TITLE:  Home Away From Home (Abbot Island #2)
AUTHOR:  Penny Frost McGinnis
DATE: 2023
STARS: *****
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From the back cover:
Will Marigold and Johnny embrace love late in life?
 
The day before Marigold Hayes turned fourteen, her mother died in a car accident and her father went missing. Her memory of standing on the porch and waving goodbye haunts her. After forty years of digging for clues to her dad's whereabouts and ignoring her personal life, the hope she might find him fades. Through the years, she has made friends, but no one significant until Johnny Papadakis. He has stood by her for nine years and helped search records of people alive and dead. For the last six months. he has more than hinted at marriage. As a fifty plus single woman, can she share her life with a man? Even one as wonderful as Johnny. As her love for Johnny grows, her sorrow from the relentless search for her father breaks her heart. She begs God to help her move forward with her life before she has no love left to give. As she decides to stop searching, three island visitors draw her attention away from Johnny and into one more search into the mystery of what happened to her dad. Who are the three visitors, and why are they nosing around about her life?
 
Ten years ago, after his ex-wife pushed him away, Johnny Papadakis moved to Abbott Island and opened a Greek-American restaurant. In the midst of a difficult divorce, his ex-wife discouraged him from having a relationship with their daughter, Alexa. With a broken heart, he abides by her wishes and hopes someday his daughter will want to know him again. On the island, he has made friends, including Marigold. In the last year, he realizes he wants more than friendship from this lovely lady. After six months of dating, he asks her to marry him. She won't give him a definite answer, but he won't give up. Even as he loves Marigold and wants to marry her, he longs to reunite with Alexa. With Marigold's blessing, he visits his daughter and tries to reconnect. After the reunion, Alexa comes to Abbott Island and asks to move in with him. Even though he is not sure of her motives, his kind heart and the hope he has held on to for a decade welcomes her into his home. Will he balance work, his relationship with Marigold, and his daughter's arrival? Will Alexa welcome Marigold or see her as a hindrance to getting to know her father? Can Marigold and Johnny settle the past and move toward the promise of a blessed future?
 
My review:
 
After reading Home Where She Belongs, the first Abbott Island book, I was excited to enjoy Marigold and Johnny’s story. The finished product was worth the wait. As lovely as one of Marigold’s crocheted blankets, this tale combines a forty-year-old mystery with the tender romance of these two 50-something people in a way that draws the reader into each scene and emotion.
 
The never-ending ache of missing her father and wondering what happened to him kept Marigold from risking her own chances of romance in her youth, but Johnny is persistent and patient. I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship to sweet romance, and I ached with the parties involved as the mystery was finally solved
 
The supporting cast of characters are realistic and likeable, and getting reacquainted with Joel and Sadie (from Home Where She Belongs) was a joy.
 
I was given an ARC (advanced reader's copy) by the author; all opinions are my own. I love Home Away From Home and award it five stars. Recommended!
 

TITLE:  Cold Light of Day   
AUTHOR:  Elizabeth Goddard
DATE: 2023
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

From the back cover:
Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.
 
My Review:
Great twists and surprises, high tension that doesn’t let up (I needed to take several breaks to catch my breath!) and compelling characters make Cold Light of Day a must-read for fans of romantic thrillers.

Why only four stars rather than five? Some of the narrow escapes proved a bit too unbelievable for me. Not impossible, but improbable. Other than that minor issue, this is a great read. Just don’t expect to get anything else done once you start reading.

Autumn and Grier both carry dark secrets, and as the story progresses, even more tangles are revealed. The supporting cast are also compelling, and this story will stay with me for a long time.
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I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own. Recommended!

TITLE:  Under the Starry Skies
AUTHOR:  Tracie Peterson
DATE: 2022
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****

From the back cover:
Sensible and independent, Cassandra Barton never anticipated being on her own at thirty-two. But after the death of her father and the marriage of her sister, she's found joy in her work as a seamstress. When a minor accident leaves her incapacitated, she decides to use her time to compile a book of stories about the men working on the Santa Fe Railroad. But worry begins to grow in San Marcial as Mexican revolutionaries set out to destroy the railroad--and put many lives in danger.

With Europe at war and his longtime friend Cassie injured, railroad worker Brandon Dubarko is burdened by his troubles. And when a vengeful man reappears in Brandon's life intent on causing conflict, Brandon must face his past before he can move forward.

As the danger intensifies, Cassie and Brandon must rely on their faith to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of a brighter future.

My review:
Cassie and Brandon are friends, but unknown to her, Brandon promised her now-deceased father that he would watch out for her. He takes his promise to heart, so that when the carelessness of some young men cause Cassie’s injury, he makes sure they make it up to her. As they spend time together, old wounds seem calculated to keep them apart.

I loved this story, with its charming main characters and realistic secondary characters, the historical setting, and the wonderful role of faith in God and His goodness.
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I received this book from Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing and award it five stars. All opinions are my own.

TITLE:  Where the Blue Sky Begins
AUTHOR:  Katie Powner
DATE: 2022
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****

From the back cover:
When confident and handsome Eric Larson is sent to a rural Montana town to work in the local branch of his uncle's financial company, he's determined to exceed everyone's expectations, earn a promotion, and be back in Seattle by the end of summer. Yet nothing could prepare him for the lessons this small town has in store.

At forty-six years old, eccentric and outspoken Eunice Parker has come to accept her terminal illness and has given herself one final goal: seek forgiveness from everyone on her bucket list before her time runs out. But it will take more courage than she can muster on her own.

After an accident pushes Eric and Eunice together, the unlikely pair is forced to spend more time with each other than either would like, which challenges their deepest prejudices and beliefs. As summer draws to a close, neither Eric nor Eunice is where they thought they would be, but they both wrestle with the same important question: What matters most when the end is near?

My review:
Eric Larson may have been good-looking, but his personality lacked substance. To put it bluntly, he was a snob—a rich, handsome snob who wanted only to prove to his uncle that he was ready for a tenth-floor office in the Seattle office. So when he bumped into Eunice Parker, literally, this story took off in an intriguing direction.
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Where the Blue Sky Begins weaves secrets, regrets, dreams together in one touching, memorable tapestry as Eric and Eunice learn that not everything or everyone is as it first appears. I love this story and award it five stars. I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Graf-Martin and Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
 

TITLE:  The Blackout Book Club
AUTHOR:  Amy Lynn Green
DATE: 2022
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****

An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

In The Blackout Book Club, it takes a while to get to know the diverse characters. Each carries secrets, regrets and/or guilt, and each one becomes recognizable as the story unfolds. For a time, their secrets keep them from true friendship, but as troubles intrude, they begin to bond.

I grew to love these characters, so different from one another yet alike in their hope for redemption and better tomorrows. Martina, the Italian immigrant with two adorable children, especially tugged at my heart. The dangers of living along the coast during WW2 became real to me, and I appreciated learning about the unique “Hooligan Navy.”

This story will stay with me for a long time, and The Blackout Book Club earns four stars. I received a copy of this book from Martin-Graf Communications and Baker Publishing Group.

Looking for a sweet Christmas novella? Check this one out: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3XrWEYL%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2bRkfgE_gtXOw5fgXFAISkhtSHZ2-rAhCJWDfo-27zh_9d9VZurgcgVZI&h=AT37eCmON4J7cTOA1WbYxpOUP9_wHtM3W0t6myx4rybtREYEYTSMpWcdEi7hIFs72gmF_8MgeIL8gnXpgm7MeiTIO6vjTEtLbXIzckynx8vArkz3LMv8-2qs7_N-HxL3gX4
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Lauren Blessing has a problem. All the men she dates turn out to be jerks. When the latest in a string of bad relationships ends, she takes a break from dating for a while. After all, she has everything she needs to be happy…right?

Parker Johnson has a problem of his own. He can’t seem to shake his feelings for his high school crush. When she winds up suddenly single a week before Christmas, her friends do what they can to get them together. But how can he make her fall for him if he can barely speak to her?

As they spend time together, will Parker open up enough to show Lauren who he is inside? Will Lauren allow God to help her let go of what she wants to get what she needs?

This novella takes place in the same fictional universe as the Tranquil Shores Romance series. It can be read as a standalone, but if you wish to read them in chronological order, it takes place between books 2 and 3.

Home Where She Belongs, by Penny Frost McGinnis

Sadie comes back to Abbot Island, desperate for a measure of peace. The last few years have damaged–if not broken–her, and the home and cabins given her by her grandparents is her only hope. But as she rediscovers old friendships, including her old crush, Joel, a longing begins to tug at her heart.

Joel knows something is wrong with the grown-up version of the girl he fell in love with so many years ago, but she’s not talking. As he does his best to discover who is tormenting Sadie, their relationship tip-toes forward and back again, as she struggles to cope with conflicting emotions.

Faith plays a crucial role in Home Where She Belongs, and it is expressed clearly without even a hint of preachiness. Author Penny Frost McGinnis has created a setting I’d love to visit, characters who intrigue and compel, and a plot that keeps the pages turning. I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. 

Want a peek at the story behind this story? https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennyfrostmcginnis.com%2Fp%2Fhome-where-she-belongs-inspiration.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0jVUZj7QvdvQw_XwnWV_F9sPYaUKjmsb9yUsZlIpPG2Fjt_LZARfa9dB4&h=AT1xxAaQAmtKFY9XIgz3uJUglorNnFcRxHlkWzc6sVxyiwER53c0ikUjoGr805LvGOyO6TNVrEdZlFJLiZSLcfV9DYtLLOk0R2jq6uWBvTaPDJ6yjg-oY5cNfZ9Aj4K7zio

Home Where She Belongs: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Belongs-Abbott-Island-ebook/dp/B09SDJPCP4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q9ZFGYOYFML3&keywords=home%20where%20she%20belongs&qid=1668792485&sprefix=home%20where%20she%20belongs%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR20wk70FYeL1a0vahI5_4cyl6SwcmkhFSJ9M-0rphjuXhj8xL4RBnuvydI

TITLE:  Honor’s Refuge (Love and Honor #3)
AUTHOR:  Hallee Bridgeman
DATE: 2022
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

From the back cover:
When she was just five years old, Melissa Braxton watched her father take her mother's life. Separated from her sister, Lola, at that time, Melissa grew up with a strong desire to help those stuck in abusive relationships. It's why she became a family therapist and opened a domestic abuse shelter.

After losing a leg to a gunshot wound in the line of duty, Phil Osbourne has felt like a man without a purpose--until he hears Melissa's story and decides to use his Special Forces contacts to track down her missing sister. He knows what he discovers will break Melissa's heart. What he doesn't realize is that helping the women reunite will bring the cartel down on them like the Category 5 hurricane striking Miami.

Bruised yet not quite broken, Melissa and Phil battle the storm and the cartel, calling on strength they didn't know they had to escape death, save the innocent, and--just maybe--find healing in each other's arms.

My review:
If you enjoy high tension and a heart-grabbing storyline, you’ll love Honor’s Refuge. When offered this book by the publisher, I wondered if the Columbian cartel angle would be too tense, and I did have to walk away several times. But the story called me back each time.

Melissa’s tragic background compelled her to help others in abusive situations, and her shelter is fulfilling her dreams. Most of them, anyway. Her younger sister disappeared that horrible night, and Melissa longs to find her.

In spite of Phil’s assumption of uselessness, he wants to find Melissa’s sister, with the help of his military buddies. The battles he must fight, internal and external, are some of the most powerful I have read.

I received this book from the publisher and award it five stars for realism, romance and heart-pounding action. 

TITLE:  The Lost Melody
AUTHOR:  Joanna Davidson Politano
DATE: 2022
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

From the back cover:
When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of an adult ward she knew nothing about. The woman is supposedly a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. The woman's portrait is shockingly familiar to Vivienne, so when the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know. But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

My review:
How can I describe this story? Dark, with a pinprick of light, flickering and nearly extinguished. Much of the book holds so much darkness, it was difficult for me to read. I had to take breaks often. The Lost Melody is so well-written, the dark abyss that is Hurstwell threatened to drown me. The mystery of the lost woman and her song, however, kept me reading.

As sanity and madness war around and within the main character, Vivienne, she clings feebly to her God. Who was responsible for her imprisonment at the asylum? How could she survive? Who is the mystery woman of her dreams, and what happened to her?
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Skillfully told, with deep mysteries in several layers and a satisfying ending, The Lost Melody earns four stars. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions are my own.