Covert Kisses by Jane Godman

Book Description:
Sons of Stillwater: Jane Godman's heart-stopping new miniseries where no one is who they seem

Coincidence? The beauty who washes up on Mayor Cameron Delaney's private beach eerily resembles his dead girlfriend, Carla. But Laurie Carter, Carla's lookalike cousin, is actually an undercover detective. She's on the job, investigating Cameron's connection to a human-trafficking ring. Laurie knows she must keep her coverbut she's struggling to deceive the man she finds irresistible

When Cameron discovers why Laurie is in town, he's furious to realize he's being framedand stunned at his sudden feelings for the lovely agent. But as they uncover the traffickers, a savage serial killer targets Laurie. Can Cameron save the life of the woman he's come to care forand unmask the threat haunting his family and Stillwater?

My Thoughts:
Covert Kisses was a good, quick romantic suspense read.  Laurie looks almost identical to Cameron's dead girlfriend.  She needs that element to make her job easier.  She is there undercover to investigate him and his company to see if he is really as bad as he seems on paper.  Cameron is completely unprepared for Laurie to fall into his life and shake things up.  He didn't think he could ever have these feelings again.
I liked both Laurie and Cameron.  I don't think I would be as forgiving as Cameron was after learning about her deception.  The author did a good job with the bad guy and weaving him through the story and their lives.  It was intriguing that they knew throughout a lot of it who it was but couldn't do anything about it.  I wasn't expecting the story line to take the twist that it did and it completely intrigued me.  
Overall it was a 4/5 for me.  I want to read about Cam's brothers next!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Big Sky Showdown by Sharon Dunn

Book Description

DANGER ON THE MOUNTAIN 

When Heather Jacobs climbs a Montana mountain to pay respects to her late father, the last thing she expects is to be running for her life. But she's living a real-life cat-and-mouse chase, trying to escape a punishing foe from her guide Zane Scofield's past. How can a California city girl help outwit a ruthless criminal dead set on scouring the wilderness to kill them? Though Zane knows their pursuer and his nefarious motives far too well, he's not sure why the man is after him now. Only his wits—and an unlikely partner in the determined woman fighting beside him—can save them. But Zane's also battling a past that's threatening to swallow him whole…and take Heather along with him.

My Thoughts:

This was an ok book.  Heather and Zane get off on the wrong foot.  Heather thinks her dad abandoned her and wanted nothing to do with her.  Zane knows the man her father turned into after he gave up the booze.  That man saved him from a life he never wants to go back to, a life that may be catching up to him faster than he ever expected.

I liked Zane and Heather.  They were good characters.  I don't think I could be as hopeful as Zane when it came to the family issues but I can see the always wanting to hope.  Heather wants to like her father but it is hard for her to do it with all the stories her mother told.  The mountain and the people hiding in wait were well described.  The fact that Zane knows the danger because of his past adds a whole new element.  

It was a 3/5 for me.  The book got a bit tedious with the catch and escape.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Witch by Denise Weimer

Book Description:
Having restored Michael Johnson's ancestors' house and apothecary shop and begun applying the lessons of family and forgiveness unearthed from the past, Jennifer Rushmore expects to complete her first preservation job with the simple relocation of a log home. But as her crew reconstructs the 1787 cabin, home to the first Dunham doctor, attacks on those involved throw suspicion on neighbors and friends alike. And while Jennifer has trusted God and Michael with the pain of her past, it appears Michael's been keeping his own secrets. Will she use a dream job offer from Savannah as an escape, or will a haunting tale from a Colonial diary convince her to rely on the faithfulness of his love?

My Thoughts:
I will start this review by saying this is book 3 in the trilogy and I have not read books 1 & 2.  I think for the full effect of this book, you really need to read them.  That being said, you can read this one by itself, I just think you are missing some of the things the author is tying up.  It is dual time period with intriguing characters from both the past and the present.
I really loved the way the author started this book.  It was action from the start and had my attention.  The contemporary portion was involved as well with Michael and Jennifer.  There are parallels and there are questions throughout that you cannot wait to have answered.  I liked Jennifer and hoped for a particular outcome for her from the start.  The way God and faith are in the story was done really well and the lessons learned are applicable (to my life anyway).  I honestly think you can learn several different lessons from this book depending on your life experience and how you view things.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I think if I had read the previous ones I might have enjoyed this one more but it was still good.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Guest post from Denise Weimer

The first thing I want to tell you about Witch is … it’s not scary! Hang with me, and I’ll share more about the title.

The Restoration Trilogy mixes a unique tonic … the budding of a romance and friendships in a humorous, small-town community, a splash of suspense, and spiritual and emotional healing. Check out the summaries above.

The restoration my parents did on a real life doctor’s house and apothecary shop inspired this series. As I watched them work and learn about the historical line of doctors associated with their property, I realized how much a physical restoration project can mirror the spiritual work God wants to do in each of us. And that’s exactly what happens with Michael and Jennifer, who both conceal areas of brokenness from their pasts. As they come together to restore his family buildings, the stories they uncover about his ancestors reveal truths they need to apply in their own lives:

• Family connection from the 1920s story of Georgia Pearl as they restore the house (White)
• Forgiveness from the 1860s story of Charlotte as they restore the apothecary (Widow)
• Faithfulness from the 1780s story of Verity as they restore the log cabin (Witch)

The title of each novel – and the cover – reflects that struggle of the historical heroine. Eventually each, as well as Michael and Jennifer, learn that only God, the Master Renovator and the Great Physician, can heal their broken places.

So here’s your prescription, should you choose to accept it by entering into this grand prize giveaway!

Grand Prize Gift Basket From Durham Apothecary & Museum: Take from a homemade tea pocket one of the selection of special teas. While brewing thy favorite tea, dispense liberally from the tea cookie tin onto a china plate. Prop up thy feet and commence thy reading journey through a print copy of White, Widow AND Witch! After a goodly time of rest and reflection, take up thy quill (ahem, I mean set of decorative pens) and record pearls of wisdom in thy new journal. When they husband and children begin to grumble, rise with fresh vigor to prepare a meal from Farmer’s Almanac Colonial Cookbook.

Second place prize: an e-book copy of Witch (or any other one book of The Restoration Trilogy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away:

A Grand Prize Gift Basket From Durham Apothecary & Museum: Take from a homemade tea pocket one of the selection of special teas. While brewing thy favorite tea, dispense liberally from the tea cookie tin onto a china plate. Prop up thy feet and commence thy reading journey through a print copy of White, Widow AND Witch! After a goodly time of rest and reflection, take up thy quill (ahem, I mean set of decorative pens) and record pearls of wisdom in thy new journal. When thy husband and children begin to grumble, rise with fresh vigor to prepare a meal from Farmer’s Almanac Colonial Cookbook.

Second place prize: an e-book copy of Witch (or any other one book of The Restoration Trilogy)

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b57b

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon

Book Description:
Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her coastal Oregon hometown. As a result, she has zero time for extracurricular activities--including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either--but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish.

Nevertheless, when Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine.

Lauded by Library Journal as "a master at character development," Irene Hannon welcomes readers back to this charming Oregon seaside village where hearts heal--and love blooms.

My Thoughts:
Oh my word, I love this series.  Hope Harbor is really a place I would love to visit.  The third in the series, it can stand alone and is a great story about second chances.  Adam is an excon who has come to the small town to live a quiet life.  Lexie is the chief of police and the two of them meet through one of her investigations.  The instant attraction surprises them both and perhaps God has a hand in it.I just love how this author writes her stories.  She make the characters believable and likable, then she adds in faith in such a way that it is smooth and not forced at all.  Lexie is a good, strong female character who isn't looking for romance.  Adam (Stone) is more than just an excon but he has to realize that before he can move forward.  The story is one I would recommend everyone read.
It was a 5/5 for me.  
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place by Terry Spear

Book Description:

Wooing a she-wolf isn’t as easy as it looks in this bold paranormal romance from USA Today bestseller Terry Spear

In Silver Town, the secrets run deep…

Alpha werewolf Brett Silver has an ulterior motive when he donates a prized family heirloom to the Silver Town hotel. Ellie MacTire owns the place with her sisters, and he’s out to get her attention. 

Ellie is even more special than Brett knows. She’s a wolf-shifter with a unique ability to commune with the dead. Ellie has been ostracized, so she protects herself and those she loves by revealing nothing—not even when strange and dangerous things begin to happen in Silver Town. And especially not to the devastatingly handsome and generous wolf who’s determined to win her over…

My Thoughts:
This was a good, quick read.  Brett is one of the Silver brothers and works at the newspaper in town.  Ellie is one of the three sisters that owns the new hotel in town, that just happens to be haunted.  The sisters have a secret that they keep from most everyone...they can communicate with ghosts.  Ellie has had issues with disbelief in a lot of people in the past, but she hopes Brett is different.  Brett and Ellie might just be true mates!
I love that the town is run by the pack and that they help each other out by making there be no real competition for business.  The story line was ok, I had trouble connecting with it and the characters but it wasn't bad.  I liked the dream mates portion and the way the pack handled some of the issues the couple had.  I also like how close the pack and family members are.  This is a shifter romance that is really sweet.
It was a 3/5 for me.  I just didn't connect with the story, but it wasn't a bad one!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Crowned (Beholder, Book 4) Cover Reveal by Christina Bauer

Crowned
Christina Bauer
(Beholder, Book 4)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: November 28th 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Beauty. Romance. Power. It’s all in the eye of the BEHOLDER.
At last, Elea has found the love of her life. Unfortunately, the evil Tsar Viktor is about to unleash an army of twisted mages bent on killing everyone Elea cares about… including the man who’s stolen her heart.
So what’s a powerful witch to do? Why, organize a league of magical warriors, of course!
Elea recruits and trains a fighting force to take down the Tsar. That’s challenge enough, but on the eve of battle, Elea realizes that her true enemies may be far more powerful than even Viktor: The deities Oni and Yuri could be out to destroy her as well. With major battles brewing on two fronts, Elea’s not sure that she’ll win, but with true love to inspire her, she’s certainly ready to fight.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Previous books in the series:

Author Bio:
Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. It is now available as an audiobook on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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Shattered Pack by Aileen Erin

Book Description:

Meredith Molloney never thought she’d find a mate, let alone someone like Donovan Murry—one of the most powerful Alpha werewolves alive. Now that she’s no longer cursed and the evil Luciana Alvarez has been taken care of, she thinks life will finally settle down. Boy, she has never been so wrong.

In the middle of the night, Donovan gets a call telling him that his pack has gone to pieces. The news that his second in command has been found brutally murdered has Donovan packing his bags for Ireland, but the last thing Meredith wants to do is go with him. Cosette just warned her that the Irish pack isn't so happy about Donovan's choice in mates.

But Meredith’s never let a few angry wolves stop her, and she’s not about to start now. She’s faced down much worse the past few months. But when she gets there, she finds that it’s not just an angry pack that stands in the way between her and her Full Moon Ceremony with Donovan.

Meredith is thrust into a deadly game of pack politics, one a fey beast has happily joined. When the magic and dust settle, she knows she’ll either have everything that she wants or lose it all.

My Thoughts:

I really love this series.  Donovan and Meredith are true mates, but it is all new to them.  There is a lot of fall out from the paranormal world being exposed and Meredith is in the middle of it since she was one of the ones caught on camera killing demons.  Donovan is a strong alpha and his pack has issues.  There is a lot coming at them at once and the decisions have to be made quickly if they are to survive it all.

I've liked Meredith since the start.  Even being cursed, she was kick butt.  Donovan...yummy.  I wasn't sure with everything set against them how the two of them were going to work everything out.  I love how protective they are of each other.  I loved seeing where the characters from earlier books are and catching up with them.  I was a bit thrown a couple of times by twists in the book but it was a good thing.  Meredith having to prove herself to Donovan's pack was intense for me and I loved every minute of it.  I seriously read this in one night (stayed up until 4 a.m. to do so).  Overall, this series is still awesome!

It was a 5/5 for me.  This is the 6th book in the series and you really need to have read the previous 5 to understand it all.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wooing the Wedding Planner by Amber Leigh Williams

Book Description:
Wedding planner Roxie Honeycutt can make happy-ever-after come true for anyone except herself. Freshly divorced and done with love, she's okay with watching clients walk down the aisle. What's not okay? Sharing a charming Victorian house with accountant Byron Strong. He's frustratingly sexy and determined to keep her confused.

Roxie thought Byron's expertise was numbers, yet somehow he sees her for who she really is. Somehow he understands the hurt she hides behind a trademark smile. Suddenly romance is tempting again, even if it means risking another heartbreak.

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book.  Roxie plans other peoples' happily ever afters.  She isn't sure after her heartbreaking divorce that she truly believes that happily ever after is possible.  Byron has had a heartbreaking life-changing event as well.  The whole town just doesn't know about his.  Together they could have a happy ending if they are both willing to risk the heartache. 
I like that the author has gone through this set of friends and given them all their own story.  It has been fun to get to know them and then check back in with them in the following books.  Roxie is a wedding planner who doesn't believe in happy ever after anymore but then again maybe she does.  I like that she is willing to put her heart out there, knowing that Byron is 'damaged'.  Byron is a great guy and I love his family (though sometimes I could have slapped him silly).  The author does a good job of making us care about these characters and always want more!
It was a 4/5 for me.  I do enjoy reading this series about these friends!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Classified Christmas Mission by Lynette Eason

Book Description:

UNDERCOVER GUARDIAN 

Days before Christmas, CIA agent Amber Starke is on the run with her murdered best friend's special-needs son. And they're next on his criminal father's hit list. Amber failed her undercover mission to bring down her friend's husband for his crimes, but she won't fail to protect her friend's son. Now that the killer knows she's not just a nanny but an agent, she must rely on her childhood crush, Deputy Lance Goode. The handsome lawman was burned in love by his first wife, who was killed while evading the law. But he'll do everything he can to help Amber, except offer his heart. Unlocking the secrets in Amber's autistic charge is the key to their survival, but with the killer on their trail, one mistake could cost them their lives.

My Thoughts:

I love this book, and have followed the series so it was wonderful to come 'home' to this family/town.  Amber's family thinks she is a travelling photojournalist.  She is really CIA.  She has just stopped by home for a quick grab and disappear when things take a turn she didn't expect.  Lance, her family's friend and her high school crush, is the white knight.  

I think Lance was my favorite of these characters.  He is so strong and steady.  He likes Amber and her new son but the timing is off (or so he thinks).  I do adore how close this family is and how disbelieving some are of Amber's job.  I wasn't sure I was going to like one of the characters but it turns out that I do.  The story flows well and the author does a great job of making you feel like you are there with them in the book.
It was a 5/5 for me.  Cannot wait to see the next events that happen in this 'quiet' little town.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Book Description:
SHE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD... 
"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a girl to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or not at all.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  I looked forward to it after the first book in the series and it was good.  The issues she and Griffin have are different in this book but still some of the same lingering issues.  Cat is determined to believe the worst and Griffin just wants her.  I adore the band of friends the couple has around them.  Griffin's family is wonderful.
I'm hoping Cat's family comes more into play in the next one.  I enjoyed the ones we met in this book and can't say too much because it would have spoilers then!  The journey they have to go through for Griffin's dreams to start taking shape is monumental.  I particularly liked how he did his task for the goddess.  The author threw in a couple twists that you kinda saw coming but that are still totally worth reading though to the end to understand.
It was a 4/5.  I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.

21 Days of Grace

Book Description:
Christians have long loved devotionals, but today’s Christians are also developing a strong love for fiction. They want to read stories about characters they can relate to, who experience situations similar to their own, and learn from those examples how to live out their faith. For them, life lessons are more easily absorbed this way. 

21 Days of Grace fits all of these needs. It is a collection of engaging, inspirational short fiction stories written by new, intermediate, and well-known authors including Angela Hunt, Deborah Rainey, Cindy Woodsmall, Cecil Murphey, Robin Bayne, and more. 

Like Jesus’ parables, these stories deal with important life issues in a subtle, unpressured manner. And, as Jesus did, the authors follow up with life applications based on the stories, suggesting how the inherent lessons can be applied to the reader’s daily life.

My Thoughts:
Ok, I absolutely loved this book.  It is a wonderful hand-sized hardback book that is perfect to stick in your purse and take with you.  The authors that contributed to it are all wonderful and I enjoyed all the stories.  Stories with themes or morals are my favorite.  I am mostly a fiction reader and these little stories with their insights were perfect for me.
Anyway, this was different and absolutely something everyone should have.  A 5/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via CelebrateLit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Meddlin' Madeline Such a Tease by Chautona Havig

Book Description:
Madeline, with a little assistance, discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! Can she expose him for the fraud she's sure he is?

Rockland:1901
In book two of the Meddlin’ Madeline series, Madeline Brown has a new endeavor to occupy her time. But is it to keep her out of the way or a reward for her work in Sweet on You? With the help of her young friends, Madeline discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! What’s a girl to do?

However, her new position also gives her opportunities to observe, and what she sees sets more than one new investigation in motion. What does her old suitor, Delbert Jackson, know? Why is Mr. Merton giving important papers to that scoundrel, Vernon Smythe, and whatever happened to poor Abigail Cooper?

Add to these intriguing questions Henry Hardwick’s continued attentions, Edith’s newfound devotion to the temperance movement and Madeline’s determination to find her a more reliable suitor, and strange behavior from her Aunt Louisa and things heat up as summer fades from Rockland.

Unfortunately, her dear friend, Russell, busy with an important project at work, finds himself unable to help keep her out of trouble and away from danger. Is Madeline going too far? Will her meddling get her in serious trouble this time, will it destroy her reputation irreparably, or will she rid Rockland of a scoundrel once and for all? 

My Thoughts:
Yes, I'm still a fan of this series.  Madeline had adventures in the last book and this one is no different.  Favorite characters are back and back at it.  Since Madeline isn't a typical female of her time period, in fact, she is quite modern thinking, her actions reflect this.  She investigates and is an amateur detective.  This also means she gets into some extremely interesting situations. I like how Madeline grows as a character from the first book through this one.  Trust is a key factor in this story and the overall theme of needing God was done quite well.  I thought the author did a great job staying in 'her time period' and keeping your attention throughout.  I cannot wait to see what she does next with these characters as I've now become quite a fan.
It was a 4/5 for me.  The slight issues I had with it are much outweighed by love of characters. Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.