Book Review: Wish You Were Here by Beth K. Vogt

Kissing the wrong guy days before her wedding leads Allison to become a runaway bride. But can it also lead to happily ever after?

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong: the huge wedding, the frothy dress, and the groom.

Still, kissing the groom’s brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison’s life is nothing but mistakes at this point. And pulling a “Runaway Bride,” complete with “borrowing” her best friend’s car, doesn’t seem to solve her problems.

Can Allison find her way out of this mess? She prefers to be the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead.

Wish You Were Here is fun and full of humor—sure to be a pleasure to inspirational romance readers.

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I adore Beth Vogt. We met last year at the ACFW conference, and had become acquaintances on Facebook. But when I announced the Bell’s Palsy a couple month ago, she became one of my biggest cheerleaders, leaving me notes on my Facebook wall nearly every day reminding me that she loved me, God loves me and that I’m beautiful.

Tears often filled my eyes when I would see her notes – and even though I’m completely better now, she leaves me notes several times a week, never failing to bring a smile to my face. When her book released, I was as happy for her as just about anybody and squealed with childlike glee when the book arrived on my doorstep.

But I was also gripped with fear.

[Not really, but doesn't it sound so much better than "I was a bit scared"? ]

What if I didn’t like it? I adore Beth, but I’d recently read a book by another author I like a lot, but the book just didn’t do it for me. What if this one was the same way?

As it turned out, I worried needlessly!

I’d promised Beth I’d send her stream of consciousness notes as I read, but I didn’t. I was too engrossed to do so.

Oh, wait. You want an actual review of the book?

It has llamas.

Do you need anything more than that?

Okay, fine .

I loved Allison and Daniel from the beginning and could see how Allison and Seth were all wrong from each other from the get-go. Beth creates a cast of characters you’ll love, including a cat [achoo!] and llamas you hate to say good-bye to when you turn the last page.

I lived in Colorado as a very young child and remember very little of it. I visited Denver for a week last year, but didn’t see much but the hotel room since I had no car. Regardless, she made Colorado come alive for me helping me to ‘see’ the setting though I’d never been there.

I felt Allison’s pain – both at wanting to call of the wedding and wondering whether it was the right thing to do. Her confusion when it came to Daniel and whether he was the right guy for her.

Daniel is a wonderful character, willing to sacrifice his own happiness for the woman he loves. Willing to forgo the family money to make his own [very successful] way in life.

Allison’s sister and aunt are not-to-be forgotten and her aunt especially livens up any scene she’s in. Allison’s best friend is fabulous.

I don’t know what Beth has up her sleeve for her next book, but I do know that she’s on my to buy list regardless of our friendship.

Overall Rating: 9 out of 10

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review [and, yes, I purchased a hard copy too].

Book Review: Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar

The prophet Nehemiah’s cousin can speak numerous languages, keep complex accounts, write on rolls of parchment and tablets of clay, and solve great mysteries. There is only one problem: she is a woman.

In her early childhood years, Sarah experienced the death of her mother and her father’s subsequent emotional distance and she came to two conclusions: that God does not care about her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth – the measure of her self.

Sarah, the talented scribe and cousin to Nehemiah, is catapulted into the center of the Persian court, working too many hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and solving intrigues for the Queen. Ironically, it isn’t failure but success that causes Sarah to lose her only source of external validation.

Sarah soon learns that she has something of worth to offer beyond her ability with languages and sums – her very being proves to be a blessing to others.

I read Ms. Afshar’s debut novel, Pearl in the Sand, last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was recently offered free on Kindle and, of course, I snagged it. In the course of a conversation on Facebook about it, I learned she had a new release. When I saw it on NetGalley, I grabbed the new one, excited to see if her sophomore offering was as good.

If anything, it was better!

The story revolves around Sarah, a fictional cousin of the prophet Nehemiah. She’s forced into an arranged marriage where her lack of social graces [think Mulan at the beginning of the movie - only worse] cause no end to problems. But, at the same time, the talents God has given her will prove to be most valuable to her husband and others.

This is a romance, so it’s little shock to find out that Sarah and her new husband, Darius, will grow to love each other.

That part of the ending was immensely satisfying. However, as a literary voyeur, I always want just a bit more. This book was no exception and I wanted to know if they had children. Did Darius take more wives or concubines [as was the custom in the day - he was half Persian and half Jewish, after all]? And a few other unanswered questions. That annoyed me a bit, until I read a bit further on my Kindle – I’m so glad I did! Included is an excerpt of Ms. Afshar’s next release [the title of which is escaping me at the moment]. It appears to pick up not long after Harvest of Rubies ends so the annoyance left me and upped the star count a bit .

If there’s a book I truly love that I have on Kindle – either as a free book or a reviewer copy – I’ll sometimes order a hard copy so I can share it more easily. I haven’t purchased this one yet, but I will be. I enjoyed it that much.

Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review: Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola

Witness as Shiloh’s new life in Virginia crumbles around her. The house she inherited from her mother is much more than a place to live—it represents Shiloh’s changed life and what little financial security she has. But her half sister is contesting their mother’s will and the IRS is threatening to take it for back taxes. She’s also discovering God’s ideal when it comes to love and romance. When Mr. Right shows up will she recognize God’s hand or let circumstances and prejudices blind her heart to the love of her life?

This is my first book by Ms. Spinola and the second book in the Southern Fried Sushi series.

It seems like many series these days are such that you don’t need to read book 1 to enjoy book 2, etc. A minor character or set of characters take the lead in the next book, and so on.

That isn’t the case with this series. I’d not read book 1 and I think that would have been crucial for my enjoyment of it. I felt a bit out of sorts as I read it, like trying to start a TV series in the middle of season 4.

I tried to sort it all out, but mostly I just accepted what Ms. Spinola said and just sort of went with it.

The characters were creative and lovable. I’m not quite sure how to write this without spoilers – for some reason, it’s escaping me this time. Shiloh’s new friends at her new home, including Adam, could have come off as caricatures but didn’t. Her friend from Japan was the same way.

I did enjoy the book, but felt I would have enjoyed it more if I’d read book 1. My TBR pile is insanely tall, but I will keep book 1 on my list of books I want to read when I have time, or when the mood strikes.

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10 [though it probably would have been more like 8.5 or 9 if I'd read book 1]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Memorial Day and Update on Randomness

Today we took the kids to the National Cemetery not too far from here – to remind them why… This is a regular post, with a few reminders of why Memorial Day is Memorial Day. Not waxing poetic on the heroes, but living my life, because “all gave some, some gave all” so we could have the freedom to live as we choose.

Thank you to the Soldiers, Airmen/women, Marines, Coast Guard and Sailors. Those two words are so inadequate but they are all I have.

On to regularly scheduled programming…

First and foremost, the Bell’s Palsy is completely gone!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

That’s huge!

Second, I went back to the doc who did the first surgery on my nose and he gave me some tips for making it feel better. More yay!!!!!!!!!! Because it’s still tender since the lasering over a month ago .

Third… My 8yo is having six teeth removed next month . We’re going to an oral surgeon because we’re removing all 6 at once.

Egads! All that sounds so stiff and formal… but I haven’t actually blogged in eons. I’ve posted a bunch of book reviews [and the rest of the week will be filled with them, too, as I get caught up on a few - so I can request more ] but not an actual blog post.

So what’s going on around here?

Nothing too major but good things. Had a manuscript final in Faith, Hope, Love’s Touched by Love Award contest . That was a roller coaster couple of days for a variety of reasons – had very, very good reason to think I hadn’t finaled which was hard. I hadn’t finaled in another contest the week before and it seemed to be “confirmation” that this writing thing wasn’t working for me and I should give up.

Several good friends [including NovelSistas Jess and Kristy] helped me through and I was already “okay” when word came in that I had finaled after all.

According to one set of information, the Genesis finalists were supposed to be notified today [there were 20 semi-finalists in my category], but another set of information said the scores were due today and notifications would be in the next couple days.

Friday is the Frasier announcement and next Monday is Duel on the Delta and then I’m DONE with contests until much later this year .

So things are promising, but nothing OUTSTANDING [like say an agent or contract ] just yet.

In other news…

The 4yo starts summer school Kindergarten tomorrow!!! He’ll be 5 before school starts in August but still just 4. I’ll post a pic on my Facebook page [so yes, that means you should go 'like' my page if you don't already ]. He’s soooooooooooo excited!!!!! I’m off this week still, but start summer school myself next week . Need to do a bit of stuff to get ready but mostly plan to write this week [or do edits on the Genesis entry on the off chance it finals].

I tried to write something geared toward Love Inspired, but it Just. Wasn’t. Working. So I quit it and went back to the Bell’s Palsy thing. Loving it and the characters so far – only about 6000 words in and still getting to know them, but this is the part I adore.

Right now? Back to reading a review copy of a book – then write the reviews that will post this week. Look for reviews of:

Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar
Wish You Were Here by Beth K. Vogt
Cooking the Books by Bonnie S. Calhoun [currently reading]

Next week should include reviews for:

Double Exposure by Susan Sleeman
End of the Trail by Vickie McDonough

Think I’m going to do reviews on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting next week – either books I have to review because I signed up to [though I only offer to volunteer to read books I think I'll enjoy] or ones I’ve read just for fun .

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Memorial Day and that we remember why…

My husband’s best friend deploys next month. Prayers for him, his fellow soldiers, and his family would be much appreciated.

Book Review: The Director’s Cut by Janice Thompson

Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She’s the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get her family to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts butting heads with handsome camera operator Jason Harris, it’s enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life–and love–as it comes?

Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives readers an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance.

When I went to the mailbox Monday, there were two packages in it. The bigger of the two was from Baker Publishing. I thought what on Earth are they sending me? And then I opened it.

And had to stop myself from jumping up and down right there on the driveway – there were construction workers next door, after all.

I had other things I needed to do, but we all knew I’d crack it open as soon as I had a chance.

And so. both before and after a trip to Chick-fil-A with the kids to celebrate the end of school, I read The Director’s Cut. And incidentally, I discovered yesterday Janice also loves CFA .

The Director’s Cut is the third [and sadly, final] book in Ms. Thompson’s Backstage Pass series. It began with Stars Collide and continued with Hello, Hollywood. All three center around the Stars Collide television sit-com. In the first book it was the lead actor/ress. The second book revolved around two of the writers and this one is about Tia Morales, the director, and Jason Harris, one of the cameramen.

As always, Janice creates a cast of unforgettable characters, mostly Tia’s family, in this case. Characters from the other books abound – including one or two that originally showed up in her excellent series Weddings by Bella, particularly superstar Brock Benson. Rex and Lenora are a shining example of what love can be like. And the humor is Trademark Thompson.

Ms. Thompson uses her knowledge of Hollywood to show all of us the world most of us will never see. She also brings us into different parts of the LA area, bringing them to life.

There’s a couple… criticisms certainly isn’t the right word… things I would have liked to see done a bit differently maybe? I would have liked to see a bit of the church with Jason and a bit more of the HEA.

I’ve mentioned it before [and I believe I even used Janice's Weddings by Bella as an example], but I’m a sucker not just for the HEA [that's Happily Ever After for those of you unfamiliar with the abbreviation ], but for a tidbit or slice of life afterwards. Not just the wedding, but a bit of a view into their lives in the future. A day, a week, a month, a year, whatever, after the wedding [or the kiss or the proposal or the... whatever].

It doesn’t detract from the book, though, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and it will make its way onto my shelf [after my sister takes it home tonight to read it] and onto my annual ‘to reread’ list.

Overall rating: 9.5 out of 10 stars

Thanks to Janice and Revell for an influencer copy of this book. The opinion, however, is my own.

Book Review: The Embittered Ruby by Nicole O’Dell

Sixteen-year-old Carmen Castillo prays that her parents will patch things up so she can return to her once-lavish life. Trapped by resentment and anger, she heads to Diamond Estates hoping to find some healing for her embittered soul. Desperately homesick, Carmen concludes there is no such thing as ruby slippers. . .but is there still a chance she’ll get what her heart longs for?

 

I first heard about Ms. O’Dell on the Seekerville blog [we all know it's one of my favorite places to hang out online]. I requested the first book in the Diamond Estates series, The Wishing Pearl, from my library – they purchased it and I checked it out.

The series is YA, something I’d like to write someday – as a spin-off from one of my adult series – and my husband works with kids like these. His employer is a facility for boys, but there are many of the same kinds of issues. I was scrolling through the NetGalley books available and found book 2 in the series available. I’ve requested it for my library, but this copy was provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

The Embittered Ruby is the story of Carmen Castillo. Her family recently moved from a posh neighborhood to one where gangs and drugs are an ever-present threat. Her choices lead to her move to Diamond Estates, a residential facility for girls in the Colorado mountains.

Ms. O’Dell did a wonderful job portraying Carmen’s life – both back in the posh neighborhood with her father and in the new area with her mom. Granted, I’ve never lived in either place, but it was believable to me.

The characters sometimes frustrated me, but they’re teenagers. That’s a big part of it. I wish they’d learn the lesson an easier way . The romance thread worked well for me until the very end. I understand why Ms. O’Dell made the decisions she did with regards to the storyline, but I still hope the characters may show up in later books with a bit more… closure? I’m not sure that’s the right word, but maybe more development of life after ‘the end’. Given that the characters from The Wishing Pearl showed up in this work, it seems likely Carmen and others may appear in the next works.

Though this is a YA, I think I would reserve it for 15-16 year olds, with conversation from the adults in their lives. That said, younger teens may benefit from reading it as well, but I’d recommend Mom or Dad read it first and judge for themselves. Again, conversations with parents would be a good way to help ensure the lessons learned are the ‘right’ ones and to answer any questions the teen may have.

Overall rating: 8.5 out of 10

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review: Saving Hope by Margaret Daley

I know I’ve posted lots of book reviews lately and no other posts, but I promise one will be coming soon .

When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt’s daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.     

Now it’s personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

This was my first read from Margaret Daley and I enjoyed it. I have to be in the right mood for romantic suspense, and I wasn’t too sure I was, but Ms. Daley sucked me right in with the story of Rose. Rose is a teenager, living at Beacon of Hope – a residential facility for girls, mostly coming out of the prostitution life. Most of them had been forced into for one reason or another. Rose disappears and Kate Winslow makes it her mission to find out what happened.

While some of the authorities think Rose just took off, Kate convinces Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan to help her.

The two search for Rose and unexpectedly connect with each other.

Daley does a wonderful job keeping the suspense at a good level without overdoing it. I almost always want more romance and this was no exception but this is my thing. The romance aspect was just about right. [Honest – I always want more romance – she really did do a great job with it, I'm just demanding .]

The characters are well-rounded. None are *just* good guys or *just* bad guys. They’re more real than that [with one possible exception – and even then there's a redeeming quality or two –you just have to look really hard to find them].

I look forward to more books by Ms. Daley and hope to see these characters in her next Men of the Texas Rangers book.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.