Let Them Eat Cake: A Novel (French Twist Book 1) by Sandra Byrd

Book Description:

Book One in the French Twist Series. 

Lexi Stuart is at a critical crossroads. She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends. 

When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye–but even may not be who he seems to be! 

So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed–she loses her compulsion to please. Something inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin! 

Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else’s expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting herself and God with her future–très bon! 

This book is written from a lightly Christian world view.

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Let Them Eat Cake is the first book in Byrds's French Twist series. And just so you know, these are books that should be read in order.  Each book, is a continuation, flowing from book to book, with the same main character throughout. 

For me, this book is also an introduction to a new author. And as with any new book or author, you are never really sure how well you will like the writing style, story, etc. So, let me be honest, in the very beginning I just wasn't sure I was going to like this story. Some things about Lexi (the main character) bugged me but I decided to give it a chance, & am I ever so glad I did!

I loved seeing Lexi start to transform and mature, in a very honest & realistic way.  The storyline is interesting, the characters and their struggles/faults are all to real. It's is refreshingly honest, and while being that, it is not heavy or depressing but rather optimistic and uplifting. 

I am so excited to start book 2 and see what happens with Lexi next!

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

 

I absolutely, loved, loved, loved this novel!!! Frantz is a very gifted writer, whose words flow smoothly, sweetly, capturing your heart and imagination; leaving you in awe and wonder. I have loved all of her novels, and this one only confirms her place as a top notch novelist and my eager desire to read her next piece of work.... I hope it will not be too long a wait!

Frantz pens characters who come to life, in a setting that is all to real and becomes vivid in your mind. You will find yourself completely immersed within this novel's pages, and hard pressed to find a point in which to set it down (if you must). Your only regret will be that it is over when you conclude the last page, and at which point you may desire to return to page 1 and start anew!

This novel is set during the American Revolution and just following it, bringing to life a time and setting not often revisited but of great interest. A time when loyalties are tested, betrayal is felt and hardships endured. However, through it all there is a shining light, a hope and for those who press on, victory. 

Oh, how I loved the characters and their interactions with one another. Both Sophie and Seamus  will capture your heart, and you will be ever so eager to see their story unfold. Frantz gives us the foreknowledge of the impending trouble that is to come and as such you carefully watch and wait for it to unfold and then wonder how this will all work out. But never fear this is an ending you wouldn't want to miss!

Absolutely top notch, fantastic, wonderful... I think you get the point! This could be the best read of the year!

Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors, and her books are ones that I immediately pre-order. So, suffice it to say I have loved all of her previous books! And while I did end up really enjoying this latest novel, it took me much longer to get into it than it normally would have in one of her previous novels. Maybe it had to do with the characters, who are very realistically written, faults and all. There is no saint or hero to start. However, that will later be used in the story to not only show character growth but also to add some mystery and build up the anticipation for the rest of the story. 

I have to say the further on you get into the story, Klassen really throws some twists and turns! Surprising me at the end, but in a good way! I would say by the last 65 to 70% of the story she had gained my eager anticipation! I was glued to the pages. 

So by all means, do not let this review put you off! But instead spur you on to read through the first part of the story and get to the meat of it, where it starts to get really good and intriguing! It is worth the read!

To Win Her Favor (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel, Book 3) by Tamera Alexander

 

I have absolutely LOVED this series! Tamera Alexander is not only a fabulously gifted writer, but one of my favorites! I order her books, as soon as I know they are available and she has not once failed to write a novel that goes beyond pleasure. So once again, she hits a home run!

To Win Her Favor, is in that same flavor of writing as the previous novels in this series. Set in a historical setting, with some real live historical characters thrown in but still it is fiction. However, it reads as if it is life leaping off the pages. While being both a very enjoyable read, it still speaks to you on a deeper level and moves you. The characters are so well written and I enjoy the interplay between them, and not just the main characters but the secondary ones who grab hold of your heart as well. The storyline is compelling and I found the historical truths and life truths, peppered in to be of great interest.

This is one of those novels, I wish I could have set down and read straight through. However, being the mom now of three young boys (one of which is not even three months old yet), that was not possible. Still the story stuck with me and I had no trouble getting back into its flow and enjoyed every spare moment I got to spend within its' pages. I do so hope you will give this one a read! And if you haven't read the previous novels in this series, you absolutely should!

The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body bySarah Ballantyne

Packed with tons of informational tips, guides, and a thorough explaining of how different things impact your health/autoimmune system/gut. For those into the scientific explanation, those details are included. Written for those not into the scientific explanations either. Easy to understand and very helpful!

I have the Cookbook for Paleo Autoimmune by Ballantyne too (The Paleo Approach Cookbook) and it has some of this great info in it as well as recipes and shopping guides/meal plans. I can also recommend The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook by Mickey Trescott.

For those of you looking to improve your health naturally, check these out!

Married 'til Monday (A Chapel Springs Romance Book 4) by Denise Hunter

 

Married 'til Monday is the final book in Hunter's Chapel Springs Romance Series, of which I have thoroughly enjoyed! One thing I love about Hunter's novels is her ability to write real life circumstances and believable characters. She draws you into their lives and along the way gives you some truths to chew on. This is book is like that.

While Abby is not my favorite leading lady, she is that way for a reason. Her character is very guarded and there are reasons why. You will pull for her and you will especially be pulling for Ryan, who is absolutely wonderful! Sure they both have their flaws but that is reality and that is all part of the bigger story. Seeing people who love each other, but have let things drive them apart, find their way to healing and forgiveness... and more is what this book is all about! 

I really enjoyed this novel and found it hard to put down. In fact, I zipped through it in one day. A feat for a mom of three little ones, one being less than 2 months old. So, all in all if you are looking for a story with heart, one that triumphs through realistic troubles, then look no further. 

I am looking forward to Hunter's next series, Summer Harbor! Book 1, Falling Like Snowflakes is due out this September! The main characters and setting were tied into this book, so it will be interesting to see this place and people become more fully developed! Can't wait!

The Wonder of You (Christiansen Family, #5) by Susan May Warren

Book Description:

Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance—even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

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I have absolutely loved this series! And The Wonder of You does not disappoint! Warren per her usual style, types up a story you want to dive into and stay immersed in. I only wish I could have read it in one setting, but being the mom of three little kids, and one being a newborn, that was not possible. Still I devoured it as I could over 2 days.

Amelia, Roark and the Christiansen clan, all make for an engrossing tale. With depth of characters & relationships, struggles, insecurities, hurts and yes, pride... they like the rest of us struggle through circumstances, doubts, hopes, dreams and fears. Warren again inserts several biblical lessons that ring true and are done in a touching and heartfelt way. I love that about her novels. And this was definitely one that pulls at your heartstrings!

Seeing Amelia navigate the waters of her fears and feelings, amongst her family and even more in her choice of who is best for her between her two suitors was well worth the read. And you can't help but root for 007! Truly a hero that can win your heart.

As a bonus, you get a secondary story tied in with Max and Grace and of course more from the whole clan! I cannot wait for Your the One That I Want (the series finale, due next Spring)!