relationship

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason – Review & Giveaway

March 30, 2018 by Suzie Waltner 3 Comments

I found it interesting to read Susan Anne Mason didn’t plan on writing historical fiction. It’s a very good thing God had a different plan for her.

In My Opinion

A Most Noble Heir is a story about family. There are all sorts in a family, aren’t there? The controlling figure, the meek and quiet member who doesn’t state their opinions, the nurturers, and the mediators. I realize there are more but since these four are represented in Mason’s newest read, we’ll stop there.

The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips (Review)

November 1, 2017 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Can Hanna and Will Find True Love amid the Bright Lights of Reality TV?
Perfect for the fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette!

Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. And now the big-wig CEO is back on Hanna’s home turf in Minnesota and wants her to forgive him? Fat chance of that. But life is swirling around faster than snow in a blizzard, and despite her objections, teaming up with William seems like the only option to rescue her reputation.

William has never regretted anything more than the day he gave that ill-fated interview for the reality show, The Price of Love. But while he can’t change the past, he’s determined to fix the future. He just needs to convince Hanna to forgive him—and pretend to be engaged with him. Simple, right?

When the media erupts with even worse accusations, teaming up and pretending to be engaged seems to be the only way to salvage their reputations. Despite the media frenzy that swirls around them, an attraction neither of them can fight off begins to surface. Could this love run deeper than a scandal, or will old wounds tear them apart once and for all? When all seems lost, it’s only with help from above that Hanna and Will may find their happily-ever-after.

Amazon // Goodreads

After being humiliated on national television, what choice does Hanna have but to return home? Home to the aptly named Embarrass, Minnesota. Six months have passed since “Holy” Hanna left the show, disgraced, angry, and bitter. Six months she’s had to deal with seeing her name and face on the gossip magazines at the checkout counters.

So when Will shows up, she’s none too happy. But he has a plan to get both of them back in the good graces of Americans (not to mention Will’s bosses).

I loved Hanna! This character is so real. She struggles with her decisions, knows they’re probably not right but makes them anyway. She’s honest with herself about her bitterness toward William and her ruined witness because of going on The Price of Love. It’s her journey that most appealed to me in this book.

William seems a little selfish at first but as I got to know him, I liked him more. While his methods aren’t the best, his intentions are. And that’s what counts.

As both Will and Hanna spend time together, they’re reminded of the reasons they chose each other on the show. Yet there’s a distance between them that can only be filled with trust, forgiveness, and God.
The perfect reminder that the price of love is great…greater than imagined at sometimes.

My Rating:

***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Take and Give (and Pass it On)

September 2, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Have you ever finished a book in a series and immediately wanted to dive into the next one? That’s exactly what I did with Amanda G. Steven’s second and third books in the Haven Seekers series. I read the first book about a year ago. Then I saw the third book available for us reviewers and got approved. Boy, am I thankful I made the decision to read book two (Found and Lost) before delving into Take and Give.

First of all, if you have not read any of this series, while you won’t be completely lost if you pick these up out of order, you will definitely get more from them if you do read them in the order they were written. Each book is written from two people’s points of view, but a different two people in each book with others making appearances.

Found and Lost wowed me. For so many reasons (but more about that in a bit).

Upon learning of her best friend’s arrest and presumed death, Lee Vaughn continues to fight the system in her own way by providing medical treatment for Christians. With the help of eighteen-year-old Violet and a friend in the Constabulary, her practice is running well. Austin has searched for his girlfriend for four months with no forward progress. When his superior in the Constabulary tests him, Austin is shocked to learn that Marcus Brenner is alive….barely.

As circumstances bring Lee, Marcus, Violet, and Austin together and force them to flee Michigan, their relationships are tested. Violet no longer trusts Austin, Marcus’s illness hinders their ability to move quickly, and Lee’s control (something she values) is taken from her.

This. Book. I want to say so much about this book but don’t want to give details away. Let’s just say this. Getting to peek inside Lee’s head and see her thoughts and feelings was worth the journey to get here in the other two books. In book one (Seek and Hide) readers get to see Marcus and Lee together from Marcus’s perspective. Now, they get to examine the opposite side of the coin.

Each of the characters in this book is dealing with some kind of abuse. And each struggles to overcome those events in different ways. My heart hurt for these people at times. The personal and relational walls that are erected because of these experiences are elemental in the lives of these four people.

And best of all? Well, I am a fan of romance. There is more romantic development in this book. We’re not quite there yet, but I can see it on the horizon.

I cannot wait for book four!

***David C. Cook provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.