Scent of Hope by Susan May Warren

 

Title:  Scent of Hope

Author:  Susan May Warren

Narrated by:  Brian Hutchison

Publisher: Recorded Books

Length: Approximately 9 hour and 57 minutes

Source: Audiobook Review copy from NetGalley and physical book review copy from @susanmaywarren @revellfiction @greatreadsbookpromo.  Thank-you!

What is the last book you read that was very entertaining?  Scent of Hope by Susan May Warren was a very entertaining story that made my yard work fly by this past weekend.

Harley Tatum is a private investigator in Alaska.  She lost her family when she was young and the one man she loved, Jericho, never returned home after enlisting in the military.  Jericho has finally returned home with his avalanche dog, Orlando, and they must work together to solve a mystery and rescue those they love.

My thoughts on this book:

·       This was great on audiobook.  Brian Hutchison was an intriguing narrator.

·       This story was action packed.

·       It is the second book in the Call of the Wild series.  I need to read the first book in the series.  This worked as a standalone.

·       This story was a second chance romance story, which is one of my favorite tropes.

·       I loved that Orlando was a Bernedoodle with a stressful back story of his own. 

·       Harley is a strong woman, but she only trusts herself and won’t ask for help.

·       Jericho likes to control every situation and can’t trust that Harley has her own skills.

·       This was a good Christian and inspirational novel. There were messages about loss, grief, forgiveness, and putting your trust in God.

·       There was great chemistry and depth of feeling between Harley and Jericho.

·       This was a clean read.

Scent of Hope by Susan May Warren was a great action packed second chance romance with mystery, suspense, dogs, and a great Alaskan setting.  I highly recommend if you are looking for an entertaining read.

The Manhattan Confessions by Jocelyn Green

 

What catches your eye on book covers?  I loved the blue dress of the character on the cover of The Manhattan Confessions by Jocelyn Green.  I thought it was very striking and eye catching.

Ivy Malone works for the New York historical society as a librarian.  Society matron, Adeline King, reveals her history to Ivy in order to preserve it.  When this explosive story gets published without Ivy’s approval, two men appear and say they have claims to Adeline and want to know her true identify.  Are these men telling the truth and how can Ivy keep Adeline safe?

Ivy is also having problems with her cousin Gina as she tried to immigrate from Italy.  She is detained at Ellis Island and Ivy employs the help of immigrant services to help get the paperwork issues solved.  As difficulties arise, who can she trust?

My thoughts on this project:

·       This story is set in the 1920’s in New York City.

·       I loved the deep look into immigration problems of the 1920s, many which still exist today.  People tried to keep the Italians out as they were the unwanted immigrants of the time. They take advantage of the immigrants to make money off them directly or by forcing them into prostitution.

·       There was a great overarching theme – do you believe that people can change to be better people?  Do you deserve forgiveness after a life of crime?

·       This is the last book in the “On Central Park” series but can be read as a standalone.  Each book is the story of a roommate.  Characters from the previous books appear.

·       I liked Gina’s story escaping from fascist Italy.

·       I really enjoyed the great multilayered characters in this story.

·       There was a great romance in the book between Ivy and Tom as well as mystery and suspense.

·       This was a clean read and inspirational.

·       It really showed the power of friendship and family.

·       This was one of my favorite reads in April.

·       There are great discussion questions at the end for book clubs.

·       There was also a great author’s note at the end on the real historical details and the sites one can visit in New York City that are in the book.

Overall, The Manhattan Confessions by Jocelyn Green was an inspiring historical fiction novel about second chances.  I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Book Source:  Thank-you to @author_jocelyn_green @bethanyhousefiction @greatreadsbookpromo for a review copy of the novel as part of the Great Reads Promo Book Tour.

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley by Carolyn Miller

 

What literary hero would you like to meet?

Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are life long best friends.  When EJ quits her job to work full time on her dating app, Dream Match, Jordan is happy for her but misses working with her.  As he realizes his feelings are more than friendship, will EJ come to the same conclusion?  Especially with the handsome and rich Eric Churchill turning her head…

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This is the second book in the Silver Teapot series.  I loved the first book in this series and can’t wait to see what happen next.  The next book, Not Very Sensible, comes out in October 2026.

·       Just like her inspiration, Jane Austen’s Emma, EJ frustrated me greatly at time with her decisions.  She was a very driven person which I related to.

·       Jordan was an honest guy, and he tries to get EJ to do better.  I like that he admits to his mistakes and asks for forgiveness.

·       I loved all the Austen references in this book.

·       This is a Christian and inspirational contemporary romance.

·       I enjoyed the Australia setting.

·       I liked the over arching theme of what is important in life?  Friends and Family?  Riches and knowing rich and famous people? 

Overall, Not Precisely Mr. Knightley by Carolyn Miller was an entertaining contemporary romance with Jane Austen flair.  I enjoyed it.

Book Source:  Thank-you to @carolynmillerauthor @barbourbooks @greatreadsbookpromo for a review copy of the novel as part of the Great Reads Promo Book Tour.

Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

If you could visit a national park this summer, which park would you chose?

Scout Johnson is a ranger at Acadia National Park.  She finds old papers behind a loose brick at a light house in the park.  The papers indicate that a previous lighthouse keeper purposely turned off his light to cause the sinking of a ship that was carrying gold.  The gold is now hidden around Acadia.  Will Scout and her friends be able to find it before the public finds out about the treasure?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was a fun light story with mystery and romance.  It was perfect reading during a stressful time!

·       This was a contemporary clean read. 

·       Chase the Light is the second book in the National Parks Summers series.  I have not read the first book and this book worked fine as a standalone novel.

·       I really liked the character Wabanaki (Naki) Dana.  He is a Native American from the Penobscot Tribe.  He has the knowledge to decipher most of the clues and Scout finds herself attracted to him. Naki gave the story more depth.

·       There is a love triangle of sorts as Chase Fletcher is also on the team.  He has been on dates with Scout previously and is trying to use the news of the treasure to save his family’s newspaper.

·       There are many other characters including Scout’s flamboyant southern mother, two teenagers that tend to mess things up, etc.  They were all very entertaining.

·       There are great plot twists in the story.

·       I already wanted to visit Acadia National Park in Maine, and this book makes me want to visit even more.  There are beautiful descriptions of the park in the novel.

·       There were light faith elements in the novel.  It was inspirational.

Overall, Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a fun mystery, romance, contemporary adventure and a perfect summer read.

Book Source:  Thank-you to @suzannewoodsfisher @revellfiction @greatreadsbookpromo for a review copy of the novel as part of the Great Reads Promo Book Tour.

Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer

 

Title:  Into a Golden Era

Author:  Gabrielle Meyer

Narrated by:  Rachel Botchan

Publisher: Recorded Books

Length: Approximately 13 hours and 9 minutes

Source: Thank you, @gabrielle_meyer @bethanyhousefiction @greatreadsbookpromo the review copy of the physical book.  Audiobook purchased from audible.

What is a book series that you are currently enjoying?  I have enjoyed the time travel series, Timeless for the past few years.  Into a Golden Era is the seventh book in this series and I was very excited to read it!

Ally is a time crosser that lives in 1849 San Francisco and 1929 Hollywood. She lives one day in 1849, fall asleep, and then wakes up in 1929. She switches time periods every other day. At age 25, she must chose which world to stay in forever.  In 1849, she has moved to San Francisco with her father and young sister hoping to strike it rich in the gold rush.  When her father falls ill on the voyage, how will the young family survive?  In 1929, her father’s movie studio is having problem in the switch to talking pictures.  Will filming a movie version of Little Women while Ally fakes a romance with lead Spencer save the studio?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       In this book more than any other in this series, the characters explore, can you change history and keep your path in that time?

·       I liked how the characters from previous books appeared.

·       The cover of this book is beautiful.

·       I found both time periods to be fascinating.

·       I never knew about the “Sydney Ducks.” It is a gang made up of convicts that served time in Australia and then immigrated to the United States.  I was intrigued.

·       I enjoyed the 1849 love story which was a forced proximity story.  It was also learning to love someone after learning their true character and motivations.

·       This was an inspiration, clean read, and Christian romance.

·       It’s always nail-biting at the end of a book in this series, which timeline will Aly end up it?  Is it the right choice?

·       I loved listening to this book on audiobook and got through it quickly while working on yard work.  It made the time fly!

·       Great discussion questions for a book club at the end.

·       I loved reading the author’s note about the author’s research and the real history of the times.  It was fascinating.

·       The next book in this series will be out in the summer of 2027.

Overall, Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer was an engaging historical romance time travel novel.  I enjoyed it and this series is fantastic!

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory by Matthew Kelly

 

Did you read any book for the Lent or Easter season?  33 Days to Eucharistic Glory by Matthew Kelly was given to us at church last year.  I decided to this 33-day challenge for Lent starting on Ash Wednesday.

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory is the first guide to Eucharistic consecration.  “At critical times throughout salvation history, God’s people have been invited to consecrate themselves.”  Author Matthew Kelly believe we are at such a time and should consecrate ourselves to Jesus in the Eucharist.  This book is a spiritual journey through 33 days.  It’s a spiritual guide that goes through a wide variety of topics in easy daily snippets. 

The book was split up into the following section:

Week 1 - The Eucharist and the Pilgrim

Week 2 – The Eucharist and the Saint

Week 3 – The Eucharist and You

Week 4 – The Eucharist and History

The finale – The Moment of Surrender

My thoughts on this book:

·       It was very interesting to listen to on audiobook.  It was nice to listen to each day and to have the back-up to read.

·       There were stark and interesting facts about people falling away from the church in the intro.  It states that we need to focus on what makes the Catholic church different than other Christian churches and the belief that the Eucharist is the body of Jesus Christ is what makes the Catholic church unique. 

·       It was a nice way to learn more about my faith during Lent.

·       I liked the statement that the only failure in prayer is not to show up.

·       Holy figures such as St. Therese of Lisieux and Maximilian Kolbe have chapter dedicated to them.

·       It was interesting that one of the essays discussed how the designers of the most beautiful churches fully understood and are in communion with the Eucharist.  I will say that what is considered beautiful changes, so I am not 100% behind this thought.

·       I thought it was fun that it brought up those to read who are fully a part of the Catholic faith and one of those mentioned was JRR Tolkien.

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory by Matthew Kelly is a wonderful and uplifting guide to the Catholic Faith.  It cheered me up to read this each of the 33 days.

Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal

What is the last action-adventure book that you enjoyed?

John “Haggs” Haggerty is the leader of a special military unit in charge of stopping pandemics before they spread.  After COVID-19, deadly disease is on the rise as is famine, wars, and earthquakes.  Haggs’ best friend, Caleb, is sure it’s a sign of the approaching rapture, but Haggs isn’t so sure.  Haggs relationship with his wife has fallen apart, but he is trying to rebuild his relationship with his daughter, Sonya.  Will he be able to be a better person and repair his relationships while also helping the world as it falls apart?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was a very readable, intriguing action-adventure story.

·       This is the first in a new series.  I am looking forward to the next book.

·       I loved the characters in this book, especially Haggs, Sonya, and Caleb.

·       I enjoy end times fiction.  If you liked the Left Behind series, you would enjoy Vanished.

·       A lot happens in this book.  It is very action packed and fast paced.

·       Haggs has past pain from the death of a child and abuse as a child from his alcoholic father.  He works through this pain and finally tells the story to Sonya of what happened to her brother.

·       Haggs hires Sonya has an Italian translator. While father and daughter can now spend more time together, it also puts her in danger.

·       There is a great discussion of faith as Caleb and Sonya are believers and try to talk to Haggs about his faith.

·       Genres:  Christian apocalyptic thriller, adventure, suspense, inspirational.

·       There are great book discussion questions at the end for a book club to use.

 Overall, Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal was a riveting Christian apocalyptic thriller with great characters and story.  I am looking forward to book two!

Book Source:  Thank you to @drdavidjeremiah @thomasnelsonfiction @tlcbooktours for the review copy of this novel as part of the TLC Book Tour.

Faithful of Heart by Tracie Peterson

 

What are you reading this weekend?

Judith Stanford is surprised to learn that her estranged grandfather, James Ashton, wants her to travel to Minnesota to determine whether she should inherit his fortune.  She has never met the man, but he offers her a sum of money to travel that she can use to help Civil War widows and orphans.  She decides to use this money for her charities and make the trip.  She also hopes to cross paths with Dr. Roman Turner, a man she met years before who interested her as no man has done since her husband passed away.  The problem is that the only man that Roman hates is Judith’s grandfather as he ruined his father financially and caused his early death.  Can Judith and Roman work through these issues from the past?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was a clean read, inspirational, and Christian novel.  I enjoyed that the characters prayed throughout the novel.

·       It was fun having Judith ride in a luxurious train from Philadelphia to Minneapolis in 1870.

·       It was interesting how Judith and her grandfather had very different philosophies in life.  Judith has a life of giving and helping others while her grandfather is consumed with making more money.  He reminded me of Ebenezer Scrooge.

·       I loved the sermon in a chapter of the novel that focused on the teachings of Jesus including his greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself and the parable of the good Samaritan.  I have tried to live my life following these teachings however imperfectly.  I think they are very important and something that needs to be emphasized in today’s world.

·       I loved how Judith stuck to her own self and values and did not bend to her grandfather’s will.  I also appreciated that she tried to help people harmed by her grandfather.

·       Chapters were told in alternating perspectives between Judith and Roman.

·       Roman has the same values as Judith and is always helping others.  I enjoyed their relationship.

·       This novel had a theme of forgiveness.

·       I greatly enjoyed the suspense at the end of the novel.

·       I would say the tropes are slow burn and second chance romance.

·       This is the first book in a new series, Minnesota Legacy.  I’m very interested to read the next book which is about Judith’s daughter.  There is an excerpt at the end of this book.

Overall, Faithful of Heart by Tracie Peterson was a great historical romance novel with a wonderful theme of faith and forgiveness.  I enjoyed the journey of the characters throughout this novel.

Book Source:  Thank-you to @authortraciepeterson @bethanyhousefiction @greatreadsbookpromo for the review copy as part of the Great Reads Book Promotion Tour.

Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin

 

If you could choose a group of fictional friends, which characters would be a part of your group?  I would love to have the group of fictional friends and family found in Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin.

Dr. Ivy Picot is a new practicing doctor when her father, mother, and other family members evacuate Jersey island for England.  She stays behind with her sister and brother to help keep the family practice afloat during the German occupation of the Island during WWII.  She meets and is attracted to Dutch Civil Engineer Gerrit van der Zee, but as he works for the Nazis, she knows they cannot be together.  As the years pass, Ivy realizes that everyone must chose a side.  Will she side with the resistance or with the Nazis?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin is a very engaging story.  I read this book quickly and greatly enjoyed it.

·       I enjoyed that characters from Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin made an appearance at the end of the novel.  I loved that book!

·       The setting was a unique and integral part of the story.  The Island seemed beautiful, but it was slowly marred by the concrete structures built by the Nazis to reinforce the island.  There was a great author’s note at the end that states that there are tours of some of the structures mentioned in the book.  I love to visit Jersey and see these structures!

·       I was sad to learn that all the diabetics on the island really did die due to lack of insulin.  The rations and doing without were very hard during the occupation on an island.  They only received five ounces of meat for an entire week!

·       The chemistry between Ivy and Gerritt was alive.  They were attracted to each other but couldn’t show it.

·       Ivy and her sister Fern’s relationship seemed very realistic.  Fern is the older sister and can’t accept that as the doctor, Ivy is the boss.

·       I didn’t know why Fern wouldn’t have left the island with her husband and sons.

·       I loved that Gerritt was a civil engineer.  I am an environmental engineer, and my husband is a civil engineer.  It makes sense that he would be the perfect person for espionage to get plans to the allies.

·       This was a clean read with Christian content.  The main characters struggle with finding the path that God wants them to follow, and how to treat all people with empathy and compassion when it is not allowed by the authorities.

·       There are great book club questions at the end.  This would be a good read for a book club that enjoys WWII fiction

·       I also enjoyed the excerpt at the end of the new Christmas WWII novella by Sarah Sundin at the end as well. It will be realized this fall and looks great.  I can’t wait – I love Christmas historical fiction!

Overall, Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin was an engrossing WWII historical romance with a unique setting, story, and characters.  It was a very enjoyable read!

Book Source:  Thank-you to @sarahsundinauthor @revellfiction @greatreadsbookpromo for the review copy of this novel as part of the Great Reads Book Promotion Tour.

Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

 

Do you like stories that feature a matchmaker?  Do you wish that matchmakers were more of a thing in modern day society?

Zaira is the middle child in the Shanahan family, and she dreams of becoming a published author.  She keeps this dream from her family, but when she involves herself in a scandal by asking local matchmaker Bellamy McKenna to kiss her so she will know how to write about it, her life is about to change.  Zaira and Bellamy are forced into an engagement to cover up the scandal.  Will these two fall in love?  Will they be able to help those in need in their community?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       I enjoyed this novel’s setting in St. Louis, Missouri in 1849.

·       There is a spark and great chemistry between the two leads, Zaira and Bellamy.

·       This historical romance has the fake relationship and friends to lovers’ tropes. There was great tension with the fake romance, but with each kiss, real feelings would form.

·       The story was told through Zaira and Bellamy’s point of views in alternating chapters.  I loved how these two characters could be themselves with each other.

·       This novel is the conclusion to the “A Shanahan Match” series.  I wish this series could continue.

·       I loved the look into the Irish community in St. Lous and Irish matchmaking.  My Great-Great Grandparents came from Ireland.  At this point in time, the Irish are immigrating to S. Louis because the potato famine and are living in terrible conditions.  Zaira and Bellamy help a pair of orphans.

·       The McKennnas as a matchmaking family are good at making matches for others, but not for themselves which has made Bellamy hesitant to match with Zaira.

·       Cholera is spreading through St. Louis, which is scary at the time, especially as they didn’t know what caused it.  They thought it might be in the malt used to make beer or in the air as a miasma.  Unfortunately, they didn’t realize it was contaminated drinking water.

·       There was some action and tension towards the end of the book where the two main characters find themselves inadvertently mixed up in a bank robbery.

·       This book was a clean and inspiring read.  It focused on a theme of telling the truth.

Favorite Quote:

“Was it because she cared more about what people thought of her and pleasing them than doing what was right and pleasing to God?”  - This was an interesting and very thoughtful quote.

Overall, Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund was a quick read and a very romantic historical romance.  I enjoyed this book, and it was a great read for the Valentine’s season.

Book Source:  Thank-you to @jodyhedlund @bethanyhousefiction @greatreadsbookpromo for the review copy of this novel as part of the Great Reads Book Promotion Tour.