Across the Bridge | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Marcella Seppa meets her new tenant, widower Drew Smith, a spark ignites, but she won't consider dating him. She doesn't want his son, AJ, to experience the hurt she felt when her dad remarried shortly after her mom died. Her faith unraveled, and she threw herself into exercise and gardening instead of forming trusting relationships.

When Drew finds out he may not be AJ's biological father, his first instinct is to leave Copper Island, but he wants to find out the truth. He seeks out Marcella's support.

Is it possible their friendship could become more? But how would that affect AJ? Could love help make peace with the past?

Publisher: The Christmas Tree House

Release Date: November 4, 2018

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Snow Country

Copper Country

The Sleuth's Dilemma | Excerpt + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Anna loves her job as a high school English teacher until everything goes sideways. The one bright spot in her life is Titus Gains, the school counselor, who is there for her at every turn.

Titus’ boss complicates his ordered world when she tasks him with running a meeting that changes everything. How had he not noticed Anna earlier? Someone is out to destroy her, and he can’t let that happen.

As the head of the English department, part of Luke Harms’ job is to make sure everything runs smoothly. Things went haywire when Anna was put in charge of the big writing contest. Entries are missing, Anna appears to be in danger, and her job is on the line. Luke is investigating and wants to make things right for this woman he’s starting to care about.

Can a trio of school officials along with Nancy Daley, the town sleuth, stop the saboteur before it’s too late? And will Anna choose the right man, or lose them both?

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink

Release Date: February 1, 2019

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

The Sleuth's Miscalculation

Take Your Pick: Mountain or Sea | Excerpts + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOKS

In this gentle, inspirational romance, Lin Stepp reveals the healing touch and deep peace the beauty of the Smoky Mountains can bring to a hurt and troubled heart.

Too much work, too much pressure, and too much heartache can lead even a strong young woman like Mallory Wingate to the edge of a nervous breakdown. Now her doctor and employer have insisted she take a space to heal and rest—so like it or not, she’s heading to her grandparents’ resort in the Smoky Mountains. Hoping to sleep and rest on the flight home, Mallory is entertained instead by an unexpectedly charismatic stranger, making her forget many of her problems and even making her feel deliciously female again.

Lucas James, flying home from a pro golfing event, hadn’t expected to enjoy an interlude of flirting with a pretty stranger on the plane. A stranger he never expected to see again but who turns out to be the granddaughter of his boss at The Millhouse Resort. Worse, he quickly learns she’s passed through a recent history of emotional problems that remind him all too painfully of his past wife. The last thing Lucas wants is to get involved with anyone like Cecily again. Surely it won’t be too hard to keep his distance while Mallory is at the resort.

Publisher: Mountain Hill Press

Release Date: April 2, 2019

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

The Foster Girls

Tell Me About Orchard Hollow

For Six Good Reasons

Delia's Place

Secondhand Rose

Down By the River

Makin' Miracles

Saving Laurel Springs

Welcome Back

Daddy's Girl

Lost Inheritance

Set against the alluring backdrop of coastal South Carolina, Claire at Edisto takes the reader on a sweet and gentle journey showing that love and new beginnings can often bloom from the deepest sorrows.

Standing in grief and shock at the grave of her young husband, Claire Avery wonders what she and her young daughters will do now. They live in the church parsonage they need to vacate. She hasn’t worked since her marriage twelve years ago. Old issues and complications hinder relationships with her family. Struggling for answers, Claire accepts her brother-in-law’s offer to stay at his beach house at Edisto to give her a season to heal and think. But even the peace and beauty of the coastal island bring new problems along with unexpected joys as Claire seeks to find her way.

Parker Avery always promised his brother Charles he would look after Claire if anything happened to him. Charles stood by him three years ago when his wife Ann died and Parker is determined now to be a help to Claire and the girls. As time passes, instead of feeling like a hero, he feels like a heel instead as he realizes he’s developing feelings for his own brother’s widow. To make things worse, he watches with pain and jealousy as Miles Lawrence waltzes into Claire’s life. What can he expect though? It hardly seems right that Claire, even after a season of mourning, would ever fall in love with her own brother-in-law.

Publisher: Mountain Hill Press

Release Date: April 2, 2019

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Justice Mission | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Caught in a killer’s sights…

Introducing the True Blue K-9 Unit series.

After K-9 unit administrative assistant Sophie Walters spots a suspicious stranger lurking at the K-9 graduation, the man kidnaps her—and she barely escapes. With Sophie’s boss missing and someone determined to silence her, NYPD officer Luke Hathaway vows he and his K-9 partner will guard her. But he must keep an emotional distance to ensure this mission ends in justice…not cold-blooded murder.

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: April 2, 2019

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Shield of Protection

Act of Valor

Blind Trust

Deep Undercover

Seeking the Truth

Trail of Danger

River Secrets | The Friday 56 & First Line Friday

The Friday 56 is hosted weekly by Freda's Voice.
First Line Friday is hosted weekly by Hoarding Books.

Happy Friday!

When I finish a couple books later today, this third fairytale-esque story from Shannon Hale is what I'm planning to start next. I've enjoyed the series so far, so I'm thinking it'll be good.

Her Colorado Cowboy | Book Review + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lassoing the single mom’s heart…

A Rocky Mountain Heroes story.

Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses. But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school. As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired

Release Date: March 19, 2019

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Their Ranch Reunion

The Deputy's Holiday Family

Rocky Mountain Heroes | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Their Ranch Reunion

Single mom Carly Wagner is surprised to learn she'll have to share ownership of the home she's inherited with her first love--and first heartbreak--Andrew Stephens. The man who fled their tiny Western town is back and standing in the way of her dreams to expand her B and B. Now a successful businessman, Andrew has eight weeks to buy Carly out. But Carly's too stubborn to persuade--and too beautiful to ignore. When fire ravages her inn and she and her daughter move in to their shared property, Andrew's in over his head. Time is running out and Andrew must decide: leave and chase another deal...or stay and chase Carly's heart.

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: July 18, 2017

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The Deputy's Holiday Family

Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt…if they can open themselves to the possibility of love.

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: November 21, 2017

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Her Colorado Cowboy

Glory Road | Excerpt + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Written in Lauren Denton’s signature Southern style, Glory Road tells the story of three generations of women navigating the uncertain pathways of their hearts during a summer that promises to bring change–whether they’re ready for it or not.

At thirty-eight, garden shop owner Jessie McBride thinks her chances for romance are years behind her and, after her failed marriage, she’s fine with that. She lives contentedly with her fiery mother and her quiet, headstrong daughter. But the unexpected arrival of two men on Glory Road make her question if she’s really happy with the status quo. Handsome, wealthy Sumner Tate asks her to arrange flowers for his daughter’s wedding, and Jessie finds herself drawn to his continued attention. And Ben Bradley, her lingering what-could-have-been from high school days who’s known her better than anyone and whom she hasn’t seen in years, moves back to the red dirt road. Jessie finds her heart being pulled in directions she never expected.

Meanwhile, Jessie’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, is approaching the start of high school and trying to navigate a new world of identity and emotions–particularly as they relate to the cute new guy who’s moved in just down the road. At the same time, Jessie’s mother, Gus, increasingly finds herself forgetful and faces a potentially frightening future.

As all three women navigate the uncertain paths of their hearts and futures, one summer promises to bring change–whether they’re ready for it or not.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: March 19, 2019

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Review

Things You Save in a Fire | Waiting on Wednesday

Hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine 

to spotlight eagerly-anticipated upcoming releases.

(Similarly, Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings.)

Happy Wednesday!

How to Walk Away wound up on my Best of 2018 list, so of course, I can't wait to read Katherine Center's upcoming release.

Audiobooks Up Next on My TBR | Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted weekly by That Artsy Reader Girl.

Happy Tuesday!

I love listening to audiobooks. I can't resist the flexibility they offer, and I have one going nearly all the time—while I run, clean, grocery shop, etc. Naturally, audiobooks are my most-read book format, by far. I'm grateful my library has a large selection from which I can choose. 

Now, I'm not super picky when it comes to narrators, so I have a hard time recommending certain audios over others. Instead, here are a few of the books I'll be hearing soon.

Glory Road | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

The only thing certain is change—even in a place as steady as Perry, Alabama, on a street as old as Glory Road.

Nearly a decade after her husband’s affair drove her back home to South Alabama, Jessie McBride has the stable life she wants—operating her garden shop, Twig, next door to her house on Glory Road, and keeping up with her teenage daughter and spunky mother. But the unexpected arrival of two men makes Jessie question whether she’s really happy with the status quo. When handsome, wealthy businessman Sumner Tate asks her to arrange flowers for his daughter’s lavish wedding, Jessie finds herself drawn to his continued attention. Then Ben Bradley, her lingering what-could-have-been from high school, moves back to the red dirt road, and she feels her heart pulled in directions she never expected.

Meanwhile, Jessie’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, is approaching the start of high school and navigating a new world of emotions—particularly as they relate to the cute new guy who’s moved in just down the road. At the same time, Jessie’s mother, Gus, is suffering increasingly frequent memory lapses and faces a frightening, uncertain future. Once again, Jessie feels her protected and predictable life shifting.

In one summer, everything will change. But for these three strong Southern women, the roots they’ve planted on Glory Road will give life to the adventures waiting just around the curve.

“Rich colorful characters capturing my heart, combined with a story that kept me up till the wee hours, Glory Road is a perfect read. Lauren Denton has done it again!” —Lisa Patton, bestselling author of Rush and Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter

“Once again Lauren Denton brings her lyrical writing and compelling characters to a story that will enthrall readers from page one.” —Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, author of Only Ever Her and co-founder of She Reads, for Glory Road

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: March 19, 2019

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #41

Hosted weekly by The Book Date.

Happy Monday!

Homework kept me from reading as much as I have in recent weeks, but the week still happened to be a great one, reading-wise.

In the Doctor's Arms | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can he stop the one who got away—

From getting away again?

Everyone in her Alaskan town hopes Iris James is back for good. Including Dr. Flynn Ramsey, who stole her heart when they were awkward teenagers. She realizes he’s planning an encore, but a prestigious job in Washington, DC, is calling to her. Only, ever since their kiss at her brother’s wedding, Iris isn’t sure about anything. Except her reignited feelings for Flynn…

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: March 5, 2019

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Mountains Apart

A Case for Forgiveness

If Not for a Bee

Autumn at Jasper Lake

A Family Like Hannah's

Bachelor Remedy

The White City | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mysterious disappearances taint the Chicago World’s Fair.

Step into True Colors—a new series of historical stories of romance and American crime.

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Publisher: Barbour Books

Release Date: March 1, 2019

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

The Pink Bonnet

The Yellow Lantern

War-Torn Heart | Excerpt + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Abigail Walker, a young woman from rural South Carolina, is on the cusp of womanhood, aching to be able to run wild as the younger children do, yet yearning for things she has yet to understand.

Awkward and unsure of herself, Abby is flustered when she meets Harvey Nicholas, a cadet from Clemson College. As summer begins, Abby finds herself constantly in the company of Harvey and falling quickly in love with him.

As rumors of war begin to reach the States, Abby begins to fear what may come for her older brother and Harvey.

Once Pearl Harbor is bombed, the boys are eager to protect their home and the women they love. But will Abby and Harvey’s love be able to withstand distance, rumors, loss, and hurt? Or will the war be what tears apart Abby’s heart?

War-Torn Heart is a kleenex-box book with a story of hope, of love, and of perseverance through World War II, which will make the reader cry, scream, and long for more.

Publisher: Ambassador International

Release Date: March 20, 2019

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book

The Unexpected Champion | The Friday 56 & First Line Friday

The Friday 56 is hosted weekly by Freda's Voice.
First Line Friday is hosted weekly by Hoarding Books.

Happy Friday!

The third book in Mary Connealy's High Sierra Sweethearts series released this month! After enjoying Book One last year, I'm excited to catch up with these characters.

If you love Western romance and adventure, make sure you don't miss out on this giveaway, hosted by JustRead.

National Geographic's Backyard Guide to the Night Sky, 2nd Edition | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Explore the star-studded cosmos with this fully updated, user-friendly skywatcher’s guide, filled with charts, graphics, photographs, and expert tips for viewing — and understanding — the wonders of space.

Stargazing’s too much fun to leave to astronomers. In these inviting pages, “Night Sky Guy” Andrew Fazekas takes an expert but easygoing approach that will delight would-be astronomers of all levels. Essential information, organized logically, brings the solar system, stars, and planets to life in your own backyard. Start with the easiest constellations and then “star-hop” across the night sky to find others nearby. Learn about the dark side of the moon, how to pick Mars out of a planetary lineup, and which kinds of stars twinkle in your favorite constellations. Hands-on tips and techniques for observing with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope help make the most out of sightings and astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and meteor showers. Photographs and graphics present key facts in an easy-to-understand format, explaining heavenly phenomena such as black holes, solar flares, and supernovas. Revised to make skywatching even easier for the whole family, this indispensable guide shines light on the night sky–truly one of the greatest shows on Earth!

Publisher: National Geographic

Release Date: March 19, 2019

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | National Geographic

The Number of Love | Waiting on Wednesday

Hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine 

to spotlight eagerly-anticipated upcoming releases.

(Similarly, Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings.)

Happy Wednesday!

Well, I love everything I've read by Roseanna M. White. But beside that point, A Song Unheard introduced Margot De Wilde, and now I can't wait to see what her story entails.

The Gate to Eden | Audiobook Review + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Expert crackshot Maddie Campbell will do whatever it takes to survive in this female Robin-Hood-of-the-Old-West story—including evading bounty-hunter-for-hire Scott McSween who's intent on bringing her in.

Not your ordinary thief, widow and mother Maddie Campbell likes to think her wealthy victims are merely "donating" to herself and the hundreds of other widows and children left abandoned by the mining company after a devastating accident took the lives of their menfolk. Maddie's secret excursions are quite successful...until ruggedly handsome former lawman Scott McSween arrives in Eden to investigate the recent string of crimes. 

Despite her efforts to throw him off track, they can't resist each other. He knows she's somehow involved and is determined to draw out all her secrets in the most exquisite ways—with soft caresses and passionate kisses. But when finally confronted with the truth—that Maddie is actually the thief he's been hired to hunt down and bring in—will Scott choose the woman he loves or his duty to the law?

(Audiobook) Release Date: January 12, 2019

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Books on My Spring TBR | Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted weekly by That Artsy Reader Girl.

Happy Tuesday!

I'm not great with TBRs, but I do love to look through all my books and think about what I want to read. Here are a few I'm hoping and planning to read this spring:

Where the Forest Meets the Stars | Book Review + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this gorgeously stunning debut, a mysterious child teaches two strangers how to love and trust again.

After the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer, Joanna Teale returns to her graduate research on nesting birds in rural Illinois, determined to prove that her recent hardships have not broken her. She throws herself into her work from dusk to dawn, until her solitary routine is disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious child who shows up at her cabin barefoot and covered in bruises.

The girl calls herself Ursa, and she claims to have been sent from the stars to witness five miracles. With concerns about the child’s home situation, Jo reluctantly agrees to let her stay—just until she learns more about Ursa’s past.

Jo enlists the help of her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel Nash, to solve the mystery of the charming child. But the more time they spend together, the more questions they have. How does a young girl not only read but understand Shakespeare? Why do good things keep happening in her presence? And why aren’t Jo and Gabe checking the missing children’s website anymore?

Though the three have formed an incredible bond, they know difficult choices must be made. As the summer nears an end and Ursa gets closer to her fifth miracle, her dangerous past closes in. When it finally catches up to them, all of their painful secrets will be forced into the open, and their fates will be left to the stars.

“Enchanting, insightful, and extraordinary.” —Novelgossip

“A heartwarming, magical story about love, loss, and finding family where you least expect it. This touching novel will remind readers of a modern-day The Snow Child.” —Christopher Meades, award-winning author of Hanna Who Fell from the Sky

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Release Date: March 1, 2019

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #40

Hosted weekly by The Book Date.

Happy Monday!

Getting back into schoolwork last week was a challenge, but I survived—and started the Whole30 (for my third time), enjoyed The Bachelor finale, and read plenty. A good week, overall.

Mending Fences | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he’s hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn’t so simple. It’s gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke’s clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

“A funny, heartwarming story of friendship, love, and the possibility of happily ever after.”—Amy Clipston, bestselling author of A Seat By the Hearth

“Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a sweet and poignant story you won’t want put down. Definitely a must read!”—Kathleen Fuller, bestselling author of the Amish of Birch Creek series

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: February 5, 2019

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