Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Calor By J.J. Fischer

Calor
by J.J. Fischer
Publisher: Enclave
Series: The Nightingale Trilogy
ASIN: B0B48QKM26

I wasn't actually planning on reading this ARC I received from Enclave publishing, but when I decided to do a reading challenge, I figured this one would be a good fit. As part of the street team, they sent me the paperback ARC for review.

Summary:

What if you could edit memories with a single touch?

The world-that-was is gone, lost to everything except living memory . . . but remembering comes at a terrible price. Sixty-two years after the apocalypse, a new society has emerged from the ashes of the old world where highly valued memories are traded and nostalgia is worth dying—and even killing—for.

Enslaved by a cruel master, Sephone Winter is forced to use her rare ability to manipulate memories to numb the darkest secrets of the ruling aristocracy.

Then Lord Adamo appears, speaking of a powerful relic capable of permanently erasing memories and recovering Sephone’s own lost childhood. But not everything about the young lord is as it seems, and soon Sephone must choose between helping Lord Adamo forget his past or journeying deep into the land of Lethe, where the truth about who she really is might finally be revealed . . . and a long desired future restored.

The Nightingale Trilogy is a fantasy transformation of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved 1843 tale The Nightingale, with echoes of the myths of Hades and Persephone.

My Review:

Calor was such a spectacular story! I went into it without having a clue as to what it was about simply because the cover drew me in.

We learn from the prologue that Sephone and Dorian (Lord Adamo) meet when she's a wee girl drowning in a canal and he saves her. Then we meet her again when she's older and ready to escape being held by Cutter. 

Sephone can see & experience things from other people's minds. It was such a fascinating idea to be able to do that, but then immediately realized how awful it would be. As we get to know Sephone more and the world in which she lives, this apocalyptic world comes to life through the author. 

We meet Dorian again when he arrives at Cutter's tavern. We also meet one of my favorite characters Lady Jewel. He is man devastated from his past and is trying to get away from the pain. Sephone begins to have feelings for him and is willing to help ease the hurt in his mind, but he refuses. They end up setting out to find the relic that can help them both, but it's nowhere close to easy.

We also meet Cass, who, on the surface is superficial and only cares about one thing, the next woman who he can conquer. I think this may have been the one piece to this story I wasn't a fan of because it alludes to his one night stands and womanizing. His story unfolds at the same time as we learn more about Dorian and Sephone. He actually endears himself to me as time went on.

And for real, let's talk about Bear and Bas. These two fellas might be the bodyguards, but I just loved them. Brooding, protective, and loyal. How could anyone not love them as characters?

This world that the author creates came alive for me as the story progressed and with the cliffhanger of an ending, I was kicking myself for reading it before book two was already out. This is the type of book that will have you clamoring for more immediately!!

About the Author:

J. J. Fischer

J. J. Fischer’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals she painstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five, to rather limited acclaim. Thankfully, her writing (but not her drawing) has improved since then. She is a clinically-trained psychologist but no, she cannot read your mind. When she isn’t killing defenseless house plants, pretending she can play the piano, eating peanut butter out of the jar, or memorizing funny film quotes, she and her husband David are attempting to prevent their warring pet chickens from forming factions and re-enacting Divergent. Honestly, it’s a miracle she finds the time to write any books.

Monday, February 27, 2023

The Maid Of Ballymacool By Jennifer Deibel

The Maid of Ballymacool
by Jennifer Deibel
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780800741747

Having read both of Jennifer's first two books, I knew that this one wouldn't be missed. And I mean, look at that cover? Isn't it stunning? I am part of her launch team and was sent the book for review.

Summary:

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. 

When Brianna unearths an intriguing silver platter in the woods, she commits to learning its origins. Could the handsome newcomer hold the key? If so, their discovery could change everything.

My Review:

I never know how fast I'm going to get involved with a book's story, and it turns out The Maid of Ballymacool didn't take long at all. The opening line gives the reader a jolt and gives an immediate vibe as to what's to come.

I'm going to start out with an interesting tidbit about this story. Aside from when we meet Michael Wray, it never leaves the grounds or surrounding forest. It all takes place either in Ballymacool House and Boarding school or around the property. And you know what, it didn't phase me one bit. In fact, it gave me the keen sense of being there. While it's set in 1935, the whole story gave me the sense of being in the late 1800s. Because they seemed so far removed from the world progressing around them is what did it for me.

It was pretty easy to guess where the story was going to end up and I was ok with that because HOW it was going to get there is what kept me hooked!

I immediately loved Brianna. She has overcome so much anger and animosity thrown at her by the head mistress, but she still has a kind and gentle soul. She loves to visit the forest around the boarding school. It's an incredible reminder of when Scripture says in Psalm 96:12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. You sense that when Brianna is in the forest. We also meet Finnuala there, who is basically like a grandmotherly figure to her. 

When Michael shows up on the scene he does what every reader wants the hero to do. He doesn't put up with ANY nonsense. Not only that, the author doesn't put us through him not seeing the injustice put on Brianna. And not just her, but all of the students. He may be young, but he has wisdom and a strong sense of right & wrong. I wanted to cheer every time he stood up to Magee.

Do you like a good (meaning awful) villain? Maureen Magee will get your blood boiling on day one and will have you fighting mad the whole way through. She a prime example of what can happen when we let bitterness take root and fester without forgiving and moving on.

I certainly enjoyed the faith element throughout the story. While I don't believe Brianna knows about Jesus, she knows of the Creator through Finnuala and being in nature. It doesn't seem that any type of faith is taught at the school and certainly no church visits for the boarders. But, faith is spoken of plainly and the characters are reminded of God and His plan.

Once again, I've thoroughly enjoyed another story by this author and I eagerly anticipate the next one!

Author:

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

A Match In The Making By Jen Turano

A Match in the Making
by Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: The Matchmakers
ISBN: 9780764240201

As an avid fan of Jen Turano, there was NO way I was missing out on the first book of her new series, The Matchmaker. Jen's books are ones where I don't even have to know what they're about to know I need them the moment they release. Being on the launch team, I was sent the book for review.

Summary:

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention--and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

My Review:

If you enjoy laughing then you don't want to miss out on 358 pages worth of it! Literally, I don't know if there was a single page where I didn't at least give a little chuckle. This was one of my most anticipated stories this year and it didn't disappoint.

First we meet Gwendolyn, who was employed as a companion, but in a strange turn of events became an assistant matchmaker. Watching her throughout the story trying to give up the position is a hoot. The more she tries to ditch the role, the more she becomes ensconced it... against her will. Of course, stepping into the role, trying to do her best leaves the women and men of the Season scrambling to make sense of what's going on! To say she upturns the entire Season in Newport is putting it mildly.

Then there's Walter, the catch of the season. He's utterly clueless as to how to find a suitable woman to be a mother to his children and how to find the "right" woman. Let's just say, his bar wasn't set very high. When Gwendolyn appears in his life on the heels of a social faux pas they begin a tug of war of finding that woman. The two of them together reminds me of Miss Scarlet and the Duke. They drive each other nuts and it endears us to them!

There are definitely some good lessons in the story. Walter's kids have grandmas who spoil the children to keep them in line, which has only made them terrors. Walter is an absent father and we see the impact that makes. How we treat other people who aren't in the same "league" as us matters! 

The end of the story had me in a fit of giggles! I don't know how to say that "what happens" is probably one of the funniest and most memorable EVER. Of course, finishing this story has me in restless anticipation for book two! I can't WAIT to see how that one unfolds.

About the Author:

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by BooklistJen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from RT Book Reviews, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com.

Sunday, February 19, 2023

The Sound Of Light By Sarah Sundin

the Sound of Light
by Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 9780800736385

If there's one thing I can't resist is a Sarah Sundin story. She excels at stories set in WWII! When I saw it come up for review with Revell, I jumped at the chance. You HAVE to get The Sound of Light if you love this genre like I do. Revell sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Copenhagen, 1940

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence.

My Review:

The Sound of Light... Once again, Sarah Sundin has written an incredible novel set in Denmark. We met Henrik Ahlefeldt in When Twilight Breaks and even more in Until Leaves Fall in Paris. I didn't realize he was getting his own story, so when the story starts off with him rowing across the straight I "felt" like as a reader I'd been there before. It was so great to get to read his story.

We also meet wonderful Else! She's smart, American, and a physicist who is treated horribly by one of the men in her department. Trust me, this fellow will make everyone's blood boil! Don't you love when an author can create a character who you easily loathe? Same with Fru Riber is awful, too! Just you wait.

This story had me riveted from the start. Cheering for the resistance while knowing anything could go wrong had me biting my nails the entire time. Neither Else or Henrik knows the other is working for the resistance in their own way. When their paths cross we're able to see the character of each of them and it's easy to grow to love them both. He helps her to stand up to her colleague and she helps him to see he's not the man he used to be.

There are some very poignant moments that will cause your heart to melt as well as break. There are definitely some surprises in the story. One of my favorite parts of Sarah's stories are the side characters who play a role in helping the main character grow. I really enjoyed Laila. She was a sweet friend to Else. And we're all taught a lesson on silence.

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight BreaksUntil Leaves Fall in Paris, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from BooklistLibrary Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Friday, February 17, 2023

Counterfeit Hope By Crystal Caudill

Counterfeit Hope
by Crystal Caudill
Publisher: Kregel
Series: Hidden Hearts of the Golden Age
ISBN: 9780825447419

I was so thrilled to be able to read Counterfeit Hope after reading book one, Counterfeit Love, last year! And seriously, LOOK at the cover! It's so gorgeous. I'm thankful to be on Crystal's launch team. She sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Trapped by their pasts, is there hope for a future?

When Secret Service operative Andrew Darlington is brought in to support a US Marshal case involving counterfeiters in rural Indiana, he thinks it's simply the next rung on his climb to the top of his career. But liars can only climb so high--and Andrew is keeping a dangerous secret he doesn't ever want to get out. When he clashes with the criminal family that took over the town of Landkreis and killed the Marshal he was sent to assist, his past life is in danger of being exposed.

Widow "Lightning Lu" Thorne has only one goal: escape the clutches of the Thorne family with her son. Her decision to be an informant and testify against the Thornes looked like the perfect answer. Until the Marshal ended up dead. Now the tether keeping her tied to her felonious family is tightening, and a forced marriage to someone else in the Thornes' clutches threatens to kill any hope of escape.

Andrew and Lu find themselves on the same team--unwillingly. They each believe the other to be the enemy to their future plans. And even if they could learn to work together, the secrets they hold could shatter all hopes and dreams. Despite the encouragement of the local preacher, they're not even sure God can be trusted--much less other humans. Can either of them escape their past--and the family that is willing to kill their own when they smell betrayal?

My Review:

Can I please have more books just like Counterfeit Hope?

Historical? CHECK
Great characters? CHECK
Full of faith? CHECK

We meet Lu who has been through a life of hardship being sold from one person to another. It makes one want to wring the necks of all the people who have treated her so terribly. Her sole focus is her son, Oscar, who is also under the thumb of the family, and escaping with him.

Then along comes Doc Andrew and Josiah (aka Pretty Boy). They're in town to take down the Thornes. Their initial contact with Lu is humorous and sets the tone for most of their interactions.

To say that the Thornes are the epitome of scum of the earth and filled with evil is putting it mildly. What Ma Frances does time and time again to her family members will make you cringe. What the whole family does to each other and those in the town makes the readers cry for justice. Thank goodness the lawmen are in town, but they have their work cut out for them.

Lu has so much to learn after all she's been through. Thankfully the pastor and his wife have slowly loved on her over time. She's doing her best to understand God in the midst of all of her bad choices and the life forced upon her. And Andrew struggles to see her through the eyes of the Lord when he knows her to only be a pickpocket and a woman who sidles up to men when given the chance.

Readers, let me tell you, this story is so filled with faith and the Gospel, that I was constantly smiling in my heart. The author doesn't shy away from it at all. In fact, she uses faith at every chance given. It's not done in a way that's over the top or doesn't fit, but it comes up at all of the right times!! I loved it!

About the Author:

Crystal Caudill is the author of "dangerously good historical romance," with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Brooke By Ronie Kendig + Give AWAY!

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Brooke JustRead Blog + Review Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Brooke by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I received the ebook for review!

About the Book

Brooke Title: Brooke 
Series: The Metcalfes #4 
Author: Ronie Kendig 
Publisher: Task Force Press 
Release Date: February 6, 2023 
Genre: Clean with faith elements, Romantic Suspense

Prioritizing career over family cost Brooke Metcalfe Mulroney everything—her relationship with her siblings, her marriage, her children. Written off by her family, she delves deeper into her work. Until a life-altering moment offers a chance at something she didn’t know she wanted—redemption. But her self-centered ways nip at her heels as she goes on the lam to do what she knows is right.

Former Special Forces operator and founder of MiLE, Cord Taggart wages war on human trafficking by taking the violence to the wicked, determined to never again let an innocent die because he did nothing. But maybe he’s bitten off more than he can chew this time as he works to track down New York City high-powered attorney Brooke Metcalfe, who is MIA. Then there’s her brothers who have threatened to chase him into the afterlife should he fail. 

Tricky are the hours as Cord negotiates many battles: freeing the captives, demolishing the Trench that has made millions off the skin-trade industry, and his growing, deep-rooted feelings for the bombshell in her highfalutin tower. Brooke must put her life—and heart—in the hands of the thick-skulled operator.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository

Other Books in Series

Stone Willow Range

My Review:

Ronie has done it again! This series has been incredibly powerful! She doesn't pussyfoot around the topic of human trafficking. While it's an incredibly difficult topic, it's one that needs to be addressed, especially in the Christian community! She hits it head on.

While this is Brooke's story, it seems like it's almost more Cord's story sometimes. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them both throughout this story. Brooke, who is trying to do good in the world ends up in hot water. This is where Cord steps in, and wants to save the day, but she slips through his fingers. That's when the clock starts ticking.

I will tell you, this isn't an easy story. How can it be? It has to be raw and hard because that's what life is like for those being trafficked. It's scary and as a reader I was overwhelmed with grief at the evil. There's hope though! Like Cord and so many others, there are people who are fighting this worldwide crime!

As with any Ronie book there are twists and turns until the very end. I loved having Range, Leif, and Canyon in the story. Their dynamic is hilarious which add levity to this heavy story. They give Cord grief (as well as each other) as often as possible. They're also in constant danger.

The ending was a bit abrupt for me and ended in a somewhat "too easy" way. Personally, I would've preferred a more intensity to the overall end. Again, that's just personal preference.

I'm thankful that Ronie isn't afraid to tackle topics like this and does it in a way that should cause all of us to want to do more. And if you've ever wondered which books each of her characters is in, she's got a list at the end of the book!! I LOVE it!!


About the Author

Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Connect with Ronie by visiting roniekendig.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the entire signed set of The Metcalfes paperbacks!

Brooke JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 15, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 22, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway Here


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

The Weight Of Air By Kimberly Duffy

The Weight of Air
by Kimberly Duffy
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764240386

From the first book Kimberly Duffy wrote, I knew I would be hooked on her writing. Have I read all of her books now with The Weight of Air having been published? Yes, I have! Kimberly sent me her book for review. 

Summary:

Two women--bound by blood, torn apart by circumstance--find together that true strength comes in many forms.

In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. When he dies unexpectedly, she loses everything she's ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham in hope of finding the mother she thought was dead.

Isabella Moreau, America's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. Then her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, and she is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.

As Mabel and Isabella's lives become entangled beneath the glittering lights and flying trapeze of Madison Square Garden, their resiliency and resolve are tested as they learn the truth of what it means to be strong.

My Review:

The Weight of Air is an incredibly powerful story! This is going to be another one that sits with me for a long time. There's so much to unpack in it, but also so much that can't be shared because you need to have it unfold for yourself as you read.

We meet Mabel as a young girl, just as she's separated from her mother. We get a sense of the family dynamics immediately. The author has a way of helping the reader feel deep emotions in a very short amount of time. As we meet Mabel as an adult, she's become quite the woman. It was fascinating to get an idea of her through not only the people around her, but also through her own eyes. I think many women can related in some fashion to Mabel. Is she larger than life, more than other women, yes, but I think most of us struggle with our appearance and how we believe others see us and society's expectations. Through the women of this story we're reminded once again how women are often objectified and only seen for their body parts.

This story certainly had me looking over my own life and how it was shaped by those around me. Lies I have always believed about myself. The postpartum depression that I dealt with, but had never even heard of back in the early 90s. This is where I was able to relate to Polly, Mabel's mother. Relate more than I can explain. The author does this condition SO much justice. Very well written.

We also get to know Isabella apart from everything she knew in Europe. She is an example of a woman who is defined by her past. The demons that are constantly chasing her have all impacted her life for years. The choices she makes to try to save her career are heart wrenching, but what does one do when she's about to lose everything? As a reader, you can sense her hopelessness. 

While Jake and Mabel try to find her mother, they have battles of their own to conquer. The highs and lows (literally and figuratively) will take you on quite a ride. Their story will break your heart and make it soar by turn. This story will remind you how powerful love can truly be! Jake is a fantastic character! His strength of character shines through constantly. Same with Robert! With all the men who have failed them in life, there are men who will champion them! Doesn't that make your heart soar?

The author truly brought the circus world to life for me. She's had a knack in each of her books for painting the world her characters are in with such vivid imagery. It's one of my favorite things about her writing. The glitz, the glamour, the sense of family, the pain they put themselves through, knowing that their time is limited and someone is waiting to take their place, all of it is center stage for us.
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Topics include:
postpartum depression
suicide (only referred to in the past tense)
sex outside of marriage (this is not glorified in any way and is handled beautifully by the author)

About the Author:

Kimberly Duffy (www.kimberlyduffy.com) is a Long Island native currently living in southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she's not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn't mind.

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Books To Read When Football Is On TV

I should've written this post maybe a week ago. Heck, I should've done it when the pre-season football games were starting. Alas, I didn't think about it until today, which is my norm. So, in case you're not interested in watching the Big Game today or any football games ever, I've got some suggestions for your reading pleasure that involve either a football (or ex) player or coach. Because the game starts later tonight, you can always download a digital copy of one of these books!

BETWEEN SUNDAYS by Karen Kingsbury

Aaron Hill has it all—athletic good looks and the many privileges of a star quarterback. His Sundays are spent playing NFL football in front of a televised audience of millions. But Aaron’s about to receive an unexpected handoff, one that will give him a whole new view of his self-centered life.Derrick Anderson is a family man who volunteers his time with foster kids while sustaining a long career as a pro football player. But now he’s looking for a miracle. He must act as team mentor while still striving for the one thing that matters most this season—keeping a promise he made years ago.Megan Gunn works two jobs and spends her spare time helping at the youth center. Much of what she does, she does for the one boy for whom she is everything—a foster child whose dying mother left him in Megan’s care. Now she wants to adopt him, but one obstacle stands in the way. Her foster son, Cory, is convinced that 49ers quarterback Aaron Hill is his father.Two men and the game they love. A woman with a heart for the lonely and lost, and a boy who believes the impossible. Thrown together in a season of self-discovery, they’re about to learn lessons in character and grace, love and sacrifice.Because in the end life isn’t defined by what takes place on the first day of the week, but how we live it between Sundays.

DANGER IN THE SHADOWS by Dee Henderson

Sara is terrified. She's doing the one thing she cannot afford to do: fall in love with former pro-football player Adam Black, a man everyone knows. Sara's been hidden away in the witness protection program, her safety dependent on staying invisible—and loving Adam could get her killed! 

Introducing the O'Malleys, an inspirational group of seven, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, who have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Their stories are told in CBA best-selling, inspirational romantic suspense novels that rock your heart and restore strength and hope to your spirit.









MY FOOLISH HEART by Susan May Warren

Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from 
My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . Or the one next door?


FROM THE START by Melissa Tagg

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley. 

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?


HER ONE AND ONLY by Becky Wade

Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him?

But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?







BREACH OF TRUST by DiAnn Mills

Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader—Daniel Keary—whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a small-town librarian. But when Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won’t ruin his bid for office. He threatens everything she holds dear, and Paige must choose between the life of hiding that has become her refuge . . . Or risking everything in one last, desperate attempt to right old wrongs.










THE WEDDING CHAPEL by Rachel Hauck

A lonely wedding chapel built as a tribute to lost love just might hold the long-awaited secret to hope and reconciliation.

For sixty years, the wedding chapel has stood silent and empty. Retired football hall-of-famer Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook built the chapel by hand, stone by stone, for his beautiful and beloved Collette Greer, whom he lost so many years ago. The chapel is a sanctuary for his memories, a monument to true love, and a testament to his survival of the deepest pain and loss.

Photographer Taylor Branson left her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, to make a new life for herself in New York. She had lots to run away from, not least of all a family history of broken promises and broken dreams. Love catches Taylor off guard when she falls for Jack Forester, a successful advertising executive, and their whirlwind romance leads to an elopement—then to second guesses. Jack, in spite of his very real love for Taylor, is battling his own demons and struggles to show her his true self and the depths of his love for her.

Taking a photography assignment in Heart’s Bend, Taylor is thrown back into a past of family secrets buried deep beneath the sands of time. When Taylor and Coach’s journeys collide, they each rediscover the heartbeat of their own dreams as they learn that the love they long to hold is well worth the wait.



A SIDELINED CHRISTMAS by Toni Shiloh


Sidelined with a career-ending injury, wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia to heal. Nothing shocks him more than running into his high-school sweetheart, Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.Bebe Gordon returned to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter, Hope. When Jahleel returns, all the memories of the past come rushing back. She can’t decide if he’s changed or if her heart is holding onto past hurts.Will Jahleel and Bebe take a chance on love or let life sidelined them at Christmas?


















TACKLING THE FIELDS by Janet W. Ferguson



Her past and his reputation are only the first obstacles blocking their chances at love.

Cole Sanders is a changed man. The university quarterback questions his direction in life after serving on a mission trip in Honduras. Things that used to fill Cole’s ego seem empty after witnessing the developing country’s extreme poverty and the death of a precious child. The one glimmer of hope through his confusion is the fresh perspective he now has about his tutor, Audrey. She possesses something beautiful inside and out—something that might help him become the person he wants to be.

University senior Audrey Vaughn tutored Cole Sanders for an entire year and never imagined the popular quarterback would see her as anything more than a friend. After partnering with him on the mission trip, they are drawn together. And he appears to have changed for the better. To let Cole into her life, Audrey will have to overcome not only her brother’s distrust, but also the paralyzing fear still lingering from a past she’s tried to leave behind. Cole can’t walk away from Audrey now that they’re back in Oxford. He’ll have to figure out how to keep her giant of a brother, a lineman on his football team, from killing him when the coach has his back turned. But can Audrey trust her heart to a player so similar to the one who stole so much from her in the past?



AMANDA: SMART GIRLS DON'T FALL FOR THEIR FAMOUS EXES



There's more than one definition to the phrase love sick...

There are a few things everyone should know about Amanda Murphy.

  1. Doctors have not been able to name her undiagnosed autoimmune disease so she's taken the privilege upon herself. Delores dictates all facets of her life including but not limited to what activities she participates in as well as being the reason she broke up with her college boyfriend years ago.
  2. Because of her family's stubborn belief that her illness is all in her head (an invisible illness is not the same as imaginary, people!), she will go to any length to keep Delores a secret from her friends lest they think she's crazy too. That includes saying jaw-dropping things as red herrings and maybe even faking a relationship with her pro football player ex.
  3. She has no idea how to sew.


Amanda Murphy has many regrets ranging from something simple like eating a piece of chocolate cake when she knows good and well it's going to cause her body pain later to letting the love of her life, Peter Reynolds, believe they were never meant to be together. She tortures herself by watching him on the football field every Sunday but is consoled by knowing her decision to break up with him years ago was for his own benefit. He never would have gotten where he was now--the top defensive player in the league--if he'd stayed with her. But her past decisions are catching up with her when her boss orders her to become Peter's social media manager.


Peter Reynolds is used to tackling quarterbacks on the field, but the only time he's been brought to his knees was by Amanda. He never thought he'd see her again, but now they are forced to work closely with each other. Years later and it seems she's still hiding herself from those closest to her, making decisions on other peoples' behalf. She's protecting her heat, but he's determined to get past her defenses and win her back.



THE MAN HE NEVER WAS by James L. Rubart



In this fresh take on the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, James L. Rubart explores the war between good and evil within each of us—and one man’s only chance to overcome the greatest divide of the soul.

What if you woke up one morning and the darkest parts of yourself were gone?

Torren Daniels vanished eight months back, and his wife and kids have moved on—with more than a little relief. Toren was a good man but carried a raging temper that often exploded without warning. So when he shows up on their doorstep out of the blue, they’re shocked to see him alive. But more shocked to see he’s changed. Radically.

His anger is gone. He’s oddly patient. Kind. Fun. The man he always wanted to be. Toren has no clue where he’s been but he knows he’s been utterly transformed. He focuses on three things: Finding out where he’s been. Finding out how it happened. And winning back his family.

But as the months go on, his memory slowly returns. And the more the memories come, the more Torren slips back into being the man he was before. How can he hang on to the new man he’s become? And who is he really? The man he was . . . or the man he is?


Now, I haven't read all of these books. I don't know that all of them are Christian, but I believe they are! If you have any suggestions, be sure to leave a comment with the book title and author.



 
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Woven by Words by Mimi B is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.