Book Review: “The Broken Hearts Bakery” by Carla Laureano

Welcome to my blog and to my review of The Broken Hearts Bakery by Carla Laureano, the first installment in her new indie-released contemporary romance “Haven Ridge” series. She has self-published novellas in the past, but this is her first foray with a full length series through independent publishing.

Laureano introduces readers to this story world through a series-starter novella, The Brick House Café, which is a free ebook for her email newsletter subscribers and available in paperback. See my thoughts on this prequel here!

Sometimes the town that broke your heart is the only place that can heal you.

When Gemma left her hometown of Haven Ridge, Colorado, she swore she’d never return. And she’s kept that promise, leaving old shadows behind and building her reputation as one of LA’s preeminent family law attorneys. But when her lifelong best friend begs Gemma to come stay with her teen stepdaughter while she’s on a business trip, she doesn’t have the heart to refuse. She’ll simply keep a low profile, do her honorary aunt duties for Taylor, and be gone before anyone notices.

But Haven Ridge seems to have a mind of its own, and before she knows it, Gemma finds herself caught up with new friends and old rivalries. When Taylor is targeted by teen bullies, Gemma does the only thing she knows how to do: ply her honorary niece with baked goods and words of affirmation. Soon her temporary lodgings are ground zero for teenage girls seeking sugar and consolation for shockingly adult problems—which the girls soon dub the Broken Hearts Bakery.

Complicating matters is an unexpected reunion with Gemma’s high school sweetheart, Stephen, who is determined to change her mind about him, the town, and the nature of love itself. Because as it turns out, her niece isn’t the only one nursing a broken heart.

Goodreads | Amazon

The Broken Hearts Bakery is a story of hope and second chances, told in Laureano’s charming voice that instantly pulls the reader into the lives of the main characters. I especially enjoy the way this second chance romance is deeply emotional and brings with it a maturity the years between have wrought in the lives of Gemma and Stephen.

Gemma’s unplanned return to her hometown brings about circumstances that make her ponder her bitterness and old wounds in a different light. Her interesting career (family law) contrasts with her roots, but it shows how Gemma treasures autonomy in a great way — an admirable aspect of her personality she holds onto even as she grows in this story. As she has some insightful interactions with Stephen, her first love, and some opportunities to indulge in her baking passion and influence her niece, she begins to find a new fit into a community that is more welcoming than she ever thought before. Stephen is a patient contrast to her strong will, and his friendly approach draws her in as he comes to a realization that he’s pined for her for YEARS! Their dynamic reminds me how much I enjoy a well-done second chance romance.

With a few hints of magic to the town of Haven Ridge, Laureano brings the southern Colorado setting (a favorite destination of mine, both in fiction and reality!)to life with a near love-letter type reverence for the mountain air and sky. She is also the queen of details as mannerisms and aspects of the characters lend an inherent relatability to this novel. More things to love: Gemma’s baking adventures (that make me want to try my hand at some eclairs), Stephen’s rustic cabin and penchant for literature, Gemma’s sister-like friendship with Liv and “niece” Taylor, and a memorable cast of secondary characters. I’m very excited to return to Haven Ridge in upcoming stories — this is definitely a series to check out, especially for fans of Becky Wade and Courtney Walsh!

“…there’s a difference between someone making a mistake and who someone actually is.”

-Chelsea (unexpectedly) in chapter 29

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Carla Laureano is the two-time RITA® award-winning author of sixteen books, spanning the genres of contemporary romance and Celtic fantasy. A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked in sales and marketing for more than a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write full-time. In 2022, she founded Sophisticated Fiction to provide editorial, critique, and coaching services to authors of all levels. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two sons, and an opinionated tortoiseshell cat named Willow.

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Mini Book Reviews, edition 6

Welcome to another round of mini reviews! This is a bit of a “reading update”, with several of these titles part of my TBR-conquering reading challenge over on IG (#backlistbooks23).

Per usual, please visit the Goodreads links in each title to learn more about each book!

The King’s Mercy by Lori Benton | 1747 North Carolina Colony | Historical Fiction/Romance

Another fantastic early American story (by way of Scotland) from a fav author! Mercy in many forms is a big theme, as well as worth and survival. I love seeing how this ties into later Benton stories, having finally gone back now to read it. Alex and Joanna are wonderfully suited through their friendship and romantically, and the secondary characters are, at turns, fierce, endearing, compassionate, and villainous. Also a fantastic audiobook.

Love Practically (The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir #1) by Nichole Van | 1839 Scotland | Historical Romance

Love Practically is everything a marriage of convenience should be! In Nichole Van’s unmistakable style, a story of deep emotions and romance unfolds against a lush Scottish backdrop with an immersive countryside setting.

Mr. DANDY, the hilarious cat, is a fantastic character of his own!!! I love how little Madeline chases after him.

Leah is a faceted and deeply caring heroine, and I love seeing her take a chance on a different life. Fox is a cinnamon. roll. of a hero. He’s soft on the inside, if a bit practical and bitter outwardly. His relationship with Leah helps him to recognize the weight and strife he’s fed in his own heart and to overcome. I really love that they’re both in their late 30s (a little older for a Regency era histfic).

At the moment in the story where Fox takes an action akin to a grand gesture, it is a heart-melting moment of tenderness and care he demonstrates for Leah, whose role up until that point has been caretaker extraordinaire of many things. It’s a small moment, but it hit me with all the feels and is a great example of a hero recognizing exactly how to show his love for a heroine in a way that will most impact her heart.

Adjacent But Only Just (The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir #2) by Nichole Van | 1844 Scotland | Historical Romance

Adjacent But Only Just might be a different kind of title, but it absolutely fits the poetic and writerly elements of the story! Things of note:

-LOVED continuing with the Penn-Leiths in their story world

-Ethan is charming; Malcolm is steady, thoughtful, & my type 🙂

-Viola! Fierce, determined, lovely. I love how she’s discerning & sees character beyond the surface of everyone, especially the hero

-Return of familiar favs from the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series!

-Humor, cows (coos), rather profound thoughts on grief, a lovely swing, and a melting & quite memorable first kiss scene

-I didn’t like 1 deceptive element of the storyline (true feelings withheld from a key character) but I can see mechanically how earlier honesty would’ve impeded the complexity of the conflict.

First to Fall (Lost Story Bookshop #2) by Jenny B. Jones | “Sugar Creek”, Arkansas | Contemporary Romantic Comedy

First to Fall is a hilarious, witty romcom that’s self-aware of its many romance tropes, including enemies to lovers and, my fav, marriage of convenience. The leads have snarky banter and grudging hostility which leads to believable off-the-charts chemistry (and some great romantic kissy moments). At its heart is a tender story of risking spontaneity and rejection to find hope and acceptance. The Arkansas setting is transportive and wonderfully shown, in the mentions of the Ozark seasons and in the fictional “Sugar Creek” which nods to the idyllic northwest region I happen to call home.

Facing the Enemy (Roxbury Heirs #1) by Paige Edwards | Scotland | Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Things of note! :

-MI6 + modern aristocracy, and a great UK setting (I have a new Scottish bucket list destination: Tay Forest Park)

-second chance romance + single parent hero

-I like the friendship and understanding between Harry and Elise, especially the way he values her strengths

-later half has interesting survival and high stakes action sequences

Have you read any of these stories? What have you checked off your TBR list lately?

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Bookish Memorable + Romantic Moments in Unique Locations

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Today’s official topic is TTT Rewind, to pick an older topic or one missed. I’m doing my own spin on a bookish list of romantic moments and picking three fun locations these scenes take place: in the grocery store, on a boat, and on a train. A little more about my list…

My family and friends know I get just as excited about going grocery shopping as any other kind of shopping (especially if it’s a new-to-me store!). It’s no surprise I’ve noted a few grocery store scenes as remarkable while reading. I also love trains, and think they’re romantic in and of themselves. Trains are another unique spot on my list. I know I have read many stories with coastal settings or scenes on boats, but in thinking about a third place to add to my list, the first one I thought of was Courtney Walsh’s Nantucket series. So, boats round out place number 3.

These scenes *MIGHT* spoil a few moments of some of these stories, so I want to give you a head’s up if any of these are still on your TBR.

10 Bookish Memorable + Romantic Moments in Unique Locations

In the grocery store…

The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams | review | Chapter 26, Cooper walking the aisles looking for Lucy

This is an ADORABLE exchange between Cooper and Lucy shopping with her son, Levi. There’s opportunity for little boy shoulder rides, a little parenting 101, flirty banter, and even a kiss in an unexpected outside-a-bathroom setting. It’s pure fun.

Stay With Me by Becky Wade | review | Chapter 16, while grocery shopping…

This moment between Sam and Genevieve is the culmination of a LOT of tension and seriousness between them ***spoiler: he initiates a kiss!***. And it happens in a grocery store just in front of the coffee beans! A sweet little old man makes an appearance here, too, and it’s delightful and hilarious.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay | review | July 6 entry (epistolary format)

Sam and Alex share a tiny moment of honesty and remembering in this scene. It’s less romantic and more heartfelt as his encouraging comment sparks a focus on good memory of Sam’s fraught childhood. Also, it involves OREOS, and it has always stuck in my brain as a pivotal growth scene for Sam.

On a Train…

The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall | review | Chapter 7, a train trip from Maine to Boston in the private Everstone car

This chapter is a chance for Vance and Violet to share vulnerability and work out tentative family reactions to their marriage of convenience + talk about Vance’s past and Violet’s hopes. It’s a tension-filled private moment for them, and it fits nicely in the story to see their tenderness for each other start to grow.

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews | review | Chapter 15, Justin and Helena on a train to London

They have an honest conversation about their worries for something they’re about to face in London, and the romantic moment happens when Justin reassures her of his commitment and support as her husband. It’s a sweet moment because, as fitting with his personality, simply voicing his emotions in that manner is unexpected.

Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden | review | Chapter 17 overlooking a moonlit field from a caboose.

In this scene, a cross country train trip turns very personal as Dimitri holds Natalia and confesses his deepest personal reservations about a relationship. Theirs is a wholly unique opposites/friends-to-lovers dynamic that’s groundbreaking in its depiction. I ❤ them so much!

On a Boat…

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson | review | Chapter 16, on a night watch on a lobster boat in the harbor

Meg and Oliver have an enemies to lovers situation happening, and in this chapter and scene, Oliver shares a great deal of his past with her, revealing the reasons his actions caused their “enemy” dynamic. It’s a touching scene, and one that ends with a sweet embrace while Meg realizes just what he endured as a young man.

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes | review | Chapter 34

Several great friendship-building moments occur between Annie and Jeremiah in boats, but a touching moment happens when he takes her to a secluded sea cove in a canoe to see some special microorganisms that tie in with the theme of Light and Darkness and embracing the waves. It’s poignant and sweet because it reinforces how he *sees* her.

Is It Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh | review | Chapter 23 training in a sailboat for the regatta

While Lou and Cody share a few significant moments on boats, including a rescue and a regatta, the most significant scene, I think, is when Lou experiences a panic attack and Cody talks her through it. Their guards are down, and it’s a sweet moment for her to realize the electricity still between them (second chance romance trope!).

A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews | review | Chapter 8, on a steam ship bound for Malta

While Tom and Jenny could’ve fit into the TRAIN moments category, this scene early on in their journey to India captures an unguarded moment of attraction between them as Tom tends to Jenny while she’s seasick. It’s a classic sickbed scene that shows his tenderness for her while they trade a little banter and good conversation.

Book Review: “Memory Lane” by Becky Wade

I’m truly delighted to share my review today of author Becky Wade’s latest contemporary romance, Memory Lane, the first book in a new Sons of Scandal series. Fun fact: this is Becky’s first indie published novel! She’s currently offering a fun giveaway on her website that’s open for a few more days.

After surviving a trauma several years back, Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands. She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the ocean.

Her binoculars reveal the “something” to be a man, and he’s struggling to keep his head above water. She races out to save him and brings him into her home. He’s injured, which doesn’t detract from his handsomeness nor make him any easier to bear. He acts like a duke who’s misplaced his dukedom . . . expensive tastes, lazy charm, bossy ideas.

Remy would love nothing more than to return him to his people, but he has no recollection of his life prior to the moment she rescued him. Though she’s not interested in relationships other than the safe ones she’s already established, she begins to realize that he’s coming to depend on her.

Who is he? What happened that landed him in the Atlantic Ocean? And why is she drawn to him more and more as time goes by?

There’s no way to discover those answers except to walk beside him down memory lane.

Travel to the rocky coast of Maine for “opposites attract” banter, witty humor, a fascinating mystery, and destiny-changing love. This sweet contemporary romance kicks off Becky Wade’s new Sons of Scandal series!

*A Note from Becky: For a list of sensitive topics in Becky’s novels, visit BeckyWade.com and click the link you’ll find at the top of the “My Books” page.

Goodreads | Amazon

Becky Wade works magic with tropes, and this story is additional proof. With Memory Lane, she has taken a situation that could be completely cliche and made it original, interesting, and the furthest thing from predictable! Gosh I love the hero and heroine, and all of their adventure, journey, chemistry 😍, healing, and even a bit of a mystery they find!

a tiny moment in the banter between Remy and J makes me think of this scene from Knight and Day!

Remy is a strong person and has amazing perspective on life and, eventually, in understanding the hero and his circumstances (for the sake of keeping it spoiler free, we’ll call the hero “J”). She’s not without a growth arc, though, which I appreciate in Becky’s characters because they are always relatable emotionally or stir a deep empathy for individuality. Her past, once revealed, is heartbreaking and handled with sincerity within the story and with such tenderness by J, flummoxing Remy in the best way.

J and his search for his memories, along with a new attachment to Remy, gains a new perspective because of his ordeal. It’s fascinating to see his reassessment process for life as his old self collides with a “J 2.0”, making him seek healing and closure for part of his past and making him certain of his honor towards Remy. His personality is plain FUN, and his flirty-then-sincere combo is genuine hero material for Remy. And whew, when their romantic tension ramps up, it goes into classic Wade territory that’s tasteful yet still-so-sexy — especially that one scene where he’s the controlled experiment. I’ll say no more 😉

Through the memories and search for closure, and even the tiny bit of suspense that surrounds a mystery thread, Remy and J are remarkable in their chemistry and complimentary opposites. Author Becky Wade ties it all together with a satisfying ending, and just enough of a hint about the hero of her next book to have me eagerly waiting for publishing news.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Mini Book Reviews, edition 5 (all the genres + Christmas novellas)

Welcome to another round of mini reviews! This is a variety post with several different genres represented, along with some Christmas stories! If you’re like me, you just might read Christmas novels and novellas into January (or any time!) because you want that seasonal wonder to last a little bit longer.

Per usual, please visit the Goodreads links in each title to learn more about each book!

False Pretense by Heather Day Gilbert (A Murder in the Mountains 4) | Buckneck, VA, present day | Mystery

This is a page-turning mystery with a great small town setting (Buckneck, VA). With a wide cast of many possible suspects and friendlies, I enjoyed this well-paced, slightly short (in a good way) hometown thriller with a likable protagonist and her clan. A slight supernatural/fantastical element cleverly gives a local legend traction in the story, with the reader wondering about its true nature until the very end.

The Even Odder Couple by Julia Christianson (Apple Valley Love Stories 4) | “Apple Valley”, OR | Rom-Com

This is a sweet contemporary friends-to-lovers/opposites attract romance with a little comedy! I adore Spencer as a beta hero, and I like the way he and Tess (grow to see and support each other deeply. The small town setting PLUS a summer camp make it stand out, and the small moments of the characters’ internal dialogue are hilarious. The plot loses a tiny bit of momentum toward the middle, in my opinion, but the ending holds a few surprises and is cute.

This is the first novel by Julie Christianson I’ve read, and I HAVE to blame her Instagram following for bringing it to my attention + hooking me with teasers. I’m always on the lookout for beta heroes in fiction, and Spencer did not disappoint!

A Texas Christmas Carol by Karen Witemeyer | 1895 London, TX | Historical Romance & Western Novella

Karen Witemeyer has the talent of writing fully-developed characters in a short format with a great balance of levity and emotions. I loved the way a classic tale (Dickens) influences a few details of the story and the concept of a miserly hero whose journey enlightens him to giving and grace. It’s always fun to read a historical-set Christmas story.

Like A Holiday Inn by Lindsay Harrel (Port Willis Romance 4) | “Port Willis”, Cornwall, England | Contemporary Romance Novella

Like A Holiday Inn returns to the quaint “Port Willis” in Cornwall, England for another of Harrel’s sweet Christmas stories. Since this is the 4th novella in the series, familiar readers will recognize the heroine and hero and their respective families (who delightfully show up in the story!).

Rebecca is a prickly, strong lady who learns a bit about what it means to be vulnerable, and really let go and trust in relationships (both romantically and with her fam). Benjamin is the perfect opposite to her personality with his charm, banter, and persistent way he pursues peeling back her layers. His backstory and depth prove to be important in making a connection with Rebecca.

All the charming Christmas things happen in the story, yet Harrel’s writing never makes them feel cliché. From new Christmas traditions, allll the holiday baking, a snowstorm or two, to a memorable power outage, Rebecca and Benjamin’s relationship grows and finds its stride at the Inn.

A Gift in December by Jenny Gladwell | London, England and Nybergsund, Norway | Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Romance

This is a wonderful story of self-discovery with the protagonist, Jane, learning a lot about herself, her mistakes, and the risks worth taking in life to find real love. A historical storyline is sprinkled throughout (mainly through a few letters), not the main focus but integral to Jane’s storyline, showing an act of bravery related to Norwegian events during WWII and the men and women who risked much for their freedom.

This story hit all the right notes of a European-set Christmas tale (although much of it takes place in November 🙂 ) with a press trip to the forests of Norway as a backdrop for Jenny’s new friendships during her rollercoaster of emotions post-breakup. The romance is something I called early on but it was a DELIGHT to see it unfold in a bit of a quiet way. I also like a point Jane’s supportive friend makes toward the end: it’s way more important to like someone than to just have a superficial attraction to them.

Note to my blog readers: this is a gen market book and contains a tiny bit of language + other content.

Thank you to the publishers for the review copies of False Pretense, A Texas Christmas Carol, and Like a Holiday Inn. The reviews express my honest opinions.

Mini Book Reviews, edition 4

Welcome to another round of mini reviews! Once again, these are books I read for “me”, not with any review or critique in mind, but are some I greatly enjoyed and wanted to share a bit about in this corner of the blogosphere. And, three of these were audiobooks I can highly recommend: Love’s Reckoning, In Honor’s Defense, and What Matters Most.

Please visit the Goodreads links in each title to learn more about each book!

Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz (The Ballantyne Legacy 1) | 1794 Pennsylvania, Historical Romance

An epic story of love strong enough to survive pressure, trials, and evil intentions yet still triumph. Eden is a gentle and kind heroine, and Silas is the best sort of hero with his determination and steadfast character.

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to read this Frantz novel! Now I can say I’ve read all of hers.

Laura’s Shadow by Allison Pittman (Doors to the Past 9) | 1891 and 1974 South Dakota & Minnesota, Historical Romance with Split Time Narrative

What a fascinating multigenerational story! With truly endearing heroines spanning two very different times, it shows human experiences that unite everyone and explores roles of women in very different times. Mariah’s story is one of contrasts, showing loneliness, contentment, and a hope that has influenced her family into the later timeline and POV of her great granddaughter, Trixie. Trixie’s quest to appease her GG Mariah and finding her own stride in career and love mirror Mariah’s figurative searching for peace.

I LOVE this story and can heartily recommend it to fans of historical fiction and romance. Anyone fond of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House fandom can also delight in the story world and realistic influences Laura has on these characters.

And oh, how I love House the cat and his character as a “catalyst” for a bit of Trixie’s romantic storyline! And RON. And his late night calls, love of grilled cheese, and his Mustang.

In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer (Hanger’s Horsemen 3) | 1895 Texas, Historical Romance & Western

This is everything I’ve come to expect and love about Karen Witemeyer’s romantic westerns! This one combines a touch of adventure, a good amount of humor, and a well-matched romantic couple — Luke and Damaris are so adorable together, from their meet cute to their tender friendship and unfurling romance. It was great to “catch up” with the rest of the horsemen and see the conclusion of their brotherhood play out with an appropriate HEA.

I really, really enjoyed the audiobooks of this entire series. With the fast pace of this one, I was happy to listen to it on a road trip with fewer breaks between segments.

What Matters Most by Courtney Walsh (Nantucket Love Story 3) | Nantucket, MA & Chicago, IL; Contemporary Romance

Courtney Walsh has delivered another relatable, emotional romance. This one pairing an unlikely couple who share a connection — one that the heroine, Emma, isn’t privy to for part of the story. This sets up a secret-keeping hero situation, which becomes slightly frustrating but completely believable due to the circumstances of Jamie’s past and his heart. I was rooting for them to find forgiveness for each other and for themselves, a deeper theme Walsh explores with aplomb. The return to Nantucket as a setting was picturesque and a perfect backdrop for this story to unfold.

see that develop. I really enjoyed the return to Edinburgh for the setting of A Wicked Conceit.

Audiobook Review: The Enemy by Sarah Adams

Welcome! I’m sharing about Sarah Adams’ romcom The Enemy, the second book in her “It Happened in Charleston” duology. It recently released in audiobook!

It’s been twelve years since I’ve seen him, twelve years since he won our war of wits by outsmarting me with a tactic I didn’t even know was allowed. But tonight…I’m going to resurrect the battle. 

Ryan Henderson is back in town for our best friends’ wedding, and I plan on showing him exactly how much I don’t care about him—or the almost kiss he ruthlessly dangled over me after graduation. But things have changed since then. I’m a successful bakery owner now, and I plan to rub every delicious detail of my life in his ugly face. There’s just one problem: his face is gorgeous. He wasn’t supposed to look like this or pursue me like a sexy guided missile. I have to stay strong until the wedding is over and Ryan scurries back into whatever alternate universe he escaped from. His interest in me is nothing but a continuation of the games we played in high school…right? 

But the longer he stays, the more I wonder if I’m wrong and his tender smile and heated attentions are genuine. Maybe it’s not a game. Ha! Who am I kidding? This is Ryan we’re talking about. Of course it’s a game—a game called war—and this time I will win.

Goodreads | Amazon

The Enemy is a fun frenemies-to-lovers romcom with a foodie element, southern charm, and ANTICS. In true Sarah Adams fashion, this story follows an extremely relatable heroine, June, as she maid of honor duties for her BFF while encountering her high school nemesis (whom she’s secretly crushed on forever), Ryan, as the best man. Hilarity ensues as Ryan, also pining for “June Bug” forever, engages in a war-like effort to win her over as a friend and convince her they have a real connection that could result in major romantic sparks. And does it ever!

I love how Sarah Adams is able to portray truly laugh out loud situations that feel believable then turn around and have you feeling deep emotions as you get to know the heartaches and past of the characters.

A quick note about the audiobook: it has one of the BEST male narrators I’ve heard in contemporary! Both narrators do a good job, but he knocks it out of the park and just *sounds* like I imagine Ryan to be, with all his personality.

Thank you to Netgalley for the audiobook review copy. This is my honest review.

Review & Blog Tour: “Turn to Me” by Becky Wade

Today I’m a part of a blog tour for Becky Wade’s Turn to Me, the fantastic conclusion to her Misty River Romance series. While these books feature different couples and can all be read as standalones, I highly recommend reading them in order for the bigger friendship arc.

His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey’s life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke’s release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he’s hidden. Worried that she won’t be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke’s promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke’s help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return–by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he’s long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He’ll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who’s going to shield him from losing his heart?

Goodreads | Amazon

Turn to Me by Becky Wade concludes the Misty River Romance series and gives readers the long-awaited story of the enigmatic Luke Dempsey as he keeps an inconvenient promise to Finley’s father – working for her animal shelter while providing protection and assistance in an adventurous final birthday treasure hunt. This story features a deep perspective of grace, a swoony romance, endearing and realistic characters, and a gorgeously fleshed out setting in the mountains of northern Georgia. Readers of the previous book in the series, Let It Be Me, will delight with occasional sections from Ben Coleman’s perspective as he moves on from heartbreak and develops a tentative new friendship with a sweet woman named Akira.

Finley and Luke are seeming opposites in many ways, but their common sense of honor unite them from their first interactions. Their conversations and banter highlight their chemistry, with Luke’s snarky sense of humor shining through at the BEST times! While Finley’s plans to “restore” Luke to society and wholeness through her friendship and encouragement are successful, I love that he challenges her to think and choose to hope in a future she had given up on.

I personally find an intangible something very relatable in the dynamics and relationships of Becky Wade’s stories. It is that key style element which elevates her stories in the genre. For Finley and Luke, it is their struggles to risk their hearts for love and to work through hard things in their lives. I especially find the parts of the story where Luke is processing the grief and loss of a sibling, and talking through his self-labeled responsibility, to be touching.

While the friendship-and-romance is the heart of the story, themes of forgiveness and an organic sense of the characters’ faith are all important parts that make up this impressive whole. I love the daring of the treasure hunt with personal clues leading Finley on a journey of discovery. The various pets and DOGS (tiny, fierce Agatha in particular!), the collection of cacti, Luke’s automobile knowledge and restoration, CeCe’s wisdom, Trish’s Christmas songs, Ben and Akira’s encouraging friendship, and Luke’s family are more small things I enjoyed.

I am a little sad to say goodbye to these “Miracle Five” characters with this last book in the series. The concluding chapters, with heart-wrenching moments and a certainty of HOPE, are perfectly written.

Thank you to the publisher, Bethany House, for the review copy. This is my honest review.

My Reviews: book 1, Stay With Me book 2, Let It Be Me

Blog Tour Schedule

Check out the other stops on the blog tour for more reviews AND interviews with Becky!

May 5th Inside The Wong Mind | May 6th Blessed & Bookish

May 7th Books and Everyday Life | May 8th Simply Susan

May 10th Melmo2610 A Bookish Blog | May 12th Becky’s Bookshelves

May 14th Holly’s Book Corner | May 15th Christian Chick’s Thoughts

May 16th Remembrancy | May 18th The Green Mockingbird

May 19th Batya’s Bits | May 20th Life of Literature

May 21st Britt Reads Fiction | May 22nd Amy Watson Author

May 23rd Beauty In The Binding | May 24th Reviews By Erin

May 25th My Book A Day

Giveaway and extras!

Something fun! Here’s a link to Turn to Me‘s playlist on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7sUpFdrzlTUN4THyA0ds1E?si=GXJ7BcjaSF-ddftSqs2wMw&nd=1 (curated by @the_reel_bookery on IG!)

Author Becky Wade and her publisher are offering a fun giveaway, running through May 24th! Visit Becky’s website to enter the giveaway.

Mini Book Reviews, edition 3

It has been a while since I’ve posted mini reviews! These books are ones I read for “me”, not with any review or critique in mind, but are some I greatly enjoyed and wanted to share a bit about in this corner of the blogosphere.

Please visit the Goodreads links in each title to learn more about each book!

A Stroke of Malice and A Wicked Conceit by Anna Lee Huber (Lady Darby Mysteries 8 and 9) | 1832 Scotland, Historical Mystery

These two books are, of course, FANTASTIC mysteries in this series! I love so many things about these characters and the development of their stories. Huber wields setting skillfully to influence the tone of the story and make each of these mysteries unique. A Stroke of Malice, in particular, was fascinating to see unfold as the identity of the victim remains in doubt for a large part of the story.

Of course, I am happily satisfied with the way Gage and Kiera’s relationship continues to be a factor, with their romance and dynamic broadening to include a larger cast of familiar characters. And Anderley and Bree have some interesting things happen (maybe between them?) in these two books, so I am excited to see that develop. I really enjoyed the return to Edinburgh for the setting of A Wicked Conceit.

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White (The Codebreakers 2) | 1917 London, Historical Romance

I LOVE this book and series! What an engaging historical romance. I was riveted by both the historical setting and bits of suspense AND the unfolding friendship-to-romance between Ara and Cam. He’s the brooding, wounded type with a soft heart who knows immediately what a gem Arabelle is — and he does everything in his power to support her.

Provenance by Carla Laureano | “Jasper Lake” and Denver, CO; Pasadena, CA, Contemporary Romance

Carla Laureano writes raw and realistic characters, and Kendall and Gabe are my newest favorites! Their journey to romance begins with a tentative and unlikely friendship, and I love seeing them recognize and bring out the best qualities in each other. This storyline doesn’t shy away from tough questions and themes, everything from identity, heritage, faith, abandonment, and even a Christian perspective of sexuality are examined. The small town mountain lake setting is idyllic and charming (and is a good contrast to the largely urban feel of Laureano’s recent series set in Denver), and the fascinating topics of architecture and small town politics are thoroughly explored.

Falling in Somerset by Jenny B. Jones | Sugar Creek, Arkansas and Bath & London, England, RomCom

Falling in Somerset is a cute and sweet romance. I loved getting to know the bookish heroine and the sports-loving, totally-a-catch hero, Duke. This little novella combines a friends-to-lovers situation with a little bit of a fake-dating scenario AND a trip to Bath, England, with all kinds of nods to Jane Austen through a “cultural” experience that turns hilarious. I especially liked how Duke is head-over-heels from the very beginning and how Tillie learns a little more about her best friend and a lot about her own strengths over the course of the story.

Review: “In Search of a Prince” by Toni Shiloh

I’m happy to be sharing a review today of Toni Shiloh’s In Search of a Prince, her first novel published with Bethany House. This one features a marriage of convenience trope mashed up with a royalty theme — a winning combination :).

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha’s Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops the mother of all bombshells–Brielle is a princess in the kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, King Tiwa Jimoh Adebayo, is failing.

Distraught by her mother’s betrayal, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before assuming the throne or the crown will be passed to another. Uncertain who to choose from the council’s list of bachelors, she struggles with the decision along with the weight of her new role in a new country. With her world totally shaken, she must take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring.

Goodreads | Amazon

In Search of a Prince is a delightful fairy-tale esque story that doesn’t shy away from life’s difficulties & the strength that comes from faith in God. Fans of The Princess Diaries movies (1 & 2!) will like the similar situation Brielle finds herself in, as a surprise heir to a throne with the added pressure of finding a suitable husband while under pressure from all sides.

Shiloh has created a detailed setting that is both idyllic and tropical with believable political and social structure with the fictional Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa. As Brielle navigates this new-to-her environment, she learns more about herself and how to rely on God’s strength and guidance to make decisions. I think I loved the themes of faith and trust in God’s ultimate plan the most because they seem so natural to the characters and inherent in their lives.

This story balances stately glamour, hints of humor, and God-ordained life roles. Brielle is a character to root for — especially as she experiences a romance in the most unexpected of times in her life. I enjoyed the side characters of the story, especially the levity and fun Iris brings to the page. I am looking forward to Shiloh’s follow up novel featuring Iris as the heroine!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.