"Saving Grace" by Denise Hunter

The New Heights Series Book 2

Book Description:

As if the jolt of becoming a single mom to her two sons wasn't enough, Natalie Coombs is facing new stresses as the director of the crisis pregnancy center.

A teenager who comes in for testing brings back memories of another pregnant girl whose life tragically ended in suicide. Desperate to reach out to this client, Natalie crosses professional boundaries and incurs the wrath of a mysterious assailant.

Even within her family, all is not well as her relationship with her sister becomes increasingly tense. Natalie is compelled to carefully count the cost of following her heart and her convictions amid betrayal, physical danger, and strained family relationships.

Filled with human drama, readers will be easily drawn in as national issues become highly personal in this gripping tale of conflict and commitment.

My Thoughts:

This was the second book I read while on vacation.  It wasn't your typical vacation-light-reading topic matter.

As I sat on the pier, I was drawn into this story.  Abortion is such a serious topic.  I felt myself pleading in my heart for the young mother to listen to Natalie and what she knew was right.

My heart broke so many times throughout this book.  It was a roller coaster of emotions.  There were times when I soared along with the characters.

The huge twist in the storyline, (that I won't give away but I did have it figured out) is unbelieveable.  How much are we willing to forgive?  How much am I willing to forgive?  I don't know if it would be as much as portrayed in this book.

This was a very thought provoking book.  Like I said, not the average vacation read, but I am so glad I had it with me that week and was able to really give the topic the attention it deserves.

It lingered with me and I even found myself telling a few friends at church about it.

Amazing book!  You must read this series.  Book 3, "Finding Faith", will featured next Tuesday.

Please see my left sidebar for the great places I'll be linking to!

Book Review: "LFYI North Pole ALASKA" by Loree Lough

Book Description

A former Marine is no match for the spunky Sam Sinclair. Bryce Stone has returned to his hometown of North Pole, Alaska and he’s not very happy about it. “The Town Where It’s Christmas All Year Long” does not appeal to the self-admitted scrooge. What’s worse, Bryce must postpone his dream of opening a furniture shop when his Aunt Olive retires and leaves him to manage the family’s cluttered Christmas boutique.

 

Bryce hires a petite and inexperienced young woman to run the store, figuring that if she fails, he can sell the place! But Bryce underestimates Sam, who grew up with seven rowdy brothers and is out to prove her mettle in the frozen north.

 

It’s a battle of wills and the two soon find that they’re fighting for more than just the shop. After all, love takes as many forms as the snowflakes that blanket the streets of North Pole.

My Thoughts:

I chose to read this book now, the few days after Christmas, because I still wanted that Christmas feeling for just a bit longer.

The cover is more than a bit misleading.  The book is about North Pole, Alaska.  In the summer!

It is a touristy town whose theme is Christmas but it just wasn't what I thought it would be.

The cover shows Sam all bundled up in a parka, scarf and toboggan with snow and a snowman in the background.  Nowhere even close to being in the story.  I think she got to Alaska in May and it was just starting to get to be wintertime in November by the end of the book.

While Bryce, the hero, seemed real enough; Sam was a little too perfect and it was emphasized a great deal. Tiny, petite, gorgeous, pink tipped fingernails, tiny little feet in heels.  It kinda made me not like her very much!   lol


Saying all that, I wasn't displeased with the book.  It was a sweet romance.  Maybe I'm just being a little PMS-y.

Book Review: "LFYI Snowball Arkansas" by Sandra D. Bricker

Book Description:

So what if she can't hook a fish? This city girl has a plan to snag something else...and his name is Justin. Lucy Binoche is reasonably attractive, intelligent, and fit. She has French lineage and betterthanaverage hair. So why is she nearly 30 and still single?

Justin Gerard is the rugged hottie new to her churchs singles group. When he signs up for a camping trip in the Ozarks, Lucy loses no time writing her name on the line beneath his. Theres only one problem Lucys idea of "roughing it" is suffering through a long line at Starbucks.

She assumes she can rely on the grace of God and the assistance of her friend to get through. But at the campsite in Snowball, Arkansas, Lucy bungles everything she attempts as she tries to impress Justin. She cant fish, hike, or ride a horse; caves make her hyperventilate; and hotair balloons make her ill.

Soon, events are snowballing out of control. Will Lucy pretend to be someone shes not just to snag a boyfriend? Or will she discover someone who loves her just as she is?

My Thoughts:

This is my favorite "Love Find You" book that I've read so far.  I shouldn't be surprised.  I've loved every Sandra D. Bricker book that I've ever read.

The predicaments Lucy finds herself in are hilarious and Matt is by her side the whole way.  I love the fact that they have been best friends for years and finally see each other in a new light and take action on those feelings.

This book makes me want to take a vacation and stay in one of Dave and Betty Sue's cabins.  One of my favorite things to do on vacations is to rent a cabin.  I could cook with Betty Sue but I definitely don't think I would go crawling through caves and I just don't bait my own hook.  No way.  Not unless they are the fake worms.

The main point I am taking from this book is that God made us each individuals and we need to see ourselves in the light that He does.  He loves us just as we are.  We are perfect in His sight.  Can we accept ourselves the same way?

Can we love ourselves the way our family and friends love us or do we only see our faults and shortcomings?

This is something to work on in my life.

Thanks, Sandra, for a great book!

Book Review: "There's Something About Christmas" by Debbie Macomber

Book Description:

A smalltown Washington reporter learns to love fruitcake in Macomber's chick-lit take on A Christmas Carol. Emma Collins ("kinda cute in an uptight sort of way") hopes that writing obituaries and selling ads for the Puyallup Examiner will lead to a journalism career.

Instead, her first plum assignment—interviewing three finalists in a national fruitcake recipe contest—lands her in the cockpit of devil-may-care pilot Oliver Hamilton, whose good looks and charm remind her of her shiftless father. Despite Emma's fear of flying, Oliver takes her to Yakima, Colville and the San Juan islands to meet three women who all figure that when life gives you lemons (or anything else), make fruitcake.

Emma tastes the thrice-married barmaid's liquor-laden concoction, the tender-hearted widow's chocoholic dreamand the struggling young mother's no-bake graham-cracker confection.

While she tries to capture in print lessons learned from the three cooks, Oliver's plane is grounded by a snowstorm, Emma and Oliver kiss, she gets thrown out of her apartment trying to rescue a stray dog, he falls in the water trying to rescue her and she decides Christmas isn't as bad as she thought.

It all adds up to another tale of romance in the lives of ordinary people, with a message that life is like a fruitcake: full of unexpected delights.

My Thoughts:

I give this my highest compliment of "It made me want to try fruitcake".  And that is saying something!

A great Christmas read!

Book Review: "Love Remains" by Kaye Dacus

The Matchmakers Book 1

Book Description:

All grandparents want to see their grandchildren happy -- especially when it comes to love! So it's perfectly natural that "the matchmakers" would take an interest in putting Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson together when he moves back to Nashville to work for the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. But what if it's Zarah he's investigating?

My Thoughts:

When I started this book I wondered where exactly it was going.  The characters had known each other 14 years ago and their grandmother's just happened to be best friends on the other side of the country?  A little to convenient, but I guess that is fiction.

As the story progressed and it got into some details of their history together and what made each character unique, I got more into the storyline.

I love Zarah's "sisters" and am hoping to read more about them in future books in this series.

The grandmother's are lovable and makes me miss mine all the more.

Bobby is almost the perfect hero for a Christian Romance.  Has loved the same women for 14 years, has attended church and has strict moral character.

I can say that I enjoyed this book very much and hate the fact that the next one doesn't release until May 2011 (I think.) 

Book Review: "Paper Roses" by Amanda Cabot

Texas Dreams Book 1

Book Description:

Mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in Texas in 1850, only to learn that her future husband, Austin Canfield, is dead! Seeking refuge with his family, she tries to reconcile herself to an uncertain future. Will Austin's stubborn brother, Clay, spoil her happiness? Or is he the man she was looking for all along?

My Thoughts:

I really liked this book!  I've had Book 2 in the series for a while and was waiting for to get Book 1 from paperbackswap.com for a while.

This book is filled with past hurts, cold hearts, fierce determination, strong family ties and everything else that makes a romance great.

There is also the mystery of who murdered Austin Canfield and I can honestly say that I did NOT figure it out ahead of time.  It completely took me by surprise.

Little Thea added a lot of depth to the storyline as did the father who had suffered a stroke.  Both of these made the character of the others really come to light.

I'm looking forward to reading Book 2, Scattered Petals.

Book Review: "Surrender the Heart" by MaryLu Tyndall

Surrender to Destiny Book 1

 

Book Description:

 

Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. — Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved.

When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country - and growing love?

My Thoughts:

I loved this book!  I don't know if it was because I haven't read a fiction book for a few weeks or just because it was GREAT!

I loved how the book started and I thought Noah was going to be a cad.  I loved that the heroine wasn't this perfect, skinny, beautiful head-turner.

I loved the action on board the ship and how the romance evolved.

You know a romance novel is wonderful if it makes you fall just a bit in love with the hero!

I can't wait to read more in this series.  The next book is "Surrender the Night" and the hero is Lt. Reed who showed much potential in this book.

I'm also really hoping that Luke Heaton's storywill be told. Please.....

Book Review: "Flee the Night" by Susan May Warren

Team Hope Book 1

 

Book Description:

Ex-CIA operative Lacey Montgomery is a liar, a murderer, and a fugitive -- or is she? Former Green Beret Jim Micah must either prove her innocence or bring her to justice. Too bad his heart won't stay out of the way. With a little girl's life and national secrets hanging in the balance, Jim and Lacey must trust God to help them flee the secrets of the night.

My Thoughts:

Wow!  This book was a nail-biter!

Talk about action and intrigue.  This book was full of it.  The entire span of the book was less than a week but it was so full that I didn't feel shorted.

The way the author goes back in time to fill in the back-story between the two main characters is brilliant.  A piece here.  A piece there until the pieces are all fit together for a wonderful history.

The characters were great, too!  I fell a little bit in love with Jim Micah.  I could feel Lacey's pain and worry over her daughter.  The writing was excellent.

I'm looking forward to reading more about the characters in the following Team Hope books.

Definitely a great read!



Book Review: "The Hope of Refuge" by Cindy Woodsmall

Ada's House Book 1

 

 

Book Description:

Can an Amish man help Cara find safety in a strange community with complex, unspoken ties to her family history?

Raised in foster care and now a widowed single parent, New Yorker Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and her daughter, Lori, away from the city toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers to mysteries from her past and a fresh start. She quickly discovers that Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, is no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God -- "Be me to her" -- even though doing so threatens his way of life.

Fearful of the strange Englischer woman causing turmoil for her family, Ephraim's sister Deborah tries to focus ont he marriage and home she longs to begin with Mahlon Stoltzfus. Her dreams are threatened when her fiance begins behaving oddly, withdrawing, causing concern for both Deborah and Mahlon's mother, Ada. Will Ada's vison for transforming a run-down house unite them all in a common purpose -- or push Mahlon away forever?

Torn between the requirements of his community and trying to do what he believes is right, Ephraim risks losing everything, including a developing friendship with the guarded single mother. And only he knows that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake -- secrets with the power to tear apart the home Cara is desperately trying to create.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book!  It was everything I like about an Amish book.  It had a mixture of English and Amish to show the contrast of the two different ways of life.

The "coming home" feeling this story had was so compelling.  I longed for Cara to find a safe place and loving people to call home.

Ephraim was a great hero.  He was loyal to his family but when doing right differed from their opinion he stuck to his convictions and did what was God led him to do despite the consequences he would have to face from those in the Amish faith.  He let God rule over tradition.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the setting and am looking forward to reading more about them in rest of the series.

Book Review: "The Last Storyteller" by Diane Noble

Book Description:


One Woman’s Choice, One Family’s Legacy

Taite Abbot has always been a free spirit, and she has the tattoos and piercings to prove it. So when her boyfriend, medical student Sam Wellington, leaves for a fellowship thousands of miles away before he knows she is pregnant, Taite is unwilling destroy his chance of becoming a doctor. Completely unprepared to face parenthood alone, she decides to get an abortion. But without any emotional or financial resources, Taite first seeks solace from her Welsh grandmother, Naini.

“Do you remember the stories I once told you, Taite? About the family? …
There were some I didn’t tell you…. Some were too hard to tell.”

From the moment the disillusioned young woman arrives, Naini knows that time is running out, both for Taite and for herself. The aging woman must make her granddaughter understand the heart and soul of their family’s ancient legacy. But for Taite to discover the passion and faith that can keep love alive, Naini must tell the hard stories, one last time.

Interweaving a medieval adventure with the dilemmas of contemporary romance, The Last Storyteller draws ancient grace into modern lives through the powerful telling of stories.

My Thoughts:

This book was riveting!!  There were many controversial issues brought up in this book.  Some may be offended and yet the beauty of the book is that it is used as a beacon of light to shine the light of God onto these issues.  So don't shy away.

I was so captivated by Taite's story as well as the other sideline stories throughout the book.  I read the whole book within 24 hours.  I stayed up a lot later than I should have that night but I couldn't wait to find out how the stories would turn out.

The mix of contemporary and historical storylines was so interesting with just the right blend.  This book also is written with several viewpoints which was very interesting.

If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it!

Book Review: "Jillian Dare" by Melanie M. Jeschke

Book Description:


Jillian Dare leaves her Shenandoah Valley foster home behind and strikes out on her own as a nanny at a large country estate in northern Virginia. She is delighted with the beauty of her new home, the affection of her young charge Cadence Remington, and the opportunity for frequent travel to the Remington castle in England.

She is less certain about her feelings for her handsome but moody employer, Ethan. In spite of herself, Jillian realizes she is falling for her boss. But how can a humble girl ever hope to win a wealthy man of the world? And what dark secrets from the past is he hiding?

This contemporary story, inspired by the well-loved classic "Jane Eyre", will capture readers' hearts.

My Thoughts:

I loved how this book travels from Virginia to England and back again.  The description of the settings were amazingly detailed and easy to picture.

Being  based on Jane Eyre, I pretty much knew what the concept was going to be.  That being said, this story was different enough to keep my interest and make me want to see what was going to happen next.

My only complaint was that the story would skip weeks at a time.  It was Christmas and then the next chapter it was Spring.  this wouldn't have been so bad but there were blank weeks during the romance part of the book.  It left me wanting more details.

My overall impression was that this was a good read and well worth the time.

Book Review: "The Reluctant Cowgirl" by Christine Lynxwiler

A McCord Sister Romance

 

 

 

Book Description:

Enjoy a front row seat as two reluctant lovers take center stage in award-winning author Christine Lynxwiler's latest riveting romance. New York actress Crystal McCord puts her career on hold to return home to Arkansas to help take care of her family's ranch.

When she meets cowboy neighbor Jeremy Buchanan, sparks fly. But when Jeremy's never-before-mentioned family appears on the scene, he drops out of the picture.

Will Crystal's country road home turn out to be a dead end? Is it time for a U-turn back to the Big Apple? Or will Jeremy manage to book her for an unlimited engagement?


My Thoughts:

This is the first of the McCord Sister Romance series.  I enjoyed getting to know all the family members and the town where the setting is.

This story was full of heartache.  It is also full of romance and suspense.

I enjoyed reading as Cyrstal and Jeremy get to know one another as friends and then as their relationship deepens and tough choices have to be made.

This book also has a variety of homecomings including reluctant, sad and joyful.  After all, "Home is Where the Herd Is".

Book Review: "The Healer's Apprentice" by Melanie Dicerson

Book Description:

Two Hearts. One Hope.

Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.

When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

My Thoughts:

This book was very well written.  Characters, setting and details were very thorough.

However, I was a little disappointed in the storyline.  In the middle of the book it actually looks as if Rose is falling in love with Lord Hamlin's brother Rupert.  I didn't like that!

I was relieved when Rupert shows his true nature and things got back on track with the love story between Hamlin and Rose.

I had figured the plot out early on in the story but that didn't surprise me.  This book is a retelling of the story of Sleeping Beauty.  The author did do a wonderful job with the retelling.  There were enough twists and turns to make it interesting and original and not just a "remake".

There were some really creepy, scary scenes in the this book.  I should not have read it before going to bed!

Overall, an enjoyable read.  Special thanks to Carman for this book!

Book Review: "Against All Odds" by Irene Hannon

Heroes of Quantico Book 1

Book Description: 

For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, Monica Callahan isn't making it easy.

Estranged from her diplomat father--who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East--she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States. That is, until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real--and escalating.

As Coop and his partner do their best to keep her safe, Monica's father triggers an abduction that puts his daughter's life at risk. And with every second that ticks by, Coop knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever breached the walls around his heart are dropping. After all, terrorists aren't known for their patience--or their mercy.

Book one in the Heroes of Quantico series, this suspense-filled novel will whisk readers along for the thrilling ride.

My Thoughts:

I think this was my first Irene Hannon book.  It definitely won't be my last.  The rest of the Heroes of Quantico Series is already on my wishlist.

I've never really been very into suspense novels, but I can see my tastes starting to change.  As long as it is romantic suspense that is!  I really enjoy alot of the TV shows such as NCIS, Bones, etc.

This book definitely has the romance.  From the first time Coop and Monica meet, you can almost feel the sparks flying.  There were times when my heart broke for them, especially Coop.

The romance, action and suspense kept this book extrememly interesting and I didn't want to put it down.

I'm greatly looking forward to reading Mark's story in An Eye for an Eye.

Book Review: "The Perfect Blend" by Trish Perry

The Tea Shop Series Book #1

Book Description:

Steph Vandergrift is in need of a job. She left everything behind to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, never imagining he would stand her up at the altar. Now, hoping just to get by until she can decide what to do next, Steph thinks she's found the perfect position at the local tea shop.

Kendall James, one of the kindest and most eligible bachelors in the area, meets Steph and proceeds to pursue her. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her runaway fiance returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always seemed to blend so well. Are they truly meant to be together, or does God have something else in mind?

My Thoughts:

I impatiently waited for the release of Trish Perry's new novel.  She has also become one of my favorite authors. 

This is the first book I've bought this year brand new from a book store.  Our hometown Library had a benefit day with Waldon Book/Borders and I used that excuse to buy this book!  It helped out the Library and I didn't have to wait to get read this book.  Win, win!

As for what I thought of the book, I loved it!  I've been saying that a lot lately but I've been reading some really great books.

At times I thought Steph was really a simpleton.  She seems to fall into trouble everywhere she goes.  It then became endearing and I was definitely routing for her to gain her independance and also find true love.

Kendall just made my heart swoon.  Can your heart swoon?  Mine did.  The author's descriptions of him made me fall just a little bit in love.  It is a good thing he is a fictional character!

I wish I could visit the Tea Shop and meet Millie.  There are a bunch of great recipes in the back of the book that were served at the Tea Shop.  Can't wait to try out the scones.

If this book looks interesting to you, keep checking back.  I'm planning a Blogaversary Giveaway with lots of great stuff!  This book just might be included...

Book Review: "Remember to Forget" by Deborah Raney

A Clayburn Novel

Book Description:

 

Graphic designer Maggie Anderson has lived under her boyfriend's tyranny for nearly two years...until she's carjacked in New York.  Will this terrifying experience be the ned for Maggie--or the beginning of  a freedom far greater than she dares to imagine?  To gain that freedom, she'll have to remember to forget everything about her old life...

 

Trevor Ashlock is existing, day by day, in the little town of Clayburn, Kansas.  Surrounded by too many painful reminders of all he's lost, he fills his time with work, trying desparately to forget.

 

then a compelling and lovely stranger shows up in Clayburn and turns Trevor's world upside down.

 

My Thoughts:

 

I loved this book and didn't want it to end.  I'm so glad that there are 2 more books set in Clayburn!

 

It was so interesting following Maggie on her escape from New York to Kansas.  I can't imagine traveling like that all alone with very little money, not knowing where I was going or how I was going to get there or survive.

 

Maggie hit the jackpot when she landed at Wren's Nest.  I enjoyed following the transformation of the inn.  I must say I would love to spend a Getaway Weekend there!  sigh...

 

The second book of the series, Leaving November, is in my TBR pile and I'm looking forward to reading it also.

 

 

Book Review: "A Promise for Spring" by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

Book Description:

England-born Emmaline Bradford pledged her life to Geoffrey Garrett and then bid him farewell when he boarded a ship for America. Though Geoffrey planned to send for her within a few months, five long years have slipped by. And now Emmaline barely remembers her fiancé...

Having Emmaline finally living on the sheep ranch he's built on the north fork of the Solomon River is a dream come true for Geoffrey. But his beloved is not the free-spirited girl he remembers. In fact, she wishes to get out of Kansas as quickly as possible! Begging Emmaline to give prairie life a try, Geoffrey offers a compromise: If she promises to stay until spring, he'll pay her return fare if she decides to go back to her home country. Can anything convince a well-bred Englishwoman to become a "wildflower bride"?

My Thoughts:

Kim Vogel Sawyer has become one of my favorite authors.  When I pick up a book written by her, I know it is going to be a good read.

I loved Emmaline's spirit!  I lost count of how many times she set off to leave and go back to England.  And I didn't blame her!  How can men be so obtuse!  I know it is just fiction, but I just wanted to cheer her on.

I was glad to see how both Emmaline and Geoffrey adapted throughout the book and was quite pleased with the ending.

I'll be eagerly awaiting my next Kim Vogel Sawyer novel!

Book Review: "The Falcon and the Sparrow" by M.L. Tyndall

Book Description:

The intrigue and passion of The Falcon and the Sparrow will leave you breathless.

Follow the trail of Dominique Dawson, a reluctant spy who is forced to betray England or never see her brother again. As she takes a position as the governess of a Rear Admiral's son, her real mission is to gather intelligence information for Napoleon.

Chase Randal, irresistibly drawn to his son's new governess, reluctantly allows the attraction to grow. Is there a future for the spy and the rear admiral? Or will Dominique's deception crush any prospect of a lasting happiness?

My Thoughts:

I was pleasantly surprised by this book.  It is the first book from this author that I've read, but I have a few more on my TBR pile.

I like the fact that the Admiral's first marriage had been a love-match and that he truly mourned his wife.  It did make me sad at how he treated his son due to the fact that he reminded the Admiral so much of his wife that it hurt to really spend time with the son.

Dominique was so timid in some ways and strong in others.  Her relationship with her young charge, the Admiral's son, was so touching.

However, the entire book I keep yelling in my head for Dominique to just tell the Admiral about the trouble her brother was in.  The Admiral could then have swooped in and saved her brother, indebting her to him forever.

Oh well.  Maybe in another book.

Book Review: "Shadowed Secrets" by Lois Richer

Camp Hope Series

 

Book Description:

Angie Grant is on the run from the very witness protection program she's been serving. Her only refuge is her old house on the edge of Camp Hope's property. There she finds safety and the one person she can trust: police officer Rick Mercer. As Angie works out the issues from her past and learns to face the future, Rick finds himself falling in love with her. True love beckons, even as they come face-to-face with shadowed secrets.

My Thoughts:
 
I'm not sure what number this book is in the Camp Hope Series because this is the only one I've read.  While this is a stand-alone book, I think I would have understood more and gotten more deeply involved in the story if I would have had read more of the series.
 
The two main characters had already known each other for  along time when the book starts.  They have a history that is mostly eluded to.  There is a lot of interaction and romance contained in this book between them so I didn't feel like I missed out on anything major.
 
It was interesting reading about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the CSIS (not sure what that stands for).
 
This book had so many mysteries that I couldn't figure out.  I had a few hunches what direction it was going to go, but it wasn't predictable as some mysteries are.
 
I love watching all the cop-type shows on TV and this fell right into that category. 
 

Book Review: "Driftwood Lane" by Denise Hunter

"A Nantucket Love Story"

Book Description:

Meridith can handle anything: guardianship of three distant siblings, a dilapidated Bed-and-Breakfast, even an ever-present handyman who's dismantling more than her fireplace--or can she?

When the death of Meridith's estranged father leaves her with custody of three siblings she's never met, she reluctantly goes to Nantucket to care for them--but only until their uncle returns from his trip. Little does she know, the uncle is already there under the guise of her friendly handyman, with plans of his own.

Will the love that grows between them be strong enough to overcome the secrets that brought them both to Driftwood Lane?

My Thoughts:

I have loved all four of the "Nantucket Love Story" series.  Denise Hunter is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

I started this book about 10:30pm and stayed up until almost 2am to finish it.  I just couldn't stand the thought of putting it down without reading the whole story.

The dialogue between the characters was so real and comfortable.  The writing was so easy to read, which is a good thing because my eyes were getting quite scratchy and blurry by about 12:30am.

The journey the characters take through this entire book was so touching and endearing.  A great story on learning how to give up control and just trust.