Secrets Over Sweet Tea~ by Denise Hildreth Jones

I have been a fan of Denise Hildreth Jones' books since I first read her Savannah series.  She has a great sense of humor that always makes me laugh (out loud sometimes) so I enjoy reading her books.  Her latest book still has the same sense of humor, but is more serious in tone as it deals with some very difficult life situations in a real and genuine way.  I really loved this book.  I though it was extremely thought provoking and dealt with some complex issues in life and relationships in ways that I haven't read before.  It hits home on issues dealing with grace, forgiveness, personal relationship with God, friendship, and marriage.  I always have a soft spot for books that are entertaining but also have elements that you can either learn from or gain understanding from and this was one of those books.  I highly recommend this book it was one of those 'read it in one sitting' reads :) 

Paige Turned~ by Erynn Mangum

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Paige Turned TH1NK (April 1, 2014) by Erynn Mangum

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her:

So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Despite her valiant efforts, Paige Alder seems stuck in chaos. Her new job as youth intern keeps her hopping from coffee shop to coffee shop all summer long, but at least she’s loving the one-on-one time she gets to spend with the girls. The unfortunate side-effect is that now, four weeks of laundry fills her apartment. Plus, she barely has time to help her sister and best friend with their weddings! And even worse? Something is definitely wrong between her and Tyler. She apologized for what he thought he saw happen with Luke. Can’t they move past it? Or could there be something he’s not telling her—something that could change everything?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Paige Turned, go HERE.

My thoughts:  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It was a engaging story that was a pleasure to read.

Dating, Dining, and Desperation~ by Melody Carlson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dating, Dining, and Desperation B&H Books (March 1, 2014) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column. But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.

My Review:  When I decided to read and review this book I didn't realize it was the second book of a series until after I finished it.  The book was a great read and now I  want to go back and see how it all started, but let's talk about Dating, Dining, and Desperation.  I really enjoyed Daphne as a character I thought she was relatable and interesting, but the best part of the book is seeing how God uses her to help the young girl she meets.  I just thought that part of the story was a beautiful depiction of being the hands and feet of Jesus and I am telling you right now that it will melt your heart.  The book also dealt with the Daphne's aunt's will requirements for inheriting her estate.  So Daphne has the pressure of needing to get married and the deadline is quickly approaching.  I am very interested in finding out the rest of the story so I am looking forward to the 3rd installment of this series.

Once Upon a Winter's Heart~ by Melody Carlson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Once Upon a Winter's Heart Center Street (January 7, 2014) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Winter's Heart, go HERE.

My Review:  If you are looking for a wholesome romantic quick read to get you in the mood for Valentines day this is a great choice.  Emma is an a woman who travels to her hometown to be with her Grandmother after her Grandfather's death.  Her Grandfather loved to decorate the family bookstore for Valentine's Day so even though Emma does not share her Grandfather's enthusiasm for the holiday she decides to carry on the tradition in his honor.  Decorating for Valentine's Day leads to a possible romance amidst some complex family issues.  This story is cute and lighthearted and a perfect story for this time of year.