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.

Read an Excerpt.

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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.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/24hHcui

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.

Read an excerpt.

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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.

Murder Comes By Mail by A. H. Gabhart

Murder Comes By Mail
A Hidden Springs Mystery, Book 2
ISBN-13: 978-0800727055
Baker Publishing Group, May 2016

Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn’t particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses–a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn’t last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs’ concerned citizens.

Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves–because the killer could be targeting one of them next.

Readers will love racing along with Deputy Sheriff Keane as the clock ticks in this page-turner.

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My Review: This is such a cozy, easy read mystery. It is unique, at least to me, in the fact that it is told exclusively from the hero's point of view. I've read very few books that are from only the male's point of view. The simplicity in which this book is written gives the book a down to earth feel. I loved the small town feel of Hidden Springs.

As for the characters, they are highly entertaining. They are everything I picture small town folks to be. Each person plays a role in solving the deadly game that has been foisted upon Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane, and sometimes it's quite humorous. Throughout most of the story, we see Michael struggling to let go of his worries so God can work in and around his life. Every Christian can relate to that same struggle (or at least I can)!

Overall, I really enjoyed this sleepy town novel, full of fun, loving people with good intentions and a deadly plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. (Note: this is the second book in the Hidden Springs Mystery series, but it can be read stand alone.)

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

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky.

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Becky Wade’s ‘Her One and Only’ Porter Prize Pack and $100 Cash Card Giveaway | Book Review

Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/bwade

My Review: Talk about a book hangover!! I finished Her One and Only last night and sat there after putting it down thinking...WOW. I am pretty sure this is my favorite out of all of the Porter family novels. I loved the flow and feel of this novel. Becky Wade has a knack for creating life-like characters with genuine emotions and reactions. She pulls you into a story and leaves you wanting more at the end (in the best possible way, of course).

Speaking of characters, I absolutely LOVED Dru and Gray. Dru is everything I wish I could be: strong, independent, feisty, and did I mention strong!! She has her flaws, of course, like everyone else. Grayson had my heart from the beginning. Like Dru, I couldn't help but to be drawn into his life. I was curious about him. I wanted to know what made him tick, what made him keep people at arm's length. His broken family is something I can definitely relate to. Their relationship had me in tears at some points I was laughing so hard. Their banter and the sparks that they both tried to ignore were entertaining! I also loved catching up with the rest of the Porter crew: Meg and Bo, Celia and Ty, and Jake and Lyndie.

The message of this story is about letting go. Dru and Gray both have things in their past that have defined how they view life today. By not letting go of those things, they are holding God back from what He can do in their life. As the verse at the end states, by letting go, we can embrace the "new things" God has for us.

Overall, I'm sad that the Porter Family series has come to an end, but I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to one of the best family series I've ever read!

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." - Isaiah 43:19

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

About the book: 
Her One and Only (Bethany House, May 2016)

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.

But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt---none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she's determined to find Gray's stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they'll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives---and their hearts---to one another. 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NrA4cO

About the author:

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and an INSPY Award.

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Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Her One and Only

A $100 cash card

Follow Your Heart tote bag

24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler

The Blind Side DVD

Necklace with star charm

Porter Family navy jersey

 Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.

Every Bride Has Her Day by Janice Thompson

Every Bride Has Her Day
Brides With Style, Book 3
ISBN-13: 9780800724016
Baker Publishing Group
May 2016

Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can’t wait to start planning their life together. She’s confident she’ll make it down the aisle this time–but it still may be easier said than done.

A high-society Houston bride has Katie and the Cosmopolitan Bridal team scrambling to get the perfect dress done in time for her spectacular wedding. Meanwhile, Katie finds herself bombarded with everyone’s competing visions regarding her own special day–and she’s beginning to worry that her own ideas will get lost in the crossfire. Will she ever manage to settle all of the details for her perfect day? Or will bridal shop chaos and overzealous friends and family make a mess of everything?

Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers what they’ve been clamoring for: another funny, romantic romp with a Texas twang.

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Other books in the Brides with Style Series:

Every Bride Needs a Groom (Review)

Every Girl Gets Confused (Review)

My Review: Janice Thompson's latest book, Every Bride Has Her Day, is the perfect ending to the Brides with Style Series. It's been an absolute blast following Katie and Brady on their journey. I've enjoyed visiting Cosmopolitan Bride in Dallas and Katie's hometown of Fairfield. Each place reminds me of my hometown and the feelings of love and family that come with it. I'm kinda sad that the journey is over.

As I was reading this story, Katie really reminded me of myself. Her "eager to please everyone" attitude is so much like my own.  I love how Brady kept reminding her that their wedding day was really all about what they wanted, not what everyone else wanted. His attitude is the perfect compliment to hers. The love they have for each other shines through the pages. It's breathtaking!

The message of the story is clearly defined in Philippians 4:12: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry whether living in plenty or in want. Each person in this story is learning a lesson about seasons and what it's like to have it all and then what it's like to feel at your lowest. It's a beautiful lesson that we all need to learn from.

Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to the Brides with Style series and I can't wait to see what fantastic stories Janice cooks up next!

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

Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh.

Janice was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She currently serves as president of her local ACFW chapter (Writers on the Storm), where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing.

Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.

She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. When she’s not busy writing or playing with her eight grandchildren, Janice can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. No matter what she’s cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

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