Burning Midnight {Review}

Burning Midnight by Will McIntosh

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publishing Date: February 2, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

Seventeen-year-old David Sullivan’s life is about to change—all because of one tiny, priceless item found in the murky bottom of a Brooklyn water tower.

Sully is a sphere dealer at a flea market. It doesn’t pay much—Alex Holliday’s stores have muscled out most of the independent sellers—but it helps him and his mom make rent.

No one knows where the brilliant-colored spheres came from. One day they were just there, hidden all over the earth like huge gemstones. Burn a pair and they make you a little better: an inch taller, skilled at math, better-looking. The rarer the sphere, the more expensive—and the greater the improvement.

When Sully meets Hunter, a girl with a natural talent for finding spheres, the two start searching together. One day they find a Gold—a color no one has ever seen. And when Alex Holliday learns what they have, he will go to any lengths, will use all of his wealth and power, to take it from them.

There’s no question the Gold is worth millions, but what does it actually do? None of them is aware of it yet, but the fate of the world rests on this little golden orb. Because all the world fights over the spheres, but no one knows where they come from, what their powers are, or why they’re here. 

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart {Review}

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Publishing Date: November 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Beatrix Adams knows exactly how she’s spending the summer before her senior year. Determined to follow in Da Vinci’s footsteps, she’s ready to tackle the one thing that will give her an advantage in a museum-sponsored scholarship contest: drawing actual cadavers. But when she tries to sneak her way into the hospital’s Willed Body program and misses the last metro train home, she meets a boy who turns her summer plans upside down.

Jack is charming, wildly attractive, and possibly one of San Francisco’s most notorious graffiti artists. On midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who Jack really is—and tries to uncover what he’s hiding that leaves him so wounded. But will these secrets come back to haunt him? Or will the skeletons in her family’s closet tear them apart?

On Thin Icing {Review}

On Thin Icing by Ellie Alexander

Bakeshop Mystery #3

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publishing Date: December 29, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good. 

It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer.

Someone at the retreat has apparently iced the bartender, a well-known flirt with a legendary temper-that is, before a killer beat him to the punch. Then, from out of nowhere, Jules's own ex-husband shows up at the shop-and soon becomes a suspect. With accusations piling up higher than the snow-and thicker than a chocolate mousse cake-Jules has to think outside the (recipe) box to find the real culprit...and make sure he gets his just desserts.

Whispers in the Reading Room {Review}

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: November 10, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be. 

Shades of Doon {Review}

Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Doon #3

Visit the book Website HERE

Publisher: Blink

Publishing Date: September 1, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

After cheating death, Veronica Welling is determined to savor every moment in her idyllic kingdom with both her true love and best friend by her side at last. At the same time, Mackenna Reid is enthusiastically building her new life and a theater with her prince. But just as their dreams of happiness are within reach, the world Vee and Kenna have chosen is ripped away, leaving them to face their most horrific challenge yet—their old lives.

Thrust out of Doon, the best friends are confronted with tormentors from their past and no way to return to their adopted land. When the MacCrae brothers rush to their rescue, the girls' situation turns from nightmare to modern-day fairy tale. But their happiness could be short lived: unbeknownst to them, someone in their closest circle is aiding the witch of Doon in her bid to destroy the kingdom once and for all.

The Conspiracy of Us {Review}

The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall

Conspiracy of Us #1

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Audio Publisher: Listening Library

Publishing Date: January 13, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle—beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family--but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with.

A Heart's Home {Quick Review + Giveaway}

A Heart's Home by Colleen Coble

Journey of the Heart #6

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: August 4, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

This Christmas, a tragic loss at Fort Laramie ushers in hope and healing.When a young mother dies after giving birth at Fort Laramie, Emmie Croftner is shaken by the death of her dear friend--and reminded of the dangers of childbirth. She won't be able to hide her own pregnancy much longer. She's dreading the day that Isaac Liddle, the handsome soldier she adores, discovers her secret.Then the young infant's father offers a solution: Emmie should marry him so the child can have a family.With the Sioux Wars threatening soldier and civilian alike, a ready-made family could be the answer to Emmie's prayers for safety. But at what cost to her heart--and Isaac's?

Irish Meadows {Review + Giveaway}

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

Courage to Dream #1

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Bethany House

Publishing Date: July 7, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Irish immigrant James O’Leary has spent his life building Irish Meadows into a thriving horse farm and is not about to let hard economic times threaten its success. He intends for his daughters to marry prosperous men–ones who will secure the family’s rightful place in society, and at the same time, guarantee the future of Irish Meadows. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their father expects them to marry well. Yet despite his wishes, Brianna, the quieter sister, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry–as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards. When stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from college and distant family member Rylan Montgomery stops in on his way to the seminary in Boston, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Crazy Little Thing Called Love {Review}

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K Vogt

Destination Wedding #1

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Howard Books

Publishing Date: June 30, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple’s journey down the aisle to “I do.”

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

Picture Perfect Love {Review}

Picture Perfect Love by Melissa McClone

A Year of Weddings 2, Book #7
Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: May 25, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart.

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren't always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God's plan and His perfect timing.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away. When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton's heart still hasn't recovered. 

It was me. His younger sister's three words turn Ashton's world upside down. He must ask Jenna’s forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

Two Roads Home {Review}

Two Roads Home by Deborah Raney

Chicory Inn #2

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Publishing Date: June 2, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Minor-but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk. With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?

A Heart's Disguise Review + Giveaway

A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble

Journey of the Heart Book #1

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: March 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young woman searches for her lost love at the edge of the West.

The Civil War has destroyed Sarah Montgomery's marriage before it's even begun.

After Sarah receives word that her fiance, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner--despite her strong misgivings. But when Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive--and that Ben Croftner knew it--she indignantly breaks off the engagement and goes in search of Rand.

But Ben Croftner does not take rejection lightly--and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. When Sarah is abducted by her treacherous fiance, Rand finally comes to her aid . . . only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and intends to take her there as his wife. But could Sarah leave her dying father's side for the love of her life? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy today! 

Emissary Review

Emissary by Thomas Locke

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Revell

Publishing Date: January 6 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Hyam is a likeable lad who will make a fine farmer someday. But he carries a burden few can fathom. As his mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to Long Hall, where he spent five years as an apprentice. It was there that Hyam's extraordinary capacity for mastering languages came to light--and soon cast him into the shadows of suspicion. How could any human learn the forbidden tongues with such ease? When Hyam dares to seek out the Mistress of the Sorceries, her revelation tears his world asunder.

He has no choice but to set out on the foreboding path--which beckons him to either his destiny or his doom. An encounter with an enchanting stranger reminds him that he is part hero and part captive. As Hyam struggles to interpret the omens and symbols, he is swept up by a great current of possibilities--and dangers.

Adventure Bible for Toddlers Review

Adventure Bible for Toddlers 
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Publishing Date: September 24, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

The Adventure Bible for Toddlers starts children ages 2-5 on the journey of a lifetime, teaching them about the Bible s great stories and themes. It helps young children grow in their relationship with God using stories and art from the wildly popular Adventure Bible Storybook. With ten beautifully illustrated and beloved Bible stories from the Old and New Testament, this sturdy padded board book will stimulate toddlers minds and fill their hearts with love for their heavenly Father.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy from Barnes and Noble today. 

My Thoughts:
I was excited to see this title on BookLook as I had been thinking about getting my daughter her first Bible. The cover portrays adorable drawings that I knew would appeal to Baby Girl. The Bible itself contains ten of the more popular children stories (Creation, Daniel, Jesus' birth) and all throughout more wonderful, appealing illustrations.

Baby Girl's verdict? Meh. She will read it with me if I pick it out, but it is not a title she will bring to me on her own. The stories themselves are too short. The ages suggested for this title are 2-5 but I would change that to 1-2 year olds. They are basic and short with not a lot for a child to grow with. 'Adventure Bible' is still the only title I have for Baby Girl however, so it does help me make Bible reading an intentional time.

One of the things I loved the most? The end story about Jesus returning and the adventure still continuing. One thing I found baffling? The penguin included in the illustration of Jesus' birth. I didn't think penguins were found in Israel....

Overall, 'Adventure Bible' has a fun adventure theme that makes Bible stories seem cool and fun. Would I recommend it to others? Meh. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for something better for both me and Baby Girl. I settled on a neutral 3 stars for the book's rating.

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes Review

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St Amant
Visit the Author's website HERE
Publisher: Zondervan
Publishing Date: September 2, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself her is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Find it on Barnes and Noble today. 

My Thoughts:
'Cupcakes' is all about the romance. Two best friends, Kat and Lucas, have been in love with each other for awhile, but the other person doesn't know and they are too scared to share. Alternating viewpoints gives us, the reader, the chance to see the story from both sides.

Kat is a baker with no confidence in herself. She longs for her own bakery where she can serve up her 'weird' concoctions instead of the boring chocolate, vanilla, strawberry styles her aunt loves so much. Lucas has a lot going for him, except for a wife to help fix up the old farm he longs to buy. He has had his eyes set on Kat for far too long but doesn't know if she is ready for the next step. Signing Kat up for a cupcake competition, Lucas hopes Kat will gain confidence and grow some romantic feelings for him.

Because Kat and Lucas are BFFs, they are too afraid to mess up their friendship status and take that next step into romance. It created a LOT of tension, almost to the point of driving me bonkers. I am the epitome of middle child syndrome, and 'Cupcake' had almost too much conflict for me too handle. I pushed through to the end, but it sure was a struggle! Lucas and Kat just needed to TALK to each other, be honest, and TRUST each other. For having been friends for so long, it was amazing that this aspect was missing.

I would say that 90% of this book is spent inside the character's thoughts. So much of the book is introspection and self talk. I am amazed that there was any plot progression now that I think back on it! The alternating perspectives was a must then for the story.

The baking competition itself is fun and realistic. We are provided just enough that it remains in the background yet still seems real. Sometimes when books try to provide 'behind the scenes' settings it just becomes an over descriptive mess. St. Amant handled this really enjoyably.

My review doesn't sound overly positive, but 'Cupcakes' was an adorable book. Lucas and Kat's relationship was truly adorable, and once they started really talking I could see they were made for each other. A lot of back and forth, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of crazy events, 'Cupcakes' is perfect for the reader who loves romances mixed with baking. 3 stars from me.

PS: I had an unfinished eARC copy so I didn't get to see the included cupcake recipes! If you have a hardcopy of this title, let me know what you think of those recipes! 

Quick Review: Jonah and the Great Big Fish

Jonah and the Great Big Fish by Rhonda Gowler Greene

Visit Author's website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: August 12, 2014

Goodreads Summary:

God told Jonah to obey,

said, "Go to Nineveh this day..".

But, stubborn Jonah fled instead.

Didn't do what God said.

Jonah's disobedience landed him inside a big fish! And there he had time to think and pray.
Children will feel the waves and hear the splash as Jonah sinks down and down and down into the belly of the fish. This story serves as an excellent reminder of how important it is to listen to God.

Speak {Review}

Speak by Nish Weiseth

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: August 5, 2014

Goodreads Summary:

Speak, by popular blogger Nish Weiseth, is a book about the power of telling our own stories and hearing those of others to change hearts, build bridges, advocate for good, make disciples with grace, and proclaim God's kingdom on Earth today.
Nish Weiseth exhorts today's Christians to follow Jesus' example by using story as a vehicle for change. After all, Jesus was a master storyteller. He frequently and effectively used the art of storytelling to communicate deep truths about God, humanity, love, and eternity to a culture on the brink. His stories defied social norms, revealed God's Kingdom, and fiercely advocated for the least of these.
With examples from Scripture as the foundation, Speak is a call for grace, openness, and vulnerability within the evangelical church. Nish Weiseth encourages those in the Body of Christ to know their own story of transformation and redemption---and to use those stories as a catalyst for change at both a personal and global level.

The Kissing Bridge Review

The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer
Visit the Author's Website HERE
Publisher: Zondervan
Publishing Date: April 1, 2014
Netgalley Review:

Caught between a stifling Amish community and an unnerving outside world, a devout young woman on the run is about to become the newest arrival to West Kootenai, Montana. On the day of her sister's death, Rebecca Troyer took her first step away from the Amish. Rebecca had always strayed a little outside the fold---a job at an Englisch bakery, long weekends with non-Amish friends---but nothing could have prepared her family for what she is about to do: Rebecca is abandoning the community to attend nursing school. She is headed to college, into 'the world.' But she has to make it across the country first. When she stops in West Kootenai, at the home of a lapsed Amish friend from her youth, Rebecca finds a lot more in Montana than she had bargained for---namely a handsome working man named Caleb Hooley. Caleb is at a crossroads of his own. A daredevil bachelor with high standards, he has decided he'll never find an Amish woman who can quench his thirst for adventure. Needless to say, the pretty Amish girl who has fled her community in secret catches his attention immediately. As hearts are opened and secrets are revealed, Rebecca and Caleb find they have much more in common than just their Amish background. But can this runaway find love with a risk-taker who has lost his faith in God? All it will take is one week in the wilderness to find out . . .

I recieved this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Kindle version is $7.99 today! (6/20/14)

My Thoughts:
"The Kissing Bridge" is book three of Goyer's "Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors" series. I read and reviewed book two and rated it with 3.5 stars. Seeing book  three up on Netgalley was pretty exciting and I jumped on it right away. 

Overall, and honestly, I didn't think "The Kissing Bridge" was as good as "The Promise Box". Unlike the last book, I struggled to connect with the characters. This is purely a personal judgement, but I just couldn't come to understand them. Why did Rebecca have to run away? If Rebecca truly didn't judge Marianna, why was their friendship now full of secrets and holes? Caleb initially falls in love with Rebecca because he thinks she is daring, yet Rebecca is turned off by Caleb's wild ways...so how exactly did they fall in love again? Plus, I have never in my life experienced a moment where I felt compelled to put schooling or work ahead of love and family so I just couldn't understand where Rebecca was coming from. 

I enjoyed reading more about Marianna and Ben. Each time they are mentioned in these following books, it feels like getting a peek behind the "Happily Ever After" curtain. They are married, and they are in love, but life is still tough. Marianna is still struggling to level out her Amish upbringing and new modern life. Together they are also struggling to conceive a child. I love that Goyer keeps adding the previous couples into the current books. It adds such a layer of real-ism.  I really hope she continues to do this, especially bringing us more Lydia and Gideon, throughout the series as it adds such life to the books. 

One of my biggest loves, and takeaways, of "The Promise Box" was the idea behind the Promise Box itself. I couldn't wait to see what Goyer was going to do with kissing bridges. Sadly, it felt like she didn't do as much. Bridges seemed important to Rebecca, but I never truly understood why or felt the weight of importance myself. Slight spoiler ahead:: Towards the end of the book a bridge is used in a double whammy event. The first event seemed unnecessary to me and I read through it quickly hoping to get to the second event that I was anticipating. End slight spoiler.

Even though I couldn't connect to "The Kissing Bridge" as well as I was hoping, Goyer still does a good job of breaking the typical Christian Romance storyline molds. I may have wanted more from the ending, but I appreciate that it wasn't so cut and dry. It leaves room for imagination and, hopefully, seeing them in further books. Goyer is still a master writer and I will continue to read her books! I am rating this particular work with 3 stars. I would recommend it to readers of Amish fiction, Christian Romance, and to those who've enjoyed Goyer's previous works.

While Love Stirs: Review

While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad
Visit Lorna's author website HERE
Publisher: Revell
Publishing Date: April 29, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is back with a breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep readers guessing. Attention to historic detail adorns the timeless story of a young woman looking for true love and making her way in a rapidly changing world.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy it on your Kindle for $9.99 today! (5/22/19)

My Thoughts:
When I saw a new Christian romance novel that was going to center around cooking, I figured it was written just for me. Revell has a history of publishing books I fall in love with and so I felt it was a safe bet to snatch this one up.

Right off the bat, I struggled getting into the story. Charlotte, our MC, and main man Joel meet right off the bat and instantly start fighting. I am a person who dislikes tension and conflict, so I was turned off by Charlotte's pride and Joel's antagonism. I didn't think I could relate to Charlotte, and I already didn't like her much, and so I struggled with whether I should continue reading the book. I pushed on because I already enjoyed Seilstad's writing style and loved the cooking aspects.

Luckily, as the novel continues Charlotte becomes more inclined to think before speaking and make apologies. I truly enjoyed seeing her mature and develop into someone who was more willing to think then react. However, it seemed Joel remained the same throughout the story. He was always flying off the handle and had hurtful words flying out of his mouth. It just seemed so...controlling to me. I almost started rooting for Lewis, the slick crooner and vague other love interest. I was sad to see that Joel's character never truly develops beyond this.

The plot itself was a mish mash of big, crazy events, the least of which is Charlotte and Joel planning a charity event together. I won't share any of the events, because it is so much more fun to discover them on your own, but each one on its own could have filled a whole novel. Put all together, they were almost overwhelming. Seilstad did a good job making it all work but never dwelling on any one event for too long, but then I felt kind of sad that we were missing out on details and depth of each one. Then, of course, the cooking aspect that I was so excited for, got lost in the crowded mix.

Seilstad made it all work though. I read the whole thing, enjoyed it, and even snagged book one while it was on sale a while back. While I did find some of it overwhelming, I think the characters felt realistic enough to carry me through to the end. All the pieces managed to fit together to tell one whirlwind of a story! I'd recommend it to fans of Christian romance that love Minnesota (Yay MN references!!), like a good dose of history, and appreciate some light cooking aspects. I am rating it with 3 stars out of 5.

Read any good Christian romance stories lately? Let me know in the comments; I am always looking for some good summer reads! 

One Perfect Spring: Review

One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon
Publisher: Revell
Publishing Date: May 6, 2014
Visit the Author's Website HERE
Goodreads Review:

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

I received this review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy the paperback on Amazon for $10.82 today! (4/30/14)

My Thoughts:
Hannon told this story through four different perspectives: Keith, David, Marianna, and Claire. While this could be confusing, Hannon did a well enough job of indicating early on in each new section or chapter who's voice we were reading. The voices themselves were pretty similiar, so Hannon had to distinguish using clues to the character's background, other characters, or just plain saying their name.

Each character had their own story. Probably the least focused on was David, but I liked him! He was such a gentleman. David had hurts but he was trying to build bridges, make amends, and move on. The story revolving around him and his grown daughter were touching.

Claire was probably my least favorite character. I am sure it must hurt to have gone through a divorce and raise a child on your own. Claire seemed to be handling it well, but also be completely jaded by it. Some of Claire's thoughts made it sound like she had been rejected by a few men and not just one. I struggled with feeling like she was pretty melodramatic.

Keith's character was more enjoyable. I felt like the author put more time and effort into developing his character and story fully in this novel than any of the other characters. When we first meet him, Keith is a workaholic who loves what he does, but he has a meddling boss, David. Keith and Claire fall for each other slowly but surely, opening up as they learn to trust each other. And as he does, he starts appreciating life more than work, and love over all. His character ended up doing a subtle, but complete 180 degree turn. I didn't like the way his Big Event ended, it felt too 'easy' and slightly anticlimactic. That is all I want to say on that for fear of giving away spoilers.

Lastly, there was Marianna with the most emotional story. She had a history and depth unmatched by the other characters. She was kind and compassionate. Originally I thought Marianna was just going to be a background character, but her story become a focal point next to Keith's. And again, without giving away spoilers, I think it safe to say that her Story's End wasn't completely happy. At first I found it completely irritating that the author didn't give us a reason why she went the direction she did, but the more I thought about it, the more I found it to be true of life. Sometimes unhappy things happen and we don't get a reason why. I could appreciate that the book was realistic at least.

"One Perfect Spring" is classified as a Christian Romance. I really appreciated how the author portrayed the married couples: hot and steamy! Marriage can, and is, hot and enjoyable! Most people have this perception that once you get married the romance dies away, and it doesn't have too. Even just the small focuses that Hannon put on marriage was a win in my book. Please note that while I say 'hot and steamy' this book is completely appropriate and wouldn't make your grandmother blush. The 'Christian' bits felt rather like an afterthought. Like perhaps Hannon wrote the book, and once completed, went back and added some Christian influence here and there. It was not a main focus by any means. I would feel completely safe recommending this to non-Christian friends who enjoy clean romances.

Overall, I have to give "One Perfect Spring" three stars. I was happy with two of the characters, the brief portrayals of marriage, couples with respectful relationships, and the realisticness of the stories. But other parts I found a bit dull or forgettable. Having four perspectives is hard to keep up with, and while Hannon did a decent job, it was still a bit much. I was also hoping for more of a Christian voice throughout the novel. Like I mentioned before, I could easily recommend it to non-Christian and Christian friends alike who might be looking for a light spring, early summer read.