Review of “In the Shadow of the River” by Ann H. Gabhart

This book says it is a historical romance but it seems to me to be more mysterious than romantic. However, the romance part of the book also does not seem like your typical romance at the beginning of the book which is the love between a couple. To me, the romance is the love between a family. Farther into the novel there does seem to be some subtle typical romance starting but still for me it takes a backseat to the mystery of the story. Even though some historical novels can read slow, for me, this one did not because of the conundrum of it all. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

Review of “He Should Have Told the Bees” by Amanda Cox

I really enjoy books by Amanda Cox so when she puts out a new one I am always wanting to read it. This novel is contemporary fiction. This author has a real gift of getting to the heart of a story and drawing you into the lives of her characters. Beckett has an issue with anxiety and this author did such a great job of dealing with this part of her personality. I feel so much grace when reading this book. There are so many aspects of humanity in this book that it is hard to describe them all. However, all of the trials people go through in this novel are dealt with by the author with compassion.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

Review of “The Secret to Happiness” by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is the second book in the Cape Cod Creamery series. I would read this series in order to make it the most enjoyable. The main female character, Callie Dixon, in this book has lost her job because of a mistake she made. Even though this was a big deal to her, she has something else going on that has her down in the dumps. Her cousin, Dawn, decides to take it into her hands to help make her cousin cheer up and become her old perky self. This is a contemporary romance novel; however, the romance part seems secondary in nature to the life struggles that Callie is going through. This book really pulled at the heart strings. I felt very empathetic to the situation Callie found herself in. I wanted to jump into the book and be able to help her through her depressed mood. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

Review of “Loving the Rancher’s Children” by Mindy Obenhaus

I am a big fan of book by Mindy Obenhaus. This is the third book in the Hope Crossing series. All of the characters in this book make me want to live in Hope Crossing. This town seems like one of those places where anyone is one big family. I really enjoy reading how Alli relates to the two kids of her childhood best friend. You can tell she has a gift with kids. The author did a good job with the way she brought Alli and Jake back together. I absolutely loved getting to witness their slow friend to more romance develop. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

Review of “Windswept Way” by Irene Hannon

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon is an intriguing book. The main characters Ashley, Rose, and Jon each have their own stories. The reader will enjoy seeing how their stories come together. From page one, Ashley seems to have all of the bases covered when it comes to forming a partnership with Rose; however, from the start the reader is left with many questions about how this partnership will play out. Jon and Ashley have to figure out the best way to work together for the good of the partnership. The secondary characters are interesting as well and are guilty of trying to bring everything and everybody together. Set in Oregon, the setting is absolutely breathtaking! It makes you want to visit the plantation Edgecliff and just sit back and relax. This is a well written story and one the reader will have a hard time putting down.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.