Only One Lie by Audrey J. Cole ~ 5⭐

Genre: Historical Fiction ~ Release Date: December 27, 2022

REVIEW: I really enjoyed Only One Lie by Audrey J. Cole. In fact, most of her books have captivated my imagination while reading them making it impossible to put them down. This was the first Historical book by Ms. Cole and right at the top of my list for favorite genres. I was so excited to jump into this book. I finished it a bit ago but, with Christmas preparations, I’m a little behind right now. 

For the first try at Historical Fiction, I’m giving her a huge A+ for effort. I loved the story and the history of women in aviation that really got it’s start during the Second World War. Women had a big part of ferrying planes for the war effort. They also became instructors for future women pilots. I especially liked this part of the book and how the main character went about trying to acheiving her dream against her parents wishes. The hoops she had to jump through and the difficulty of it all. 

There was a kidnapping and a few murders, a cheating spouse and a love story and the power that money brings is all in this book. There is a lot going on and the characters will keep you interested. You want to know what they are up to. Some of them are pretty downright awful. The main character is Vera and I took a liking to her right away. My grandma was named Vera and I could very well see her in this role. She was a spitfire and was not afraid to be a pioneer in her line of business. 

If you are looking for a book that is not your typical book, this one is it. If you don’t read a lot of Historical Fiction, Only One Lie is a good way to get your feet wet. It is not heavy on the history. It is just lightly mixed in the batter. There was so much going on in Vera’s life and the she handled herself well. I highly recommend this book! 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. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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SYNOPSIS: From the author of The Pilot’s Daughter and The Final Hunt comes a thrilling, suspense-driven mystery set in World War II-era Seattle.

Seattle, 1942. News of the war is interrupted by the kidnapping of young Max Ellis, heir to the wealthiest banking family on the west coast. When the boy’s parents comply with the ransom demands, the kidnapper is found dead and Max remains missing.

For newlywed Vera Chandler, the story hits close to home—her husband Hugh is just six months into his job as the Ellis’s private pilot. Within days, Hugh is deployed to the Pacific as a navy pilot, while Vera’s flying instructor and best friend joins the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. Left alone, her parents’ words haunt her: If you really wanted to serve your country, you wouldn’t have dropped out of nursing school.

In an exchange for a favor Vera can’t refuse, she is pulled into the Ellis family affairs by the desperate mother of the missing child. The Ellis family, Vera learns firsthand, is as dangerous as they are rich. Soon, she is in a race to save the child’s life, and it could be the only way she can save her own.

Love and War by Ashley Farley ~ 5⭐

Genre: Family Life Fiction ~ Release Date: December 27, 2022

REVIEW: Love and War is the fourth book in the Virginia Vineyards Series by Ashley Farley. I believe this is the last one in this series. We’ll have to wait to see what Ms. Farley brings us for our enjoyment next. I’m not sure if there will be another spin off of this series or if we are going to get another delicious series to immerse ourselves in. Whatever it is, I am sure it will be good. I haven’t read anything of hers that I didn’t like.

Love and War was actually Love and War. Someone receives a proposal but, with it comes a move at an inopertune time. Someone, finds out her husband is not who he said he was. War comes in when Daniel, the Patriarch of the family, decides to retire and starts a competition for head of his empire. Who is so ruthless to pit his own children against each other?

The characters are the ones I’ve learned to care for and who I have enjoyed following in this series. It is always hard to say goodbye to the characters we have come to know and love. Some of them I don’t love so much. I won’t miss them. This book was a good ending to the series. It had it all. I can’t tell you everything because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. I had a hard time putting this book down. It was a page turner.

If you haven’t read this series, I would encourage you to pick up all four books and get ready to enjoy yourself. Especially if you received some Christmas money or a gift card that is burning a hole in your pocket! 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. 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: Casey’s hopes are high for a marriage proposal. Luke hints one is coming soon, but he has different plans for their future together. When he finally pops the question, Casey must choose between Luke and her new family and dream career.

The trouble in Hazel’s marriage is not what she thinks. Not even a baby can fix this problem. When the discovery of her husband’s dirty little secret leaves her hurt and confused, she makes a devastating choice that could haunt her for life.

Daniel, who will soon retire as head of the family’s vineyard, sets in motion a campaign to determine his successor. War breaks out between the Love siblings as they vie for the position. But there’s more at stake than the vineyard’s future. Lives are threatened, romances are doomed, and family ties are severed in this dramatic series conclusion.

Christmas Longings by Ev Bishop ~ 5⭐

Genre: Holiday Fiction ~ Release Date: December 24, 2022

REVIEW: Christmas Longings by Ev Bishop is book 15 in the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series. You must know by now that I love this series and all of these books have been winners in my estimation. I bought the final books I needed to get caught up with this series. They were already out so, I will be posting my reviews of them shortly. I’m so excited to say I have read all of the books. I hope the series continues. I have grown to know and love so many of the characters and I know it will be hard to say goodbye.

WOW! Ev Bishop knocked it out of the park with this one. It is so good in so many ways. 

The main characters were new.  The ones we have already met were in the background or made cameo appearances except for one. Nell McMurphy is the main character and she meets a man named Owen. Special circumstances brought them together and he has a pretty wonderful family except for one daughter who thinks Nell might be a gold digger. We get to know Stevie’s birth mother a little more and what she has been through. If you remember, her name is Marilyn and she is married to one of Owen’s sons.

I want to tell you all of the details of this book but, I can’t give away all of the fun. I really enjoyed this installment. It is full of Christmas activities at Cedar Mountain Lodge, new and old loves, memories of days gone by and it is just a very special story. These books aren’t long and they are perfect to fill a quiet evening snuggled in your favorite reading chair. I highly recommend them. Unitl 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. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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

Christmas has been a hard time of year for 73-year-old Nell McMurphy since her daughter Katie passed away, but now that she’s a widow, retired, and has lost her beloved old dog? It’s excruciating. She wants to be strong, to find some way to carry on and to do something with meaning while she still has time left, but she is just so tired, so very, very tired.

Needing to flee memories, she books a stay at Cedar Mountain Lodge, a beautiful remote ski resort, where she plans to hide away from the holidays. Before she retreats, however, she’s determined to go through with her personal annual memorial for Katie, part of which involves handing out her daughter’s favorite treats to homeless people. While doing so, Nell runs into a man named Owen, who is far too interested in her well-being for her liking, and a woman named Marilyn, who runs an art therapy class and whose family runs a local soup kitchen. Nell enjoys the encounter, but it underscores her deep loneliness.

Arriving at Cedar Mountain Lodge, she is shocked when chance throws her, Owen, Marilyn, and family together again. As she spends more time with Marilyn and her daughter Stevie, her longing for family and connection intensifies. And as she gets to know Owen, she is appalled by the desires he kindles.

It might be better to have loved and lost than to never to have loved at all . . . but Nell can’t handle any more loss, so where does that leave her?

If you’re a fan of heartwarming second-chance holiday romances with later-in-life heroes and heroines, along with a few furry friends, 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
Book 15: Christmas Longings by Ev Bishop

Welcome Aboard by Various Authors ~ 5⭐

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction ~ Release Date: January 1, 2023

REVIEW: Are you tired of Winter and ready to put Christmas away? Well, hang on to your hats! There is a new series getting ready to set sail. It is the exciting new Sail Away Series. The first book is called Welcome Aboard and it is the first chapters of all the books to give you a taste of what is coming. I just finished it and I can’t wait for the rest of the books to be rolled out. The books will all be stand alones and the only thing tying them together is they all take place on a cruise ship. How fun is that?

There are several of them that caught my attention right away. I can’t wait to read all of them and see all the exotic places we will travel to with all of these characters. I know there are some of them that will definitely grab your attention. The circumstances of each character and why she decided to go on a cruise by herself is interesting and something all of us may have experienced at some time in our lives. That is why I think there is something for everyone in this new series. 

I have really enjoyed the series I have been reading that are written by multiple authors. Not only do you get to sample some new authors you may not have read before, you may also get to read some of your favorites. I call that a win win situation. How about you?

The first book Welcome Aboard releases January 1, 2023. That is about the time we will have or are thinking of taking down the Christmas decorations and we will need a little pick me up. I think a cruise might do the trick! The Sound of the Sea sets sail on February 1st and it looks to me like the books release weekly. So, get Christmas packed up soon and get ready to sail. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

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

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: Set sail to new adventures and escapes with eight best-selling authors in the exciting new Sail Away series!

Pack your bags and get ready to set sail on a variety of cruise ships…all without leaving home! Experience the waves, the wind, and the call of the birds in the Sail Away series with a sneak peek of the Sail Away Series in this prologue novella. Each bestselling author will take you on a sea adventure filled with friendship, healing, some romance, and all the heartfelt storytelling you crave.

Don’t miss a Sail Away book!
Book 1: Welcome Aboard – prologue book
Book 2: The Sound of the Sea by Jessie Newton
Book 3: Uncharted Waters by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: A Not So Distant Shore by Ev Bishop
Book 5: Caroline, Adrift by Kay Bratt
Book 6: Moonlight On the Lido Deck by Violet Howe
Book 7: The Winning Tickets by Judith Keim
Book 8: Lost At Sea by Patricia Sands
Book 9: The Last Port of Call by Elizabeth Bromke

So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde ~ 5⭐

Genre: Contemporary Literary Fiction ~ Release Date: December 6, 2022

REVIEW: I want to say that So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde was a fabulous book but, for many reasons I find it hard to say that. It’s kind of like saying you had a fabulous time at a funeral. It is something that does not ever come out of your mouth. But…I really have to say it. So Long, Chester Wheeler was a fabulous book. I even found myself chuckling in places. There were parts that were hard to read and parts that made me really sad. This book pulled out all the feels.

Lewis is the main character and becomes the caretaker of the old man next door who is dying of lung cancer. Lewis, the main character, agrees to take him cross country to see his ex-wife. Because it is his dying wish, Lewis can’t seem to say no. This becomes a trip that is both funny, sad, poignant.

We read about the indignity of end of life, the honor of helping someone through it, coming to terms with death. Lets put it this way, there is a lot to think about and this book will actually make you stop in your tracks and think about your future and the future of your loved ones. I volunteered with Hospice for a while. It was an honor I won’t soon forget and this book brought back the memory of those folks to me.

This is a worthwhile book and one I would recommend for everyone to read. I think if we live long enough, it is something we will all experience. Chester was a sad man and lived a hard life. Although, it was one he brought on himself, it should make us concious of how we treat people and who we choose to keep in our lives. Pick up your copy today. It was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I’ve read a lot of good books this year and since I started reviewing. I choose what I read wisely. This book is in a class by itself. 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 #LakeUnionPublishing, #Netgalley and the author. 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: Unlikely road trip companions form an unexpected bond in an uplifting novel about the past—lost and found—by the New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author.

Lewis Madigan is young, gay, out of work, and getting antsy when he’s roped into providing end-of-life care for his insufferable homophobic neighbor, Chester Wheeler. Lewis doesn’t need the aggravation, just the money. The only requirements: run errands, be on call, and put up with a miserable old churl no one else in Buffalo can bear. After exchanging barbs, bickering, baiting, and pushing buttons, Chester hits Lewis with the big ask.

Lewis can’t say no to a dying wish: drive Chester to Arizona in his rust bucket of a Winnebago to see his ex-wife for the first time in thirty-two years—for the last time. One week, two thousand miles. To Lewis, it becomes an illuminating journey into the life and secrets of a vulnerable man he’s finally beginning to understand. A neighbor, a stranger, and a surprising new friend whose closure on a conflicted past is also just beginning.

So Long, Chester Wheeler is an uplifting novel about looking deeper into the heart and soul to form bonds with the last people we’d expect—only to discover that they’re the ones who need it most.

A Whole Heap of Wishes by Amanda Prowse ~ 5⭐

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction ~ Release Date: September 22, 2022

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! 

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

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: 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.

Like the Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher ~ 5⭐

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction ~ Release Date: November 29, 2022

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!

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

I recieved a copy of this book from the author, #Netgalley and #ThomasNelsonPublishers. 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: 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

A Time Travel Christmas by Karen McQuestion ~ 5 big ⭐

Genre: Time Travel Holiday Fiction ~ Release Date: November 25, 2022

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…

Christmas Secret by Violet Howe ~ 5⭐

Holiday & Family Fiction ~ Release Date: November 5, 2022

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

What We Found in Hallelujah by Vanessa Miller ~ 5⭐

Genre: Black & African American Fiction ~ Release Date: November 29, 2022

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!

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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