Crazy For You By Susan May Warren & Michelle Sass Aleckson

Crazy For You

by Susan May Warren & Michelle Sass Aleckson

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Series: Deep Haven Collection

ISBN: 978-1953783059

I have loved A Deep Haven Collection so much, there was NO way I was going to pass up joining the launch team for book 3! Smart move because it didn't disappoint!

Summary:

The problem with being related to everyone in town is that there is no one left to date…until now…but will this outsider survive his family?

Former soldier Veronica “Ronnie” Morales isn’t going to let her kid brother, Tiago, get pulled into the gangs of Minneapolis, so, seeking safety and a fresh start, she heads to sleepy Deep Haven on the north shore of Minnesota. She’s hoping to put down roots as the paramedic for the new Crisis Response Team, but it’s not easy to be the town outsider.

Fire Chief Peter Dahlquist is a peacemaker—he has to be. After he’s related to both of the Deep Haven dynasties – the Zimmermans and the Dahlquists, Deep Haven’s version of the Hatfields and the McCoys. Worse, Peter is the holdout vote for a landmark project, which also makes him the loneliest guy in town when both sides demand that he pick sides. The only one who seems to understand his plight is the newcomer in town…his pretty, street-tough paramedic.

When Tiago finds himself caught up in small town shenanigans and the town blames Ronnie for tragedy, Peter is forced to pick sides. But will his choice cost him the home—and the woman—he loves?

My Review:

I was so happy to be back in Deep Haven with book 3! This time we meet the tough Ronnie who is missing what we like to call "Minnesota nice". I have to admit, I absolutely did NOT like her for most of the book. She was rude, disrespectful, and hurtful to those she was just meeting in this little town. Now, that being said, when you get to know her background, you get an idea of why she's rough around the edges... and maybe a bit deeper. That being said, she still wasn't a character I had warm fuzzies for. 

Well, Peter, Mr. Fire Fighter, got a sampling of her gruffness almost immediately. The one person she needs to win over to have any hope of keeping her new job and she starts off on the wrong foot. Man, I felt bad for him. Everyone loves him, but unfortunately, a lot of people are pushing him in directions he's not sure he wants to go in. The fella is feeling the pressure of everyone around him, mostly his family. This is where Ronnie's no nonsense ways give him the kick in the pants he needs. 

Like Ronnie, I always think sleepy, little towns are quiet pieces of paradise. As the story unfolds, it's a great reminder that you don't have to live in a big city for kids to make poor choices, that families fight, and that they have a lot of the same needs. Tiago, Ronnie's little brother, is a great example of this. It seems like no matter where this boy goes trouble finds him, not the other way around as some of the people seemed to think.

Ronnie and Tiago are sadly, good examples of how hard lives can when they don't have a stable force of loving parents or adults in their lives. Peter, on the other hand, is a good example of what a gift loving parents can be, even when they're most definitely not perfect. The rift between both sides of his family does a lot of damage and is shows how deep bitterness can go.

As always, I appreciate the line of faith that flows through the story. One of my favorite parts is when Pastor Dan gives Peter a pep talk! 

I could definitely feel the thread of all three books flowing together even when they're written by three different authors with Susan May Warren. So many of the characters are carried over and the feel for the town has certainly stayed the same.

About the Authors:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com. 

Michelle Sass Aleckson lives the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and their four kids. She loves rocking out to 80's music on a Saturday night and getting lost in good stories-especially stories that shine grace. And if you're wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. Visit Michelle at www.michellealeckson.com.

Simplified Classes By Emily Lex & GIVEAWAY

I remember how much I used to love to do watercolor painting! It was one of my favorite things to do when I was younger. When I heard about the opportunity to learn more about Emily Lex and try out some of her classes, I was incredibly excited! Not only that, you'll see that my son-in-law hijacked my books that I brought with me to MN and he started painting. Needless to say, he loves painting.

Here's what came in my box for review:

• A watercolor flowers workbook
• Truth for Today cards
• Kids Truth for Today cards
• A brass stand

I was also given access to all 3 of her online classes. I had no idea one of the classes would be on penmanship! THAT was a fascinating series of classes to take. One of the many benefits of taking her penmanship class was learning the difference between that and lettering! AND, I was able to explain that difference to my daughter! I have been wanting to work on my penmanship for years.

So, when you start Emily's classes you might think, "Oh my gosh, why are we starting off with these baby steps. I know all of these things, I'm just going straight to the painting." Wait up! Let me tell you something. She starts off the basics for a reason. Writing or doing watercoloring is like any other skill. You need to understand and practice the rudimentary pieces before you get to the bigger steps.

Her classes are created to be taken in bite size pieces. They're split up into very manageable pieces so you can learn at your own pace. The start of each of her videos is about the items you'll need to get started. Once you're set up to get going, she shows you step by step how each of your items work and why they do what they do. I really never understood the difference of the numbers of the pencil leads! I also liked learning about what pens she uses and why.

With the watercolors, it was fabulous to watch her explain things like, why you should wait for your first color to dry before you start with the next. I mean, not rocket science, but I never would've thought about it. Once you start learning it all starts coming together. I'm absolutely a visual learner so these classes are perfect for me!

And let me tell you, the classes aren't just, oh, here's what you need and here are the baby steps to do them. NO! These classes are robust and teach you SO many things. Like lettering! I had no idea that was even going to be one of the lessons. Seriously, makes me want to go out and buy more than just my dollar store items to get me started products! In fact, now when I'm in art supply stores, those are the things I look at first!

Now, if you have kids, you are going to LOVE her Watercolor For Kids class! Again, she starts off with the basics and her lessons are ones that kids will be able to sit through because they're not too long for antsy kiddos. She knows how to talk to the kids by explaining why they don't want to do things like squishing the brushes or using thick paint. You know how kids are. hahaha

I actually loved her lesson 5 for the color palette! I was fascinated by it and this is where someone like me, a visual and hands on learner will take away so much for the lesson! Emily also uses a couple of her kids throughout this series to show you how easy it is for them.

Learn more about Emily here:  https://emilylex.com/about/  and on IG: https://www.instagram.com/emilylexstudio/

View her shop here:  https://shop.emilylex.com/

Now you have the opportunity to enter this giveaway! Check the website for entry details! 3 people will win from Emily Lex:

• Farmgirl Flowers Bouquet
• Truth for Today Scripture Cards + Brass Card Holder
• Olive & June Nail Polish (3 colors)
• 1 Canoe 2 Zipper Pouch
• Linen Tea Towel
• Rifle Paper for Anthropologie Garden Party Monogram Mug
• $100 Starbucks Gift Card

Rising Danger By Jerusha Agen & GIVEAWAY

 

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Rising Danger
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

It’s up to a K-9 handler and her canine partner to stop a bomber before it’s too late. 

Someone’s planting explosives on dams in the Twin Cities, and Bristol Bachmann and her bomb-sniffing dog must move quickly to find them before everything ends up underwater. That means relying on the dams’ supervisor—an ex-boyfriend Bristol never thought she’d see again. Hopefully Remington Jones has grown up from the rakish charmer she knew in her academy days. Because lives now depend entirely on them… 

It’s an environmental terrorist who wants the dams gone, and his bid to set the waters free has lethal consequences. When he sees Bristol and her K-9 working to stop him, he sets his sights on them. Can they evade him in a lethal game of cat and mouse and protect the cities from devastating destruction before the clock runs out?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

Here's an excerpt:

“Hey, Bachmann. Good to see you.” Miles gave her a smile as he passed through with Duke.

“You, too, Miles.”

Toby wagged his tail but held true to his training and didn’t try to smell the other dog as they followed Miles through the entryway and second set of doors.

They rounded the barricade blocking the entry from the escaping people and stopped in the lobby where the crowd dwindled to a trickle as the remaining visitors exited.

“I’m glad the sergeant called the Phoenix K-9 agency to bring you in, too.” Miles’s green eyes pulsed with his characteristic insatiable energy. “Nick is out with an injury.”

“Oh, no.” Heavy blow to the MPD Bomb Unit, losing the K-9 star of their most experienced detection team. “Is it bad?”

“Just a sprain. Training injury. I’m glad we have backup now with your new partner.” Miles grinned at Toby.

“Me, too.” Relief washed through her. Maybe Miles understood why she had left MPD’s bomb squad to join the private K-9 security and detection agency owned by Phoenix Gray. “So what have we got here?”

Miles dropped his smile. “I was told the threat indicated an intention to blow up the dam, so there could be one or more devices anywhere in the building. Or in the dam itself.”

Nerves twisted her insides. She’d hoped the target was the new visitor center, not the actual dam. She swallowed hard. “Wouldn’t that cause flooding?”

“Probably. The safety supervisor for the dam is supposed to meet us—”

“That’s me.” The masculine voice with a hint of roughness singed her ears. It couldn’t be…

“Sorry to be late.”

She turned to see the source of the voice.

“I was overseeing the evac…” Remington Jones stood six feet away, his sentence dying off as his gaze locked on her face. He’d grown a closely trimmed beard and his golden brown hair was longer on top, but there was no change in those unmistakable chocolate brown eyes or the grin that slowly curved his mouth. “Bristol Bachmann.”

The sound of her name on his lips stirred her nervous stomach as though fish decided to take a swim in the tension pooling there.

“You know each other?” Miles cut in like a life preserver.

“Very well.” Rem gave her a too-familiar grin, as if they were still dating and she hadn’t learned his true character.

She tightened her abs, forcing away her silly schoolgirl flutters. She may have fallen for him six years ago, but she never made the same mistake twice. Apparently, she needed to make that clear. “You’re in charge of dam safety?”

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies. Find more of Jerusha’s thrilling, fear-fighting stories at JerushaAgen.com.

CONNECT WITH JERUSHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 26, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 2, 2021. 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

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Paris Betrayal By James R. Hannibal

The Paris Betrayal

by James R. Hannibal

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800738501

I enjoy reading books by authors who are new to me, so when I had the opportunity to read The Paris Betrayal, I couldn't pass it up. Revell sent me his book for review.

Summary:

After a rough mission in Rome involving the discovery of a devastating bioweapon, Company spy Ben Calix returns to Paris to find his perfectly ordered world has collapsed. A sniper attack. An ambush. A call for help that brings French SWAT forces down on his head. Ben is out. This is a severance--reserved for incompetents and traitors.

Searching for answers and anticipating a coming attack, Ben and a woman swept up in his misfortunes must travel across Europe to find the sniper who tried to kill him, the medic who saved his life, the schoolmaster who trained him, and an upstart hacker from his former team. More than that, Ben must come to grips with his own insignificance as the Company's plan to stop Leviathan from unleashing the bioweapon at any cost moves forward without him--and he struggles against the infection that is swiftly claiming territory within his own body.

Award-winning author James R. Hannibal rachets up the tension on every page of this suspenseful new thriller.

My Review:

Well, I've just finished my first book by James R. Hannibal. Wow! What an incredible thriller The Paris Betrayal was! If you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed suspense, this is the next book you should be reading!

Ben Calix is the action hero of this story. I'd call him a sitting duck, but the guy never sits still. From the start, he's on the run. If someone isn't shooting at him, someone is trying to blow him up. Him or someone he knows. The guy has a bullseye on him and people doing what they can to bring him to Jupiter.

One of the problems writing reviews for thrillers or suspense novels is that you can't give anything away. How do you mention situations and people while being generic? lol I'll do my best to keep you in the dark.

Aside from his spy "co-worker" (is that what spies are, co-workers?), Giselle, Ben trusts no one. He has no family and really no friends. After they work a mission together all chaos breaks loose and they go in different directions.

Ben ends up with an unexpected companion in the midst of abandoning his flat in Paris. That companion comes with an unexpected four legged friend, Otto, a little daschund. The little pup adds a bit of levity in this nail biting story. They end up going from country to country trying to find answers and help.

It was mind boggling the amount of detail in this story. Whether it's the weapons people are carrying, explanations of the attack that's going to happen, or even the intricacies of the characters discussing the Company, there's a lot to take in. This is one of those books where you want to go back and read a second time to help digest all of the information.

Of course, I was trying to figure out who  was helping the bad guy. He's out there in all of his craziness for us to witness, and while he's using people to get to Ben, there's something going on behind the scenes and I kept trying to figure it out throughout the story. As soon as I figured it out, I realized I hadn't. Grrrr

I was literally on the edge of my seat for the entire story and was completely engrossed. SO engrossed I only have one tab for quotes. Listen, no time for stopping to make highlights when I have to find out who's going to be shooting at Ben next. We all know there are twists and turns throughout the story and we're always trying to keep up with what's going on. I felt like one of the puppets Jupiter was using to get to Ben!

After reading this I know Hannibal's other books will need to grace my bookshelves as well. The hardest part will be waiting for his next book!

About the Author:

James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. This former stealth pilot from Houston, Texas, has been shot at, locked up with surface-to-air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a two-time Silver Falchion Award winner for his children's mysteries, a former Thriller Award nominee, and a 2020 Selah and Carol Award finalist for The Gryphon Heist--the opener for the CIA series that now includes Chasing the White Lion. James is a rare multisense synesthete, meaning all of his senses intersect. He sees and feels sounds and smells, and hears flashes of light. If he tells you the chocolate cake you offered smells blue and sticky, take it as a compliment.

Let It Be Me By Becky Wade & GIVEAWAY

Let It Be Me

by Becky Wade

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: A Misty River Romance

ISBN: 9780764235610

I love Becky Wade's writing so much, when I was given the opportunity to be on her launch team for this book, I was out of my mind when I was accepted!! I was sent her book for review.

Summary:

The one woman he wants is the one he cannot have.

Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he's tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery--Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.

Leah's a math prodigy who's only ever had one big dream--to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she's not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.

When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian's help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they're drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life--like love--can't be explained with numbers.

My Review:

I don't even know how to convey my absolute adoration of Let It Be Me! See here's the thing - Becky Wade writes couples you can't help but love. But each couple seems to raise the bar and I think, "I mean, I know I'll like them, but am I going to love them as much as the last Becky Wade book I read?" Yet, time and time again I fall in loved with them just as much as the last couple in the last book I read. Doesn't matter which book it was. Pick ANY Becky Wade book and I loved Leah and Sebastian JUST as much.

Oh, my friends, the banter of Leah and Sebastian is utterly wonderful. I laughed out loud and rolled my eyes at their adorable, yet sometimes cheesy lines to each other. I felt like most of the time I had perma-grin with them.

Of course, it wasn't all coming up roses for both of them. Sebastian's best friend Ben has been working on his (wink) "friendship" with Leah since they started working together. So that puts the kibosh on any attempts he'd make to get to know her better... in theory, at least. Then there's his rough past, which we are somewhat familiar with from book, Stay With Me. Sebastian is closed off, even to those closest to him, which is somewhat understandable considering what he went through as a child. While he has his closed off exterior, you know he's got to have a heart of gold. I mean, hello, pediatric heart surgeon!

Then there's Leah. Whew, this girl. I do NOT do math. Under zero circumstances am I inclined to do math. I'm more like her brother, Dylan. Not all the Professors of the world could help this gal when it comes to numbers and equations. lol She and Dylan have an amazing relationship. I honestly laughed a TON with her somewhat pseudo concern for the choices he might, perhaps, possibly, could maybe make. hahahaha I was a little confused by their parentlessness (I'm making that a word tyvm) at first, but it's explained so be patient. And the whole DNA test - what an incredible thread to this story. While I didn't understand it, Leah's gifted mind was a fabulous connection with Sebastian's talented one!

Can I just take a moment here to talk about CeCe for a minute? I love her. I basically want to be her. She doesn't brook any nonsense, but she has a heart full of love. CeCe is Ben's mom. She speaks and people jump to attention. Not out of fear... ok, make a wee bit of fear... but because of their love and devotion to her that stems from the love and devotion she has for them. See, don't you want to be her, too? HA!

And I'll tell you what, there were some surprising twists to Let It Be Me! I literally had at least 2 of these moments and I wasn't expecting them: 😳! Those moments where you say, "What did I just read?" I did have a teeny "issue" with a piece of the forgiveness at the end. Since people forgive in different ways I was able to accept it, but for me it would've taken much longer.

I devoured this story. I didn't want to miss a single word because the writing was exceptional. Halfway through and I was already starting to get a tiny bit anxious. I knew the end was coming, but I was loving the story so much I couldn't imagine it ending. And even when it did end, I wanted another 100 pages of Sebastian and Leah. I have so many tabs in this story so I can go back and enjoy my favorite scenes or lines that it's hard to count how many there are. If I had the time, I would start re-reading it right now. I loved it that much!

Head to Becky's site and enter her giveaway! It ends 5/25/21 and is open to US Residents only.

About the Author:

Becky Wade (www.beckywade.com) is the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year winner for True to You. She is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. Her humorous, heart-pounding contemporary romance novels have won three Christy Awards, the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award for Romance. Becky lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children.

Dusk's Darkest Shores By Carolyn Miller & GIVEAWAY

Dusk's Darkest Shores

by Carolyn Miller

Publisher: Kregel

Series: Regency Wallflowers

ISBN: 9780825446535

Look at me starting out a series with book one! It does happen on occasion! I'm part of the team sharing about the book's release so I was sent it for review.

Summary:

How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?
 
Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.
 
That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he's plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?
 
Adam wants no charity, but he's also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.
 
Best-selling author Carolyn Miller is back with a fresh series that will not only thrill readers eager for more of her work, but bring in new fans looking for beautiful writing, fascinating research, deftly woven love stories, and real faith lived out in the Regency period.
 
Click here to read an excerpt.

My Review:

If you are a Regency era fan, Dusk's Darkest Shores is one you don't want to miss! I'm always exited to begin a new series by authors I enjoy. I immediately liked Mary Bloomfield. She wears her heart on her sleeve and treats everyone so kindly. She has grown up helping her father, the local doctor, with the ailments of the people in their little village.

Then along comes returning war hero, Adam Edgerton, who is betrothed to Mary's sister dearest friend, Emily. Unfortunately, Adam isn't the same man as he was before he went to war. Something Emily can't quite accept.

Mary's father and Adam's mother convinces her to help Adam adjust to being home again. While Mary is willing to help, Adam is rather disagreeable. Mary has her work cut out for her. Let's just say, her kindness is certainly tested.

Now, I do want to mention Mary's sister, Joanna and her friend, Emily (Adam's betrothed). They are rude and nasty and I have to admit not liking either of them. They're selfish and treat Mary deplorably, which then fascinates me because they are constantly seeking her out for comfort and wisdom, neither of which do either of them ever seem to appreciate. Whew, glad I got that off my chest. HA!

That aside Adam is cantankerous and gives Mary a lot of grief. Can I just say in Mary's defense that she really needs friends. Or just one friend. This town she's grown up in and they all look at her askance when she's only ever been godly towards everyone. So when Adam treats her in the same way, I wanted to knock him upside the head.

One of the facets I appreciated about this story was that Mary showed grace and perseverance time and time again. Whether it was with the local minister (don't get me started on him), her obnoxious sister, or Adam's crabbiness, she was considerate and thoughtful. Her faith got her through most of the situations she found herself in throughout this story and it definitely impacted Adam. I appreciated that it clearly came from following her parents' example, although Joanna seemed to have missed that boat.

I'm not going to give anything away in regards to the people in the story. I wish a couple of the people were the main characters of book 2, but it doesn't look like they are. Poo! That's ok, I'm still looking forward to the next one. hahahaha

About the Author:

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children.
 
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food.

Miller’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. 
 
Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com, or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor). 

Be sure to enter the giveaway, too!

- a copy of Dusk’s Darkest Shores
- a canvas bag to carry your latest reads
- a fun pair of Jane Austen socks
- Novel Teas’ English Breakfast tea
- “Drink tea, read books, and be happy” tea spoon
- “Let your faith be bigger than your fear” mug
- Black currant preserves from England
- Wax Lyrical candle from England

The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming By Ophelia London & GIVEAWAY

The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming

by Ophelia London

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Series: Honey Brook

ISBN: 978-1682815717

I was so excited that TLC Book Tours reached out to me about reviewing this book. It was my first introduction to the author and the company. They sent me the book for review.

Summary:

What happens when a traditional horse whisperer clashes with an unconventional trainer within the charming Amish community of Honey Brook?

Grace Zook has always held a talent with horses, ever since she was a child growing up in her quaint Amish village of Honey Brook. Now, as an adult, she’s become a master trainer—but still struggles to prove to her father that she is worthy of taking over the family’s horse farm. With a fiery new stallion coming soon, Grace knows this challenge is her chance to prove she can finally take the reins.

When widower and horse whisperer Isaac King is offered the lead training job on a new farm out of town, he’s thrilled to finally make a name for himself and provide some permanent roots for his young daughter. But not only is the stallion seemingly unbreakable, so, too, is the owner’s headstrong daughter Grace, who has drastically different ideas about how to handle the impossible horse. Yet somehow, he can’t seem to get the confident, beautiful woman out of his mind…even though as his boss’s daughter, she is completely off-limits.

There’s too much at stake for Isaac to gamble his future on Grace…even though suddenly, he can’t imagine one without her.

Each book in the Honey Brook series is STANDALONE:
* Never an Amish Bride
* The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

My Review:

Wow! I don't know the last time I was so surprised by a story. The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming was an absolutely delightful story. I think I may be incredibly partial because Grace is living my girlhood dream! She's a horse trainer. Anyone else have heart eyes like me?

There were so many facets to the story that I enjoyed. Not only did I love Grace and Isaac coming together to train Cincinnati (aka Sin), but I grew to love all of the people (and begrudgingly some of the more unlikable characters as well). I did think there was going to be a bit more arguing over how the training was going to go with Sin, but one of the things I love most about how the Amish try to live is with kindness, patience, and forgiveness.

Considering the fact that I'm not Amish, I take how they're portrayed in stories as how they probably truly try to live. And to me, Grace and Isaac were wonderful examples of living truly godly lives. The humility the both display throughout really caused me to reflect on myself. Actually, the author uses a few characters in this story to make me reflect. In fact, I really appreciated Grace's approach to her sister-in-law. Actually, I was surprised Sarah's behavior was never brought to the Bishop or one of the other leaders of their order.

And can I just take a second here to give props to Grace's daed? He sees her gift with horses and even encourages it. From what I understand, that's highly uncommon. The relationship they have is sweet and you can tell this family truly cares for one another.

Of course, you can't have a book without tension, right? The horse they're training comes with big money and future opportunities. Grace needs the money for her mom's surgery. Isaac needs the money to start a new life with his daughter. On top of that, someone has been starting fires on Amish farms. Another fella has been sweet on Grace for years, but he believes a woman should be in the home, not out in the field with a horse. Yikes!

Needless to say, there's a lot going on, but the best part is watching the relationship between Isaac and Grace grow. I like how the author gives us a glimpse into their physical attraction, but leaves it so pure it puts a smile on your face! I just loved that! No details needed, your heart just feels it.

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas, and she’s lived in Dallas ever since. She enjoys cupcakes, treadmills, reruns of Dawson’s Creek and obsessing over her Italian Greyhound, Peanut. Ophelia is the author of NEVER AN AMISH BRIDE (Honey Brook series), her very first Amish romance! As wells as the Sugar City series, the Perfect Kisses series, the Abby Road series, and other adult, NA and YA sweet romances. Visit her at ophelialondon.com, but don’t call when she’s streaming The Walking Dead.

Connect with Ophelia

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Review tour:

Tuesday, April 27th: @jenniaahava

Wednesday, April 28th: Blooming with Books

Thursday, April 29th: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, April 30th: The Adventures of a Travelers Wife and @travelerswife4life

Saturday, May 1st: A Baker’s Perspective

Saturday, May 1st: @littlebutfiercebookdiary

Sunday, May 2nd: Girl Who Reads

Monday, May 3rd: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, May 4th: SusanLovesBooks

Wednesday, May 5th: Living My Best Book Life and @livingmybestbooklife

Wednesday, May 5th: @bookshelfmomma

Thursday, May 6th: @rozierreadsandwine

Friday, May 7th: Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama

Saturday, May 8th: @bookscoffeephotography

Monday, May 10th: From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, May 12th: @olivias.bookish. world

Ready to win a copy of the book... trust me, you'll want to read this!

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No Pain, No Gaines By Chip Gaines Ebook Sale

If you're anything like me, you're a huge fan of the Gaines family. I think any time we mention the name "Gaines" we automatically think of Chip and Joanna. Who wouldn't with their incredibly popular show Fixer Upper?

It wasn't long ago that I found out Chip Gaines had written a book called No Pain, No Gaines. I know that Chip Gaines is quirky on his show, but he clearly has an intelligent mind. He and Joanna have built quite the business while maintaining a farm and their home lives.

His book is now on sale for $5.99 for the ebook! It's on sale 5/18-5/20 ONLY.

Have you ever read any of their books? Here's a summary of the book:

In a world that feels increasingly more disconnected, it’s time to reclaim a life of rich, authentic connection—because we are all made better when we trust one another and work together.

There are a lot of books out there that promise you the path of least resistance or teach you how to hustle harder. This isn’t one of those.

In his most vulnerable book to date, Chip Gaines shows us how to build relationships that pull us into a life of meaning, joy, and connection. It happens by being intentional about choosing the company we keep. Chip explains the value of seeking out people who are electrified by living according to their purpose, who will stand beside you as you tackle new challenges, who bet on each other instead of the status quo. The key is being true to yourself, figuring out what you want to do with your life, and finding people who will lift you up along the way.

No Pain, No Gaines will open your eyes to valuable lessons, including how to:

• be awake to life, not asleep at the wheel
• find the risks worth taking
• value what you bring to the table
• resist the status quo
• look outside yourself and your circle and foster connections with others
• get comfortable with being uncomfortably kind

A good life doesn’t always come easy, but that’s because the good stuff never does. It requires faith in people. It requires faith in yourself. It requires hope. And it requires a willingness to grow even when it hurts. In No Pain, No Gaines, through hard-won lessons and personal stories all told with his trademark blend of wit and wisdom, Chip Gaines will coach you on how to make your life rich and your relationships run deep.