No Place Like Home by Betsy St. Amant

No Place Like Home is the second book, I have read written by Betsy St. Amant and it was such a pleasure. This is part of a series, though it can be read as a stand-alone, I would suggest reading the whole series because once you meet the characters you feel like a Magnolia Bay resident.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Cade and seeing him work through learning to take charge of what he wants to do in life, not just what he thinks he’s expected to do as a Landry. I loved pulling back the layers on Rosalyn and seeing some of her struggles, as she seeks approval from others.

The setting and storyline were great. I loved coming back to Magnolia Bay and getting to see some of the same characters. I loved the aerialist aspect. It was such a fun thing to envision. The whole Cajun circus was a fun idea. I was rooting for Cade to pull it all off. Of course, what story would be complete without some conflict? We have issues with the porta potty’s, food poisoning, fake marriages, and mafia. It kept me on my toes, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

The second chance romance between Cade and Rosalyn was perfect and sweet, just a low-spice kisses-only romance.

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.

Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Hearts Aweigh is the second book I have read written by Shannon Sue Dunlap and she has become an instant read for me. I know I can expect a witty, faith-filled romance from her. I hope there is a third Shipper’s novel because I am not ready to say goodbye to this crew. This is the second book in the series, and it could be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the first one, you will not be disappointed.

The character development is great. I love the Shippers, and getting to know more of Daisy’s back story was great and gave her a better dynamic. Abby has such a bright personality that shines through. I loved getting to know her. Spencer was fun to pull back the layers on and see what made his broody attitude and the secrets behind the Masterson family.

The storyline and setting are so fun. I love the cruise ship setting. The storyline is fun. While we have the Shipper’s scheming and matchmaking, we also have some underlying crime going on, which this time was blackmail. Lo and behold, it is affecting the Shippers personally. With some other underlying things going on.

The relationship between Spencer and Abby is an opposites attract/ employer-‘nanny’ trope. It is a low-spice, kisses-only romance. I loved the shipper’s matchmaking skills and the different dates that Abby goes on to try and land the right man for her.

Shannon Sue Dunlap does an amazing job intertwining faith throughout the novel.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

To Kiss a Knight by Grace Hitchcock

To Kiss a Knight is the third book I have read written by Grace Hitchcock, and she has now become an instant read for me. This book was so hilarious and well-written, it was such a pleasure to read. The book sucked me in from the start and now that it is over, I’m a little sad to say goodbye. This will be a re-read for sure. 

The character development was great. I loved watching Vivienne writing and trying to find herself out of different predicaments and seeing Sir Sebastian sweep in to save her. Watching Vivienne deal with anxiety and the way her stepbrother is treating her is heartbreaking. Very evident of the times. Sebastian was an interesting character with lots of layers. We meet him as the highwayman robbing a stagecoach, to later find out he was sent to do that on an assignment. Sebastian is a very caring, God-fearing man. We find out he is very loyal to the Prince Regent. 

The setting and plot were great. I loved being in the Regency era, Attending Balls and fencing matches. I enjoyed the marriage of convenience trope with the meddling grandmother. It made for some great humor. However, when the cousin swoops in from nowhere to steal the inheritance and sends grandmother to the asylum, I was not happy. In the end, everything works out. 

The romance aspect was low spice and perfect, just the way I like it. There were a few passionate kisses, but nothing over the top. 

Grace Hitchcock 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.

Review and Giveaway: Every Life Filled with Purpose by: Shelia Stovall

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Every Life Filled with Purpose by Shelia Stovall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Every Life Filled with Purpose
Series: The Weldon Novels #3
Author: Shelia Stovall
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Women's Christian Fiction

Welcome to Weldon, Kentucky, where no one can keep a secret forever. 

 Imagine discovering a place where the locals treat you with warmth and welcome you like family. Carson Williams finds such a place when he visits his deceased mother’s hometown of Weldon. The atmosphere in the community creates a deep yearning in Carson, and he thinks Kentucky is the perfect place for a new beginning. Carson hopes the country life will lead to his emotional healing from PTSD. 

While Carson is having lunch at the local diner with Sparky Compton, a young doctor who’s captured his heart, Virginia Willoughby collapses. Sparky springs into action, but Carson struggles to maintain control of his emotions. Mrs. Willoughby’s daughter, Emma Baker arrives, and the magnetic pull of Emma’s gaze confuses Carson. She reminds him of someone, but who? Later, Emma wonders why she can’t stop thinking about the mysterious stranger when her heart belongs to pastor Luke Davis. 

But there are secrets in the small town—and they will impact both Carson and Emma.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More In This Series

 

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About the Author

Shelia Stovall is an author, speaker, and the Director of a small-town library in southern Kentucky. Her first Weldon novel, Every Window Filled with Light, won the 2022 Angel Book Award in the contemporary women's fiction category and was a double finalist for a Selah award in 2022, and her second Weldon novel, Every Day Filled with Hope, was a finalist for a Selah award and a Carol award in 2023.

It tickles her to see shocked expressions when folks learn she's traveling to Africa—again. She's the worst missionary ever, but God continues to send her to the ends of the earth as He attempts to mold her into something useful. 

Shelia is a country girl who relishes eating a bologna sandwich at a country store just as much as savoring an elegant meal in a posh restaurant. 

Shelia and her husband, Michael, live on a farm, and she enjoys taking daily rambles to the creek with their four dogs. Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, is her all-time favorite thing. The only hobby Shelia loves more than reading uplifting stories of hope is writing them.

Connect with Shelia by visiting sheliastovall.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Review

Every Life Filled with Purpose is the first book I have read written by Shelia Stovall, and it was very enjoyable. This is book three of a series, though I read it as a standalone. I plan on going back and reading the other two books in the series, because I want to revisit the town of Weldon and get more of the backstory.

The character development was good. There are a lot of characters throughout the story. So, at the beginning, it took a moment to wrap my brain around everyone. Emma is processing through a lot of different things. Her husband was murdered, and she is now the mom to her adopted daughter, Harley, who is also processing trauma. Carson shows up on the scene and has different things he is dealing with.

The storyline and setting were perfect. Weldon is a cute, small-town Kentucky community with southern charm. I enjoyed trying to figure out the different connections in the town. This was a perfect Christian hallmark in a book.

The relationship between Emma and Luke is a very sweet, low-spice, kiss-only romance.

Shelia Stovall did a great job intertwining faith throughout the entire book. I enjoyed seeing the faith of the characters through their prayers and lives.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 20, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review and Giveaway: Bleeding Heart Librarian by: Jackie Layton

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Bleeding Heart Librarian by Jackie Layton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Bleeding Heart Librarian
Series: A Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery #3
Author: Jackie Layton
Publisher: Level Best Books
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Emma Justice is friends with the local librarian and brings her extra flowers once a week. On a hot July morning, when people are gathered outside the closed library past opening time, Emma calls the police. The librarian’s body is found in the building and beside the body is a pink and white bleeding heart plant. 

Tess Carranza was a lovely person dedicated to children and patrons of the library in Lutz, Texas. Tess recently confided to Emma about her fear someone was using the library to gather information to commit crimes. Emma didn’t get the entire story from Tess before her death, but now she’s determined to stop the crime and catch Tess’s killer.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

More In This Series

 

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About the Author

Jackie Layton is the author of cozy mysteries with Spunky Southern Sleuths. Her stories are set in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. She lives on the coast of South Carolina, where she enjoys walks on the beach and golf cart rides around the marsh. Reading, gardening, and traveling are some of her favorite hobbies. Jackie always keeps a notebook handy to write down ideas for future stories. Many of her ideas come from people watching and watching Dateline and American Greed.

Connect with Jackie by visiting jackielaytoncozyauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Review

This year was the first time I had really dipped my toes into the world of cozy mysteries, and this book did not disappoint. Bleeding Heart Librarian is the first book I have read written by Jackie Layton, and it did not disappoint. It checked all the boxes on my expectations and hooked me from the start. I look forward to reading some more.

The character development was great. I loved seeing Emma trying to figure out her flower farm dream as a single mom. Also, getting a second chance at love. Jake also has development, trying to navigate his future while pivoting from his dream.

The storyline was the perfect cozy mystery storyline. I appreciated that I did not guess the ending. There was a lot of spider webbing with multiple murders, so trying to figure out if it was a serial killer or someone else was a fun dynamic.

The relationship between Emma and Jake was a sweet, low-spice, kiss-only romance.

The faith element was a little on the light side. There is mention of prayer in a kind of passing manner.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Texas-and-flower themed prize bundle which includes an ebook of Bleeding Heart Librarian, a $5 Starbucks card, lip balm and holder, a blue and white bag, a fabric coaster, a designer Wet-It swedish cleaning cloth, a journal, a car coaster and an alarm key chain!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 19, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 26, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Giveaway and Review: Levi's Loyalty by Lynne Lanning

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Levi's Loyalty by Lynne Lanning, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Levi's Loyalty
Series: Mountain Men - Longing Hearts in the Wilderness
Author: Lynne Lanning
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance (Christian)

Levi found out how much void a woman could fill in his heart… 

But the heartache and betrayal wasn’t worth it. 

He was better off alone… wasn’t he? 

Levi enjoys his secluded life on the mountain until his friend convinces him he needs a woman in his life. A wife, when you’ve barely been around people, especially women? If only he could pick one out at the store like a shovel or bag of flour. But Levi falls head over heels—ignoring all the warning signs that something is wrong—until a delay in marrying her reveals her true intentions. 

Now, he’s decided heartache and betrayal aren’t worth it. He’s better off alone. But God has a surprise waiting in the wilderness, softening the devastation he had suffered…in the form of a feisty woman who has claimed his mountain home for her own. 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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About the Author

Lynne Lanning has such an effortless way of evoking emotion from her readers. Her characters are so realistic that the reader can feel their pain during trials and their joy during triumphs. Reviews state: "...it's as if Mrs. Lanning lived through this herself." "Couldn't put it down..." "A real page turner." Lynne enjoys turning history and her love of God into enjoyable, relatable stories with practical life lessons that can benefit people today. Each story tells of true bonds of love and loyalty, mixed with tough times and decisions, with a twist of humor and sometimes devastation...the same is true in life. With a blend of her own family members and heritage along with lots of fiction, it's hard to tell where reality stops and fantasy begins.

Connect with Lynne by subscribing to her email newsletter updates or following her on Amazon.

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Review

Levi’s Loyalty is the first book I have read written by Lynne Lanning, and it did not disappoint. I was able to listen to the audiobook narrated by Spencer Dillehay, and it was enjoyable to listen to.

The character development was great, I loved getting to know Levi. He went through a lot of heartache being rejected and jilted by his fiancée. Coming back to his home that he never thought he would return to, to find none other than Charlie. Charlie was so fun to get to know. Being brought up by her father, she learned to act like a man instead of life a woman. It was fun seeing her blossom into who God created her to be.

The storyline and setting were great. I loved being up in the mountains for this story. It was fun getting into the mind of a mountain man, seeing what life might have been for someone in that time, trapping and living life simply. Then everything is torn up when the robbers come to the mountain to try and steal everyone’s trappings. It made for a great story.

The romance is low-spice, which was perfect and sweet.

Lynne Lanning did a great job intertwining faith throughout the story.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a gift basket with homemade scented soaps (like you'll find in the story), a print copy of Levi's Loyalty, a print copy of one of Lynne Lanning's 2025 Selah Awards finalist titles (winner's choice between To Trust a Heart or Mail-Order Stonemason), and bookmarks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 12, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 19, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Mother’s Day Tea by Martha Fouts

The Mother’s Day Tea is the third book I have read, written by Martha Fouts, and I look forward to reading more. This was such a great book; it does not have to be read only around Mother’s Day, but it was a joy to read coming up to the celebration of the day. I was able to enjoy the audiobook, read by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, and she did such a great job. I cannot get enough of her audiobooks. Her voice just brings the characters to life and makes it so enjoyable.

The character development was so good. I loved getting to know Brooklyn and seeing her struggle with all that Mother’s Day brings. It was a great reminder that the celebration of mothers can also be a hard day for some. Jonah has his own hurdles he must overcome. As he is working on co-parenting with his ex-wife while she is moving on. Jonah must overcome these obstacles and seek God in the process.

The storyline was great and very hallmark. I loved the meddling aunt, the baker/caterer meets firefighter- single dad, it made for a great story. The pastor’s wife, Maureen, plays matchmaker and asks Brooklyn and Jonah to work on a silent auction for the Mother’s Day Tea at church. Oh course, nothing is that simple.

The relationship between Brooklyn and Jonah was a sweet, low-spice romance. I loved watching them fall in love and seeing them both open up their hearts and pasts.

Martha Fouts did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the book. I was encouraged.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

The Mother’s Day Letter by Martha Fouts

The Mother’s Day Letter is the second book I have read, written by Martha Fouts, and she has become an instant read for me. This is a novella, so it is a shorter book, but don’t skip it and miss out on this sweet story. I enjoyed the audiobook read by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, and she did such a great job. She made the characters come to life, even singing parts in the book. Here is your fair warning: once you start it, you will not be able to put it down.

The character development is good. Natalie is dealing with a lot of different things in her personal life. Seeing her work through her past, to be able to move forward.

The storyline was great. Natalie is trying to navigate the first Mother’s Day after her aunt Wanda died, who was like her mother to her. Her aunt left her with a letter with things to do. I love the whole concept. Watching Natalie try to fulfill her aunt’s letter while being a party planner. She finds herself in trouble in different situations.

The relationship between Natalie and Shawn is a second chance, it is a very low spice.

Martha Fouts did a fantastic 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.

The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould

The Shop Down the Lane is the first book I have read written by Leslie Gould, and it was such a joy. The nod to You’ve Got Mail and the bird watching elements was a fun dynamic. I could not put this book down.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Lois and learn more about her community. It was interesting looking at her struggles of being from a smaller family, having lost both parents, so she is battling figuring out living on her own in the Amish community. Moses was an interesting character. It took a little bit to figure him out, and I’m not sure I really understood him totally. He was Amish and chose to become Mennonite. He is taking care of his mom; she is in an assisted living facility, but he is trying to bring her back home. Which would take a lot out of anybody. Dealing with his past and trying to manage his future is a lot.

The storyline and setting were fantastic. I enjoyed the Lancaster County setting. With the rolling farmland and small Amish community. I enjoyed the You’ve Got Mail feel to the story. I had a personal connection to this story with the bird watching as my family is starting to do a bird watching class. I enjoyed that aspect of the story. It was fun seeing the letter circle. What a fun concept.

The romance element was sweet and clean. Low-spice, slow build, as it was an enemies-to-lovers element. It was perfect.

Leslie Gould did a good job including faith elements throughout the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Rescued Heart by Megan Besing

Rescued Heart is the second book I have read written by Megan Besing, and it was fantastic. This is the seventh book in the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series, though it can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. There is some crossover in characters.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Bia and Eddie. Bia is an actress and has layers to peel back to figure out who she truly is. Eddie and his heart for the foster kids is truly sweet.

The storyline was good. I felt it lacked a little bit of the traditional Lisa Phillips/Last Chance County elements. It was a lot more on the acting side of the storyline than the fire and rescue aspects. Though we do see a lot of that in the story, it had a different feel, not necessarily in a bad way, just different.

The relationship between Bia and Eddie was sweet and low-spice. A fake dating relationship turned into more.

Megan Besing 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.

Giveaway and Review: Perfect by Kimberly Keagan

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Perfect by Kimberly Keagan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Perfect
Series: Hearts on Display #1
Author: Kimberly Keagan
Publisher: Ventana Publishing, LLC
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance

In the glittering era of the Gilded Age, the heirs of Philadelphia’s Denwall Department Stores navigate family expectations, relentless ambition, and unexpected love. 

William Walraven’s picture perfect life is turned upside down when his fiancée jilts him for an English aristocrat and his father refuses to name him as his successor. To prove he’s worthy of leading Denwall Department Stores, Will must open their first New York store under budget and before the Christmas shopping season. 

Overwhelmed by disappointment and a nearly impossible deadline, Will has no time for distractions—especially not the captivating bookseller he saves from being crushed by a beer wagon. 

Ivy King and her aging grandmother are barely keeping their struggling bookshop afloat. Though drawn to the charming, enigmatic man who saved her life, Ivy has no illusions about her place in the world. It certainly isn’t beside a department store heir whose dazzling emporium threatens to close her family’s business. 

Brought together in the wake of an attack on Will’s brother, Will and Ivy find themselves at a crossroads—torn between the expectations that define them and a future neither expected.  

Perfect is a clean, wholesome historical romance featuring opposites-attract tension, class differences, a touch of mystery and humor, and an inspirational journey of faith and love.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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About the Author

Kimberly Keagan discovered her love for romance novels at thirteen, often choosing a book over chores. She believes there's nothing like being transported to another time and place to find a happily ever after.

Kimberly is blessed to have her own handsome hero husband and two wonderful children. After earning a degree in accounting, she enjoyed a career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, though not very romantic. Now, she's pursuing her dream of writing historical romance. Her short stories have been published in Spark Flash Fiction and Short Fiction Break. Kimberly's debut novel will release in 2025. When not reading or writing, Kimberly enjoys baking, gardening, watching sports, and researching her family tree.

Connect with Kimberly by visiting kimberlykeagan.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Review

Perfect is Kimberly Keagan’s debut novel. It was a pleasure to read her first published works. I look forward to reading some more of her works. It was a sweet Gilded Age story.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know William and see how he went through being jilted by his fiancée. Seeing his heart, his desire to launch the new department store for his father, while also helping out Ivy and spending time with her. Ivy was fun to get to know. She has a past to overcome, losing her parents and trying to keep their dreams alive, while also dealing with her leg that is shorter, which seems to be an embarrassment to her.

The setting was perfect: Manhattan, New York, in 1895. I loved walking the streets and envisioning the city at that time, seeing the beginning of department stores, the pushback, and the thoughts behind the need for them. I enjoyed the storyline. It made for a slightly slower pace after some of the other books I have been reading, but it was perfect.

The opposites attract relationship that blossoms between Ivy and Will is great. I loved watching them fall in love, and then overcome the hardships of being from different classes and untold truths. It made for a great low-spice romance.

Kimberly Keagan does 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.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a “Perfect” Tea Time Bundle which includes a lovely tea set, a signed copy of Perfect, and other cozy reader treats—like a candle, stickers, coaster, and bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Not Quite Mr. Knightley by Kim Griffin

Not Quite Mr. Knightley is the second book I have read by Kim Griffin, and it was great. Once again, she has written a book in which I connected with the characters on such a deep level that when I got to the end, I had to pause for a moment to say goodbye.

The character development was great. Nancy goes through quite the refiner’s fire. I love watching God work in her life as she goes through heartache and overcoming the consequences of her sin. Walt is such a caring guy. I loved watching him grow as a husband and faith.

The storyline was great. I loved that though Nancy's sin was more evident, Walt shared his past with his wife. Even though they had some hurdles to overcome, they were able to make things work.

The romance was good. Very low spice, the marriage of convenience, boy/girl next door trope was a slow burn, but I loved seeing it all work out.

Once again, 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.