“…trusting God meant they could always be sure that the Lord who held their days in His hand could be trusted with them.”
I have enjoyed every single b“…trusting God meant they could always be sure that the Lord who held their days in His hand could be trusted with them.”
I have enjoyed every single book in Carolyn Miller’s Northwest Ice series, but Plays by the Book has definitely earned its spot as my fave so far! It was up against some tough competition too and there are more books to come (yay!), but oh my goodness, my heart is still smiling right now from Mitch and Britta’s story.
First, let’s talk about the glorious bookishness of this romance! Britta is a librarian (who earns her ‘ninja librarian’ nickname well) so you know there are lots of fun nods to readers and novels. Insert hockey player Mitch into the mix, wanting Britta to suggest some romances he can read with his sort-of-girlfriend, and the bookish fun gets even more endearing. The banter between Mitch and Britta is top-notch all the way through (“Did you say plonk?” His lips shifted in a half-smile. “I said plonk.”), but especially their conversations around Pride & Prejudice (the movies & the book). I am not lying when I say I grinned like a crushing teenager every time Mitch talked books or P&P with Britta. And, okay, actually every time Mitch and Britta bantered back and forth, no matter the subject. (Before any pearls are clutched about this being a romance between Mitch and Britta when he has a girlfriend, don’t fret. I was so impressed with how the author handled this, especially on Britta’s part but also on Mitch’s… once he gets a little less clueless about things. Bless his heart lol.)
Carolyn Miller does such a phenomenal job of meshing real-life issues and layered faith themes with swoony romance and witty humor, and this once again stood out to me in Plays by the Book. Britta and Mitch each have their own struggles with feeling like ‘enough’, navigating family dynamics and health issues, and figuring out the life of faith as a single Christian professional. I empathized with both of them, in one area or another, and their respective growth across this novel really touched me. As always, I love the hockey guys accountability/Bible study group – in large part for the depth it allows the story to take on but also because I love catching up with the heroes of the past books in this series and the rest of her hockey universe. (On a fun side note: Miller links at least two of her other, non-hockey, story universes to this one, and I loved making those connections too!)
Bottom Line: Plays by the Book by Carolyn Miller is delightfully bookish and thoughtfully layered, taking me through a range of emotions as I became deeply immersed in the story and the characters. I fell in love with Mitch and Britta’s friendship, their banter, and ultimately their romance even as I fell for each of them individually as well. Both characters are relatable and easy to like, with personalities and backstories that make you wish they were real people you could hang out with, and the two of them together are just so much fun with some really sweet moments that I’m still smiling about. I also appreciated the opportunity to watch them live out their faith in very authentic and accessible ways. This series just keeps getting better, and I’m already eager for the next book!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“Plus, with everything that had gone wrong so far, there was nowhere left to go but up. Right?”
Famous last words, Dani. Hopefully only in th4.5 stars
“Plus, with everything that had gone wrong so far, there was nowhere left to go but up. Right?”
Famous last words, Dani. Hopefully only in the figurative sense, but she’s had some really close calls in the last couple of books so I didn’t want to relax too much. Bless Dani’s heart though, she tends to attract trouble like a flame does moths and she’s hit with some doozies in Rocky Road to Murder. Starting with a literal hit, courtesy of a flying mallet, in a moment of physical comedy gold that could have easily been played by Sandra Bullock in a romcom. While I’m on the subject, I always find something to laugh about when reading a Coffee and Cream Cafe Mystery and this latest installment is full of scenes that left me giggling out loud. From the rogue mallet incident to Aunt Miriam being in rare form and a certain paddleboarding yoga scene (my fave!) – and several other delightful moments – I found myself grinning (or chuckling) more often than not in Rocky Road to Murder.
To be honest, this whole series makes my heart smile – not just because of the humor, though that’s certainly a big part of it, but largely because the author excels at writing such warmth and love and true affection into her protagonists’ family & friend groups. This is true of every book I’ve read by her, but there’s something really special about the combination of the Delaney family (in a zany, While You Were Sleeping kind of way), Dani’s fiercely loyal besties Gwen and Eli, and her swoony boyfriend Detective Jake. And something really special about that combo in Rocky Road to Murder in particular (the scene in this book – there’s always at least one – where they all show up in response to a Dani-crisis is a new fave of mine). They aren’t nauseatingly perfect, either – quite the opposite – and their showing up for Dani often involves some sort of hilarious chaos (definitely does in this book!) but that just makes them even more endearing as far as I’m concerned.
But this IS a mystery after all, so I would be remiss to end my review without talking about it. I stayed fully engaged with the murder investigation (the one Dani, Eli, Gwen, and Meghan were running of course… sorry, Jake) and not just because Dani was (once again) personally invested in finding the culprit(s). Their heartfelt and enthusiastic (if not always skillful) quest to discover the truth is contagious for sure! The layers to this mystery are very nicely-plotted, and a couple of the twists really took me by surprise, including a character I expected to hate but ended up really loving.
Bottom Line: Rocky Road to Murder by Lena Gregory is full of easy-to-love characters, hilarious comedy, swoony romance (be still my heart, Detective Jake!), and a compelling mystery with clever twists. I love every visit to the Coffee and Cream Cafe, but this latest is one of my faves! The author’s talent for imbuing her stories with genuinely heartwarming relationships shines in Dani, her family, and her friends, and they all feel like family to me at this point in the series. Dani’s mouthwatering ice cream creations make me wish I had a friend with an ice cream parlor, and the laugh-out-loud scenes play out on the screen of my mind with ease. If you’re looking for a read that lifts your heart while keeping you absorbed in a compelling mystery, then Rocky Road to Murder is the book for you!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Poor Emily. After basically losing everything, she’s moved to the strange town of Redemption, Wisconsin, to help manage her aunt’s new detective agencPoor Emily. After basically losing everything, she’s moved to the strange town of Redemption, Wisconsin, to help manage her aunt’s new detective agency. Not exactly how she saw her life going, especially since the term ‘detective’ should be used very loosely, as neither her aunt nor the other two senior citizen partners have ever been investigators before. What retired nurse Aunt Tilde, retired schoolteacher Mildred, and bookstore owner Nora ARE skilled at, however, is turning every conversation into a bit of a ‘who’s on first’ spiral of hilarity. I giggled often as Emily tries to make sense of these discussions and make herself understood, and much of my laughter was tinged with ‘she’s lost all control’ hysteria in solidarity with the beleaguered thirty-something. It was all too easy to put myself in her shoes, thanks to the witty first person narrative and memories of some conversations with my late grandmothers that felt very similar. And then the stakeout with the cat… LOL. Oh my goodness, I had tears in my eyes from laughing.
One of the cases they’re asked to investigate in The Mysterious Case of the Missing Dog Walker is indeed quite mysterious. A missing dog that’s not really missing? Actually, a missing dog that didn’t exist in the first place and please-don’t-ask-me-anymore-about-it-thank-you? Curiouser and curiouser. My armchair sleuthing radar went up right away, and I stayed invested in watching Emily get to the bottom of it. Complicating things further is the fact that the town of Redemption is mysterious in its own right, starting with a massive disappearance of townspeople in the late 1800s and continuing with a variety of supernatural occurrences to the present day. As the strange twists in this investigation keep piling up, I enjoyed puzzling through it all in my own mind and tagging along on Emily’s pursuit of the truth.
Bottom Line: The Mysterious Case of the Missing Dog Walker by Michele Pariza Wacek is hilarious and heartwarming with endearingly eccentric characters and a clever plot. The ‘detectives’ of the Redemption Detective Agency are a hoot (to say the least), and their long-suffering office manager Emily earned my sympathy and my laughter as she handled their antics (and their crazy conversations) with mostly good-natured patience. Her keen instincts make her the agency’s strongest asset too, so it was also fun to follow her investigative processes, just for different reasons. If you need a good laugh (or several) and you could use a break from death and destruction, this lighter cozy mystery with a hint of magical realism is just the ticket. And it’s fine to read as a standalone, though the first book in the series is now available on Kindle Unlimited if you want to catch up!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Fans of sassy, witty, heartfelt Southern romance (a la T.I. Lowe, Pepper Basham, and Rebekah Millet), I’ve got a new author for you to add t4.5 stars
Fans of sassy, witty, heartfelt Southern romance (a la T.I. Lowe, Pepper Basham, and Rebekah Millet), I’ve got a new author for you to add to your auto-buy lists! Leslie Kirby DeVooght infuses Stealing Magnolias with a love for the endearing quirks, delicious flavors, and sweet-tea-bless-your-heart drawls of the South. Paired with her layered and vibrant characters – who quickly felt like the dearest of friends to me – and a touching faith thread that feels neither trite nor forced… and fried okra (because you can’t ever go wrong with that as a side dish)… this novel warmed my whole heart and kept me smiling AND swooning from beginning to end.
Wren’s first person narrative immediately sets the tone for the story and clued me in that I was in for a delightful read. This talented interior designer feels like the oddball in a family that’s focused on their missions of service (quite literally FROM a mission). She’s spent years denying her own dreams and desires in favor of what they (especially her singularly-minded mom and sister) would consider worthy pursuits. The only person who’s ever encouraged Wren’s true talents, who really sees her, is her grandmother, and even in her last wishes this wise soul was determined to help Wren fly. I really LOVED the challenges that Wren has to complete, per Gramma’s instructions, and getting a front row seat as she worked her way through them was so heartwarming and swoony and just lots of fun. (And oh bless it I wanted to purse whomp her mom and sister with a tote filled with books written by Wren’s fave romance author. All hardcovers. You’ll have to read this for yourself to see why AND if they eventually redeem themselves but I did – somewhat reluctantly – put down the tote at one point … so do with that what you will.)
You may have picked up on my use of the word ‘swoony’ in that last paragraph, and that’s because there is a very yummy romance in Stealing Magnolias. Ahhhhhh I’m still fanning but not necessarily just because the kisses were full of sparks and fireworks (though there ARE plenty of those). Not even just because the hero is dashing and dreamy (though he is that, for sure). And not even just because the grand gestures and romantic dates are on par with those in some of my favorite books and movies (though that’s true, too). I loved it for all of those reasons but no, the main reason I’m even yet weak-kneed over Wren’s love story is because they help each other see the exquisite beauty in who God uniquely created them to be. The author writes this aspect of the story so tenderly, and it touched a place deep inside the heart of this recovering people-pleaser. (That person being me. Who still needs the reminder too sometimes.)
Bottom Line: If Stealing Magnolias is Leslie Kirby DeVooght’s debut novel, then I will be first in line for every book she writes from here on out. Her writing voice is pitch perfect, the characters were impossible not to love, and I was hooked from the first page. It’s equal parts hilarious and emotional, and there were a couple of scenes (particularly toward the end) where I was grinning and giggling and crying, all at the same time. Not only did it entertain me immensely, make me swoon, and cause a craving for fried okra (I’ve never developed a taste for cheese straws but fried okra is something special), it also challenged me to examine my own heart and pointed me to Jesus. And isn’t that what all the best fiction should do?
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
I love every book I’ve read by Mary Connealy, and all the reasons can be found in Legends of Gold – her trademark wit and swoony take on ‘tr4.5 stars
I love every book I’ve read by Mary Connealy, and all the reasons can be found in Legends of Gold – her trademark wit and swoony take on ‘true-hearted cowboys falling in love with feisty women’ foremost among them. This story picks up just about right where Whispers of Fortune left off, and while you COULD read this as a standalone if you insist on doing so, you’ll enjoy it even more if you’ve read that first book … well… first. You’ll feel better oriented to the ranch, the characters, and the ongoing treasure plot right from the beginning, but the author does catch you up just fine.
The Harts and the MacKenzies have truly laid claim on my heart – this author has such a gift for creating characters that come vividly to life and feel like dear friends – and it was a pleasure watching Tilda become so easily absorbed into their family. We met Tilda in book one – the orphan train worker sent to find the runaway MacKenzie brothers – but Connealy really did save the best layers of Tilda’s story to be revealed in Legends of Gold. And boy did it take some turns I wasn’t expecting, which raised the suspenseful tension in the story (and, by default, the romantic tension too) and kept me turning the pages. Supporting her through every unexpected twist is sailor-turned-rancher Josh Hart, a character I found quite swoony in book one … and in this story too. The chemistry between Josh and Tilda sparks and sizzles from the beginning (after leaving me laughing out loud over Josh’s initial foot-in-mouth fumbles), and their developing romance had me grinning like a besotted schoolgirl through most of the story.
Bottom Line: Legends of Gold is quintessential Mary Connealy, and I loved every minute of it! History-loving Tilda adds so much to the series-wide treasure hunt arc, and the surprising drama that follows her to California keeps the stakes high when it comes to who she can or can’t trust. And while I love how independent she is, I also couldn’t ask for a better match for Tilda than Josh – he’s the perfect blend of protective and flirty while still letting her be a true equal. When I wasn’t grinning or swooning, I was chuckling at the author’s perfect comedic timing and droll humor – or holding my breath during the more adventurous and suspenseful moments. This is such a fun series and, oof, reading the teaser included at the end for book three has me very impatient for October when Annie & Cord’s story releases! Legends of Gold was a delight to read, and if you need a reason to smile these days this novel will fit the bill.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Phooey Kerflooey is so stinkin’ cute that I was delighted to be invited back into her puppy brain for the showdown between her and Rasputin,4.5 stars
Phooey Kerflooey is so stinkin’ cute that I was delighted to be invited back into her puppy brain for the showdown between her and Rasputin, the feisty squirrel we originally met from Marcus’ perspective in Phooey Kerflooey. Getting to see this ongoing battle from Princess Phooey’s point of view was just as fun as I thought it would be – and then some! Because despite being big and fluffy, Phooey is super girly… and not very brave. But she’s gonna be. “Really soon. Any minute now…” Her love for her very favorite boys and her eagerness to make them proud by vanquishing the squirrel from their home put a big smile on my face and melted my heart. Her adorable lack of self-awareness as to who keeps pottying on the floor had me laughing, as did the author’s hilarious writing of Phooey’s thoughts and perceptions. Basically I want Phooey for my own pet, even though she tends to specialize in unintentional chaos, and I dare you not to fall head over heels for her yourself.
Falling head over heels is another of poor Phooey’s specialties but in her case it’s from her own precious puppy clumsiness and that rascally squirrel’s antics. In Phooey Kerflooey vs The Fancy, Fancy Teacup, she was on a desperate quest for a fancy teacup to drink out of since a princess such as herself cannot be expected to drink from a normal dog bowl. In this second chapter book in the Phooey Tales series, she’s on an equally desperate quest to rid her new home of a super frustrating (and stubborn) squirrel, yes, but also she needs her pink Dolly back if they expect her to be brave. (Marcus & Conner took it in favor of an army figurine to inspire her courage.) These boys she owns really don’t know how to treat a princess, and I laughed at this aspect of the story almost as much as I did the other stuff.
Bottom Line: Phooey Kerflooey vs The Battle Squirrel by Kristen Joy Wilks is an endearing and witty chapter book with madcap adventure and applicable Biblical truth. Readers will adore Phooey Kerflooey, a Newfoundland puppy (who thinks she is a princess), and the mayhem that ensues when her new home is invaded by a very naughty squirrel. Between her sincere desire to be brave and her sweet struggles to do so, Phooey will have you rooting for her to find her inner superhero and wanting to just shower her with affection and fancy treats. This may be a book for elementary ages but it can absolutely be enjoyed by the whole family, undoubtedly producing smiles and giggles for all – not to mention the opportunity to talk about what it means to live in peaceful dwelling places per the story’s theme verse. I can’t wait to see where the Phooey Tales next take my fave Newfie and her very fave boys, and I hope the author keeps writing these humor-and-heart-filled adventures for a long time to come!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I’m going to start out my review of Following the Clues by Dana Mentink by gushing about the hero. Phil is loyal to a fault and willing to s4.5 stars
I’m going to start out my review of Following the Clues by Dana Mentink by gushing about the hero. Phil is loyal to a fault and willing to sacrifice his own life if need be to protect his girls. He has an excellent sense of danger – and people – and he is happiest when he feels useful. His favorite reward for a job well done is a chew rope… which he gleefully adds to the ever-growing pile of them in the corner of his doghouse but one of his quirks is that he never actually chews them. And if you’re scratching your head over that last sentence… well…. Phil is a dog. Specifically, he’s a large, white Anatolian shepherd who has been trained to be the companion and guide for Millie, an almost-blind tracking bloodhound (and a sweetheart), and I adored the relationship between these two – and their mutual relationship to Kara Wolfe, our story’s heroine.
If you’ve read the other books in this series, you’re at least somewhat familiar with Kara, one of the Wolfe siblings who makes up the Security Hounds Investigations teams. And like her brothers and sister before her, she’s about to come face-to-face with a blast from her past who will upend her heart. I really enjoyed the layers that Mentink gave to Kara’s relationship with Beau O’Connor, especially the reasons that he pushed her friendship away after he was violently attacked a while back. Face blindness is so intriguing to me, and so I loved the glimpse at his coping mechanisms and how he adapted on the fly. But my heart also went out to him because I’m sure my fascination with the condition would quickly fade if I was affected by it. Needless to say, the author does a great job of making Beau a sympathetic character who is easy to root for. I mean… he’s no Phil… (kidding, kidding!) Kara is the perfect heroine for him, with her warm heart, quick intuition, and dogged determination. I loved watching the two of them together and found myself smiling often in their presence.
The suspense in Following the Clues is part wilderness-survival, part search-and-rescue mission, and part whodunit. There are several plausible suspects as far as who could be behind the strange things happening at Beau’s mother’s fish hatchery, and I ended up being taken my surprise – delightfully so – when all was revealed. I also stayed on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, because between Beau’s missing mom and the increasing intensity of the attacks against those looking for Ree, there’s not a lot of time to relax in safety. Just the way I like my suspense novels!
Bottom Line: Following the Clues by Dana Mentink is equal parts witty, endearing, romantic, and heart-in-your-throat. The main characters, whether they have two or four legs, are full of personality, relatable, and easy to love, and I grinned a lot while spending time with them on these pages. Beau and Kara make a great team who work well together (same as Phil and Millie do) with compelling relationship and personal layers that kept me absorbed in the story. The high-stakes suspense certainly ensured my attention wouldn’t waver either! I always enjoy this author’s writing voice and especially her portrayal of quirkily-lovable dogs, so it was a foregone conclusion that I would love Following the Clues… and I absolutely did! Eager to read Chase’s (and Tank’s) story next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Oh how I adore the Shippers – four endearing and quirky (and endearingly quirky) septuagenarian wom4.5 stars
“She’s not a psychopath. She’s a writer.”
Oh how I adore the Shippers – four endearing and quirky (and endearingly quirky) septuagenarian women who have chosen to spend their retirement sailing the seven seas aboard a Monarch cruise ship. And while they certainly make use of the ship’s amenities and various entertainments, their main mission is to find love matches for those God puts in their path (while also occasionally unmasking some villains). I absolutely loved my introduction to Emily, Althea, Daisy, and Gerry in Love Overboard and have been eagerly (translated: impatiently) waiting to read all about their next matchmaking (and crime-solving) adventures in Hearts Aweigh. And honestly, just hanging out with these ladies via the magic of fiction is loads of fun, even if they weren’t finagling romances for other people… but I’m really glad they ARE succeeding as matchmakers because whew! The romantic tension between Spencer and Abby left me blissfully a’swoon!
“The man was an overdressed guardian angel.”
Bless their hearts, the Shippers have their work cut out for them with these two opposites. Abby is bubbly and warm and pint-sized, the quintessential elementary school teacher who just exudes joy wherever she goes. And she wants nothing more than to be a wife and a mom. Sebastian (who also happens to be Daisy’s son) is straight-laced, buttoned-up, and TALL, the quintessential workaholic who doesn’t know how to relax or have fun. And HE wants nothing more than to convince his mom to come home to New Orleans and help him take care of his five-year-old daughter. I adore a good grumpy/sunshine romance, and Hearts Aweigh sparks deliciously with the confounding-to-them chemistry, witty banter, and forget-to-breathe attraction that I love about this trope. And I dare you to ‘meet’ Sebastian’s little girl Madeline without wanting to cry and smile and hug her and give her candy and read her all the books and maybe even make her play clothes out of some old curtains. What a sweetheart!
“Faith is for when we don’t understand God’s plan. Sometimes we have to walk in the dark awhile and hold tight to his hand…I know that’s hard for a micromanager.”
Oof. That quote from Althea is one I simultaneously loved and hated because hello, my name is Carrie and I’m a micromanager. I like knowing how things are going to work out, even if it’s not like I want them to, because at least I can plan how to handle it. Ohhhhh but life isn’t usually like that, is it? The last several years certainly haven’t gone that way for me anyway, instead feeling like one ‘walk in the dark’ after another with uncertain outcomes and increased anxiety. Which makes me all the more grateful for authors who tuck grace and hope and truth between the pages of the stories they’re telling. No matter how subtle or overt, those quotes or scenes that touch my soul are opportunities for Jesus to remind me that He’s here and He sees and He cares.
Bottom Line: Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap is the perfect combination of heartwarming and hilarious with wonderfully lovable characters and compelling plot turns. The ‘opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine’ romance stole my breath with the toe-curling chemistry between Abby and Sebastian, and I absolutely fell in love with them while I watched them fall in love with each other. It’s not all fun and games aboard this cruise ship, though, so buckle up for some choppy seas as secrets surface and personal growth beckons, but these deeper layers add dimension to the plot and the characters, making the story that much more entertaining. I delighted in setting sail with the Shippers again, and I can’t wait to see who they’ve set their matchmaking sights on next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
(read for endorsement) Lone Star Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap gets my vote for "next book I want to see made into a movie"! This adorable romantic(read for endorsement) Lone Star Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap gets my vote for "next book I want to see made into a movie"! This adorable romantic comedy combines small town charm and lovable characters with laugh-out-loud moments and a heartfelt message of faith. And it all made me smile big from start to finish. The feel-good read we all need right now....more
I fell in love with endearing Newfie puppy Phooey Kerflooey last year when I read the middle grade book of the same name by Kristen Joy Wilks. And nowI fell in love with endearing Newfie puppy Phooey Kerflooey last year when I read the middle grade book of the same name by Kristen Joy Wilks. And now we get the events of Phooey Kerflooey for early readers from the perspective of Phooey herself… which, in a word, is ADORABLE. The author perfectly captures Phooey’s thoughts with hilarity and heart, and I had such fun following along as this super-girly dog adjusts to her new owners (two boys) and howls with dismay when she can’t find a single fancy teacup to drink out of. Because a regular ole’ dog dish just won’t do. I mean, would you expect a princess to drink out of a dog dish? Princess Phooey rests her case.
I loved getting Phooey’s perspective in this story, not only her desperate (and daring) quest for a fancy teacup to drink from but also seeing the boys and their friend Nia through her puppy eyes. As I already mentioned, the author nailed Phooey’s inner voice and made this pup even cuter and more hilarious than I already thought she was. But I also loved getting a bit of Phooey’s backstory, what her life on the farm was like before Marcus picks her, because therein begins the important scriptural life lesson that Phooey – and young readers – learn in this story. As Phooey finally starts to understand the theme verse, Philippians 2:4, we are also reminded to take an interest in others instead of only being focused on our own needs and wants. This plays out very sweetly at the end of this book and is written in a way that kiddos can easily understand and apply to their own lives, especially if a parent or teacher uses it as a stepping stone for deeper conversations.
Bottom Line: Phooey Kerflooey vs the Fancy, Fancy Teacup by Kristen Joy Wilks is a joy to read, with gently-taught life lessons and hilarious adventures. The author’s witty writing voice pairs perfectly with a cutie-cute dog like Phooey, and I adored following this sweet pup’s pursuit of the proper teacup for her water-drinking needs. She’s such a girly princess for such a big dog, and I loved the contrast especially since she now belongs to two very opposite brothers. If you have a chapter book reader in your life, the Phooey Tales series is a great choice for their next read AND they can transition up to the middle grade novel for Marcus’ perspective on these same events when they’re ready to do so. Don’t miss this book full of heart and humor and fun and sweetness!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I absolutely adore this author’s sense of humor and found myself laughing out loud – or at least chuckling – on nearly every page of her new4.5 stars
I absolutely adore this author’s sense of humor and found myself laughing out loud – or at least chuckling – on nearly every page of her newest faith-based cozy mystery Beds, Breakfasts, and Beta Blockers! The protagonist, thirty-something Ro Bergeron, endeared herself to me right away with her witty blend of self-awareness and life ‘unawareness’, if I may coin a new word. Bless her heart, her grandparents who raised her basically did everything for her and kept her pretty sheltered, but the events of this book prove she’s got a good head on her shoulders, a big heart, and a winsome outlook on life. Considering that she has never even used an oven before and certainly never cooked or baked anything, nor owned a dog, her plan to open a dog-friendly bed and breakfast seems pretty ambitious. But one huge point in Ro’s favor is how her family and friends look out for her – she’s blessed indeed to have the community of support that she has.
Speaking of family… Ro’s septuagenarian twin great-aunts defy explanation but oh what fun these zany sisters bring to the book. In fact, they’re the source of most of my laughter while reading Beds, Breakfasts, and Beta Blockers. Much like Shorty in this author’s Small Town Girl Mysteries, I adored reading about Win and Min but I think in real life they would slowly (or not so slowly) drive me insane LOL. I did get a little twitchy on Ro’s behalf a time or ten, but they’re just so delightfully quirky (another reviewer called them ‘kooky’ and that’s a perfect descriptor) that you can’t help but love them in spite of their intrusive meddling and nonsensical logic. (Pretty sure they’re never going to call Ro’s three new dogs anything but coyotes though, and if they do I admit I’ll be oddly disappointed haha). Another pair of supporting characters that defy explanation in this book are Ro’s first B&B guests – you’re just going to have to meet them for yourself. I thought *I* was a true crime fan… but this husband and wife team have me beat by far, which works out perfectly (depending on who you ask) when their stay coincides with a rare murder in Belle Bayou. And of course Win & Min have to meddle in that too, ramping up the entertainment factor – and the opportunities to giggle – all the more.
Bottom Line: Beds, Breakfasts, and Beta Blockers by Jann Franklin is a hilarious and endearing story with small town drama, eccentric characters, a murder mystery, and some madcap mayhem that entertained me thoroughly. I read this book in one sitting, with a big grin on my face from start to finish and frequent laughter breaks at the character’s antics and witty writing narrative. Ro, her twin great-aunts Win and Min, her bestie Lucy, her cousin Marshall, and of course her three dogs all have such big personalities, and I can’t wait to see where this series takes such a lovable group. I also love how faith and prayer are depicted as a natural part of the characters’ lives without feeling forced or out of place. Beds, Breakfasts, and Beta Blockers is a really fun start to a charming new series and a breath of fresh air for world-weary hearts.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Y’all, I grinned all the way through Rescue on the Farm by Allie Pleiter (even when I was swooning too). It’s just so endearing and adorable4.5 stars
Y’all, I grinned all the way through Rescue on the Farm by Allie Pleiter (even when I was swooning too). It’s just so endearing and adorable and sweet, truly enjoyable from beginning to end. Don’t mistake that to mean that everything is all sunshine for the characters, though. No, on the contrary, they deal with real pain and real worries just like we do, but as I’ve come to expect from a Pleiter romance, even in the authenticity of ‘real life’ she infuses their story with hope and grace. A needed reminder that we have the same lifelines available to us in the midst of our own struggles.
Widowed single mom Meg has a lot on her plate – raising her two little girls, running her diner, and trying to keep her head above water financially – but that doesn’t stop her from having a big heart and a warm nature. Enter the grumpy-but-lovable-and-giant Grant (think ‘Disney’s Beast’) who is annoyed that Meg encouraged his mom to take in a batch of abandoned puppies… and we have the perfect recipe for romance! Because while Grant might be able to resist Meg’s sunshine (for a while at least), he is absolutely no match for the cuteness of her adorable daughters or those sweet puppies. I loved everything about Grant and Meg’s relationship, yes, but even that pales in comparison to my absolute ADORATION of how her daughters and a puppy on wheels named Daisy broke down all of his grouchy defenses. Oh my goodness, prepare for your own heart to be completely stolen. I know mine was.
Bottom Line: Rescue on the Farm by Allie Pleiter serves up a delightful grumpy-sunshine romance that made my whole heart smile. Not only did I love the swoony romance between Meg & Grant, I also fell head over heels for the other endearing characters, the charming setting, the touching faith themes, and the can’t-lose combination of precocious puppies & precious little girls in this story. There’s even a hint of suspense! Truly something for everyone in this multi-generational story that brims with hope and light and, of course, love. I can’t wait to spend more time on the Three Sisters Rescue Farm as the series continues. Another must-read and heartfelt romance by Allie Pleiter!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Home Office Agent Daniel Elmsley isn’t the only character in Relinquishing the Agent to be undercover at Lady Coburn’s house party. Rebecca 4.5 stars
Home Office Agent Daniel Elmsley isn’t the only character in Relinquishing the Agent to be undercover at Lady Coburn’s house party. Rebecca Prestcote is pretending to be her wealthy (and shallow) cousin, her sister is masquerading as her maid, a governness is acting as her chaperone, and at least one person is pretending to be innocent of murder! Mistaken identity romances are always fun, and I really adored the one between Rebecca and Daniel in Relinquishing the Agent by Lorri Dudley. Daniel is a highly-marriageable marquis, yes, but also on the hunt for some body snatchers, and bluestocking Rebecca is posing as Corrine so the latter could attend the house party Daniel was expected at. Ohhhh her cousin is really missing out though and not just because Daniel showed up at the one she shipped Rebecca off to, but because the guests at this house party are such a delightful blend of endearingly quirky personalities! Rebecca sees and values this eccentric grouping of people far more than her cousin would have though, and in fact this is one of my favorite aspects of the story – the way these characters become a found family before all is said and done.
And while we’re talking about seeing people as they really are – whether literally or metaphorically – I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the ‘mistaken identity’ of the house party itself. Oh, not because it’s masquerading as something else but because Daniel and Rebecca each think they know why they’re attending – Rebecca to find a breakthrough treatment for her sister’s heart ailment and Daniel to get to the bottom of the body snatching ring – but God has an entirely different purpose in mind for them. And not just to fall in love with each other (though that’s positively swoonilicious! My goodness, Lorri Dudley writes a delicious romance!). Rather, both Daniel and Rebecca need to learn to trust God more fully with what they can’t control, to rest in His strength when/where they are weak, and – oof – I needed that reminder for myself too. The author integrates these threads of faith so tenderly and naturally into the framework of the story, and I appreciated the character growth that resulted.
Bottom Line: Relinquishing the Agent by Lorri Dudley treats readers to a breathlessly-swoony and sweet romance set at a house party where endearing characters and secrets abound! Daniel and Rebecca are both delightful individuals with kind hearts, and Daniel’s fascination-in-spite-of-himself with Rebecca completely besotted me. It was fun to be in on the secrets that Daniel and Rebecca were hiding from each other (and everyone else), and it was just as fun to be in the dark about the various mysteries and some surprises that weave through the plot. I loved the suspenseful moments and the notes of grace, too, and of course the spark-filled chemistry between our hero and heroine which is everything deliciously romantic and tender. I chuckled a lot in this novel, swooned a lot, and closed the final page with a heart meditating on God’s strength made perfect in our weaknesses.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
The four novellas in Pets Amore have a few things in common: romance (of course), Valentine’s Day, adorable pets, small towns and humor. A couple of tThe four novellas in Pets Amore have a few things in common: romance (of course), Valentine’s Day, adorable pets, small towns and humor. A couple of them have super cute kids, too! They also all made me smile, and in our current world where there is lots to be anxious or sad or mad about, stories that leave a smile in your heart are more important than ever.
Amy R. Anguish’s “Out-of-the-box Valentines” had me literally laughing out loud, her spot-on portrayal of a Valentine’s day in the life of a kindergarten teacher responsible for most of that. I may have only been an elementary school teacher for one year but the barely-controlled chaos of Valentine’s Day in the classroom is still seared into my brain, and it makes for a hilarious romcom setting. Kimberly (aka Miss Winters) is all kinds of adorable, from her outfits to her hamster phobia, and fireman Trey is all kinds of swoony with the way he bravely tackles his uncle (and ‘room mom’) duties – and cooks too! The characters are really well fleshed-out in spite of the shorter length of a novella, and the pacing was exactly right.
In “No Butts About It” by Linda Fulkerson, we are treated to a quirky menagerie of animals with vibrant personalities, everything from a spastic turkey and an evil rooster to a super sweet little goat and a protective Great Pyrenees. Those latter two quickly won my heart, but even the turkey and rooster redeemed themselves for me by the end. In the meantime, they provided lots of giggles and the ideal matchmakers to help Charles and Blossom fall in love. Charles’ orphaned niece Hannah won me over with zero effort, too, and I enjoyed her sincere-hearted matchmaking efforts (not all of them in the romance department). In addition to being quite entertaining, this story also serves as a gentle reminder that there is often so much more to someone than we first realize.
“Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines” by Heather Greer has the ‘pet most likely to get its owner in trouble’ out of all the stories in this collection. Cracker Jack the parrot has mastered the art of repeating exactly what Charlotte doesn’t want him to and at the worst possible moment, too, but his saucy beak does hilariously break the ice between Charlotte and Tyson which is a win for readers. Both main characters are engaging and nicely layered with compelling backstories and heartfelt dreams, and I loved cheering them on in their goals and (of course) their relationship. Greer’s warm writing voice is the perfect fit for this big-hearted story, and it was easy to feel a part of the setting and a part of the characters’ journeys.
Beth E. Westcott closes out the collection with “Snowflakes and Puppy Love”, a sweet story with a handful of adorable kids and a heart-melting puppy that all steal the show. I enjoyed getting to know Cooper and Brianna too, but it was the cute kids and Cricket the puppy that made me smile the most in this one. The fact that Brianna is a young widow and Cooper is on uncle duty while his late brother’s wife is overseas adds depth to the plot and keeps readers invested in the outcome. I loved the idea of the Snowflake Festival (if only Georgia got enough snow to have one!), and it gave the whole story a festive feel.
Bottom Line: Whether it’s a hamster named Houdini, a goat named Penelope (and her other animal friends), a parrot named Cracker Jack, or a puppy named Cricket, the combination of endearingly-quirky creatures in Pets Amore is sure to leave your heart lighter by the time you close the final page of the final novella in the collection. Each warmly-written story has solid character development and sweet plots that offer readers a good taste of each author’s unique style. While the stories are all set around Valentine’s Day, they can easily be enjoyed any time of the year. If you’re looking for an excuse to laugh, swoon, and smile, then you need to read Pets Amore today!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
I have loved this series by Lena Gregory from the beginning, but I think Soft Serve Sleighing is my favorite installment to date! The charac4.5 stars
I have loved this series by Lena Gregory from the beginning, but I think Soft Serve Sleighing is my favorite installment to date! The character development thus far has made for some really fun layers by this point, not the least of which is their evolving interpersonal relationships. Dani, Gwen, Eli, Luca, Jake (dreamy sigh), and Dani’s quirky family – including her sister Meghan and her endearing Uncle Jimmie – all just delight me, and I love the affectionate humor with which the author writes them.
In Soft Serve Sleighing, Dani and company run afoul of a self-absorbed influencer who winds up dead after trying to extort Dani for a positive review of her cafe. With swoony Detective Jake on the scene, Dani is fortunately safe from truly being considered a suspect but the actual suspects do continue to cause havoc in her cafe. Never fear, though, Dani’s cohorts have her back and do so in ways that sometimes cracked me up (looking at you, Eli). This team of amateur sleuths are so enthusiastic and equally as engaging together, and the author continues to develop their layers so that they feel as real as my own friends and family. The mystery itself has plenty of red herrings and perfectly-placed clues to keep the story moving, and some of the situations Dani finds herself in this time around have an added benefit of moving her relationship with Jake forward too. (Something I could not be more thrilled about!)
Bottom Line: Soft Serve Sleighing by Lena Gregory dishes up another clever mystery with great characters and lots of fun! I always love my time with Dani and her zany crew, and the witty humor between them – and courtesy of Dani’s first person narration – is particularly on point in this 5th book. I also love the warm affection that Dani’s friends and family show her, and a scene with her Uncle Jimmie made my whole heart grin big. The suspects are a who’s who of mostly unlikeable personalities, some of their antics leaving my jaw dropped on a couple of occasions, and I really enjoyed tagging along on Dani’s amateur sleuthing. Though Eli might be the hero this time around (also, I just love him!). Round out this killer sundae with enough simmering heat between Dani and Jake to melt the blizzard outside, and I’m a very happy reader!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Well-written Southern fiction is one of those genres that I sink into like my Great-Aunt Lucy’s big, flu4.5 stars
“Help one, save one, lead one home.”
Well-written Southern fiction is one of those genres that I sink into like my Great-Aunt Lucy’s big, fluffy feather bed I grew up hearing stories about. The Light on Horn Island is regrettably my first read by Valerie Fraser Luesse but it will absolutely NOT be my last. Her richly-warm writing voice affectionately captured the lilt of the Deep South from the very first line – “Good pimento cheese is a reason to live. It tastes like everything just might turn out after all.” Her characters were quintessentially (and fondly) Southern but also multidimensionally so. No stale or shortsighted stereotypes here! And what a fabulous and vibrant group of characters they are! I so badly wish that every last one of them existed in real life so I could sit around Punk’s kitchen table with them. Undoubtedly, if such a miracle occurred, I would alternate between laughing out loud at particularly delightful turns of phrase, wiping away a few tears at one of their heartbreaks or regrets, and sighing in reverence at a meaningful insight that settled in my soul… much like I did while reading this novel. And I don’t even like Creole food but the descriptions of the food served and eaten by these dear women felt as ‘welcome home’-comforting as the personalities of the characters themselves.
“Coco’s like a hurricane. She doesn’t just arrive. She makes landfall.”
Speaking of ‘welcome home’… our protagonist, twenty-something Edie, has been coaxed back to her grandmother’s house to heal from the painful loss of her best friend. She has such happy memories of summers spent in Punk’s Creole cottage in this tiny Mississippi Gulf Coast town, and after meeting Punk and her friends on these pages I can totally understand why. Punk and the three sisters Coco, Sugar, and Cookie (none of which are their real names lol) are collectively a force to be reckoned with, and you’ll love the explanation for why Edie calls them the Ten Spots. To say I loved these dear ladies immediately would be an understatement, and to say that the men in this story (particularly Jason) were just as memorable as the women would also not go amiss, just in very different ways. And of course there’s Edie who provides the honeyed first person perspective for this story and anchors the various subplots and supporting characters. Her fondness for the Ten Spots and her godmother Charlotte, her big heart, and her amiable personality make her so very easy to root for and embrace.
Bottom Line: The Light on Horn Island by Valerie Fraser Luesse impressed me from word one and settled in my soul shortly thereafter. Edie & her beloved ‘Ten Spots’ felt like dear friends just as quickly, and Luesse draws their stories out of them like an expert word weaver with heaps of grace and tender affection. Not just about Hurricane Camille and its aftermath (which was so compelling) but also a lifetime of love and loss and everything in between. A sweet second chance romance for Edie and the boy she fell in love with one summer made my ‘KissingBooks’ heart happy, and a couple of intriguing mysteries (the kind that grip your imagination with possibilities, not the kind where you solve a crime) were icing on the cake for me. Especially the subplot involving the enigmatic Jason which I didn’t expect to touch my heart like it did but nonetheless left me quite moved by the end. The Light on Horn Island is a gentle and warmly-written reminder that, even if we initially overlook the evidence of His mercy, God is always everything we need exactly when we need it. And THAT, even more than pimento cheese, is a reason to keep going through the storm!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“Until the fear is quieted, the hope can’t be heard.”
Sara Brunsvold is an exceptionally talented author whose stories shine a thoughtful lig4.5 stars
“Until the fear is quieted, the hope can’t be heard.”
Sara Brunsvold is an exceptionally talented author whose stories shine a thoughtful light on the messiness of life and the restorative work of grace. The Atlas of Untold Stories is the latest of her novels that I wanted to sink into and soak in every profound and tenderly-presented truth. On the surface appears to be a road trip story with bookish detours and a deep dive into complicated mother-daughter-sister dynamics. The kind that would make the perfect next read for your book club or vacation. And yes, it is each of those things. All of those things. But it’s also just as witty and heartfelt and fun as it is moving. And its explorations of how those family dynamics are shaped by a potpourri of expectations, secrets, forgiveness, friendships, faith, courage, trauma, art/music/literature, memories, love, and purpose will wrap around you like a hug that lingers long.
Chloe Vance is, in a word, adorable. I absolutely loved her. She’s full of life and endearing, and she exudes a contagious delight that overflows from her creative personality and close relationship with God. At least… it’s contagious for everyone except her exacting mom Edie and older sister Lauren who are her immune-to-Chloe’s-joy companions on this impromptu bookish road trip. The one Chloe concocted as a means of buying more time to tell her mom that’s she moving to Prague for two years. She isn’t the only one with a secret though, and Lauren proves correct the book’s observation that secrets grow heavier until the truth is told. Edie and Lauren grew on me over the course of this novel, and I came to love them just as much as I did Chloe. My heart ached for all three of these women though as they navigated close quarters and stilted conversations while dealing with unexpected bumps in the road and dancing around what they really need to be saying to each other. But I also felt that same heart growing lighter with each page I turned, watching God’s grace fill in the gaps and smooth out the rough edges. I also laughed several times (and grinned several more), usually at something unexpectedly-humorous from pragmatic Edie… like this observation about juice boxes:
“Women her age had no business drinking out of a straw the width of an eyelash.”
Bottom Line: Chloe, Lauren, and Edie Vance may think they are on a nine-day road trip to bookish places in America’s heartland, but the journey they’re really on could change their lives – and ours too. In The Atlas of Untold Stories, author Sara Brunsvold has masterfully crafted an emotional, witty, uplifting, and bookish story that illustrates several thoughtfully-sketched truths: that no relationship is too far beyond God’s ability to restore, that we are all products of the stories going on around us – even the ones we don’t tell anyone else – and that He alone is our courage to be still when we want to run ahead or away. Brunsvold’s writing voice is layered with warmth and humor, and she paints vibrant pictures that immerse you in the fabric of the story. I saw something of myself in each of the three Vance women, which means I also found healing while I watched theirs unfold. Fans of Cynthia Ruchti, Katie Powner, book club fiction, and Robin W. Pearson will love The Atlas of Untold Stories too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
What should a displaced and penniless heiress (formerly a member of the New York 400) add to her newly gifted castle in Chicago that already contains What should a displaced and penniless heiress (formerly a member of the New York 400) add to her newly gifted castle in Chicago that already contains a herd of watch-goats, an unkindness of ravens, a tagalong goose, copious rats and spiders, and a strong possibility of at least one ghost? Well, a trio of attack ferrets, of course. Because what else would one such character do in a Jen Turano novel, besides that very thing? Especially when the bosses of Chicago’s criminal underworld have their eyes set on that same property and don’t appear to be taking Drusilla Merriweather’s ‘no’ for an answer. I don’t know how Jen Turano continues to come up with the hilarity that ensues in her stories, but I’m so glad she does because they never fail to put laughter on my lips and a smile in my heart.
A Lesson in Propriety kicks off a brand new series that has us leaving Turano’s traditional settings of New York or Newport to take up residence in Chicago with Drusilla Merriweather, her widowed mother Irma, her sister Annaliese, and her best friend Seraphina (who, I’m not gonna lie, scares me just a little lol). The drafty, haunted, neglected castle that Aunt Ottilie transferred to Drusilla and Annaliese (before mysteriously disappearing) initially felt like something right out of a Jaime Jo Wright novel but then, oh yes there they are, the delightful Jen Turano spins at every turn. Poor Drusilla – the antics that she encounters upon arrival at the castle were basically all of my own worst nightmares rolled into one house, minus people in costume. (Although… maybe that’s why Seraphina scares me a little, come to think of it.) Enter the charming and sweet Rhenick Wittenbecker who… well… does not get off to a very good start with Drusilla, despite his gallant intentions. I immediately adored him though, along with his family, and loved him all the more after one particularly redeeming act of heroism that even Drusilla can’t deny. (And for those of you who know about my bird phobia, you’ll know what I’m referring to when you get there lol.)
It also wouldn’t be a Jen Turano book without at least a dash of suspense to create more farcical mayhem, and A Lesson in Propriety sees danger coming from several different avenues. I wasn’t sure exactly how it was all going to play out, and there were several twists that took me by surprise in the best way. Where’s Aunt Ottilie? What’s behind all the strange goings-on at the castle? Why do so many developers – particularly those connected to the criminal underworld – want that property? And, amidst all of the above new mysteries and mayhem they encounter in Chicago, there remains the whole reason they had to leave New York in the first place: will the Pinkertons be able to find the crook who stole the Merriweather fortune? The suspense elements in this book were a lot of fun to follow and puzzle over, and I am especially intrigued in how some of these might continue to play out across the series.
Bottom Line: A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano is endearing and eccentric and so very entertaining. I have come to expect no less from this author, and she starts this new series with a bang (and a bleat… and whatever noise a ferret makes). The characters are kooky but adorably so, and Drusilla and Rhenick make a delightful pair whom I enjoyed getting to know around the cobwebs and criminals and ghostly apparitions and terrifying… i mean, hilarious… animals. I am really looking forward to seeing what stories await Annaliese and Seraphina, as well as the antics that surely will occur once their Finishing School opens its doors, having already met a few of their future students on these pages. Laughter, danger, mystery, romance, and of course plenty of mischief – plus a gently-delivered message of embracing your uniqueness as something to be treasured – make this another Turano read that’s not to be missed!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“I had to wait twenty-seven years to kiss you again. If we go any slower, I may be too old to remember who you are.”
I have been waiting eagerly for Ka“I had to wait twenty-seven years to kiss you again. If we go any slower, I may be too old to remember who you are.”
I have been waiting eagerly for Kate’s story since meeting her on the pages of Julia Monroe Begins Again, and it was everything I hoped it would be – and more. The wit and swooniness and faith that I loved about Julia’s story is back in spades, even though the humor is slightly different to reflect Kate’s personality this go-around. After all, she IS the heroine of this novel – her name is even part of the title – so it’s only fair. Her first person narrative sets the tone for the story, and I frequently found myself chuckling at her quirky expressions or her run-ins with the crazy parrot (C’est Fou!). Or her ‘please let the floor swallow me up right now’ moments with Micah (we definitely know he’s head over heels for her when he willingly keeps pursuing her after a couple of these lol). She, like Julia, is exactly the kind of character I would want to be friends with in real life, and I really enjoyed getting to know her better in this story. I also appreciated her character growth – emotional and spiritual – as she deals with a myriad of pressures and stressors, including being both aunt & guardian to her 13-year-old niece (who desperately wants a dog and isn’t afraid to pull out all the – hilarious – manipulations to get one).
For his part, Micah takes the crazier parts of Kate’s life with a steadiness of spirit and a single-minded pursuit of her heart. I loved that he was her first kiss, way back in seventh grade, and let’s just say that kissing her is something he’s very good at. (Have mercy!) Perhaps what I loved most of all about Micah is that he sees her at her worst (or at least not her best) in their first few re-encounters… and sets out to woo her anyway. Isn’t that what we are all looking for – someone to love us even when we’re puking into a gumbo pot or leaving awkward messages meant for someone else or… running ahead of God and losing sight of what really matters? Micah has his own layers and hurts that tugged at my heart, and I adored his earnest affection for Kate and his mentoring of her niece, too. And whew… talk about some swoonilicious romantic tension!! I had to break out my fan for all the sparks sizzling between Micah and Kate – even before they start kissing and certainly after!
Bottom Line: What do you get when you combine a swoony library hunk with a penchant for Hawaiian shirts, a somewhat neurotic but bighearted cafe owner who’s raising her moody-but-delightful 13-year-old niece, an ugly dog, a crazy parrot, a little drama, a little laughter, a little kissing, a little Jesus, and all the mouth-watering beignets you could ever want? A must-read, and that’s exactly what Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet is! Not only are Micah and Kate the perfect protagonists for this story, but so is the colorful supporting cast that just filled up my heart. (Special shout-out to Mrs. Adelaide who had me literally laughing out loud and then wanting to wrap her up in a big hug.) I loved everything about this book, just like Millet’s debut novel, and I’m already eager for my next visit to New Orleans courtesy of this author’s witty writing voice, fun characters, and engaging plots. If you want a reader heart that’s lighter, a spirit that feels you’ve spent time with God, and a swooner (is that a thing?) that’s been fed some great fictional kisses, then make sure you read Kate Landry Has a Plan ASAP!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
It’s official. I’m head over heels for the Quinn family of Gossamer Falls. Like with book one in this series, I could not stop grinning while I read BIt’s official. I’m head over heels for the Quinn family of Gossamer Falls. Like with book one in this series, I could not stop grinning while I read Break My Fall. I mean, yes, author Lynn H. Blackburn includes heart-in-your-throat suspense too, including some scenes where I kept forgetting to breathe because oh my goodness HOW were Gray and Meredith going to get out of this one? But even then, there were sweet or witty moments tucked away to discover that brought my grin back to full wattage. And once Gray realizes that those walls he keeps building are useless when it comes to his feelings for Meredith… and they finally get to kissing… whew!! Talk about forgetting to breathe AND grinning like a fool!!
Meredith Quinn is, in a word, adorable. And bighearted. Sassy. And oh so brave. I loved her sense of humor, perfectly evidenced by the name she gave her mobile dental clinic – Flossy – and her stream of consciousness thoughts (some of which were absolutely hilarious) and her tendency to ramble when talking too. Her relationships with her BFF Bronwyn, her cousin Cal, and her brother Mo made my heart happy, and the way that Grayson integrates so smoothly into their circle did too. Speaking of Gray…. As I mentioned earlier, he’s good at building walls around his heart but Meredith gets past his defenses anyway and oh blissful sigh, an openly-in-love Grayson is quite a swoony hero indeed. Well… so is gruffly-thinks-he’s-keeping-her-at-a-distance Gray. And fiercely-protective Gray. And basically any other iteration that makes Gray who he is.
The suspense element of Break My Fall kept me riveted. And the more they uncover about the neighboring town and its deep-seated corruption, the more I stayed on the edge of my seat. Corrupt law enforcement. Drug traffickers. Abused women & children. In the middle of it all is Meredith, trying to bring dental care and some hope to this underserved community – and running afoul of these small town thugs in the process. I enjoyed all the layers that Blackburn built into this part of the story, and I of course loved the way the mountain landscape itself elevated the suspenseful tension all the way up to the final heart-racing, high stakes showdown.
Bottom Line: Lynn H. Blackburn has quickly become one of my fave romantic suspense authors, and books like Break My Fall are exactly why. I inhaled this book in one sitting, I loved everything about it, and I had so much fun spending time with the Quinn family once more. The witty humor is right up my alley, Meredith is completely lovable, Grayson is completely swoonilicious, and the delightful family (and friend) dynamics kept me smiling. I also loved the layered suspense which, along with the toe-curling kisses that Gray starts doling out, left me forgetting to breathe on a regular basis. I don’t know how in the world I’m going to wait a whole year for Bronwyn & Mo’s story – I’m so invested in those two and figuring out their story!! Another fabulous visit to Gossamer Falls and for sure one of my fave reads of 2025!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)