Wishing on Willows - 4.5 stars

How is it possible for an author to grab your heart as quickly as Katie Ganshert does in Wishing on Willows?

Robin is a new widow. This life is nothing like what she pictured it would be when she said her vows on her wedding day. The only things she has going for her is her son, and the cafe that was her dream with her husband.

Now, some hotshot is threatening to take away the café. She survived the passing of her husband, but how could she survive the death of her dream? Ian Mckay is the developer who is trying to take her café, yet, his self sacrificing love shows another side of him. Will Robin be able to let down her guard and grieve the past in time to allow love to enter her life again?

Katie Ganshert does a beautiful job of wrapping around your heart and not letting go. You will cry, you will be angry for Robin. She makes her protagonist so believable, you want to march into town and take up her cause with her.

I love the rich pictures that Katie Ganshert develops in this book. Definitely a recommended read!

4.5 stars

* I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review

Unbreakable - 4.5 stars

I read and reviewed the first book in the Road to Kingdom series. I found this series delightful and a pleasant surprise.
 
Nancy Mehl weaves an intriguing tale with the use of suspense, great characters and a quality plot.
 
Hope Kauffman is engaged to Ebbie, but her heart is torn for another. While she is struggling to decide between the two men who love her, someone is terrorizing her town. Will faith win our or will the residents take matters into their own hands?
 
I love the way Nancy Mehl develops the characters and keeps you guessing about which man Hope will eventually pick. Usually, I can figure out where the plot is going, but this one kept me guessing! I also loved how Nancy asked a very good and difficult theological question throughout the book. Will God protect the town, or do they need to protect themselves?
 
Nancy does a fantastic job keeping the reader on the edge. You will find the need to keep reading even past your bedtime (you've been warned).
 
If possible, this was even better than the first in the series.
 
I give this book 4.5 stars!
 
*I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Dandelions in the Wind

Dandelions in the Wind

I have read books by Mona Hodgson before, and I enjoy her writing.

Unfortunately, this book was an exception. I thought the story line was creative and sweet, the problem is; the story was not developed. The characters seemed very one dimensional. The plot moved way too quickly and didn't have much development.

This was a disappointing read for me, because I expected a lot from Mona Hodgson and she did not deliver.

If you want a quick read (a little over 100 pages) that is sweet and light, then you will enjoy this book.

*I received this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for my honest review.

Secretly Smitten

I have read books by some of these authors, but not all of them. I found this book, Secretly Smitten, a delightful read.

There are four (really five) different stories, in one book. I love how the authors all came together to collaborate on this one novel.

To be honest, it did seem like some of the books were rushed and not the best writing they have done. Still, it was a sweet set of novelas. My favorite was the last one, Love Blooms, because it seemed more developed than the other stories.

I really enjoyed reading the different stories from each woman's perspective. From the sisters, to the mom, and even the grandma. It was a whole family affair.

I recommend this book to people who want a longer book, but don't want to think too much. It is a sweet book, but nothing in it challenges you to be a better person.

**I recieved this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Echoes - 3 stars

This is one of those books that you read for fun, what I like to call 'mind candy'. It tastes good, but doesn't really stick with you. This book is sweet, but doesn't really make you think.

Lauren seems to get into trouble wherever she goes, when she 'mutually' breaks up with her boyfriend, she is devestated. Her brother brings her this new fangled contraption, called a computer. (This book is a little outdated) and she joins an online community. There she meets a young man known as K.C. They develop a friendship that deeps into something greater.

Although this book is such a sweet read, I did find it to be outdated. Some of the younger generation are going to read this and not be able to relate at all. (How can a youngish woman NOT know how to use a computer?)

Still, if you are looking for a quick read on vacation, this is a good pick!

I love Robin Jones Gunn, she has quite a few good books. Check them out!

3 stars

**I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor

Have you tried this razor yet? I have had the opportunity to try it through BzzAgent. It is amazing. It leaves you feeling smooth, silky and longing for more time in the shower!

Wildflowers from Winter

If you read this book, you are going to need some tissues. Trust me on this one. Wildflowers from Winter is full of raw emotion. The characters in this novel are real and genuine. They drag you in from the first chapter and don't let you go.

Bethany has gone through so much pain and hurt and holds it all inside, as we all do. When she is called back to the place she longs so desperately to leave, she is torn between her own desires and that which she knows she should do.

Through the relationships along the way, she learns to come face to face with the past she has been running from.

I found this book compelling, and heart wrenching. As much as I loved most of the book, it did seem as if it ended quickly. I finished the book with questions, and confused about some things.

All in all, I think this was a great read. I definitely recommend it!

Four stars!



I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.