It’s no secret that Toni Shiloh is one of my fave authors, and one of the things I love most about her books is how she works in faith so na4.5 stars
It’s no secret that Toni Shiloh is one of my fave authors, and one of the things I love most about her books is how she works in faith so naturally. From her full-length novels to her novellas, her characters make everyday and not-so-everyday decisions a matter of prayer and strive to follow Jesus with authenticity, flaws and all. It never feels cheesy or forced, and I always take something away from reading a Shiloh story, beyond just the great characters and sweet romance. The Christmas Catch is no exception.
Jahleel Walker & Bebe Gordon were high school sweethearts who haven’t seen each other since Jahleel ended their relationship to pursue his dreams of college & professional football. Now those dreams are in shambles, thanks to a career-ending injury that sends him home to Peachwood Bay, Georgia, to recover. In the process, he also has to navigate a strained relationship (to put it mildly) with his father and face the ‘one that got away’… namely, his parents’ next door neighbor, Bebe (who is now a divorced single mom with an adorable daughter and a jerk of an ex). The chemistry between them sure hasn’t lessened any over the years, and I adored watching them get to know one another – and their feelings – as adults with a few years under their belts, respectively. I always love the sass that Shiloh gives at least one of her characters – because I wear sassy pants on the regular – and the secondary relationships (friends, family, etc.) that she incorporates into her stories. The Christmas Catch has both, plus a dose of festive cheer and sweetly-swoony romance. And it’s set in Georgia! What more could I ask for?
Back to Jahleel and Bebe for a moment… This may be a novella but the shorter page count doesn’t mean shallower layers to the characters or their story. On the contrary, Shiloh fleshes out these two characters with depth, grace, and lots of heart. The emotions at the root of their struggles are ones that nearly all readers can relate to, even if we haven’t experienced the specific struggles themselves. And oh how I loved the tender theme of God being a Father to the fatherless and how Shiloh ties it in to Bebe’s daughter (with an absentee father) as well as Jahleel (with a difficult father). It’s so beautifully done, without platitudes or insincerity. And isn’t that the message of Christmas? That, because of Jesus’ birth (and subsequent death and resurrection), we can be adopted into God’s family too and have a Father who is always there for us, even if our earthly fathers are not.
Bottom Line: The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh is a fun, festive, sweet, swoony, and meaningful story about a second chance… in more ways than one. A second chance at romance. A second chance at having a present and loving father (for more than one character, accomplished in two entirely different ways). A second chance at deciding what defines you. All wrapped up in the spirit of the Christmas season, with a focus on the Reason we celebrate and His care over our lives. Shiloh’s engaging writing voice has you immediately invested in the characters and unable to put down the story until you’re finished, and her personal relationship with Jesus shines brightly on every page. Come for the romance and holiday cheer; stay for the way this story speaks to your heart. Football fan or not, you’ll love this quick read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I read – and watch – a lot of cozy mysteries, and sometimes the murder victim is someone whose death is unexpected and very sad. Other times you can tI read – and watch – a lot of cozy mysteries, and sometimes the murder victim is someone whose death is unexpected and very sad. Other times you can tell almost at once exactly who is going to be killed and – much as this probably reflects badly on you me as a person – you can’t wait for them to go. In A Crust to Die For, it’s definitely the latter when it comes to Bart Driscoll. He is an odious and sleazy person, to be sure, and while I never rejoice over even a fictional character’s death, I also wasn’t weeping over his demise. However, as the book progressed, LoTempio does a wonderful job of posthumously revealing much more nuance to his character than we first realize is there, and I love that she did actually make me feel some sadness over his murder after all.
That wasn’t the only surprise waiting for me on the pages of A Crust to Die For, though. For starters, when I realized it was set around a pizza contest that Tiffany Austin (our marvelous protagonist) is spearheading for Southern Style, I thought I pretty much knew how the suspect list would play out. Contestants, judges, other chefs… and, while those categories were definitely represented, the author took the story down some really intriguing paths that kept me eagerly turning the pages. It just kept getting more layered and more complex as Tiffany uncovered several long-held secrets that give even some of the people in her circle a motive to kill.
What was NO surprise to me was how much I continue to love Tiffany’s relationship with her BFF Hilary and with a romantic interest in the police department. This time it’s Tiffany’s turn to be there for Hilary, and of course she will be. I was also very pleased to see that the sparks between her and Detective Bartell are fanning into something with lots of promise. I really enjoy the dynamics between Tiffany and Hilary – and Tiffany and Bartell. Both of them complement Tiffany’s personality in different ways and add several smiles to the reading of this book in their interactions.
Bottom Line: What do you get when you combine real estate agents, truck drivers, beauty queens, food critics, professional chefs, investigative reporters, interior designers, college professors, restaurant owners, a pizza contest, a murder investigation and a small town in Georgia? A delightfully entertaining read, for starters! As with its predecessor, I enjoyed A Crust to Die For in large part due to the strong protagonist, her fun commentary via the first person narrative, and her relationships with BFF Hilary and swoony Detective Bartell. Tiffany is such a great cozy mystery heroine – she’s smart, talented, savvy, witty, friendly, and good at making connections that others might not. The mystery she finds herself investigating in this book has several layers of deception and secrets, making it just as delicious to solve as the pizza contest Tiffany is spearheading. I enjoyed T.C. LoTempio’s writing voice once more and look forward to more on-the-page visits to Branson, Georgia. Another fun read in this series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Vigilante Justice is my first read by Jacquelin Thomas, but it won’t be my last – and I have several of her books already calling to me from my TBR liVigilante Justice is my first read by Jacquelin Thomas, but it won’t be my last – and I have several of her books already calling to me from my TBR list.
Everleigh is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve met so far in a Love Inspired/Suspense book – the secret daughter of a serial killer, a young widow, a single mom, a professor trained in behavioral science. Even just one of those elements would make her intriguing, but all of them combined gives us a truly multi-faceted character with lots of layers to explore. As an added bonus, her personality is warm and witty, and I enjoyed spending time with her and her adorably sassy daughter on these pages.
And there’s swoony Declan who splits his time between being a detective and being a criminal justice professor. His big heart and protective nature make him exactly the right person to help Everleigh and her daughter, and the fact that he’s close to his family makes him even swoonier. He also respects Everleigh – and her mind – enough to not completely relegate her to the sidelines in the investigation, and it was pretty cool for me to watch said investigation fictionally take them 10 miles down the road from where I currently live in real life. When you live near a large city like Atlanta, that’s usually the locale that you see most often in novels – understandably so. But to see several of the smaller towns around my home mentioned was a fun treat that I don’t usually get to experience.
Bottom Line: Vigilante Justice by Jacquelin Thomas is a riveting suspense novel with complex layers and engaging characters. Readers will love meeting Everleigh and her daughter, as well as Declan and his family members, and they will be deeply invested in their safety as men intent on murderous (though misguided) revenge hunt them down. I was captivated by the various dimensions at play – and I was surprised (pleasantly so) by more than one of the twists. If you’re looking for a book with diverse characters who steal your heart, high-stakes suspense that doesn’t get too high-intensity, and a sweet romance, then you need to read Vigilante Justice as soon as possible!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Eat, Drink and Drop Dead is everything I love about cozy mysteries: A strong protagonist who is a lot of fun, a sidekick who is the Ethel to the heroiEat, Drink and Drop Dead is everything I love about cozy mysteries: A strong protagonist who is a lot of fun, a sidekick who is the Ethel to the heroine’s Lucy – or vice versa, a swoony romantic interest (bonus points if he’s a detective), a cute pet or two, a quirky cast of supporting characters, and a layered mystery that keeps me guessing.
I’d never read anything by this author before picking up Eat, Drink and Drop Dead, but this will definitely not be my last read by LoTempio. For starters, I will definitely be following this series, as I was completely charmed by it from beginning to end. Tiffany Austin was a talented, up-and-coming chef in NYC when a messy situation caused her to jump ship and head to small town Georgia where she is thriving as a food blogger and magazine columnist. I loved her personality, her warmth & wit, and her relatable blend of gutsy and anxious. Best friend Hilary is a hoot and reminded me a lot of Nancy Drew’s Bess, and while she may not be the most reliable sidekick, she is sincere in her efforts.
The murder mystery is full of delicious layers, and you’re never quite sure what Tiffany will uncover next. There is no shortage of people who strongly disliked the victim, so she has her hands full trying to pin down the right suspect and the right motive. Why is a food blogger/chef investigating a murder? Well, for starters, this is a cozy mystery haha. But also because Tiffany herself is on that suspect list and she just can’t seem to help herself when it comes to puzzling this one out. In the process, she ends up in yummy Detective Bartell’s crosshairs more than once, allowing ample opportunity for the attraction that hums between them to spark into flame.
That messy situation I mentioned earlier? I am still not quite sure why Tiffany reacted as strongly as she did to Jenny Lee’s threats to uncover the truth behind her NYC exit – it didn’t seem to warrant that level of panic. It also felt like Tiffany could have resolved that issue in the first place by having a conversation with a certain boyfriend instead of fleeing NYC, particularly as we can see how dogged she is in solving Jenny Lee’s murder. So I’m interested to see if this comes back into play in future books, more specifically if that former boyfriend shows up in some way, and we get some more information that will clear it up for me.
Bottom Line: Eat, Drink and Drop Dead is my first read by author T.C. LoTempio, and I was drawn into this delightful mystery from the very first scene. Tiffany is such a fun character, which works out well considering the story is written in her first person POV, and I also loved her best friend Hilary and their relationship. They make a dynamic amateur sleuthing duo (well… mostly haha), and it’s certainly never boring when they’re on the case. I would hang out with them in a heartbeat. Speaking of great relationships, the chemistry practically sizzles between Tiffany and the swoony chief of detectives and, champion of KissingBooks that I am, I cannot wait to see how this plays out in future books. The mystery is full of twists and turns and the ever-present red herrings, as well as all the yummy food Tiffany gets to eat while investigating. A series I’m definitely going to follow, while I catch up on this author’s backlist!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Feisty tween Mae Moore in Drive-Thru Miracle grew on me as quickly as Ramona Quimby and Amber Brown did in their respective books. The autho4.5 stars
Feisty tween Mae Moore in Drive-Thru Miracle grew on me as quickly as Ramona Quimby and Amber Brown did in their respective books. The author wove a ‘just right’ blend of sassy, sweet, and strong in an 11-year-old bundle of emotions when she created Mae, and in fact she created a whole town full of vivid characters that instantly wrap around your heart. Set on the banks of the ‘Hooch’ (otherwise known as the Chattahoochee River), Jessup is the quintessential Georgia small town with sugared accents, quirky personalities (including Beecher from Villa Rica who, if a real person, would live just west of my own Georgia town), humid heat … and careworn lives to match.
Drive-Thru Miracle addresses poverty, disappointment, job loss, disability, bullying, and unanswered prayers honestly and age-appropriately. Things that every last one of us faces in life at some point, things that – if we’re being honest – kids are exposed to by upper elementary school these days, if not sooner. And it’s imperative that Christian authors are addressing these topics, too, because other worldviews are certainly covering them in the middle grade books already available to our kiddos. I loved the acknowledgement that prayers don’t always get answered the way you want them to – and sometimes that’s a good thing! – but that doesn’t mean God isn’t listening or that He doesn’t care. Instead, this novel reminds kids and adults alike that God is good & is always working for our good, whether we can see it right away or not. And it’s not done in a preachy or in-your-face manner, rather as just a natural part of the characters living their lives.
Bottom Line: Drive-Thru Miracle is a delightful read that upper elementary and middle grade kiddos will enjoy from beginning to end. The characters are layered and relatable, and a healthy dose of humor helps keep the tone lighthearted even while dealing with some heavy topics. I fell in love with Mae, Jimmy Mac, Shelby, Beecher, and even Bubba as well as the adults of small town Jessup, Georgia – and Jessup itself with the strong sense of place the author gives readers. A middle grade read that appeals to people of faith, certainly, but also to people with a different worldview who just want to see characters living life with authenticity & grace. Perfect for fans of the Tree Street Kids series, Ramona Quimby, or Amber Brown!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Hazel Dean is one of the most intriguing cozy mystery heroines I can ever remember reading about. In Longing is Violet Dusk, Hazel’s unique gift of beHazel Dean is one of the most intriguing cozy mystery heroines I can ever remember reading about. In Longing is Violet Dusk, Hazel’s unique gift of being able to see people’s emotions as colors once again helps her put the pieces together – or at least makes her so curious about people’s reactions that she can’t help but get involved. The first half of the book is really setting the groundwork for the faster-moving second half, a technique that serves the story & the setting well. I loved the North Georgia mountain locale and I wish Hazel’s bookshop was real because I would so drive the two hours to hang out with her. This is a cozy mystery that stays within the formula while also managing to stand out!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I love Stephenia H. McGee’s books so I already knew I wanted to read her latest, The Swindler’s Daughter. The fact that it’s set in a Georgi4.5 stars
I love Stephenia H. McGee’s books so I already knew I wanted to read her latest, The Swindler’s Daughter. The fact that it’s set in a Georgia mountain town brimming with intriguing Progressive-era (and early hints of Prohibition) history – and located only about an hour from me – is icing on the cake.
Lillian Doyle, our story’s protagonist, had me on her side from the very beginning. In the first few pages, everything she thought she knew was turned upside down and proven to be a lie. Her mother? Not a widow. Her father? Not dead. Well… he is now, but she had believed him dead her whole life only to discover his death was much more recent and comes with a sizable inheritance in her name. Not her high-society mother’s. In fact, despite being raised with a high priority on keeping up appearances, mingling in high-class circles, and marrying advantageously, Lillian herself turned out to be a very kind and genuine person who loved God and sought His direction. I thought her character was very brave and easy to like, and I cheered her on in her quest for independence and the truth.
A quest which leads her from Atlanta to rural north Georgia and a house in need of many repairs, a family she never knew, buried secrets, long-held dreams, and a blossoming romance (complete with some great ‘smushing faces’ scenes). The supporting cast, including our dashing hero Jonah, is full of layered backstories and vibrant personalities and, while some are easy to trust right away, readers get to join Lillian in trying to discern which of the others are who they claim to be. Jonah’s mother Melanie and his sisters were personal favorites of mine, and I’d love to see future stories about Rose and Betsy after they’ve grown up. Jonah is as vividly drawn and compelling as Lillian is, and I very much enjoyed watching them fall in love.
Bottom Line: The Swindler’s Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee grabbed my interest from the first sentence and held me immersed in its pages until the last word. I easily embraced Lillian and Jonah and their Dawsonville families, and I was caught up in the mystery and danger surrounding her father and his house. I also loved that, while I had one idea about how the title would play out, McGee took it even beyond those expectations and made it all the more compelling. I must admit that Georgia during the Progressive & Prohibition eras hasn’t been on my radar until picking up The Swindler’s Daughter but now I find myself wanting to know lots more about it. Romance, intrigue, history, great characters and family secrets – this book has it all!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“Live like you’re looking back from the threshold of eternity.”
I have long been a fan of Tamera Alexander’s historical romances, so I was eager to rea“Live like you’re looking back from the threshold of eternity.”
I have long been a fan of Tamera Alexander’s historical romances, so I was eager to read A Million Little Choices because, while there is an important historical thread, this novel is mostly contemporary. Oh man, y’all. Tamera Alexander rocks a contemporary writing voice! I mean, I knew it would be a fabulous novel because I don’t think she could write a bad one lol, but I do admit to being a little nervous because it was women’s fiction and that typically isn’t my preferred genre. (I need my KissingBooks lol) But, given how many phenomenal women’s (or general) fiction novels I’ve read lately – this one included! – I think these writers are going to make me a fan of the genre yet. This is truly a book that captured me, heart and soul.
There are so many wonderful elements to A Million Little Choices that I’m not sure what to start gushing over first. At the same time, I want you to discover each of them for yourself so I’m going to try and not delve into too many specifics but still hopefully convince you that you NEED this book in your life, post haste. For starters, I loved how the contemporary and historical timelines are intrinsically linked in ways that go deeper than we first realize. Claire and Charlotte are separated by over 150 years and their situations are very different, but their most painful layers collectively have a lot to teach us about ourselves and how we respond when life doesn’t turn out the way we wanted. I also appreciated that the author used a shattering scenario (literally and metaphorically) to introduce the historical story that would ultimately help mend what is broken. That really touched me as a reader who’s in awe of an author’s talent & the power of great storytelling but also as a believer who has seen God work that way in my own life too.
And the characters. Oh goodness, they undid me. This whole story undid me. The redemption undid me. Claire is my age, and she and Stephen have been married just a year less than my husband and I have, so it was easy for me to put myself in her shoes and empathize with her situation. Charlotte’s strength and courage impacted me as much as it did Claire, and her perspective on living from the threshold of eternity is one I’ll be pondering for a while. Without Stephen and Nettie, though, Claire and Charlotte’s stories wouldn’t be nearly as redemptive, and while I wanted to purse whomp Stephen on more than one occasion I was also deeply touched by his transformation. And then there’s Bernice who is hands-down my favorite character – oh, how i adored her! What a picture of grace she is!
Bottom Line: A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander takes readers on an emotional journey of spiritual restoration that runs parallel to the physical restoration taking place at Claire & Stephen’s historic Atlanta home. The author’s warm writing voice draws readers in, and the multilayered characters quickly become friends. At one point in the story, Claire’s best friend tells her, “Please don’t discount God’s ability to redeem this whole mess in ways you might not think possible,” and this proves true in both the contemporary & historical timelines in beautifully poetic ways. A must-read for fans of book club fiction and stories wrapped in grace!
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are some themes in the novel that could be triggering to some readers – marital infidelity, death of a child, domestic abuse, and slavery. While handled with lots of grace and discretion, please be aware of your own personal boundaries if needed.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
One of the first things I love about A Night to Remember is that it’s set in an actual small Georgia town very close to my own – I always enjoy readinOne of the first things I love about A Night to Remember is that it’s set in an actual small Georgia town very close to my own – I always enjoy reading books set in familiar-to-me stomping grounds such as east Tennessee, northern Illinois, central Kentucky, and now northwest Georgia! And it’s not every day I can say I’ve stood in the same place as a book’s villain, but I can now, thanks to the appearance of quaint Marietta Square in this cozy mystery.
Riley is a plucky heroine, with Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden vibes in both personality and persistence. Her friendships in the small town of Adairsville, as well as her visiting best friend from college, have Christ in the center without being preachy or feeling forced. It’s just a natural part of their lives, much as their unquestioning support of each other is too. If one of them needs help – even if they can’t give details – the others show up, willing to do whatever is asked of them. I really liked these characters and their friendships, even though I did want to shake Riley a bit for still holding swoony-and-smitten Mike at bay. (It’s the kissingbooks fan that lives inside me – i can’t help it lol) The cherry on top for me was the unlikely friendship between a grumpy old former ball player and the talkative tween who has him wrapped around her little finger – this added a lot of heart (and some chuckles) to the narrative and also made the stakes higher when it comes to the plot.
Speaking of that, along with a mystery to solve, there’s a little bit of suspense thrown in, too, and I’m not complaining about it. It gave the book some extra energy and kept the tensions simmering from beginning to end. Riley’s brother Kirby’s law enforcement role legitimizes some of the investigating, though of course Riley does her own unsanctioned snooping long before Kirby gets involved. Her college friend Trish along with Kirby’s girlfriend Connie are a great “Bess and George” to Riley’s “Nancy Drew” side, and the trio made a formidable team. I hope we see Trish again in more Adairsville mysteries.
Bottom Line: A Night to Remember by Danny & Wanda Pelfrey is charming and warm, with lovable characters and a couple of unexpected twists. I enjoyed seeing a light faith thread tucked organically into the story, and I liked tagging along with Riley and her gaggle of friends-slash-amateur-sleuths. The setting of Adairsville is almost its own character and lends itself well to these characters and the plot. I’m looking forward to more books from these authors and this quaint North Georgia community.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)