Tuesday, February 25, 2025

The Dreams We Knew by Rachel Scott McDaniel

The Dreams We Knew is the third book I have read written by Rachel Scott McDaniel, and I look forward to reading more. Last year, I read Walking on Hidden Wings, and it was one of my favorite books of 2024. I know we are not that far into 2025, but The Dreams We Knew is one of my top reads so far. The character development was fantastic. I loved getting to know Kent Brisbane a little bit better (he is in Walking on Hidden Wings) and getting to know Delvina. It was such a fun story, pulling back the layers of these characters. The storyline and setting were outstanding. Once again, Rachel Scott McDaniel did an amazing job taking us back to the 1920s. As soon as the book was opened, I was there in the hustle and bustle of the roaring 20s. The relationship between Delvina and Kent was perfect. I loved watching them overcome their difference and past to rekindle their relationship. Overall, it was the perfect balance. Not too much that I felt uncomfortable. Once again, Rachel Scott McDaniel did a really great job intertwining faith throughout the book. Pointing the reader back to God. It was really encouraging. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Monday, February 17, 2025

Small Town Harmony by Milla Holt

Small Town Harmony is the first book I have read written by Milla Holt and I look forward to reading more. This book swept me up from the start. The character development was amazing. Morgan/Martha had a lot to unpack about her past and insecurities. While Ezra had a lot of issues that he had let sneak in that he didn’t even realize were causing problems. I loved watching the couple go through the issues and figure out how to overcome them, heal the past and move forward repairing their marriage. The storyline and setting were great. I guess I am on a roll reading some different books that talk about repairing marriages. I loved the music aspect to the story. It was a fun setting, and I really enjoyed it. The romance aspect was great and closed door. Just the way I like it. Nothing over the top. There was a little spice where it kind of straddled the line of uncomfortable for me. Though I did appreciate that it was within marriage. Milla Holt did an amazing job intertwining faith throughout the novel. It was encouraging and helped me think of some different ways to help strengthen my own marriage. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals by Sharon Mondragón

Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals is a debut novel written by Sharon Mondragón. This novel was so entertaining, and I look forward to reading more books by Sharon Mondragón. I was caught in from the very beginning.  The character development was so fun. I had a great time envisioning all the different characters. Grandma Ruth is a hoot. She embodied a Southern Belle Matriarch that is held up at home. I loved getting to know Sarah more and help her solve the great mystery.  The storyline and setting were perfection. I loved being in a little southern town, running around trying to solve the whole mystery and trying not to break up couples on the side. I totally envisioned Bluebell in the show Hart of Dixie.  The relationship aspect was sweet and nothing over the top. It was fun watching the different Southern relationships and matchmaking.  Sharon Mondragón did a great job incorporating faith throughout the book. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Where I Found You by Betsy St. Amant

Where I Found You is the first book, I have read written by Betsy St. Amant and will not be the last. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it comes out.  The character development was great. I loved diving into Noah and Elisa’s history learning more about them and seeing if they could get past their history and their family feud. Seeing each other putting others above their own wants.  The setting and storyline were great. I loved going on the treasure hunt to find Noah’s inheritance from his grandpa.  The rekindled romance was perfect. I loved getting to see them see each other from a different light and getting to fall back in love. I loved that it was nothing over the top and just the perfect level of spice for this no/low spice girl. Betsy St. Amant 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.

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Line of Fire by Taylor S. Newport

Line of Fire is a debut novel written by Taylor S. Newport. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this suspense book. The story caught me up from the very beginning and I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out. The character development was great. It was a little hard to follow all of the characters at the beginning. The author did give a character guide but reading it on the kindle it was a little hard to try and flip back and forth. I enjoyed getting to know Tyler and Alex and peeling back their layers. The storyline and setting were great. It was jammed packed full of action and suspense. I had fun trying to navigate this story. It gave me lots to envision and think about. It was a great web of crossing lines, the CIA gone rogue training program, the ND1 facility, it had some great elements. Taylor S. Newport did a great job incorporating faith throughout the book. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.