Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

I have to say that Leigh's Carolina Series just kept getting better... And Restless in Carolina was the crowning jewel.

I loved the quirky main character, Bridget. Who in previous novels wasn't quiet as endearing but strange. She came full circle in this one.

I was sad to notice how rapidly I was approaching the end of this book, the series/characters. That said I should also say that it left me with a smile on my face!

Cozy up with this one & be prepared to not want to put it down.

Nowhere, Carolina by Tamara Leigh

With a past she isn't so proud of Maggie Pickwick seeks to be honorable in her present. Although with the return of a former boyfriend & hopes of protecting her daughter the areas of right & wrong seem to be turning more & more into gray.

I really enjoyed this story! The characters are wonderful! In this heartwarming tale you will find the struggle we all face with pride & learning to let go and trust God knows & does what's best for us.

A book to find a nice & cozy chair for!

Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh

Ever done something you would rather forget? Been treated harshly? If so maybe you are like Piper Wick or is it Pickwick?! A story of facing up to things & people which can be hard but as the Bible says the truth will set you free.

Interesting characters, a splash of romance & some good lessons to learn; all in all a good read.

The Emerald Isle (Book 4) by Angela Elwell Hunt

A wonderful conclusion to The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor series! In book 4, Hunt concludes with not only the story of Cahira but Kathleen as well.

I found it to be a very interesting & touching read... And find myself quite content and happy with the ending!

The Velvet Shadow (Book 3) by Angela Elwell Hunt

I enjoyed book 3 in the Heirs of Cahira O'Connor series. Set in the civil war time period it gives you a glimpse into the lives of those struggling to understand & do what is right at a time filled with chaos & differing view points pulling a nation & families apart. Some interesting historical information is woven into the story as well.

Our heroine, Flanna will capture your heart and you will be rooting for her as you turn the pages.

Thoughtful reading,

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh

Ever caught yourself in a situation that you wish you could undo? Meet Grace errr or is it Maizy?! Well you will have to read the story to figure that out.

Another rapid & enjoyable read! The characters come to life off the page & the plot keeps the pages turning as you wonder how she will work all this out!

One to read...

Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh

A prodigal returning home & determined not to wander... Playing it safe in every way, will Harriet miss out on Mister Right & more importantly the unique her God created her to be?

Another read to pick a good chair & settle in for! Delightfully real characters & a wonderful tale. I completely enjoyed zipping through this one yesterday!

Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh

Feel free to correct me if I am wrong on this but I do believe Stealing Adda was Leigh's first Christian fiction book published. She was previously a historical romance writer.

I enjoyed Adda & her other characters in this very enjoyable read! Mishaps, an arch-nemesis, romance, humor & a journey to faith what more could you ask for?!

Pick it up & settle in for a fun & engaging read!

Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh

Tamara Leigh's Perfecting Kate is "perfectly" delightful! Seriously you will find in Kate maybe a little of us all... How we would either like to perfect our outward selves, our lives, our inward self & so on. In this witty & fun read are some deep truths & questions to ponder. This was my first time to read one of T.L.'s books but I look forward to more!

The Golden Cross (Book 2), Angela Elwell Hunt

If you are up for another adventure... High seas, discovery, perils, romance, & more this is a book for you!

A little slow start but then your flying through the book eager to see what will become of our heroine, Aidan O'Connor. Another delightful tale!

The Silver Sword, Angela Elwell Hunt

I have to say doing this blog encourages me to get out and find new authors and to mix it up more and not read the same old same old all the time... In doing so I have been blessed to come across so many new (to me) authors, of whom I love their books.
In saying that let me introduce another new author for me - Angela Elwell Hunt.  I just finished this book last night and I can't wait to pick up the next in this series!  The Silver Sword started a little slow in the first chapter but then you pick up speed quiet rapidly and just do not want to stop reading!  I thoroughly enjoyed the history lesson and the tale... all of the details of the time period and what was going on in the struggles of the Church at that time.
Hunt has written a thrilling, wonderful and gripping tale that has you rooting, hoping, learning and captivated by the story and her main character, Anika of Prague.

Diva NashVegas - Book 2, Rachel Hauck

Another great read.  I loved the "Diva" insight... the hurts, insecurities, struggles, hopes and more.  A story pointing us to not lose ourselves in things that are worldly but to cling to that which is lasting.  The friendship and banter between the two main characters are delightful!  I didn't want to say goodbye...

Lost in NashVegas, Rachel Hauck

Sigh, well I loaned this book out with my notes on it, in it! Ha on myself.  Since it was a recent read here we go...
I loved it! I loved the characters, their personalities and the funny sayings.  Hauck had me chuckling quiet often through this book.  It was a shining gem! Maybe my favorite of hers yet! 

I highly recommend picking this one up!  Especially if you are in need of a few good laughs!

Allison Pittman, The Sister Wife Series

For Time & Eternity - Book 1
For a book I wasn't sure I wanted to read, I sure got sucked into it and didn't want to stop!  Seriously, once you are a few chapters in you are hooked.  The tale of Camilla, her life, her plight and imaging those women who have been through this tugs on you and grips your mind and heart.  I was so thankful that I already had book 2 on hand when I finished the first one!  (Pittman hasn't let me down yet).

Forsaking All Others - Book 2

Ahhh, the wondering and waiting - What will happen!?!  Again you just don't want to put it down.  Themes of grace, forgiveness, love, truth, clinging to and trusting Jesus are all woven wonderfully in! 

A series to read!

Vigilante, Robin Parrish

Wow, I am still trying to wrap my mind around this tale... It picks you up and picks up speed along the way until you are flying through the pages and hanging on because you are not sure where it will take you next!
Parrish steps out of the norm and challenges us to think and to question our motives, hearts, right/wrong... and he tops it all off with grace.  Bravo! 

If your looking for an exciting read this is it!

Promise Me This, Cathy Gohlke

This is the first time I have read a book by Gohlke and I am so glad I did!  The book was a little slow at the start but then ZING - you do NOT want to put it down!  I loved the parallels of Christ, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and grace written in this story.  You will notice that Owen is a Christ-like figure in this tale.  There is so much packed into this book wow - besides the above mentioned you will touch on sorrow, joy, hope, overcoming and so much more.  This is a powerful and moving tale, be sure to read it!

A LowCountry Romance Series - Rachel Hauck

Book 1 - Sweet Caroline
Loved it! The characters, the humor, the heart in it - wonderful!!! The book could have had another 100 pages - I was NOT ready for it to end!  I loved the symbolism in this book of death and love leading to change... that Christ who calls us His friend died for us out of love and because of this our lives are changed!  The lessons on friendships and sacrifice.  Couldn't wait for book 2...
Book 2 - Love Starts With Elle

Yay! Wrapping up the loose ends in book 1 and another wonderful story!  Again loved the characters, story and the flow.  Lessons on learning to trust and believe God.
Book 3 - Dining With Joy

Once again I loved the story and the characters.  I didn't want to put this one down.  I enjoyed the real life struggles and the lessons on faith, hope, trusting and love.
Cudos to Hauck on a great series!

Walks Alone, Sandi Rog

Rog's newest novel is a winner!  You will find this to be a fascinating and gripping read that won't let you go till you turn the last page.  Loved it! Rog truly is a masterful story teller... weaving intrigue, teaching us lessons and blessing us through this tale.  I enjoyed the historical details and learned not just history lessons but spiritual lessons as well.

Superb-

The Wedding Dress, Rachel Hauck

This was the first time I have read one of Hauck's books but I will again!  I loved the story and imagery she used.  The dress and what it represented not only at face value but in the underlying spiritual message.  A sure message you will pick up in this novel is one of Christ our Bridegroom, our Savior and Redeemer... and us, His Bride!  Well written!

Smitten ~ Coble, Billerbeck, Hunt & Hunter

Smitten is a tale in which four authors who are friends have each written a segment of the story.  Each author taking one of the four friends in the book as their main character and continuing the tale.  Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter are all real life friends and authors.

This was such a fun read! Perfect for a beach day or any where... I really enjoyed each story within the story and all of the characters!  I am "smitten" and can't wait for book 2!

Searching For Eternity, Elizabeth Musser

Bravo Musser - you are a gifted writer! Another engaging and well written story filled with depth and lessons to be learned.  It is sure to tug on your heart and to make you think.  I loved the story and the characters. I found this book to be very intriguing and filled with things such as love, friendship, hope, forgiveness, mystery, persevering, faith and more.  Definitely put this one on your reading list!

The Accidental Bride, Denise Hunter

For those of you who follow me regularly and know that my postings have become very erratic since my 2nd child was born and we moved, you will be excited to know that I finally started taking down notes after finishing a book! You will also be bummed to know that I did loan out a few books that I am not sure I have posted on yet... but as they get returned I will mention them.

The Accidental Bride is the second book in The Big Sky Romance Series by Denise Hunter (book three is due out in October). Hunter has once again blessed us with another wonderful tale, that tugs on your heart!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and flew through the pages.  I can't wait for book 3!!!  Pick this one up you won't be disappointed.

Dreaming With God by Bill Johnson

By now you may be expecting what I am about to write but please forgive me!  I read this book around the end of May/beginning of June and I wish I had made notes so as to extol on it more. 

This was the first time I have read one of Bill Johnson's books.  A dear friend recommended this book to me and I am so glad.  The subtitle of the book is - Co-Laboring with God for Cultural Transformation, that I hope will give you more insight into the book. 

I can tell you that as I read the book I gleaned some very valuable jewels and would recommend reading this one!  If you are hungering to draw closer, to be who God designed you to be and to join with Him in His purposes this book will be an encouragement to you!

Blessed reading!