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 

Your're The One That I Want (By: Susan May Warren)

You're the One That I Want

By:Susan May Warren

This latest from Susan May Warren has been the 2 Chicks' most highly anticipated book of the year! The conclusion to the Christiansen family stories does not disappoint and was everything we hoped it would be.

Storyline

Owen Christiansen has a lot of apologizing, explaining and reconciling to do - even more so than he is aware of. For the last few years, he has been MIA from his family and hometown of Evergreen Lake, Minnesota, where he left behind broken relationships and hearts. Now working on a crabbing boat in Alaska, he is struggling to find his way back to God and a chance at happiness. Could it happen with Elise "Scotty" McFlynn, a no nonsense girl who has her own learning to do about family? The last time Casper Christiansen saw his brother, a heated argument that led to blows erupted between them . But now, hoping to reconcile and receive Owen's blessing, Casper has trekked all over the country searching for him. Just as he's about to give up and go home, he finally catches a break to learn of Owen's whereabouts. But seeing him again - and bringing him home to face the damage he has left behind - will not be easy, pleasant or quick to resolve. 

This story's action begins on the first page and does not stop until the end. The plot, characters and storyline kept us up for a few late nights!

Depth

As readers, we kept asking ourselves how on earth Owen - the wild, lost prodigal - was ever going to find his way back to the family. With a trail of damage in his wake, would it be too late to repair the burned bridges and broken hearts? Given this and the family drama that's been building up in the last five books, we were afraid this final book would tie it all up in an easy, neat little package - so unlike real life. We knew Owen's story deserved a thorough, difficult, challenging, and in the end, triumphant, conclusion - and that is exactly what author Susan delivers. She masterfully weaves the joy and the pain of the ramifications on the family when a prodigal comes home. It isn't easy, clear or predictable. Everyone wrestles with the right things to do at different times, and the issues are real. In addition, Scotty is welcomed into the Christiansen family as one of their own - and it scares her to death. Will she be brave enough to embrace what it means to finally be a part of a family?

Faith

Scotty thinks that Christianity is only for the weak. Being raised by a single father, she values being tough-as-nails and independent above all else. But she is inspired by Owen's admonition to "have a little faith" and slowly begins to realize her need for a Savior. This story is all about grace and faith, and being accepted into earthly families and into the family of God. One of our favorite lines was, "A life committed to God requires us to live uncomfortably, accountably, bravely, transparently, vulnerably. It requires us to love without rules. Welcome to grace."

Squeal Factor

As is usual in this series, the couples in this book sizzle with their cute chemistry. Owen and Scotty have several very touching scenes and their romance sparkles! This book has powerful emotions the readers can actually feel.

Overall

It took six novels to tell the stories of the Christiansen family and we are sad to see them go! This series is full of faith, depth, squeal factor and is written at a pace that kept us running toward the end. The family has real problems and real love, all tied up together, and gives a great example of what a wonderful family can look like. In fact, these 2 Chicks loved both this book and the entire series so much, we are declaring the series as a whole the newest addition to our Golden List. It's worth it to pay full retail price and give up a little lot of sleep for!

Find it on Amazon: You're the One That I Want

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

Undaunted Hope (by: Jody Hedlund)

Undaunted Hope

By:Jody Hedlund

The third book in the Beacons of Hope series by Jody Hedlund continues to follow lightkeepers in 1800's Michigan. This solid series has made for very entertaining reading!

Storyline

Tessa Taylor is trying to escape the reputation of her past, and has finally received her chance at a clean slate. Hired as the new schoolteacher to miner's children in Eagle Harbor, she arrives to find the hopeless little town oppressed in darkness. She desperately wants to make a difference in the community, but her efforts don't seem to change much - especially when the man who hired her holds a strange sway over the townspeople and thwarts her attempts and positive change. Can she be a light in the darkness and hope no one finds out about her foolish choices from the past? And will Tessa stick to her vow to never have anything to do with lighthouses ever again, when the resident light keeper swears to win her love?

Depth

While The "king" of the town, Percival Undergraff, reigns over everyone and seems to know everything that happens in Eagle Harbor - and Tessa soon learns why.  Any attempts by her and others to challenge his authority are met with swift and severe consequences.  Their struggles are real and feel hopeless at times. What do we do when stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place?

Faith

Many of the characters are people of faith and it is shown primarily through their actions, being kind to the less fortunate, upholding moral standards and praying to God for guidance when needed.

Squeal Factor

Although Tessa at first refuses to let her heart fall in love - and schoolteachers cannot marry - she almost immediately begins to fall for Alex Bjorklund. Their attraction and chemistry are almost instantaneous, but both have reasons for holding back from giving in to their heart's desires. As the plot thickens and their love grows, they share some sweet, tender and intimate moments that were very satisfying to the reader!

Overall

This has been a solid, engaging series by Jody Hedlund, full of historical details about the difficult, isolated lives of lightkeepers in 19th century Michigan. The stories all follow a small wooden cross, fashioned from the wood of a ship by a man shipwrecked, passed from person to person as a reminder to never give up hope. As the cross is passed around, the bigger story is that there is no situation or circumstance that God cannot redeem!

Find it on Amazon: Undaunted Hope

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

The Painter's Daughter (by: Julie Klassen)

The Painter's Daughter

By:Julie Klassen

Storyline
Sophie Dupont is heartbroken when she finds that her love, Wesley, has sailed for Italy and left her only a note for a goodbye - clearly an indication that she did not mean the same to him. To further her distress, Wesley has left Sophie in a serious predicament. When his brother, Captain Stephen Overtree, arrives in town and discovers the trouble Wesley has left behind, he is strangely drawn to Sophie, with a desire to protect and save her reputation. 

Julie Klassen is a wonderful storyteller and keeps every page interesting as these two set out on a life married to someone they barely know, journeying through the English countryside, encountering fascinating characters and stumbling upon mysteries.

Depth

While the issues in this book are by no means shallow, it is with a lighthearted pen that author Julie draws us in and lets us feel what the characters are experiencing without making the reader feel weighed down. Past mistakes, dysfunctional families, first impressions and societal expectations are some of the issues dealt with.

Faith

Captain Overtree is a faithful man who follows the Lord's leading in his life and greatly respects the deep faith of his lifelong nurse, who speaks to God on a regular basis. Sophie doesn't care to have much to do with the Lord since the death of her mother, but slowly warms up to the idea of her own need for a Savior.

Squeal Factor

Marriage of Convenience stories almost always provide us with sweet sighs and expectation! The simple fact that husband and wife share close quarters is enough to help their love grow, and this read is no exception. Despite Captain Overtree's stern demeanor, Sophie slowly learns that the man inside is a gentleman with integrity, worthy of her devotion and love.

Overall

While this book had a wonderful storyline, it felt a little anti-climactic and predictable near the end. Had it gone a little deeper or explored a few plots more thoroughly, we could have given it four stars.

Find it on Amazon: The Painter's Daughter

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

2015 In Review - Our Favorite Reads

Celebrating 2015 Top Ten Favorites

Wow, what an unbelievable year of reading we have enjoyed. Some absolutely tremendous books were published this year! 

Just like last year, we have decided on our top ten favorite novels of the year and we are ready to do a countdown!

Top 10 Favorite Books:

#10 - Married Til Monday by Denise Hunter 
#9 - Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin 
#8 - Bridge of Faith by Catherine West 
#7 - The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

#6 - The Lost Heiress by Roseanne M. White
#5 - A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade 
#4 - Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter 
#3 - How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck
#2 - The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren
#1 - To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander
 
But, wait! Lest we forget about our beloved novellas, we also read a few fantastic quick reads and these deserve their own "top five" themselves. So here goes, the top five novellas from 2015


Top 5 Favorite Novellas:

#5 - Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg 
#4 - Love in the Details by Becky Wade 
#3 - Grace Like Rain by Julie Lessman
#2 - Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg
#1 -  Brush With Love 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 2016!!!!