A Seaside Wonder (Muir Harbor #2), book #27

 

Such a delightful book!  I was about 20% in when things started rolling around in my mind ~ why did some of this seem familiar?  Was it like a text to text connection from other books I had been reading?  But more and more I realized I *knew* this family, what was it?  That was when I realized this was book #2 in the series and I read the first one here! 

My favorite quote from the book that really hit home:

She’s put her trust in a God who . . . who maybe doesn’t make every crack disappear, but who holds all her broken pieces tenderly. Who heals her simply by being with her. Staying with her.

Professor Philip West never wanted to return to Maine . . . or his grandfather’s miserable old house. But after his mother’s death, he’s now the guardian of a teenage half sister who doesn’t want anything to do with him. He longs to help her heal, but he’s exhausted and numb, desperate for relief of his own. Maybe that’s why he’s so easily distracted when he happens upon the little shop with an intriguing owner—one who happens to share a name with someone from his grandfather's mysterious past.  More than a decade has passed since Indi Muir made the heartbreaking decision she’s never recovered from—though she’s certainly tried. She has a full life running her shop and creating the artsy pieces that fill its shelves. If she can just stay busy, she’ll keep her hurt and regret at bay. But when her ex-fiancé returns to Muir Harbor, he brings news that shatters her carefully built walls. Things only get worse when lurking danger comes calling at her childhood home.  The one bright spot amid Indi’s turmoil is the shy stranger who wandered into her shop months ago and his moody but lovable sister. As she confronts her past and the mysterious threat facing her family, she’s intent on helping Philip win over his sister. He just might win over Indi, too, if they can overcome old secrets and wounds, outrun rising peril . . . and take a chance on love. (picture and description at Amazon)

Next up, a book everyone is raving about.  I had been holding out on reading it, but when 2 people in one week were telling me about I decided it was time to jump in!  

Always keep reading!

O:)

Melissa

Sixty Acres and a Bride (Ladies of Caldwell County #1), book #26

 

This book was kinda good, kinda odd, but ok I guess.  Apparently this is the author's debut novel so I'll give her some grace.  At some point I might like to read the others in the series to see if her writing gets any better ...

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.  Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future. (picture and description from Amazon)

Not sure what is next, but I hope it will be better ;)

O:)

Melissa

The Targeted (Secrets to Keep #3), book #25

 

Finished up the series ~ sad it ended, but I'm ready to move on.  

Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?  When Chloe Ainsworth's older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe's abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won't allow them to suffer the way she did, but she's desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.  Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can't get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.  They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It's clear they're onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it's too later? (picture and description at Amazon)

I'm going to be really sad when this fun is over, I hope they decide to do it again next year!

Now I need to go find some pioneers or something ...

O:)

Melissa