Crazy Little Thing Called Love (By: Beth K. Vogt)

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

By: Beth K. Vogt

It is always a pleasure to write a review on an author for the first time. It's an added bonus when that book is excellent and hard to put down! We were completely wrapped up in it and had many late nights reading!  
 
Storyline
Vanessa is busy planning a destination wedding in Destin, FL, but this is not her first marriage. Ten years ago, she eloped with her boyfriend Logan when they were just 18, but it ended after only two years. Moving on from what her mother calls "her biggest mistake" has not been easy the past eight years but she is ready for the new life that awaits her with her fiancé Ted; or so she thinks! 

Logan is a highly regarded professional storm chaser. When he comes home to Florida for a vacation with his team for a much needed break, he never expects to run into his ex-wife, Vanessa. It knocks him off his game and brings back all the memories of what he lost eight years ago. But the worst part about it is when he finds out she is engaged to be married. Is there any way God would give him a second chance with his first and only love, his ex-wife who is about to marry someone else? Will she at least forgive him for past mistakes? His heart longs for her but he must trust the Lord in whatever path He has for each of them. 

Beth Vogt does a fabulous job writing flashbacks from Vanessa's and Logan's pasts and having them flow nicely into what is taking place in the present.

Depth

Vanessa grew up in a military home and moved around a lot. Because of this she has always struggled with getting "close" to others and maintaining lasting, loving relationships. She claims she is good at saying "hello" and "goodbye," but not at the relationship in between. Marrying Logan was a relief to her as she craved stability and a place to call home. This book is packed with emotion and has honest, loving, flawed characters who learn about loss, forgiveness and second chances.

Faith

Through this read, the faith is subtle but intensifies near the end and finishes strong. Vanessa blames God for much of the loneliness in her life. She has given up on trusting Him and doesn't know what a strong and giving relationship looks like with others, much less with Him. She is encouraged greatly in her faith by a friend who has chosen to love her, even when there is no love given in return. Logan wrestles with feeling guilty and unworthy to come before the Lord. Both Vanessa and Logan grow in their faith and love for the Lord and we found much joy in reading about it; it was simply beautiful near the end. The lesson throughout the book is that it's always better to go through any stage of life with God and others by your side, rather than alone.

Squeal Factor

In the flashbacks we get a front row seat as Vanessa and Logan fell in love and shared many sweet, tender moments. The present scenes are filled with passionate discussions, and a longing for what once was. However, we especially love the author's realistic portrayal of how hard it is to remain in purity before marriage. We were hooked and kept turning the pages to see what would happen next!

Overall

The main question Beth Vogt had us pondering through the book is this: What if what you thought was your worst mistake was actually the right choice all along? You may find the book starts off a little slow, but hang on because soon you'll have a hard time putting it down! We kept telling ourselves, "Just one more chapter!" It was a delight to read!

Find it on Amazon: Crazy Little Thing Called Love 

Through Waters Deep (By: Sarah Sundin)

Through Waters Deep

By: Sarah Sundin

If you were a fan of Nancy Drew mysteries growing up, you will love this book! Although written for an adult audience, it has the classic feel and innocence of an era gone by. The writing is simple, yet smart, and the pages keep us interested from start to finish.

Storyline
It's 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts and America is just barely remaining neutral in World War II. Threats of danger and mysterious suspects litter the landscape as Naval Officer Jim Ensign and Boston Naval Yard Secretary Mary Stirling work together to uncover an attempted sabotage aboard the USS Atwood. Jim and Mary are actually old friends from high school, where Jim had been secretly in love with Mary's best friend. The two discover a deep friendship - but can it turn into more? 

Author Sarah got us hooked almost right from the beginning and it was easy to get swept away into this sweet and engaging story. The pace of the book was excellent, neither too fast nor too slow. Her knowledge of Naval history and her ability to capture the feel of the WWII era brought the story together beautifully!

Depth

This read was refreshingly light without being shallow. It's rare to find a light-hearted mystery, but this one is! Adding to the depth are some fantastic insights into the human soul, namely Mary's struggle to come out of her shell and boldly live life.

Faith

Faith plays a big role in Mary's character development and growth, and she leans heavily on the Lord to guide her into who He created her to be. It is also worth noting that most of the characters go to church and at least believe in God (even if they don't all have a close relationship with Him), reflective of a time when it was expected and normal for Americans to attend church each Sunday.

Squeal Factor

There are definitely a few swoon-worthy moments in this book as Jim and Mary fall in love and learn how to express their attraction to each other. Complicating matters is the fact that Jim was once in love with Mary's best friend - and still may be. The romance in this book is suspenseful and downright adorable at times!

Overall

This is our first book by Sarah Sundin, and it certainly won't be our last! Her historical knowledge, her easy writing style and her ability to capture emotions and feelings place her in our favorite authors list. Through Waters Deep is a delightful, solid read that will stay in the readers' mind long after they have closed the pages!

Find it on Amazon: Through Waters Deep 


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

Hope Harbor (By: Irene Hannon)

Hope Harbor

By: Irene Hannon

Storyline
Tracy Campbell is trying to do it all - save the cranberry farm that's been in her family for three generations, run a non-profit ministry to the elderly and do accounting work on the side to make ends meet. To all of this, she is fighting loneliness and guarding a tragic secret from her past - but has accepted this will be her life from now on. When widower Michael Hunter comes to town and almost runs her down on her bicycle, Tracy reluctantly begins working with him to ease her load - and starts to believe that maybe God has given her a second chance at happiness after all. 

Author Irene is an excellent writer, delivering solid plot lines with just the right amount of story to keep us engaged. This book lacks the page-turning excitement that would lift it into a five star rating, but has everything else! She transports us to the small coastal Oregon community and makes the reader feel as though they belong there too. These 2 Chicks kept finding themselves craving Charley's fish tacos and wanting to visit the Oregon coast!

Depth

This book is deceptively light-hearted! It reads easily and nothing terribly heavy presents itself, but upon further reflection, author Irene did a fantastic job bringing real life problems into the story - mostly tragic family histories - and dealing with the issues realistically and thoughtfully. There were no easy fixes and she offered redemption in the middle of the problems.

Faith

Some characters have a strong faith in God, some are not on speaking terms with the Almighty, but faith is very real and evident in all the events that take place. God speaks to his people and gently leads his lost sheep back into His care.

Squeal Factor

Since both Michael and Tracy are hesitant to move into a relationship, it takes a while for the chemistry between the two to heat up. But once it does, they share some very tender moments and are themselves surprised to find the courage to love again. As their love grew, our love grew for them too!

Overall

Hope Harbor is an enjoyable, solid read that will stay with the reader long after they've turned the last page. The fictional, quiet town on the Oregon coast is the perfect setting for all the hearts desperately in need of healing in this book.

Find it on Amazon: Hope Harbor


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

Novella - Among the Fair Magnolias

Among the Fair Magnolias
Four Southern Love Stories
By: Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, Elizabeth Musser

This historical romance novella collection has equal parts warmth, sweetness, shocking history and creative writing. Each novella is very different but adds a new perspective on what life might have been like in the post-civil war South. Freedmen, although no longer slaves, still don't enjoy as much privilege as whites and face radical discrimination. Some families are still wealthy while others lost everything in the war, and now their economical differences divide them. 

It is important to note that these stories follow characters from the authors' earlier works, although read just fine as standalone novellas as well. They are thorough, detailed and satisfying novellas that will please readers!

Find it on Amazon: Among the Fair Magnolias

In Good Company (By: Jen Turano)

In Good Company

By: Jen Turano

Storyline
After growing up in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow strives to be the best nanny she can be. But unfortunately, she has been fired from every position she has held. Everett Mulberry is guardian to three children and has no idea what he has gotten himself into. The three little angels (ahem) have driven away every nanny the agency has sent his way! Fed up with both Everett and Millie, the employment agency gives them each one last chance, working together. 

Millie sets out to prove herself as the sought after nanny she claims to be, and though Everett has his doubts, he is desperate. As they reside in Newport for the summer, Everett tries to maintain upstanding status among the elite upper class as he courts Caroline - a woman who expects more from their relationship by the summers end. But the more Everett and Millie interact, the more their respect for each other grows - and the more Everett's eyes are opened to what is expected from his place in society. Will he be brave enough to break the mold, or will he succumb to the pressures of the elite and their expectations?

Depth

This novel is a mix of romance, mystery and some humorous banter to keep it lighthearted. Jen Turano does a great job keeping the readers interest and it would be hard not to fall in love with the characters. Millie is fun, loving and prone to finding herself in comical situations. The three children she is in charge of will grab your hearts and you'll long to find out what truly happened to their parents. Everett is on a path of self-discovery and not an easy one at times. We liked how author Jen didn't change him overnight, but took him searching down a realistic path of what he truly longs for. The story flows well and the journey is sweet and thoroughly enjoyable.

Faith

Faith is evident in the story, but not a huge part of character development. Faith plays the biggest role in the lives of Millie and one of her charges, Elizabeth. Both question why their parents were taken from them as children, and we enjoy great dialogue around it. Small prayers are consistent throughout, and there is a strong theme of family and belonging.

Squeal Factor

The relationship between Millie and Everett blossoms nicely and they have several cute scenes together. Their interactions maintain good boundaries while Everett is courting Caroline, but we could not wait to see what would happen if Everett could just wake up and see what is right in front of him! You'll definitely long to see these two together, but what must take place in order for that to develop? Enjoy experiencing their journey together!

Overall

Jen Turano has yet again written a very entertaining novel. We look forward to the third book in the series and have great expectations that she will deliver once again as she has with this one!

Find it on Amazon: In Good Company

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

The Wonder of You (By: Susan May Warren)

The Wonder of You
By: Susan May Warren

The fifth book in this outstanding series is finally here - and oh boy, is it a good one! Not only did we fall deeper in love with the Christiansen family, this read made our Golden List as well. Only one book left to go and it's expected next Spring.

Storyline

Amelia, the youngest of the Christiansen siblings, has always been protected by her well-meaning sisters and brothers. But what she really longs to do is leave Deep Haven, follow her adventurous spirit all over the world, and prove to her family that she is brave and strong. But when her life in Prague goes sour, she scurries home with her tail between her legs, thinking that maybe she isn't as cut out for an adventurous, exciting life as she thought. Should she ignore her instincts and just settle down in Deep Haven for good? 

Roark St. John, European heir and playboy, has a much deeper past and spirit than anyone realizes - and when he follows Amelia to Deep Haven, he discovers the family and community he has always yearned for. Problem is, Amelia can't seem to decide what she wants - and if she doesn't choose him, he won't be able to stay in Deep Haven to watch her build her life with another man.

Author Susan is a master at giving just the right amount of plot line to keep us hooked all the way through! While this storyline may seem predictable, she gives the journey many twists, turns and personal touches to immerse the reader completely in the book.
Also worth noting that sister Grace (from book three) and her husband Max have an incredible storyline here too!

Depth

Roark has suffered great personal tragedy and has been running ever since. Amelia, too, is much deeper than any of her siblings realize. Both wrestle with whether to stay and settle down, or pursue adventure all over the world - but what if the answer can be both?
 
But the real depth in this story comes from Max and Grace's issues. In book three, we discovered Max had a serious health problem to reconcile before tying the knot. But now married, and facing the deep yearning for a family, Max and Grace must reconcile their reality with their dreams once again.

Faith

Just as in the rest of this series, God's plan for everyone's lives plays a central role here. All the main characters must wrestle to discover how to follow the Lord, and they must rely on His wisdom to guide them each day. A central theme is obedience to the Lord's call on your life - in this case, giving up wealth and family in exchange for the wonder of knowing Christ and all of His riches. One additional thing we love about this series is the patriarch and matriarch, John and Ingrid Christiansen, and their perspective and wisdom they offer to their children. They aren't perfect, but they are excellent examples of Godly parents leading their family.

Squeal Factor

Between Max and Grace, and Roark and Amelia, the reader is treated to many tender moments and sweet whisperings between the lovebirds! The love written about in this book is heartfelt, deep and sincere. We love swoon worthy scenes!

Overall

What a tremendous book! An intriguing storyline, layers to uncover, sweet romance, and a God who guides, helps and loves His people all make for a very real, honest and engaging read. Don't miss this gem!! We now wait with eager anticipation for book six, due next Spring, where we can finally have a conclusion to Owen's story (that's going to be a whopper, isn't it?).

Find it on Amazon: The Wonder of You


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

Bridge of Faith (By: Catherine West)

Bridge of Faith
By: Catherine West

Storyline

Julia Connelly has lived the last 12 years in a constant state of fear, misery and pain in her abusive marriage. Now free to live back home in Vermont with her two children, she seeks to find healing and peace, and hopes they can move on with their lives. What she doesn't expect is to run in to the man she eloped with at age 18, only to have him leave her a few months later. Can her heart handle any more pain? Will she let herself dream, trust and find peace again? 

Reid Wallace has come home to Vermont hoping to find peace of his own after a tragic circumstance in the Middle East left two of his coworkers dead on his watch. Running away from his pain, he is blindsided when he has an unexpected run in with Julia - but is he more caught off guard by seeing her, or her son who bears a striking resemblance to himself? Dealing with the past was not part of his plan in coming home. Should he run again, or does he believe God truly offers second chances?

Depth

This story is anything but lighthearted. Catherine West hits the ground running in the first chapter and keeps a good pace up until the end. She courageously writes about touchy subjects such as divorce, abuse, PTSD, alcoholism and more. However, she does so in a sensitive way and keeps the reader from being dragged down, offering glimpses of hope throughout. This book will tug on your heart strings and you may shed a few tears in the process but you will not regret it. This story is filled with hope and second chances for one who doesn't feel worthy and one who is too scared to dream of having one. The characters must hold on to hope! Each deals with their own baggage, guilt and pain. Can they come together and hope for a new beginning?

Faith

When dealing with pasts filled with regret, pain, secrets and more it is critical to have God be an integral part of the healing process. Both Julia and Reid must come back to the Lord and ultimately turn to Him for the hope they must cling to. Sometimes there is a point where one realizes they cannot fix the pain and they must turn to the One who can. This is a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness and second chances.

Squeal Factor

The relational aspect between Julia and Reid is delicate and complex to say the least. The author does not hide anything from us and we get to experience much of their emotions. Their relationship is hard, emotional, and heated but also tender and sweet. Julia and Reid have spent 12 years apart and have a lot of baggage to work through. Yet, they have a love that still penetrates both of their hearts. They are both still greatly attracted to the other and don't quite know what to do about that. The love and passion that once existed is still there, even if it may be a little buried. Once hearts thaw and forgiveness takes place, what might the future hold?

Overall

This book is solid and rates high in all areas. Buckle up for a gripping ride that won't end until the last page. And be prepared for it to stay with you once you get off! The author did an amazing job pulling you in and capturing your full attention. Well done Catherine West. We have nothing but high praises for this book!

Find it on Amazon: Bridge of Faith