The Story Keeper (A Carolina Heirlooms Novel, Book 2) by Lisa Wingate

Book Description:

Successful New York editor, Jen Gibbs, is at the top of her game with her new position at Vida House Publishing -- until a mysterious manuscript from an old slush pile appears on her desk. Turning the pages, Jen finds herself drawn into the life of Sarra, a mixed-race Melungeon girl trapped by dangerous men in the turn of the century Appalachia. A risky hunch may lead to The Story Keeper's hidden origins and its unknown author, but when the trail turns toward the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place Jen thought she'd left behind forever, the price of a blockbuster next book deal may be higher than she's willing to pay. 

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This is quite simply, a beautifully, multifaceted and well written novel. Really you get two stories within one book; both the modern day tale with Jen and Evan, and also the historical one of Rand and Sarra.  If you are looking for a big romance plot here, that really isn't what this novel is all about. Although there are aspects of romance tied up in this novel as well. In truth, this novel is a picture of life. Life filled with our past and how it is a part of who we are but also does not have to dictate who we become. Also, life filled with hope, growth, forgiveness and love.

I opened up this novel and very shortly there after found myself captivated by both tales. The Story Keeper is well written, thoughtful and meaningful in ways that will speak to you long after you leave its' pages. This is one for your keeper shelf! I hope you will enjoy this one as much as I did! It was excellent!

*** These novels, in this series do not have to be read in order. They can be read as stand alone novels.

The Prayer Box (Carolina Heirlooms #1) by Lisa Wingate

Book Description:
When Iola Anne Poole, an old-timer on Hatteras Island, passes away in her bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in her rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds herself charged with the task of cleaning out Iola’s rambling Victorian house.

Running from a messy, dangerous past, Tandi never expects to find more than a temporary hiding place within Iola’s walls, but everything changes with the discovery of eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes, one for each year, spanning from Iola’s youth to her last days. Hidden in the boxes is the story of a lifetime, written on random bits of paper—the hopes and wishes, fears and thoughts of an unassuming but complex woman passing through the seasons of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with journeys of faith, observations on love, and one final lesson that could change everything for Tandi. 

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The Prayer Box, is a beautiful and touching story. I will admit, that at first, I was not into it. I did not care for the main character and wasn't sure the book would be for me. However, it had such great reviews, that I decided to hang in there and give it a go. I am so glad that I did! This novel slowly lured me in and hooked me! I came to care for and root for the main character, and especially touched by the  prayer box prayers and the woman who wrote them. In fact, it is her life that still lingers on my mind.

This novel has wonderful food for thought, for your soul. These truths should take root and bear fruit in your life.  So glad I picked this one up! Looking forward to reading more novels by Lisa Wingate!

Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury

Book Description:
A riveting story of secret sin and the healing power of forgiveness. Airline pilot Connor Evans and his wife, Michele, seem to be the perfect couple living what looks like a perfect life. Then a plane goes down in the Pacific Ocean. One of the casualties is Kiahna Siefert, a flight attendant Connor knew well. Too well. Kiahna’s will is very clear: before her seven-year-old son, Max, can be turned over to the state, he must spend the summer with the father he’s never met, the father who doesn’t know he exists: Connor Evans. Now will the presence of one lonely child and the truth he represents destroy Connor’s family ? Or is it possible that healing and hope might come in the shape of a seven-year-old boy?

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This story pulled me in, and in all honesty, I found it very difficult to set it down. This is one of those novels that lingers on your mind while you step away from its' pages and one that will linger with you long after you have turned the last page.

Heartfelt, moving and compelling, all aptly describe this novel. Peppered with truths and lessons on love, forgiveness, sacrifice and second chances, there is plenty to minister to and speak to your soul.

While this is a fantastic novel, that I highly encourage you to read. I will say there were a few things that felt a little unrealistic to me, (ex. - the legalities were sort of skipped over in ways, that I don't see possible in real life). However, the emotions and other aspects of the novel felt very real. I definitely needed a tissue a time or too! Not that this is a depressing novel, in fact, it will leave you with a smile upon your face and heart. Well done!

The Sunken Realm (Eyes of E'veria Book 4) by Serena Chase

Book Description:
She is an outcast among knights 
Her reputation in ruins, her knighthood revoked, and her future bleak, Erielle de Gladiel would have welcomed death as her due. Captured by pirates, she was beaten, whipped, branded a thief—and worse—and then set adrift to die. She did not expect—or even want—to be rescued. Especially not by the dashing blasted pirate now calling himself her husband. 

He is the King of Pirates 
His oath satisfied and his Legacy secured, Cazien vows vengeance on all who harmed Erielle. But before he can hunt them down, a strange visitor appears with an urgent message—a message that aligns with prophecy Erielle has written in her sleep: The Seahorse Pirates must reach Nirista before the famed Tournament of the Twelve . . . or hundreds of stolen children will die. 

Together, they are relentless 
With the fate of many resting upon them, Cazien and Erielle sail to Nirista. Once there, they are forced to follow separate paths to achieve their aims. Treacheries are uncovered and allies are gained, but in the shadows, a hidden foe plots a grievous betrayal that could shatter not only their hope, but the Seahorse Legacy itself. 

The epic conclusion of this series-within-a series, The Sunken Realm sweeps Erielle and Cazien along a pulse-pounding voyage to discover all they are meant to become, together. Giving subtle nods to several fairy tales, including an unexpected twist to the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, this romantic YA pirate adventure is the final novel in the Eyes of E’veria series . . . but the Seahorse Pirates and their friends in E’veria may yet have stories to tell.

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What a fantastic adventure awaits you within the pages of this novel! It is a thrilling journey, with characters you will love, moments that will move you and keep you on the edge of your seat, and deeper truths to be imparted. To say I eagerly awaited the release of this novel, would be putting it mildly. I took the time to reread Book 3 prior and I am glad I did, so that Erielle and Cazien's story was fresh upon my mind. I have loved this whole series, and feared that the conclusion would fall short, instead it exceeded my expectations! Bravo, Serena Chase!

I have to say, that once the story and relationship progressed, I loved seeing the way Cazien loved Erielle; the way he honored her. In a way that is beautiful and one in which we would all like to find ourselves. Seeing their interactions and banter throughout the novel was also another high point in the novel, along with watching them mature and grow as individuals and as a couple. I could in fact, go on many, many more adventures with these two. So, while I would be so open to journeying with them more, I can absolutely say that at the same time, this novel had a VERY satisfying conclusion! Loved it!

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

Book Description:

Lizzy and Jane couldn’t be further from Jane Austen’s famous sisters for whom they are named.

Elizabeth left her family’s home in Seattle fifteen years ago to pursue her lifelong dream—chefing her own restaurant in New York City. Jane stayed behind to raise a family. Estranged since their mother’s death many years ago, the circumstances of their lives are about to bring them together once again.

Known for her absolute command of her culinary domain, Elizabeth’s gifts in the kitchen have begun to elude her. And patrons and reviewers are noticing. In need of some rest and an opportunity to recover her passion for cooking, Elizabeth jumps at the excuse to rush to her sister’s bedside when Jane is diagnosed with cancer. After all, Elizabeth did the same for their mother. Perhaps this time, it will make a difference.

As Elizabeth pours her renewed energy into her sister’s care and into her burgeoning interest in Nick, Jane’s handsome coworker, her life begins to evolve from the singular pursuit of her own dream into the beautiful world of family, food, literature, and love that was shattered when she and Jane lost their mother. Will she stay and become Lizzy to her sister’s Jane—and Elizabeth to Nick’s Mr. Darcy—or will she return to the life she has worked so hard to create?

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A really good read. Reay, crafts wonderful characters and stories that pull you in. While, I didn't love this one as much as I did her debut novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, I still really, really liked it. I found some wonderful insights the further I got into the book and learned a few things about cancer patients along the way.

There was a touch of romance but really the main theme of this novel is wrapped up more in the two sisters and even more, really about growth - forgiveness, love, sharing, trusting, hoping and I could go on. Reay, has a new fan in me!

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Book Discription:

Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others—namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story—by giving that story to a complete stranger.

Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore.

But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

As Sam’s dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.

Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

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I absolutely loved this book! I wasn't sure at first if I would, as the novel is written as if you are reading letters. However, after a few letters in, I was hooked! I found it hard to put down, when I had to, and it lingered in my mind while I was away from its' pages. I thought that maybe I would miss out on the character interaction and other things from this style of writing but I did not. I found that it was all wrapped up nicely in the letters.

Characters, and not just our main character, Sam, came to life. The story was rich and touching. I cried at times and went through many other ranges of emotion, but most of all I was excited. Excited to see Sam and her relationships grow and mature. There was a lingering suspicion I had throughout the story, about where things might head and I was correct but still so pleased to see it all unfold.

Definitely, a novel I could read again!

Falling Like Snowflakes (A Summer Harbor Novel, Book 1) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:

Eden Martelli is too busy fleeing the clutches of danger to realize she’s running straight into the arms of a new love.

Speeding north through rural Maine, Eden Martelli wonders how her life came to this—on the run with her mute five-year-old son dozing fitfully in the passenger seat. When a breakdown leaves them stranded in Summer Harbor, Eden has no choice but to stay put through Christmas . . . even though they have no place to lay their heads.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem solver—for other people anyway. He left the sheriff’s department to take over his family’s Christmas tree farm, but he’s still haunted by the loss of his parents and struggling to handle his first Christmas alone.

When Eden shows up looking for work just as Beau’s feisty aunt gets out of the hospital, Beau thinks he’s finally caught a break. Eden is competent and dedicated—if a little guarded—and a knockout to boot. But, as he soon finds out, she also comes with a boatload of secrets.

Eden has been through too much to trust her heart to another man, but Beau is impossible to resist, and the feeling seems to be mutual. As Christmas Eve approaches, Eden’s past catches up to her.

Beau will go to the ends of the earth to keep her safe. But who’s going to protect his heart from a woman who can’t seem to trust again?

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Hunter, once again, crafts a novel sure to delight! For those who read her novel, Married til Monday, you will be a little familiar with Summer Harbor and the Callahan brothers. And hopefully as excited as me to see how their stories pan out! For those who haven't, no worries, it isn't necessary, but I do recommend the read!

Fans will not be disappointed, as per Hunters usual style, they will find all the ingredients that make us love Hunter's stories, and just make a great novel in general. Characters that are not only likable and engaging, but who have depth... and chemistry! There are sub stories building up for the novels to follow, a dash of suspense, life/faith lessons and romance!

One of the take aways from the story is on fear and not letting it rule your life. Fear is not of God, and it can chain you. Eden struggles with this on a few different levels. Fear for her life and Micah's, but also letting her past mistakes and other things affect her present and future. Any way, some good food for thought in there for all of us!

This engaging novel kept the pages flying and leaves me eager to read Zac's story, The Goodbye Bride (due out in March of 2016)!