Never Miss by Melissa Koslin

Never Miss by Melissa Koslin

4 Stars 

Melissa Koslin 'never misses' (see what I did there, haha) with her Christian Romantic Suspense books! I really enjoyed this one. We have a very intense, high-stakes book that keeps you hooked. We follow Former CIA sniper Kadance and scientist Lyndon. They make a great duo. She has the skills and tragic traumatic past to handle business when trouble comes along and Lyndon has the intellect and faith driven determination to keep going. The romance in this was awesome. FORCED PROXIMITY, and the CHEMISTRY between them was chef's kiss! 

The plot itself delivers on action and suspense. We have a virus-centered storyline - someone wanting weaponize the Ebola virus. I am not always a big fan of virus-centered stories but this worked here for the high-intensity setup.

I do wish some of the faith elements had been a little clearer or more developed. Kadance is not a believer and does start to be open to faith in this book but some of the discussions with Lyndon and her could have been a smidge clearer. They are not primary issues though, more secondary, and even still, I appreciated that faith was woven in naturally in a realistic way for someone who is not a believer. 

The backstory involving Kadance’s family was heartbreaking and gave her character so much depth. You can’t help but root for her.

Overall, this is an action-packed romantic suspense with a great romance I think a lot of y'all will enjoy.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/46KWMJs
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780800738396_never-miss

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Chaos We Unravel by Chelsea Michelle

Chaos We Unravel by Chelsea Michelle 
Book 2 in A Watson Twins Mini Mystery Series
3 Stars

Like the first novella, we have a light, faith centered mystery that can be read in one sitting. This one centers around the 4th of July celebration in Maple Springs with a mysterious fire that turns the picnic into a lot of chaos. The sisters Michelle and Chelsea work together to try and figure out what's going on in their amateur sleuthing. I like this doesn't have any murder in it, just them trying to figure out the happenings in the town. 

The cozy mystery element here is fun because it has the small-town charm, family moments, and that wholesome “faith and family” tone that makes the series generally easy to enjoy. Novella length makes this easy to read quickly and just enjoy it for what happens. 

Where the book is starting to lose me a bit was the ongoing romantic subplot with Michelle. After breaking up with her boyfriend of two years for seemingly no clear reason other than she isn't sure what she wants or if she still loves him anymore, she really needs to make up her mind for me. She is entertaining attention from another guy after her break up with Kyle, and Kyle is still hanging out as friends all the time with her and she still has these mixed thoughts throughout so it's just she now seems a little inconsistent or frustrating. With the aftermath of that potential relationship, I found myself wanting her to either take time to reflect or make up her mind or something. It’s hard to root for her romantically when she feels so directionless in that area. I know that's realistic but still a bit frustrating. I am hoping book 3 clears some things up :)

Overall, this one was a quick Christian cozy mystery with a fun summer setting and family-driven plot. While the mystery side holds up, I’m hoping the next one bring more clarity and maturity to Michelle’s romantic storyline.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7982939926
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hh3c6D

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Hours We Regret by Chelsea Michelle

 

Hours We Regret - Chelsea Michelle
Book 1 in the Watson Twins Mini Mystery Series
3.5 Stars 

So I have an advanced copy of book 3 in this series, so I figured, when the books were on sale for .99, I would pick the series up to read before I review book 3! This is an author duo under the name Chelsea Michelle. It is a Christian Cozy Mystery Mini Series, meaning the books are short novellas. This one is meant to be a very fast, prequel introduction to the series and characters. While it's short, we are introduced to Chelsea and Michelle, twin sisters in this small town and danger arises when one of them goes missing and they have been discussing the serial killer on the loose so the stress arises when one of them went missing. There is a bit of romance drama too with one of the sisters throughout.

I liked the overall setup, especially the way the story explores fear versus faith and the close twin sister relationship. The pacing kept me engaged and I certainly wanted to keep reading to figure out what happened. But because it's a novella/shorter story, you do want to keep going and wish it had a more closed ending, but it's meant for you to move on to the next one I suppose, haha.

That said, it’s clear this story is meant to introduce readers to the series and characters, so I’m curious to see how things develop in the next installments.

If you enjoy small-town Christian cozies with light suspense, family themes, and nice faith moments with prayer, this is a nice, easy read to kick off the series.

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7982896989

Amazon: https://amzn.to/474wKQi

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Rancher's Reason by Rachel Blanchard

The Rancher's Reason by Rachel Blanchard 

4 Stars 

Rachel Blanchard is a new-to-me indie author who reached out and offered a free audiobook of The Rancher’s Reason in exchange for my honest review and I’m so glad she did because I am impressed with her storytelling. 

This novella may be short, but it’s packed with emotion, faith, and a sweet second-chance romance. Rachel managed to weave together a full and engaging story with depth, even in the shorter format. I really liked the narrator too, a professional sounding voice that brought it to life.

Willow and Ace’s story felt genuine and heartfelt. I loved the dynamic of a single mom trying to protect her heart while returning to the place (and person) she never thought she’d face again. Her reason's for not telling him the secrets were a little frustrating due to the circumstances but I understand the story of it all. 

The ranch setting in Missouri added a lovely small-town country backdrop that I liked.

As with any novella, I usually want the story to be a bit longer. The characters were strong enough to easily fill a full-length novel, and I would have enjoyed more time with them. I loved the moments of faith too.

Overall, this was a sweet, well-written second-chance romance that I would recommend. I think if you like books by Mandi Blake from the Wolf Creek Ranch series, this would be one cute novella to check out too.

🎧 Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7964088880
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Wwo3Js

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Finding Freedom in Christ by Portia Collins - An 8 Week Bible Study

 

Finding Freedom in Christ by Portia Collins 
5 Stars 
A Great Bible Study on Galatians 

I have a full dedicated YouTube review video with more in depth thoughts coming on Monday, October 13th but wanted to write out a short review here also. When it's up, I will update the review with the link.

This is an 8 week study and I really enjoyed my time with this. This is a very thoughtful and well-rounded study to walking through the book of Galatians. The in-depth questions really help you slow down and reflect on the Scripture and I appreciated how each week was paired with corresponding passages that deepened my understanding. I am not always someone who always loves a ton of questions in studies, but these questions were very well done and made sense with the study itself. 

One of my favorite parts was the included access to Portia Collins’s teaching videos. There was no need for an extra purchase, which made the study feel complete and accessible. I also really enjoyed the balance of personal reflection and group discussion availability. Whether you’re studying alone or with others, it encourages honest discussions surrounding God's word.

Portia really deep dived into the true meaning behind Galatians, reminding us of the fruits of the spirit, the important of salvation in Christ and not based on our works. This is a great study for anyone, no matter where they are in their faith walk or journey. It’s biblically rich and practical - would definitely recommend!

Thank you to Crossway for a complimentary copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7836854130
Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/books/finding-freedom-in-christ-tpb/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ohKCxD

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

Book Review: Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham 

4 Stars 

Perfect for fans of:

• Clean romance
• Themes of forgiveness and second chances
• Clean alternative to Bridgerton 
• Witty banter 
• Enemies to lovers
• Regency rom-coms
• Jane Austen 

This was another great book by Pepper! Emmeline is independent and determined never to lose her heart again, especially not after Simon broke it years ago. She is unique by secretly writing novels under a fake name and she is easily someone we root for in this book.

Simon adds depth and emotional baggage....he was once a charming bachelor but now humbled and forced to rebuild his estate and reputation. 

I loved seeing him and Emme navigate their shared past together while trying (and failing LOL) to keep things as friends only! The CHEMISTRY is off the charts in this one!

As always, Pepper brings the LAUGHS to the table. Witty banter, lots of adorable chaos...mischievous situations and yet, still the lighthearted moments bring so much to this book. 

My Jane Austen, Regency romance fans who want a clean read, pick this one up. 

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

4/5 Stars

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7931036156
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HAbIAe
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/640509

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Nature of Love by Toni Shiloh

The Nature of Love by Toni Shiloh
Book 3 in the Love in the Spotlight Series

4.5/5 Stars 

This is book 3 concluding Toni's Love in the Spotlight Series and I really enjoyed it! We follow Dr. Erykah Kennedy, an orthopedic surgeon. Something tragic happens and her world is turned upside down. We see Christian Gamble, a wildlife conservationist, who we have seen from part of the guy friend group throughout the series. His friendship with Erykah grows into a beautiful romance as he helps her through the tragic situation, with the Lord right in the midst of it all. 

This book surprised me with its emotional depth. Toni really portrays grief and faith with such authenticity. It was a realistic look at how tragedy can lead to spiritual awakening because Erykah's faith journey was moving. We watched her go from uncertainty to belief and it felt very genuine. Chris shines as a steady, Christ centered hero in the book filled with compassion. 

I want to be clear though that readers should be aware that the story does involve the death of a close family member and the process of grieving that follows, but it’s handled with grace and hope in Christ throughout.

The return of the guy friend group from earlier books was great to see, especially their group text threads that highlight fellowship and prayer in everyday life.

Overall, I would recommend this series for readers who love faith filled Christian romance books!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7836831807
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IQhjmH 
Baker Book House:  https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/598765

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from this link.