Love Unseen

I'm not one to read a dust jacket summary, because I don't want any spoilers. I guess you can say I judge a book by its cover or title--or the hype it gets on Bookstagram. So, pretty often, I'm surprised by the events of a book. But man-o-man, was I majorly surprised by this story. 

Love Unseen made me feel so many emotions. Just like me, the main male character, Jonathan Carter, is taken by surprise when the woman he asks to dance flat out refuses to dance. Little did he (or I) know, but Hannah has a unique reason for turning down his offer. This misunderstanding creates an enemies-to-lovers quarrel between the two and makes for such a great story. 

Hannah Hadley, the heroine, has such a sweet nature despite her circumstances. She genuinely loves others and enjoys serving by telling stories to children. However, her family is less than desirable. I have never disliked a mother and sister in a book more than I did in this one. Never. The author writes these evil characters so well that I wanted to come and protect Hannah from them myself. 

There were so many dynamics to Love Unseen that were written extremely well. The character development. Hannah's unexpected condition. The love story. The family drama. The sweet friendships. The way Jonathan wants the best for Hannah. The humor between Jonathan and Lord Deveraux. I enjoyed every bit of it.  

I often feel that the best stories end with you wanting more. And I definitely want more! I'm hoping that Rachel Kelley Stones has more stories that include Lord Deveraux and Jonathan's sister, Isabella. 

About the book: 

Hannah Hadley is a permanent fixture in London Society and well on her way to becoming a spinster. Despite her beauty and kind disposition, Hannah has accepted the harsh reality of her situation: she will never marry. Continually affected by an illness from her youth, Hannah acknowledges her chances of entertaining potential suitors, at least respectable ones, is slim.

To members of the ton, Jonathan Carter is undeniably unsuitable. Though he is in possession of a massive fortune and is handsome as well, there remains an insurmountable black mark against him: his is new money. Even so, he’s caught off guard when his enchanting neighbor, Miss Hadley, flatly rejects his offer to dance. Despite their rocky introduction, however, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But when circumstances force Hannah from her home, the couple’s warm association comes to an abrupt end. Now, Jonathan must find a way to rescue the woman he just might love or risk losing her forever.

Author: Rachel Kelley Stones

Book Title: Love Unseen

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Publication: July 5, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.

The Love Script

The Love Script may be about a red-carpet romance, but the way Toni Shiloh writes it is so relatable. I could gush about the romance and how the "fake" dating turned into the main characters falling in love-and trust me, that was swoon-worthy. But for me, the biggest takeaway from this book was the faith element.

"Churches weren't perfect and weren't meant to be. Like my mom had told me, they were a place for sinners in need of a Savior and run by redeemed sinners. There were bound to be issues with that combination. But when I took the time to focus on the Lord and not my comforts, it made all the difference in the world." 

Nevaeh and Lamont are both Christians, but they are both at different parts of their faith journey. I liked that the author showed that even when we feel like our Christian walk is going well, we still will have problems and need to seek Jesus. We will have doubts, and we still mess up. Mountains and valleys. The main characters find themselves in a situation where their reputations could be ruined. They choose not to "lie" by fake dating, and instead actually date. However, they are still stretching the truth in their relationship. Eventually, they each realize that they didn't fully trust God to get them through the situation. This causes both of them to seek truth and forgiveness in the end. 

Each of the characters made mistakes throughout the book, but what I enjoyed was that they sought out advice from people who would hold them accountable. Lamont's friends and Ms. Rosie were shining stars as supporting cast. Lamont often went to his friends, Chris and Tuck, for prayer. And equally as important, they checked on him throughout the journey. **I cannot wait to hear their stories!** Ms. Rosie had a way of putting Lamont in his place with boldness, grace, and motherly love. There is also a special scene between Nevaeh and Ms. Rosie where she imparts spiritual wisdom. 

Toni Shiloh writes authentic and faith-filled sweet romances. And I usually walk away with a sense of encouragement. The Love Script was no different. Life is hard and messy sometimes. It's my trust that God will see me through, and Jesus is my Savior that gets me through each day. 

About the book: 

A Hollywood hair stylist.

Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

The silver screen's latest heartthrob.

Lamont Booker's bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent's push for a fake relationship--something he never thought he'd consider in a million years.

A love that goes off script.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

Author: Toni Shiloh

Title: The Love Script

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: August 1, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my honest thoughts.

Making a special appearance in this photo is my Grandma's hair pick that she kept in her bible. 😊

The Starlet Spy

Rachel Scott McDaniel has done it again. Every time I think one of her books is my favorite, she writes another one to take its place. 

The Starlet Spy is now my current favorite and for good reason.

Amelie Blake is a Hollywood star known for her ditzy personality and beauty she portrays in film, but behind the scenes, she's anything but brainless. 

Finn Ristaffason is the man she's sent to spy on. 

What could go wrong?

A lot. A lot could go wrong. But definitely not in the author's writing skills. Normally, I have to read books set in WWII slowly and far apart, but this is the first book set in this time period that I would reread immediately. Rachel Scott McDaniel does a wonderful job of setting up the scene. Her descriptions and historical elements are so well researched and written that it feels like you are truly experiencing every aspect. It had me wanting to grab a history book and start diving into the time period. Check out the Author's Notes at the end for even more historical info!

And as is true in other titles by this author, I had no clue who the villain was until the reveal. I had my guesses, but they were completely wrong! 

The romance was absolutely stunning. Enemies to lovers, foreign spies, forced proximity, broody main male character with a talented and smart actress, witty banter between all of the characters. I loved the misconception of what everyone assumed Finn thought of Amelie, and how that played out. Plus, the beach! No spoilers here-read this book to find out!     

The Starlet Spy is a must read and Rachel Scott McDaniel is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

About the book: 

Hollywood Star Turns Spy

In 1943, movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the “Casablanca of the North.” When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.

The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Finn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?

With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Title: The Starlet Spy

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Publication Date: August 1, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book for review. All thoughts are my own honest opinion. :) 

Wedding at Sea

What was the last book you read that you couldn't put down? You know-the one that makes you set aside all of your responsibilities, grab a cup of coffee and a blanket, and read in your favorite reading chair all day. For me, it was Melissa Tagg's Wedding at Sea. 

If you've read the first two books in the Muir Harbor series, you know that the tension has been building for Lilian and Wilder. You could cut the animosity between these two with a butter knife. Their story is the one I've been patiently waiting for...ok, not so patiently. 😉 I had no idea how the author was going to write their love story when Lilian hated Wilder so much. 

But true to form, Melissa Tagg weaves them together in a forced proximity, enemies to lovers trope that I 1000% loved. If you've been around my bookstagram at all, you know forced proximity/fake dating is my favorite. This book did it in a way that was fun and new. And the almost/first kisses--wow. I won't spoil any surprises for you, but there is an elevator involved and...it's very, very good. 

A lot of the mystery from the series gets wrapped up in this book, and many questions answered. I was so surprised by some of the answers that I found myself sitting up straight in my chair with a shocked face. Thankfully, I was home alone for those moments. 🤣 This story has a lot of romance and a seriously good mystery plot line that kept me so engaged. Honestly-I tried to get some housework done, but after 20 minutes of work, I was still trying to figure out how Lil and Wilder would fall in love--and piece together the puzzle--that I sat down my cleaning supplies and cozied back up with this book.

As always, this author brings in so much more than just a love/mystery story. There were deeper truths woven into the journey. Fear and doubt, taking chances, putting down roots without sacrificing the adventure, family. I learned from this book in ways that I didn't expect. 

We get to meet a new character that I hope gets her own book one day. She's witty and bright, and I cannot wait to hear more about her new venture in Muir Harbor. And for Melissa Tagg fans, our favorite fabric shows up in an unexpected, but perfect way. Comment/message if you know what I'm talking about. 😊

About the book: 

Two enemies. One wedding. And a seaside mystery decades in the making.

Lilian doesn’t remember anything about her life before the day Maggie Muir found her on her front porch—a toddler, abandoned and alone. And maybe that’s okay. She has a beautiful life at Muir Farm, including an adopted family she adores and a successful career as a lawyer. But she also has a secret . . . one that raises just as many questions about her future as it does her unknown past.

And, of course, it would be private investigator Wilder Monroe, her brother’s best friend and the bane of her existence, who sniffs out her secret before anyone else.

Wilder has spent the past three years trying to close the one case his father couldn’t—the mystery of Maggie Muir’s long-lost granddaughter. But the decades-long search has become more tangled than ever. It’s become more personal, too. Not only are the Muirs the closest thing to family he has left, but if he can solve this mystery, maybe he'll keep himself from drowning in the one he can’t . . . the truth about his father’s death.

In the midst of secrets and swirling questions, Maggie asks a favor of both Lilian and Wilder: put aside their bickering and work together to plan her summer wedding. It’s a big ask, made all the more difficult when danger comes calling at Muir Farm. But if the two enemies can stand each other long enough to pull off the event of the year, they just might solve a mystery in the process.

And the biggest discovery of all? That sometimes the one your heart longs for is the last person you ever would've expected.

Author: Melissa Tagg

Book Title: Wedding at Sea

Publication Date: June 29, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my honest thoughts. 

In Spotlight and Shadow

I'm not even sure where to begin with this book. Dual timeline. Old stage props. A jewel theft. Second chance romance. Celebrities. A detective. A journey to find a birth parent. Chasing dreams. So many almost kisses. Meddling Grandmas  

This book had it all and more. I don't know how the author does it, but I loved both timelines. I truly couldn't fathom how the pieces would fit together and the timelines would connect, but she weaves the story so well that it keeps you coming back for more. You can also tell when an author enjoys and puts a lot of effort into the history of a story. This book had elements of history that brough depth to the timeline. 

Sterling and Sophie work together when she is set up as the jewel thief. But they have a less than happy backstory-can they get passed the awkwardness and clear Sophie's name? 

Elise and Peirson, childhood best friends, work together to solve a mystery. But they haven't spoken to each other in years after a heartbreaking moment causes Elise to pull away. Can they put that moment aside and solve the mystery? 

I loved the way Rachel wrote these second chance romances. The way each hero encouraged and protected the heroines. The almost kisses. The angst. The flirting. The laugh out loud moments. 

I enjoy mystery and intrigue, but I often find myself picking out the villain halfway through the book. However, Rachel Scott McDaniel has a way of keeping me guessing all the way to the end. I had no idea who the true Mirage was until they were revealed. 

About the book: 

A Gem of a Mystery Takes Center Stage

​Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Elise Malvern has a habit of letting people down. Her former boyfriend who hoped she’d be his bride. Her grandfather who hoped she’d take over the family’s auction company. But mostly she’s disappointed herself. What’s the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist, if she is too scared to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony? Her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall places her in the wings of the stage, but never on it. By accident, she discovers an old stage prop. Her instincts tell her there’s more to the paste necklace than meets the eye. Whether a good idea or not, she accepts help from a childhood friend, who happens to be country music megastar—Pierson Brooks. Pierson and Elise share a history; one she doesn’t care to repeat. The more involved they become in the mystery, the more things get tangled, including her heart.

 

A century earlier…

Sophie Walters longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more difficult than she imagined. Having spoiled all her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. She watches her dreams pass by from behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew’s Penn Theatre. She finally gets the coveted spotlight, but not for her talent. No, her surge to fame is all one terrible mistake. Somehow, she’s suspected to be a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. The man she pleads for help is none other than the man she jilted at the altar five years before, Sterling Monroe.

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Title: In Spotlight and Shadow

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Publication Date: February 1, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my honest thoughts. :) 

Seasons

 

Hey, friend. 

Seasons will come when life is hard. 

Seasons will come when life is busy. 

Seasons of sickness. Seasons of grief. 

In those seasons, it’s ok if all you can get done is the bare minimum. Hear me-friend, your worth is NOT found in the rhythm. It isn’t found in the curriculum. It isn’t found in checking boxes. And it isn’t even found in putting on a happy face. 

I read a piece of advice right before I entered a season that was difficult. It was a time that I didn’t see coming, and it knocked me off my feet. Those words came back to me full force, and I’d like to share them with you now. 

“Andrea acknowledged that while she couldn’t be the kind of homeschooler she wanted to be during this season, she knew she could do enough. 

‘When I did nothing but lie on the floor near my three children while they played, I did enough. When our day consisted of making cookies and reading picture books, I did enough. When I cried in front of them because it was impossible not to, I did enough….’ 

She said that what her children saw and learned during that difficult season cannot be measured by any standardized test. “They saw what love really looks like,’ Andrea said.” 

-Ainsley Arment, The Call of the Wild + Free 

She goes on to say that her children learned what true healthy grief, friendship, and compassion looked like in the face of a hard season. 

And friend, isn’t that why we choose this path? 

To foster a relationship with our children. To live life with them. To show them what it means to choose to love each other. 

Seasons of joy will come. 

The rhythm of your day and curriculum will be there when you are ready. 

Your worth is found in Jesus. Turn to Him in those difficult times. Whether it’s a hard day, a few weeks, or a long term hardship, He is where your comfort will be found. The hardships will still come-we are assured of that. But it’s how you live through those seasons. 

It is ok to be sad. It’s ok to grieve. Friend-it’s even ok to be angry for a time. He knows your thoughts and isn’t surprised by them. But turn to Him. 

Love your family in those hard days. Even if that looks like laying on the floor next them while they play. 

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬ ‭

My Phony Valentine

Fake Dating.

That should be enough to get you to pick up this book. It's my favorite trope, and Courtney Walsh writes it extremely well. From the very first meet-cute between Dallas-a star hockey player with a bad reputation, and Poppy-a restaurant owner with a broken heart, there were so many swoon worthy moments that I was smiling like a giddy school-girl throughout the whole book.

One of the main things I enjoyed about this book, other than the practice kisses, was that Poppy felt like an everyday woman. Often times, books can have a main character that feels...unattainable. But Poppy-she was quirky. She was funny. She was self-conscious. Sometimes she said things without thinking. She was likeable. It was a breath of fresh air, and I am here for it!

Dallas and Poppy had some hard background stories, and the characters had to work through those. But it wasn't overwhelming. It did NOT make me want to put the book down and cry for hours at the tragedy. I felt heartbroken for them, but not brought to my depths-if that makes sense. Courtney wrote them beautifully and had the characters work through their pasts in a light-hearted, but real, way. Even the side characters were so well developed that I hope the author has plans to give them their own stories. 😉😉

And without spoiling it, I did not see one of the ending scenes coming. I love when a story surprises me! And this one surprised me in a laugh out loud way.

Do not let the word Valentine deter you. It was a sweet romantic comedy-perfect for all year round!

If I could give this book 100 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I would. 

Content Warnings: A hockey locker room scene with nudity. 

About the Book:

A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.

Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.

My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

Author: Courtney Walsh

Book Title: My Phony Valetine

Publisher: Sweethaven Press

Publication Date: February 8, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.