Category: Book Reviews

Book Club Network, Book Reviews

~Book Review~ “Sidetracked” by Brandilyn Collins

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

When you live a lie for so long, it becomes a part of you. Like clothing first rough and scratchy, it eventually wears down, thins out. Sinks into your skin.

Thirty-four-year-old Delanie Miller has fled her dark past and is now settled into a quiet life in small-town Redbud, Kentucky. She has friends, a faux “family” who lives in her house, and a loving boyfriend who may soon ask her to marry him. Her aching dream of a husband and future children are about to come true. But protecting this life of promise means keeping a low profile and guarding the truth of her past from everyone.

The town’s peace is shattered when Delanie’s friend, Clara, is murdered, and Delanie finds her body. The police chief quickly zeroes in on Billy King, a simple-minded young man whom Delanie knows would never hurt Clara. She can hunt down evidence and speak out publicly against the chief only at great risk of her own exposure. But how can Delanie, who suffered such injustice in her past, keep silent now? She must find a way to uncover the real murderer yet save the life she’s created the deceit-ridden life that will forever distance her true self from others and God.

With page-turning intensity, Sidetracked hurtles between Delanie’s trauma in Redbud and the chaos of her past. Those experiences forced Delanie to reinvent her present but at what cost to her future?

 

My Review:

I received an audiobook copy of this book and I really liked the story. It was a bit confusing listening because of the going back and forth between the past and present, but otherwise the story was very easy to listen to. Murder mysteries are always something that I like to read and being an audiobook, the person who was reading was a little too quiet so I just made the audio about 1.5 times as fast which helped. Delanie was a very good developed character who got put into situations that made others look at her in a bad way, but she dealt with these and made the story very interesting. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this audiobook in exchange for my honest review from the Book Club Network.

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Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Cassia Pappas has found herself in a nearly impossible situation. She wants to spend her time immersed in her new job at a Galveston Island floral shop, arranging blooms and brightening occasions with her lovely creations. But her huge Greek family–especially her father–has other ideas. They’ve all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant location on the Strand– directly across the street from the Rossis’ popular pizza place–and they want Cassia’s full participation.
To make matters worse, as Cassia is trying to develop a strong professional relationship with Galveston’s premier wedding coordinator, Bella Neeley, her own father is intent on stealing all of the Rossi family’s faithful customers. Not exactly the best way to get into Bella’s good graces!
Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop . . .
Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers one more romp with Bella, Galveston, and the bustling wedding biz in the final installment of her popular series. Anyone who loves quirky families, loads of laughter, and tender romance will find themselves hooked.

My Review:

This book was really good! Probably one of my favorite books I have read this year. I have always liked family feuds especially between 2 hot headed families as the Rossi and Pappas families. They are Italian and Greek which means they both are going to do everything they can to win. This story is about the coming together of 2 families but with a lot of headaches along the way. Another thing about this book I likes, was how Cassia loved Judy Garland and the musical “Meet Me in St Louis” which is one of my all time favorite musicals. I give this book a five out of five stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “In Perfect Time” by Sarah Sundin

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, but C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper is immune to her charms. Throughout Italy and southern France, as she evacuates the wounded and he delivers paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them where they don’t want to go.

My Review:

I loved this book so much! World War 2 and the 40s have always been a favorite time period of mine when it comes to reading historical fiction. The cover of this book made me know exactly what era this book was placed in and I wanted to read it even more! Then getting into the book I could not put it down. I was reading it on my breaks at lunch just so I could know what was happening with Roger and Kay. These characters entranced me! The storyline of the guy being the religious one and the girl not being one was a twist. Normally with Christian fiction it’s the other way! I just really loved this book! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Bethany House, Book Reviews

~Book Review~ “Undeniably Yours” by Becky Wade

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted–more interested in art than in oil–she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.
The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.
Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them–her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage–and earn the right to love her.
But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive?”

My Review:

Bo and Meg! There are just not enough words to express how much I extremely liked this book! I felt as if I were in the story and that I was Meg. Bo was awesome and was instantly connected to Meg from the get go. This made me want to read the book even faster because I wanted to read more and more about Bo and Meg. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Bethany House.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “Blind Trust” by Sandra Orchard

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can’t believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation–and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world–and her budding romance with Tom–begin to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?
Award-winning author Sandra Orchard draws readers into a world of rogues, red herrings, and romance as she unfolds the continuing story of amateur sleuth Kate Adams.”

My Review:

Ok, so this book has me kind of torn about whether to like it or not. I could not stop reading the book because I liked it so much, but then when I finished the book, I was disappointed not because of it ending but that it just kind of left me hanging. I was not expecting it at all. This book gave me so many twists and turns that I didn’t know who had committed the crimes and that is what kept me reading. Tom and Kate are great characters and have great chemistry from the very get go. This book is a second book though so I was kinda lost the first chapter. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I give the book a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “While Love Stirs” by Lorna Seilstad

Jenna Evans

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Good Reads Synopsis:

After graduating from Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution–the gas stove–and certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made–especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is back with a breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep readers guessing. Attention to historic detail adorns the timeless story of a young woman looking for true love and making her way in a rapidly changing world.

My Review:

This book is a must read. Lorna Seilstad took the characters of Charlotte and Joel and made them feel like real people. There were real situations in this book unlike some books where it is all fairytale and no reality. I like fairytales, but sometimes its nice to see more of real life. From the love triangle to the scene with the tornado to all of the fights, I was captured. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Blogging for Books, Book Reviews

~Book Review~ “Though My Heart is Torn” by Joanne Bischof

Jenna Evans

Cades Cove

Goodreads Synopsis:

“Settling into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O’Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob—and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon’s rightful wife.

As Gideon wades into the depths of his past choices, Lonnie is stunned by the revelations. She has no choice but to navigate this new path, knowing that surviving the devastating blow will take every ounce of strength  she has.

While Gideon’s guilt  and his bitterness towards Cassie threatens to burn up his fledgling faith, Lonnie wrestles to find the courage to trust the God who brought them together in the first place. Will their hard-earned love be able to conquer all?

Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan?”

 

My Review:

This book took me a while to read and when I mean a while it was like 6 months. It took me so long to get into this book. It was very slow at first, but once I got more into the book it got better. I loved the story line because most romances tend to not deal with a man having another wife. This made the book more interesting. The struggles that Gideon and Lonnie went through helped to make the book move along more quickly than the first few chapters of the book. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Blogging for Books.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “One Perfect Spring” by Irene Hannon

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

My Review:

One Perfect Spring makes for one perfect story! The little girl Haley stole my heart from the very first chapter. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t wait to get home and read some more! Keith and Claire and David and Maureen are great characters and Irene Hannon intertwined their stories in such a way that was amazing. Irene Hannon’s books have always been some of my favorite books and this one goes right in the pile with the others! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Bethany House, Book Reviews

~Book Review~ “A Match Made in Texas” by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Carol Cox

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“In the small town of Dry Gulch, Texas, a good-hearted busybody just can’t keep herself from surreptitiously trying to match up women in dire straits with men of good character she hopes can help them. How is she to know she’s also giving each couple a little nudge toward love?

A Cowboy Unmatched
Neill isn’t sure who hired him to repair Clara’s roof–he only knows Clara desperately needs his help. Can he convince this stubborn widow to let down her guard and take another chance on love?

An Unforeseen Match
Hoping to earn an honest wage on his way to the land rush, Clayton ends up on Grace’s doorstep, lured by a classified ad. He may have signed on for more than he expected though–and he may have found the one woman who can keep him from moving on.

No Match for Love
Andrew can’t fathom how refined Lucy ended up as the caretaker to his dotty aunt, and somehow her arrival has prompted even more bizarre occurrences around the ranch. When they join forces to unearth the truth, will the attraction between Andrew and Lucy develop into more?

Meeting Her Match
When the tables are turned and a tenderhearted meddler becomes the beneficiary of a matchmaking scheme, her world is turned upside down. As her entire life changes, will she finally be able to tell the banker’s son how much she cares for him?”

My Review:

I have read many novella collection books and they are always good including this one. The person that keeps setting the couples up in the first 3 novellas makes for one tale twisting collection linking everything together. Then in the 4th novella, the tables turn and the matchmaker gets the romance. I liked that twist. Neill and Clara, Clayton and Grace, Andrew and Lucy, and the matchmaker and the banker, are all couples that make you want to find that special match of your own. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Bethany House.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ The Pelican Bride by Beth White

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

It is 1704 when Genevieve Gaillain and her sister board a French ship headed for the Louisiana colony as mail-order brides. Both have promised to marry one of the rough-and-tumble Canadian men in this New World in order to escape religious persecution in the Old World. Genevieve knows life won’t be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of beheading. But when she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer whose courageous stand for fair treatment of native peoples has made him decidedly unpopular in the young colony, Genevieve realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. And a secret she harbors could mean the undoing of the colony itself.

My Review:

This book captured me with the names Genevieve and Tristan. I always look at the names of the characters on the back of the book to make my choice of what to read. I really liked this book. I learned about the Huguenots and the French colony that is now Louisiana. I don’t normally see books with a time period of the 1700s so this really struck me. It was different, but I really liked it. The way that the women were treated made me sick, but that is the way it happened back then so I understood. The characters Marc-Antoine, Commander Bienville, La Salle, Dufresne, Mitannu, Nika, Father Mateiu, Genevieve, and Tristan all work together to make this story one I will not forget. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.