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SECRET INVESTIGATION by Elizabeth Heiter - Book Review

8/10/2020

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Ride along on the riveting cases of the Tactical Crime Division — TCD. An elite team of FBI agents specializing in high-risk threats.

In the wake of a tragedy, the Tactical Crime Division is the first call.


When ironclad body armor inexplicably fails and soldiers perish, the Tactical Crime Division jumps into action. Agent and former ranger Davis Rogers asks to go undercover to find the traitor responsible for the death of one of his friends, and Petrov Armor CEO Leila Petrov is happy to provide access to her company…especially once she discovers she’s being framed. But will their joint efforts be enough to uncover the truth?
GOODREADS  |  AMAZON
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Grief, betrayal, secrets, and loyalties are driving this intense investigation to the devastating loss of soldiers on the field, and the CEO Leila Petrov is doing everything in her power to clear her company's name. 
Leila has fought her way to the top even though many think that she is there just because of her bloodline. She is hardworking, smart, loyal, capable, professional and she is willing to fight for what she believes is right. I liked her, her drive, her ability to handle tough situations. 
The former ranger Davis Rogers is an intense hero. He is driven and he has a mission being willing to do anything to accomplish it.  He had to grow on me, I really had to get to know him a bit more to like him and root for him. And to root for Leila and him as a couple, though there's very little attention given for their relationship to develop and grow to be something significant.
The secondary couple with conflict from the team of investigators once again in a shorter length of a book felt - to me - an unnecessary distraction. 
Heiter writes potent investigation scenes that twists and curve like a mountain road, never knowing what is coming around the corner. I love her style to build up the anticipation and keep the readers on a riveting edge until the end. 
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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Publishers Weekly bestselling author ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy's shooting range. Her novels have been published in more than a dozen countries and translated into eight languages; they've also been shortlisted for the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne Du Maurier award, the National Readers' Choice award and the Booksellers' Best award and won the RT Reviewers' Choice award. Visit Elizabeth at www.elizabethheiter.com.

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48 HOUR LOCKDOWN by Carla Cassidy - Book Review

8/10/2020

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GOODREADS  |  AMAZON
New York Times bestselling author Carla Cassidy delivers nonstop suspense and magnetic romance in the first book of Tactical Crime Division, featuring the best of the best in crime solving.

The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI. They handle the toughest cases in the most remote locations.

When TCD learns of a school invasion turned lockdown, every agent is ready to engage. With children in jeopardy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is one of the captives holed up with the students in a school for the gifted. He’ll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission—and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.
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Exciting and intense moments of suspense during the hostage negotiation that brings face to face old lovers while battling against a cult of culprits. 
Carla Cassidy knows how to bring the readers to the edge and hold them there throughout the story. I have always enjoyed the way she tells her riveting tales. There's danger, there's passion, there is growth, there're twists and unexpected developments, thrilling, entertaining stories I love to read. 
I was super excited about the 48 Hour Lockdown since I haven't had a chance to read Carla Cassidy's books for a little awhile. When I realized it was part of a new multi-author series, I went to investigate a bit more since serial novels are not for me but this one has a new hero and heroine in each installment and conclusion to the story in each book - so not a problem for me. 
The Intrigue books from Harlequin are shorter in length and have the suspense on the front thus the romance gets a little less spotlight and chance to develop. It was fantastic that Evan Duran and Annalise Taylor knew each other from before, the history they had didn't end well, but the reasons for that were revealed and worked on. Evan's past demons were something he learned to recognize and knowledged to work on them. Annalise's as well had grown and matured over the time apart. 
While I understand that the authors need to create the feel for the continuing series the focus and time spent on the other team members felt - for me personally - unnecessarily long. I wish that time and space could have been given to show the chemistry between Evan and Annalise, (too) much was left to the reader's imagination when it came to the connection, bond, and zizzle between them. 
~ Four Spoons

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Carla Cassidy lives in the Midwest with her husband, Frank. She's the author of over eighty books and can't think of anything she'd rather do for a living than tell stories.

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STORM BY JANIE CROUCH - Book Review

5/10/2020

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GOODREADS  |  AMAZON
Breathe in. Breathe out. Survive.

Marilyn Ellis is finally putting her life back together. The domestic abuse she suffered may be labeled textbook by therapists, but it’s the parts she’s never told anyone that haunt her.
She refuses to get trapped in that hell ever again.

Former Special Forces soldier turned rancher Noah Dempsey is more than capable of training the delicate single mom in moves and tactics that will help her feel safe. But his own tortured past makes him decidedly less qualified for anything more.
No matter how much her big eyes—and even bigger heart—draw him in.
However, when unexpected danger arrives in their small town, Noah knows this is a woman worth fighting for. Worth fighting beside. And he’s going to be the one to do it.

She needs a hero.
He’ll have to remember how to be one.
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Wow. The highly anticipated tale of Noah and Marilyn is here and I adored every single moment of the story: the threat, the danger, the sweetly slow yet ardent romance building up... just brilliant. 
Another brilliant thing that was done so smoothly and what seemed effortlessly -  combining three different series into one book, and in one of those series the author was just visiting on. The overlapping of tales and couples was well done and it was lovely to visit with some of the old friends and scenes from another aspect. 
The abuse Marilyn has suffered and survived is unimaginable and cruel, yet that whole situation with her past was done with respect and discreet way. I love Noah and his way to honor and respect Marilyn on every step of the way while she overcomes her abuse. The connection Noah builds with Marilyn's kids just made me smile. 
The constant thread is possibly deadly, and the couple has to face the dangers of lunatic man as well as of nature in what felt like a fast-paced fight for a better tomorrow. The story covers a longer time period than most romantic suspense books, spanning over several months, giving the chance for the natural progress of the romance.
Linear Tactical series is one of my favorites, each story winning my heart over in a different way for different reasons. And Storm is no exception, it has several scenes that will linger in my mind for a long time, and it is definitely a book I can highly recommend with winning, charming, lovable characters, intense suspense and danger, and romance that swept me off my feet... Unputdownable entertainment! 
~ Five Spoons 


USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.
Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she's not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds. 
Exclusive newsletter ➜ http://www.janiecrouch.com/vip
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CHASING TROUBLE IN TEXAS by Delores Fossen - Book Review

1/10/2020

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GOODREADS  |  AMAZON
They’ve got each other—and a whole lot of trouble.

Austin Jameson’s life is complicated enough. With twin girls he adores and a ranch he’s dedicated to, the widower and cowboy is more than busy. But when his former flame arrives in his hometown, his world is thrown off balance.
Former child star McCall Dalton wants to run away—from her image and the scandal that has engulfed her. Brokenhearted and humiliated, she’s come back home to Texas to escape.
Austin doesn’t find peace and McCall doesn’t get refuge—instead they rediscover every delicious inch of one another. Before long, their budding romance must face a custody battle with Austin’s in-laws and yet another scandal. Determined not to let each other go a second time, they set out to prove that it’s true what they say: love really does conquer all.
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A high tempo tale of falling in love and new beginnings, of family drama, the past catching up to mess the present when a one-time blessing turns into a hindrance to happiness in the future.
When everything happens at once and your emotions are high and intense - especially when children are involved - things have a chance to turn a bit horrendously comical. And Delores Fossen surely knows how to create those scenes where you do not know if you laugh until you have tears in your eyes or just cry cause all the feels, but at least you swoon cause all the hot cowboys. 
I enjoyed this story immensely, it pulled me into the swirling world of intriguing characters, insane happenings, and profound emotions. I adored Austin Jameson and his twin girls, he is such a great father, caring, fun, considerate, and protective. I loved that to build a new relationship with McCall Dalton there was no need to make his former wife and his love for her any less than it was (often happens in romance novels). But it was celebrated, her memory was cherished, and the adorable girls told stories about her. 
So much happens in a short time, it seems like a tornado of events toss everything up in the air and changes everyone's lives in one swift sweep. And as the ending came a bit abruptly, I am excited to know this book was part of a series, and more mayhem and romance are to come. So hold on to your stetsons cause there's a new western romance series to be followed, and knowing Fossen's style, it is going to be one with passion, sensation, drama, and humor.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side


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USA Today bestselling author, Delores Fossen, has sold over 70 novels with millions of copies of her books in print worldwide. She's received the Booksellers' Best Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and was a finalist for the prestigious Rita ®. In addition, she's had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines.

​You can contact the author through her webpage at www.deloresfossen.com

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HER HIDDEN HOPE by Jill Lynn - Book Review

14/9/2020

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She once trusted him with her heart… but will she ever trust him with the truth?

With only two weeks to renovate her family’s Colorado B and B, struggling single mom Addie Ricci can’t turn away help. Especially not when it’s her handsome high school sweetheart, Evan Hawke, who’s offering to pitch in. As they repair the B and B, Addie and Evan also begin rebuilding their relationship…until a secret from their past threatens to bring it all crashing down.
GOODREADS  |  AMAZON
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Raw emotions, true connections, fragile future plans, turmoil in the soul from the past, and growing faith and trust in God's guidance... All the feels hit home in this heartfelt story of reunited teenage sweethearts who have faced more hardship than most in their lifetimes. 
A secret baby is not my favorite type of tale yet here it is done in a delicate, different way with a twist that I came to respect the decisions as the story unfolded. 
I admired the maturity of Addie Ricci and Evan Hawke, as they are reunited and working together to fix the B&B. Evan's relationship with Addie's little boy was adorable, that cute little kid stealing my heart as well. 
There is so much both Addie and Evan have had to deal with. The struggles are real, the pain at times palpable, the growth and development of their hearts, minds, faith, and souls is a beautiful journey to be witnessing. The way the author has imbedded the faith the protagonists have in God is done in a natural, lifelike matter, it was easy to relate to. 
It is only after everything else from the past is resolved that Addie and Evan can have a chance for a future together, and the heartache of the road to peace of mind and joy of the soul brought tears to my eyes. 
An adorable, deeply-felt tale of love, life, faith, and family
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Colorado Grooms

Jill Lynn pens stories filled with humor, faith and happily-ever-after. She’s an ACFW Carol Award-winning author and has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. An avid fan of thrift stores, summer and coffee, she lives in Colorado with her husband and two children, who make her laugh on a daily basis. Connect with her at Jill-Lynn.com.
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DEADLY CONNECTION by lenora Worth - Book Review

13/9/2020

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Hidden enemies can be deadly. But the Brooklyn K-9 Unit is on the case.

On her way to question US Marshal Emmett Gage about a DNA match that implicates his relative in a cold case and a recent murder, Officer Belle Montera’s attacked. Now she and her K-9 partner must team up with Emmett to find his cousin and the person after Belle. But can they figure out who’s targeting her without becoming murder victims themselves?
GOODREADS  |  AMAZON
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I love K-9 stories, the connection between the handler and their partners are fascinating, and this True Blue Brooklyn series has proven to be a hit with me. 
Belle Montera and Emmett Gage's meet was filled with adrenaline and danger setting the story into a high-speed track towards the constant peril brought by their jobs, and the sweet romance brought by their attraction to each other. 
Emmett is in a tough spot when his family and job get twisted together in a negative light. I admired how he kept his cool, and how level-headed he was about the whole process. 
Belle is part of a big, loving, supportive yet protective family. Her latest case and past personal life have brought the danger into their home and some of her family members seem to be involved in the mayhem. 
This story is a sweet yet a bit wild ride. I loved how Emmett meshed so well with the family of Belle, I liked how sensible they both were with their attraction to each other. The spot they are on with their relatives involved is a hazardous one, yet they hold their professionalism and calm as long as it is possible. 
Deadly Connection was a one-evening read with me, the momentum building up so that I needed to reach the end before I could put it down. It was entertaining, beguile, and satisfying, a solid read for Love Inspired Romantic Suspense readers!
~ Four Spoons

True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn:


Lenora Worth writes for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense. She is a Carol Award finalist and a New York Times, USA Today, and PW bestselling author. She writes Southern stories set in places she loves such as Georgia, Texas,  Louisiana, and Florida. Lenora is married and has two grown children and now lives near the ocean in the Panhandle of Florida. She loves reading, shoe shopping, long walks on the beach, mojitoes and road trips.
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SUMMER AT LAKE HAVEN by RaeAnne Thayne - Book Review

13/9/2020

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GOODREADS  |  AMAZON
A lakeside summer, a new beginning…

Samantha Fremont has been struggling with the weight of her mother’s expectations for years. But now that her mother has passed away, it’s time for Sam to be bold and finally establish the fashion design business she’s always dreamed of. And the perfect opportunity has fallen into her lap. Her friend’s getting married and has asked Sam to create her wedding dress…if only she can avoid the bride’s infuriating brother, who’s temporarily the boy next door.
Ian Summerhill knows a sabbatical in Haven Point is exactly what he and his children need to recover from their mother’s death. His romantic relationship with his ex-wife may have ended years ago, but caring for her throughout her illness broke his heart. All he wants is to watch his little sister walk down the aisle and to see his kids smile again. And somehow his lovely new neighbor is instrumental in both. But as their uneasy truce blossoms into a genuine friendship and more, Ian has obligations in England he can’t ignore—and a secret that threatens the fragile trust he and Sam have built.
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An appealing and enjoyable tale of two quiet souls finding each other at an unexpected place and time in their lives. 
Both Sam and Ian were appealing, likable, and relatable characters. They had dealt with pain and loss in their lives, they had lived and survived heartbreak, and had built successful, fulfilling lives that they on most parts enjoyed. From the meet-cute the attraction was obvious, they had shared interests yet physically their everyday lives were miles apart. But they had this one summer month on Lake Haven... 
The time Ian and Sam live as neighbors is filled with adorable kids, cute puppies, small-town living, and meddling friends and family, some serious conversations on the deck, and ardent kisses in the dark. Sam is overcoming the death of her domineering mother, trying to find her own footing in life. Ian is facing family responsibilities at the end of the summer and trying to accept the loss of his brother and the consequences of it. 
Summer at Lake Haven was a perfect escape-reading experience for me, with minimum angst and turmoil, yet lots of love and sun and bliss and happiness, it was a soothing story that brought a smile on my face and induced lots of joyful thoughts. RaeAnne Thayne knows how to entertain and please her readers, and this one didn't disappoint, either. 
~ Four Spoons 

#1 Publishers Weekly, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including seven RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews magazine. RaeAnne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.raeannethayne.com.
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HER AMISH SUITOR'S SECRET by Carrie Lighte - Book Review

4/9/2020

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Can she forgive him when she learns his true identity?

Posing as an Amish groundskeeper at Rose Allgyer’s lakeside cabin retreat, Englischer Caleb Miller is determined to clear his brother’s name of theft. But as he’s drawn to Rose’s good nature, the burden of his ruse gets heavier—especially after learning Rose was deceived by her ex-fiancé. Still guarded, will Rose trust Caleb with her heart when she discovers he isn’t who he claims to be?

GOODREADS  |   AMAZON
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A heartfelt and wholesome journey to find your true north, both spiritually and romantically, against the odds and circumstances.
The world the author has created is delightful, engaging, and just so charmingly accepting I wanted to linger in. I started this book rather late in the evening, thinking I read just a bit - one could think I am a rookie reader - and couldn't put it down. 
I love the strong leader type women who know what they want and are willing to work hard to get it. Rose Allgyer is a great example of that, the fact that she is Amish just added to her charm and wit. How she runs the campground in the absence of her uncle and aunt, how she deals with the help, with the community, and with the Englischers, she has strength, sharpness, kindness, forgiveness, and flexibility as much as drive. 
Even though Caleb Miller was only pretending to be Amish for his brother's sake, he fit into the community, with the customs and culture well. His journey to open his heart to faith and God again was touching, his struggles with honoring the community and honoring his brother's wish mark his growth as a man of faith and dignity. 
Caleb and Rose weight each other's worth as their first meet, the banter and bond between them made me smile as they tackle the needs of their guests. 
The quest for the coins to clear Caleb's brother's name and the secret Caleb is guarding add intrigue and tension to the storyline, spicing it up. 
A warm, sweet, and clean faith-based romance that inspired, entertained and captivated. Such a lovely story, a perfect read full of sunshiny memories of the warm summer days for the rainy autumn eves.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Discover this heartfelt Amish romance by Carrie Lighte, part of the uplifting Amish of Serenity Ridge series

Like the Amish characters she writes about, Carrie Lighte is very camera shy. She also enjoys making bread (by hand), tends to shun technology, and is blessed with a "wunderbaar" family and a strong faith in God. In addition to writing, reading and researching, Carrie enjoys hiking, kayaking and spending time at the beach.

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COLTON 911: DETECTIVE ON CALL by Regan Black - Book Review

4/9/2020

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Two bitter rivals unite to track a deadly killer

Detective Emmanuel Iglesias does his duty at all costs, even if that means going up against Pippa Colton. The stubborn attorney insists her client is innocent, but Emmanuel knows that his case is rock-solid. That is, until Pippa becomes a target herself. Is the real killer still at large? As their mutual distrust turns into an undeniable attraction, the murderer becomes bolder—and more menacing…

GOODREADS  |   AMAZON
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An enjoyable, dynamic, and intense tale of riveting suspense and secret, ardent, sweep-you-off-your-feet-kind of romance.
The friction, chemistry, connection, attraction - whatever you want to call the sizzling - between Detective Emmanuel Iglesias and Pippa Colton is so well done; the secrecy, the escalation of emotions, the development of the suspense and how it mirrored into their relationship, I treasured every moment as I devoured the book. 
I have not read the other books in the Colton 911 series yet that didn't hinder the pleasure of my reading experience. The suspense is intriguing, bringing constant accelerating tension and potentially deadly moments to the pages. I liked how it was nearly the backdrop of the platform for Pippa and Emmanuel's destinies to entwine, as in the middle of all the danger and mayhem their relationship was still the main focus. Thus the fact that the conclusion to the attacks towards Pippa was - what felt like - a bit an easy solution wasn't a big deal to me. 
A potent, compelling tale of love and family, law and order, justice and objectivity, that I read at one sitting cause I couldn't put it down. 
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side


Colton 911: Grand Rapids


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Regan Black, a USA Today bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed romantic novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. She and her husband currently share their empty nest with two arrogant cats in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance, and history fuels her imagination.
For insider access, exclusive prizes, and more, subscribe to Regan's newsletter at http://www.ReganBlack.com/perks
Keep up with Regan online: http://www.ReganBlack.com

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AN AMISH MOTHER'S SECRET PAST by Jo Ann Brown - Book Review

2/9/2020

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Can an Amish widow’s past cost her a future filled with love?

Widow Rachel Yoder has a secret: she’s a military veteran trying to give her children a new life among the Amish. Though she’s drawn to bachelor Isaac Kauffman, she knows she can’t tell him the truth—or give him her heart. With her forbidden past, Rachel can never be the perfect Plain wife he’s looking for… 

GOODREADS    AMAZON
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A lovely, engaging tale of new starts in life, of forgiveness, trust, and daring to take the leap of faith to open your heart to love. From the very beginning, I was pulled into the story. The main characters are charming and likable, they are easy to relate to, they have their issues and challenges, their secrets, yet they are brave, kind, giving, smart, and hard-working. 
I adored Rachel and her story, her tough military career, her survival spirit, her eagerness to serve, her loving spirit, and her delightful daughters. She has such a big heart, open mind, and clever wit. 
And Isaac was just the perfect mate to her. Isaac was known for his perfectionist tendencies, and for him to realize the difference between perfect and perfect for him, to learn to trust his heart to love and feel instead of just being practical was a beautiful journey to witness. 
The chemistry between Rachel and Isaac was intense. Yes, it was sweet, clean, and adorable as well, but in a cleaver way, the author showed the attraction burning in between them without making it awkward. 
A quaint and timely tale of volunteers working to rebuild a town after flooding damaged homes, only to be faced with another hurricane. In the midst of the mayhem, a widowed mother of two cute girls meets the leader of volunteers who captures her mind and heart, as they both heal from old wounds and broken childhoods. 
A beautifully written, inspiring, and entertaining story that warmed my heart and lingers in my mind. 
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Discover this heartfelt Amish romance part of the Green Mountain Blessings series by Jo Ann Brown.

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Jo Ann Brown has published over 100 titles under a variety of pen names since selling her 1st book in 1987. A former military officer, she enjoys telling stories, taking pictures, and traveling. She has taught creative writing for more than 20 years and is always excited when one of her students sells a project. She has been married for more than 30 years and has three children. Currently she lives in Nevada. She enjoys hearing from her readers. Drop her a note at www.joannbrownbooks.com

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HIS BRAND OF JUSTICE BY DELORES FOSSEN - Book Review

1/9/2020

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Can he help her recover her memory before they are both killed?

The only person who knows who killed Marshal Jack Slater’s father is Caroline Moser. But the Texas profiler has no memory of the murder, her abduction…or Jack. And her witness-protection safe house has just been compromised. Now in Jack’s protective custody, Caroline must trust her ex to help her recall her past before a murderer steals their future.

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

GOODREADS   AMAZON
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An intense, energetic, action-filled, engaging, fast-paced whodunit that I inhaled at one sitting. Wow, what an ending to an explosive series! And it is written so brilliantly, given just enough background information, that even if you haven't read the previous books, you can easily follow along and get what's going on - or as much as it is possible in the midst of the chaotic life or death situation. 
Caroline Moser might be Marshal Jack Slater's ex, but there is nothing ex about his feelings towards her. The love and passion he feels for her are palpable. Yet he is doing everything he can to keep his feels in check and to stay focused, not to compromise Caroline's safety or the case they are working on. Caroline is weary to trust anyone after everything she has gone through, but her heart remembers Jack, and her instinct says she can rely on him. Maybe.
I adored Jack and Caroline and how their story was told. There are no pretenses or games, they are honest, straightforward with their intentions, and their emotions. The only things that could possibly keep them apart are amnesia and/or death, and someone is working hard to make that happen. 
The thrillingly intense momentum builds up throughout the tale, every twist in the plot dangerous and potentially deadly, followed by fierce action and riveting passion, making the book unputdownable. I have read many of Fossen's romantic suspense stories before but this just might be my favorite... 
~ Five Spoons


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USA Today bestselling author, Delores Fossen, has sold over 70 novels with millions of copies of her books in print worldwide. She's received the Booksellers' Best Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and was a finalist for the prestigious Rita ®. In addition, she's had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. You can contact the author through her webpage at www.deloresfossen.com

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THE AMISH NEWCOMER BY PATRICE LEWIS - Book Review

31/8/2020

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Can an Englisch city girl ever become one of the Plain People?
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She needed a safe place to hide. 
Instead she found a place to call home…


Television journalist Leah Porte never imagined her career would end with her witnessing a murder. Now she’s temporarily living among the Amish in witness protection. Instead of feeling alone and adrift, Leah is warmly welcomed by the close-knit community—and Amish bachelor Isaac Sommer. But caught between two very different worlds, choosing love would mean leaving her Englisch life behind forever…

​GOODREADS   AMAZON
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A heartfelt, warm, and sweet tale of an urban city woman escaping a dire situation in LA to the Amish community where she learns new ways to look at life, about faith in God, and falls so adorably in love with the neighbor.  
This story had such a welcoming inclusive vibe, it was truly a pleasure to read and experience. The community was helpful, kind, and considerate, they embraced Leah Porte, took her in, and taught her their ways, as she requested and wanted to learn more. 
I loved Leah's development in this story as she gains an understanding of Amish ways she learns about her self as well. For the first time, she truly hears about God and is intrigued, wanting more. Leah is easy to like, she is smart and kind and considerate and assimilates so easily into the new culture and ways of the Amish. She yearns to know more, to understand, and as she does she accepts the simple ways herself. 
The romance with Isaac is a delightfully precious slow process, yet the feels they have for each other are real, believable, and on a strong foundation. 
A solid, admirable tale of searching for meaning, learning to trust, to have faith, to love, and live your life's purpose. 
~ Four Spoons

Living on a remote self-sufficient homestead in North Idaho, Patrice Lewis is a Christian wife, mother, author, blogger, columnist and speaker. She has practiced and written about rural subjects for almost thirty years. When she isn’t writing, Patrice enjoys self-sufficiency projects, such as animal husbandry, small-scale dairy production, gardening, food preservation and canning, and homeschooling. She and her husband have been married since 1990 and have two daughters.

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MORE THAN NEIGHBORS BY SHANNON STACEY - Book Review

30/8/2020

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From New York Times Bestselling author Shannon Stacey comes an emotionally powerful story of community, fresh starts, and secrets.

The only thing they have in common is a property line!

He’s trying to uncover his past.
She’s hoping for a brighter future.


Cam Maguire is in Blackberry Bay to unravel a family secret. Meredith Price has moved next door with her daughter. He’s unattached. She’s a widowed single mom. He’s owned by a cat. She’s definitely team canine. All these neighbors have in common is a property line. One they cross…over and over. And Cam thought he knew what he wanted—until his family’s secret changes everything.

​GOODREADS   AMAZON
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A perfect story to escape into. A smooth and sweet romance of two adults who have seen life, experienced pain and loss, and success and are open and willing to see the possibilities that the future might hold. 
I enjoyed this story, it felt so natural, so calm and peaceful, and beautiful. There are sorrow and pain regarding the loss, an aspect that gives the tale great depth, yet mainly there are all the gleeful days of summer on a lakeside that shines like sunrays. I could hear the windchimes making a racket, the birds singing, see the kid with her dog in a hammock enjoying the summer days... 
Cam Maguire and Meredith Price have a connection, the attraction might be instant but the relationship takes time to develop. I liked how they interacted with the people in town and with each other. There were respect and maturity, it felt real, with true emotions, and their drama but it was created by the situations in life and solved with real solutions without dwelling in angst. 
More Than Neighbors is just what the world needs right now, it's uplifting, cheerful, joy-filled tale. And as a book one in a new series it delivers a great platform to build on, promising there's more to come and I can't wait! 
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her two favorite activities are writing stories of happily ever after and off-roading with her friends and family. You can contact Shannon through her website, www.shannonstacey.com, as well as sign up for her newsletter.

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THE HERO OF HOPE SPRINGS BY MAISEY YATES - Book Review

28/8/2020

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GOODREADS   AMAZON
Will Gold Valley’s most honorable cowboy finally claim the woman he’s always wanted?
For as long as brooding cowboy Ryder Daniels has known Sammy Marshall, she has been his sunshine. Her free spirit and bright smile saved him after the devastating loss of his parents and gave him the strength to care for his orphaned family. Only Ryder knows how vulnerable Sammy is, so he’s kept his attraction for his best friend under wraps for years. But what Sammy’s asking for now might be a step too far…
Something has been missing from Sammy’s life, and she thinks she knows what it is. Deciding she wants a baby is easy; realizing she wants her best friend to be the father is…complicated. Especially when a new heat between them sparks to life! When Sammy discovers she’s pregnant, Ryder makes it clear he wants it all. But having suffered the fallout of her parents’ disastrous relationship, Sammy is wary of letting Ryder too close. This cowboy will have to prove he’s proposing out of more than just honor…
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An emotional and touching love story of two friends in a crossroads of life, struggling with their past tragedies, with the losses they have faced and with the passion they feel for each other.
It is easy to adore and admire Ryder Daniels, the head of a family, who put everything else aside as a young man, to take care of the family when needed. He is loyal, kind, considerate, stubborn, strong, and generous, he would do anything to protect his family. His best friend of 17 years, the light of his life, the sun on his sky, Sammy Marshall, thought him how to smile again, and now she is showing him how to feel again... 
While Ryder was so easy to love and admire, Sammy took some effort to understand. The place of trauma Sammy comes from, where she grew up in, the physical, mental, and emotional abuse she had faced, it is unimaginable and thus hard to grasp. As the story unfolds and the damage to Sammy's soul is unveiled, it is heartwrenching to feel an ouch of the immeasurable pain she has had to carry with her most of her life. 
This story went directly to my feels. At first, it was all fun and banter and cute and ardent. And then it got real and raw, there were heartache and agony, and the angst was high even when everything seemed so lovely and tender and sweet cause there were still major pieces of the puzzle missing. 
This beautiful story of love and life, friendship, and family, finding your true north and daring to take the journey towards it was an intense, fervent, spirited tale that took me for a wild ride and pulled all the feels to the surface.
​A book hangover? Oh yes, in the best possible way. I think part of Sammy and Ryder will live in my heart from now on... 
~ Five Spoons!  

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. 
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. 

She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

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UNDER PRESSURE BY KELLY MORAN - Book Review

24/8/2020

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GOODREADS   AMAZON
As sheriff of Redwood Ridge, Parker Maloney has learned to bite his tongue at the ridiculous antics of the town's matchmakers. He's just grateful they've never messed with him before. Except it kind of seems like he's their next target. They keep sending him on one wild goose chase after another with a single common denominator--Madeline Freemont. Whatever. Maddie spent their youth terrorizing him and he has zero interest in reopening the claw marks. No matter how beautiful or intuitive or funny he finds her. Nope. He's laying down the law on this one. Yet there's something to her hot-as-hell spine of steel act he can't figure out and she's beginning to unlock the cell on his restraint.

Maddie Freemont's no newcomer to the cold shoulder. Most of the town never warmed up to her. Or tried. So when her ex leaves her high, dry, and so in debt she's forced onto the street, it's no shock there aren't any offered helping hands. She's making due by taking any odd job she can to scrape by. Even though she would've done anything for Parker's attention once upon a time, the last thing she needs is to be on his radar now. Why they suddenly keep crossing paths is a mystery. But it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore his handsome, subtle charms--and how he's working his way under her resolve to expose desires she long ago shoved aside.
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An amazingly beautiful love story in a heart-wrenching situation, an emotionally wild ride from devastation and distress to filling my mind, my heart, and uplifting my spirit. 
Redwood Ridge is one of my favorite romance series. I fell head over the heels in love with the townfolks, the characters, the battleaxes, the matchmaking, and mostly - with the love stories. And this admiration towards the series has just grown with each new book. 
The sheriff of Redwood Ridge, Parker Maloney, has been on the sidelines of the stories, and I am so glad he got his own HEA. Parker is such a cool guy, tough yet gentle, he is thoughtful, kind, considerate, generous, he is loyal to his friends, openminded, and just everything Madeline Freemont needs, even if that is not obvious at the beginning. 
Madeline's backstory and current situation broke my heart in two. And to know that it is the reality to too many people, left a little ache in it as well in the matter of 'take action to prevent that happening'. It was all so real and raw, yet at the same time wonderfully ardent and marvelous. 
A beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, acceptance, and most of all, learning to trust and daring to take that leap of faith to open your heart to love. 
~ Five Spoons!

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Kelly Moran is a bestselling romance author of enchanting ever-afters. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself. She is a RITA Finalist, RONE Award-Winner, Catherine Award-Winner, Readers Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, and a Finalist in RWA's 2014 Award of Excellence. She's landed on USA TODAY's HEA 10 Best Reads and Must Read lists. She has several books out with foreign translation rights in Germany and the Netherlands. Her interests include: sappy movies, MLB, NFL, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet coffee junkie and chocoholic, but don't tell anyone. She resides in South Carolina with her three sons and her hound dog. She loves hearing from her readers.
Visit her... 
Website: http://www.authorkellymoran.com

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