A Baxter Family Christmas By: Karen Kingsbury

Book Description...

"From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes A Baxter Family Christmas, the first in a new series, combining the charm and holiday ambiance of The Bridge with the familiar members of fan-favorite family, the Baxters.

Two sorrowful years have passed since the terrible car accident that took the life of John Baxter's daughter, Erin, along with her husband and three of their four daughters. But this year John has invited a stranger for dinner - Kendra Bryant, the transplant recipient who now has Erin's heart.

In light of her father's idea, Ashley and her brother Luke don't think it's right. They want to protect their ten-year-old niece, Amy - the only surviving member of the accident. But John is determined and believes meeting this woman is something his deceased daughter would want.

At the same time, Maddie West, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Brooke Baxter West, is praying for meaning this Christmas. Could she find it in a newfound friendship with a boy she never expected to see again? Maddie believes in miracles, especially at Christmastime, but this is a stretch even she can't imagine.

Meanwhile, Kendra Bryant has been struggling these past few years to find meaning in the tragedy that gave her a second chance. She believes this invitation to see the Baxters and witness their unwavering faith in God can instill hope and happiness back into her life.

Heartwarming and touching, filled with love and hope, A Baxter Family Christmas brings together two families in the aftermath of a tragedy and in the midst of an unfolding love story, all with the help of one very special child."

Title:  A Baxter Family Christmas

Author:  Karen Kingsbury

Publisher:  Howard Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"A Baxter Family Christmas" by Karen Kingsbury

My Thoughts...

Karen Kingsbury gives the readers one incredible read in 'A Baxter Family Christmas.'  This is
definitely one that you will not want to stop until you are finished with this good read. Even though
this was a sad story of how Kendra received Erin Baster's heart the story had such a incredible
deliverance of how the father [John Baxter] decides to do something different  doing this Christmas . Eve.  Now what was that?  How will this invitation affect this Baxter family?  This is where I say you will have to pick this one up and read it for yourself which will be one good read and also giving the reader a 'christian' theme.  Be ready for a very 'emotional and heartfelt' read that may even present some tears.  Some of the characters had me shaking my head but I think in the end I think they are able to understand the big picture through 'real life growth and change.'

This was a beautifully told story that showed when 'they listen to Him and to each other, they are then
able to experience this Christmas miracle.'

This ARC was given by the publisher and NetGallery in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

Finding Libbie By: Deanna Lynn Sletten

Book Description....

"Poring over a dusty hatbox of photographs in her grandmother’s closet, Emily Prentice is shocked to discover her father was married to his high school sweetheart before meeting her mother.

In the summer of 1968, Jack and Libbie fall in love under the spell of their small town, untouched by the chaos of the late sixties. Though Libbie’s well-to-do parents disapprove of Jack’s humble family and his aspiration to become a mechanic, she marries Jack a year after they graduate high school. But soon their happiness crumbles as Libbie’s mental state unravels and she is drawn to alcohol and drugs. Despite his efforts to help her, Jack loses the woman he loves and is forced to move on with his life.

Now that Emily’s mother has passed away, Jack is alone again, and Emily grows obsessed with the beautiful woman who had given her father such joy. Determined to find Libbie, Emily pieces together the couple’s fragmented past. But is it too late for happy endings?"

Title:  Finding Libbie
Author:  Deanna Lynn Sletten
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Finding Libbie" by Deanna Lynn Sletten

My Thoughts....

"Finding Libbie was a well written story [part 1 and part 2] that will keep your attention all the way to the end.  I liked the shift of the read staring 'at present day...shifting to the late 60's, to Jack and Libby's story...and then back to the present day.'

What would you do or think if you found out that your father was previously married and you had no idea of this?  This was a story also about 'mental illness,' which presented quite a roller coaster ride and even to  having a second chance at love.  Libbie is Jack's previous wife before he met Emily's mother & married her,

The reader will be captivated in finding out the truth about this young couple [Libbie and Jack's] struggles in this very emotional love story.  Be ready for quite a heartbreaking read full of 'memories, sorrow, heartache, and love.'  This was definitely a tear grabber.   Now, why was that? Why couldn't Emily get this story out of her mind..."It's just that dad and Lobbies' story is so sad, I feel a need to find out if Libbie is okay, wherever she is.'  This is where I say you will have to pick this read up to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader.  This is definitely a good love story that will break your heart as it deals with addictions and mental illness with some 'well drawn characters, in a Minnesota setting during the Vietnam War.'  This read definitely left me saying Wow what a good read!

ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley.

The Promise Kitchen By: Peggy Lampman

Book Description....

"Food, friendship, family, and a fresh start. Shelby Preston, a young single mother, is at a crossroads. She feels suffocated by her hardscrabble life in rural Georgia and dreams of becoming a professional chef. Lord knows her family could use a pot of something good. In Atlanta, Mallory Lakes is reeling from a bad breakup. The newspaper food columnist is also bracing for major changes at work that could put her job at risk. Determined to find the perfect recipe for how to reinvent herself, she gets involved in the growing farm-to-table movement. But an emotional setback threatens to derail everything she’s worked for. Shelby and Mallory couldn’t be more different. But through their shared passion for food, they form an unlikely friendship—a bond that just might be their salvation. This heartwarming and lyrical tale reminds us that family isn’t necessarily whom you’re related to—it’s whom you invite to your table. This is a new release of a previously published edition titled Simmer and Smoke; it contains twenty delightful recipes."

Title: The Promise Kitchen
Author:  Peggy Lampman
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"The Promise Kitchen" by Peggy Lampman

My Thoughts....

This story about the lives of Mallory and Shelby who were living near Atlanta, Georgia [after a life altering incident] with very different backgrounds.  Mallory being from a more privileged upbringing and Shelby having to fight for every penny she had.  However, certain events will bring these two together that will prove to be quite interesting...even sometimes humorous twist and turns. Two important questions may be asked...'Will Shelby [single mom] be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a chef and will Mallory get her life back tack and be able to do what she loves?'  to find out the reader will have to pick up this well written story to find out.   This author will give the readers quite a interesting and touching story to see if each of these ladies will be able to 'overcome the adversity they faced.'  At the end of the novel the reader will see the recipes that were mentioned in the story and they do look delicious.  In the end the reader gets the 'culinary back drop that will really put this friendship and family connections together' that I would recommend to you as a good read especially if you are into cooking.

This ARC was given by the publisher and NetGallery in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.











ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley

Echoes Of Family By: Barbara Claypole White

Book Description...

"Sometimes the only way through darkness is to return to where it began.

Marianne Stokes fled England at seventeen, spiraling into the manic depression that would become her shadow. She left behind secrets, memories, and tragedy: one teen dead, and her first love, Gabriel, badly injured. Three decades later she’s finally found peace in the North Carolina recording studio she runs with her husband, Darius, and her almost-daughter, Jade…until another fatality propels her back across the ocean to confront the long-buried past.

In her picturesque childhood village, the first person she meets is the last person she wants to see again: Gabriel. Now the village vicar, he takes her in without question, and ripples of what if reverberate through both their hearts. As Marianne’s mind unravels, Jade and Darius track her down. Tempers clash when everyone tries to help, but only by finding the courage to face her illness can Marianne heal herself and her offbeat family."

Title:  Echoes Of  Family

Author:  Barbara Claypole White

Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Echoes Of Family" by Barbara Claypole White

My Thoughts....

What a well written story that was so heartbreaking that dealt with bipolar disorder.  The reader can tell that this author puts in much time with much research that was presented about this gripping disease. What will happen are a family is plunged into a crisis that involves mental illness. The main character Marianne was bipolar["a complex, successful woman who happens to be manic-depressive"], flawed and we find her having such a horrible time especially when she goes off of medication that caused her to sink into deep depression that lead to alcoholism and suicide attempts.
This was quite a rollercoaster emotional ride for Marianne.  Will she be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel?

It seems that those who loved her may have received Marianne as 'unpredictable, volatile, violent, evasive and unbearably arrogant.'

The author really gives the readers some well developed characters [Darius, Gabriel and Jade] that were presented being well developed, compelling, portrayed and believable giving us a a real 'true to life dialogue' definitely widening ones insight this disease.  "Echoes of Family" will definitely keep your attention all the way through to the end.  I was found being touched by this read that I would recommend to all to read.  I will say this story is somewhat gritty, tragedy, resilience, heartbreaking but keep on reading to the end because the reader may see some family love too. Now, to see how well this author presents this to her readers you must pick up this good fiction read and see for yourself.

I thought this was a very good read that helps one understand what it is like to have to live with this disease. It was really interesting seeing the love that was their for Marianne and seeing if  her family will finally come to terms of  with it.  One thing is for sure we may know of someone who has this disease...and the burning question is will they be willing to get the help they need?  I loved how this author brings out that "it can be controlled, and there is always hope at the end of the dark and desolate path to sanity."  This will definitely be one of those read that you will remember long after the read.

This ARC was given by the publisher and NetGallery in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

This Loving Feeling By: Miranda Liasson

Book Description....

"Samantha Rushford’s future looks bright: the high school art teacher is getting ready to leave Mirror Lake and move to Boston with her ambitious boyfriend, and she hopes a diamond ring is just around the corner. But her past still has a hold on her—especially the bittersweet memory of her rebellious ex, who kissed her passionately before he left town without a word.
Since then, Lukas Spikonos has parlayed his rebel ways into life as an up-and-coming recording artist. When he shows up for a surprise gig at the high school prom, Sam is more dumbstruck than starstruck—he used the words of a poem she wrote about their breakup to create a number one hit. But Lukas hasn’t returned just to impress students; he’s facing some real-life responsibilities and needs Sam’s help. But she has her own unresolved issues about the life she wants to lead. Will the music—and the pull of true love and family—put their hearts back in harmony?"

Title:  This Loving Feeling
Author:  Miranda Liasson
Publisher:  Montlake Romance
Series:  Mirror Lake #3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"This Loving Feeling" by Miranda Liasson

My Thoughts....

When I picked the title I thought to myself I hope this a a good romance.  Well, I will say I picked a winner. This author will give the readers a little something, something that will leave you with a big smile and saying wow, what a  engaging read. I loved this read featuring Samantha and Lukas and his nephew Stevie. Sam and Lukas had been childhood friends but he had abruptly left town twice with no explanation. Why was this?  We find Sam now a Art teacher, thinking she had her life all sewed up[with her senator boyfriend Harris] but when a childhood friend [Lukas] comes back to 'Mirror Lake' will there be a change in her life? What will happen as Lukas comes back to town and now a 'Rock Star' who sings a song at the high school prom using "words of a poem Sam had wrote about their breakup that created a number one hit.  Now, what was up with that?!  Also he brings to town with him his adorable nephew [his brother's child] who was five whom he wanted to adopt?  So, now we have a 'current boyfriend and a celebrity ex. who has a child.'  How will this all turn out especially when Harris thinks it time to get engaged and Lukas finally decides he [and Stevie] wants Sam?  Be ready for a good read with a few twist and turns that will keep you turning the pages to the very end. There were some good characters [I especially liked Effie] that were well developed, portrayed, little humorous and believable giving the reader a wonderful read.  Even though the reader may guess there maybe or will be  a HEA for Sam and Lukas, however, it was fascinating seeing how this author creates quite the tension in this relationship up to the very end.  With Lukas being 'sexy, caring and super person and Sam is kind as well as spunky' all having you say wow!  In the end one gets one excellent small town romantic story.  Even though this is a series it can be read as a standalone.

I received this book from NOR for an honest review.

A Man Of Honor By: Miranda Liasson

Book Description....

"Former Army Captain and venture capitalist Preston Guthrie has always had a thing for Cat Kingston, but he never felt like he could date his best friend’s sister. Plus, he’s a wrong-side-of-the-tracks guy and she’s a white-picket-fence kind of woman. Yet when they met again just before he was deployed, sparks flew. A fire ignited. And the heat was hot. For the first time, he thought a relationship with her might be possible…until an injury in the war changed everything…

Journalist Cat Kingston had a rough couple of years, surviving a broken engagement and the loss of her job. But connecting with Preston last fall seemed right. They shared steamy Skype sessions while he was overseas—until he was wounded, and cut her off without explanation. Now he’s back in town to be the Best Man for her sister’s wedding…and she wants answers.

Preston’s struggling with a leg wound, but the war scarred him on the inside, too. When Cat pays him a surprise visit and her brother catches them in a compromising position, Preston tells him they’re dating. He’s not sure how he can spend the entire wedding week fake-dating her when the chemistry between them feels anything but…"

Title:  A Man Of Honor

Author:  Miranda Liasson

Publisher:  Entangled Publishing LLC

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"A Man Of Honor" by Miranda Liasson

Welcome to a luscious read featuring Cat and Preston that was the third the 'Mirror Lake' series.  Did I enjoy this read?  Yes,  I found it a little predicable but still a good story of a second chance romance read.  I like how these two had been friends to lover back to friends and then to lovers again. Now why in the world had gone on with these two? Well, we have soldier and then his best friend's sister and from there this author gives the readers one amusing story.  What will happen after Preston is injured both physically and psychologically while he was in the military and from that he pushes Cat away because he feels damaged.  Also Presion had a quite 'jack up childhood.'   As for Cat she is strong and determined and with that how will Cat except this situation of Preston  pushing her away?  What will happen as these two stubborn people have  to come together in Cat's sister's wedding?  I liked how this author write such a compelling story 'that effects our military and their loved ones' and in the end giving the readers one impressive love story dealing with 'true love, loss, pain,real life issues, hope and in the end confidence.'  I liked how the attraction and chemistry that these two had for each other seemed to take over all the tension that seemed to go on taking over everything that happens.  What will happen as Preston fugues it all out?  I will say a times both of these  two main characters frustrated me somewhat but I keep reading and thought that will be quite a journey as it is all figured out on this journey.  Be ready for some fascinating characters that some were well developed, flawed, relatable, portrayed and believable giving the reader a beautiful story that will keep you turning the pages till the end.  Will these two get their HEA?  Well, you will have to pick up this good read to see.  I liked that epilogue!  If you are looking for a 'entertaining, emotional. sweet and fun' read you have come to the right place for "A Man of Honor" will give it all to you that I would recommend.  Beautiful Cover!

I received this book from NOR for an honest review.

A Bird in the Hand By Dane McCaslin

Book Description....

"Take two British expats, transplant them to upstate New York where the local HOA is worshipped and neighbors spy on each other for fun, and you have the makings of murder gone amok.

Caro Layton-Browning, an accomplished writer of mysteries, never imagined she would unwittingly stumble into a series of real-life murders good enough to be in her own books. But when the Cat Lady next door, who Caro is convinced is out to make life miserable for her, is found dead among her feline collection, Caro finds herself in trouble far more dangerous than her neighborhood HOA has ever dished out before. Suddenly she and her professor hubby, Gregory, find themselves on the trail of a murderer far more sinister than Caro's imagination could conjure up.

As the bodies begin to pile up in picturesque Seneca Meadows, Caro sees the possibility of a plot for her newest book, and the killer sees someone who needs to be moved out of the way…permanently."

Title:  A Bird In The Hand

Author:  Dane McCaslin

Publisher:  Gemma Halliday  Publishing

Series:  Proverbial Crime # 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"A Bird In The Hand" by Dane McCaslin

My Thoughts...

I found this story quite a entertaining mystery writer/amateur sleuth which involved Caroline and her husband Gregory[the attorney] and let's not leave out their funny dog Trixie.  This story will involve many incidents that will have you laughing. What will happen when this team becomes involved with these murders?  This author will keep the reader trying to figure out who is behind all of these killings as we find Caro a mystery writer and housewife [clumsy] comes upon a murder that leads to several more.  It will be interesting to see how this plays into Caroline's investigations that secrets will come out about some neighbors[HOA] and  politicians that will get her into danger.  You will be drawn into the relationship [the bantering] between the two main characters...Caroline and her husband Gregory. What will happen when Caroline decides to help the police?

 Be ready for a story with a cozy mystery, suspense, romance, twist and turns that seemed to be all over the place, however it will keep your attention.  Oh let's not forget about those baked goods[pastries]! Yummy! To find out what all this is about you will have to pick up the novel and see how this author presents it all to the reader.  Will you be able to learn who the guilty person was before the end?  I DID!  Oh well, it was still a  thought-provoking read.


I received this book from NOR for an honest review.