Carolina Breeze (By: Denise Hunter)

Carolina Breeze
By: Denise Hunter

Story Line: 5 Stars
Depth: 4 Stars
Faith: 4 Stars
Love Story: 5 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars

Picture a quaint, cozy inn on a small lake in Bluebell, North Carolina and all the delight that image conjures up. From page one of Denise Hunter's newest book, Carolina Breeze, the reader steps into this serene setting and easily gets swept away into the beauty of this story! 

Book two in the Bluebell Inn series focuses on big brother Levi's story. As he and his two sisters, Molly and Grace, continue running the inn inherited from their parents, Levi finally gets a chance at love he didn't ask for and never saw coming. Steeped in responsibility, he acts as a lone ranger, taking care of everyone and everything - but not telling his sisters just how much financial trouble the inn is really facing. Not until Levi is willing to let go of controlling it all can he truly relax into God's best for his life. 

Meanwhile, Mia Emerson, a rising Hollywood movie icon, comes to visit Bluebell after being dumped by her fiancee and facing scandal that could ruin her reputation and career. From the moment she and Levi meet, their connection is real and genuine. Levi promises to keep her location a secret and together, they slowly open up hearts and vulnerabilities to each other, while searching the inn for a lost piece of treasure. 

Denise Hunter has delivered a solid, incredible read - even better than the first book in the series! The love story is touching and exciting, the story pace kept our lights on a little too late most nights, and the faith and depth gave us something to really sink our teeth into. Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review.  

Lake Season (By: Denise Hunter)

Lake Season
By: Denise Hunter

Story Line: 4 Stars
Depth: 4 Stars
Faith: 3 Stars
Love Story: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Lake Season is the first book in the Bluebell Inn trilogy and it starts the series off with a bang! When siblings Molly, Grace and Levi face the tragic loss of their parents, they come together to fulfill their parents' dream: turning their historic family home into a Bed and Breakfast. During construction Molly finds a lost love letter from the 1960's which never reached its intended recipient. Determined to solve this mystery, Molly sets out to finally deliver the letter - but she can't do it alone! Willing to help is the very first guest at the Inn - Adam Bradford, who is actually a best selling author keeping his real identity private by using a pseudonym. Adam is on a deadline to get his new book written but gladly offers to help Molly. Denise takes us on a beautiful journey of love both past and present as we sit back and watch the mystery unfold. What a refreshing story, lovable and real characters, twists and turns and a plot that keeps us hooked. We are already eager for the next book in the series!

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

On Magnolia Lane (By: Denise Hunter)

On Magnolia Lane
By: Denise Hunter

Story Line: 2 Stars
Depth: 2 Stars
Faith: 3 Stars
Love Story: 3 Stars
Overall: 3 Stars

This is the fourth and final book in the Blue Ridge Romance Series by Denise Hunter, and we finally get a front row seat to witness if anything will blossom between Pastor Jack McReady and Daisy Pendleton, as we've been suspecting for awhile now! Jack has been carrying a secret torch for Daisy for a long time, but hadn't been sure how to cross the pastor/congregant barrier between them. 

Unfortunately, our eager anticipation was met with disappointment. Although the storyline had the right plots for a page-turning, late night read (like secret online identities and mysterious people with shocking revelations), this one just failed to grab our attention until about 75% of the way through, and the story never delved into complexities of life. Hard issues were present in the story like dyslexia, infidelity, and abandonment, but these readers unfortunately didn't *feel* what the characters were supposed to have felt. We didn't feel invested in it. Everything kind of stayed at the surface, followed by quick and easy resolutions. 

If you are looking for a quick, lighthearted, predictable read, this series may entertain you. In fact, we just gave 4.5 stars to the previous book! But unfortunately, one book cannot carry an entire series, and that's what is going on here. Denise Hunter is one of our favorite authors, however, so we would recommend one of her older series to read (check out our list!) and will look forward to the start of her next series.

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

Honeysuckle Dreams (By: Denise Hunter)

Honeysuckle Dreams (A Blue Ridge Romance)
By: Denise Hunter

Story Line: 5 Stars
Depth: 4 Stars
Faith: 4 Stars
Love Story: 5 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars

The Blue Ridge series continues with Honeysuckle Dreams and believe us when we say Denise Hunter brought her "A" game with this novel! We are thrilled to give her an excellent review after giving up some much coveted sleep as we read, "just one more chapter!"  ;)

We were introduced to both Brady and Hope in Denise's previous book, Blue Ridge Sunrise, but now we get a front row seat into their stories. Brady has recently taken sole custody of his son, Sam after the passing of his ex-wife. However, just when he feels he's getting into a new rhythm as a single dad he is dealt a huge blow. He has come to find out he actually is not Sam's biological dad and his in-laws are filing for custody. While Brady is devastated he most definitely will not give up without a fight. Biological or not, Sam is his son! After a misconception from his attorney, Brady is led to believe his chances will improve greatly if he was engaged. 

Hope, Brady's sister's best friend, has happily been helping Brady out by watching his son Sam when she can. Not only does she love this little boy, but his dad has been a friend to her for years and naturally she wants to help him out. How far will she go to help him out though? When Brady mentions his chances in keeping Sam are better if he is engaged, is it crazy that Hope offers to step in and be his fiance? As friends of course! Because that's what any good friend would do right? 

This story flowed so effortlessly. We were hooked in the first few pages and did not want to put it down. The characters are both real and lovable. We appreciated the way Denise navigated through the hurts and baggage that both Brady and Hope have from the past. We also loved how the characters both have to rely on the Lord to teach them valuable truths in order to walk fully in Him. Can they trust Him not only with their past hurts but with their hopes for the future as well? 

Pick up this book, you will not be disappointed. Now we patiently, or not so patiently await her next book in the series!

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

Blue Ridge Sunrise (By: Denise Hunter)

Blue Ridge Sunrise
By: Denise Hunter

Story Line: 4 Stars
Depth: 3 Stars
Faith: 2 Stars
Love Story: 4 Stars
Overall: 3 Stars

Zoe left Copper Creek five years ago with no intentions of returning. However, now that her beloved grandmother has passed away, she ventures home with a boyfriend and her four year old daughter in tow. Her plan is to stay for the funeral and then get out of there - but she didn't expect to inherit the family peach orchard. She is now faced with the difficult decision to leave behind her career and success in the country music industry to run the struggling business. And to make matters more complicated, her old flame Cruz Huntley is the orchard's manager - not only do they need to work together, but there's a whole lotta baggage and history for them to delicately work through.

When us two chicks see a Denise Hunter book coming out, we get all giddy inside! She is one of our favorite authors who has brought us so many wonderful reads. However, this one fell a little short for us. The faith was very light; we would have liked to see more depth to their relationships with the Lord and more redemption for the characters. The chemistry between Cruz and Zoe sizzles at times, but felt a little shallow; some deeper conversations would have been the cherry on top for these two.

However, we do enjoy this series and we look forward to the next one being released!

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

Sweetbriar Cottage (By: Denise Hunter)

Sweetbriar Cottage

By: Denise Hunter

Storyline
Josephine Dupree runs a hair salon, and tries to ignore the whispers behind her back about her reputation. From an abusive childhood to being used as an adult, her years have mostly been isolated, lonely and full of bad choices. Except for one time in her life - when she was married to Noah Mitchell. He actually made her feel lovely on the inside and perhaps worthy of real love. Life was good and hopeful - until that all fell apart as well.

Noah Mitchell has purchased a farm up in the mountains and rarely comes down to town. Too many memories, especially when he passes Josephine's hair salon. But when he learns from the IRS about a mistake in their divorce paperwork, and the two of them are actually still married, he has no choice but to face her again. In an attempt to correct the problem, the two get stranded together in the worst snowstorm of the decade. Neither of them wants to face the problems of the past - but they must if they are to move forward.

Depth

Josephine has some pretty awful things in her background that have shaped who she is today. Her flirtatious demeanor is the only way she knows how to protect herself. Noah never really bothered to find out about her past while they were married, but if they are to reach a place of forgiveness and understanding he must face the ugly truths. Issues of child abuse, betrayal, forgiveness and worth are dealt with.

Faith

Noah has a strong faith in the Lord and lives like it. But he has a lot to learn about extending God's forgiveness to others; he frequently prays about it and allows God to speak to his heart. On the other hand, Josephine keeps her distance from God because she figures He couldn't possibly care about someone like her. As she faces her past throughout this book, she realizes that God has been right there waiting for her the entire time.

Although it's clear Josephine makes her peace with God, these two chicks wish we would have been able to read more insight into her "coming to Jesus" moment!

Love Story

Noah and Josephine have some serious chemistry! They have never stopped loving each other, even after the divorce and it's obvious right away when they come face to face again. Although the heat is turned up on these two, Noah is sure to still treat their relationship right and keeps purity at the forefront of his actions. These two have a lot to work through, and author Denise masterfully writes the complex intricacies of such a relationship.

Overall

This book was very, very good and came close to being a five star in our book! The one thing we wished for, however, was seeing more of a spiritual "come to Jesus" moment for Josephine. Although it is clear she makes her peace with her past and with God, we aren't given a front row seat to her conversion. Bummer! However, the rest of the book had all the right elements to make this a must read for those who love a good story of redemption and forgiveness.

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

2016 Year in Review - Our Favorite Reads

Celebrating 2016 Top Ten Favorites

Wow, we cannot believe it's the end of the year already and time for our annual countdown! You may have noticed our blog was a little quiet this year as we dealt with some unusual circumstances like moving and health issues. But we still found time to read some delightful books and here's hoping we can read even more next year.

So without further delay, here are our top ten favorite books of 2016! 

#10 - Like Never Like Before by Melissa Tagg
#9 - Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund
#8 - So Rare a Gift by Amber Lynn Perry
#7 - Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

#6 - The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter
#5 - Her One and Only by Becky Wade
#4 - The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (re-released this year)
#3 - Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren
#2 - You're the One that I Want by Susan May Warren
#1 - The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck
  

Let us know, were these your favorites as well? Do you have a different #1?

Here's to more happy reading in 2017!!!!

Just a Kiss (By: Denise Hunter)

Just a Kiss

By: Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter is one of our favorite authors, and we have eagerly waited for the final book of the Summer Harbor Trilogy! The story between Riley and Paige has been building since book one and we couldn't wait to see how their story would turn out. Unfortunately, however, these 2 chicks were disappointed in this much anticipated read.

Storyline 

Riley Callahan has secretly been in love with his best friend, Paige, for longer than he can remember. When he finally decides to tell her, an IED changes his life forever and leaves him an amputee. Now he feels he isn't worthy of her and is determined to move on. But when his family sets him up in Paige's house to recover, moving on really isn't an option. On the other hand, she has never seen Riley as anything except a best friend. But suddenly with him wounded and always around, Paige can't help but acknowledge that maybe things are going to be different between them from now on.

For the first two books in the series, the reader has been aware of Riley's feelings and watched him even go so far as to enlist in the Marines to fight them. But what we hoped would be a satisfying conclusion unfortunately wound up falling flat.

As Riley returns home, he is bitter, sullen, traumatized and rude - and while understandable, it was hard to see why Paige was suddenly falling in love with him. Any conversations between them felt stilted and too short, and the usual good tension of not knowing each others feelings became frustrating as it drew out just too long. There were a few additional plots (namely about the animal shelter, Miss Trudy and Sheriff Colton, and Paige's family history) in the book that seemed to abruptly begin and/or end - too quickly for us to process, much less feel invested in.

Depth

The story deals with PTSD, abandonment, betrayal and long waited for dreams and longings - deep issues to be sure. But really only the surface felt scratched with these. Some problems experienced were quickly dealt with, but those that did take longer to resolve, we as readers were not drawn into the wrestling and brokenness we would have expected.

Additionally, some of the main characters either have a broken past to deal with or currently have great pain to contend with. Broken families, past mistakes, and unfulfilled dreams are addressed.

Faith

As Paige deals with feelings of abandonment by her father, her mother and many others in her life, she comes to realize that God is the perfect Father. Christian principles are followed by most, and Riley and Paige both attend church along with most of the characters.

Love Story

Riley and Paige have a lot of chemistry, which is what kept them best friends for so long and is now drawing them closer together. Their first kisses are very tender and sweet and were extremely sigh-worthy! However, we would have liked more in-depth, soulful conversations about all they had been through as they reveal their feelings to one another.

Overall

Denise Hunter remains one of our favorite authors, and although this final book in the trilogy was disappointing to us, the first two books elevate the star rating for Just A Kiss higher than had we only read it as a stand-alone novel. We have loved the Callahan family and will revisit them fondly from time to time - even if its only the first two books we truly get deep into.

Find it on Amazon: Just a Kiss

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

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 

Falling Like Snowflakes (By: Denise Hunter)

Falling Like Snowflakes

By: Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter has become one of our favorite authors because any of her books are almost a sure guarantee of an entertaining read! And with this newest novel, the first book in the Summer Harbor series, she has hit another home run.

Storyline
Eden Martelli is on the run from dangerous men who want to take her life and the life of her son, Micah. When her car breaks down and her cash is stolen, they become stranded in Summer Harbor, Maine and must find a way to make a living but stay hidden from those who would destroy them. When she meets the Callahan family - three grown brothers and their aunt - it seems God is providing not only a place to stay and a job for her, but a family to call her own as well. Beau Callahan slowly learns of the danger Eden is in and wants nothing more than to protect her and her son. But how can he do so when she is determined to keep hiding and running? 

This book captivated us from the first page and never stopped pulling us in. We were completely swept away into the story, so much so that we didn't want the book to end! Author Denise gave us her usual intriguing characters and dynamite romance, but she also ventured into the world of mystery and suspense and nailed it!

Depth

Eden faces a lot of fear in the wake of her past and the danger now at her door. She has to learn to let go of the fear in order to open herself up to a new life, but it isn't easy and takes some painful lessons to learn how. Beau is struggling with the loss of his parents and the responsibility of the family now that it's their first Christmas alone. Family relationships are complicated at times but they always come back to each other, despite the conflicts. We loved the way Denise writes families - flawed, funny, lovable and real.

Faith

"When you can't trust others, and you can't trust yourself, you can always trust God. He'll carry you through whatever comes your way." Faith is an important part of the character's lives, and they have to learn many things: giving fears to God, trusting the Lord, letting go at times, learning His character and knowing the Bible.

Squeal Factor

Eden does not feel she can ever trust a man again. But when she and Beau can no longer deny their strong attraction to one another, she lets her guard down just a little - and the chemistry they share is like fireworks! Denise is so good at writing deep, clean, passionate romance!

Overall

This book felt like a hot buttered roll right out of the oven. We savored every bit of it as it tantalized our taste buds and settled warmly into our bellies! We are putting this book on our Golden List because it was just that enjoyable. Now we are eager for the rest of the Summer Harbor series!

Find it on Amazon: Falling Like Snowflakes


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

Married Till Monday (By: Denise Hunter)

Married 'til Monday
By: Denise Hunter

Married 'til Monday is the final book in the Chapel Springs series by Denise Hunter - a series we have devoured and loved. This book was a wonderful conclusion to the McKinley family sagas and introduces us to some new characters and settings for Denise's upcoming Summer Harbor series.

Storyline

Ryan McKinley - brother to Madison, Jade and PJ, the heroines of the first three Chapel Springs books - is still in love with his ex-wife, Abby, and regrets letting her go three years ago. Problem is, she won't give him the time of day. He has bought her dream house, but it is empty without her there to share it with him. When he finds out that Abby's parents still believe them to be married and have invited them up to Maine for the weekend, he decides to accept the invitation and forces himself along on Abby's road trip. 

As they travel together in a cramped car for hours on end, they begin to address the baggage they left packed all those years ago. Is reconciliation even possible, or is it too late? Denise Hunter is a polished, seasoned author and the reader is almost guaranteed an engaging, interesting story will lift up off the pages. No exception here!

Depth

Tackling a failed marriage is no easy feat, either in real life or in good fiction. Marriages often fail because of the little, everyday things that build and build until they explode. Author Denise is incredibly realistic with her characters hashing through their issues. Grief, loss, anger, jealousy, child abuse and self-worth are confronted and dealt with in this story, as Ryan and Abby boldly - albeit reluctantly - face the problems that brought them down in the first place and still haunt them three years later.

Faith

When her marriage failed, Abby also walked away from God, believing herself unworthy of His love. As she and Ryan visit her hometown, her deeper beliefs about God are brought to the surface, largely as a result of her tricky relationship with her parents. But God is faithful to never let go of His children, and He uses her pain to draw her to Himself and shower her with the love of a Father. Faith plays a major part in all the characters' development.

Squeal Factor

As Ryan and Abby rediscover their love for one another, they aren't immune to the physical attraction that drew them together in the first place in college. Although their squeal factor runs high, this time they do it God's way and their love is beautiful to read!

Overall

This book was a great, solid read. Literally every page was interesting and we kept turning them at every chance we got! Married 'til Monday was raw, real, messy and loving - just like marriage in real life. Kudos to author Denise for telling it like it is and not giving easy, pretty resolutions. In fact, some of the issues in this book are not resolved - again, just like real life. But we were satisfied with the book and inspired to press on in the hard things in our own lives. What could be better to take from a book?
 
Find it on Amazon: Married 'til Monday

Please note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review.