No More Lies

Author: Kerry Lonsdale

Series: No More #2

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Release Date: May 10, 2022

Lonsdale continues to impress her suspense game with the next No More book!

Jenna Mason has a past that she would rather forget, but it always seems to follow her where she goes. She and her young son Josh have constantly moved from place to place to stay one step ahead of anyone who might be after her or him. For years they barely got by on the charity of strangers, but when she starts making a little money from some of her drawings and cartoons she has developed, she begins to get tired of running and she and Josh decide to settle down in one place for a little longer. Jenna even manages to fall in love with someone and Josh is thriving at this new school. Then one day her past remerges when a reporter shows up asking questions and dredging up a murder that happened when she was sixteen. Is it time to run again?

If you enjoyed No More Words, then you will love this book even more. I was initially expecting a continuation, but this is a retelling of the same time period from Jenna and Josh’s perspective. So, readers now the elements of what happened to Lily, but now get to read about it firsthand and understand how the characters became who they are today. Needless to say, Lonsdale placed plenty of intrigue throughout the pages to keep her readers hooked through the full story. There are references to events in the first book that readers may need to go back and enjoy again to get the full effect. Either one can be read as a standalone, but the true masterpiece is reading them together. And it doesn’t matter in which order. And there are three sides to every story, so be sure to grab Lucas’s version next year!

Lonsdale continues to shine a light on the condition of aphasia that can occur after a brain bleed. She manages to bring much more than just a fictional tale in each one of her books and this is no different. There is a bit of foul language throughout (to be expected with the characters) as well as a couple of sex scenes, but nothing overly graphic in this one. I would still recommend this book for mature readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

All That Fills Us

Author: Autumn Lytle

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: May 3, 2022

A story that is more of a journey about healing and how hard life can be but there are still good people in the world!

Mel Ellis has an eating disorder and knows full well that it is killing her. She has been trying to get a handle on it for years with no luck. Rehab is her next step, but she can’t bring herself to go. Instead, she decides to do something memorable, walk a trail across the North American Wilderness. There is no way she has the strength, physically or mentally, to make this journey but she sets out anyway and leaves Grand Rapids, Michigan to walk all the way to Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State. The trip is hard and several times she almost doesn’t make it, except for the help and kindness of strangers along the way. She learns from each of these strangers and confronts the ghosts of her pasts to live through the adventure she has set out on.

I want to start with the good about this book. This is a hard story with real issues. Eating disorders are a horrible thing to live through for all those involved. And it does take a lot of courage to come back from that. Autumn Lytle does a fantastic job of portraying this. Maybe too good of a job at times, especially for someone who has never lived through that or knows what it is like to be in that situation. With that said, I did find myself annoyed at moments with Mel and her over the top counting of calories and excessive workouts. I say this not to be offensive in any way but as someone who has never gone through this type of thing to understand how hard it is to deal with feeling this way. For someone going through this, I would imagine that this would be a fairly accurate portrayal of dealing with an eating disorder and how it makes you feel. By the back half of the book, I could see a growth in Mel as a character and the way the story unfolded leaves something for everyone to relate to. It is not just about Mel having an eating disorder, it is about her finding her self-worth and loving herself before she can let anyone else love her. To me, that is the overall point of the story and it is a beautiful one that we all need to hear. I would recommend this story to anyone who needs to find a way to let go of the hurt and find a way to love themselves with a reminder that there are really good people left in the world that will come along at just the right time to help us in our hour of need.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Sea Glass Cottage

Author: Irene Hannon

Series: Hope Harbor #8

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: April 5, 2022

Another hit in the fan favorite Hope Harbor series adds new characters while keeping several favorites in this charismatic novel!

Christi Reece has come to Hope Harbor in a last-ditch effort to get help from the last person she never thought she would be asking for help and can only pray Jack Colby will listen to her. They have a past and not a good one, Christi broke his heart and he left wanting to never see or hear from her again. Shortly after she arrives, the tables turn and Jack ends up needing her help. In the town that heals hearts, there is hope that Christi and Jack can come out of this making peace with their past and find a new beginning.

Normally contemporary romance is not my favorite genre, but there is something about the Hope Harbor series that I love. It is a fun, fast read with great characters reoccurring and new with each book that readers will love. Of course, Charley is always a fan favorite that comes back around in each book and helps all those that come to the town with their troubles. In some ways Charley is like the guardian angel for the town who knows everyone and what they need at the right moments. I really liked Christi and the growth seen in her, even if it was a little out of order, I would have liked to have known what happened to her to bring about the change a little sooner. Other than that, the story played out nicely with the interactions between characters enjoyable and natural. The nice thing about this series is that each one is individual and yet they work together so well. This is the eighth book in the series and I don’t see it stopping any time soon. I foresee much more from Hope Harbor and I will be around to read it. I recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a fun and fast contemporary romance that will make you want to whisk away to a quiet little beach town to find love.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Looking for Leroy

Author: Melody Carlson

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 1, 2022

A quirky fun look at second chance romances that is clean, and fun, for readers as a quick read.

Brynna Phillips has been burned one too many times by men and wants nothing more to do with them. She is a schoolteacher on summer break and decides to go with her friend on a camping vacation in Sonoma Wine Country. The further they go into the wine country, the more it reminds Brynna of the teenage summer romance she had with a boy named Leroy. It’s been almost 30 years since she has seen him, but she remembers his family had a vineyard in Sonoma. Her friend convinces her that she should try and find her long lost love and see if there is still a spark there before totally giving up on love forever.

If you are looking for a fun, quirky romance that is clean and sweet, Looking for Leroy is just the book for you. Carlson’s books always have a light, easy aspect to them that you can just sit and enjoy without the burden of trying to solve a mystery. Throughout a lot of the book, I found myself scratching my head at the way Brynna acted, what made her think that after 30 years Leroy would be the same type of man she fell in love with all those years ago, I know many people that are not the same as they were when I knew them long ago. She was also a very wishy-washy character; I couldn’t decide if I liked her and wanted her to succeed or not. Other than that, I enjoyed the book, especially the last half which moved much quicker than the first half. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy contemporary romance stories with a fun, happy ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The vies and opinions expressed within are my own.

In Search of a Prince

Author: Toni Shiloh

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: February 1, 2022

A surprisingly fun and entertaining read that was far more enjoyable than I expected!

Brielle Adebayo has a good life; she works as a middle school teacher in New York City where her mother works as a surgeon. She has never known her dad, who died before she was born. One day her mother takes her to lunch and tells her a secret she had been keeping all her life, Brielle is a princess in a kingdom off the coast of Africa. Her grandfather, the king, is sick and wants her to come meet him and prepare to assume her position to become Queen when he passes. Even with the shock of finding out she is a princess, Brielle decides to go and visit her grandfather and see the kingdom she is set to one day rule. Not everyone is happy Bri is going to be Queen; the Royal Council lets her know that she can’t become queen without a husband. First, she finds out she is a princess and now she learns she must find a husband quickly. With everyone judging her every move Bri must be careful she doesn’t make the wrong decision in life and love.

I must admit, I have never read a Toni Shiloh book before and am kind of kicking myself for it now. In Search of a Prince was a fun read that reminded me of The Princess Diaries which I have always loved. The way the story was written with Bri coming into a new country with many against her and the way she relied on her faith and friend to help her through the difficult transition helped move the story along. The tropical setting was beautiful and left me longing to put my toes in the sand and warm up in this warm and inviting country. Brielle isn’t written as someone that is perfect and comes in thinking she can do no wrong, she is nervous and really has a longing to prove she can learn and do what is needed to make sure she is the right person to lead the country. If you go into reading this as a fun rom-com you will get exactly what you want and enjoy a delightful read. It was a very inspiring story that readers will enjoy and leave wanting more from this tropical paradise.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Sunrise

Author: Susan May Warren

Series: Sky King Ranch #1

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 4, 2022

Susan May Warren does a fantastic job crafting a Contemporary Romance story that readers will enjoy and a setting that is downright chilling!

Dodge Kingston left home over a decade ago after a family fight. He now returns to help salvage Sky King Ranch after his father is in an accident. What he doesn’t count on is meeting back up with his old flame, Echo Yazzie and having all the same feelings come right back to the surface. Echo never left Alaska and has been working as a dogsledder and research guide for the DNR; it is a dangerous life but one she loves. One of the researchers working with Echo goes missing and Echo doesn’t hesitate to head out in search with her dog team. Dodge now must put hurt feelings aside and try to find Echo before it is too late. Not only are they racing against the Alaskan wilderness, but other dangers await them in the wild.

Susan May Warren is a great Christian fiction writer that puts out books faster than most any other author out there. I have loved her romantic suspense series and her collaboration writing the Rembrant Stone series. Sunrise is her newest and it is a contemporary romance; the story is good with characters that intrigued me from the beginning. I did feel that things got a little repetitive at times causing the story to drag a bit, not a lot, but at a few key points I was wanting it to pick up when it was moving at the slower pace. The ending was by far the best part and left me aching for more! Luckily with her. you don’t have to wait too long for the next book to come out.

One thing that got me scratching my head was the use of so many unique names, Dodge, Echo, Idaho, Colt, and Range, not many normal names throughout the book. I get wanting to have names that will stick with the reader but at times it can take readers out of the story with so many unique names. I must admit, I’m more of a fan of suspense than contemporary but this was a good read and I think fans of Warren’s writing will enjoy this new story and beautiful setting.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Girl Who Could Breathe Underwater

Author: Erin Bartels

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 4, 2022

Bartels brings difficult conversations to light coupled with raw emotion in her latest novel!

Kendra Brennan is an author whose debut novel made a huge splash on best seller lists. She was celebrated, gave several talks and tours, and was given a contract for a second book. Through all the fan mail, one letter caught her attention: a very disappointed reader who seems to know her personally. With this personal disappointment weighing on her, Kendra returns to the lake that she spent summers at as a child, at her grandfather’s cabin, now her cabin after his passing. The letter has been causing writer’s block and she can only hope that this will make the words flow again. But returning to the lake is unearthing ghosts from her past. The antagonist from her first book returns in the flesh and he isn’t easy to face in person. Perhaps she can resurrect a failed friendship with his sister before it’s too late.

Erin Bartels has become one of those authors that I read every book she writes without even reading the synopsis or looking at the cover. The stories are just that good and the tension and internal conflict her characters have intensifies with each story. The Girl Who Can Breathe Underwater is no exception to either tension or conflict. Told from Kendra’s point of view at current day as well as remembering her past, specifically her friendship with Cami, readers get a glimpse into what happened to make Kendra become the woman she is. She has so much personal growth in this book as a character, that readers can’t help but connect with her and hope that she manages to sort out her life.

Fair warning, this book will be difficult for some readers. There is a scene of non-consensual sex in a manner that unfortunately happens all too often. Some readers may have experienced this before, and it may dredge up past memories and feelings that would rather be forgotten. The same can be said for one of the characters using drugs and alcohol to weaken a woman’s resolve to stop things from happening. It’s uncomfortable, but the way it is written is so realistic that as a reader I hope it will help others heal and see that it is not their fault when they read it as well!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

2021 Top Comtemporary

Every year we have a genre with so many good books that we simply can’t narrow it down to just five. And why should we? Each of these authors brings a unique voice to their craft that makes us simply blend into the story and forget about reality for a little while! Enjoy our top picks for 2021!

After She Falls by Carmen Schober

Our top pick follows a young mixed martial artist who trades love for her passion only to find herself trapped in an abusive marriage. Readers will see not only fighting in the octagon but fighting internal battles as well!

Read the full review.

All That We Carried by Erin Bartels

If you want a story with tension and conflict, this is the book for you! Two sisters with years of hurt and anger between them finally have a confrontation in the middle of the Michigan wilderness. The raw emotion as well as beautiful scenery will draw readers in for the long haul.

Read the full review!

No More Words by Kerry Lonsdale

This start of this new trilogy begins with what Lonsdale does best, bringing family drama out front and center. Readers will be jumping to the wrong conclusions throughout the pages only to be shocked by the revelation at the end!

Read the full review!

The World Played Chess by Robert Dugoni

Dugoni is no stranger is our suspense/thriller list, but every once in a while he brings out a book in a different genre that is just as good. He has a way of writing a story that goes deeper than most and characters that will pull you by the heartstrings.

Read the full review!

A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry

Fabry has a way of making readers feel a part of the story and this is no exception. The first chapter will have readers hooked and then tag along with the different groups hunting for treasure.

Read the full review!

Provenance by Carla Laureano

Who doesn’t love an unlikely romance discovered in a small town nestled in the Colorado Rockies? With loveable characters and some references to past novels, this is one of her best!

Read the full review!

Seven Perfect Things by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Every time we pick up a Catherine Ryan Hyde novel, I am reminded why she is one of out favorites. The way Hyde writes these stories pulls me in and has us turning the pages as if we’re reading a thriller. Seven Perfect Things is by far our favorite of her novels, it didn’t take more than two pages to pull us into the story and kept us hooked the whole way through.

Read the full review!

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin

Martin’s writing is like none other. All his stories are just feel good type stores, but the Murphy Shepherd series has such action and suspense packed in, it’s almost difficult to keep it tied to one genre. This is his best series so far and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Read the full review!

Mona Passage by Thomas Bardenwerper

Another story laced with internal conflict. Plus it’s set in Puerto Rico, which is a past roaming ground, so it was fun to see the accuracy of the island throughout the pages!

Read the full review!

Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

A story full of heart, faith, strength, and a longing to survive even during the hardest of circumstances.

Read the full review!

After She Falls

Author: Carmen Schober

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: November 2, 2021

One of the best books I have read this year! Not your ordinary Christian Fiction; so much good within these pages!

Adri Rivera had been on track to be one of the best in the world of mixed martial arts, but then she fell in love with a man that took all the fight from her. Adri gets pregnant and puts the world of fighting behind her until her husband’s abuse becomes more than she can handle. She goes back to her hometown to live with her uncle who raised her and taught her all about the world of martial arts. While she is back home, she runs into her old flame, Max Lyons. Max has opened his own gym in town and wants to help Adri, so he gives her a job as an instructor for the kid’s class. It doesn’t take long for Adri to get the itch to fight again and Max agrees to coach her. The more time they spend together, the more sparks start to fly causing them to confront their past to determine if they have a future together.

When I think of Christian Fiction, particularly Contemporary Christian Fiction, a fast action, MMA fighting book is not what normally comes to mind. This story is one of the best I have read all year long. I loved the interactions between characters from beginning to end, Adri is strong but has been beaten down for so long she has forgotten her strength, until she must protect her daughter who she cares more about than her own safety. The fight scenes were written so well, I actually felt like I was in the ring with Adri fighting and felt every blow she landed and received. Her relationship with both her husband and Max are complicated but that is also what makes them believable. This book had me gripped and on the edge of my seat until the very last page. I so admired Adri as a main character and the strength she had to find for herself. This is the type of book that I think many, even those that don’t normally read Christian fiction, will greatly enjoy. It is a true underdog story with romance and drama sprinkled in at just the right places. If you are a fan of MMA and fighting give this book a chance, you won’t be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

A Christmas in the Alps

Author: Melody Carlson

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: September 7, 2021

Carlson delivers another lighthearted Christmas story, just in time for the season!

Simone Winthrop’s world has been turned upside down when her last living relative passes away. She is left with an old house with some boxes of things to go with it. In the mix, Simone and her friend, Andrea find a letter addressed to her from her great-grandmother. She has inherited a treasure in a small French city that she has heard about. The fear of flying makes Simone hesitant to go, but Andrea persuades her. On the journey, Simone meets a kind and handsome clockmaker, Kyle, to whom she feels an instant connection.

Simone makes it to the Alps and finds relatives, including a crotchety great-aunt. Simone gets to know her new family as she looks for the treasure. Kyle shows up at her family’s clock factory unexpectedly and the two begin a romance as he helps her find the treasure she seeks.

Christmas in the Alps is an easy, but predictable read. A lovely story of Christmas and family. Melody Carlson just has a way of creating fun characters that you love to read about that manage to find a way to your heart. Simone seemed weak at first, but managed to conquer her fears and gain so much more than just freedom. Her story is one that readers will enjoy for years to come. Easily a book that readers will want to read again each year.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.