A Love Transformed

Book description:  "When her husband, Adolph, dies suddenly, Clara Vesper is stunned. Not grief-stricken, as their marriage had never been a love match, but staggered by what might become of her and her children. For years she designed the sapphire jewelry that made her husband's company a fortune, but she has little money in her own name and soon discovers that she has inherited nothing. Fearing for the welfare of her two small children, she decides to take them to her aunt and uncle's ranch in Montana, the only place she has ever been happy.

But much has changed since she last visited the Montana ranch, both for Clara and for those she was forced to leave behind. And when dangerous secrets from her late husband's past threaten everyone she loves, Clara must fight to remain where she can fulfill her dreams."

My review:  This month I had a hard time deciding which book to review for Bethany House. It was this book or Beverly Lewis's new book, The Wish. I obviously chose this book by Tracie Peterson and was not disappointed! This is the third and final book in the Sapphire Brides series. Don't worry if you haven't read the other two, all three books can stand alone. I would have a very hard deciding which of the books in this series is my favorite. Clara's mother was actually one of my favorite characters. Although I didn't like her as a person, she added a great element to the story. Clara was a strong character that had a backbone when she had to have one. She was meek to a certain point, which is a great quality, but she did not allow herself to be run over when the situation called for strength. This was one of those books I stayed up way too late reading! I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens

Book description:  "'I need you to keep these girls safe . . .'

Kate Mason has devoted herself to caring for her family’s blueberry barrens. But after her fields stop producing fruit, she’s forced to come up with alternative ways to make a living.

Renting out the small cottage on her property seems an obvious choice, but it won’t be enough. When entrepreneur Drake Newham shows up looking not only for a place to rent but also for a nanny for his two nieces, it’s almost too good to be true. And maybe it is—because Drake brings with him dangerous questions about who might be out to kill his family. The more time Kate spends with Drake and the girls, the more difficult it becomes to hide her attraction to him. But a family crisis isn’t exactly the ideal time to pursue a romance.

Meanwhile, Kate learns that her uncle—in prison for murder—has escaped. Add to that a local stalker who won’t leave her alone, and Kate is looking over her shoulder at every turn. With threats swirling from multiple directions, she wonders if her blueberry fields will ever flourish again . . . or if this twilight is her last.

Set on the beautiful coast of Maine, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens brings together suspense, romance, and the hope that one day new life will come again."

My review:  This is the third and final book in the series A Sunset Cove.  While not my favorite of the series, it is still another example of the great writing that Colleen Coble consistently provides.  Once again Mrs. Coble is able to surprise the reader with the unexpected, balanced with romance and faith. The reader is held captive from the beginning to the end! I enjoyed following the characters from the previous books in the series as well as characters from a series by Denise Hunter. That was an unexpected pleasant surprise.  The ending of this book tied up all the loose threads  in this series and definitely left a feeling of completeness. I really enjoyed this series, and look forward to the next book/series from Colleen Coble. 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.

Just a Kiss

Book description:  "Riley Callahan’s plans to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend are derailed when his life is drastically altered in Afghanistan.

Watching the love of his life fall for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.

But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.

Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances Riley is adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up with the money needed to save it.

As the weeks wear on, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into uncharted territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?"

My review:  I would have a hard time choosing a favorite book or character from this series, A Summer Harbor, by Denise Hunter. Just a Kiss is the third and final novel in this series. It does stand alone, but you certainly do not want to miss the first two books.  I anxiously waited for this book to be released and was not disappointed! The struggles that Paige and Riley had were real and were characters that I could become connected to. Denise Hunter is also able to handle difficult topics without making them too light or too heavy, and there were many lessons, which were woven throughout the story, that will cause the reader to stop and think.  This is such a wonderful story that you will not want to miss!  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.