Can't Wait Wednesday! Where Secrets Lie

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Looking forward to this next book in the series.

About the book: Where Secrets Lie

USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble and Rick Acker deliver the second book in their compelling Tupelo Grove series (following What We Hide), where a crumbling university, stolen artifacts, deep family secrets, and deadly ambitions all stand in the way of a second chance at happiness.

College professor Savannah Webster is ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he's finally ready for them to face their many past trials as a team. But when Savannah finds evidence that points to Hez's old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they've built begins to crumble. And it's not just their relationship that hanging in the balance--the survival of the university Savannah's family poured their lives into is also under threat.

Hez is determined to put his past mistakes behind him with his new role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University's legal clinic. His primary focus with the clinic is to help Savannah pull the university out of a pit of debt and bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. But their quest for stability takes a dark turn as they try to root out the dangerous smuggling ring the university is entangled in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who will stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle in their path.

The twists continue until the final page as a dangerous world of smuggling and financial instability collides with the complex dynamics of legacy and family.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's Where Secrets Lie is gripping suspense with closed-door, second-chance romance. They've "forged a seamless partnership with a singular voice" (Charles Martin), "where secrets simmer and unexpected twists leave you guessing until the shocking finale" (Kate Angelo).

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Meet Me on Lilac Lane

Meet Me on Lilac Lane by Andrea Christenson
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

"You need to let go of what other people think of you and cling to what God says about you.”

“You are forgiven. You are loved.”

Meet me on Lilac Lane was a sweet story about people experiencing horrible tragedy and trying to move on while trying to deal with the loss, guilt and moving forward in life.

Mia was a strong female lady who struggles with making a life for her boys on the island she loves. I just adored her little ones and all they got into. The friendship between Cody and Mia was sweet and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow.

The characters made a lot of decisions based on fear and unplaced guilt and assumptions due to miscommunications. It was refreshing to see reconciliation and understanding and new beginnings when the characters just sat down and had conversations.

A sweet contemporary about new beginnings on a small loveable island.

“You don’t have to let one bad thing define you. Or even a series of bad things.” Liam cleared his throat. “God loves you, man, and that’s what defines you. Do what He created you to do.”

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

About the book:

The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren.

He was her late husband's best friend, but for him she'd always been the one.

Mia Jonathon Franklin has been living a nightmare for the last two years—ever since her husband and high school sweetheart died in a fishing boat accident, leaving her to care for her two young kids on her own. She's managed to stay afloat, but her husband's paltry life insurance money is gone—and if she can't find a way to support her family, she may lose the cozy cottage she and Troy had meant to grow old in.

So when Mia is offered a chance to buy her own house for a dollar if she can find business owners to move to Jonathon Island, it seems like the answer to her prayers. That is until she learns the ridiculous quota required to complete the deal. She’s in over her head...until her late husband's best friend offers to lend a hand.

Cody Hart has been haunted by survivor's guilt since the boating accident that claimed his best friend's life. Torn between his own dreams of reopening his family's fishing business and his desire to help Mia, the woman he has loved since their youth, he steps up to help. She needs him and he’s not going to let her down…or let his heart cause her more pain.

As Mia and Cody work together to breathe new life into the island's Main Street, their shared history and undeniable connection threatens to reignite long-buried feelings. Can they overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and find the courage to embrace a second chance at love, or will the weight of their pasts and the uncertainties of the future keep them from the happiness they both deserve?

About the author:

Andrea Christenson lives in the Minneapolis suburbs with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on, bake bread, eat cheese, and watch Netflix--though not usually all at the same time. Andrea's prayer is to write stories revealing God's love.

Review: Burning Hearts

Burning Hearts by Lisa Phillips
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

I was so excited for this series when I first got notified of its publishing dates and I was not disappointed.

It was action packed, nail-biting and kept me flipping pages! I just loved the main characters, especially that Logan was new in his relationship with God and how those who interacted with him before this turn could see a difference.

I loved the writing. I felt like I was one of those parachuting to dangerous fire zones, running to escape bullets and felt relief when my favourite characters were safe.

You will fly through this story. And if you do not want to be left hanging, pre-order the next book in the series because you will want to dive right into that!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


View all my reviews

About the book:

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She came to Alaska searching for her troubled brother...and found herself kidnapped by a dangerous militia.

Jamie Winters will risk anything to rescue her brother Tristan, even infiltrating the militia’s remote compound. But when she’s abducted, there’s only one man who can save her—Logan Crawford, the elite smokejumper she’s never stopped loving.

Yes, Logan relocated to Alaska's Midnight Sun smokejumpers to find Jamie and win back her heart. So when he learns she’s been taken, of course he'll stop at nothing to bring her home safe. But when he accidentally leads the team into the militia’s deadly trap, he’s in over his head…

And hunted.

Now wounded and on the run, Jamie and Logan must fight for their lives in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. But the biggest risk of all is the sparks between them…and the terrible cost of a second chance at love.

Jumpstart your summer reading with this edge-of-your-seat journey of peril, faith, and finding the courage to love one last time in book one of the bestselling Chasing Alaska romantic suspense series.

Chasing Alaska
Book 1: Burning Hearts
Book 2: Burning Rivals
Book 3: Burning Escape
Book 4: Burning Secrets
Book 5: Burning Truth
Book 6: Burning Justice

Chasing Montana
Book 1: Flashpoint
Book 2: Flashover
Book 3: Flashback
Book 4: Firestorm
Book 5: Fireline
Book 6: Fireproof

About the Author:

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span

Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Meet me on Lilac Lane

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Looking forward to this next book in the series.

About the book: Meet me on Lilac Lane

The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren.

He was her late husband's best friend, but for him she'd always been the one.

Mia Jonathon Franklin has been living a nightmare for the last two years—ever since her husband and high school sweetheart died in a fishing boat accident, leaving her to care for her two young kids on her own. She's managed to stay afloat, but her husband's paltry life insurance money is gone—and if she can't find a way to support her family, she may lose the cozy cottage she and Troy had meant to grow old in.

So when Mia is offered a chance to buy her own house for a dollar if she can find business owners to move to Jonathon Island, it seems like the answer to her prayers. That is until she learns the ridiculous quota required to complete the deal. She’s in over her head...until her late husband's best friend offers to lend a hand.

Cody Hart has been haunted by survivor's guilt since the boating accident that claimed his best friend's life. Torn between his own dreams of reopening his family's fishing business and his desire to help Mia, the woman he has loved since their youth, he steps up to help. She needs him and he’s not going to let her down…or let his heart cause her more pain.

As Mia and Cody work together to breathe new life into the island's Main Street, their shared history and undeniable connection threatens to reignite long-buried feelings. Can they overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and find the courage to embrace a second chance at love, or will the weight of their pasts and the uncertainties of the future keep them from the happiness they both deserve?

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home by Betsy St. Amant
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I enjoyed this sweet second chance contemporary romance with the hint of mystery danger around Rosalyn. The mystery had me constantly wondering if something bad is going to happen.

Cade and Rosalyn’s back story of competing enemies since school days added to the chemistry and tension between them.

I loved all the additional characters who added to the quirkiness and charm of the small town.

Both characters had struggles, which they only overcame once they realised they needed to be honest with themselves, others and surrender to God.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

Magnolia Bay
Book 1: Where I Found You
Book 2: No Place Like Home
Book 3: Meant for Me

About the book:

The girl he always loved ran away to join...the circus. But will a homecoming give him a second chance at giving her a reason to stay in this unrequited love romance?

Magnolia Bay’s development director, Cade Landry, would do anything for his town—and his family. So when the mayor—who also happens to be his father—decides to retire, he talks Cade into running for his seat. But Cade is already up to his dimpled cheeks in the town’s post-hurricane revitalization fundraiser—Magnolia Days, featuring a flashy Cajun Circus. If Cade can’t put the bay back on the map as a tourist town, he’ll let the whole community down…and worse yet, his father.

Rosalyn Dupree is a famous aerialist with a secret—actually, quite a few of them. Much to Cade’s relief, she agrees to return to Magnolia Bay for the first time in years as a headliner for the Cajun Circus. But neither her charming former school rival Cade nor her parents know she’s broke, in debt, and nursing a knee injury...among other things. She’d love to move back to the bay for good, but the beloved sport that used to let her fly has become her cage.

Despite her best efforts at resisting, sparks fly between Cade and Rosalyn as they work together on the circus fundraiser. But when everyone’s secrets are revealed and worlds collide, will Rosalyn find forgiveness and restoration in a town being rebuilt? Or will there never be anywhere to truly call home?

About the author:

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over fifteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. She resides

in north Louisiana with her hubby, two total opposite young daughters, a collection of coffee mugs, and one fur-toddler in the form of a mini-Schnauzer. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored in Christ. When she's not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a cold brew with vanilla cold foam. She blogs frequently at www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women. Visit her at http://www.betsystamant.com also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant

Review: Rescued Heart

Rescued Heart by Lisa Phillips
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rescued Heart was another fake relationship theme, but also unique and different.

For starters, both characters knew it was fake and agreed to not fake date, but just be around each other and let others make their own conclusions. But then all the danger and life threatening accidents which made Eddie jump into the rescue, added some swoon worthy hero moments for Bia fans.

The scenes with the children who Eddie was spending time with and trying to help were some of the sweetest moments for me. The compassion from both Eddie and Bia towards the children were evident in the interaction with them.

I also liked that Bia was a new Christian and was trying to show others she changed and to honor God through her work.

Another great segment in a wonderful series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


View all my reviews

About the book:

Actress Bianca “Bia” Pearl has finally landed the headlining role that could help leave her scandalous past behind—a role that may even earn back her parents’ respect. All she has to do is stick to the script, both on and off camera. Bianca is determined to prove to the press that she’s not who they say she is…an overrated gold digger.

Firefighter and former foster child Eddie Rice has always drawn the short straw in life. Now, he’s determined to help kids in need have a better future than he did. And when Eddie is selected to represent the fire station at Last Chance County’s masquerade ball, he realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to secure the mayor’s signature on a grant for a much-needed rec center.

But when a case of mistaken identity and a bribe lead to Eddie and Bia being trapped together in a fire, the pair must team up to escape—and protect their futures in the process.

Rescued Heart is a heart-pounding romance that celebrates the power of second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love.

About the authors:

Megan Besing adores reading, writing, and reviewing stories with happily-ever-afters. She’s received many awards, including being a multi-category finalist in ACFW’s Genesis and a winner of MCRW’s Melody of Love contest. Her debut Perfect for the Preacher released February 2018 in Barbour’s Mail-Order Brides Novella Collection.

She lives in Indiana with her husband and their children, where she dreams of the beach and drinks way too many Vanilla Cokes. Connect with Megan at www.meganbesing.com.

A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where

she met her husband. He's from California, but nobody's perfect. It wasn't until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she's taken the Apprentice and Journeyman writing courses with the Christian Writers Guild, and discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two children--a sparkly Little Princess and a Mini Daddy--and two bunny rabbits.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Burning Hearts

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Looking forward to this new series coming soon

About the book: Burning Hearts

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She came to Alaska searching for her troubled brother...and found herself kidnapped by a dangerous militia.

Jamie Winters will risk anything to rescue her brother Tristan, even infiltrating the militia’s remote compound. But when she’s abducted, there’s only one man who can save her—Logan Crawford, the elite smokejumper she’s never stopped loving.

Yes, Logan relocated to Alaska's Midnight Sun smokejumpers to find Jamie and win back her heart. So when he learns she’s been taken, of course he'll stop at nothing to bring her home safe. But when he accidentally leads the team into the militia’s deadly trap, he’s in over his head…

And hunted.

Now wounded and on the run, Jamie and Logan must fight for their lives in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. But the biggest risk of all is the sparks between them…and the terrible cost of a second chance at love.

Jumpstart your summer reading with this edge-of-your-seat journey of peril, faith, and finding the courage to love one last time in book one of the bestselling Chasing Alaska romantic suspense series.

Chasing Alaska
Book 1: Burning Hearts
Book 2: Burning Rivals
Book 3: Burning Escape
Book 4: Burning Secrets
Book 5: Burning Truth
Book 6: Burning Justice

Chasing Montana
Book 1: Flashpoint
Book 2: Flashover
Book 3: Flashback
Book 4: Firestorm
Book 5: Fireline
Book 6: Fireproo

What are you waiting on this week?

Weekend Wrap-up: May 11th

 

It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

Busy longer days with more walks due to late sunny weather.

Finished

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading

Next up:

What are you reading this week?

Blog Posts Recap:

Here is my past week's Blog Posts.

Top Ten Tuesday

Can't Wait Wednesday

Book Spotlight Fridays!

Saturday Series Discovery

Adding to the Bookshelf:

Which Avid Reader do not add to their shelves! I try to limit mine to review books since I have so many owned on my TBR to read.  So did I add to my shelf this week? 

Four ARCs this week.

  

Bought: None

Freebies: None

Review: The Summer of You and Me

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter
My rating: 💛💛💛

Rating 3.5

I enjoyed the mystery with the look alike which Maggie and Josh were investigating. I had my suspicions but the story went a different direction.

Maggie’s mom was an irritating character with all her emotional manipulation and childlike tantrums.

I feel like the reactions of everyone either relationship developments were realistic though it felt a bit dramatic.

The closure the characters were able to obtain was a satisfying conclusion to the story.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*



View all my reviews

About the book:

Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again--until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.

Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.

Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all of his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.

But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement-park crowd before she can confront him.

The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers--and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers at all.

About the author:

Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.

Can't Wait Wednesday: No Place Like Home

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

About the book: No Place Like Home

The girl he always loved ran away to join...the circus. But will a homecoming give him a second chance at giving her a reason to stay in this unrequited love romance?

Magnolia Bay’s development director, Cade Landry, would do anything for his town—and his family. So when the mayor—who also happens to be his father—decides to retire, he talks Cade into running for his seat. But Cade is already up to his dimpled cheeks in the town’s post-hurricane revitalization fundraiser—Magnolia Days, featuring a flashy Cajun Circus. If Cade can’t put the bay back on the map as a tourist town, he’ll let the whole community down…and worse yet, his father.

Rosalyn Dupree is a famous aerialist with a secret—actually, quite a few of them. Much to Cade’s relief, she agrees to return to Magnolia Bay for the first time in years as a headliner for the Cajun Circus. But neither her charming former school rival Cade nor her parents know she’s broke, in debt, and nursing a knee injury...among other things. She’d love to move back to the bay for good, but the beloved sport that used to let her fly has become her cage.

Despite her best efforts at resisting, sparks fly between Cade and Rosalyn as they work together on the circus fundraiser. But when everyone’s secrets are revealed and worlds collide, will Rosalyn find forgiveness and restoration in a town being rebuilt? Or will there never be anywhere to truly call home?

Magnolia Bay
Book 1: Where I Found You
Book 2: No Place Like Home
Book 3: Meant for Me

What are you waiting on this week?