Wait for Me by Susan May Warren

Wait for Me by SMW

I’m so excited to share my review of this final book (#6) in Susie’s Montana Rescue series. Here we go!

Let’s begin with the summary:

Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he's no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness—with murderous intent.

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he's learned to find Jess and Esme—and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving.

And now, my review:

I recommend you read this series in order. Last I knew, the prequel that begins the series was still free in e-book format.

Susie is the queen of strong opening lines. You’ll be hooked right away. She includes great opening lines when we meet a new POVC (point-of-view characters).

Pete had “never been good at surrender.” This was a perfect summation for this flawed hero. I liked watching him risk trusting, risk relying on others. Risk loving the heroine. It’s been years now, and we readers wanted to see these two together. Great suspense that keeps you reading.

Jess is indecisive, which is relatable at times in our lives. She has some decisions to make and some messes to clean up. She’ll have to overcome her fears as well.

I enjoyed many of the story’s themes, like “true love declares you worthy,” and trusting in God’s love.

Here’s my favorite quote: “It’s not about deserving it. It simply is. I love you. I would die to save you. Full stop.”

A strong ending to an enjoyable series!

Recommended!

An added note: my favorite in this series is still Troubled Waters, which is book number four. How great that you can now get them all—no delay between releases since they’re all released.

Happy reading!

Soul Care When You're Weary by Edie Melson

Soul Care by Edie Melson

This is a life-changing book! I know that's a big claim, but I've been so blessed by this book and Edie's online class. (See below for details.)

Let's begin with the summary:

Our lives are busier each day, and the margin we have available for recovery and peace is shrinking.

Edie Melson helps you find Soul Care solutions using devotions and prayers and opportunities for creative expression. She has learned that sensory involvement deepens our relationship with the Father and gives rest to our weary souls. She will teach you to tap into your creativity.

Reconnect with God using your tactile creativity.

Warning! This book may become dog-eared and stained. Draw in it. Experiment with your creative passions. Learn the healing power of play. Allow God’s power to flow through creativity. Soul Care When You’re Weary will become your heart treasure. 

And now, my review:

This book came along at the perfect time for me. Have you ever gotten burned out doing what you otherwise love to do? Following our callings can be wearying, which is a level beyond exhausting. Weariness can make us question our callings.

Edie’s approach to “soul care” is a biblical approach, so it reaffirms your faith. She’s a nature lover, like many creatives, myself included, and some of her creative prompts send us out into nature to commune with God.

Her book includes her own personal stories, many devotionals, prayers, and creative activity prompts. She encourages us to give ourselves permission to create, without guilt.

Her approach to soul care is that of God as Creator, gifting us with creativity, and how much He enjoys when we enjoy making crafts or art. Through her lens, the act of creating is a type of communion with Him. And since creating fuels us and gives us joy, we can give ourselves permission to take time to be creative. We often feel guilty, as if we should be spending our time doing more worthy things. But that’s a lie. Feeding our souls in wholesome ways is beneficial to everyone in our lives, including ourselves. And the process grows our intimacy with God, which is the ultimate benefit and joy. Then, when our souls are fed, we have strength and enjoyment in the journey of our callings.

I highly recommend this book. If you connect with Edie on Facebook, you may find her online community/class for Soul Care. It’s called “SoulfulInk.” She does FB lives with us as if we’re a Bible study group, which she leads in her gentle, wise, godly way. She’s like a wiser sister, full of encouragement and kindness and relatable stories.

If I could give this more than five stars, I would. If you’re feeling weary pursuing your calling, pick up this book. If you know a creative who is weary, consider this book as a gift idea. It’s life-changing.

Sugarplums and Second Chances by Jill Kemerer

Sugarplums and Second Chances

This novella was also published in the “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” novella collection.

I love reading Christmas novellas in November and December.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Are some mistakes beyond redemption?
When former NFL star, Chase McGill, invites Courtney Trudesta, the widow of his former teammate, to spend Christmas with him and his son in Lake Endwell, he simply wants to repay her for the weekly letters she sent while he was in prison. He didn't expect to fall for her.

Chase regrets his past and knows it will take more than sugarplums and wishful thinking to heal Courtney's lonely heart. But with a dose of small-town charm and plenty of Christmas cheer, they might have a second chance at happiness...with each other.

And now, my review:

These characters are part of Jill's series set in Lake Endwell, which I’ve yet to read. This meant I was missing a little bit of the connection and history. At the same time, I really enjoyed this novella! (I recommend reading the series, but if you haven’t you’ll still catch on.)

I liked the letter-writing aspect. The hero and heroine have exchanged letters before this story begins, so they have a history of conversation, which builds intimacy. That letter-writing element was one of the things that drew me to this story.

The hero believes he’s not good enough for the heroine. This is a noble reason to keep them apart. It’s also his lie, and he’ll have to think of himself differently by story’s end for this one to end HEA. (happily ever after)

The heroine has been so lonely. She’s a caretaker who needs someone to care for her for a change, and that’s exactly what the hero does. I liked that the hero had resources and a warm home where she could relax and “restore her soul.” 

This author knows how to write an enjoyable, wholesome romance. Such a pleasure to read. 

Highly recommended!