More Than We Remember

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One night changes everything...

When Addison Kilbourn's husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart.  With her husband's memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.

Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job.  After a traumatic brain injury, her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia's determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship.  When she's called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she's fighting against, she's determined to see justice for those wronged.

Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality.  She once thrived as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose.  When her neighbors, the Kilbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been for too long.  

As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they've been.  Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?

Review

Wow.  What an incredible book!  Christina Suzann Nelson has penned an emotionally charged inspirational story supported by a complex and engaging set of characters.  I don't say this very often, but the characters in this story were written in such a way that they seemed very real  as they navigate a myriad of difficult real-life situations, including family trauma, relationship struggles, and spiritual doubts.  Each character deals with her "Job" moments in different ways, ranging from "running away", standing up and fighting, or protecting others facing similar situations.  More Than We Remember peels back the layers and depths of human emotion in crisis, leaving the cast of characters raw, humble, and relatable to the reader's eyes.  I felt the characters' pain and inwardly cheered them on in their struggles.  

The storyline itself was incredibly engaging with the constant unveiling of secrets and plot line twists.  It was SO difficult to put this story down - so much so that my husband teased me on more than one occasion about my nose being buried in the book again?!  

More Than We Remember is a story I will not soon forget. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

The Highest of Hopes

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For years she searched for somewhere to belong.  But is she looking in the right place?

After her beloved grandfather's death, Emmaline Moore is shocked to discover that her deceased father is actually alive in Canada.  Having no other family, Emma decides she must find him, and so embarks on a journey across the ocean, accompanied by her best friend Jonathan.  Unfortunately, Randall Moore and his family aren't thrilled by her arrival, fearing her sudden appearance will hinder his chance at becoming mayor of Toronto in 1919.  Despite everything, Emma remains determined to gain their affection.

Jonathan Rowe has secretly loved Emma for years and hopes that during their trip he can win her heart.  Concerned that Randall might reject her, Jonathan is ready to console Emma and bring her home.  But when she informs him that she has no intention of returning to England, Jonathan fears he'll lose her forever.  Is there any way to convince her that the love she seeks could be right in front of her?

Review

Susan Anne Mason has penned another wonderful historic read, The Highest of Hopes, being Book #2 in her "Canadian Crossings" series. 

Emmaline is a bright, vivacious, and determined character, who always seeks the positive in people.  She is unable to take "no" for an answer, so despite the less than warm welcome she receives from her father and his family, she isn't willing to give up on finally being part of a family.  This causes friction between herself and her best friend, Jonathan, as he doesn't want to see Emmaline's heart to be broken by her father. 

I really liked Emmaline's character for her ever-present positive outlook on life and desire to believe the best about everyone.  With so much negativity in the world today, Emmaline's personality was a breath of fresh air and made me want to cheer for her and her ambitions.  Her character really carried the storyline well and made for a pleasant read despite the tense and complicated interactions between Emmaline and her family.  The romance that blossomed between Emmaline and Jonathan was sweet and sigh-worthy. 

This was a really enjoyable story full of history, romance, and interesting family relationships.  I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.     

Collateral Damage

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They thought they left the fight behind on the battlefield.  

But their greatest struggles are just beginning.

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others, but her days of helping military personnel are over.  She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more.

Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way.  The only thing that scares him now is sleep.  As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor.  When he arrives at her office, she isn't there, but a dead body is.  When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack - and that her secrets go even deeper than his own - Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Review

Collateral Damage is an explosive start to Lynette Eason's newest series, "Danger Never Sleeps".  From the first chapter, readers are taken on a wild ride from war-torn Afghanistan where anyone could be your enemy, to sunny South Carolina, where the terrors of war should only become a distant memory.  However, the danger didn't stay overseas, but followed Brooke and Asher as they enter civilian life.  Not only are they unsure of who attacked Brooke, they don't even know what it is her assailant is after.  All these factors result in a page-turning story with endless twists and turns!  I loved every word, every chapter, and was sorry for the story to end.  Suspense novels are my favourite read, and Lynette Eason hit the ball out of the park with this one.  Can't wait for Book #2!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Far Side of the Sea

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In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering inures at the front.  When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer - a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead - he can only hope he'll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he's driven back into war-torn France.

But Jewel isn't the one waiting for him in Paris.  Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence.  She found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent.  With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.

That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.

Review

When I pick up a Kate Breslin novel, I know I can easily anticipate an intriguing story, fascinating war history, and complex characters.  Far Side of the Sea does not disappoint!  I had no idea how involved carrier pigeons were during World War I in the passing of messages within the military.  These courageous birds were able to fly undetected to deliver life-saving messages to their recipients.  It's always amazing to hear how even the smallest of creatures such as a bird can aid during wartime!

I really enjoyed the story and unfolding relationship that developed between Johanna and Colin.  They were brought together through a mutual concern over Jewel, and were equally surprised by the love that blossomed between them.  They are quickly pulled into a web of intrigue that threatens their very lives.  As enemy agents everywhere, it is impossible to know who they can trust and who to run from.  With many twists and turns, this story will keep you guessing until the end!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

  

The Spice King

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Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost.  Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection.  If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under.  She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience. 

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

Review

I'm always eager for Elizabeth Camden's novels.  Her passion for history just glows through each of her stories with rich descriptions and intriguing plots and her characters often face a moral dilemma that elicits the turning point and climatic event in the story.  

The first book in Elizabeth's Camden's new series, "Hope and Glory", The Spice King, takes readers on a journey into the world of the spice trade, modified foods, and the international tensions between America and Cuba in the early 1900s.  Annabelle Larkin, while simply on a pursuit of finding more specimens for the Smithsonian plant collection, finds herself caught between a rock and a hard place when she has asked to become a spy for the U.S. military to determine whether Gray Delacroix is part of an insurgents' group party to the rebellion against the Americans in Cuba.  Annabelle is at loathe to spy on anyone, but agrees to assist - partly out of patriotic duty and partly to clear Gray's name.  While she fully expects Gray to be innocent, she does not anticipate falling in love with the colourful businessman, a revelation that would completely tip her world off its axis.  As her feelings for Gray develop, it becomes harder to spy on him, as Annabelle is keenly aware her actions would be viewed as a betrayal of the trust Gray has given her.  With the undercurrent of relationship tensions threatening to surface and added political intrigue, Elizabeth Camden has penned a fascinating story that I will re-read again and again.  I will be hard-pressed to wait for the next instalment, due out later this year!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

 

Stretched Too Thin

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As a working mom you can often feel like you're living stretched too thin.  You want to thrive personally and professionally, but the day-to-day responsibilities and mental load can make that feel impossible.  While periods of busyness are normal, if life feels overwhelming, it's time for a reset.  With compassion and encouragement, Jessica N. Turner shows you how to:

• work and parent guilt-free
• set achievable goals
• discover more flexibility
• establish clear work boundaries
• develop home management solutions
• become more efficient and less stressed
• prioritize self-care
• invest in your marriage
• cultivate deeper friendships

Want to embrace your many roles and learn solutions that really work?  Let Stretched Too Thin empower you to make changes and live with contentment.

Review

Stretched Too Thin addresses a common struggle in today's culture: how to balance the many hats a woman, particularly, working mothers, wear.  It can seem impossible to give 100% equally and fully to being a wife, a mom, career woman, homemaker, friend, sister, etc. all at the same time.  Many women think of the descriptions of the Proverbs 31 woman in the Bible as the all-time example to emulate.  And for many (myself included), while it can be encouraging, it can also be equally discouraging seeing how high the bar is raised.

What if there was a way to do it all?  To be the successful career woman, doting wife, loving mother, and loyal friend?  Jessica N. Turner seeks to answer that question in Stretched Too Thin.

Just reading the title speaks to me.  It is a phrase that has almost become my mantra, so I was eager to dive into book to hopefully glean some wisdom and practical advice.  My final impression of the read was overall positive.

One of the prevalent themes I found throughout the book was self-care.  It is true that unless we take care of ourselves, we will be unable to help others (something that I've been repeatedly reminded by my other half...).  If our well is running dry, we can't even being to hope to draw water from within for someone else.  Self-care includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, etc.  As my understanding was the book was being written from a Christian perspective, I would have liked to have seen more emphasis on spiritual self-care, as it was very, very briefly touched upon.

The majority of the book is filled with helpful suggestions, checklists, and brainstorming opportunities for better organizing daily routines and tasks.  Efficiency can often be the key to success as well as keeping track of time.  More often than I care to admit, I've been the victim of going on a social media website to check "just one thing", and before I know it, that one thing turned into many rabbit trails, and soon an hour has passed!  Oops...

In all, I found that Stretched Too Thin, while light on the faith component, provided some helpful tools for better organizational success to help maintain sanity whilst juggling all the different priorities in life!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

The Killing Tide

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When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet.  His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

The already volatile situation is complicated even further by the arrival of Gabby Rowley - Finn's boss's sister and an investigative reporter with unrelenting questions about the crime.  Now that she's returned, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them.  But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

Review

Dani Pettrey has crafted a fast-paced, keep-you-guessing story with The Killing Tide, Book One in her new series, "Coastal Guardians".  Suspense is the theme in the book, starting from the very first page as the reader jumps right into the middle of a coast guard rescue mission.  The tension doesn't let up as a winding mystery unfolds in the following chapters and more than one character meets their unfortunate end. Dani doesn't pull back any punches as she guides the reader into a web of intrigue, murder, and mayhem.  Of course, there is the (much needed!) smattering of romance to provide a little balance to the thrill ride.  With such an explosive start to her new series, I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.