorado. When Avery is tasked with helping rehabilitate an injured hawk, the bird will come to symbolize more than the sisters could ever imagine.

Avery is thrilled to have her sister with her again. There's been a lot of water under the bridge, but it's a fresh start for Addisyn, and Avery is determined it will be a good one.

But figure skating keeps calling to Addisyn, and the lure of the ice is not easily ignored. Even though she senses Avery would not approve, she can't help wondering what if. Especially if her Canadian friend Darius is involved. But when her past rears its head, Addisyn has to weigh the risk between what she loves and the things which trapped her before.

This is a layered story with very real characters. Avery and Addisyn are both flawed but relatable, and their relationship has many landmines that readers are sure to recognize from their own experiences. The plot weaves intrigue, determination, and hope as each character seeks to hold tight to what they long for. But will holding on cost them too much?

I would recommend this book for fans of contemporary fiction and the mountains.

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

Current Mood: good

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hero Debut by Angela Ruth Strong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Gemma Bennet has her eyes on her hero. Police lieutenant Karson Zellner has captured her fancy since the moment he burst into her home under the mistaken impression that she was being held captive against her will. No, Gemma hadn't been kidnapped—she'd been doing research for a scene in the screenplay she was writing. Now she believes Karson is the perfect muse for her new police-centric romantic comedy.

When Gemma signs up for the Citizen's Safety Academy, which just so happens to be led by Lt. Karson Zellner, her own life turns into a comedy of errors. How many ways can she fall into trouble? And how can she help Karson fall in love—with her?

Karson knows a bad thing when he sees it, and Gemma Bennet is a very bad thing. At least for his bruised and well-protected heart. She's only interested in her image and in making the right impressions. But he can't help being attracted, and as they spend more time together he realizes he might be wrong about her. There might be much more to Gemma than the beauty that meets the eye.

This story made me laugh out loud and totally fall for Gemma and Karson. I love stories that are funny but also hold a rich depth, and Hero Debut definitely challenges the reader to look below the surface and examine their own lives for areas where they need healing and growth. I also truly enjoyed catching up with characters from Husband Auditions, and that helped their own story feel more complete.

If you enjoy romantic comedies with faith themes, Hero Debut is the book for you!

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

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About the Book

Title: Hero Debut

Series: Love Off Script #2

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Publisher: Kregel

Release Date: August 29, 2023

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

"Another sparkling feel-good romance, brimming with perfect doses of heart and heat!"-- Bethany Turner, award-winning author of The Do-Over

Gemma Bennett is the leading lady of her own life, and her true love is writing screenplays. With her trusty pink notebook in hand, she signs up for the Citizen's Safety Academy to research her newest blockbuster hope, a rom-com with a police officer as the hero. And the fact that the handsome and heroic Lieutenant Karson Zellner is the one leading the training? Well, who can blame her for wanting to spend evenings with the man she swooned over months ago when he responded to a call at her apartment?

Karson already has his fair share of problems before Gemma shows up, and he's not exactly a fan of the ditzy blonde who can't seem to stay out of trouble. The last thing he needs is a damsel in distress to rescue; there are plenty of people in real need of his help. The fact that she seems to think his job makes him a superhero is just one more strike against her. This isn't a movie, and he feels like the furthest thing from a leading man.

Gemma can't seem to stop doing the worst, most embarrassing things at just the wrong time. And as time goes on, Gemma begins to realize that the scripts for a perfect screenplay and a real-life happily-ever-after are two very different things. Can she step out of her own way to find the hero her story needs?

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong

Angela Ruth Strong is an expert on Write That Book, blogs on inspyromance.com and How to Write a Novel, and is the founder of IDAhope Writers. She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Angela lives in Meridian, Idaho

Connect with Angela by visiting angelaruthstrong.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed copies of Husband Auditions & Hero Debut and some book-themed items that play a role in the plots of each book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 28, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 4, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Current Mood: cheerful

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If you like stories about spies and people with unexpected talents, you'll want to check out A Beautiful Disguise. Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother had a most unusual upbringing, surrounded by circus entertainers, trained animals, and acrobats. After their father died and they realized their estate was almost penniless, Marigold and her brother put the unusual skills they had acquired to work and formed The Imposters—a group who can blend into any social scene and find out the secrets of the aristocracy.

When Sir Merritt Livingstone finds himself staring at puzzles that his own connections cannot solve, he reaches out to The Imposters. Are the threats to young officers really coming from those higher up in his own office of the War Department?

I liked Lady Marigold right away. She puts on a socialite front but she has so much depth that she doesn't let just anyone see. It's hard to balance being one of London's most sought-after guests but also the one who knows all her hosts' secrets. However, she finds herself wanting to show her true self where Sir Merritt is concerned, but how can she do that without risking the anonymity they've so carefully crafted?

There's good intrigue in the plot and a wonderful cast of characters who drive the story forward. Although I guessed some of the plot twists, others took me by surprise. I think all fans of this author will appreciate her blend of historical romance and suspense. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series!

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

About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books...to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Follow Roseanna: Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter

About The Book

A Beautiful Disguise

The Imposters, 1
1909

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend’s father as a potential traitor.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the most elite guard, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they’re creating a new secret intelligence branch, he’s intent on showing his worth. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend’s sake, and she’s more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can’t possibly be as noble as he seems.

Purchase your copy of A Beautiful Disguise here.

Current Mood: good

One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Pete Ryman considers himself barely above the refuse he collects every day. A mother who left him, a sister he's disappointed, a string of rash choices made from emotions he didn't know how to handle. At least being a trash collector allows him some self-sufficiency in his middle age without having to interact much with the public. All he needs is his potbellied pig Pearl and Windy Ray, his one friend.

There's something inside Pete that I don't think he even realizes. He has the ability to see the things others overlook or even discard and find the value and beauty in them. Whether that was rescuing Pearl after she was dumped at the landfill, nabbing what someone has put out with their trash and restoring it to give to someone in need, or even the way he looks at the people in the town of Sleeping Grass. He sees a part of them that no one else sees.

So it is with Windy Ray, with Wilma, with Lily and Dani and Braedon. As each one enters his life, Pete sees the good and is willing to give his all to promote the safety and well-being of each vulnerable one.

This novel invites you into Sleeping Grass and quickly grabs hold of your heart. Real world griefs, regrets, and hope spill out over the pages for Pete and his friends. People whom others overlook and even reject hold great value. Just like life, things in this story are not tied up in a neat bow, but I think that stirs my heart even more.

I highly recommend this and all of Katie Powner's other novels. They'll make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.

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

Current Mood: thoughtful

His Heart Renewed

Mike Brewer has avoided Dr. Erin Shaye for a whole year. Not because he has anything against the redheaded veterinarian, but because she stirs up uncomfortable feelings of attraction. After being left at the altar twelve years ago, Mike has done everything he could to shut pretty women out of his life. But when his conscience pricks him for being unneighborly, his gift delivery of firewood could spark things in motion that he never saw coming.

Erin Shaye has had Mike Brewer in the back of her mind since meeting him, but his cold shoulder has her convinced she could never date him. She's got enough going on with her successful vet practice and settling into her new community. But when she has a chance to give Mike a piece of her mind, she has no idea how her words will be received.

This book is full of Ozark beauty. Such a tribute to this beautiful part of the country and the people who live here! I always love reading books set where I live, and this one honored the Ozarkian spirit in every way.

If you are looking for a book that will set your heart at ease and allow you to enjoy a sweet romance with faith at its center, His Heart Renewed is the book for you. Dreams are born and challenged, and heartache is overcome. You'll love seeing glimpses from other characters we've grown to love in the earlier books in the series, though this one could also be read as a standalone.

If gentle fiction is your thing, check out His Heart Renewed today!

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

Current Mood: content

Penelope Edgewood loves all things musical and theater. When she's given the chance to help restore a 100-year-old family-owned community theater on the island country of Skymar, she accepts the internship and leaves home for the first time, putting on her brave face and flying thousands of miles across the ocean. Nothing like an adventure!

This book, like the first book in the series, is largely epistolary, told through Penelope's texts and e-mails with her siblings and cousin. I love this style, though I know it's not for everyone. You definitely want to know that going into it.

As Penelope breathes life into The Darling House, people notice her sweet spirit and positivity. It isn't only the theater that begins showing signs of revival. Can she help the Gray family heal as well?

One word that kept coming to mind as I read this story was pure. Penelope brings so much pure delight and pure joy. This story was exactly what I needed during a stressful time in my life, as each chapter refreshed my spirit. That's not to say that there wasn't tension, a hint of mystery, and characters dealing with real life emotions—there are all those things! But there's so much goodness. Penelope shines a light, and I'm so glad I got to read her story when I did. Both of these Skymar books have touched me deeply, and I can hardly wait until Loyally, Luke releases next year!

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

Current Mood: content

When Charlotte Grey said goodbye to Anthony Welbourne and sent him off unattached to war, she thought she would never see him again. Now, four years later, Charlotte is widowed with a young son and in need of protection. Coming face to face with Anthony again is a shock.

After a war injury, Anthony Welbourne is finding purpose in protecting others and catching thieves. He never expected to come face to face with the woman who broke his heart—the woman who owns his heart still.

Danger and determination swirl as Charlotte settles back into her childhood home, away from those threatening her son. But is it far enough away from the trouble? Can Anthony keep her safe when it seems the threats are closer to home than she suspected?

This is a sweet story with enough tension to keep you turning the pages. There were some surprises in the plot, though some twists I saw coming. I never felt particularly attached to either Charlotte or Anthony, which I think was due in part to Charlotte's methodical and guarded nature. There's no faith element at all.

I would recommend this for fans of Regency romance.

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

Current Mood: good

Things change forever when Meg Burton-Smythe meets Ivo Beresford. He's the son of her father's most hated rival, but Ivo is not what one might expect. He is kind and compassionate and interesting. Not to mention handsome and alluring. Despite knowing the trouble it might get them into with each of their parents, Meg and Ivo form a friendship that soon builds toward romance.

Meg and Ivo are both young and impetuous, and that fits with the tone of this Romeo-and-Juliet style story. After decades of passionate dislike between these two families, it will take a lot more than sweet talking to get them to ever consider coming together.

Although I have read two of the other books in this series, I confess I had mostly forgotten what exactly stood between the Beresfords and the Burton-Smythes, and after reading some other reviews on this book, I think that worked in my favor. I didn't have sharp dislike or unforgiveness for Sir Frederick myself, as the sins of the past were hazy in my mind. Based on how much that bothered some other reviewers, I might even encourage you to read this book first or as a standalone.

For my part, I thought the story was easy to read and almost too simple because it lacked a real cast of characters. Also, I read almost exclusively Christian fiction, and I know Mimi doesn't claim to be Christian fiction, but there seemed to be more swearing and language than I remember from her other books. If one set that aside, the romance is gentle and clean, the families are fiery, and the hurts and dreams of these young characters are sweetly on display.

Recommended for fans of Victorian romance or Romeo and Juliet stories.

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

Current Mood: busy

Lilian Muir has always wondered where she came from. She was abandoned as a toddler on Maggie Muir's doorstep, and after an investigation that led nowhere, Maggie adopted her and raised her as her own. But whose soothing voice does she dream about? Why did they give her up?

Wilder Monroe cannot let go of Maggie Muir's case. As a private investigator, finding people is what he does. Why can't he locate Maggie's missing granddaughter? After years of searching, the case seems to be getting cold. Plus, grief from his father's death three years before still hovers over Wilder. Maybe it's time to consider giving up the P.I. business entirely.

After years of contention and one incident being caught sneaking onto his houseboat, Lilian reluctantly confides in Wilder about her recent health scare and the renewed need to find her biological family. The confession opens the door for the tiniest smidge of trust and friendship... and suddenly their years of bickering may give way to very different emotions.

If you enjoy mysteries or friends to lovers stories, you won't want to miss this one! Cynthia Muir's disappearance has been a thread throughout the entire Muir Harbor series, and adding in Lilian's own quest for her family brings another level to this complex story. Wilder's grief and haunting suspicions really touched me as well. Each of these characters bring so much to the table, and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know them and sharing their adventures.

I would recommend reading the other books in this series first to appreciate the full depth of the plot. The trilogy has been a delight, but I think this one may be my favorite. I really resonated with the spiritual theme of the book, and something about such a vulnerable yet purposeful hero completely grabbed me. Be ready to get caught turning pages way past your bedtime!

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

Current Mood: hungry

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dedicated to the One I Love by Beth K. Vogt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Kylie Franklin, writing as Veronica Hollins, can't finish the romance she was working on when her husband passed away three years ago. She keeps trying, but the happily ever after just won't come. However, a blossoming friendship with Joe Edwards is beginning to help her believe all hope is not lost in the personal romance department, even if she's never met Joe face to face—yet.

When Joe Edwards, writing as Tate Merrick, hears back from his editors that they want to add a romance thread to his latest military suspense novel, he is not happy about it. They think bringing in Veronica Hollins will bring Tate new readers and take his fiction to the next level. But that's not what Joe wants. He's never needed romance in his fiction before, and in real life it's never worked out well for him either.

Joe gets brave enough to invite Kylie to a holiday celebration, and their friendship immediately falls apart as they recognize each other as Tate and Veronica. Working together is NOT going to happen. Except their editors demand it. What can they do but try?

This book was pretty cute with lots of You've Got Mail undertones. Kylie and Joe both have memorable friends who help drive the story forward when these two stubborn main characters want to stay in the frenemy zone.

While I enjoyed the story, I thought Joe's voice and emotional journey was underdeveloped. I often didn't understand why he did the things he did, and I also didn't find him particularly likable. I found the writing aspect of the story wasn't very realistic, which is kind of odd for such a main part of the plot.

This book is more of a straight romance than a romcom, but it's still light and amusing. I appreciated that there was a bit of a faith arc. Anyone looking for fun summer reading would enjoy this, especially if they like the enemies to lovers trope.

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