My Thoughts on With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

 

About:

Is the life she can't remember one she'd rather forget?

One year after her family was in a tragic car accident that killed her teenage son, Lori Mendenhall returns home with a traumatic brain injury that has stolen the last eight years of memories from her, leaving the life she has returned to unrecognizable. Her once-loving husband, Michael, is a distant workaholic she isn't sure she can trust, and her once-bubbly daughter, Avery, has spent the last year hidden away in her room.

If Lori wants to reconnect with her family, she'll have to uncover the information her brain is trying to keep secret. As her memories return and past secrets resurface, it will take the whole family to repair what's been broken and find a new future together.

My Thoughts:

I was not sure, by reading the back of the book, how much I wanted to read this story. I thought this could be really depressing, especially already knowing her son died in the accident that has stolen her memories over the past eight years. Yet, the amnesia, especially only the past eight years taken, intrigued me enough to pick this one up.

I am so glad I gave this one a read. Author Rosche pulls us into the lives of the Mendenhall's through the voices of Lori and her daughter Avery as both try to circumvent life after the tragic death of Avery's twin brother. I can't imagine nor do I want to, to awaken from that horrific nightmare and not remember the past eight years of your life. For Lori, she remembers her twins younger, Michael and her poorer, yet much happier in their marriage. As she awakens to her reality, she is beginning to see that not all is what it seems. 

Not only is her son gone, but there is something wrong with her marriage and Avery is acting out. On Avery's side she is experiencing some intense grief. She lost her brother, best friend, and confidant while almost losing her mom. A freak accident changed life as they knew it and Avery is trying to catch up to graduate with the help of her brother's best friend, Xander. Who was also her biggest tormentor, once upon a time.

As Lori forges ahead and memories begin to resurface, she is going to need all the help she can get to keep her family together. This was a compelling read of love and faithfulness and the strength of the familial bond. And the power of forgiveness.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Revell Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Janine Rosche is the author of the Madison River Romance and Whisper Canyon series of novels. Prone to wander, she finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her stories. When she isn't traveling or writing novels, she teaches family life education courses, produces The Love Wander Read Journal, and takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs.

My Thoughts and More on The Pryce of Conceit by Kari Bovee

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Pryce of Conceit - An Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery by Kari Bovee
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 270 
Genre: Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  Bosque Publishing
Release date:   May 23, 2023
Content Rating:  G - Book has no bad language, sex, or violence on the page

Book Description:

Someone’s trying to frame this ambitious theater performer for murder. Can she get back to her adoring public and escape the noose?

1885. Arabella Pryce is struggling with heartbreak. And with her recently deceased husband’s will demanding she leave her celebrity behind and refurbish her namesake hotel in Colorado, the distressed actress is forced to board a westbound train. But she’s barely arrived at the haunted, broken-down lodge when the town beauty shows up dead in one of the rooms… and Arabella is named the prime suspect.

Already feeling the sting of the community’s disapproval, she grits her teeth and works with a mischievous ghost to help prove her innocence. But with blood-stained evidence, handsome sheriffs, and libelous journalists turning her investigation into a dangerous drama, this determined thespian fears she’s missed her cue for survival.

Can she shine the spotlight on a killer before more than her reputation dies a horrible death?

The Pryce of Conceit is the suspenseful first book in The Arabella Pryce Historical Cozy Mystery series. If you like driven heroines, atmospheric settings, and dashes of humor, then you’ll love Kari Bovée’s lighthearted twists and turns.

Buy The Pryce of Conceit to put the guilty party at center stage today!

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon

My Thoughts:

The Pryce of Conceit is an interesting book, taking place in 1885 with quite a cast of characters. Arabella Pryce is still dealing with her grief since her late husband's death. Even though she and William were not a love match, they both loved one another in their own ways and William somewhat spoiled Arabella. Arabella is an actress, and he purchased her her own theater so her stardom could shine. However, she receives some unsettling news in his will concerning her.

William was concerned she would lose herself in her fame and acting, so a stipulation in his will states she must go out West and live for one year in a hotel that he owned and named after her. After that, all was hers. Arabella is quite distraught at this; she does not want to leave her acting or home in New York. But, along with her dearest friend, Cordelia, and her little dog, they head out West.

The ending of the trip is eventful, she finds out that her most formidable critic also went West. She meets the town sheriff in a most unladylike manner and finds out her hotel is not only haunted, but people have been murdered there. She is also finding things out about her late husband which makes her question if she ever even knew him.

There is a whole host of characters and before Arabella can even get settled, a murder is pinned on her. Who will believe her and help her out of this predicament? Possibly the ghost who only she can see is the only one who believes her, and she just might have to save herself.

This is the beginning of a series of mysteries that have to do with Arabella, an actress now turned sleuth. A unique read.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

When she’s not on a horse, or walking along the beautiful cottonwood-laden acequias of Corrales, New Mexico; or basking on white sand beaches under the Big Island Hawaiian sun, Kari Bovée is escaping into the past—scheming murder and mayhem for her characters both real and imagined in her award-winning historical Annie Oakley Mystery series, Grace Michelle Mystery series, and Pryce Murder series.

​In her past life, Bovée worked as a technical writer for a Fortune 500 Company, has written non-fiction for magazines and newsletters, and has worked in the education field as a teacher and educational consultant.

Connect with the author:  Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram
~ Pinterest

Enter the Giveaway:

THE PRYCE OF CONCEIT Book Tour Giveaway

My Thoughts and More on Revealing the Truth by Lorri Dudley

 

About the Book

 

Book: Revealing the Truth

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre:Historical Romance

Release date: May 30, 2023

His suspect holds a secret, but can he uncover the truth before she steals his heart?

When Katherine Jenkins is rescued from the side of the road, half-frozen and left for dead, her only option is to stay silent about her identity or risk being shipped back to her ruthless guardian, who will kill to get his hands on her inheritance and the famous Jenkins Lipizzaner horses. But even under the pretense of amnesia, she cannot shake the memory of her sister and Katherine’s need to reach her before their guardian, or his marauding bandits, finish her off. Will she be safe in the earl’s manor, or will the assailant climbing through her window be the death of her?

British spy, Stephen Hartington’s assignment to uncover an underground horse-thieving ring brings him home to his family’s manor, and the last thing he expected was to be struck with a candlestick upon climbing through the guest chamber window. The manor’s feisty and intriguing new house guest throws Stephen’s best-laid plans into turmoil and raises questions about the timing of her appearance, the convenience of her memory loss, and her impeccable riding skills. Could he be housing the horse thief he’d been ordered to capture—or worse, falling in love with her?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

What an exciting and romantic start to a new historical series having to do with espionage and spies. Katherine (Kate) and her sister have been living life the best they can after the unexpected deaths of their parents. Little did Kate know that her guardian would push his way into her home and force her to marry him. Not only does he plan on their marriage, but she gets the distinct feeling he would like to do away with her altogether. So, she runs and a good thing too. After a harrowing escape she is found by the Hartington family. She is taken in and shown kindness and care and they accept her feeble excuse of amnesia as she tries to keep herself and her sister safe. Until the son comes home.

Stephen Hartington is a British spy and knows a thing or two about espionage and is very careful in trusting people. This is his last planned mission as he wants to become a husband and a father, and he already has a lovely bride picked out. Until, in an unusual way he meets his parents' houseguest. As he begins to try to crack her secrets, he begins to fall for her. But he has been betrayed before and he does not trust her wholly. What does this mean for Stephen and Kate? And can Kate trust Stephen enough with her fears?

This was a fun story with romance and danger both in abundance and I enjoyed every word of it. I look forward to more in this series that promises to be really riveting.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.

 

More from Lorri

Horses, spies, and romance…

Horse stealing in Regency England was a lucrative venture. In some instances, a sale would bring in the equivalent of a quarter of a year’s income. If caught, however, horse thievery held a high price—capital punishment, typically by hanging. Criminals were a varied group, ranging from child pranksters stealing their neighbor’s workhorse for a joy ride to professional horse-thieving rings who transported their contraband a considerable distance, over 31 miles (or 50 kilometers) and sometimes internationally. They traveled to avoid buyers who’d recognize stolen property.

The British spy network of the Regency era didn’t yet hold the famous name MI6. Instead, it formed two departments the War Department, which handled international matters, and the Home Office, which dealt with domestic issues. Revealing the Truth’s hero, Lord Stephen Hartington, works as a contracted spy for the Home Office, assigned to catch horse thieves in his hometown near the rolling hills and flowing rivers of England’s Cotswolds.

The heroine, Katherine Jenkins, has reservations regarding love and trust. She inherited the well-known Jenkin’s Lipizzaner horses, and her fortune attracts her ruthless guardian. He has two options to get his hands on her money that won’t raise her solicitor’s suspicions—marry her or have her meet with a seemingly accidental demise. Due to her guardian’s actions and Katherine’s fiancée’s rejection after her parents passed, it’s no wonder she’s hesitant about love. Through watching Stephen’s interactions with his family, God heals her heart enough to take steps of faith, but allegations of her being a horse thief threaten to undo the progress she’s made.

The seeds of Revealing the Truth were first planted when I was in the seventh grade. I used to carry an idea notebook and jot down scenes whenever inspired. My mother found my old notebook a few years ago and mailed it to me. In it were faded pencil scrawls about a girl escaping into the cold night and collapsing. She’s taken in by kind passersby who nurse her back to health, only to be surprised when their handsome young son climbs in through her bedroom window and so enters Stephen into Katherine’s life.

Enjoy!

To learn more, check out my website at lorridudley.com or wildheartbooks.org or watch the Revealing the Truth book trailer by clicking here: Revealing the Truth book trailer.

Blog Stops

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 30

Holly’s Book Corner, May 30

lakesidelivingsite, May 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 2

Kristina Hall, June 2

Texas Book-aholic, June 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 4 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, June 4

Lily’s Book Reviews, June 5

Cover Lover Book Review, June 6

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 7

Betti Mace, June 8

She Lives To Read, June 8

Connie’s History Classroom, June 9

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, June 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 11

Blogging With Carol, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 12

For Him and My Family, June 12

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/263d5/revealing-the-truth-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts on The Restless Wrangler by Karen Baney

About:

Compelling love story full of heartache and redemption set in Ash Fork, Arizona Territory in 1893-1894.

Preston Colter felt like he was the forgotten son. Years of drinking and drifting finally catch up to him. When a near-death experience recharts the course of his life, he finds himself face-to-face with an old flame. Will he prove he is a new and different man, or will he fall back into his old destructive ways?

Years ago, Hetty Clark made one bad choice to follow her attraction to a man she loved which led to the birth of her son out of wedlock. After she inherits her father’s ranch, an older man offers her security for her son’s future if she marries him. When the man from her past shows up on her doorstep, she is faced with a difficult decision. Will she choose a loveless proposal to secure her son’s future? Or will she risk her heart on a man she doesn’t believe has really changed?

My Thoughts:

This is a story of second chances for a prodigal son who, while living selfishly, hurt many people, especially his family and the woman he loves. However, when his second chance arrives, someone had to sacrifice, and Preston is not sure he can live up to that or stay sober. But, when he finds out all that he has been missing in his life, Preston sets out to make changes and find his soul's redemption.

Hetty has made some mistakes in her life, and one of those gave her her son. But when Preston suddenly appears back in her life, on the heels of her family's tragedy, she is not sure what to think. She at first is cold towards him, but she realizes pretty quickly that she still loves him, just maybe not enough to give him that answer he so desperately wants from her. Hetty has trust issues where Preston is concerned, she knows his deepest darkest secrets and forgives him anyway. But when it comes to her heart, she is not that willing to let him in again.

This was an emotional tale of a family that needed to have its missing piece back. This is a story of redemption and forgiveness and taking a risk that someone truly has changed and gotten their life back together again. The question is, what would you risk for love, maybe even the love of a lifetime?

I look forward to reading more about the other brothers in this series and more of author Baney's works.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

My Thoughts and More on The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson

 

About the Book

Book: The Keys to Gramercy Park

Author: Candice Sue Patterson

Genre:Christian / Historical / Romance

Release date: April, 2023

Secrets Sealed Within a Wall Come to Light in Lower Manhattan

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Investigative historical journalist Andrea Andrews is tired of waiting tables to make ends meet. If she could find and write the next breakout story, she could secure a promotion with Smithsonian Magazine as their writer-at-large. But not much happens in lower Manhattan out of the ordinary until she discovers post-Civil War counterfeit bills hidden in the wall of her historic district apartment.

Politics have always been Beau Davidson-Quincy’s passion, despite his family’s real estate empire. His clean image and single status make him a target in the media as he prepares to build his campaign for New York governor. He has nothing to hide until a cute waitress unravels a mystery that could destroy his family’s reputation.

Two centuries earlier, wounded Civil War veteran Franklin Davidson lost everything—his house, his wife, his standing in society. In his darkest moment, he’s awarded a position with the newly formed Secret Service to combat the spread of counterfeit U.S. currency. His life and new home in Gramercy Park are the envy of his peers, but nothing is as it seems. Secrets are meant to be kept, and Franklin will take his to his grave.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty intriguing and mesmerizing dual-time story that had me from the first pages. I usually enjoy one timeline better than the other, but this time I was anxious to get to both, especially as the secrets were coming to light.

In the past, during and after the Civil War, we have two twin brothers, Franklin and Edward. Theirs is a complicated relationship and we get both of their points of views. Without giving too much away, one of these men was a villain, and I was not sure what to make of him and what happened. It was very heartrending.

The present times were just as intriguing. They were told in Andrea's, an historical investigative journalist, and Beau's, who has some high ambitions for being governor of New York until something is found that could destroy his chances. And Andrea, the girl he is trying to get to date him, so happens to find this. 

The back and forth of the timelines, the characters from each, the moral dilemmas, and long held secrets kept the pages turning and I can say this is one of the most interesting dual-time stories I have read.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

 

More from Candice

A locked secret garden in Manhattan with historical significance and the only ones privileged to step inside are the wealthy residents who purchase a key—count me in! The plot for The Keys to Gramercy Park was born at our dining room table when my husband looked up from the book he was reading and asked if I knew about Gramercy Park. I hadn’t, so we started Googling and discovered it was a real garden in Manhattan built in 1841 for the cream of society. The fact that it’s been off-limits to the public for one hundred and eight-two years instantly brought all kinds of story ideas to my mind.

Not long after, I discovered that Barbour Publishing Inc. was looking for dual-time stories to fill their Doors to the Past series. I love reading dual-time novels but I’d never written one. I love a good challenge, so I began plotting and before I knew it, I had another first—creating a villain.

I’ve only ever seen the New York City skyline from the New Jersey ferry that travels to and from the Statue of Liberty, so after the story was contracted, I spent several weeks researching Manhattan and Gramercy Park. New York is full of rich history and it was so fun to stumble across the historical details of The Player’s, Edwin Booth, and the stories behind each home along Gramercy Square.

One of my favorite things about writing this story was the juxtaposition of the timelines. We don’t have the present without the past, and what happens in the past affects the future, but the future can also determine how we view, feel, and learn about the past. That’s essentially what The Keys to Gramercy Park is about—the butterfly effect of past events reaching ahead two centuries with dire consequences. I love how in one scene the characters are sending telegraphs and in the next scene, they’re sending text messages.

What’s your favorite thing about dual-time novels? Make sure to check out the other books in the Doors to the Past series!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 26

lakesidelivingsite, May 26

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 28

Blogging With Carol, May 28

Book Looks by Lisa, May 29

Connie’s History Classroom, May 29

Texas Book-aholic, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 30

Cover Lover Book Review, May 31

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2

Blossoms and Blessings, June 2

Remembrancy, June 3

Holly’s Book Corner, June 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 4

Pause for Tales, June 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 5 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6

Inklings and Notions, June 6

Simple Harvest Reads, June 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Labor Not in Vain, June 7

She Lives To Read, June 8

Books I’ve Read, June 8

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2626e/the-keys-to-gramercy-park-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch

 

About the Book

 

Book: A Cry in the Dark

Author: Jessica R. Patch

Genre: Inspirational Psychological Thriller

Release date: February 28, 2023

Deep in the Kentucky hills, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.

But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.

And they’re not talking…

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.

In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Well, this was a creepy one and a somewhat terrifying story. I would recommend not reading it late at night, or just reading it in the broad daylight might be best. This story has a lot packed into it.

Our two main characters both have tragic histories that have shaped their lives and careers. FBI agent Violet Rainwater is a result of the harrowing experience her mother went through, and Detective John Orlando is still dealing with the aftermath of his late wife's murder and that unsolved case. Now they are deep in the Kentucky hills as three bodies of women are discovered that seems to bring everything together.

What I really liked was that Violet was part of a great team. In the book they mention Scooby Doo, and I kind of felt the vibe of that with the way they worked together. Not a clumsy humorous way, but I will always have your back way.

I enjoyed this story with the teamwork. There was something about Violet that really got to me, and I wanted her to have a happy ending. The suspense at times, the eeriness, and the darkness was almost palpable and not only brought the story to life but gave me chills too. I look forward to more.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.

Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Forward Friday Blog posts and through her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com.

She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

 

More from Jessica

A Cry in the Dark can’t be compared to Scooby Doo, but I can thank Scooby Doo for being my first introduction into the world of mystery and all matter of things that go bump in the night. But, in the end, the masks of darkness are always revealed in the light and are exposed. Justice served. This is why I write gritty crime fiction/psychological thrillers outside of my Love Inspired Suspense books. 

In Luke 22:53 NLT, they come to arrest Jesus and crucify Him. “Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.” 

Darkness gets one moment. Just one. When they crucify and kill Him. But we know what happens next! Light bursts out of that dark tomb and victory is ours. We’re rescued in darkness from darkness into marvelous light.

In a thriller, darkness gets its moment. I don’t shy away from those tough things. The Bible didn’t shy away from it! We read about a Levite who gave cruel men his concubine which they abused all night until she died, and then he cut her up into parts and sent her to the tribes! God never approves of darkness, nor does He edit it out or sanitize the people. We see the depravity of humans when walking apart from God all through the Bible. And honestly, I’m glad He doesn’t edit out things I’d rather not see or read about. God works in broken people’s lives and through brokenness to accomplish His redemptive purposes. I’m broken. You’re broken. He can use the righteous as well as the wicked. I need to be reminded that without Him, I could fall into those same traps (not cutting up women but… you know) and I need to know that despite my weakness and brokenness, God can and will still use me! 

A Cry in the Dark has some violence and darker subject matter (though it is not graphic in real time) because darkness gets a moment…and then hope reaches in, hears the cries in the dark of broken people, and rescues them. And in the end, that’s what this book is about. A great and powerful rescue mission out of darkness and into light!

Blog Stops

The Sacred Line, May 23

Genesis 5020, May 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 24

Walking Fruitfully, May 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 25

Betti Mace, May 26

Cover Lover Book Review, May 26

Pause for Tales, May 27

Texas Book-aholic, May 28

For Him and My Family, May 28

Simple Harvest Reads, May 29 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blogging With Carol, May 30

Blossoms and Blessings, May 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 31

Splashes of Joy, May 31

Godly Book Reviews, June 1

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 1

Holly’s Book Corner, June 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3

amandainpa, June 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 4

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, June 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jessica is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed paperback of Her Darkest Secret!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/26265/a-cry-in-the-dark-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts on The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

About:

Escape to Cape Cod--where you just might find the secret to happiness

Callie Dixon had the world by the tail . . . until it all slipped away. Fired from her dream job after making a colossal mistake, she's escaped to her aunt's home on Cape Cod for time to bounce back. Except it isn't a home, it's an ice cream shop. And time isn't going to help, because Callie's bounce has up and left. There's a reason she made that mistake at work, and she's struggling to come to terms with it.

Things go from bad to worse when Callie's cousin Dawn drags her to a community class about the secret to happiness. Happiness is the last thing Callie wants to think about right now, but instructor Bruno Bianco--a curiously gloomy fellow--is relentless. He has a way of turning Callie's thoughts upside down. Her feelings, too.

Bruno insists that hitting rock bottom is the very best place to be. But if that's true, how is it supposed to help her figure out what--or who--has been missing from her life all along?

My Thoughts:

Visiting Cape Cod in the winter, I am not sure too many people would. But as a reader it was nice to come back to the Cape Cod Creamery and meet up again with the beloved characters of Dawn and her mom Marnie and the guys, Kevin and Lincoln and even six year old Leo. However, this story adds another voice, that is Dawn's cousin Callie.

Ever exuberant Callie has been hit with too many crippling life circumstances at once. Happening to run into her Aunt Marnie at an ice cream school, she asks if she can stay with her and Dawn. After exhausting all other possibilities, Marnie agrees. Marnie is a sweet and caring woman, but the past competitiveness of Dawn and Callie and their fathers was a bit too much to handle at times.

Well, time marches on and times have changed and Callie needs healing. She is dealing with much more than what has made the news. I found this novel eye opening in the way that we don't really know what someone is going through. The best that we can do is be there for them, pray, and hope with them.

And the secret to happiness? That was a very simple recipe, per say, for all of us to take to heart and enact in our lives. What is it? Well, read this book, no spoiler here.

I was provided with a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 books, including The Moonlight School, Anything but Plain, The Sweet Life, and The Secret to Happiness, as well as the Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, The Deacon's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.