REVIEW: I just finished A Whole Heap of Wishes by Amanda Prowse. First of all, I adore Amanda Prowse and the books I’ve read of hers. Second, I love the town of Linden Falls and all of its lovely characters. I have enjoyed all of my “return visits” to this small town and you know my love for small towns. 

This book is about Vera. Her hair salon is the only one in town and you can often see her hair in a new color. Vera is one of the characters that have popped into a few other books and I believe this is the first one devoted to her. She has an interesting background and I enjoyed getting to know her better. 

If you haven’t already, join me in reading this series. The Wishing Tree is the first one and it is a free download. I don’t tend to read a lot of series but this one is a favorite of mine. I just can’t seem get enough of the characters and their beautiful little town. Until next time…Happy Reading! 

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SYNOPSIS: The latest book in the Wishing Tree series, ‘A Whole Heap of Wishes,’ is available now. Visit Linden Falls and make friends with the residents of this charming small town in Vermont and go on to discover their secrets and dreams while you learn how their lives overlap. Wishes in branches tied with string. Someone’s hopes. Another’s dreams…

Upbeat and easy going, is it any wonder that Vera at the beauty parlour in Linden Falls is so popular with her customers? Not only does her friendly conversation brighten the day of those she pampers but she is well known for being the model of discretion, never repeating the confidences shared within the sanctity of the salon walls.

However, Vera’s life is about to get shaken up when she learns that her son will soon be visiting to introduce his fiancée . This might not sound like big news but none of Vera’s friends have ever met him, let alone his father. It’s not that she’s ashamed of them, just the opposite in fact. But with the legacy of her deprived childhood haunting her thoughts, she can’t shake the stink of the poverty that defined her. Now her boy has recently been appointed a professor, and Vera, who daily battles with low self-esteem and feeling like she’s not quite good enough, has nowhere to hide. Their impending arrival reminds her of the crippling lack confidence that drove the decisions of her younger self and the feelings of inadequacy that pulled her family apart.

Vera’s problem is, how is she going to get through the next few days? What will her friends say and what will it be like to come face to face with her son’s father, the man who has held her heart since she first saw him nearly three decades ago?
Is it possible that she can finally face the past that has held her back for so long, and if so, does that mean after all this time, there is still a chance for her and the father of her son? Dive into “A Whole Heap of Wishes” to find out…

Join Amanda Prowse, the bestselling World Book Night author as she brings Vera’s story alive in the latest book in the Wishing Tree series.

REVIEW: I finshed Like the Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher and I was having all the feels. This is not my first book by this author but, it is my third and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books are so satisfying and fulfilling. They are a tiny bit Christian based. Not in your face but, she shows people who rely on their faith to get through life or those who have lost their faith and are slowly making their way back. It is not the total focal point of the book. It just gives it another demension.

This book is about a woman who has it all and her controlling husband yanks it out from underneath her feet. Olivia Ward has to start over and doesn’t even have a home to live in. The husband moves across the country making it impossible to see her daughter very often. So, literally she has lost everything that means anything to her. She plants her feet on the ground and goes about rebuilding a life for herself. Six years later she learns that Emma will be coming to live with her turning her life upside down once again. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I could understand where they were coming from and I knew how they were thinking. In other words, the character development was perfect in my eyes.

The story telling and the plot development kept me interested. Emma discovered an old diary that drew her in and parts of the book were entries from the diary. Well…you know me, I love diaries and books that contain diaries. The mention of the diary drew me in and I was there to stay until the book was finished. I really must learn how to live life outside of my books because they even take over my dreams at night. I am never not thinking about them as I go about my daily chores.

If you love books about strong women, diaries and those who lean on their faith to get them through the hard spots, then this book is for you. Please don’t let the Christian aspects turn you away. I promise you there is only a smattering here and there. I highly recommend this author and anything that she happens to write. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I recieved a copy of this book from the author, #Netgalley and #ThomasNelsonPublishers. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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SYNOPSIS: A life in pieces. A hundred-year-old journal. And a chance for love to be reborn.

Olivia Ward arrived in Bethlehem Springs alone—with no job, no home, and no money—after her manipulative ex-husband used his power and wealth to destroy everything. Six years later, the peaceful life she rebuilt is once again turned upside down when she learns that her fifteen-year-old daughter, Emma, will be coming to live with her. The reunion should be a dream come true, but years of deception have driven a wedge between them. And Emma seems more interested in an old diary she discovered than reconciliation with her mother.

Tyler Murphy knows what it’s like to lose everything. Propelled by his history in the foster-care system, he’s determined to root out dishonesty and protect the most vulnerable through his work as an investigator. When he’s hired to investigate Olivia Ward, though, he finds himself longing to believe she’s exactly who she appears to be, and he soon realizes that his desire to learn more about her has nothing to do with his job. But how can he pursue a relationship that began with a lie?

In this latest novel from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher, an antique diary, a family-fueled investigation, and unexpected feelings collide to create a promise that’s worth fighting for.

“Seamlessly weaving past and present, Robin has written a touching, hopeful story that’s sure to tug on readers’ heartstrings.” —Kathleen Fuller, bestselling author

• Stand-alone novel
• Book length: approximately 80,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Also by Robin Lee Hatcher: I’ll Be Seeing You, Make You Feel My Love, How Sweet It Is, and Cross My Heart

REVIEW: If you are looking for the perfect Christmas story to put you in the mood or to just give you the warm fuzzies, this is the book I recommend for you. A Time Travel Christmas by Karen McQuestion. It is a novella and makes for a nice evening spent in front of the fire with a nice read. What more could you ask for this time of year except for a warm drink and a cosy throw?

This is a time-travel story. I am not a huge fan of the genre but, I’ve come to realize that anything Karen McQuestion writes, I’m gonna love. She is very talented and writes in many different genres with ease. I absolutely love this story. It takes place in the present and back in 1957. I was a toddler in 1957 and enjoyed the picture she painted of the time period.

I loved the few characters that there were. There weren’t many but, each of them are special in their own way. The town Doctor plays Santa and her taxi driver is the same person in both time periods although his car is not the same. Her grandmother is the same and she gets to meet her great grandparents. How special is that?

I really liked this book and wish that it could have gone of longer than it did but, it was really just perfect as it was. The book comes is up for pre-order and comes out the day after Thanksgiving. You’ll be ready to put your feet up and enjoy some relaxing time. Go ahead and order it now and it will be waiting for you in your inbox.

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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SYNOPSIS: A heartwarming tale of a Christmas miracle.

Christmas Eve 2022

After her boyfriend breaks up with her and her job is downsized, Elizabeth thinks life can’t get any worse. That is until she gets the news of her beloved grandmother’s unexpected death. Instead of spending the holidays together, Elizabeth will be planning a funeral. Heartbroken, she makes a wish on the brightest star in the night sky: I wish I could see Grandma one more time.

Christmas Eve 1957

Ten-year-old Dodie is home caring for her sick little sister while her mother retrieves her father from the airport. At first all is fine, but as Betsy’s fever spikes dangerously high, a terrible snowstorm knocks out the power and phone. With her parents long overdue and Betsy nonresponsive, Dodie begins to panic. In the midst of this crisis, a woman comes to the door saying she’s lost. She seems vaguely familiar, and Dodie needs the help, so despite everything she’s heard about strangers, she opens the door and lets her in…

REVIEW: I was delighted to receive Christmas Secret by Violet Howe. This is book number fourteen in the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge. I’ve read several books from this series. I’ll receive another one before the end of the year and just purchased the other three I haven’t read yet. I’m so excited that I will be caught up with this series by the new year! That’s a lot of books and a ton of love for the Soul Sisters. This is one of the most heart-warming series I’ve ever read and it helps a little that it is right at Christmas time. If, you still have not read any of these books, do yourself a favor and go download the first one, Christmas Sisters, free right now! Go! 

I’m guessing I don’t have to tell you how much I love this series since I’ve read so many of the books and will be caught up soon. This book was expecially close to my heart. It is a continuation of Maddie’s story. She is the Matriarch of the family and if not for her this whole series would not exist. You’ll fall in love with her. She is one special lady. She is blessed with a few surprises in this chapter of her life. You will definitely want to read this one if you have read any of the stories so far. I feel like you could jump in anywhere and not be lost but, the best experience would be to start from the beginning. The books are all short and will only take you an evening or so to finish them. 

I love all the characters. I love the storyline. I love that they are Christmas stories. I love them period. You can not tell the authors apart. These books all read as if the same person wrote them. They flow easily. If you need some quiet time away from all the preparation for the holidays, do yourself a favor and pick up these books. They let you steal away for a while and forget your chores are waiting for you. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a copy of this book from the author. Thank you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS: Random circumstances brought them together. Love made them family.

When Maddie first fantasized about a wedding with Robert, they were on a tropical vacation with plenty of time on their hands and only the two of them to consider in the daily schedule. But when they returned home after getting engaged, any real consideration for wedding plans had to be put on the back burner as real life kicked into gear again.

Now, it’s a year later, and between Maddie’s four daughters and their budding families, her mother’s never-ending escapades, and the drama surrounding the wedding of Robert’s son, it seems as though they’ll never find time for a trip down the aisle of their own.

But the holidays have always been a magical time for Maddie and her family, and there’s something about Christmas that makes the impossible seem possible. Will the busy pressures of the season spoil her wedding plans once more? Or will love find a way after all?

If you’re a fan of heartwarming, second-chance, holiday romances with later-in-life heroes and heroines, you’ll love this volume of the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series!

✓ Don’t miss a Soul Sisters book – download them all today!
Book 1: Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Book 2: Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Book 3: Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Book 5: Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson
Book 7: Christmas Surprises by Tammy L. Grace
Book 8: Christmas Yearnings by Ev Bishop
Book 9: Christmas Peace by Violet Howe
Book 10: Christmas Castles by Judith Keim
Book 11: Christmas Star by Tess Thompson
Book 12: Christmas Joy by Judith Keim
Book 13: Christmas Shelter by Tammy L. Grace
Book 14: Christmas Secret by Violet Howe

REVIEW: I was offered the chance to read and review What We Found in Hallelujah by Vanessa Miller through First Editions. This book is published by Thomas Nelson. I took them up on the offer and I am so glad that I did! This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. I am not sure why she hasn’t come up on my radar before because she has 56 books out! I’m sure there are some of them that will move my soul as much as this one did.

The storyline in this book was realistic, interesting, and compelling. I had a hard time putting it down to do my daily chores. I hurried whatever I was doing so I could get back to this book. This is a book written about the faith of a family that has endured terrible loss and how that family has fallen apart from each other and God, then found their way back. It is not over the top religious. It does speak of faith and how we move on after tragedy and putting our faith in God to handle all of our problems. I found this book so uplifting and it not only filled my soul and heart, it brought me to tears in many places remembering my own journey through life and my relationship to my Lord and Savior. 

The characters were just like you and I. They were beautiful and flawed at the same time. They were so well thought out and developed. I felt like I knew these people. They were a family I fell in love with even with those flaws. The beauty of this book shone through every page. The love a mother has for her daughter, the love spouses have for each other, that love you have for your church and your pastor and that love you hold in your heart for the rest of your life for your first love. The characters in this book learned what was important in life. The importance of letting past hurts go and the importance of family and your faith in God.

I’m not trying to be all preachy here. I just was touched in so many ways while reading this book. I don’t think you have to be Christian or religious to read What We Found in Hallelujah. This book without the religious aspects is still just as important because it brings to light how we should love and treat others in our life. For anyone who loves a heartfelt book, family drama and a little mystery thrown in will enjoy this book. I would highly recommend it. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a copy of this book from #FirstEditions, #ThomasNelson and #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS: Another storm is on the horizon for the Reynolds women. And the only way out is to go through it.

Good things never happen in November—at least not for the Reynolds women. It was the month they lost their patriarch. And the month when fourteen-year-old Trinity went missing during a tropical storm. So Hope Reynolds isn’t surprised when it becomes the month she walks in on her boyfriend kissing another woman. Or when she receives a panicked call from her mother about a mistake that could cost the family their treasured beach house.

Meanwhile, Faith Reynolds-Phillips is facing her own financial struggles. She’s also looking down the barrel of divorce and raising a daughter who reminds her so much of her younger sister, Trinity, that sometimes it physically hurts. The last place Hope and Faith want to be is in Hallelujah, South Carolina, during hurricane season. Going home will force them to confront the secrets that have torn their family apart. But if they can survive another storm, they’ll have a chance to rebuild on a new foundation—the truth.

In the latest novel from prolific writer Vanessa Miller, three women must find the strength to endure the storm and the faith to believe in a miracle.

“A heartwarming, page-turning, beautiful story about family secrets, mother-daughter relationships, forgiveness, and restored faith.” —Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author

• Inspiring contemporary fiction
• Stand-alone novel
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Other books by Vanessa Miller: Something Good

REVIEW: Oh Boy! Readers are in for a ride. Fallen Crown by Wendy Million takes us on the roller coaster ride that is the life of Brice Sommerset in the Bellerive Royal Series. I have to admit I’ve taken great pleasure in reading this series. It is a guilty pleasure for me! I would love for the series to go on forever but, I have not asked Wendy what her plans are. I’m going to have to!

In case you are new to this series, Brice is the youngest royal son. Therefore, a lot has not been required of him and he has been able to pull off some wild behaviors without many consequences. Brice is one of those fun loving characters that everyone loves. He is the life of the party. Never sticks to one woman and doesn’t ever see himself getting married. A royal on Bellerive can’t divorce so, Brice isn’t taking any chances on getting stuck with one woman for the rest of his life. Then comes Maren Tucker. Is she the one that changes his mind? She hates Brice and all he stands for. The characters in this installment will steal your heart. You’ll find yourself rooting for the Bellerive team to win the race. Such fun!

I really have enjoyed the royals of Bellerive. They have different laws than we do and it has been interesting to see how being head of a country allows you certain privilege and abilities to change things that don’t work. I brings to our attention how public figures do not live a private life at all. The outside world constantly sees, hears and judges what they do or don’t do. Nothing is very private for them. It does have a profound influence on their lives and how they see and react to the world around them.

Wendy Million has written and outstanding book and series. Her story telling is effortless. If you like the crown or anything to do with royalty, you will fall in love with this series. I haven’t watched the crown yet but, I think I’m going to fall to it’s intrigue. I’m not easily offended by intimate scenes but, I wouldn’t describe them as over the top. Just right. I highly recommend the Bellerive Royal Series and the new release Fallen Crown. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you love by leaving a review!

I received a complimentart copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS: Maren Tucker is done with men who check in for the good times and check out for the bad. As a member of one of the oldest families in Bellerive, she doesn’t have to play nice with the Summerset Royals.

Brice Summerset is the life of every party, and as the third in line to the throne, he’s never had to take anything in life particularly seriously. Show up. Charm a few people. Make a generous donation. Move on.

But Brice’s life is on the cusp of big changes. His father is sick. His two older brothers are settling down, and he’s starting to wonder what else life has to offer.

When Maren tries to block Brice from joining her charity adventure race team, Brice balks at the notion he’s not up to the challenge. As the two butt heads over everything from training philosophies to life goals, they begin to see something in themselves and each other that they never expected.