Anchor in the Storm (By: Sarah Sundin)

Anchor in the Storm

By: Sarah Sundin

Storyline

Anchor in the Storm is the second book in the Waves of Freedom series. It picks up where book one left off and quickly grabs your attention. The attack on Pearl Harbor has just happened and America is now at war. Lillian Avery has finally been offered a pharmacist position at a drug store in Boston where her brother Jim and his best friend are stationed in the Navy. However, Lillian has two strikes working against her: she is a female and has a prosthetic leg. She refuses to let anyone think either of those will hold her back. She is determined, independent and will prove she is the best for the job! 

Archer Vandenberg is used to women falling for his looks, his charm and mostly for his wealth. He longs to find one who will love him for who he is, not for his family's money. He is instantly intrigued by Lillian (mostly because she won't give him any attention). When Arch starts noticing strange behavior in his crew mates on board, he seeks advice from her and the two start to investigate a possible drug ring. As they dig deeper and deeper they find themselves wrapped up in a dangerous mystery. Twists and turns keep the book flowing well.

Depth

Lillian has a hard time showing her true self to anyone. She never wants to be viewed as weak so in turn comes off as hard-hearted. Having been hurt before, she has built a wall around her heart and won't easily let others in. Honestly, it was a bit hard to connect with her in this story. It took awhile for even us as readers to see into her heart. 

Arch has tried to escape his wealthy upbringing and longs to live away from the affluent society. He fears what comes with living that lifestyle and doesn't want to be liked because of his affluence. He wants real, honest relationships but is so suspicious of others that he must learn to trust those who love him for who he is on the inside. 

We learn a lot about what the Navy would have looked like fighting from American soil and the waters nearby during WWII. Also woven throughout the story are problems many naval soldiers must have faced during this time. Sarah Sundin has definitely done her history homework for this book!

Faith

The theme in this book is Jesus needs to be your anchor and hope in any storm you face in life. We love how it ties into the title. Lillian and Arch both search their hearts to see what they are putting their trust and hope in. They both have weaknesses, whether they be physical or emotional. Will they be able to let go and let God work through them despite their weaknesses? Will they let His strength be enough?

Squeal Factor

The romance part of this book is quite sweet and enjoyable. As mentioned above, these two characters have quite a bit to overcome for either of them to open up their heart to another. Once the walls start to come down it is a satisfying journey, but be careful because it's easy to let those walls go back up! We loved how Arch truly tried to encourage Lillian to be the best version of herself. There are definitely a few sigh worthy moments between these two!

Overall

Anchor in the Storm was a great addition to the Waves of Freedom series. The depth and number of naval history tid-bits made parts a little slow for us, but we still recommend reading it. However, if you are a history buff, you may very well love this aspect of the book! We enjoyed revisiting characters from the last book and being introduced to the main characters of book three. We are looking forward to finishing up the series next year.

Find it on Amazon: Anchor in the Storm

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

Land of Silence (By: Tessa Afshar)

Land of Silence

By: Tessa Afshar

Tessa Afshar is one of the best at Biblical, historical fiction! She's at it again, this time telling the story of the woman who bled for 12 years. Little is known about her, except she was considered "unclean," and therefore an outcast, from this bleeding disease. Her faith is rewarded by Jesus and she is healed simply by touching the hem of his garment, as told in three of the four gospels in the Bible. Jesus actually thought it significant enough to stop what he was doing to pay attention to her extraordinary faith.

Storyline

Tessa Afshar tells this woman's (fictional) story in Land of Silence, and as usual, does an amazing job weaving real people, fiction and history together. Her writing flows and engages the reader right from the beginning, with well-developed characters and deep, realistic storylines. 

The woman's name is Elianna: a young Jewish maiden in a happy family and betrothed to a man she has loved all her life. But in an instant, her family's lives are devastated, and thus begins a season of (seemingly) never ending loss and heartache. When her life is finally stripped down to almost nothing, it is only then that she begins to experience who God really is. Can she trust God to be all he says he is? And what about this new prophet, Jesus, everyone is talking about? Rumors are he heals the sick and the lame. Could he actually be the long awaited Messiah? What's more... could he really be the answer she has needed all along?

Depth

As in all Tessa's books, she never shies away from exploring the deep, soul wrenching realities of life. Issues of guilt, bitterness, grief, sorrow and betrayal are all shaken to the core. This story dives pretty low into despair and heartache, but surfaces with satisfaction into redemption, forgiveness and hope.

Faith

It's a rare thing for these two chicks to give a five star rating for the faith category! In this book, God is most definitely a main character. The Jews follow the old law to the best of their abilities, and Tessa takes great care to respect it and show the need for a Savior all at the same time. A wise Pharisee (who in real life secretly became a follower of Jesus) says that we do not understand who God really is in our times of happiness, but rather in our times of suffering and sickness. He prays for Elianna, but advises her that even if she is not healed physically, her heart can begin mending and her soul can begin preparing for the plans God has yet to unfold in her life. 

Tessa's vast knowledge and understanding of Jewish and Christian history blows us away with each of her books we open!

Squeal Factor

Elianna has loved Ethan her whole life and assumes she probably always will. They share a few tender scenes, but mostly we are just witness to their traditional - albeit, unpredictable - betrothal.

Overall

If you are looking for a deep, faith-filled read, this book is for you! Tessa's excellence as a historical fiction writer, based on true accounts, is supreme. We would have loved to give this read a five star, but we felt the first half of the book was a little too drawn out. However, like usual, Tessa ties everything together beautifully at the end and makes this a solid, wonderful read.

Find it on Amazon: Land of Silence

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

The Reluctant Duchess (By: Roseanna M. White)

The Reluctant Duchess

By: Roseanna M. White

Storyline 

Once again, author Roseanna introduces many characters, but as you get them all down you will find yourself swept up in this new storyline! Lady Rowena Kinnaird is heiress to a Highland earldom, but wants nothing to do with her current situation or title. Formerly smart and confident, she is now but a shell of who she used to be. After she suffers a dreadful attack, Rowena will now do what she must to flee her home in Scotland - even if it means starting over where she won't fit in. 

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has always been a notorious, flirty bachelor, happily remaining single. But when he is confronted with a lady in a desperate situation, he follows his instinct to rescue her. On top of this, Brice is now in possession of the fire eyes - the cursed jewels from book one. Rowena is trying to escape threats from her homeland, only to find out she is now mixed up with Brice and the danger the jewels bring with them. Can these two strangers learn to trust, love and respect one another? Will the past and present dangers bring them together or tear them apart?

Depth 

This book does captures that real life can be messy, painful and even hopeless at times. Author Roseanna does not offer quick fixes, but takes the characters on journeys they must travel, even if painful. Rowena, especially, has been dealt some very hard blows in life and a simple change of scenery does not allow her to outrun the past. She has a lot to learn but allows the Lord to free her from the hurt and pain. The depth of human emotion and consequences for actions make up a large part of the story, bringing it deeper than a lighthearted read.

Faith 

Brice's faith is inspiring and vibrant. He continually seeks the Lord about everything, and acts on what he feels the Lord puts on his heart. It is rarely easy, but he stands firm. Rowena, coming from Scotland, has a much different background and has struggled with the balance between good and evil, light and darkness. Curses and superstitions are a part of her ancestral history, so she fears the present evil in this world. She learns that the Lord is the LIGHT, and can be relied upon to conquer evil. Characters learn that often times, trials are what lead us to the place the Lord wants us.

Squeal Factor 

This book teaches us about real love - not easy, but always worth it. Brice and Rowena learn that love must be a choice, rooted deeply in the Lord and cannot be based solely on feelings and emotions. Roseanna did a phenomenal job with Brice and his willingness to love beyond what he is capable of - he chooses to rely on the Lord for that strength. This portrayal of love was inspiring and was one of our favorite components in the book.

Overall 

This second installment in the series is well written and will continue in the next book! Readers will stay engaged as the story unfolds. Mystery, danger, drama and romance fill the pages wonderfully! The only drawback to our overall rating is that fact that these two chicks had a hard time connecting with and relating to Rowena until the end. However, we eagerly await book three to wrap up some of the story we have grown attached to.

Find it on Amazon: The Reluctant Duchess

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

Cold Shot (By: Dani Pettrey)

Cold Shot

By: Dani Pettrey

Storyline 

Griffin McCray enjoys his quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg, until a body is found in a shallow grave during one of his patrols. Although Gettysburg is certainly thought to have many historical graves buried deep down, this one isn't old - it's modern. So a team is pulled together to investigate, including the beautiful forensic anthropologist Finley Scott - who wrestles with crippling fear from her last case, and really, really doesn't think Griffin likes her very much due to his harsh and impersonal demeanor. 

Also added to the investigative team are FBI Agent Declan Grey and crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell - one of which is the last person Griff wants to see. These three former best friends, plus one more - Luke - were inseparable until the day Luke disappeared... and has never been heard from again. Can the three of them work together to solve this case, resolve the past and maybe hope to find out where Luke went? 

This book clipped along at an excellent pace and kept us hooked as we tried to solve the mystery! We had great insight into Griff, Finley, Declan and Parker, very deep, authentic characters. But unfortunately a few things fell short - we were distracted by the sheer number of people introduced, which made our heads spin at times. Additionally, a few small plot inconsistencies added to our distraction.

Depth 

A lot of bitterness, guilt, fear and shame swamp our characters as they must come face to face with these things as the case unravels itself.

Faith 

Most people in this book have belief in God, and put it into action by relying on Him to guide them, protect them and carry them through hard times. The main characters have really been through hard times and rely on God to bring about justice, even when it's hard to be patient and wait for it

Squeal Factor 

Although Griffin and Finley haven't started out on the right foot, their working in close proximity to one another allows their walls to drop and to see who each of them really is on the inside - and it turns out, they are just right for each other! Their attraction is strong and their chemistry is vivid. Griffin takes a protective stance with Finley, but is a gentleman and treats her with respect and boundaries.

Overall 

So far we aren't as into this new series as we were the books in Alaskan Courage, yet we still love author Dani's ability to bring together heartfelt emotion, romance AND suspense at the same time - and we have found very few authors who are able to pull this off as well as she does. Cold Shot is a thrilling start to this new series and we look forward to reading the rest of it to solve Luke's disappearance and see what happens with the rest of the team.

Find it on Amazon: Cold Shot

Note: We were given this book in exchange 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 

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