Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

Like Never Before  Author - Melissa Tagg  Rating - 4.25 out of 5 Stars  Would I Recommend: Yep

Back Cover...

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she knew who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

What I Loved...

Two words. Logan Walker. But I suppose you want to know what makes Logan so lovable. Logan Walker, the hero of Like Never Before, it all too wonderful. Melissa Tagg did a wonderful job with this character. He is a single dad that LOVES his daughter. He's smart (like almost nerdy smart which I love) and caring. He is character yumminess wrapped up ready to devour.

There is a portion of the book that takes place in a library, which I more often times than not just love. This was definitely one of those times where I loved it.

When a Christian Fiction novel incorporates lots of romance, humor and history, I am already half way in love.

What I Liked...

There was a lot going on in Like Never Before that added to the overall story. I had a deeper appreciation for the story and characters due to Tagg showing depth with all of the characters, from Logan to the non-essential hotel clerk.

 Amelia, the heroine, had her issues going on but overall she was a character that grew on me more and more as I read the book. It was nice to see her character mature without changing her personality.

The family dynamic of the Walker Family was endearing and this series will be one that be bittersweet when it wraps because Melissa does such a good job making you feel like you are a part of Team Walker. I felt like I was in the noisy Walker kitchen waiting for one of Logan's special omelets.

Other...

Like the cover. Not how I pictured Logan but did picture Amelia very similar to the cover model.

The novel started out slow for me, but I am so glad that I pushed through. This is a really good read and I really and truly recommend it!


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Counted With The Stars by Connilyn Cossette

Counted With The Stars Author - Connilyn Cossett Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Absolutely

Back Cover...

Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.

To save her older brother and escape the bonds of slavery, Kiya flees with the Hebrews during the Great Exodus. She finds herself utterly dependent on a fearsome God she's only just beginning to learn about, and in love with a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away, will Kiya turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

What I Loved...

Counted With The Stars is a uniquely fresh and captivating tale woven from biblical events. Author Cossette did such an awesome job making the Exodus come to life in my head. The story of Moses and the Exodus has been done so many times that I have come to expect certain aspects to be portrayed as I have always seen them but Cossette completely blew me away with her creative spin on the plagues, the exodus itself and life as an Egyptian in those days as opposed to the Hebrew point of view.

In an odd way, everything was equally over the top and yet minimal. Cossette took the reader through the everyday life of Hebrew slavery without grandeur but painting the life so realistically. The mass exodus was written so vividly yet also seemed so realistic. 

What I Liked...

I really liked Kiya. She matured as the story progressed, giving the reader the opportunity to love her more and more. The secondary characters made an equal impact on me as the reader. I am excited to read the next in the series.

I have only read a few books with disabled or impaired characters. I can now add Counted With The Stars among them. I loved Kiya's brother, Jumo. He was a mix of nurturing and one who struggled. A very real character.

Other...

The cover is lovely although I didn't picture Kiya this way. I just can't help but picture Ancient Egyptians with bronzed skin.

I look forward to reading future works by Connilyn Cossette.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by Bethany House. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Love's Violet Sunrise by Naomi Rawlings

Love's Violet Sunrise Author - Naomi Rawlings Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Yes

Back Cover...

With her brother facing trial for a murder he didn't commit, German immigrant Mabel Krause needs a lawyer who can help prove her brother's innocence. The only trouble is--she can't afford one.

Hiram Cummings needs money to return to law school, and the fastest way to earn it is by working as a legal clerk for the powerful and rich Rhett Vandergriff. When a desperate immigrant comes to him for help, he finds himself on a mission to prove a man's innocence, risking his job in the process.

But all is not as it appears, and Hiram soon learns that not only is his job at risk, but he's also in danger of losing his heart--if he and Mabel don't lose their lives first.

Love's Violet Sunrise is a prequel to the bestselling Eagle Harbor Series, as well as part of the American State Flower Collection.

Review...

I try to never read a series out of order. If a novella is published after a series but the plot takes place before the series, I feel cheated so I avoid them altogether.

However I am a Naomi Rawlings fan and I couldn't resist.

Love's Violet Sunrise's plot does take place before the Eagle Harbor Series, but I am so glad I read it! It is a wonderfully charming short story. I LOVE Hiram. I love Hiram so much I wish that the story was longer because I wanted to keep reading Hiram. He is intelligent, caring, heroic and determined. I usually prefer the flirts but I also love intellectual gentleman...that's Hiram!

Mabel was great too. She was a no-nonsense and equally devoted woman when she set her mind to something. I loved her spunk.

***Some Spoilers if you haven't read Eagle Harbor Series*****
Please put down whatever you doing and go read it immediately or skip this part.
This book was so bittersweet for me. As soon as I knew I was reading Hiram's story, I already knew he had a tragic end (in another book). I read it anyway and the more I fell in love with Hiram's character, the more my heart broke knowing his tragic death. Thanks Naomi! In a way, I am glad I read this after Eagle Harbor Series. I was prepared for the blow.
***End of Spoilers***

I definitely recommend this charming love story and I honestly can't decide whether to read this before or after the Eagle Harbor Series...I am literally baffled.

I did want to mention that I am not a fan of the cover. Naomi's Eagle Harbor Series has beautiful covers and so this one fell way short. Since its part of a different series, I logically understand the difference, but I don't have to like it. I am a book cover snob so this one is not my cup of tea.

It doesn't take away from the story...I promise.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author Naomi Rawlings. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.