With Every Memory is a Beautiful Story of Forgiveness and Redemption

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From page one, With Every Memory draws you in. Lori Mendenhall suffered a traumatic brain injury causing her to lose the last eight years of memories, including the memories of her son. Returning home from rehab, she finds it hard to adjust to life after. Her once loving and attentive husband, Michael is now a workaholic and her teenage daughter Avery is sullen and distant after the accident.

As memories return and secrets re-surface will she be able to rebuild her family?

Author Janine Rosche is a new-to-me author, and I absolutely loved her use of imagery and the cadence of her writing. I was blown away, very impressed and drawn into With Every Memory.  Every spare second I had outside of work and life responsibilities, my nose was buried in this book. 

Honestly, I was 75 pages in and already thinking that With Every Memory would be top my list of favorite reads of 2023 and I'm happy to say my reader instincts were correct. Warning: You're going to need some Kleenex when reading the last 20 pages...I ugly cried in my living room. 

Because With Every Memory deals with heavy topics, being in the right frame of mind is key to fully allow you to appreciate this beautiful story. I don't I like giving away plot twists, so I am keeping it vague on purpose for what these heavy topics include. If you would like more direction on what these topics are, feel free to email me and I am happy to let you know what they are. 

I liked how Ms. Rossche built the story between the mother Lori and daughter Avery's view points. It gave the story more depth, propelled the plot forward and gave the reader more insights into the characters. 

Janine Rosche is definitely an author whose books I'll be adding to my ever growing TBR pile.  If you love authentic stories of hope, forgiveness and redemption you need to check out With Every Memory. 

~~With Every Memory was provided to me by the author herself and Revell in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

A Novel Proposal is a Sweet, Feel-Good Summer Read

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Best-selling author Denise Hunter is my go-to author whenever I'm in the mood for a contemporary, feel-good, heart-melting romance. Her books are like potato chips...you can't stop at one. Once you discover her books, you'll want to immerse yourself in all things Denise Hunter. 

Her newest standalone book, A Novel Proposal, is the perfect beach read. It mixes the endearing romance that will have you smiling with Hunter's trademark charm and compelling storytelling.

Twenty-six-year-old Sadie Goodwin writes Westerns, but just discovered her publisher is dropping her due to lack of sales. Adding insult to injury, she also must pay back the publishing royalties unless she agrees to write a romance novel in 3 months. A genre completely foreign to her because she's never been in love. Her best friend, Caroline convinces her to use her mom's duplex rental property in Florida to write her story.

It is at this point that we meet Sam Ford, who is hoping for a peaceful and quiet summer to heal his broken heart. What he doesn't expect is the vivacious Sadie Goodwin and her little yappy dog. When Sadie finds an engagement ring in a book, Sam finds himself helping her out and being drawn to his new neighbor with her exuberant personality.

Sadie was such a likeable and relatable heroine who never met a stranger. I liked her ability to converse with people and make friends easily, it makes her endearing and easy to root for.. By the end of this book, I wanted Sadie to be my new fictional BFF. 

I read this book in 3 days because I simply couldn't put it down. There was a lot of laughter and smiling while reading A Novel Proposal at the scenarios and situations Sadie and Sam find themselves in, along with their magnetic chemistry. 

If you're looking for a sweet, wholesome, happily-ever-after romance, you need to add A Novel Proposal to your TBR pile. Once again, Denise Hunter has created a love story that will make you feel good long after you've finished the book.

** I purchased copy of A Novel Proposal for my own enjoyment. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Witemeyer Wit Plus Fairytale Retelling Equals Magic

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Fairytale re-tellings are some of my favorite reads. I have been waiting none-too-patiently for author Karen Witmeyer's newest release Fairest of Heart, which is part of her Texas Ever After series. Note: If you are the type of reader that likes "exact" or "more precise" fairytale retellings I don't think you'll find it in Fairest of Heart. While there are some references to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Ms.  Witemeyer's latest book manages to stand as it's own story with references to the classic tale.

Normally, I fly though this author's books in a mater of days, however I found myself wanting to pace myself with Fairest of Heart  so I could appreciate the clever nuances the author paid to the original mythical tale. I'm glad I took my time reading this book because I just allowed myself to revel in the story. 

The subtle character allusions to Snow White are seen in Penelope Snow's character such as her sweet disposition, hardworking drive, and her love for baking, to name a few. I loved how quickly Penelope wanted to start helping out at the ranch to show her gratitude and appreciation. 

As the story unravels, you discover a world where being beautiful can be a double-edged sword as Penelope becomes entangled in a web of bad luck.

Enter Ranger Titus Kingsley, a man whose very essence embodies an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. We see the delicate dance of justice and mercy through his eyes. The development of his character serves as a poignant reminder of the balancing act between steely determination and compassionate understanding in the quest of righteousness.

Titus has developed into a hardened cynic who is constantly leery of the fairer sex after witnessing the catastrophic effects of bad love. But fate creates a complicated web when a fascinating young woman who is caught up in questionable events finds sanctuary among the cowhands working at his grandfather's ranch.

One of my favorite and endearing parts of this story was how all the cowhands at the Diamond D Ranch protected and fawned over Penelope. It was like she had seven grandfathers looking out for her. Their protective instincts and genuine fondness for her created a sense of family and belonging that touched my heart.

But it is the unexpected blossoming of romance between Titus and Penelope that truly stole my heart. Their love develops into a tender love story as romantic as any fairytale. Their love goes beyond simple emotion as their relationship develops against a background of uncertainty and hardship, becoming a beautiful love you story you want to be cheering for. 

I love how Karen brings to light a gospel truth in her character's lives throughout the course of the story. Somehow, every single story she writes she manages to seamlessly weave in the good news of the gospel. This is probably the sole reason I'm drawn to her books. Although, as a reader, if you need more motivation to read this author's stories, she always has interesting and developed characters. Having read all of her books, I'm always in awe of the fact that she can make all of her characters unique. It never feels like you are reading about the same character in a different story setting.

Christian Romance is typically labeled as "sweet clean romances." In Fairest of Heart, there are some stronger, more sensual scenes from the villain/villainess point of view.  I believe the author was doing this not for shock factor, but to show the contrast of the word's view of beauty versus God's view of beauty. I think perhaps she was trying to give readers a stark contrast between the wicked heart of the villainess and the pure heart of the heroine.  The reality is we live in a fallen world and sin exists. Seeing the lengths and depths that Narcissa (the villainess) went through to achieve her "means to an end," if you will, made her a more realistic villain. Through this stark contrast, readers gain a deeper understanding of the power of grace and the beauty of a pure heart in the face of darkness.

I know I say this about a lot of Bethany House book covers, but the team seriously outdid themselves with Fairest of Heart. While I love all of Karen's book covers this one might be one of my top favorites. 

Honestly, for me Karen's book came at the right time in my life when I needed the light, happiness and joy her stories always bring me. Come along on a fantastic journey with Penelope Snow and Ranger Titus Kingsley, where the pages are waiting to transport you to a world where fate and love are entwined in the most enchanting ways. If you love romantic stories that are heartfelt with depth you need to add Fairest of Heart at the top of your list. 

~~Fairest of Heart was provided to me by the author herself and Bethany House in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Wait for Me Gives an Already Intriguing Series an Unforgettable End!

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I was ecstatic to learn I'd been accepted as part of the influencer team for Jody Hedlund's, Wait for Me (Book Four: Waters of Time series). 

Let me just start with, this book did not disappointment my expectations. I read this book in four days because I had to keep picking it back up again! 

While readers of the series have met Dawson Huxham, Sybil's younger brother, in the previous books, we get his story in book four.  I admit I was equal parts sorry and irritated at Dawson at first and I wondered how he'd ever redeem himself after meeting him in book three, Stay With Me. 

In this thrilling novel, Dawson Huxham is tormented by guilt over his sister's untimely death. Desperate to reconnect with her, he sets out on a perilous quest to find holy water that will allow him to journey further into the past. But he soon discovers that he's not the only one seeking this miraculous substance - terrorists are hot on his trail. As Dawson delves deeper into the past, he meets the lovely Philippa Neville, a noblewoman struggling to escape an arranged marriage. 

Dawson is a bit of a tough hero to root for and like, but by the end of Wait for Me I was totally on #TeamDawson. You see him change in his actions and words, including observing him transform into a kinder, more understating and patient person. In the end, he's a man of honor and loyalty and these characteristics caused me to have a change of heart about Dawson Huxham. Writing that shows someone's growth as a person is really difficult, and I was so impressed by how effectively Jody Hedlund showed Dawson's transformation as a person. 

I was also curious to see how the romance and interactions between a modern hero and a heroine from the Middle Ages would be. Dawson brings his 21st century cotemporary view to the romance...treating Philippa as an equal and Philippa sees this and admires this about Dawson. He's unlike any man she's ever known. 

One trait of Philippa's I appreciate is how she sees the good and the beauty in people and the world around her. This made her a little too naïve and trusting, but also made you like her all the more because of it . The contrast of Philippa's worldview with Dawson's, which is somewhat bitter and jaded is a unique comparison that makes for some interesting conflict. Dawson sees these qualities in Philippa and wants to change. 

The romance and chemistry between Dawson and Philippa deserves its own paragraph.  Keeping the romance clean, the author manages to make an appreciative glance fiery.  By the end, you were wanting someone to look at you the way Dawson looks at Philippa. I have to confess...I really wanted to wear the flowy and ornate dresses of the period that Philippa does...just for a day... then I think I'd want to go back to yoga pants.

Wait for Me beautifully illustrates how God uses challenges and difficulties to help us grow in ways that no other experience can match. The story emphasizes that God's perfect plan cannot be disrupted by time or distance.

Jody Hedlund's Waters of Time series ranks as one of my top favorite series by this author, although you really can't go wrong with any of her books. Ms. Hedlund is such a gifted and prolific author and I hope she writes more time-crossing books. 

With its gripping plot and intriguing characters, this novel is a thrilling adventure through time and across centuries. Join Dawson and Philippa on a journey you'll never forget, as they navigate treacherous waters of love and danger to find their way back to each other.

Reading is an Adventure,

Emilee 

~~Wait for Me was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

In This Moment is Consuming and Compelling

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In This Moment tops my list of' "Most Anticipated Reads of 2023." After loving When the Day Comes, I had exceptionally high expectations for this book and author Gabrielle Meyer doesn't disappoint. In fact, she manages to make In This Moment even more riveting with heroine Maggie as a time crosser with three time periods. 1861, 1941, and 2001.

Ms. Meyer ingeniously balances all three eras giving Maggie three distinct roles and families. In 1861, she's Margaret Wakefield, a Senator's daughter with the country on the verge of Civil War. In 1941 finds her working as nurse, Maggie Hollingsworth and in 2001 she's Meg Clarke a young prodigy medical student. 

Like her mother, Libby she must choose which time to permanently live in on her 21st birthday. Making it ever more challenging she has one man in each period she's beginning to develop feelings for. Which man will ultimately capture her heart? Will it be Gray, Seth or Zechariah? Who will she choose? I was definitely leaning towards one hero over the others, but I'm not going to tell you which one.  You'll have to read In This Moment to find out. Neither Maggie nor the reader knows which time she should choose. It takes great skill as a writer to do this well. That's the genius of this story. The author keeps you turning pages and guessing. 

The theme of In This Moment of how God plans and orchestrates our lives really resonated with me and I felt was such a timely and comforting message for today.

As with When the Day Comes, In This Moment will draw you in  and I guarantee you'll be replaying scenes in your head and this story will stay with you long after you've closed the book. 

Author Gabrielle Meyer keeps you on your toes with a few plot twists I wasn't expecting. She has set the bar sky-high and exceeded all my expectations.  I confess when I read the ending I was jumping up and down in my living room screaming with excitement over the way she sets it up for book #3! I can hardly wait! If you love books that combine history and romance coupled with the unique time-crossing element you need to add this book to your TBR pile.

~~In This Moment was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own, I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

And...The Winner Is...

And...The Winner Is...

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer!

If you're a fan of historical Christian fiction you need to add this book to your 'Must Read' pile.

You can find out more of my thoughts on this book here.

Doing this Sweet Sixteen Book Bracket was so much fun and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Thank you for everyone that participated and voted. 

Can't wait to share more books with you this spring.

Credit and Thanks for the beautiful book bracket goes to my talented best friend Jennifer Klotz. 

The Metropolitan Affair is A Historical Kaleidoscope

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Get ready for a historical adventure that will take you from the ancient ruins of Egypt to the luxurious mansions of New York's elite in Jocelyn Green's latest page-turner, The Metropolitan Affair.

Author Jocelyn Green has the ability to transport her readers to whatever historical era she chooses and also make us feel fully immersed in that period. Her latest release, The Metropolitan Affair, part of her new On Central Park series, takes us back to 1920s New York filled with jazz music, flappers, bobbed haircuts, prohibition, and, of course, the world's fascination with all things Egyptian with the discover of King Tut's tomb. This juxtaposition of two iconic historical eras was a unique historical kaleidoscope for me!  

Dr. Lauren Westlake is a rare and captivating heroine. Her vast knowledge and passion for Egyptology reminded me somewhat of the character 'Evelyn' from the 1999 movie The Mummy and I was so onboard with this.  Not sure if this was the author's intention or not, but I loved it.

Lauren is now in her early 30s and recognized in her line of work, but her father's recent appearance in New York asking her to accompany him to Egypt has thrown her orderly and organized world off-kilter.  Lauren still yearns for a relationship with her father despite how damaged and tense it is due to his long absences and hollow promises to take her on an archeological dig. Her interest and love of  Egypt's culture and artifacts may have began as a way to win her father's affection and praise, but it's turned into her passion and life's work. While she's a specialist in her field, Lauren still encounters some opposition to those who doubt her area of expertise. I like that she is confident in her skills, but not arrogant. This trait is evident all throughout the story and makes you like her even more. 

Enter Detective Joe Caravello, a man on the hunt for a notorious forger who is preying on New York's high society. With Egyptomania sweeping the city following the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Lauren's expertise in Egyptology makes her the perfect partner for Joe as they search for the truth behind the forger's identity. The closer they get to uncovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a world of secrets and lies.

And this, of course, draws them closer. I'm not sure there are enough words to express how much I loved Joe and Lauren's relationship, They had this natural chemistry that you couldn't wait to see how they would interact and what was going to happen next. Ms. Green did a great job of pacing the story and keeping the romance between Joe and Lauren realistic. It's almost as if the Metropolitan Museum became like another character and a place of refuge for both Lauren and Joe as their relationship builds. 

Ms. Green explores the theme of forgiveness and how it relates to our families. We all have our fair share of family issues and struggles, but it's through forgiveness that we can find healing and peace. Through relatable characters and heartwarming anecdotes, the author reminds us that no family is perfect, and we all make mistakes. But it's when we look to our true Heavenly Father that we can find the strength and courage to forgive one another and move forward with love and compassion.

My absolute favorite quote is on page 229. This quote made me sigh with happiness. When you get to that part in the book I would love to know what you think of the quote as well. 

I'm hopeful the author will give us more stories form this era. I'd love to know more about Lauren's roommates Elsa and Ivy or her secretary Anita. Just me? Would you like to read their stories too?

I found the book to be filled with vivid descriptions of exotic locales, fascinating historical details, and heart-pounding suspense, so I can happily recommend that you need to add The Metropolitan Affair to your Must Read List.