Book Review: All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is a powerful look at today's culture and the reality of the hurts that get hidden in social media posts. Ms Deese treats this topic with care. The emotions behind this novel are deep and readers will feel the main character's deep pain. But those emotions do not get in the way of the author's fun and engaging writing. Instead, the character's realizations become aha moments for the reader, pointing back through the fun writing as a deep emotional cord that had been there all along. The writing in this book is masterful. This book is layered in the emotions and tragedies explored but also in the true hope that can be found.  I highly recommend this novel to readers of many types of books. While it may look like just women's fiction, I truly believe this book's message is vital in today's culture and would resonate with readers of many backgrounds if given a chance. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

 

Book Review: Is It Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh

Is It Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh is book 2 in the Nantucket Love Story Series. This book is a testament to the solid writing of the author. Full of raw, gritty emotions, it is clear that the author has a deep understanding of them and is able to explore them fully and realistically. While it is definitely emotionally resonant, this book is also not dark or depressing. That is a difficult thing to balance but it is done brilliantly in this novel. Full of hope in the face of tragedy and second chances as well, Is It Any Wonder will keep you fully engrossed from the very first sentence on page 1. I could not recommend this book more. It is a phenomenal novel that will be enjoyed by readers of women's fiction and sweet romance. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

 

Book Review: Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham

Hope Between the Pages by Pepper D. Basham is the perfect book for book lovers. With amazing storytelling, a bit of mystery, and a homage to amazing books, this book has something for everyone. This novel is a time slip novel but with related stories it feels seamless and cohesive unlike others in this genre. I loved the many references to other literary works. The romance and mystery woven throughout worked so perfectly. I highly recommend this book. It is a treasure. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

 

 

Book Review: Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn

Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn is the sensational start of a new series. It is mesmerizing and terrifying, realistic and full of emotion. I highly recommend this book and I have to say my only complaint is that I cannot wait for the series to continue in book 2! This is one of those books you just can't stop reading because the characters seem so real and the suspense never stops. I was so sad when the book was over. Ms Blackburn is a talented writer with a penchant for creating a dynamic world of characters and dangerous scenarios for them. Readers of romantic suspense will adore this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Book Review: Before Time Runs Out by Amy Matayo

Before Time Runs Out by Amy Matayo releases today!  This book is a Charles and Company Romance, the first in a new series. I have long been a fan of Ms Matayo's writing and have read many other works by her. While I read many genres, I have never been a fan of time travel romance until now. I honestly would not have picked up this book if it had not been written by this author. But this book is phenomenal in concept, characters, and overall writing. Not only am I looking forward to subsequent books in this series, this book has made me rethink my previous disinclination to read in this genre. I am extremely glad that I read this book and I would highly recommend it to readers of romance, time travel, and women's fiction. Fans of Charles Dickens and his time period would particularly like this book. His appearance in the book is a real treat. Theo and Bree are an amazing couple. What is a few decades anyway? Pick up this book. You will not regret it. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

 

 

Book Review: Bookers on the Rocks by Chautona Havig

About the Book

 

Book:  Bookers on the Rocks

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

If it ain’t broke, why’s she so intent on fixing it?

Tessa Booker hates romance.

For twenty-five years, Tessa Booker has insisted that romance is something Hollywood cooked up to sell books and movies. Yes, she knows the word existed before movies.  She doesn’t care. That’s her story, and she’s sticking to it.

So when Ross gets a gentle nudge from Mallory Barrows to look into what Tessa’s doing every day while he’s at work, he discovers a romance in the works–one that sounds a little too “ripped from the pages” of his life!

Who is this woman, and what has she done with his wife? 

Armed with advice from 101 Ways to Romance Your Wife and a copy of the manuscript he printed while she was napping, he’s determined to figure out what’s up with his wife… and if maybe a little romance wouldn’t be a good thing after all.

In a twist of the “on the rocks trope,” this book introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

My Thoughts

Bookers on the Rocks by Chautona Havig is truly unique novel. It is part of the Independence Islands series and it features some of the familiar characters they readers of the series have come to recognize. This book takes a deeper look at an already married couple and what works and doesn’t work in their marriage. Married people will definitely find themselves challenged by this book, although I think the novel could easily be enjoyed by anyone who loves contemporary romance. While this is not a conventional romance, it actually goes much farther and deeper, looking at what lasts and what makes a marriage thrive. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

Who Needs Romance? My Marriage Is Great as It Is!

Writing a book about a couple who are in love, devoted to each other, and don’t have marriage problems is… challenging. Let’s face it. Most books about married couples, especially ones “on the rocks,” are going to have fights, an affair (at least of the emotional variety), or some big thing threatening to send them straight to divorce court.

Mine doesn’t.

In fact, Bookers on the Rocks shows what happens when couples become too comfortable in their routines—so comfortable, in fact, that they become blind to each other’s needs. If you asked Tessa Booker if anything is wrong in her marriage, she’d say no. If you asked her if she wanted anything different, she’d say no. The age old, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.

Still, if you look at stories in Scripture, you see deep love and even romance in some places. Elkanah, who loved his wife enough to say, “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” Jacob who worked fourteen years to marry the woman he loved. Solomon and his love for the Shulamite woman. While the first two do not make me squirm, Solomon does. That book… oh, that book.

What I think Song of Solomon does is remind us of the Lord’s wooing of His people and how invested the Shulamite woman was in being delighted in her beloved—in all of him. If that isn’t a picture of how we should devote ourselves to our Lord, I don’t know what is.

In Bookers on the Rocks, I explore the possibility that those of us who aren’t naturally romantic might just be missing a vital ingredient in our marriages. A body can look and feel perfectly healthy for years—even decades. But if some essential nutrient is missing in a person’s diet, eventually that body will show it in some way. A lack of calcium can create brittle bones. No one sees the problem until a slight stumble turns into a nasty break.

Did it change how I view my marriage? No… not yet. Then again, yes it did, too. I’m more… aware of what is going on in my marriage these days. I doubt candlelight and roses will ever become a thing in our relationship, but translating what romance might mean and look like to my husband has become something I do think about from time to time. That probably means more Wienerschnitzel and less broccoli, but hey. He did a lot of dishes, dinner, and diapers (my perfect three Ds of romance) when our kids were small. I can endure a hot dog or three thousand, right?

Blog Stops

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Livin’ Lit, February 10

lakesidelivingsite, February 11

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 11

She Lives to Read, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Book of Ruth Ann, February 12

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, February 13

Rebekah Reads, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

Batya's Bits , February 14

Inklings and notions, February 15

Simple Harvest Reads, February 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 16

Library Lady's Kid Lit, February 16

Robin's Nest, February 16

Lots of Helpers, February 17

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 17

Splashes of Joy, February 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 18

Artistic Nobody, February 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 20

CarpeDiem, February 20

deb's Book Review, February 21

Connect in Fiction, February 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 22

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Blossoms and Blessings, February 23

Godly Book Reviews, February 23

Pause for Tales, February 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10740/bookers-on-the-rocks-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review: Hide and Seek by Christy Barritt

Hide and Seek by Christy Barritt is the start of a new Lantern Beach series. Readers will recognize Cassidy and Ty from other series’ set there, but somehow I fell in love with them all over again in this new stage in their life. Settled now in Lantern Beach, they have a new mystery and a child to protect. The stakes are high and danger ever lingers close. This is a fast read and you won’t be able to put it down! I stayed up until 2 am reading it one night. So recommended! I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.