Together with You by Victoria Bylin

Together with You by Victoria Bylin

I enjoy Victoria's writing so I thrilled with the privilege of reading this title for review. 

Let’s begin with the summary:

Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs...

When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall's PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny—and Penny's handsome father—tugs at Carly's heart.
Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny.
Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

And now, my review:

This story began with a great hook—a missing child. As a parent, that gets to you, makes you keep reading. And it’s a great scenario for authors to introduce their characters. Throughout the story, the author throws in wise nuggets, like how fathers are created as they father. (Same for mothers, but our protag is a dad.) 

Our heroine longs for a family and Penny, the protag’s daughter, tugs on something inside Carly. But getting involved in her life means facing down demons she’s successfully avoided for a season. God’s probably not going to let her get away with avoidance for long because that isn’t freedom. And He’s all about freedom. Carly is good for Ryan’s family, and they’re good for her.

I liked how the author kept us hooked in this romantic story. She was skilled at even taking us into the little girl’s thoughts—showing her confusion and motivations. The author obviously understands her subject matter here. Well written.

All in all, an enjoyable story.

Married ‘til Monday by Denise Hunter

Married 'til Monday by Denise Hunter

I love a good reunion romance. And I couldn’t wait to read this last of the Chapel Springs series from Denise Hunter.

Let’s begin with the summary:

With a big anniversary party in the works for his ex-wife’s parents, Ryan has just one weekend to play Abby’s husband . . . and win back the woman of his dreams.

Ryan McKinley has tried to move on from his ex-wife, Abby. He’s sulked, he’s gotten angry, and ultimately he bought her dream house. Big mistake. Living alone in the massive two-story has only made him miss her more. When her parents call him out of the blue about their anniversary party in Summer Harbor, Maine, Ryan believes God has dropped a golden opportunity straight in his lap.

Abby McKinley never exactly told her parents about the divorce. A strained relationship with her dad has culminated in a distant relationship with her parents, but she’s finally succumbed to her mom’s pressure to make the drive for their 35th-anniversary party.

Then Ryan shows up on her doorstep, looking as handsome as ever. When he insists he’s going to Summer Harbor, with or without her, Abby knows she can’t say no. Her parents still think they’re married and now Ryan knows it too. It’s just a one-week road trip with the man who broke her heart. 
What could possibly go wrong?

And now, my review:

As I read the earlier books in this series, I found myself drawn to Ryan. He reminded me of someone I use to know, and like in the story, he was a brother figure. I wanted to see his story turn out happily ever after. I wanted to read about his situation going from hard and painful to better. See his rejection issues turned around.

Our heroine came from an abusive home, and because her father expects her to fail, she must prove him wrong. That’s what toxic shame will do to you—motivate you to prove people wrong, which sometimes results in taking risks. But the only risk for our heroine is a possible return to a relationship with her ex-husband.

Ryan is willing to take the risk. In some ways this book reminded me of my favorite Denise Hunter title, Surrender Bay, in the symbolism to God’s willingness to risk His heart in loving us.

The heroine is determined to be rejected. Yes, you read that right. She doesn’t make their week together easy on Ryan. But though he seemed on a fool’s mission, I sympathized with both him and with Abby. I wanted the best for them. 

I loved watching these two together. And the humor here and there was fun! But at times this was a tough story to read. I’ve found lately with Denise’s writing, she’s going deeper into the pain humans face in relationships and this story proved that true. But, like in life, that pain was tempered with possibilities, with hope, with romance in these characters' lives.

A little secret: mention of Abby’s family comes up in Denise’s next series, Summer Harbor, which is set in Maine.

Up soon here on Net's Book Notes, a review for Falling Like Snowflakes, book one in the Summer Harbor Series, which just released.

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

 

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

After reading Julianne Donaldson’s first book (Edenbrooke), I was excited to learn she’d written a second.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate's meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain sooner rather than later and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive.

Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free? 

Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart.

And now, my review:

As I mentioned, I was thrilled to find another book by this author after reading her debut (which became a bestseller and which I reviewed here). Blackmoore differs from Edenbrooke in that it's little darker. But the variety between stories is what makes a good author.

Again, we have first person in the regency setting, which I loved. Again, we have a heroine somewhat unaware of her admirer’s admiration. Great romance, but not as much as the first book.

Two of the themes were shame, and overcoming the past. The author explored escape as a means of overcoming shame. She used the symbolism of a caged bird, and we watch to see if her heroine will become strong and find freedom. I was a little disappointed, as can happen when a book does not include overt Christian messages, to not see the aspect of how God helps people (the ultimate characters) overcome shame and the pain of their pasts. At the same time, I realize the purpose of the story was to entertain. The book does that with great hooks throughout, keeping readers engaged. 

Reader who enjoy wholesome romance in regency settings will enjoy this story. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this Proper Romance series from Shadow Mountain Publishers.

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

I’m a little late to this party, but so glad I came! I generally review current books and new releases. This book released in 2012, but upon a recent recommendation from someone I respect, I decided to pick it up. Even though it’s a regency romance and I generally read contemporaries for review, I had to give this one a try. Glad I did!

As always, let’s begin with the summary:

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

And now, my review:

This story is written in first person, which I love to read. There was a hint of blindness about what the other characters were thinking, but it was so fun to uncover the other character’s secrets.

Julianne writes in a way that makes you want to reread her books. She keeps secrets from the reader that she slowly unveils. So if someone read the book a second time, they could pick up on the clues they may have missed the first time around. She also keeps you hooked from the opening pages to the end by closing her chapters in the perfect spot. So a reread would be just as much fun as the first time around.

Oh, the romance! I try very hard to avoid spoilers in my reviews. In fact, I often skip reading the back cover copy of books because I feel they give away too much of the story, so why bother reading? So, I won’t go into detail here except to say: the regency period was the beautiful backdrop for this very romantic story. I devoured this book.

So glad I stumbled upon this publisher and this Proper Romance series from Shadow Mountain Publishers. These are pure romances. I’ve recently finished Julianne Donaldson’s second book (Blackmoore) and will review that one here soon. And I’ve got a pile more waiting for me. Can’t wait!

Highly recommended.

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

 

Sarah’s been a favorite of mine for a long time, since her first book. I’m thrilled she’s begun this new three-book series!

Let’s begin with the summary:

War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary.

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges—and dangers—await them.

And now, my review:

Whenever I pick up one of Sarah’s books, I know I’ll get tons of historical facts thrown in. These become talking points for conversations with others. Her books are well-researched, which I respect and appreciate.

I also know I’ll get a good romance when I read her novels. With a cover like that, you know we will. (You can see the behind-the-scenes cover creation video here.)

This story is a mystery, with the heroine acting as a sleuth who counts on invisibility to take shorthand notes and gather clues for the FBI. Because the first few chapters were chock-full of characters, I got a little lost in the opening pages. And it took me a little while to get into this book. But it was worth it.

One of the themes was a misunderstanding of pride. Mary, our heroine, is conscientious, modest, and humble—only she doesn’t see herself this way and fear holds her back.

That same theme is mirrored in the hero’s life. Jim has let fear of failure cause him to coast along in life. But he’s called to leadership, to making tough decisions. Like the heroine, whom God has called to the spotlight, the hero will have to change in order to follow God’s path.

I kept watching for WWII-era elements as I recall them from history, which made the reading even more interesting and engaging. And I liked that we were on a naval ship in this book. Perhaps we will be in the next two because the series is called “Waves of Freedom.” Can’t wait to read the story of Jim Avery’s brothers in books two and three.