ReviewsByErin

In 2024 I read significantly fewer books than I usually do. It turns out that moving slows your reading time, and so does starting a new relationship, getting engaged, and planning a wedding! It's been a busy year. 😉😍

Reading remains a joy, though, and I fit it in where I can. After surveying my completed titles in 2024, here are the five that rose to the top. They're arranged alphabetically by author's last name. You can click on any book to check out the title on Amazon.

"Loyally, Luke" by Pepper Basham
This whole series was a blast, and in the finale of the trilogy handyman Luke, despiser of Hallmark movies, gets his own Hallmark-worthy romance when he falls in love with a woman he doesn't realize is an actual princess of the country of Skymar. Could he, a simple Appalachian, ever truly win the heart of European royalty?

"Love in Tandem" by Becca Kinzer
How far would you go for charity? Would you go on a 500-mile tandem bike ride while faking a romantic relationship with your teammate, who also happens to be your former fiance's brother? I mean, really, what could go wrong in this scenario? Pretty much everything does go wrong, but Charlotte and Zach learn valuable lessons about life and faith along the way.

"Rocky Road" by Becky Wade
FBI agent Jude is as buttoned-up as they come. Serious. Guarded. But when he meets perfumer Gemma Clare and has to pose as her boyfriend for a case, everything about Jude starts coming undone. Gemma is a creative free spirit who also happens to be in more than a little danger. Protecting his heart might be even more difficult than completing the assignment.

"The Rhythm of Fractured Grace" by Amanda Wen
While the first three books on this list have all had their humorous side, this book's deep theme of redemption is not one to treat lightly. In this split-time novel, the historical storyline follows a woman who survived a scalping, while the contemporary storyline explores the topic of sexual abuse within the church. Deep subjects, beautiful writing, and God's grace on display in very tough situations.

"A Noble Scheme" by Roseanna M. White
Here's another book with forgiveness and relationships at its core. The Imposters are a group of social elites who moonlight as private investigators, but they are hiding secrets of their own. This book weaves intrigue, emotion, and faith in a compelling way as the Imposters seek to find a kidnapped child and restore relationships that have been broken.

I have adored every minute of this Skymarian journey that the Edgewood family has been on! From Authentically, Izzy to Positively, Penelope and now onto Loyally, Luke, these cousins have brought so much delight into my literary world.

Handyman Luke returns to Skymar to work on a remodeling project for one of the countryside orphanages. While there, he meets "Ellie," a beautiful and somewhat uptight young woman—who he has no idea is actually Princess Elliana. Luke sees someone who needs a friend, and is especially happy to meet a woman who has never watched a Hallmark movie.

Princess Elliana is about to reenter royal life after taking a lengthy sabbatical to recover from a string of poor choices. She's determined to do better and serve her country with single-minded determination. Luke is a breath of fresh air—not only because he doesn't know her past, but also because of his straightforward view of the world.

Luke and Ellie's friendship and attraction grows, but the day comes when her identity is revealed. Is there a way they could be together? Luke has a business and loved ones in North Carolina. Ellie is a princess of a European country. How could things ever work out?

If you like Hallmark movies or have an appreciation for warm and rugged heroes, this book is for you! I hope you'll check out this series and come to love Izzy, Penelope, Luke, and company as much as I do. The audiobook is tons of fun as well.

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

 


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.

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.

I feel like I've done a pretty good job resisting the pull of these illustrated covers, but I confess that the adorable art plus the premise of this book captured me. Isadora Bentley, a researcher whose life isn't exactly happy, decides to follow the advice of a magazine article entitled 31 Ways To Be Happy and use herself as a test subject to note the efficacy of the author's suggestions. She wants to prove the article wrong: there is no subjective way to make oneself feel happy.

If I'm being honest, the Isadora of Chapter 1 almost made me put the book down. She and I did not have much in common. I'm a people person, while Isadora prefers to be alone. She was in the throes of an internal breakdown for reaching her thirtieth birthday, while I'm a decade beyond rolling my eyes at her dramatics. But thankfully it's early in the story that she finds the article and decides to begin her experiment, so Isadora didn't have the chance to drive me away before I was hooked.

As Isadora follows the 31 Ways To Be Happy, new people enter her life and things begin changing. Isadora begins looking at things and people in new ways. But is she happier?

This story ends up diving deep. And as we peel back the layers of Isadora, I found out I was wrong. Isadora and I do have things in common. Deep down, where we've each been abused and neglected and betrayed, we're the same person. The story unwraps and unwraps and unwraps until I, like Isadora, felt undone in her pursuit of happiness. The author lays it bare and presents us someone in her humanity. This is a brilliant piece of storytelling that is gripping and heartrending and hopeful all at the same time.

But for me, it also missed the mark. It hit off-center because there was no faith element. There had been a few passing mentions of God earlier in the story, which I was hoping would come back around. Our own pursuits can never bring us the fulfillment that a relationship with Jesus will bring. This story was ripe for such a message. It was right there. That would have made this one of the best books I've read this year. I was very disappointed. It's still a good book, but it is definitely not what it could be.

We all need Jesus. He is the true answer for healing from abuse, from neglect, from betrayal. There are absolutely things we can do to help with that process and our own happiness, but I believe ultimately they are empty without Him.

I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this book, but I also can't wholeheartedly recommend it. It's a deep journey that I wish had gone just a bit deeper.

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

Sophie Lawson has sacrificed all her dearest dreams for her family, but now that her mother has passed away and her siblings are own their own, she's ready to work on her own dreams. But she didn't count on the obstacles that are popping up, and especially not the one named Aiden, her former boyfriend who is suddenly back on the scene.

I wanted to like this book because it seemed like I would have a lot in common with the main character, but the situation and emotions Sophie was experiencing didn't ring true to me. Both she and Aiden were not in realistic life places for only being 25 years old. The plot was also predictable and the resolution way too easy. I know many people love Denise Hunter so I will give her a try again sometime.

On the other hand, this was an easy read and went well on my road trip. My favorite scenes involved the Piper's Cove community coming together. Small towns can be the best!

Do you like epistolary novels? Authentically, Izzy is told mostly through e-mails and text messages, and I quite enjoy this narrative device. I understand it's not for all readers, but I loved it.

Izzy Edgewood's cousin took it upon herself to set up a profile for Izzy on Heart-to-Heart, an online dating website. Though reluctant, Izzy starts looking around at the good and bad profiles, wondering if this is all a big waste of time. How can she know if the guys she meets on there are even real? Meanwhile cousin Josephine keeps pushing men toward Izzy in her real life as well. Is Eli the professor a better choice than some anonymous guy online?

Enter Brode The Hobbit. Bookish and charming, he seems to be everything Izzy has ever desired in a match. Could such a man even exist? And if so, why is he on an online dating site instead of being happily married a long time ago?

This story really touched me personally. I've had an online romance, and Pepper nails all the emotions spot on. The fun chemistry, the uncertainty, the wondering about how it would go if you meet in person... and though it didn't work out for me and your favorite book reviewer is yet single, I'm still hoping to find my match in the future and feel all these things again. This book felt sort of healing to me and inspired hope in my own journey. 

Things aren't easy for Izzy as she decides whether to risk a relationship with Brodie. She has to first come face to face with some things about herself that were buried down deep, and navigate unexpected revelations that may undo everything. Also she has to contend with Josephine and her other two cousins, Penelope and Luke. All the messages flying back and forth will have you laughing and relating with this group.

I can't wait for Positively, Penelope to come out next year, and Luke better get his own book too. He's the best!

If you enjoy epistolary novels, bookish characters and stories, or faith-based fiction, check out Authentically, Izzy!

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

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If you're a fan of Robin Lee Hatcher, you won't want to miss her latest story. This split-time novel tells the story of Daisy Abbott, a teenager in 1941, and Brianna Hastings, her great-granddaughter. 

Daisy has loved dashing Brandan for years, but he only has eyes for her sister. Brandan is training to be a pilot, but what if America decides to enter the war that's raging in Europe? Would that take him away from both Daisy and Lillian?

Brianna has never liked history, but her professor's assignment has her interviewing her great-grandmother to learn about her youth. As Daisy tells her story of love, loss, bad decisions, and redemption, Brianna is living out her own story. Can she avoid the mistakes that her ancestor made before her?

I really enjoyed this story. It's gentle but gripping. There's a wonderful faith message. I'd recommend it for everyone who loves WWII and split-time stories.

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

A deathbed confession can change everything. Cassandra Hale, who grew up in a girls school and now teaches there, has never known her family. She's shocked when the headmistress confesses in her final hours that she's hid important information from Cassandra. There's only one letter to offer Cassandra that will unlock the key to her past . . . and her future.

Taking the letter from Briarton Park, which contains promises but little more, Cassandra travels to the place so far from the only home she's ever known. But Mr. Clark, who wrote the letter, has been dead more than two years, and no one at Briarton has any idea what he meant by the cryptic comments within the letter.

Mr. North, the local vicar, tries to help Cassandra with her search. She makes friends with young woman staying at the same boardinghouse. And time and again she keeps running into the Warrington family, the current owners of Briarton Park.

Cassandra is a sweet, good-hearted heroine who only wants to know if she has family somewhere in the world. When she finds out the answer may hold an unexpected inheritance, she cares nothing about that, only wanting to know the people she's related to. But when it becomes clear that someone is out to stop her from receiving the inheritance, Cassandra must look around and see who she can truly trust.

I really enjoyed this story. It was engaging from the opening pages, and I liked both the hero and heroine. I thought the plot was well-crafted and unique. I will say I missed a faith aspect to the story, and the ending also seemed rushed. But overall, I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a Regency romance with a light thread of mystery. 

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. 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.

"The Gold In These Hills" by Joanne Bischof
One home joins two people together, though they live a century apart. Discover what true treasure means in these golden California hills.

"The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery" by Amanda Cox
Three generations, each with secrets held close to their hearts. Could it be that sharing their secrets can actually set them free?

  "Roots of Wood and Stone" by Amanda Wen
What would you do if you had the chance to uncover a past shrouded in mystery? What a beautiful, heartwarming adventure!


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