Dance and Be Glad by Melissa Wardwell

Dance and Be Glad is a title that we all can live by.  It makes my heart sing just by reading the title of this new book by Melissa Wardwell.  There are two other books that precede this one but you can read this book all by itself.

I really enjoyed Jill and Michael's story.  She is alone raising her daughter after her husband died over 9 years ago.  Life is a struggle for her. Jill is holding on to the past as protection of any chances of being hurt in the future.   But with this comes a price.......she  is not allowing herself to feel true joy and happiness.

Michael is a doctor that thinks his life is going well.  He is planning on opening up a new clinic in town.  He unexpectedly is now raising his young niece.  Can he do it?  He turns to Jill for advice and help.

Jill and Michael were once a couple years ago.  Her father interfered and their relationship was over.  Sparks fly and with the help of Jill's daughter and Michael's niece there might be a chance of a future together.

This book was just like an old-fashioned love story.  Michael knew he had to court Jill to win her back.  I appreciated the integrity of Michael and Jill in this book.  It wasn't all about them.  They had others to think about.  They loved their family and friends and would go out of the way to help others

I enjoyed reading this book.  It was about Jill and Michael but also about their community and the love they had for their children.  I highly recommend this book.

I received this book free to review.

Hold Me Close By Marguerite Martin Gray

This book is rich in history that I was transported back to 1772.  I loved Elizabeth Elliott.  She was true to her feelings even if she was sacrificing the love of her family.  She could very easily pretend her loyalty to the crown.  But she knew she couldn't do this....

Louis Lestayette just wanted to do a profitable business in Charles Town, S.C.   But as he became closer to his aunt, uncle and Elizabeth, his beliefs and views began to change.

This was a delightful read.  This was much more than just another love story.  Louis took me on a journey as he grew in his faith and in his love for Elizabeth.  I am very impressed with Ms. Gray's research and writing skills.

I received this for free to review.

Hold Me Close By Marguerite Martin Gray

This book is rich in history that I was transported back to 1772.  I loved Elizabeth Elliott.  She was true to her feelings even if she was sacrificing the love of her family.  She could very easily pretend her loyalty to the crown.  But she knew she couldn't do this....

Louis Lestayette just wanted to do a profitable business in Charles Town, S.C.   But as he became closer to his aunt, uncle and Elizabeth, his beliefs and views began to change.

This was a delightful read.  This was much more than just another love story.  Louis took me on a journey as he grew in his faith and in his love for Elizabeth.  I am very impressed with Ms. Gray's research and writing skills.

I received this for free to review.

Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon

Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon

It is not often when I read a book and I feel that I'm part of the story.  I felt like I could have been a neighbor of Eric and BJ.

Every character had their own story to tell.  I genuinely cared for them.  It was a "feel good" book.  I enjoyed the journey to the very last page.

I have never read anything by Ms. Hannon before.  It sure won't be my last.  Her writing style was so comfortable that it carried me away.  I am thrilled to discover a new author.

The town is called Hope Harbor.  This town gives every resident a ray of hope.  It gave Luis hope for a better future.  It gave Eleanor hope of better days ahead.   It gave Eric hope to become whom he was meant to be.  BJ had hopes for a better future and to escape her past.  

I really loved this book.  Everyone should add this to their must read column.

All Summer Long by Melody Carlson

ALL SUMMER LONG by Melody Carlson

GOD has a plan for us.  He guides our steps.  He knows what we need.  This is true for Tia and Leo.

Tia is beyond excited when her Aunt calls her to come to San Francisco to help her start a new restaurant.  Tia loves to cook and is eager to make her mark in a new restaurant.  

Little does she know that her Aunt hired someone from her past to work with them-Leo.  Leo was the one that gave Tia her first kiss.  She has ever forgot that magical moment.

Leo and Tia have so much in common.  They are perfect for each other.  But Leo is engaged!

I enjoyed this story.  Both Leo and Tia are lovely characters who were good and honest people.  Tia always tried to do what is right and hated that she promised to keep secrets that could alter the course of events in her favor.

This was a light-hearted read that I enjoyed right to the end.   I highly recommend this book as a summer read.  It's perfect for the beach.

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

Karen Witemeyer -  No Other Will Do

I stayed up to 2:00 am as I was getting close to the end.  I had to know who was responsible....who threatened the community and caused such heartbreak.  I quickly turned one page to another and it was finished.  Great ending to a wonderful story.

I'm sure there has been many times we wished to live on our own away from men.  It doesn't take long before we realize how important the men in our lives are just like Emma did.  Mal always had a special place in her heart but she never told him so.

Mal thought Emma was an Angel.  She was his Angel from the moment he first laid his eyes on her.  He knew she way beyond his reach and he left her without explaining his quick departure.

Their love for each other started as friendship.  They put each other before the other.  They shared a very special bond.  Emma knew Mal was always there for her.  So when's he was in trouble he was the first one she reached out to help.

I love the strength and integrity of Emma and Mal.  They treated friends, family and strangers with kindness.  They would do what they could to help others.

This was a  great story.  I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the location and especially how it ended.

Amish Firefighter by Laura V. Hilton

At first the title confused me.  An Amish Firefighter?  But the story unfolds with Sam Miller who not only drives but is a volunteer firefighter.  He appears to have it all together but he has a secret.  He is having a very difficult time coming to terms with it.  He has been dating an Englisher.  She is trouble and he knows it but he continues to see her until he is in trouble, too.

Abigail Miller is new to the area and she has not made a very good impression.  She was recently sent to Jamesport, Missouri.  She doesn't know why and feels unwanted and confused.  She knows there must be a reason for this but doesn't have a clue why.  She can't understand how her mother could do this to her.  She is trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together but being accused of being a fire starter needs to be addressed first.

Abigail and Sam's paths cross when she is discovered at the scene of a fire.  Sam doesn't want to believe that she caused the damage but she was there.  

As the story continues, Abigail learns the truth about her family and the family secrets that altered the course of her life and others before her.  Sam finally comes to term with his past mistakes and knows what he must do to make it right.

Abigail and Sam learn to trust in the Lord.  With this trust, they learn to trust each other and fall in love.  

I was frustrated at times by Abigail's choices.  I wanted to shout at her to not go out with Miriam again after what happened the first time!!!  It was slow at first but by the third chapter I was hooked.  It is sad that keeping a secret means lying and keeping more secrets.  Character development was excellent and I look forward to reading more of Laura V. Hilton.

I received this free to review.