Green Pastures by Patricia Johns

Green Pastures is the first book I have read by Patricia Johns and it did not disappoint. Having ties to the Mennonite faith personally I can relate to the Amish on some level. The character development in this story was great. There was a lot of characters that we see evolve throughout the book. The three sisters-Tabitha, Amanda and Rose are all in the middle of life changing experiences. I loved seeing Tabitha navigate her life after divorce and the Amish community while also trying to support herself through being a veterinarian. Amanda is trying to navigate courting Menno. Which Menno in himself goes through some amazing development battling alcoholism, abandonment, and the return of his mother. Rose going through a lot as a newlywed and navigating what it means to be a wife. There were so many layers to each character. The setting was enjoyable. Who doesn’t love a good Amish story set on rolling farmlands in Lancaster County. The storyline was fun. It has been a while since I have read a story with so many main characters and intertwining stories. The romance was sweet, a low spice. Just the way I appreciate it. It was a slow build and courtship style. Patricia Johns did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Dancing in the Florida Sun by Kim Griffin

Dancing in the Florida Sun is the first book I have read written by Kim Griffin and it will not be my last. I was completely blown away by this book. When I finished, I had to take a pause and mourn the loss of the characters. The character development was great. Brooke came a long way from the beginning of the book. I loved seeing her process it all and overcome obstacles to see her worth. Jacob also came a long way. I loved the way he pursued Brooke in such a respectful way, but even the best intentions can get you in trouble when you aren’t completely honest. The storyline was great. I loved that Brooke’s grandma was so willing to help her out and get on her feet while she was struggling with grief, figuring things out with her son and gaining her footing. I loved watching Jacob pursue Brooke, but also trying to figure things out and how to be part of her life from his life in the spot light. The romance was good. Very closed-door, low spice, just the way I appreciate things. Only kisses, and nothing too over the top. Kim Griffin did such a great job intertwining faith throughout the whole novel. I came away refreshed and encouraged in my faith. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

His Unforgettable Bride by Patti Stockdale

His Unforgettable Bride is the second book I have read written by Patti Stockdale. I loved the Cinderella, Prince to Paupers story vibes with a mix of amnesia mixed in. It made for a really intriguing story. I really enjoyed getting to meet up with the other characters from the bride ship stories. The character development was great. Juliet has come a long way and worked hard to try and reform her life. When she finally lands this new job working with the sisters to get their tea house running, I was totally invested and rooting for her. Henry/Gray had a lot of things he was working through, as well as trying to gain his memories. The storyline was great. I loved trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Trying to figure out if Henry/Gray would regain memory. The romance was sweet and perfect. It was low spice and closed door. I loved the falling in love while trying to figure out their own lives and see if they could have a future together. Patti did an excellent job intertwining faith throughout and pointing the reader back to God. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham

Some Like It Scot is the eighth book I have read written by Pepper Basham. Ever since reading Authentically, Izzy, Pepper Basham has become an instant read. I have absolutely loved everything I have read, and some Like It Scot was no exception. I was sucked in from the very start and could not put the book down. The character development was good. I loved getting to know each character and learning more about each one. Katie was absolutely hilarious. I loved her clumsiness and knack for getting herself into predicaments. It made for the perfect rom-com. Graeme was the perfect grumpy character. I loved getting to see behind the façade and peel back the layers. There were a lot of side characters; at times, it was a little hard to keep them state in my imagination. The storyline was so fun. I loved that it is set in this Edwardian Experience/B&B in Scotland. Katie being a travel writer, gets invited to experience it all. Little did they know she wasn’t the average girl. The book was very entertaining and funny. The relationship between Katie and Graeme was sweet. One thing I know I am going to get from Pepper Basham is passionate kisses, and it was present in this book as well. Some scenes were a little on the border for me and my preference. (ie referencing imagining what’s under clothing) scenes can easily be skimmed over. Other than that, clean, low-spice, closed-door romance. I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine relationship dynamic. It was a fun read for me. There were faith elements intertwined throughout the novel. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Rescued Faith by Michelle Sass Aleckson

Rescued Faith is the third book I have read written by Michelle Sass Aleckson and I have been enjoying her writing so much. This past year I have really enjoyed Lisa Phillips series. So, to be able to visit Last Chance County and be introduced to new authors is such a treat. Even though this is the sixth book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone. Packed full of suspense, rekindled romance, and faith, it was better than a movie. The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Penny and Bryce more and seeing what made them tick. Watching them overcome their trauma and past and find their faith in Christ was such a great story. The storyline was packed full. There was a lot going on in this story. I loved seeing the innerworkings of fire rescue and law enforcement. It was a fun dynamic. It kept me on edge. The setting was great too. I have really come to love Last Chance County. The relationship between Penny and Bryce was sweet. It was a second chance romance. Which I love they got a second chance after finding Christ. Michelle Sass Aleckson did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the reminder that God is at the center, and God can redeem us. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Rescued Duty by Laura Conaway

Rescued Duty is the first book I have read written by Laura Conaway, but not the first by Lisa Phillips. I was introduced to Lisa Phillips books and have come to know that anything by her is an instant-read. Even though this is the fifth book in the series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, though you can’t go wrong reading more. I personally am going to go back and read the other four books because I love a good back story. Some of the characters cross over from the other stories. This book was filled with suspense, romance, faith, and a glimpse into the foster care system. The character development was great. I loved getting to know Naya and Zack. Seeing how the two of them dealt with their past going through the foster care system and how they found healing. I loved watching them reconnect and fall in love. The storyline and setting were good. I enjoyed all the different elements-fire rescue, investigative journalism, foster care, and the suspense of who is contaminating the water. I loved the small-town setting. The relationship between Naya and Zack was good. I appreciate the cleanness of the romance. It was just the tiniest sprinkling, which made for the perfect clean read. Laura Conway and Lisa Phillips did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the reminder that God is at the center. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Shattered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl

Shattered Sanctuary was the first book I have read written by Nancy Mehl and I look forward to reading some more in the future. The story hooked me from the very beginning. The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to watch Erin struggle through her issues and learn to work through her trauma. I appreciated Kaely’s friendship (first time meeting in person) and how she was there to support Erin through this while also, working on her process to help with the case. All the characters added to the story and were fun. I look forward to the next book. Also, while looking up other books, it seems like there is a series for Kaely which I think I will have to add to my TBR list. The setting and storyline were great. As someone who loves Criminal Minds and crime shows, I loved the FBI BAU and law enforcement background aspect of this book. I loved getting to see the process behind solving these cases. I also loved the small-town element. The romance element was light, as there is a possibility of one in the future. I appreciated the no spice. The suspense element was great. I loved trying to figure out who the killer was and who else was linked to these killings. Nancy Mehl did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.