Keeper of the Stars

Book description:  "When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny’s mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain—but that’s exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.

Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can’t get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn’t behind the wheel, but he still blames himself . . . and so does Brad’s sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.

Still feeling the pain of Brad’s death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak."

My review: I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to going back and reading the first two books in this series. This is a story full of hope and forgiveness but also contains a lot of pain and heartache. The characters struggles are real, and I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed the flashbacks from Brad's point of view, which gave some background information.  It is an emotional read, but one you don't want to miss. I received a complimentary e-copy from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Mermaid Moon

Book description:  "Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.”

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart and left—without a word—years ago.

When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together."

My review: Colleen Coble never disappoints! Just when I think her books can't get any better, she publishes another one. Mermaid Moon is the second book in her A Sunset Cove series. It is not necessary to read the first book, but I highly recommend it. Ms. Coble's books are not ones you want to miss. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it ended. The characters became like family. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing until the end. The romance was not overdone and the suspense kept me up late at night. I am already looking forward to the third book in this series.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Amish Sweethearts

Book description:  "For years Zane Beck and his Amish neighbor Lila Lehman were best of friends. But just as Zane gathered the courage to discover if their friendship could develop into something more, her controlling father arranged for her to be courted by their bishop's son. Zane, heartbroken and frustrated, joined the Army, running away from his shattered dreams.

The passing of time and the distance between Zane and Lila haven't been enough to halt their--now completely hidden--feelings for each other. Any hope for their love grows even more impossible though as Zane's service takes a dangerous turn when he's deployed to Afghanistan. Being on the frontline, confronted with the hard choices of war, has him questioning everything, including whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences, and with Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?"

My review:  While I did thoroughly enjoy reading this book, it was a bit unrealistic for me. Trying to combine the Amish and English world is not an easy task. I think that Leslie Gould is a very good story-teller, and this book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat at times. I was kept guessing until the very end even though I knew how it was supposed to end. I loved the characters and will look forward to reading more books in this series.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

The Painter's Daughter

Book description:  "Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists--including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape. 

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble. 

Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady, who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but marriage "in name only" to save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he fears, she will at least be a respectable widow.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows. Dare she wait for Wesley to return? Or should she elope with the captain and pray she doesn't come to regret it?"

My review:  This was a book that I didn't want to put down. Sophie was one of those characters that you could continue to read about and never get tired. There was plenty of tension between the two brothers and a few twists along the way. Ms. Klassen gave plenty of detail and did a great job developing her characters. She is a great story teller and is quickly becoming an author that I look forward to reading. This is a book that certainly did not disappoint. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.