THE HOUSE AT SALTWATER POINT by Colleen Coble

Ellie Blackmore loves fixing up houses and reselling them and it’s something she’s really good at.  But how can she focus on her latest fixer-upper when her sister, Mackenzie, has gone missing and the only clue is a bloodstain on the deck of her boat.  Mackenzie’s ex-husband, Jason, is Ellie’s business partner and she knows he and Mac were not getting along but she didn’t think he’d harm her.  So who did?  Grayson Bradshaw works for the Coast Guard as an Intel officer and is on the trail of a cocaine shipment that was stolen from the Feds warehouse.  All leads point to Mackenzie but Grayson can’t seem to convince Ellie that she’s guilty.  Both Ellie and Grayson want to get to the bottom of what happened to Mackenzie and what happened to the cocaine.  What they discover is a lot more than what they bargained for and it will be a race against time to keep a terrorists attempt from turning deadly.

The House at Saltwater Point is one of those stories that’s hard to put down once you pick it up.  The mystery keeps you guessing all the way through with lots of clues to pick up on.  The suspense keeps you turning pages to find out the resolution of the mystery.   I enjoyed getting to know Grayson.  He was a great guy and I liked Ellie too.  Both were very real characters.  I didn’t really care for MacKenzie though. Something about her just kinda hit me wrong.  One aspect that I enjoyed was the little tid-bits from Hammer Girl Blog at the beginning of each chapter.  I also enjoyed that Shauna and Zach were involved in this story.  This is the second book in the Lavender Tides series and while there is a conclusion to this story, keep in mind that there will be some loose ends that will most likely be resolved in the next book.  It’s a series I definitely recommend reading in order as there is a lot of history and details that build through each book and there is a subplot that runs through the entire series which is why there are some unanswered questions at the end.  This was a great addition to the series.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*  NOTE: I also purchased the kindle book and audible version as well.  The audible edition was nicely done.

A few quotes I liked:

The kitchen is still the heart of the home.  Good food, laughter, and warmth never go out of style.  - Hammer Girl Blog

“It’s not the tragedy that can ruin you - it’s your own attitude toward it.  You can let adversity make or break you, Jason.  It’s up to you.”

Nothin could define her unless she let it.  She had God in her life to heal those broken places, but she hadn’t let him do it.  She held her pain to her heart like a lovey she couldn’t give up.

For more information on this book or other books by Colleen Coble I encourage you to visit her website at https://colleencoble.com

THE ENGAGEMENT PLOT by Krista Phillips

William Preston is a very handsome CEO who decides to go on a TV dating show called The Price of Love.  He chooses Hanna Knight, a simple, home town, God fearing woman (they start to refer to as Holy Hanna) who is ready to give Will her heart.  That is until he humiliated her in front of millions of TV viewers.  Then Will shows up in Minnesota, where Hanna lives, to ask for her forgiveness and to see if she would be his fake fiancé.  Being his fake fiancé would perhaps stop the gossip about them and help him with his job. Things go pretty well at first. Hanna and Will find they haven’t lost their attraction for each other.  You might even call it love.  But then things start happening that causes their plan to spin out of control.  Now there is even more scandal and Will’s job is on the line.  Can Hanna and Will weather the storm of all that is thrown at them or will this separate them forever?

This is my first book by Krista Phillips but it certainly won’t be my last.  The cover is what first drew me to want to read the book but I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the story.  It was an interesting plot that keeps you entertained from cover to cover.  The people are well-drawn and true-to-life.  You know…they have issues just like we do.  Hanna was someone the reader could easily relate to.  She wants to do the right thing but sometimes it doesn’t work out the way you think it’s gonna.  I understand that!  Will was a very likable guy; a good hero really. (except for the stupid thing he said on the show).  Unfortunately, deep hurt caused him to set aside his faith.  You can understand why as you read the story.  The interaction between them was fun and sometimes a little frustrating but that’s part of the fun.  The secondary characters were great and I liked getting to know them.  You’ll find a wonderful balance of humous (I laughed out loud) and serious situations which really make it such a pleasure to read.  If you enjoy misunderstandings and mayhem with a side of serious then you will love The Engagement Plot!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Barbour/Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*  Note: I always purchased a Kindle copy.

A few favorite moments:

They’d always been opposite, even from the first day of taping for The Price of Love.  He, the CEO bachelor looking for love, and she, the small-town teacher with morals tighter than some of the other contestants’ skinny jeans.

“Hanna, you have to trust me.  I’m trying to fix this.  So unless you want me to kiss you to quiet you down, I suggest you hush.  I’m game either way”

“You gave them the power to wound you instead of seeking the One who had the power to rescue you.”

For more information about this book or other books by Krista Phillips, I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.kristaphillips.com.

HONEYSUCKLE DREAMS by Denise Hunter

Brady Collins becomes a full time dad after his ex-wife dies.  He receives much needed help from family and friends, especially from Hope Daniels.  Brady and Hope have been best friends for a long time.  He’s handling things pretty well until he gets some unexpected news; his son Sam isn’t really his.  Now Sam’s maternal grandparents want full custody of him.  Brady feels Sam is his son no matter what and he’s willing to fight for him.   Brady’s attorney suggests that an engagement or better yet a marriage would most likely sway the judge’s decision. Hope agrees to be his fiancé and even marry him if that’s what it would take to win custody of Sam.  She loves both Sam and Brady.  Then Hope is offered her dream job but it would mean being gone all week.  They both want to do what’s best but it may mean complete honesty, a lot of grace and laying their hearts on the table.

What a great story.  I was enthralled from beginning to end.  Anyone who knows me, knows I love ‘marriage of convenience’ stories and this one was top notch.  Brady is absolutely swoon-worthy!  An all around great guy.  Not perfect but one who is genuine.  Hope is a sweet and loving woman who needed to get past a terrible loss.  Together these two sizzled with such electricity it practically lit the room I was reading in.  I love how they interacted with each and I savored every bit of tender and humorous dialog. There were also some real-life issues that were dealt with along the way.  I appreciated Brady’s and Zoe’s faith and how that made a difference in Hope’s life.  Denise Hunter has once again hit it out of the park.  I could definitely see this as a future Hallmark movie.  This is the second book in the Blue Ridge Romance series and although you could read it as a stand alone, I recommend you read them in the order they were written.   This was a wonderful story filled with grace, hope, love, faith and of course, “Honeysuckle Dreams”.  Highly recommended.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite moments:

Between Hope and Zoe:

Besides which, we both know this is all in God’s hands, and if you’re meant to have the job you will.”  “(I know, I know.””  Hope made a pouty face.  “Why doesn’t that help?” “Because we have our own wishes and wants, and they don’t always line up with His.  But trust a girl who’s made plenty of mistakes in this area…He knows what He’s doing.

“God took all my mistakes and worked them for good.  You can trust Him with your future, Hope.”

She leaned into his kiss, her hands working up to his shoulders.  She loved the feel of him, all warm, soft flesh over taut muscles.  Loved the scrape of his bristly jaw against her palm.  His hands moved over her back, restless, as he deepened the kiss.

For more information about this book or other books by Denise Hunter, I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.denisehunterbooks.com

STORM FRONT by Susan May Warren

Brette Arnold is a photographer/blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers.  Chasing storms seemed, somehow, less dangerous than allowing a relationship to develop with Ty Remington.  Ty can’t seem to give up on the woman he fell in love with even though she ran away from him over a year ago.  Her storm chasing brings her back into his life when a tornado strikes their community.  Chet King, PEAK Rescue leader, along with a group of students are among the missing.  Ty won’t let anything stand in his way when it comes to finding those folks or winning, once again, the heart of the woman he has never stopped loving.

“Storm Front” will leave you totally breathless.  From beginning to end you are sucked into its’ vortex and held tight right to the end.  And the end leaves you longing desperately for the next book, “Wait for Me”.   You’ll find emotional highs and lows, tragedy and triumph but through it all the message of hope and second chances rings loud and clear.  Although this story centers around Ty and Brette, Ben and Kacey also share the spotlight.  You’ll catch up with all the PEAK team and the end brings Pete and Jess to the forefront.  I have grown to love all the characters in this series.  They feel like you could go and meet them and fit right in.  This author reminds the reader that God is always with us through the good and the bad and sometimes He takes care of you in ways you don’t even realize.  Such a wonderful and encouraging message.  This is book 5 in the Montana Rescue series and I highly recommend you read them order for the richest reading experience.  Susan May Warren just keeps getting better and better. I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series.  Wild Montana Skies, Rescue Me, A Matter of Trust, Troubled Waters, Storm Front and Wait for Me (due out in November 2018).

*This complimentary copy was provided by Revell through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite quotes:

He refused to let her pain shake him.  “Your body isn’t what makes you a woman, Brette.  It’s your essence, who God made you to be.”

“…don’t let your circumstances tell you who God is.  Let who God is tell you how to deal with your circumstances.”

“I’m saying that storms happen—cancer happens.  Accidents happen.  We can either run for them, hide from them, or . . . go through them.  God is with us in all of those situations.  But yeah, some of his best people are pressed out, shaken, fermented . . . aged through circumstances or time.”

For more information about this book or other books by this author I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.susanmaywarren.com

TROUBLED WATERS by Susan May Warren

Ian Shaw can pretty much buy anything he wants, except the whereabouts of his niece, Esme and Sierra, the woman he loves.  And now he finds himself liquidating his assets to pay government fines for a devastating fire they say he’s responsible for starting.  Sierra Rose still loves Ian in spite of everything that’s happened between them, but his obsession to find Esme has totally consumed his life.  Sierra knows where Esme is and wants to share that with Ian but has promised Esme she’d keep it secret.  When the PEAK chopper is badly damaged during a rescue and there are no funds to repair it, Ian offers his yacht for a three day Caribbean fundraiser excursion.  Sierra organizes it and Ian invites his closest friends who he hopes will donate the money to fix the chopper.   The excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave hits the yacht and sends everyone overboard.   Ian and Sierra find themselves washed up on a deserted island.  Will working together to survive bring them closer together? And if they are rescued what will happen when Ian finds out Sierra’s kept the truth from him?

Wow!  Talk about an edge-of-your-seat-can’t-put-it-down story, this one is just that!  From the very beginning until it’s climatic conclusion you will be glued to the pages.  This is the long awaited story of Ian and Sierra and it does not disappoint.   At the same time, you have the Pete and Jess story continuing on as well.  Two stories for the price of one.  I love that!  Be prepared for emotional ups and downs but with that you’ll also get some great nuggets of spiritual wisdom and encouragement.  I like that you see all the familiar friends you’ve come to know from the previous books.  To me, that makes the story much more endearing.  Along with the emotional ups and downs, you’ll encounter action, suspense and some heart-stopping moments.   If you can ride out the ‘Troubled Waters’ you are in for a real treat at the end.  Although this has a conclusion it sets the stage for the next story (Storm Front) which I can’t wait to dive into.  I highly recommend not only this book but the whole series.  I recommend you read them in order though because, although each book can stand alone, there is certain parts of the story that carry from one book to the next.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Revell through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite quotes:

“If I didn’t know that God had my back, I’d be a basket case”

“Our team chaplain told me to count it a gift when God is my only option, and…he’s right.  I decided to refuse to believe anything but that God is good and he loves me.  Doesn’t mean life isn’t insane sometimes, but I’m not in this alone.”

“Love isn’t about how she makes you feel.  It’s about giving of yourself to her.  And doing what’s best for her.”

“Your worth to God has nothing to do with your actions.  He loves you because he wants to Because he chooses to.”

If you want to know more about this book or other books by this author I recommend you visit her website at http://www.susanmaywarren.com. 

SOMEBODY TO FRAME by Regina Tittel

Cat Sylvan gets invited to be a bridesmaid at her friends wedding.  It’s being held at Randolph Chateau, a beautiful mansion; the kind of place Cat could only dream about.  She’s looking forward to the experience but a negative incident at the airport seemed to set the tone for her entire weekend.  The other Bridesmaids look down on her and belittle her in front of the others.  Cat is trying to overlook their attitudes and show some Christian love but it’s getting old.  The owner of the estate catches Cats attention.  He’s young, handsome and really nice.  Garrick Randolph is the heir to the family fortune and the chateau.  He’s cautious when it comes to women but Cat seems to have captured his attention and his heart.  She’s different from anyone he’s ever met.  Although Cat is drawn to Garrick, she knows he’s way out of her league but somehow her heart holds a little bit of hope, after all he does give her his attention.  That hope is quickly shattered when she discovers someone is stealing the valuable paintings from the chateau.  And to make matters worse all the clues point to her.

What a lively and enchanting tale.  One that will grab you from the beginning and sweep you away to the very end.  I absolutely loved every minute of the adventure at the Randolph Chateau.  All the characters were full of life and well fleshed out.  There was lots of snappy dialog which I thoroughly enjoyed.  The mystery and intrigue was fun and you get the feeling that you are wandering around the halls of the mansion along with the guests.  I enjoyed the interaction between Garrick and Cat.  I loved Cat’s personality.  She’s bubbly and fun yet so complex.  Garrick was a nice guy who was wise and wanted to handle things correctly. There was also some great wisdom woven into the story as well.   This author is a favorite of mine and this story is one of the reasons why.  I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great story.  I actually think it would make a great Hallmark movie!

*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review…but I also purchased a personal copy as well*

Some favorite quotes:

“Every adversity takes a little climbing to overcome.”

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” … How could she argue with God?  His word was truth.

“Love is like cooking:  It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”

I encourage you to not only check out this book but other books by this author as well.

COLD BLOODED by Anne Patrick

Detective Gwen Jamison is one determined lady!  She is great at solving crimes and closing cases but there is one case she has yet to solve because her captain forced her to back off.  Lately there has been a string of liquor store robberies which has left one woman dead and one witness who is on the run.  She feels that her unsolved case and the robberies are linked but can she convince the new boss to get behind her in that assessment.  Ian McKean lost his wife a few years ago and wants to make a new start.  He takes the job as Lieutenant in Shorewick, Arizona as head of the detectives.  He knew he’d have his hands full with Gwen, as the previous lieutenant had briefed him about her, but he was unprepared for the attraction for her.  Gwen is determined to solve the robberies and get a conviction no matter what.  Ian is in the difficult position of wanting to support Gwen but also be the boss.  With their tenuous relationship, can they work toward getting that conviction and perhaps explore that growing attraction.

Another well written story by Anne Patrick.  It will grab you from the beginning and keep you turning pages until the end.  It was really a nice balance of danger, suspense and romance.  Gwen was someone I wasn’t sure I was going to like but I really grew to like and understand her.  Ian was a good guy who had faced some difficulties in his life.  The story line was well done and you’ll find yourself cheering on our lead pair in solving the robberies.  The faith element was well done and realistic.  Ian was a man of faith and was an a good influence in Gwen’s life because she had pretty much lost her faith.  That’s important to remember in our own lives; be a good influence on others lives.  If you enjoy a good story that’s hard to put down then you will love this one…unless you’re “Cold Blooded”!

*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite quotes:

“God answers all prayers, Gwen.  Maybe not in our timing or the way we want them answered, but according to his will”

“I know it may have seemed that way, but everything in our past happened for a reason.  We may never know why or understand it but there was a purpose.  And God always places people in our path who are there to guide and help us.”

“I don’t have all the answers, Gwen.  No one does.  But I know, without a doubt, that God loves you and will always be there for you during both the good and bad times”

For more information about this book or other books by Anne Patrick, I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.annepatrickbooks.com or her blog at http://suspensebyanne.blogspot.com