Review ~ Stay with Me (A Misty River Romance #1) by Becky Wade

Paperback, 368 pages

Published May 5th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers 

Loving her is a risk he can't afford . . . and can't resist.

When acclaimed Bible study author Genevieve Woodward receives an anonymous letter referencing her parents' past, she returns to her hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains to chase down her family's secret. However, it's Genevieve's own secret that catches up to her when Sam Turner, owner of a historic farm, uncovers the source of shame she's worked so hard to hide.

Sam has embraced his sorrow, his isolation, and his identity as an outsider. He's spent years carving out both career success and peace of mind. The last thing he wants is to rent the cottage on his property to a woman whose struggles stir his worst failure back to life. Yet can he bear to turn her away right when she needs him most? 

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Stay with Me is a deeply touching story of addiction and the hard road to recovery wrapped in God’s sweet mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Wade does not pull any punches with her latest contemporary, touching on issues that are often swept under the rug.

Genevieve and Sam are both hiding from the brutal fallout of opioid addiction but for different reasons. I was rooted to the pages of their story and could not help but feel the stress and expectations that are present for many people. Often times, we hide behind a mask of all-is-well when in reality it is definitely not. Who can we turn to and be vulnerable with, without feeling as if we will be judged? How quick a medication, or anything we put before God in our life, can become an idol of addiction.

If you are a fan of Becky Wade books, you will definitely like this one. She is a master at weaving a story with deep emotion and strong faith. She makes you cheer for fictional characters as if they’re friends.

I was provided an electronic copy of the book through the publisher and Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.

Rebecca Reviews ~ A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy

Paperback, 352 pages

Published May 5th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

Determined to uphold her father's legacy, newly graduated Nora Shipley joins an entomology research expedition to India to prove herself in the field. In this spellbinding new land, Nora is faced with impossible choices--between saving a young Indian girl and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.

Rebecca's Review

4.5 stars

"Bees are interesting creatures. . . . . Bumblebees will travel miles from their hives in order to do what they need to do. They don't stay close to home."

Her father's tender words trickle through her memory, meaning . . . . . what, exactly? Do they mean that entomologist Nora Shipley should be forced to marry a man whom she hardly knows and who would certainly never indulge her love of scientific discovery? Or do they mean pursuing a coveted scholarship, thus providing a way to further pursue her education, so that her now deceased father's beloved scientific journal can escape ruin? Perhaps those words mean that Nora must gather the necessary courage to travel half-way around the world to the land of India, accompanied by another student of entomology, whose future is also dependent on the coveted Cornell scholarship. Owen Epps; could there be more to her university nemesis than meets the eye?

Layers; so many layers wrap themselves around this enchanting story that it becomes nearly impossible to unravel one, without dismantling all the others. Like the beautiful sari that Nora indulgently experiences for a brief moment, once unbound, this story exposes an authentic core that everyone longs for . . .unconditional love. Nora had it, Nora lost it. Nora gave it, Nora gained it . . . . for after all, according to Owen, "I think you just need someone to keep you from falling out of trees".

What a courageous premiere into the world of historical fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Guest Review -- Standoff (Natchez Trace Park Rangers #1) by Patricia Bradley

Rebecca and I would like to welcome fellow bibliophile Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt to the blog today! Rachael is a seasoned book reviewer who had a technological snafu on her popular blog, RachsRamblings. Technology can be a pain sometimes but we are delighted to host Rachael today. 

Be sure and say hello in the comments! :-)

Paperback, 400 pages

Published May 5th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company 

Brooke Danvers wants to learn the truth about her father's suspicious death, but she'll need the help of Luke Fereday--a National Park Ranger and her ex-boyfriend. Keeping Brooke safe will take all of Luke's skills, and falling in love with her will only complicate matters.

Rachael's Review
4 STARS!!!

I really liked the main characters in this new novel by Patricia Bradley. Brooke and Luke were both well done. There are many secondary characters, and I admit to being a bit confused at times as a result. I liked the main storyline and the suspense...though it felt a bit too fast paced at times to keep up. I do prefer that to a book that really drags, though.

The plot was a good one, and over all I enjoyed the storyline. It had a little bit of a faith theme which I’m always looking for in Christian Fiction. I really felt it could have been stronger with the subject matter in the book.
I also liked that I was right in the “whodunit” question. There are several storylines to follow so the reader doesn’t get bored.

There is a lot that goes on in this first book of the series, and much is learned about the two main characters. There is a back history, surprises to the characters that aren’t part of the suspense plot. The author does a good job of creating depth to the characters.

It was a well done suspense, and I am looking forward to the next books in the series

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt is a homemaker, wife, mother, homeschooler, and disciple of Christ who enjoys crafting, simple money saving tips, and loves farm life. She is also an avid book reviewer and blogger. 

Miss Tavistock's Mistake (The Brides of Mayfair Book 1) by Linore Rose Burkard

Kindle Edition, 283 pages

Expected publication: June 8th 2020 by Lilliput Press

Regency Romance in the vein of Georgette Heyer will delight the romance fan!

Young Miss Tavistock is promised in marriage to Captain Rempeare by the wish of her dearly departed papa. But the captain’s been at sea for a decade. When she finally meets him, tempestuous sparks fly, and she impulsively adopts a daring false identity. Going by “Lady X,” she vows never to marry such an infuriating man.

Captain Gabriel Rempeare is prepared to fulfill his duty and marry Miss Tavistock—if only he can clap eyes on her. One circumstance or another keeps them apart, though he cannot seem to avoid the beautiful, maddening, Lady X. When fate throws them together in London, Miss Tavistock discovers the real nature of the captain, and regrets her subterfuge. But can such a noble man forgive deceit? Or has her mistake already cost her everything?

Coming June 8th!!! 

Pre-order now for ONLY $2.99!!!

Amazon

I'm not affiliated with Amazon and make no monies if you use the link to purchase a copy. Link provided as a courtesy only.

My Review 

4 STARS!!!

Margaret Tavistock is quite a feisty young woman. In her overly enthusiastic way, she finds herself uttering an outrageous lie, thinking she won’t be found out. From that point on, it’s compounded by one after another, creating more than a few ridiculous situations. Gabriel Rempeare is a great hero! I admired his calm and patient demeanor (most of the time) with Margaret. They’re cousins who have been slated to wed as was often the case back then. He’s a captain in the British Navy and been gone a long while. Lots of misunderstandings abound between these two that cause some ridiculously funny situations.

Miss Tavistock’s Mistake is a good start to this new Regency series from Burkard. With lots of wit, charm, and a sweet romance, readers are sure to enjoy a few hours of respite.

I was provided an electronic copy of the book. No review was required. No compensation received.

Grace & Peace,

WINNER!!!

LORYANN is the WINNER of the Kindle book, 

Whatever Happens Next by Jaycee Weaver!

I've sent an email and if I don't hear back within 24 hours, 

a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to you ladies who stopped by to enter the giveaway! 

Stay tuned for more book news by signing up 

through GFC or email.

It's a Beautiful Day!!!

It's a glorious spring morning here in coastal VA!! 

A perfect time to stroll around the yard and then do some porch sittin' :-)

This is Leland (literally) ;) 

He sports a red, white, and blue star as a tribute to being a military family

Ajuga going strong and continuing to spread!

The Verbena is still showing off!

My new Knockout Rose had to be staked after a severe windstorm last week.

These Lilies are going to be beautiful when they bloom.

Two light pink Knockout Rose bushes grace the side of the house just underneath the porch area.

They're very prolific and show off these gorgeous pink blooms!!

Beauty!!!

I plant something different in the wagon each year. 

Marigolds are sure eye-catching but I'm not happy with how short they are.

Definitely not a good picture but I've been watching the birds 

and this Cardinal doesn't usually appear except in the early morning and late evening.

Yard flowers in the vase (and a snipped darker rose from my neighbor), 

a Kalanchoe plant and an air plant I bought myself for Mother's Day. 

That's how it rolls around here 

I removed several planters to minimize cleaning. 

The Bridal Wreath is huge and makes a nice shelter for my girl holding a little birdie. 

❦

I hope you're finding simple joys in life during these difficult times! I find that spending time reading God's Word and praying, while I enjoy our little slice of heaven here at home, goes a long way to bringing calm and serenity to my day.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

“‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

Review ~ Whatever Happens Next (Everyday Love Book 4) by Jaycee Weaver + Giveaway

Growing up in nowhere Oklahoma gave US Air Force vehicle maintainer TSgt Dyson what his momma calls itchy feet. His wanderlust has kept him from romantic entanglements for years, until the day an over-dramatic, strawberry-scented chatterbox slams into him and turns his world upside down.

Jenna Davis was a quintessential good girl, deeply rooted in her family and faith until one mistake three years ago changed everything. Unable to admit her failure, she goes through the motions watching everyone else live their dreams. But it’s hard to find her purpose when opening up to anyone—even God—feels impossible. Then she meets Dyson, who personifies the strong, silent type.

Dyson gets her to open up and begin dreaming again, rebuilding the trust she’s lost in men and especially in herself. But Dyson has something important to tell Jenna, and he knows it’ll be the end of everything they’ve built. After all, how can he ask her to leave everything and everyone behind when he can never stay?

The Everyday Love Series is a contemporary romance series set in Albuquerque, featuring ordinary people in lifelike stories that inspire, uplift, and share hope. Stories in which a very real God shows Himself in everyday ways to carry His people through any circumstance. 

My Review

4 STARS!!!

“Just his luck, the first girl to spark an interest in months and she had to be three beans shy of a burrito.”

Whatever Happens Next is a fast-paced contemporary filled with some of the most humorous lines I think I’ve read in CF in a long time! It’s a seriously quotable book.

“Was she still talking? Good gravy, did she ever stop?”

On the surface, that thought might come off as rather rude but Dyson (he’s not much of a talker) finally has his interest peaked in a woman and she turns out to be a chatter box. Ever met anyone like that? ;-)  

Weaver touches on a subject that not many broach and does it well. She also shows how we can have a tendency to beat ourselves up over sin when in fact, once we’ve confessed and repented it before our Lord, we don’t have to keep dwelling on it.

It’s a good thing I’m in quarantine because if I had taken this book with me out in public, people probably would have looked at me weird. I found myself questioning Jenna’s thought process and advising her out loud on occasion. That tells me I was I enjoying this novel for more than just the one-liners.

I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.

-----GIVEAWAY-----

This giveaway is for a Kindle copy of the book and can only be redeemed by US residents! 

I am so sorry that Amazon isn't allowing international readers to redeem it but that's the way they roll sometimes.

Sooo...

Leave a comment telling me something you've learned about yourself during this pandemic, along with your email address. 

No email, no entry!!! (especially if I don't know you)

Following through GFC isn't mandatory in order to enter the giveaway but it sure would be nice. :-)

I'll pick a winner on Friday, May 15.

**I should have mentioned in my review that although this is book four, I have not read the previous books 

and didn't feel as if I was missing anything!**

Rebecca Reviews ~ Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner

Paperback, 352 pages

Published May 5th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanaugh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he's sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley.

As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.

Fan-favorite Bethany Turner serves up a heaping helping of humor and romance with this thoroughly modern story centered on cooking, enemies, and second chances.

Rebecca's Review

3.5 stars

"With her 'y'all come back' and her 'kiss my grits' . . . her?"

Chef Max Cavanagh was a force to be reckoned with under normal circumstances, but under the influence of alcohol on a nationally televised cooking competition (which he mis-understandably thought that he should have won), Max takes out his anger on the wildly popular Hadley Beckett, whose mortification by his behavior only serves to tank his career and elevate hers.

Fast forward. It's time for an apology. Will the sweet, genuine, and talented Hadley Beckett be able to co-exist alongside this new version of Max Cavanagh. . . . . . because there's something marinating in their so-called "kitchen" that will demand spending much more time in each other's company.

From competitors to co-conspirators to companions (if by companions you mean sharing kisses), Max and Hadley will steal the hearts of their readers with their constant, sometimes ridiculous banter. . . ."in sickness, poorer, and worse, right"? Enjoy this clean, romantic comedy for all it's worth!

I receivec a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

 Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".