The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers tells us of Erin Connolly who quits her job and tries to get her life in order by organizing and donating books from her book collection. She accidently donates her very special and heavily annotated copy of To Kill a Mockingbird to a little community library. She is devastated that when she returns it is going. She checks and checks for the book and one day it appears with more notes from a mystery man, and an invitation to read another novel together. I have begun checking out Little Free Libraries a little more carefully after reading this book!

This story invited me on a heartfelt journey. I was so engaged in learning more about Erin and the Mystery Man. The characters in the story were so interesting and felt like people I personally knew by the end of the story. The author delves into grief, forgiveness, healing, and the beauty of second chances. I was invested and drawn into the story which was beautiful and gritty at the same time. I enjoyed it so much!

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers is a story for anyone who loves books, has felt grief, and believes in personal change and second chances. I greatly recommend. The Book Swap Publishes 9/3/2024

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review

TW--Abuse; bullying; death of a friend,

Tessa Bickers studied journalism at Bournemouth university, and went on to co-present a breakfast radio show in the South West. Moving into celebrity news, she's interviewed some of the biggest names in show business, including Leonardo DiCaprio and the cast of Sex and the City. Tess started her creative career as a singer-songwriter and after a few failed X Factor auditions she went on to perform at Glastonbury Festival, and Secret Garden Party with her band Tess and the Tellers. These days she's replaced her guitar with a keyboard, and songs for books. THE BOOK SWAP is her debut novel, publishing in 2024.

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner

 

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends Bethany Turner is a sweet rom-com. Laila Olivet and Cole Kimball have been best friends since forever. They work together, know each other’s quirks and issues, and are rarely separated. Cole’s world is shattered after his grandfather’s death, and they take a trip to New York City to visit with old friends and make decisions. Will they ever be more than just friends?

I have been wondering about Cole and Laila since I first met them in Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other. I was very engaged in their friends to more story and enjoyed the dual POV, great dialogue, and chemistry between Laila and Cole. Their first true date was adorable and will become a classic.

The pop culture references, time in New York City, and sweet added to my enjoyment. I highly recommend Cold and Laila are Just Friends and hope you add it to your TBR.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Bethany Turner has been writing since the second grade, when she won her first writing award for explaining why, if she could have lunch with any person throughout history, she would choose John Stamos. She stands by this decision. Bethany now writes pop culture–infused rom-coms for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. She lives in Southwest Colorado with her husband, whom she met in the nineties in a chat room called Disco Inferno. As sketchy as it sounds, it worked out pretty well in this case, and they are now the proud parents of two grown sons. Text Bethany any time at (970) 387-7811, or connect with her across social media @seebethanywrite, where she clings to the eternal dream that John Stamos will someday send her a friend request.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is an incredible book. Kelsey Worthington ends up in the hospital after a car jumps the curb. She wakes up next to Georgina Tate, a legend of the business world in New York City. Georgina is not the most approachable person, but the two connect as they ponder life. Kelsey wonders “What if I said yes to everything I’ve always said no to?” What would my life be like? Georgina is not so sure about that.

Oh, this was a delight to read as the characters were truly enchanting. Kelsey is a little bit meddling, introspective and just plain fun to get to know. Georgina is quite edgy, has regrets, and is honestly rather terrifying in a good way. I felt like I was being mentored by the characters, and I loved how humor was intertwined within more serious topics in the story. The book made me think about life, wonder what I would like to do differently with my life, and reminded me to make each day count. The setting of New York City and the coast of North Carolina made for a great read!

This was the perfect story for me as it shared life lessons with great characters, was humorous, and had sweet romance! I am a big fan of The Summer of Yes and I recommend you say “YES” to reading it. You will not regret your decision! I very highly recommend and this will be a top book of 2024 for me.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes small town romance and women’s fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. If For Any Reason is her eleventh novel. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category, and her contemporary romance Just Let Go won the Carol Award in 2019. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.

Breaking the Ice by Whitney Dineen

Breaking The Ice by Whitney Bohlen Dineen is a clean small-town hockey romcom and part of the series: Love on Thin Ice. Ellie helps take care of her mom, her friends’ children, and she teaches skating to beginners, but does not really like the famous Zachary she has heard about on the news. Zachary is very wealthy and escapes to Maple Falls to escape bad press and his sister-in-law sets him up to stay in Ellie’s cottage. She is not thrilled, but needs the money for her mom’s care.

This dual POV sweet romance was very engaging. I enjoyed visiting Maple Falls and watching Ellie and Zach change, become friends, and fall in love. The story is a quick fun delightful read. Ellie and Zach have great chemistry, and it was fantastic to read a story where both characters helped to take care of their families. I enjoyed this quick read and it kept me very engaged.

The small-town setting, interesting characters, and Zach and Ellie’s chemistry made Breaking The Ice a wonderful read that I highly recommend. This will be on Kindle Unlimited  publishes digitally August 22. 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

USA Today Bestselling author Whitney Dineen is a rock star in her own head. While delusional about her singing abilities, there’s been a plethora of validation that she’s a fairly decent author (AMAZING!!!). After winning many writing awards and selling nearly a kabillion books (math may not be her forte, either), she’s decided to let the voices in her head say whatever they want (sorry, Mom). She also won a fourth-place ribbon in a fifth-grade swim meet in backstroke. So, there’s that.

Whitney loves to hang with her kids (a.k.a. dazzle them with her amazing 80's dance moves, serenading them to Bohemian Rhapsody, and binge watch Ted Lasso ), bake stuff, eat stuff, and write books for people who "get" her. She thinks french fries are the perfect food and Mrs. Roper is her spirit animal.

Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main

Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main published by Love Inspired publishes August 20! Link to buy.

Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main is a sweet romance and a part of the K-9 Companions series. Autumn McCaw wants to connect people with well trained service dogs. Wyatt Nelson is starting over with his young daughter, Harper. He was a dog trainer in the army and would like to work for Autumn. The only problem is they both knew each other many years ago and Autumn walked away very hurt from their relationship.

The characters in Her Loyal Companion are very engaging and real in this dual POV story. I enjoyed walking with Autumn and Wyatt as they changed, understood themselves better, and drew closer to the Lord. Autumn and Wyatt's love story had ups and down, but their chemistry, commitment to making things right and ability to forgive made their relationship work.

We have a service dog for one of our kids. I enjoyed Autumn’s compassion and commitment to making this happen for people. The author did a nice job sharing the experience and being realistic about the long process to train dogs to help people. It is rewarding when you see the matches, but it is so much work to make that happen.

Her Loyal Companion is a heart warming story that made me happy and I greatly enjoyed my time in Serenity with Autumn and Wyatt. I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review

Bestselling author Heidi Main writes sweet inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She lives in the central North Carolina’s suburbs, but dreams of acreage and horseback riding, which is probably why her novels include wide-open ranches and horses. Heidi worked in the computer field, then owned a Jazzercise franchise, before she began her writing career. She has a major sweet tooth. She loves popcorn and milk chocolate (not necessarily in that order), and savor novels and movies with happily-ever-afters. When she isn’t writing, she loves to take walks, garden, play board games, curl up with a good book, and watch HGTV. A perfect Saturday is lounging on the deck with her husband and watching the many birds in their backyard.

Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck

Have you or do you roller skate? OR What are you reading? I remember rolling skating back in the day. The music, the friends, and finally getting better when it was time to leave. My best memory is watching my dad skate when I was young. He was an incredible Skater.

Review: Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauk published by Bethany House Fictions follows the family of Tuesday Knight in dual timelines between the 1930’s and the 1980’s. We watch Tuesday Knight’s family as they grow-up, figure out life and become who they were created to be.

I enjoyed how this story flowed seamlessly between different points in time. The characters were very engaging and I was so invested in seeing what happened to the Starlight skating rink. The author excels at mixing humor with deeper themes and pointing you back to Immanuel. It was pleasure to spend time in the coastal town of Sea Blue Beach, make many new friends, and I was surprised at the ending.

Watching the characters transform, wondering what would happen next, and spending time roller skating to 70’s and 80's tunes made this an incredible story for me. I highly recommend Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauk.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida. A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues. Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie. Her novel, The Wedding Dress, has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and sits on the Executive Board of American Christian Fiction Writers.. A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day. Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Join her NEWSLETTER for exclusive monthly content.

Web Site: www.rachelhauck.com

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Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap is a wonderful romantic comedy. Lacey Anderson is the cruise ship’s hostess and has been targeted by the “Shippers” as their next love project. The Shippers are four retired women who like to play matchmaker on the cruise ship. They have chosen Jonathan King, cruise director, to ship Lacey to. The only problem is that Lacey and Jonathan used to date. Will the shippers succeed?

This was a sweet, funny, and delightful story with a touch of mystery. I laughed out loud several times and loved rooting for Lacey and Jonathan. I enjoyed getting to know Lacey and Jonathan’s back story and watching their relationship evolve. I loved the sweet romance and “the shippers” kept the story light and funny. Getting a behind the scene tour of a cruise ship added to my enjoyment of the book.

Love Overboard was the perfect story for me this July. It had me laughing, kept me engage, and I loved the sweet romance! I highly recommend Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap.

I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher and a positive review was not required.

Shannon Sue Dunlap writes books with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of love. One of the greatest compliments you can give her is saying her stories made you laugh-out-loud. She loves traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Shannon is a die-hard fan of happy endings and believes God has designed one for each of us. 

My ideas come from everywhere. You know the disclaimer at the beginning of books and movies about any resemblance to real persons being a coincidence? Yeah, right! Writers are always soaking in the people around them. (Not to sound creepy, but I once followed a stranger through the airport because I thought she talked like one of my characters, and I wanted to hear what she would say next.) One of my greatest hopes is that readers recognize themselves in my books. We’re all such a fabulous mix of flaws and greatness, and everyone is the hero or heroine in their own life story.   https://shannonsuedunlap.com/