My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 

Book Description:  Although the Winds of Mackinac Inn has been in her mother’s family for generations, Maude Welling’s father refuses to let her run it without the guidance of a husband. So she seeks to prove her worth and independence by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel.

Undercover journalist Ben Steffans, posing as a wealthy industrialist, pursues a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed hotel.  While undercover, he becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By an act of heroism Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders—including Maude—and he digs deep for his story.

But when scandal threatens, will the growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed?

My Thoughts:  I loved the books Love Finds You (different places) so when I received My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island I wasn't sure if it would be like Love Finds You or not? Similar but, yet, so different.  😉

The books are similar only in that they contain cozy mysteries and sweet romance.  My Heart Belongs probably isn't quite as heavy in the romance area.  (my opinion)

Maude's Mooring is a delightful story.  

I learned quite a it about Mackinac Island, a place I've never visited.  

The mystery part of the story was well written.  I really like Ben Steffans.  And Maude is such an independent young lady.  

This was a delightful story.  And I look forward dot more My Heart Belongs . . . 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review*

• Series: My Heart Belongs
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (July 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683220889
• ISBN-13: 978-1683220886

Yes!

{The Fiction Guild} Sweet Briar Cottage by Denise Hunter

Book Description:  When Noah and Josephine discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.

Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job and settled at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.

Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage—and botched divorce—was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.

But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife—still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.

As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone—including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?

My Thoughts:  Every once in awhile I like to take a break from all mystery and suspense novels and read a lovely, heart felt romance.  First of all, I love the cover of this book.  It brings all kinds of lovely thoughts.  Not just romance but thoughts of pretty furniture and thoughts of a couple who can find love again.                               Sweetbriar Cottage is the first book by Denise Hunter that I've read.   It is a romance but it isn't like all that lovely dove stuff we sometimes think that romance novels are made of...no,  this story is about a couple      who thinks they have divorced but find out that the divorce papers were never finalized.  oops!                                                                                                                                                          Josephine goes tho her husband's ranch to deliver the papers in person and tries to finalize this disaster.                                                                                                                                                            But low.and.behold a strong spring storm arrives and maroons the unhappy couple in the lovely Sweetbriar Cottage.                                                                                                                                       Since Josephine and Noah can't go anywhere in the storm they begin to talk.  And since one has to be in a rather small cottage with another person whom love was once a happy occasion, it seems just natural to begin talking and reminiscing once again as the rain falls.                                                          A lovely story with just enough "round a about" to not make this a gushy romance.                                                                                                             Love rains!  😊

*This book was provided for review by the Fiction Guild*

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 13, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718090489
• ISBN-13: 978-0718090487

Gathering the Threads: A Novel (The Amish of Summer Grove) by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description:  Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves,

Will Ariana’s new perspectives draw her family closer together—

or completely rip them apart?

After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised. Yet her excitement is mixed with an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she’s learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community. Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana’s Daed doesn’t understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority. What will happen if she sows seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?  

Meanwhile, Skylar Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana’s arrival threatens to unravel Skylar’s new identity—and her sobriety. Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities close to His heart. 

My Thoughts:  This is the third and final novel in the Summer Grove series.  AHH!  I hate when a great book or a wonderful series ends.  It's like the morning after Christmas.  A small grain of disappointment but, yet, a thrill of joy.

Gathering the Threads continues Araina's story.  I read Ties that Bind and Fraying at the Edge the first two books in this series.  And, yes, one needs to read the first two books so one can understand about Ariana and Quill.

Ariana has been away in the Englisch world and now she is back in the Old Order home.  It's a great time of mixed emotions for her.

Quill Sclabach is nice guy who helps Araina.  

Now remember Araina has been away from her Old Order family so when she questions her daed it doesn't go well.  The Old Order people see this has a rebellion.  Ariana should not asks questions.  We forget that English women have a lot of freedoms and we question, even direct our men and families. 

Then there's Skylar Nash.  Will Ariana be able to keep Skylar's past in     the past?

A great ending to a wonderful series!  

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

The first two books in this series:

• Series: The Amish of Summer Grove (Book 3)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook (August 15, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601427034
• ISBN-13: 978-1601427038

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

From Mrs. Wanda Brunstetter's Book

Happy Reading on the 4th!

Egypt's Sister (The Silent Years, Book 1) by Angela Hunt

Paperback
Expected publication: July 4th 2017
by Bethany House
ISBN 0764219324
(ISBN13: 9780764219320)
Series: The Silent Years #1

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, CBD


ABOUT BOOK

Five decades before the birth of Christ, Chava, daughter of the royal tutor, grows up with Urbi, a princess in Alexandria's royal palace. When Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra, Chava vows to be a faithful friend no matter what--but after she and Cleopatra have an argument, she finds herself imprisoned and sold into slavery. 

Torn from her family, her community, and her elevated place in Alexandrian society, Chava finds herself cast off and alone in Rome. Forced to learn difficult lessons, she struggles to trust a promise HaShem has given her. After experiencing the best and worst of Roman society, Chava must choose between love and honor, between her own desires and God's will for her life.

ABOUT AUTHOR
Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.