Bethany House

In Good Company by Jen Turano

July 9, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

I’ve had this book for a couple of weeks but decided if I was going to get anything done, I’d better not pick it up yet. As I guessed, once I started this book, I didn’t want to put it down. If you read, After a Fashion, you will remember Millie Longfellow. The quirky character who had a penchant for using the wrong word and looking up words she didn’t know in her ever present dictionary. For those who have not yet had the pleasure of reading this book, don’t worry, you won’t get lost in the new one. While the characters in the previous book are mentioned, they aren’t present.

After getting fired from another nanny position, Millie Longfellow returns to the hiring service. Parents misunderstand her unique way of watching children. She is not of the opinion children should be seen and not heard. They should be allowed to play and express themselves. Everett Mulberry’s nanny has quit (or another nanny has quit). Exasperated with the two of them, the employment agency makes them work together. Everett’s uncomfortable with this quirky woman who seems to get herself into mischief keeping the children he has been assigned as guardian but what choice does he have? The woman he plans to spend his future with is frustrated with his lack of success in this area, he is leaving for Newport for the summer, and the children need supervision. While the children attempt to run the Millie off, they endear themselves to her, as does Everett to her chagrin. Will Everett come to realize what (or more precisely who) is most important in life? And was there more behind the deaths of the children’s parents than meets the eyes?

Jen Turano is a master at writing humorous yet lovable characters. Millie’s escapades brought laughter (even to Everett a few times). While her misuse of words had the potential to become a running gag, Turano used them just enough to humor the reader and not make them roll their eyes that it was happening one more time. Add in the meddling elderly matron Abigail Hart, actress and Millie’s friend Lucetta Plum, a scheming girlfriend, a flock of peacocks, a trio of puppies, and Everett’s mother (along with a few members of the staff), and there is no end to the amusement as Everett and Millie realize and admit their attraction. If you are looking for some laughter with your humor—and a few references to our dear Jane Austen—then don’t miss In Good Company.

***Bethany House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

June 6, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

After reading this book, I was pulling up the book cover online and stumbled across some pictures from the photo shoot from the cover. Those led me to the author’s website. Interestingly, she addressed something that I had thought about while reading this book Several times, I would flip to the cover and think “That’s not what I picture Charlotte looks like”. In fact, I believe I’m in the minority when it comes to people on book covers. I prefer to create my own image of what the characters look like. But, I’m off topic here, let’s talk about a really fun and entertaining book.

Charlotte Atherton flees the school where she’s been teaching for the past three years under the cover of night. The school is closing, and Charlotte has promised to protect one of her students from her grandfather. When someone comes looking for them a couple months later, Charlotte doesn’t know what to do. The stranger seems to believe her story and want to do the right thing, but again, she knows nothing about the man. Well, other than he appears to be a character right out of Lily’s dime store novels. Then Stone Hammond saves another child in Charlotte’s care and he opinion of him improves. Stone Hammond is the best retriever out there. What he goes after, he gets. So how were his instincts so wrong this time? He realizes Charlotte is telling the truth about being the rightful guardian of the girl he’d been sent to bring home. Now, the children as well as Charlotte are making their way into his heart.

This book was hard to put down. I actually picked it up Friday night after a long work week and relax before bed. Yeah, the next thing I knew it was one in the morning and I was forcing myself to turn off the light and get some sleep with the promise of finishing it when I awoke. And finish it, I did. The attraction between Charlotte and Stone is almost instantaneous. Both feel the pull, both try to resist. In addition to his tough exterior and swift mind, Stone’s protectiveness of this little group he’s stumbled upon makes him more swoon worthy. Charlotte’s nurturing personality, her willingness to give up everything to help three children, and her own heartbreak make her someone you will cheer for. Now if only the two can overcome several obstacles (Charlotte’s past, Lily’s grandfather, a lack of trust), they can get on with their HEA.

What I like about Witemeyer’s books is that while they are considered historical fiction because they are not set in the past, they are not bogged down with historical facts and figures. Her stories carry themselves. This one had the fun addition of the three children, each special in their own way. Lily’s love of dime store novels and her infatuation with One Eyed Dan (who I’m hoping gets the Witemeyer treatment) is contagious. John’s quiet and shy manner is sweet. Stephen’s big brother protectiveness of those around him is cute. There was one plot twist regarding Charlotte’s grumpy caretaker that I imagined happening that never came to fruition. But, I can pretend it did.

***Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Love like Ours by Becky Wade

May 4, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

For the most part, I enjoy almost everything I read. The majority I would put in the “like” category. It’s entertaining and I am interested in the story. But every once in a while comes along a book that is so engaging it’s hard to put down. A book where the characters become so real that I continue to think of them when I have to put the book down (say to get some sleep or go to work). A book that continues to stick with me long after the final page is turned. A Love like Ours (book number three in Wade’s Porter Family series) goes in a second category: the LOVED IT category.

Jake Porter is surviving. Training Thoroughbreds at his family’s ranch has become his existence. After a tragedy during the war, Jake does better with his horses than people—even his family struggles to get past the barriers Jake has built around himself. When his childhood best friend returns to town, he doesn’t want her around. Lyndie James is excited to be back in Holley, Texas, but nervous about seeing Jake again. Will their childhood friendship that ended twenty years previously be rekindled? When Jake’s brother suggests she apply for a job as an exercise rider for Jake’s horses, Lyndie sees her way in to Jake’s life. And if she stays, she’s determined to get past those walls he’s built around his heart.

There are so many wonderful things about this book it’s hard to know where to begin, so my thoughts may be a little scattered here. Bear with me. First, Lyndie is so likable. Her dual career, her relationship with animals and with her sister, and her belief in Jake and a horse made me root for all of her dreams to come true from the beginning. Jake’s a tough guy, hard to get to know, but as the story goes on and we get a glimpse into the things he’s seen, the horrors he’s dealt with, he too becomes likable. The side characters in this book (those we’ve met in other books—Bo, Meg, Ty, and Celia are just a few—as well as the new ones—Zoe is my favorite) add so much depth to this story. Lyndie’s neighbor makes her promise to go on three dates in three months and some of those scenes are laugh out loud funny. I mean, the dance and the lip gloss were great!! The way Zoe doesn’t finish a thought and Lyndie feels compelled to complete them always made me smile. But the heart of this story is in letting go of the past and trusting God with the future, not holding onto the things that have happened in our past with both hands or taking the blame and guilt for things that can’t be controlled. God’s grace is perfect in all situations and He is the ultimate healer.

Available now

****Bethany House provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Taken by Dee Henderson

April 13, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

I arrived in Atlanta two days ago.
This is day sixteen of freedom.
I like donuts and chili cheese dogs and most fast food.
I like lists.
I don’t like crowds.
I prefer quiet places.
I am very tired.
I don’t want to talk about it.

From Taken by Dee Henderson

When Shannon White, better known as Shannon Bliss, shows up in the hallway in front of his room after eleven years missing, Matthew Dane pledges to help. As a private detective and experience with his daughter’s kidnapping and subsequent return, he has a unique perspective into the return of a kidnap victim after years away. But Shannon’s nothing like his daughter had been. Determined to find justice, adamant in her refusal to talk about certain things, and her willingness to release information only on her schedule, Shannon’s biggest list involves bringing down the large family network of people who not only held her for eleven years but also her re-emergence into society. With a brother who is running for governor of Illinois, it will take some manipulation on Matthew’s part between Shannon, her family, the FBI, and the Chicago police.

Dee Henderson has done it again!! This book was fascinating in that at no point does the reader get Shannon’s point of view. Her story unravels for us as it does for Matthew. As I learned the horrors Shannon lived, I also so the strength of her character and her utter dependence and faith in God that helped see her through. With familiar faces from Henderson’s other popular books (an O’Malley even gets a nod!), it was fun to revisit these old friends and learn how they are doing when another crisis strikes. In addition, I was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes workings of the FBI and Matthew Dane—to learn what the authorities were willing to do to protect Shannon but still see justice was interesting. Fans of Dee Henderson won’t want to miss this one, but those who are new to Henderson’s books but enjoy romantic suspense will enjoy it as well.

Available April 28, 2015

****Bethany House provided me with a free copy of this book (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Together with You by Victoria Bylin

April 12, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Dr. Ryan Tremaine has determined to make the most of this summer while he is in charge of his three children. In an effort to become closer to the two sons he’d had while married and his daughter who was conceived during the affair the ending his marriage, Ryan struggles to mark the items off a sink or swim (SOS) list he created. Penny creates her own unique challenges as she has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and her mind does not operate like that of a normal child. When his daughter goes missing at the mall and is found with one of the workers, he is determined to hire the woman as Penny’s nanny.

Carly Mason has her own regrets and guilt. An ex-social worker due to getting to close to one of her charges, Carly fears getting too involved again and puts distance between herself and others to protect her heart. She knows that working for Dr. Tremaine and spending time with Penny and his sons may likely break through those walls she’s so carefully placed. But when it comes down to it, Penny needs Carly. As does Ryan Tremaine and his boys.

This tale of a little girl with a big heart who doesn’t understand why she’s the way she is and two adults who are so filled with guilt and remorse from the past is heartwarming. And hard to put down. Clinical and rigid, Ryan Tremaine isn’t all that likable at first but his love for his children is evident. I grew to love him right along with Carly. The sections of the book written from Penny’s perspective are a wonderful element to this book. It gives readers a little insight into the confusion and chaos that is her world. Carly is bold and confident in many areas but her struggle with accepting forgiveness for that one thing in the past makes her human. All of the characters in the book were human—flawed—and that is what made the story so enjoyable. It is only by God’s grace we are forgiven and that we forgive. Only He is perfect.

Available now in stores or online.

****Bethany House Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.