The Whys Have It is exquisitely heartwrenching and simultaneously layered with hope and subtle nudges of grace. It’s a picture of broken people livingThe Whys Have It is exquisitely heartwrenching and simultaneously layered with hope and subtle nudges of grace. It’s a picture of broken people living broken lives – and what it looks like when their brokenness intersects.
Amy Matayo seamlessly gets inside Samantha's & Cory's heads, and therefore so do we, the readers. As such, we are treated to their brokenness first hand and experience their reactions and unguarded thoughts. It makes for some uncomfortable paragraphs – the good kind of uncomfortable, the kind that stretches you out of your comfort zone. The kind of discomfort that eventually makes grace that much sweeter. (Some of Cory's unguarded thoughts may have you blushing and fanning lol)
Oh! And I can’t forget to mention Phyllis. I adore her! You will love her too, I just know it! She’s the type of character you wish could leap out of the page and into real life. Her hugs, her insight, the smile in her voice. Everyone needs a Phyllis.
Bottom Line: The Whys Have It by Amy Matayo is the kind of book that gets deep down in your heart and takes up residence. The smooth writing style instantly draws you in – and once the characters latch on, don’t expect to put this novel down until you’ve finished it. My Kindle copy has three pages worth of highlighted sentences that will linger with me for quite a while beyond this first read. It’s honest. It’s profound. It’s raw in places. And peeking through the melody of brokenness is a harmony of hope and restoration that will settle in your spirit like one of Phyllis’ hugs.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Normandie Fischer’s novels are southern fiction wrapped in bucket-list-trip locales. It’s one of my favorite things about reading her books! The warm Normandie Fischer’s novels are southern fiction wrapped in bucket-list-trip locales. It’s one of my favorite things about reading her books! The warm southern turn of a phrase juxtaposed against a romantic backdrop like Italy (or a thrilling one if you’re reading her Isaac’s House series!).
At the surface level, the story is about Sam and her decision (and failure) to avoid men for the rest of her life due to recent bad decisions. Italy seems to her like a good idea to gain new perspective so off she goes. Enter Teo, stage right. I loved both of these characters, but especially Teo. His tender heart, his honest journey to God, his sense of humor, and the way he cares for Sam.
And yet…. there’s a much deeper theme to be found here as well. One of sin and its poisonous – and rippling – consequences. One of grace and the True Love that covers a multitude of those sins. One of healing found only in the Arms of the One who threw the stars into place and still knows your name and the number of hairs on your head. One of friendship and family and the power of both.
Bottom Line: Each sentence in a Normandie Fischer book reads like a warm hug and a tall glass of lemonade. Her writing voice beckons you to curl up and settle in for the duration as you savor the words, the characters, and their story. Sam and Teo are flawed, relatable, and genuine characters who present an authentic picture of life with all its up and downs – and of grace in all its beauty. Not to be missed!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I really love this series from Tonya Kappes, and Ax to Grind may be my favorite so far.
Kenni Lowry is a delightful heroine – sometimes feisty, sometimI really love this series from Tonya Kappes, and Ax to Grind may be my favorite so far.
Kenni Lowry is a delightful heroine – sometimes feisty, sometimes awkward, always the kind of character you’d want as a friend. Her loyal dog Duke has his own quirky personality and tends to steal the scene. Speaking of quirky, Kenni’s Poppa pops up to help her solve the crimes. Poppa used to be sheriff of Cottonwood before Kenni… he’s also deceased. While this paranormal twist to the series is lighthearted and sweet, I also think it’s ingenious. Poppa can go places Kenni can’t – and this gives us insight and clues we might not otherwise gain.
And then of course there is Finn – Kenni’s deputy and resident hunk. I really like the way their relationship continues to develop, and Kenni’s Mama’s antics regarding their potential romance will make you smile. Not to mention everyone else’s opinions. And in a small Kentucky town like Cottonwood, there are plenty of opinions – and plenty of fun characters to match.
Bottom Line: Ax to Grind by Tonya Kappes is fun, witty, and well-plotted. The mystery is full of twists and turns and a town full of suspects – and I had no idea whodunit until the big reveal. Kappes’ writing voice perfectly captures the nuances of small town Kentucky life, treating her roots with fondness as well as a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor. I can’t wait for the next installment!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Wow!! I don’t think I breathed at all while reading this fast-paced, emotionally-wrenching, high-stakes suspense novel from Erynn Newman!
Fro4.5 stars
Wow!! I don’t think I breathed at all while reading this fast-paced, emotionally-wrenching, high-stakes suspense novel from Erynn Newman!
From the first chapter, you experience romantic highs and then – just as quickly – devastating lows with these characters in whom you’re already fully invested. What follows is a symphony of tension as you the reader know things the characters don’t – and you don’t dare to breathe as you wait for it to all play out.
This could easily have turned into just an angsty romance, with a love triangle to end all love triangles, but Newman is skilled at knowing when to ratchet up the suspense and the action. She’s also very talented at creating characters you readily embrace, as well as an undercurrent of deep love that makes the romance swoonworthy as well as bittersweet. Emotions run high in Out of Darkness, but they don’t overpower the story. Instead, they frame the characters and propel the action.
Bottom Line: Out of Darkness keeps you riveted to the page, your heart in your throat, as you wait to see where Erynn Newman takes the plot and the characters. I honestly didn’t know how it would end, and I liked that it wasn’t predictable! The high stakes of both the suspense and the emotions insure that this is a one-sitting read, no matter how late into the night that might go. A tender message of faith weaves throughout the story and, while it gets a bit heavy on the sermonizing at times, those scenes do remain organic to the characters so it doesn’t feel forced. If you are a fan of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, or Ronie Kendig, you need to grab a copy of Erynn Newman’s Out of Darkness!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Oh my goodness, y’all. This book – this heroine – is so delightful and quirky!
Davis is an endearingly flawed heroine whose first person narrative voicOh my goodness, y’all. This book – this heroine – is so delightful and quirky!
Davis is an endearingly flawed heroine whose first person narrative voice adds a whole other level of snark and hilarity to the story, which is not without its heart tugging moments as well. I knew I loved her when she dubbed the two beefy security guys “Teeth” and “No Hair”, highlighting their dominant physical features. I completely embraced her when she developed a serious crush on the guy whose condo she’s subletting, based solely on his pictures and his clothing.
The mystery (more than one) is really well presented, but it’s the process of solving the various dilemmas that’s even more fun. Davis is a hoot and her methods (both her own and the ones she’s assigned) are intriguing and clever. Supporting characters are also flawed and endearing – endearing because of the flaws in many cases – and more than one thread is introduced in this first book that will carry over into the rest of the series. (Though, not to worry, the specific story arc in Double Whammy is tied up at the end.) George is another character you’ll come to love as the book progresses – and, of course, there’s Bradley Cole.
Bottom Line: Humor, snark, a little romance and a lot of fun are the hallmarks of this unique cozy mystery! Davis is a mix of Stephanie Plum (from Janet Evanovich’s series) and Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality, and you’ll often find yourself just wanting to hug her. While chuckling at the quirkiness that makes her distinctly “Davis”. I’m anxious to check out the other books in this series now (thankfully, there are 6 out so far so I don’t have to wait) to see how some of the subthreads play out. Great characters, great narration, and a great mystery equal a great read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
At the risk of sounding completely shallow… hello Carrington brother #2!
For all of Trent’s flirty bad boy yumminess that we enjoyed in Finders KeepersAt the risk of sounding completely shallow… hello Carrington brother #2!
For all of Trent’s flirty bad boy yumminess that we enjoyed in Finders Keepers, it’s MICHAEL Carrington’s deep emotion and raspy voice that currently has me swooning. Navy pilot. Double amputee. Willing to become a pirate when needed. Murmurs husky things like “You’re killing me” in the middle of a don’t-dare-breathe romantic moment. Hero. Hunk. Honorable.
Be still my book-boyfriend-collecting heart.
And then there’s Jack, or Jacqueline (but don’t call her that to her face!) – she’s feisty, independent, and on her way to “Cool Aunt of the Year” domination. Her independence plus Michael’s charge (from without and within) to protect her sets up some fireworks, as you might have already guessed. But where there’s fireworks, there’s sparks. And where there’s sparks? You get the kind of chemistry that builds with intensity, every moment bringing them closer to a first kiss that might even make you, the reader, forget your own name.
Woven throughout Michael and Jack’s present-day story is another – perhaps even more compelling – story set a few decades in the past. American Alice Galloway arrives in England to fly with the Air Transport Auxiliary. Her story involves great danger, great courage, and great romance (Henry!). You will love watching it unfold and especially how it intersects with Michael and Jack’s timeline.
Bottom Line: Sarah Monzon’s novels just keep getting better, and All of You is my favorite so far! Her research and attention to detail is clear, giving life to her characters and to their stories. The message of trusting God with the life you’ve been given, with the bumps in the road and the redirections, is naturally incorporated and authentic. And the romance – tender and fan-inducing all at once – is not to be missed.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection)
Devil in the Dust is richly written with many layers and a thread of hope in the midst of sobering realities. In fact you can almost feel th4.5 stars
Devil in the Dust is richly written with many layers and a thread of hope in the midst of sobering realities. In fact you can almost feel the grit of the dust in your teeth and on your skin, so vividly does Luecht set the scene.
The three women whose perspectives carry the story are at once heartbreaking and inspiring, their fierce will to survive partnering with the soul-weariness of their situations. I grieved with them on several occasions, my heart so touched by the hopelessness that invaded their community.
Devil in the Dust is really a story of hope, despite its bleak subject and plot turns. It’s a reminder that hope in anything (or anyone) besides Jesus will disappoint us. Sometimes bitterly and painfully so. Only a hope grounded in Him becomes a battle cry with a sure victory. Even if nothing around you changes, He is faithful. This isn’t an easy truth to hear … or to embrace … when life is hard. But their story inspires me to cling to this promise: “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13-14)
Bottom Line: Devil in the Dust by Cara Luecht completely captivates you and hits all your emotions. The setting and characters are so vividly drawn that you feel as though you are there in their midst. Luecht seamlessly incorporates a heartbreaking time in Midwest US history and points readers to the only One who can give us strength to face our worst-case scenarios. A riveting read on every level!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Fair warning: this will be a long review b/c there is much to love about this fabulous book! If that annoys you, go check out my shorter review on AmaFair warning: this will be a long review b/c there is much to love about this fabulous book! If that annoys you, go check out my shorter review on Amazon lol.
First things first: COVER LOVE!!!! Who’s with me?!?
Second – WHOLE BOOK LOVE!!
I adore this book, these characters, and Jenny B. Jones’ style. Hilarity abounds between Paisley’s sassy narrative voice, a small Southern town, and her grandmother’s group of sexy-book-reading-matchmaking former spies. Sylvie (Paisley's grandmother) says completely delightful things like:
“And if we need to, we’ll prove [your innocence] to the whole world…Or surgically alter your face and send you to my friends in Nairobi.”
The mystery is really well-plotted with several potential suspects and just as many opportunities for Grandma Sylvie and her CIA cohort … or Beau (more on him in a moment) to help Paisley keep herself out of jail. In typical cozy mystery fashion, of course.
Third – BEAU LOVE!!!
Let’s all take a moment to appreciate Beau…. sexy, next-door-neighbor Beau with a gravelly drawl and a tender spot for Paisley and some awesome ex-military moves. The romantic tension in this book is fabulously swoonlicious but it won’t overpower the story for those readers who prefer more cozy mystery and less cozying up. But … I mean… how can you resist this?
"His eyes … reflected his protective nature, his loyalty, and unspoken stories he unwittingly carried like the shrapnel in his leg. On the drive, I kept finding myself asking Beau questions just to hear his voice. It was a voice that could narrate books – and a girl’s fantasies."
Oh be still my book-boyfriend-collecting heart!
FOURTH – JENNY B. JONES LOVE!
This is my first Jenny B. Jones book and it will not be my last! The way she turns a phrase, the perfect comedic timing, the beautiful imagery her words evoke. I’m going to be adding her backlist to my TBR pile post-haste. This quote is perhaps my favorite part of the entire book (and that includes Beau’s scenes! lol):
"This was home. For most of my life I’d wanted nothing to do with it. But it welcomed me back all the same, gathered me to its freshly laundered bosom, and said, “Child, I’m gonna love you anyway.” Home."
Y’all. That’s grace summed up in 4 sentences. Just beautiful.
Bottom Line: Engaged in Trouble by Jenny B. Jones is a truly enjoyable read from page 1 until the very end. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, keep-a-fan-handy swoony and Southern-belle sassy – all while weaving a mystery that will keep you guessing! Jenny B. Jones’ way with words and her sense of humor are the icing on the wedding cake in this bridal-salon-turned-crime-scene mystery novel. And while this is not Christian fiction, the author’s faith is clearly – if gently – felt.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Heather Day Gilbert packs a lot of action and suspense into her novellas! Undercut may be shorter than a full-length novel but it’s not at all lackingHeather Day Gilbert packs a lot of action and suspense into her novellas! Undercut may be shorter than a full-length novel but it’s not at all lacking in character development or tension. I will say, though, after reading Undercut and its predecessor Out of Circulation (which is still my fave of the two), I don’t really think I want to physically visit the fictional small town of Hemlock Creek anytime soon. It seems to attract its fair share of really dangerous bad guys. Visiting it via the safety of fiction? Yes please!
Right from the start, Zane Boone is an extremely compelling character. A former Marine sniper, he thinks he’s being stalked but his ex-wife says it’s just his PTSD and threatens to cut off visitation with his daughter. Zane is also starting to wonder if it’s all in his head, but when the stakes escalate he can’t deny the truth.
Molly McClure, I was less fond of going into this read. I didn’t care for her all that much in Out of Circulation, although she redeems herself a bit in the end. In Undercut, she grew on me though and by the end of this novella she had me solidly in her corner! Great character growth from Out of Circulation through Undercut.
Another character I really enjoy is Molly and Kate’s brother Brandon. He makes me smile every time he’s on the page, and I can’t wait for his story which is coming up in Deadlocked. Speaking of Kate, I loved checking in with her and Ace, two more of my faves in this series. (Side note: Ace Calhoun looks an awful lot like Henry Cavill)
Bottom Line: Undercut will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first word to the last. Edge-of-your-seat suspense, high-stakes action, and some surprising twists ensure you won’t be putting this book down until you’ve reached the end. Fortunately, it’s a quick read so you shouldn’t lose too much sleep lol. A gentle message of faith fits organically into the story, and you’ll be solidly invested in the McClure family and their circle of friends.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I can’t say enough how much I love this series, and Cat Got Your Secrets reminded me why I love it all over again. Lacy, who just wants to run her petI can’t say enough how much I love this series, and Cat Got Your Secrets reminded me why I love it all over again. Lacy, who just wants to run her pet boutique, keeps running into bodies (clearly the pet boutique business is a dangerous one) and then of course can’t help but figure out whodunit. This time it’s personal, and I really enjoyed the larger focus on her family in this book.
Southern fiction meets cozy mystery in this fun series set in the heart of New Orleans. Lacy Crocker will become a friend, and the eccentric band of characters (and pets!) she surrounds herself with will quickly take up residence in your heart. Wry humor, well-plotted mystery, those great characters and enough romance to keep you swooning make Cat Got Your Secrets a must read.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
In Home to Stay, we start out with high drama, the air thick with suspense, as Shannon and her search-and-rescue Darwin search for a missing4.5 stars
In Home to Stay, we start out with high drama, the air thick with suspense, as Shannon and her search-and-rescue Darwin search for a missing little boy, Dylan. From discouragement to hope to elation and everything in between, readers get a front row seat for the search. And let me just warn you – when you think you can relax…. don’t be too hasty! James tossed one curveball after another into the plot and kept tension high.
The other sort of tension going on in Home to Stay is the romantical kind. The way their relationship starts is a bit unconventional, and I don’t know that I was comfortable with the timing or the ‘instalove’ aspect of it. BUT, there is no denying their chemistry. (Just wait for that first kiss!!!!) There’s also no denying that they’re good for each other. However, a couple of major obstacles stand in the way of their happily-ever-after – and I truly (almost) didn’t know how everything would play out. The twists and turns kept me captivated, refusing to set me free until I reached the last page!
Bottom Line: Suspense, action, romance, DOGS – Home to Stay has something for everyone. The theme of rescue – adopting rescue dogs, the search-and-rescue-team, the way Sawyer and Dylan really rescued Shannon from life- was subtly woven throughout the fabric of the story. This well-crafted novel brims with personality and warmth, and readers will fall in love with the masterfully-trained canines!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Protecting the Single Mom is my favorite Catherine Lanigan book so far! Suspense, romance, great characters – all top notch. But it also addresses somProtecting the Single Mom is my favorite Catherine Lanigan book so far! Suspense, romance, great characters – all top notch. But it also addresses some weighty topics, specifically domestic abuse and PTSD, and does so with sensitivity and grace.
Cate Sullivan suffered traumatizing abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, the kind of guy whose picture should be next to the definition for “evil” in the dictionary. She courageously fled and created a new life for herself and her son, and I love how her bravery and vulnerability both are a part of her character.
Trent’s journey is one of finding courage to overcome the nightmares that stalk him day and night. He suffers from PTSD, haunted by events he experienced as a Marine, including the violent death of his best friend. Yet, he suffers silently, believing that there’s no help available for him – having tried counseling and meds without success. Catherine Lanigan does an excellent job of writing Trent, his flashbacks, and his courage. His reactions feel realistic, his struggle valid in its conflicting emotions.
And then there’s Danny – who’s just adorable. And braver than his years. He’s charming and sweet and perhaps the bravest of them all.
Bottom Line: Protecting the Single Mom is Catherine Lanigan at her best! The characters are dimensional and their stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Bits of humor provide a break in the suspense-driven tension, and a sweet-but-sizzling romance adds its own sort of tension to the mix. Fans of the series will enjoy visiting with familiar faces (of which Mrs. Beabots continues to be my favorite and the most intriguing), but this book can easily be read as a stand alone too.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)