Through Waters Deep By: Sarah Sundin

Back of the Book

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on theAtwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.

My thoughts

This is such an amazing book, I never thought about all the conflict going on in the US before WWII.  The story moved along at such a perfect pace, and while I never felt I was getting a history lesson, I learned so much and gained such understanding about the turmoil of the time.  Mary is such a perfect character and was well balanced by Jim.  Their personal struggles were so understandable, the love story was so sweet I just want to start reading it again.  Sara Sundin's research and understanding of the subject was so evident in the pages of this book.  I am ready for the next one.

I was given this book free from Revell Publishing for my honest review.

Hope Harber By: Irene Hannon

Back of the Book

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.

Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom--and hearts heal.

My Thoughts

I have always loved Irene Hannon's books, her thrillers keep me on the edge of my seat.  I'm just not 100% sure I love her other books.  Hope Harbor is an emotional story of forgiveness, fixing regrets and moving forward through life's trials.  There was so much drama in the story that it went past believable to thinking 'what else could go on'.  Small towns do seem to spread gossip which can cause more drama, but nothing like this.  While the writing was done well, and the characters were well thought out, and the book had several good scenes, I just could not seem to get past all the other stuff to really enjoy this book.

I was given this book free from Revell Publishing for my Honest Review.

A Bride at Last By Melissa Jagears

Back of the Book

Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony--until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

My Thoughts

This is definitely my favorite book by Melissa Jagears.  After overcoming his drinking addiction Silas has become a hard working, kind and peaceful character and was just hoping to fix his past actions. Kate is a sweet, independent and hardworking woman.  Silas and Kate's personalities are a great match as they work together to let go of the past and put their trust in the future.   A Bride at Last is definitely worth reading, Jagears did a wonderful job at addressing the struggles one faces even years after overcoming an addiction.  While this book takes place in the same city as Jagears past books, it can be read as a stand alone novel, and while I would suggest reading the other books first, it is not necessary.

I was given this book free from Bethany House publisher for my honest review.

The Wonder of You By: Susan May Warren

Back of the Book

Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance―even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

My Thoughts

After the crazy end in the last book (Always on my Mind) I was wondering were Amelia's story would go and it seemed throughout the book, so did Amelia.  With past books involving all the Christiansen family and the progression of their lives, this book focuses mostly on Amelia and her struggles.  With just small glimpses into the rest of the family's lives.  I loved the family comradery when Roark shows up and how that evolves. I have come to expect a lot from a Susan May Warren books, and this one delivers.  With a wonderful story line and great scenes this is a must read.   

I was given this book free from Tyndale Publishing for my honest review.