The Goodbye Bride (By: Denise Hunter)

The Goodbye Bride

By:Denise Hunter

The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter is book two of the Summer Harbor series and tells second Callahan brother Zach's story. As with the first book, this one is wonderfully written and serves as a fun little escape with a little depth to chew on as a bonus. 

Storyline 

Zac Callahan has attempted to move on with life after his fiancee, Lucy, left him high and dry with no explanation seven months ago. Running his restaurant, helping his brother Beau with his tree farm, and occasionally dating another woman has - almost - helped him forget the grief. But one day out of the blue, he receives a frightened call from Lucy asking him to come pick her up, as though no time has passed and nothing has changed. As the result of a head injury, she remembers nothing from the last seven and a half months and still thinks they are crazy in love, planning their wedding. The last thing Zac wants is to become involved with Lucy again. Is she playing games with his heart? Should he help her? And how on earth will be stop himself from falling in love with her all over again? Lucy has a hard time believing that she could have ever left the man she loves more than life itself. As she wrestles to put the pieces of her life back together, she is forced to face her childhood fears and trust God with where to go from here.

Depth 

This book reflects that our deepest fears often dictate our actions, even when we cannot express them in words or fully process why we feel certain ways. Relationships always have two sides, two perspectives happening simultaneously that can lead to misunderstandings. When these issues are faced, communicated and dealt with head on, it paves the way for truth and freedom in life.

Faith 

The main characters in this book have faith in God and live by Christian principles. They often pray for direction in crises, and attend church each week. In this book specifically, the issue of keeping God at a distance is dealt with. Do we fear God's abandonment because that's what people do? Or do we trust that He is the everlasting Father who will never leave us or forsake us?

Squeal Factor 

Zac and Lucy were truly, madly, deeply in love once upon a time. Of course to Lucy, it IS in that time. Their relationship is strained due to their past, but as their hearts warm up to each one once again, the fireworks sparkle and sizzle us to give us deep sighs of satisfaction. As we point out in many of our reviews, it is worth nothing that author Denise makes it clear this sweet couple saves the marriage bed for after the wedding. We love our squeal factor, but even more we love it to be done God's way!

Overall 

The Summer Harbor series is shaping up to be one of our favorites. This second book offered the things we are beginning to know Denise Hunter for - her storylines that hook you from the first page, her lovable characters and their real life issues and chemistry. This book is no exception and we look forward to the third Callahan brother's story in the next installment!

Find it on Amazon: The Goodbye Bride

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review 

Thin Ice (By: Irene Hannon)

Thin Ice

By:Irene Hannon

Author Irene Hannon has found her nitch is writing romantic suspense! Thin Ice is book two of her Men of Valor series

Storyline 

Christy Reed has lost her entire family in the last year - first, her parents in a tragic car accident, and more recently, her sister Ginny in a house fire. As she wrestles with her grief, she suddenly receives a letter claiming her sister is still alive - and it's written in what appears to be Ginny's handwriting. She is warned not to involve the authorities but does so anyway, when she secretly contacts Lance MacGregor, new FBI special agent and former Delta Force operator. The two strike up a working relationship, but make it appear as though they are dating, just in case anyone is watching. But as these two work to uncover what becomes a very sinister plot, the pretend dating just might not be a ruse after all.

Depth 

Lance and Christy both have experienced a lot of loss, pain and grief. Author Irene lets us into their feelings, emotions and inner turmoil from these things, and doesn't sugar coat the realities of a harsh world.

Faith 

Christy has had it harder than most people, but through her grief she has come to depend on the Lord in an intimate way. On the other hand, it's been awhile since Lance has placed his trust in the Lord. But watching Christy's faith inspires him to rethink about the place God has in his life.

Squeal Factor 

Lance and Christy have a sweet, emotional connection. Their relationship actually begins as a ruse, but pretty soon the attraction is real and genuine.

Overall 

Overall we enjoyed reading Lance's story and we look forward to Finn's story in the conclusion of this series, yet to be released. However, there were a couple of story points that fell a little short of the mark of believable for us, which explains why this one isn't one of Irene's best. But as always, she is a wonderful author who draws you in, keeps your attention and develops her characters well.

Find it on Amazon: Thin Ice

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review 

Keeper of the Stars (By: Robin Lee Hatcher)

Keeper of the Stars

By:Robin Lee Hatcher

Keeper of the Stars is the final book in the King's Meadow series and it does not disappoint. It finished the series off well and we once again enjoyed visiting the town of King's Meadow and its residents.

Storyline 

This book starts off with a funeral and we are introduced to the hero and heroine right off the bat. However, the funeral is for Penny's brother, Brad, and Trevor is the last person she wants to see since she holds him responsible for Brad's death. We were quickly immersed in the story and longed to see where it would take us. 

Penny lost her mother 12 years ago and now cannot believe she has also lost her only sibling. She had a plan to take care of her dad, brother and their ranch, but is thrown into turmoil when it doesn't go as planned. It began with her brother leaving to go to Nashville to be in a band, rather than get an engineering job in Boise and help out at the family ranch. They had always been close but were at odds with his choice to follow his dreams. Now he is gone and she blames Trevor Reynolds, the leader of the band and the one who encouraged Brad to follow his dreams. 

Trevor Reynolds has come to Kings Meadow to pay his respects to his drummer's family. Although Brad was in the driver seat when the accident happened Trevor still wrestles with guilt and it's obvious Penny blames him as well. But he cannot forget a promise he made to Brad in his final moments. So whether Penny likes it or not, Trevor is here to stay for awhile.

Depth 

Overall the book is lighthearted and one you want to curl up with and read by the fire. There are some deeper issues that are dealt with but they do not come off too heavy. Trevor must deal with his past, most importantly, his relationship with his father. He also is on the path of discovering what truly matters in life. Penny must wrestle with bitterness, regret and forgiveness. We also get several glimpses from Brad's past as we work our way through the book. This was unique and added a lot to the book.

Faith 

The faith was strong and refreshing in this book. Trevor is not a believer but watched Brad through live differently. He was intrigued and now yearns to know more of this faith that his friend lived out daily. Rodney, Brad's dad, takes to Trevor as he would another son and the mentor relationship is wonderful. We love that author Robin speaks honestly and passionately about God and it's truly a joy to see the growth happen in her characters. Well done!

Squeal Factor 

As Penny and Trevor get to know each other will they be able to break down some walls that are between them? It is a slower process but they both have quite a bit to work through before either is feeling led to follow what their hearts may be telling them. We get to witness some sweet tender moments and we hope these two will somehow have a happy ending!

Overall 

Our hearts are sad to see the time in King's Meadow come to an end but we are thankful for the journey this trilogy took us on. It's a place you will long to visit. This third book was heart warming, sweet and enjoyable. If you are looking for a lighthearted, charming series, this is one you should read.

Find it on Amazon: Keeper of the Stars

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review