The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

Title: The Shell Collector

Author: Nancy Naigle

Pages: 352

Release Date: May 11, 2021

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

About the book:

     From USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle, The Shell Collector is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

     Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

     Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning—alone—through his work and role in the community.

     Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

     Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways non of them could have hoped for or expected.

My review:

     This is an amazing Women’s Fiction book!

     I LOVE each of the main characters! That includes Amanda, Hailey, Jesse, Maeve, and Paul. They are each incredibly well developed. The personalities are wonderful. I loved seeing how they interacted with each other as well as all of the additional characters.

     This is a very emotional story. There are a number of very heart-warming scenes that brought me joy to read. There were also a number of times that I just wanted to cry for the deep heartache that the characters were experiencing. It was truly a story that ran the full range of emotions.

     This is the first book I have ever read by this author. I look forward to reading as many of her books as I can. I am absolutely giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it!

Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport

Title: Colors of Christmas

Author: Olivia Newport

Pages: 320

Year: 2017

Genre: Christmas Stories

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Celebrate the joyful hope of the Christmas season as characters find healing in the midst of heartbreak. New from Olivia Newport!

Christmas in Blue

     In the wake of a personal loss deeper than anyone realizes, Angela plans to bypass as must of the season as possible and get through her duties as the church organist by going on autopilot. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration. After a mysterious young man arrives, townspeople suspect he is the reason that one set of plans after another disintegrate until little is left of their traditions. Yet Angela warms to Gabe because she suspects they share a secret—his real reason for coming to town. Even when all they have to work with is a garish supply of blue Christmas decorations, Gabe helps Angela discover the hidden beauty of hope.

Christmas in Gold

     After eighty years, change is nothing new for Astrid. By the time she was twenty, she survived the destructive Nazi regime, caring for her family under brutal circumstances, moving to America, and losing her husband. At forty she was widowed again and left to build a new life with her children. Now, when she faces a move into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up hope through tragedy one more time.

My review:

     These are two hope-filled Christmas stories!

     I love the main characters in each of these stories. I was able to connect deeply with both Astrid (Christmas in Gold) and Angela (Christmas in Blue). They are each faced with deeply painful and emotional Christmases to get through. Reading their stories really shown a light on the fact that the greatest hope can best be found in the most difficult and trying times.

     Both of these amazing women were able to make new friends that helped them get through their time of discouragement and depression. They were able to then move past it and help others along the way.

     I picked up this book without reading the summary for it. I was looking for a light-hearted Christmas story. This was definitely heavier than I thought it was going to be. But it was exactly what I needed. I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey by Amanda Barratt

Title: My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele’s Journey

Author: Amanda Barratt

Pages: 256

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Journey now to Niagara Falls, New York, of 1870 where…

     She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.

     Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

     Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

     On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drey in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance.

     I love the main characters. Both Adele and Drew have extreme financial difficulties that are causing them to make hard decisions to earn money to handle them. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how they made their decisions. It really shone a light on the fact that money shortages can lead anyone to make questionable choices. It also points out that we can never truly understand another person’s choices.

     I really liked that they became friends to begin with. Then their relationship grew from there.

     I was fascinated by the way society looked at different people. The biggest divide was between old money and new money. But it didn’t end there.

     I’m giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda E., Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

Title: The Beloved Christmas Quilt

Author: Wanda E., Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

Pages: 400

Year: 2017

Genre: Amish Romances

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     One quilt binds three generations of Amish women in these three stories of family, romance, and Amish faith by bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, Jean, and granddaughter, Richelle.

     For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for they name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3

     The scripture embroidered on the back of a  beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.

Luella’s Promise

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

     Luella Ebsersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. The Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook.

Karen’s Gift

by Jean Brunstetter

     Karen Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?

Roseanna’s Groom

by Richelle Lynn Brunstetter

     When the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.

My review:

     This in an incredible set of three Amish romances!

     I love all of the main characters in this book. Each of the authors wrote one of the stories. All three of them did an amazing job of developing wonderful characters and great relationships between them.

     Each story is a separate romance. They are each very different in the difficulties that the couples face. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that they each center on God and trusting Him to carry them through the hard times.

     One of my favorite aspects of this collection of stories is that they all have a family heirloom as a common factor between them. 

     I thoroughly enjoyed each of the stories in this book. I’m giving it a rating of 5 stars. I definitely recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Best in Snow (Andy Carpenter #24) by David Rosenfelt

Title: Best in Snow (Andy Carpenter #24)

Author: David Rosenfelt

Pages: 320

Duration: 6 hours, 52 minutes

Release Date: October 19, 2021

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Minotaur Books / Macmillan Audio

Format: Audiobook (also available in eBook and paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     In this Christmas mystery, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are on the beat after a body turns up in the snow and a journalist is the prime suspect.

     Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a snowstorm that dumps two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow - white Christmas and all that - but it can cause problems for the walks he takes his dogs on every day.

     When Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, goes to play in the snow and instead discovers a body, Andy ends up on the phone with the local newspaper editor. The murder victim is Mayor Alex Oliva, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter - and prime suspect - is in need of a lawyer.

     Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The evidence is piling up faster than the snow.

My review:

     This is an in-depth mystery.

     I was fascinated by the main character. His methods of solving the case were a little  strange to me. The team he put together to help him gave me a few chuckles along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the way he handled the trial itself. The final reveal of how he figured out who the criminal was included a number of points that I hadn’t picked up on.

     The narrator did a good job portraying Andy himself. I did struggle some trying to follow who was speaking since there weren’t obvious differences in his voice for the other characters. This was so minor that I’m giving the narration itself 4 stars.

     The mystery captivated me so I’m giving the book a rating of 5 stars. I definitely recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

One for the Books (Library Lover's Mystery #11) by Jean McKinley

Title: One for the Books (Library Lover’s Mystery #11)

Author: Jenn McKinley

Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

Pages: 300

Duration: 7 hours 27 minutes

Year: 2020

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Berkley Books (print); Dreamscapes (audiobook)

Format: Audiobook (also available in eBook and paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Wedding bells are ringing in the latest page-turning Library Lover’s Mystery.

     Love is in the air in Briar Creek as library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike (Sully) Sullivan are finally tying the knot. The entire town is excited for the happy day, and Lindsey and Sully’s plan for a small wedding evaporates as more and more people insist upon attending the event of the year.

     When Lindsey and her crafternoon pals head out to Bell Island to see if it can accommodate the ever-expanding guest list, they are horrified to discover a body washed up on the rocky shore. Even worse, Lindsey recognizes the man as the justice of the peace who was supposed to officiate her wedding ceremony. When it becomes clear he was murdered, Lindsey can’t help but wonder if it had to do with the wedding. Now she has to book it to solve the mystery before it ends her happily ever after before it’s even begun….

My review:

     This is a wonderful cozy mystery.

     I love both of the main characters. They have a great relationship and really work together as they try to sort out the problems that have arisen in their personal lives. That’s true also as they piece together the clues to find the murderer.

     The plot has plenty of twists and a number of suspects. They really kept me on my toes as I tried to figure out the motive as well as the murderer.

     The narrator for this book does an incredible job. I love all the different voices that she uses for each character. It helped to make the story come alive for me.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I definitely recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope (Wrapped Up in Christmas #3) by Janice Lynn

Title: Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope (Wrapped Up in Christmas #3)

Author: Janice Lynn

Narrated By: Madeleine Maby & Seth Podowitz

Pages: 336

Duration: 8 hours 11 minutes

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Genre: Christmas Romance

Publisher: Hallmark Publishing

Format: Audiobook (also available in eBook and paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     He’s willing to risk his life to save others. Is she willing to risk her heart on him? Morgan’s late husband was a daredevil. . .and now she’s a widowed single mom. All she wants now is to set up a stable life for herself and her son in the small town of Pine Hill, Kentucky. Andrew’s a firefighter who thrives on the rush of saving others. His secret dream is to become a smokejumper and fight raging wildfires across the country. But it’ll mean leaving his hometown and the people who rely on him. Morgan and Andrew are drawn together as they both volunteer to make quilts for veterans at the local quilt shop. Morgan’s son looks up to Andrew, and Morgan can’t help but notice how good Andrew is with him. Meanwhile, Andrew’s torn between his ambition and his growing attraction to Morgan. They both have choices to make about their future. . .and about each other.

My review:

     This is an absolutely delightful Christmas romance!

     I LOVE all three of the main characters! Andrew and Morgan have very different plans for their lives. They are presented in such detail that I was able to really feel a connection to both of them. I ached for the hurt that they were each experiencing as their friendship grew and they were trying to work through the differences that seemed determined to separate them.

     I found many scenes that gave me a lot to laugh about as they had to deal with a number of matchmakers along the way. The descriptions of the planned Christmas wedding for an elderly couple were incredible.

     I found both of the narrators to be excellent! I could hear the emotions in their voices throughout the book. I loved the variety of voices that they each used for the various characters. I will be looking for more audiobooks that they have each done.

     I’m giving this marvelous story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys #2) by Jody Hedlund

Title: The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys #2)

Author: Jody Hedlund

Pages: 384

Release Date: October 5, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart.

     Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

     After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn’t need more complications.

     When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn—unbeknownst to Linnea—to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all—falling for a woman he’s determined not to love.

My review:

     This is an incredible historical romance!

     I love the main characters! Linnea and Flynn are extremely well developed. They are surrounded by a number of equally well developed and presented secondary characters in their family members. I enjoyed finding out the history of both of them. It really helped me understand their reactions to the situations that they were in throughout the book.

     The plot of this story was wonderful. There was plenty of action and danger as the group traveled to Colorado. It kept things very interesting and exciting.

     One of my favorite parts was seeing how both Linnea and Flynn grew and matured along the way. They each seemed to know God from the beginning. But they each had a journey in learning to trust Him.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I haven’t read the first book in the series but I will be going back and doing so as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*