The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

The Goodbye Bride

A Summer Harbor Novel, Book 2
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 3/2016
ISBN-13: 9780718023737

She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever.

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Read my reviews of the other books in the Summer Harbor series.

My review: When I first picked this book up, I had the same thought some of you probably did: I really hope this isn’t a book about a flight female who can’t make up her mind! BOY, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Can you imagine losing 7 months of your life *just like that*! Denise Hunter captures your attention from the very beginning and creates a compelling story.

I enjoyed being back in Summer Harbor with Beau, Eden, and Aunt Trudy. I really enjoyed getting to know Zac more, as well. I was immediately drawn to his vulnerability where Lucy is concerned and his quiet strength of character. Lucy’s concussion and memory loss make her an extremely vulnerable character. I was worried that because of her fear of her memory never returning, she would be whiney and that would make me not like her. I was pleasantly surprised! Lucy, though her fear and vulnerability were a big part of her story, was a strong and feisty woman! I loved how the author brought them together and gave us glimpses of their pasts, which made me appreciate their present.

The message of the story is simple, yet strong. God never promised our lives would be easy. Both Zac and Lucy have to work through their troubles to embrace their second chance. As Eden points out to Lucy, ”Life will always have troubles. It’s what shapes and molds us and makes us into the people He wants us to be.” I could also relate to Lucy’s struggle with her past. It’s hard to let go of something that hurt you so deeply. She didn’t realize how it was affecting her until God brought it to light.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of second chances at love, letting go of the past, and embracing the troubles God brings us as he shapes us into what He wants us to be.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookLook blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 20 books, including Dancing with Fireflies and The Convenient Groom. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband will soon be facing an empty nest.

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Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

Dawn at Emberwilde
A Treasures of Surrey Novel, Book 2
(Thomas Nelson, May 2016)

Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.

For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father's death.

The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel's small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family's invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore---along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it---in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

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Litfuse Landing Page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/sladd

Read my review of The Curiosity Keeper, book 1 in the Treasures of Surrey series.

My Review: This story put me in mind of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. It has a Gothic feel to it, with talk of ghosts, fairies, and a "haunted" forest. Sarah E. Ladd writes an intriguing story, with a plot that is ripe with surprises. I wanted to visit Emberwilde in all it's grandeur and the Emberwilde Forest (a.k.a. the Black Wood Forest) in all it's haunting beauty.

I love Isabel Creston. She does her best to remain true to herself, even with all the changes and expectations her family places on her. I admired her ability to, in the end, do what's right. Colin Galloway is now one of my favorite male heroes. His ability to accept his birthright and fit in with those from all classes is unmatched. He is honorable, good, and handsome. With a cast full of overbearing characters like Mrs. Ellison and Mr. Bradford, and characters that just like to keep the peace, such as Constance Ellison, Colin helps Isabel hold on to herself.

The message of the story, as the title would imply, is about God's mercies being new every morning. As Isabel's friend Mary reminds her, "We do not find ourselves in new situations by accident. Oh, no! Remember, with each dawn seek guidance, and with each night give gratitude." Isabel learns to turn to God each morning for guidance and give gratitude for the things He has done for her by facing the trials that her family imposes on her.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was an exciting change of pace from what I had been reading and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Litfuse blogging program in exchange for my honest review*

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

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Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

Cold Shot
Chesapeake Valor, Book 1
Bethany House, Jan 2016
ISBN: 9780764211973

Four Best Friends. And Then One Went Missing . . .

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore Police Department, Declan Grey would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would study to become a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now years later, Griffin has left the police and his friendships behind. Still trying to forget a case that went bad when he was a SWAT team sniper, he's living a quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg. Quiet until skeletal remains are uncovered near Little Round Top--and they aren't Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Grey steps in to take over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

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My Review: I am absolutely, irrevocably in love with this series and this is only the first book! I can't believe I have to wait until 2017 for the next one! While the epilogue wrapped up Griffin and Finley's story quite nicely, I was shocked at the revelation Kate threw at us at the end. Dani Pettrey shines once again in her masterful descriptions and plot lines. Suspense abounds along with a lot of faith and romance in this exciting story.

I felt at home in the Chesapeake area with Finley, Griffin, Declan, Parker, Avery, and Kate. I loved Finley. She is strong in an understated way. She is smart and sassy. She dealt admirably with parts of her past, but as we all do, had to work really hard to really let go. Griffin is also a strong character in an understated way. His accomplishments make him shine, yet he doesn't allow them to give him a big head. I would have liked to see more sparring between the two characters. Their interactions before their feelings were revealed amused me. Griffin's past with Parker, Declan, and Kate made for an intersting side story, and I can't wait to see their relationships continue to heal.

Both characters grapple with coming to terms with their past. They both endured ugly, hard things. But they both had to realize that "God brings beauty and light to the darkest places" and that He can bring "beauty out of brokenness." Once they both accepted this realization, they could fully embrace what God brought to them: each other.

Overall, I am hooked on this series already. I am eagerly anticipating the release of book 2. Dani Pettrey writes another nail-biting, edge of your seat romantic suspense with a deep message.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

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Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection | Book Review

Sins of the Past
ISBN: 9780764217975
Bethany House
April 2016

Secrets and Lies. Danger That Will Never Go Away. Join Three Beloved Masters of Romantic Suspense for Novellas Where the Past Will Not Stay Buried.

Dee Henderson - "Missing"
A Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing from her retirement community. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two soon launch into a race against the clock when they realize something dark may lie at the heart of the disappearance.

Dani Pettrey - "Shadowed"
Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young Alaskan fisherman nets the body of a Russian open water swimming competitor. Another swimmer, who'd been the dead woman's roommate years ago, is pulled into the search for answers as it grows more and more clear that something sinister is at play.

Lynette Eason - "Blackout"
A young woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong finds herself at risk years later when the real culprit is up for parole. The loot taken that night has never been found and he believes she knows where it's hidden--only her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety?

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My Review: Wow! These three authors emanate the definition of romantic suspense. When I say I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, I mean it. This is a fast-paced, page turning, suspenseful novella collection full of faith and love.

Each author brings a unique style to the table. I've never read Dee Henderson or Lynette Eason before, but after these novellas I will definitely be reading more. I am very familiar with Dani Pettrey and I was so excited to read about the McKenna siblings parents, that I started the Alaskan Courage series all over again! While their writing styles are different, these stories flow together seamlessly.

I loved that each story focused on a different message, but they were all related to letting go of the past. Each character was "stuck" in their past in some way, shape, or form, and had to learn to deal with the past and move on to embrace God's future for them. Overall, I highly recommend this collection of Romantic Suspense novellas to anyone looking for mystery, love, and faith!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Bethany House blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

Dee Henderson is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels including Full Disclosure and Taken. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois. Visit her online at www.deehenderson.com.

Dani Pettrey is the award-winning author of the acclaimed Alaskan Courage series as well as Cold Shot, the first in her Chesapeake Valor series. She lives with her family in Maryland. Find her online at www.danipettrey.com.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and Always Watching from her new Elite Guardians series. She resides in South Carolina and can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com.