As the Sun Rises by Kellie Coates Gilbert ~ 5⭐

Genre: Small Town Friendship Fiction ~ Release Date: December 30, 2024

REVIEW:

As the Sun Rises by Kellie Coates Gilbert is the fourth book in the Teton Mountain Series. This is the last book in the series for those of you who like to binge read the series after they are finished. I loved this series about four girlfriends from high school who have stayed friends through the years. They have been there for each other through the ups and downs of their lives.

This book is about Capri Jacobs who has just lost her beloved stepfather. He is the only man in her life who was a father to her and they were very close. Capri lives with her parents while running her own rafting company. Her only reason is: it’s free. It is a complex story, but I’m not going to tell you. You have to read the book for yourself.

As the Sun Rises takes you through the grief process that Capri experiences with the support of her girlfriends. This is the friend in every group who holds some of her deepest feelings back. Her friends seem to know her well enough to know what is actually going on with her. Wouldn’t you love to have such a close knit group of women friends to help you through the tough spots in your life?

Kellie Coates Gilbert writes such heartwarming books. In this series it is a small mountain town where everyone knows your business and everyone helps each other out. The town sounds like my kind of town. You will love the characters she creates. There are the fun quirky ones. The troublemakers and everything in between. I enjoy her storylines in this series as each character’s story is different. 

If this sounds like a series you would enjoy, I highly recommend it. It is well worth your time investment. This would make a great gift for yourself for some of your Christmas money. I think you should put it right on your nightstand and get started right away. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

Determined to drown out the pain of the loss of her beloved stepfather, Capri Jacobs embarks on a reckless journey of self-destruction, pushing boundaries and testing limits she never thought she’d cross. Not even her girlfriends can intercept her emotional implosion.

But when she hires a quiet, steadfast man to renovate her mother’s home—a house full of memories and meanings—she encounters a love so unexpected, it feels like a lifeline thrown into her storm.

So This is Christmas by Kay Bratt ~ 5⭐

Genre: Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction 
Release Date: December 25, 2024

REVIEW:

Merry Christmas to my followers!

Christmas by Kay Bratt is going to be a very special Christmas present for many of us because of its release on Christmas Day. Pre-order it now, so it will be waiting in your inbox in the morning. I can’t think of a better gift to give yourself than the next exciting installment of the Hart’s Ridge series. This is book eleven and it is so good. They just get better and better.

There is a tragic murder of a family on Christmas Eve in the small town of Hart’s Ridge. The remaining family members are devastated and our favorite character Taylor is out of work on medical leave. Her husband Sam has made her promise that she will not get involved in the investigation. How can she stay away? She has to find a way to help and still not break her promise to Sam.

The characters in this book and series are what really draws me in. I feel like I know them personally and I always am looking forward to hearing more of the news from Hart’s Ridge. Even the characters I didn’t like in the beginning are included in the ones I care about. Taylors father was a drunk back when she was young and left caring for her siblings, but now it looks like he is trying to turn his life around. That is just one of the reasons I keep reading this series.

The crimes that take place in Hart’s Ridge are horrific. Your eyes tear up and your heart breaks for the families involved. Kay Bratt has done a wonderful job with this series and her fans want to see that series continue. I don’t want it to end! I would eventually like to see a yearly update so we know what is going on with Taylor and her family who run a rescue and boarding facility on their property. See! I told you there is a lot going on. 

If you love long series, crime stories, small towns and characters you can grow to love and consider part of your own family, then this series is something you should consider taking a deep dive into. I never was a series reader but now I can’t seem to stay away from them. I’m always waiting for the next book to come out. Are you the same way? Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

The quaint town of Hart’s Ridge glistens with holiday magic each Christmas, as festive lights and holiday attractions draw visitors to its charming streets. This year, Deputy Taylor Gray is enjoying a quieter holiday at home, fully embracing her new role in the midst of family festivities.

But peace and goodwill are shattered on Christmas Eve when four bodies are discovered and two children are left as orphans. Taylor finds herself walking a fine line between her desire to please her husband, Sam, who insists she stay out of the investigation, and her passion for keeping the town safe. As she navigates her restrictions, she must find a way to contribute without jeopardizing her promise to Sam.

“So This Is Christmas” is book eleven of the bestselling Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, million-copy best-selling author.

Fresh Start at Bluebird Cottage by Susan Schild ~ 5⭐

Genre: Romance ~ Release Date: December 20, 2024

REVIEW:

Fresh Start at Bluebird Cottage by Susan Schild is the third long awaited book in her An Azalea Lake Sweet Romance series. Susan took some well deserved time off and I am so glad to have her back! I love her over 40 romances. I can certainly relate to later in life romance. There are even folks my age falling in love. It is so refreshing to read about romance in my age group.

We met a lot of the characters in the first two books. It was wonderful to be able to spend time with them again and see where their life has led them since we last were together. Cricket married her neighbor who is a contractor and they are living in their fixer upper cottage on Lake Azalea. Cricket runs a home health care company out of her home and I love some of the folks her business helps stay at home.

So much is going on in their lives and there is never a dull moment. If you love older romance, a lot of action going on and things that will keep your interest and attention from the first page, you will love this book. You will love this series. I’m not ready for it to end but, I think this is the last book. She did wrap everything up nicely for us. There is not any wondering what is going to happen in the future.

Check out An Azalea Lake Sweet Romance series. It definitely deserves a spot on your nightstand. If you love Christmas books, you may want to check out her other series as some of them have a Christmas book in them. Until next time..Happy Reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

USA Today Bestselling Author Susan Schild presents the third book in the beloved small-town Azalea Lake Sweet Romance series!
Cricket Darley has finally learned to trust again after being abandoned by her ex-husband, and she’s found the man of her dreams! Just three months ago, she married her next-door neighbor, contractor and all-round good guy Hank Mayfield. The two are thrilled at being together in their fixer-upper cottage on picturesque Azalea Lake, but life’s ups and downs are coming so fast that the newlyweds haven’t even had time to go on a honeymoon.

Hank is troubled by problems at work but clams up every time Cricket tries to talk to him about it. Cricket’s employees keep leaving her senior caregiver business, and she’s extra-busy helping her beloved aunt recover from a nasty fall.

Will their long-awaited honeymoon to the North Carolina mountains draw them even closer, or push them further apart?

But even greater challenges greet them when they arrive home. Does Cricket’s newest hire have sticky fingers? Will Hank have to resign from his own family business? To add to the drama, Hank’s scheming ex-wife still seems intent on stealing him back. Will their relationship survive the showdown?

Marrying after forty can be complicated, but can the newlyweds overcome their differences and move forward to build the joyful life they’ve always dreamed of?

You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan with Steven Manchester ~ 5⭐

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction ~ Release Date: November 19, 2024

REVIEW:

You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan with Steven Manchester was one of the most profound works I have ever read except for the Bible. I had a few interruptions while in the reading process. Even considering that it took me a long time to read it. I could not read this as a novel. For me, this book required thinking and pondering what it meant to me and my life. It was literally an act of worship. 

One thing I want to mention is that this book was ten years in research before the writing began. That is a lot of research. I think that is the main reason I sat up and listened to what God my father and Jesus my savior was trying to tell me in this beautifully written book. I took this opportunity to learn and absorb things that I didn’t know or that I had forgotten over the years. Let me tell you, I learned a lot about the time period when Jesus walked the earth with his disciples.

This is told through the eyes of the eyes of Simon. Jesus told him “You Will Be Peter”. He was the first Apostle. He was the leader of the apostles, protector of Jesus and had the principal role of building Christ’s church. It was interesting to know that Simon Peter was just like you and me. He had questions,  doubts and worries just like you and me. I also wondered if I were his wife if I would have been as understanding of his long absences with the other disciples and Jesus. His wife was a prime example of supporting your husband without question.

Of course, I would recommend everyone read this book, but I realize that it is not a book that everyone will want to read. It is perfect for information if that is what you are looking for. Personally, it made me think of my faith and how strong it is, what changes I need to make in my own walk with Jesus and just how strong I am as a person. I highly recommend this book. I think it has something for everyone to take away. It would be a perfect addition to your nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

The extraordinary story of a young fisherman who became the Founding Father of Christianity, the most influential and enduring institution in history.

2023 Paris Book Festival Winner · 2023 New England Book Festival Winner

He’s one of the most well-known figures in cultures around the world, etched into stained glass, painted in frescoes, even caricatured as standing at the gates of heaven with a long white beard and keys in hand. But long before he was portrayed as a venerated and untouchable figure, Peter was simply known as Simon, a twenty-something fisherman in a far-flung Jewish province controlled by the Roman Empire.

Loyal and faithful, impetuous and passionate, Simon’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a man called Jesus of Nazareth, rumored to be the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue the Jewish people from oppression. When Simon meets Jesus, the mysterious man tells him, “You will be Peter,” a prophetic statement that would slowly transform Simon’s life. Eager to be free of the Romans, Simon joins Jesus in hopes that he can guard this leader who will, undoubtedly, build an army to challenge Rome. But as Simon waits for the army to form, he watches Jesus show a compassion for others Simon has never seen before. The miracles Jesus performs—healing the sick, feeding crowds of thousands—show not a display of military might, but of service and love.

Real, relatable and impeccably researched, You Will Be Peter draws on the four Gospel accounts to weave Simon Peter’s story into one seamless tapestry. Readers get a front-row seat to Simon’s three-year walk with Jesus, as Simon watches the Son of Man feed the hungry, raise the dead, upend the status quo and challenge the elite during one of world history’s most pivotal seasons.

In perhaps one of the greatest miracles, we can see ourselves in Simon, this ordinary man Jesus chose to accompany Him. Simon wasn’t well-educated, but he was faithful and headstrong. Though he could rush to judgment and use a foul word from time to time, he was the kind of friend who loved fiercely and was doggedly loyal—until he wasn’t. Although he failed, Simon wasn’t cast away from Jesus’ mission. In fact, his failures and subsequent redemption made him a more empathetic and capable rock upon whom the Church was built.

With storytelling artistry that transports readers to the first-century world, with the sights, sounds, and smells of that time, You Will Be Peter shares an age-old story told from a new set of eyes: it’s possible for one ordinary person, however unlikely, to change the world forever.

Miranda Fights by Gail Ward Olmsted – 5⭐️

Genre: Legal Thriller – Release Date: December 5, 2024

REVIEW:

I have been distinctly honored to read and review the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series by Gail Ward Olmsted. Book one was Miranda Writes, Book two Miranda Nights and now the best one Book three is Miranda Fights. I have enjoyed each of the books but Miranda Fights took a turn I never saw coming. Gasping out loud and your husband asking what is wrong, that is epic. When an author shocks you the way she shocked me, that is absolutely the best! 

The main character is Miranda Quinn and those that love her call her Randi. Randi is an attorney that works hard and loves hard. She is happy in her small town surrounded by family and longtime friends. She has been happily married to her cute husband for two years. 

There is a lot going on in this book. There is a human trafficking case, sexual abuse and child neglect and more. It is all dealt with in a sensitive way and I don’t think it will be a trigger. I did learn some new things while reading this book and I always love to expand my knowledge. The best way to do that is reading a book that you are truly enjoying and getting your mind filled at the same time. Hence the reason I like Historical Fiction. If you are into that, Ms. Olmsted wrote a couple of Historical Fiction books that expanded my horizons and they were so much fun to read. Check them out!

If you love Legal Thrillers, I highly recommend you checking out the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series. These books are different from the normal Legal Thriller because you get to know Randi and her family, what drives her and her history in the legal field. I really think you should read them from the beginning but, I have to say that I think they stand well on their own. I just think you would have more fun reading her story from the beginning. Ms. Olmsted winds the story up quite nicely but I’m hoping there will be more of this series in the future. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

“This book is perfect for fans of legal thrillers, crime dramas, and anyone interested in stories that shine a light on important social issues.” –Literary Titan

Miranda Quinn is back in the courtroom working as a legal aid attorney when she’s asked to represent Lennon, the daughter of a high school friend currently serving time in prison. Still struggling with guilt from the role she played in her friend’s downfall, Miranda agrees to help.

The former assistant DA has given up a lucrative career as a legal talk radio host to better serve her community. In her spare time, she volunteers as a counselor for at-risk teens. It’s challenging but rewarding, at least until the young women begin to mysteriously disappear. As Miranda struggles to find out who is responsible, it becomes clear that Lennon is in danger as well. As the police piece together Miranda’s clues, they realize they’re dealing with a much larger and farther-reaching organization than they had expected.

Miranda has faced her share of adversaries, both in and out of the courtroom. To expose the sex traffickers preying on the group of girls she has sworn to protect, she’ll need to keep her eyes and ears open. But to save the one young woman who needs her most, she’ll have to open her heart.

She’s in for the fight of her life.