Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Summary:

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.

Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
 When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?
My Thoughts:

First of all I just love the cover of this book!  Its so eye catching and sets the perfect scene for the first few pages of this book.  I was instantly intrigued after reading the plot of this book.  I am always fond of a book with any kind of mystery element.  This book was the first book I have read that jumped from multiple points of views and multiple periods of time.  I have read several split time novels, but this had a bit more jumping around and changing character points of view.  I absolutely saw the value that this added to the telling of all the characters stories, but at times I had a little trouble keeping up with all the changes.  It was very interesting to see as a character would have a thought or a reaction to a situation to then have a flashback to what shaped that opinion or circumstance from their past.  I enjoyed Hazel and Meghan’s characters but honestly did not connect with Diane.  I liked the journey each of the characters went through in this story and the changing and healing of their relationships as they communicated about their feelings and past hurts.  I loved that this book concluded with answers and closure for the characters and situations in this story.  I don’t want to give anything away! An enjoyable inspirational fiction!  

To purchase a copy of Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer visit one of the links below! 

Amazon: Bringing Maggie Home
Kim Vogel Sawyers Website

Want to learn more about the author? Click here for more info on Kim Vogel Sawyer and her books! 

Learn more about Kim Vogel Sawyer!
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.  

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Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh

Summary:

Beth Whitaker isn’t supposed to be a small-town girl. She’s always dreamed of leaving Willow Grove, Illinois, for the big city, but she feels trapped, struggling to make up for a mistake that’s haunted her for years. Just when Beth is finally ready to break free, her sister impulsively buys a beloved but run-down farm on the outskirts of town, and she begs Beth to help with the restoration. Reluctantly, Beth agrees to help—and puts her own dreams on hold once again.

Drew Barlow hasn’t been back to Fairwind Farm since he was a boy, and he’s spent all these years trying to outrun the pain of a past he thought he buried long ago. When he learns that the owner has passed away, his heart knows it’s finally time to do the right thing. Returning to Willow Grove, Drew revisits the old farm, where he attempts to piece together his memories and the puzzle of the crime he witnessed so long ago.

Both on a journey to find peace, Beth and Drew are surprised when they begin to experience a restoration of their own. But when long-buried secrets break through the soil and the truth unfurls, will it threaten their budding relationship—and the very future of the farm?
My Thoughts:

I loved this latest book from Courtney Walsh!  This story was funny, sweet, and had the slightest bit of mystery woven into it.  I loved the idea of the family fixing up the old farm and orchard.  The descriptions made me want to visit Fairwind  for apple picking! I enjoy reading a story where the characters have flaws and room for growth.  Beth  and Drew were each struggling in their own way with making peace with things in their past, letting go of guilt, and moving forward.  I loved reading the progression of each of their characters as their story unfolded.  Courtney Walsh has such a unique way of capturing such genuine feelings and emotions in her characters.  I always find myself identifying with some aspect of one of her characters.  Drew was a definite favorite for me! Quiet but kind, and can fix anything! The mystery element had me intrigued to the end.  I was glad for all the characters that there were answers and closure.  I was so sad to see this book end because I loved all the characters and am anxious to see what comes of the plans of Fairwind Farm! Hopeful to see more of these characters and story line in future books!  Sign me up!  I am a fan! 
To purchase a copy of Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh or learn more about the author, visit one of the links below:
Amazon: Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh
CourtneyWalshWrites.com

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Summary:

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.
Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer. 
Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything–even murder–to keep the case from going to trial.

My Thoughts:

I thought I would give the legal thriller genre a try!  Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan is the first book in her new Atlanta Justice series.  I was drawn to the plot of this book instantly.  There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing throughout the book.  I enjoyed Kate as a character.  She was hard working, smart and brave but also suffered from depression which I felt gave her character a genuineness that helped the reader connect with her.  I felt as thought the book moved at a slower pace until the last half and then it really picked up.  It was very tense at the end and the story did not dissapoint in its conclusion.  I think I may stick to my historical fiction and romance genres, but I did enjoy this book and I am glad I branched out and tried soemthing from a different genre! Fans of legal thrillers will really enjoy Deadly Proof!  

To purchase a copy of Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan visit one of the links below:

Amazon: Deadly Proof
Rachel Dylan’s Website
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley

Summary:

In an effort to get her security consulting business off the ground, Kelsey Allen has been spending a lot of time up in the air, rappelling down buildings and climbing through windows to show business owners their vulnerabilities to thieves. When she is hired to pose as a conservator at the Pink Palace Museum in order to test their security weaknesses after some artifacts go missing, she’s ecstatic. But when her investigative focus turns from theft to murder, Kelsey knows she’s out of her league–and possibly in the cross hairs. When blast-from-the-past Detective Brad Hollister is called in to investigate, Kelsey may find that he’s the biggest security threat yet . . . to her heart.
My Thoughts:

 This was my first Patricia Bradley novel to read.  While this book is the second book in the Memphis Cold Case Series, it can be read as a stand alone book.  I enjoyed the minor suspense and mystery that this book offered.  I felt as thought it took me a little while to get into the plot of this book however.  The romance in this book was minimal, so if you are a reader who likes a book that is light on romance this would be a good one to pick up.  I was intrigued by the mystery to be solved in this book, however, I just wanted a bit more in the way of suspense.  I had trouble connecting to Kelsey’s character.  She seemed a little all over the place. Her interest in climbing, combined with her knowledge of artifacts and restoration, then add a little bit of computer hacking.  I just had trouble connecting the dots with all of her interests.  All in all this was an easy read and I think readers who enjoy crime thrillers or suspense would enjoy this book.  
To purchase a copy of Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley visit one of the links below:

Amazon: Justice Buried
Ptbradley.com

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.  

The Pursuit of Lady Harriet by Rachael Anderson

Summary:

Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it.

Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett’s previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.  

My thoughts:

I have truly enjoyed the Tanglewood series!  The third book in this series was no exception.  Rachael Anderson writes such fun  and witty heroines and her characters have so much life and personality.  The chemistry and witty banter between Harriet and Chris made this story an instant favorite.  I loved how he started calling her Harry just to irritate her, and then it became a kind of nickname between them. The constant rivalry and teasing between Harriet and Chris kept the book lively and and I couldn’t put it down.  One of the things I enjoy most about these stories is that Rachael Anderson knows how to write characters with the perfect balance of humor and sensitivity.  I am a big fan of Regency stories and I think this series and this book are among my favorites.  

To purchase your own copy of The Pursuit of Lady Harriet or any of Rachael Anderson’s books visit the links below!

Amazon: The Pursuit of Lady Harriet
Rachael Anderson’s Blog

Always Watching by Lynette Eason

Summary:

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have more than just skill and prowess in common–they’re also all women. When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians in order to protect his son.

But when Wade’s bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. Olivia’s skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade’s stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him. Olivia has the feeling that she’s next on the list. And to complicate things even further, she realizes that her heart may be in as much danger as her client.
My Thoughts:

This book had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end.  I picked this book up before bed one night, intending to read a few pages, and I could not put it down.  This book is so fast paced and there are so many moments that build the suspense that it is a must read.  After reviewing Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason, the 4th book in the Elite Gaurdians series, I knew I needed to start at the beginning and read this series!  This book ticked all the boxes for a great read for me.  There isn’t much that keeps me in more suspense than a stalker.  The shifting between character points of view just added to the suspense in this story. Reading from the stalker’s point of view without knowing who they were was chilling! I definietly reccomend this book and series to anyone who loves thrillers or suspense novels.  I can’t wait to read the next one in this series! 
To purchase a copy of Lynette Eason’s Always Watching visit one of the links below:

Amazon: Always Watching
Lynetteeason.com

A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh

Summary:

A faded scrapbook reveals secrets that reconnect old friends in a place called Sweethaven. 

Campbell Carter has come to Sweethaven in search of answers about her mother’s history. Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter sent letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne’s three friends — Lila, Jane, and Meghan — haven’t spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne’s letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers. As the scrapbook reveals secrets from the past, old wounds are mended, lives are changed, and friendships are restored — just as Suzanne intended.
My Thoughts:  

This is one of those books that I became completely immersed in once I picked it up.  I just really enjoyed all these characters and you can feel the small town days of summer jumping off the pages of this book. Perfectly captivating from start to finish!  The characters were so genuine and real that I teared up on multiple occasions.  Full disclosure that I was ill at the time I was reading this book, so some of the emmotional mess may be due to a sickness induced haze! I was so focused on finding out the answers to all of Campbells questions as the story progressed that the pages of this book just kept turning!  Campbell and Luke’s relationship was steady and sweet and I loved the friendship they formed.  I am pretty sure I want to be invited to Adele’s house for dinner or dessert.  She was the perfect monther hen, cooking, baking and caring for every single person in this story.  I can’t wait to grab the next book in this series!  

To purchase your own copy of A Sweethaven Summer visit one of the links below! 

Amazon: A Sweethaven Summer
Courtneywalshwrites.com