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.

Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund

I never get tired of reading a book that keeps me turning page after page with pure delight. I loved this book and was so sad when I was finished. 

This book tells the tale of Victoria Cole and Tom Cushman. They each have hidden fears of commitment. This stops them from being Forever Safe. 

Victoria was at risk and needed protection. Arch, her guard, has been by her side faithfully until he was injured while protecting her. Arch referred Tom Cushman for the job. Tom takes his jobs very seriously. He was apprehensive in protecting Victoria. She was too young and beautiful. He knew it would be difficult to keep himself safe from emotional attachment if he allowed himself to get too close to Victoria. 

Victoria was too trustworthy and it often put herself at risk. She was surprised to find out who was behind the threats and attacks against her. She found herself falling for her Tom.

Tom was not at peace or safe due to painful memories and guilty feelings he carried with him for years. Once he learned to trust GOD he was able to let go of his negative thoughts and heal. 

Beautiful story. There were some unexpected twists and turns. Jody Hedlund- I am always ready for your new releases!

The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Romance stories centered on Amish families, their lifestyles and their beliefs captivates their audiences. I am included. The Quieting delivers a warm and inviting story of the families in Stoney Ridge.

Abigail Stoltzfus is on a mission. She comes to Stoney Ridge to complete some genealogical research. Her grandmother's mission is to find a husband for Abigail. Grandmother Tillie is convinced that if Abigail controls the way she behaves it will happen. Abigail would love nothing more to find that special someone but not if she has to conform to her grandmother's standards. Abigail is trying to learn to accept that she will never find someone that will love her for whom she is.

Dane Glick is a young man that is convinced Abigail is the one for him. He has no desire to change her. Abigail is not so sure.....

David Stoltfus is living his life alone after his wife died. He should be happy raising his family. He is not sure if he has room in his heart to love anyone ever again. He is attracted to Birdy Glick. His mother, Tillie, is convinced she is not the right one for him. David has the additional struggle in his dealings with Bishop Glick, Birdy's brother. David, Dane and Abigail all must be true to themselves in order to find happiness.

The title of this book is called The Quieting. This is a method of church discipline. But I took the title to mean that David, Dane and Abigail can't silence their feelings. This only leads to confusion, hurt and loss. When they finally speak up and express their desires, true happiness is possible.

I received this book for free to review.

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

Sarah Sundin has been one of my go to writers ever since I discovered her books last year.  She has never disappointed me yet.  She always delivers a story that is real and loved by her readers.  Her main characters in this story are Lillian and Arch.

Lillian and Arch desires to be loved despite their handicaps, flaws or lifestyles.  They both do not believe it's possible.  It almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy for both.  Lillian doesn't think anyone can look behind her wooden leg.  Her heart is closed and she won't let anyone in.  She had a horrible experience in the past and is so afraid it will happen again.

Arch has lived a privileged life.  He joins the Military to escape the trappings of being rich.  He doesn't trust that someone can love him for whom he is and not what his name represents.

Arch and Lillian meet.  They each have their own secrets and pain that they endure silently.  They are attracted to each other but their chance of a relationship is null until they Trust in the Lord and know deep in their hearts He is Their Anchor.

As the story develops, Arch and Lillian let down their guards and realize love might just be possible.

This is not just a love story.  This book involves a mystery to be solved by Arch and Lillian.  As a team, they learn to accept what they can not change, solve a mystery and learn that love is possible.

I rate this 5 stars!  I stayed up very late one night to finish this.  Absolutely loved it!

I received this free to review.

Magnolia Duchess by Beth White

This book delivers.  If you love historical fiction, read this.  If you love romance, read this.  If you love a good story, read Magnolia Duchess by Beth White.

The main characters are Fiona and Charles.  They both have responsibilities.  They both go to extremes to protect what they love.  Fiona is strong, independent and passionate.  She will do what it takes to protect her family, her home, her horses and her country.  Charles has a strong sense of duty as  British officer.  He  knows what he must and is expected to do.  The problem is that they are on the opposite sides of the war.

What will they do?  Can Fiona trust Charles?  Should Charles abandon his position for the woman he loves?  Could they live without each other?  Is their a solution to their dilemma?

Beth White allows the reader to experience the inner turmoil and struggles they share.  This book is much more than just a romance.  There is much historical detail in this book.  I loved it.

I received this book for free to review.