I usually post book reviews on the books I have read recently. Well, I got off track. So, here are some of the books I have read in the last couple of months.

Savannah by the Sea, Savannah Series #3 By Denise Hildreth / Thomas Nelson * The only constants in reporter Savannah Phillips’s life are her best friend Paige, her workplace tormenter Joshua, her steady father—and her crazed mother. In spite of that, she agrees to take a Florida vacation with her parents and enjoy some seaside “rest and relaxation” for a week. What could possibly go wrong? 320 pages, softcover from WestBow.

This was the third and final book in the Savannah series by Denise Hildreth. I really enjoyed it. The setting of Seaside, FL really made me nostalgic for the beach and the beaches along Florida’s Highway 30-A in particular. This whole series was great and I enjoyed reading every book!

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Alaska Twilight, Women of Faith Series #11 By Colleen Coble / Thomas Nelson Photographer Haley Mitchell jumps at the chance to document biologist Tank Lassiter’s work with bears in the Alaskan backwoods. She loves the Wrangell wilderness but isn’t crazy about Tank. When a doctor is found dead, Tank’s grizzlies are blamed. Can Haley and the unsociable scientist put aside their differences to find the real killer—and romance? 320 pages, softcover from Nelson.

This book had great elements of suspense, romance and faith-building. Savannah Phillips makes a cameo too. Would recommend this one as a great read!

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Be Sweet By Diann Hunt / Thomas Nelson Back home in Michigan for maple syrup season, commercial realtor Charlene jumps in to help her sister, Janni, and family with the flavorful harvest. But as Char’s old flame tries to reignite a relationship and it becomes clear that Janni is hiding a secret, can the two sisters rally to face this midlife crisis together? 320 pages, softcover from Nelson.

I thought this was a nice read. I found it a touch hard to get into at first, but overall I enjoyed it and glad I stayed with it.

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Other books I have read in the last couple of months:

Jewel by Bret Lott – This book is about Jewel Hilburn, a wife and mother in Mississippi. The story begins in 1943 when Jewel discovers she is pregnant for the last time. As the story unfolds, we learn of Jewel’s plight as a mother of a child growing up with Down’s Syndrome in a time when such a condition was very misunderstood. This book was somewhat of a slow read and was very sad in parts. Overall, I enjoyed it. I can’t say that I loved it, but it was a good read.

Marley & Me by John Grogan – This is a book that I have been intending to read for quite a long time, so I finally purchased it after Christmas. It was such a great read. A great memoir about the “world’s worst dog” who was completely loved by his family.

In the Arms of God by Lynne Hinton – I discovered this book recently at the library and checked it out not knowing much about it. To me, it was well written, but the story left me feeling sad. In the beginning, we learn that Alice (the narrator) was abandoned by her mother Olivia at the age of four. Olivia meets and reunites with Alice and Alice’s daughter just before Olivia passes away. After Olivia’s passing, Alice learns more about her mother’s life and the events that lead Olivia to eventually abandon Alice. Olivia’s story was moving, dark and sad. I didn’t come away from this book feeling uplifted as I would have hoped. But, I guess that all books cannot and should not be that way. The writing style was excellent, but I didn’t enjoy the book much overall, unfortunately.

Savannah Comes Undone, Savannah Series #2 By Denise Hildreth / Thomas Nelson When Savannah’s “drama queen” mother chains herself to a town landmark and becomes the lead story on the six o’clock news, Savannah takes it like a southern lady—and that “ain’t” sitting down! Fans of Savannah from Savannah will rejoice to see this hilarious heroine back in another laugh-out-loud romantic adventure. 320 pages, softcover from WestBow.

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This is the second book in Denise Hildreth’s “Savannah” series. In the first novel, Savannah from Savannah, we meet Savannah Phillips and her family and get to know Savannah more through her move back home from college and her starting a new job at a newspaper in Savannah, GA. At the end of that novel, we learn that Savannah’s mother, Victoria, has done something huge, something quite drastic and we are left with Savannah rushing to the scene of her mother’s created chaos. Savannah Comes Undone seamlessly picks right up where Savannah from Savannah ended.

In this novel, we follow Savannah through her own journey as she deals with her mother having chained herself to a monument of the Ten Commandments. We first find Savannah’s thought process to be petty and self-serving and as the novel develops so does the depth of her character.  Along the way she meets a unique stranger named Joy whose presence is initially off-putting to Savannah, but eventually becomes a comfort and a source of, well, joy. Eventually Savannah realizes what is important and it’s NOT all about her.

This novel is rich in character development. I also appreciate the way Hildreth sets the scene and takes us right into the heart of Savannah, Georgia. As a fan of Southern literature, I’m also appreciative of the fact that Southern dialect is appropriately interjected, but without overkill or gross exaggeration. This novel continued right from the first book with no interuption which I found to be refreshing and engaging.

I’m a fan of Denise Hildreth and I am so glad to have finally started on this wonderful series. I might be a few years late to the Savannah party, but I’m here now and I’m eager to move right along to the next and final installment in this wonderful series, Savannah by the Sea.

Savannah from Savannah, Savannah Series #1 By Denise Hildreth / Thomas Nelson When 24 year old Savannah learns her mother-a cross between Scarlett O’Hara and Martha Stewart-is behind her recent triumph in a fiction contest, she abandons her dreams of literary fame and decides to pursue journalism instead. Her first assignment for the local paper? Investigating a rigged beauty pageant.

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I have become a big fan of Denise Hildreth since reading The Will of Wisteria and Flies on the Butter, so I knew that I needed to check out her Savannah series as well. I am happy to report that I have now started the Savannah series and I am loving it! This first installation has me hooked and ready for more!!

In this novel, we meet Savannah Phillips – aka Savannah from Savannah. She has just finished her studies at the University of Georgia and makes a rash (at the time) decision to return to her home in Savannah, Georgia. It is in going back home that Savannah starts to learn to relate better to those around her. Throughout the novel, she realizes her own strengths and weaknesses of character and learns to appreciate those in others as well.

The way Denise Hildreth writes, her characters come to life. Savannah truly seems as if she could be any one of a number of people I have known all my life. She’s real and readers can relate to her. She’s not perfect and has her quirks, but is endearing all the same.

I enjoyed this novel from cover to cover. Can’t wait for the remaining two novels in this series!

Beyond the Shadows By Robin Lee Hatcher / Tyndale House Loneliness and grief stalk Deborah Haskin after her husband’s death, but hope eases her pain when she marries Gideon. After their marriage, Deborah discovers a devastating secret—Gideon is an alcoholic! How can someone who has brought her healing bring so much hurt, too? A poignant tale based on Hatcher’s experience with a loved one’s alcoholism. 350 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

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I don’t know if I can accurately say that I enjoyed this book. One of the main storylines was how a Christian wife deals with her husband’s alcoholism, so that in itself is really not an “enjoyable” topic. But, it was a book that was VERY well written and thought provoking. So, I appreciated it even if I couldn’t really enjoy it. And, I hope that makes sense. I appreciated how Deborah’s struggles with faith were dealt with thoughout the novel and I appreciated the realism brought to each character. This is a worthy read. Very inspirational.

A Thousand Tomorrows By Karen Kingsbury / Center Street They are national champions, alone at the top—and determined to stay that way! Abandoned as a child, Cody Gunner refuses to lose again; while vivacious Ali Daniels carries a terrible secret. What fears must they face when their two worlds collide, igniting a love that brightens—and threatens—their lives? 256 pages, softcover from Warner Faith.

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I really enjoyed this book. To me, it was a beautifully told love story.  I didn’t feel that any element was rushed or that it tarried. It was one of those novels that carried me along at just the right pace. I don’t want to give away too much about the storylines because the way everything is told and revealed during the course of the book is a part of what makes this a great read. So, I’ll suffice it to say that this is one of those books that grabbed me from the beginning and kept a tight hold on my heartstrings all the way through.

Armando’s Treasure By Melody Carlson / Tyndale House Dora Chase is a frustratingly independent widow. Armando Garcia is a young man with a propensity for taking the easy way out—even if it means flirting with crime. When they meet, neither realizes how much their lives will be changed. Together they struggle toward the truth and find the importance of repairing and building relationships through forgiveness. 350 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

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Kelly’s Review:

I really enjoyed this novel. I found it a bit difficult to get into initially, but it wasn’t long before I was hooked and fully enveloped in the storylines. Melody Carlson brings together elements of finding faith, redemption, acceptance and forgiveness to expertly craft a beautiful novel. Highly recommended!

Love Starts with Elle, Low Country Series #2 By Rachel Hauck / Thomas Nelson She’s the last of six Lowcountry sisters to tie the knot, so when Elle Garvey’s quarterback-turned-minister boyfriend Jeremiah pops the question, the family resolves to give them the send off of the century. But as Jeremiah leaves Elle to plan the wedding and moves ahead to Houston for a large pastorate there, Elle listens for her own call to the ministry-but none seems forthcoming. And with the influx of new residents in coastal Beaufort, South Carolina, Elle’s art gallery business has never been more fruitful. She’s even begun to successfully show her own paintings-paintings she created after Jeremiah left town. Soon Elle’s widowed tenant, Heath, arrives, throwing a real wrench in the works, and offering a new kind of love that soon takes hold.and blossoms.

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Kelly’s Review

This is the second book in Rachel Hauck’s Low Country Series. The first was Sweet Caroline which I just LOVED, so I have eagerly been anticipating this second installment. The anticipation was more than worth it. Love Starts with Elle did not disappoint. What a terrific read!!

Elle Garvey is an art gallery owner in Beaufort, South Carolina. When the novel opens, we discover that she is dating a local minister by the name of Jeremiah and they soon become engaged to be married. The hitch is that he has taken a new church in Dallas, TX. Elle begins to transition out of her life in Beaufort, faithfully although reluctantly, to begin a new life with Jeremiah in Texas. It is clear that her heart is torn in many different directions and that Elle finds herself struggling to make the right decisions for herself and her faith.

Enter Heath McCord, a widower from New York City who has come to Beaufort with his four year old daughter, Tracey-Love, in hopes of healing his heart and learning to move on with his life after his wife’s tragic death. Heath has rented Elle’s home and the two find themselves meeting in an unexpected way, but a friendship and bond soon form. The two discover they have more in common at heart and soul than they ever would have anticipated.

Elle is a beautifully written novel. Rachel Hauck has a way of touching on subjects of faith that is truly heart-opening. She doesn’t throw any issues out in an “in your face” way, but I know that I came through several times realizing that the words she had written spoke to my own heart. In addition to reading an excellent novel, I also felt moved by the way issues were presented and handled throughout Elle’s story.

I just adore this Low Country series. I have become a fan of Rachel Hauck and now I find that I am once again anticipating the next installment.

Editing to add this cute clip. It’s not long, so give it a view.

Finding Stefanie, Noble Legacy Series #3 By Tyndale House Stefanie Noble feels like “happily ever after” has passed her by—until three needy kids show up in town. Movie star Lincoln Cash has one last chance to start a new career—in Phillips, Montanta. When Lincoln accuses one of Stefanie’s charges of arson, neither of them realizes that somebody is out to get them!

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Kelly’s Review:

Finding Stefanie is the third novel in Susan May Warren’s Noble Legacy Series and I hope it’s not the last we’ll read of the Noble family. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series and Stefanie is no exception.

Throughout the course of this novel, we learn more about the personality and inner-workings of Stefanie Noble. Stefanie returned home from college after one semester and has been working the family ranch ever since. She feels that there should be more to her life besides the ranch, but she doesn’t know what or where. Throughout the course of the novel, three children come into Stefanie’s life unexpectedly and bring redemption, purpose and hope with them. Also, Stefanie finds intrigue and romance in a very unlikely (to her) candidate – that being Lincoln Cash, a movie star who has moved to the adjoining ranch.

This novel contains elements of suspense, mystery, romance and family. It kept me glued from start to finish. I stayed up late on our last evening at the beach so that I could finish it because I was not at a point that I wanted to put it down. I actually didn’t want it to end and I sincerely hope another installment to this excellent series will be in the works!
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The Noble Legacy Series, Volumes 1-3 By Susan May Warren / Tyndale House

Covenant Child: A Story of Promises Kept By Terri Blackstock / Thomas Nelson Dubbed the billion-dollar babies, Kara and Lizzie have known only squalor, neglect, and lies. Robbed of their birthright by a legal technicality, the twins are “raised” by greedy relatives. But when their stepmother finally tracks them down, she discovers two deceived and angry 18-year-olds. Can she prove her love—and will they believe in grace?

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Kelly’s Review

I began reading this book the day before we left for the beach. I picked it up thinking I’d start on it at home and have the rest left for beach reading. And, I’ll be honest – the first few pages in I thought that maybe I should put it down and set myself up with some “lighter” reading for the beach trip. I’m glad I didn’t put it down. I would have missed an amazing story!! I actually wound up reading most of this book in the van on the way down to the beach and I hated that it got dark when I had about 1/3 of the book left to read. I couldn’t wait until the next day when I could pick it up and read the conclusion. This book was excellent and, again, I am so thankful that I didn’t put it down. What a treasure!

Date Night in a Minivan: Revving Up Your Marriage After Kids Arrive By Lorilee Craker / Revell Sure, keeping the home fires burning while constantlyputting out fires is no easy task. But never fear…Date Night in a Minivan offers you real-world advice for creating teamwork in your marriage. Crammed front seat to back with humor, stories, and road-tested tips, Craker’s guide zeroes in on the hot-button issues that crop up in a marriage when kids climb on board. Paperback.

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Kelly’s Review:

I first discovered this book in an email from MOPS and I was intrigued by the title and description. I would venture a guess that most of us who have had children, especially more than one, find ourselves in ruts as far as marriage and family, so this book was one I wanted to read. I’m happy to report that this book did not disappoint. I found it to be very helpful with great tips, advice and stories that we can all relate to in our married lives. Lorilee Craker provided personal stories of her own, plus those from other couples and that gave some poignant insight into issues such as finances, romance, child-planning and more. The range of topics covered was just right and the book flowed nicely from subject to subject.

One thing I really appreciated about this book was Lorilee Craker’s honesty. She didn’t write this book as a “do as I say” piece of work at all. This book contains her admissions and she is forthright in saying many times throughout that she and her husband have their “issues” to work on too. We all do. It was refreshing to me to read her words and know that she was just honest and real.

I also appreciated that this book addressed each parent’s need for personal time. I have read other books that basically state that a Christian stay-at-home mom shouldn’t NEED time away from her children. And, frankly, I disagree with that. As much as we love our children, I do think we all need breaks from time to time. This book gave great ideas and insights for each parent to have their own individualized time as well as family time and couple time.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for Christian mothers. I enjoyed it and I plan to pass it along to friends. A great read from start to finish!!