Happy July 4th....

Honeysuckle Dreams (A Blue Ridge Romance) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:  When Sam's wealthy maternal grandparents decide they want custody of the child, Brady knows he's in for the fight of his life. Brady's attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: the stability of an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiancée.

Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and she's finally been offered her dream job—in Atlanta. Unfortunately, her arrangement with Brady requires her presence in Copper Creek, and she is faced with missing the chance of a lifetime or standing in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.

My Thoughts:  Brady is such an honorable, go to the end of the world type of guy.  So, when "his" baby, Sam, is to be taken from him because his ex-wife's sudden death has the maternal grandparents wanting the baby.

But Sam doesn't want the baby to go live with such evil people.  What to do?

Then his long time friend, Hope Daniels, agrees to an "arrangement" otherwise known as a marriage of convince so that Sam can live with his dad, Brady.

The story of how to people are the best of friends and then fall in love all because of a baby.

A modern day romance with a few twists and turns in the game of love and honor.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

{The Fiction Guild Blog Tour} Honeysuckle Dreams (A Blue Ridge Romance) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:  When Sam's wealthy maternal grandparents decide they want custody of the child, Brady knows he's in for the fight of his life. Brady's attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: the stability of an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiancée.

Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and she's finally been offered her dream job—in Atlanta. Unfortunately, her arrangement with Brady requires her presence in Copper Creek, and she is faced with missing the chance of a lifetime or standing in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.

My Thoughts:  Brady is such an honorable, go to the end of the world type of guy.  So, when "his" baby, Sam, is to be taken from him because his ex-wife's sudden death has the maternal grandparents wanting the baby.

But Sam doesn't want the baby to go live with such evil people.  What to do?

Then his long time friend, Hope Daniels, agrees to an "arrangement" otherwise known as a marriage of convince so that Sam can live with his dad, Brady.

The story of how to people are the best of friends and then fall in love all because of a baby.

A modern day romance with a few twists and turns in the game of love and honor.

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

• Series: A Blue Ridge Romance (Book 2)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718090527
• ISBN-13: 978-0718090524

Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin

Book Description: Aging and recent widow Harriet Beamer insists she’s getting along fine with her dog Humphrey in Philadelphia … until she falls for the fourth time, injuring her ankle, and causing her son and daughter-in-law to cry foul. Insisting Harriet move in with them in California, they make a bet that her ankle is broken, and she foolishly promises to move if they’re right. Four x-rays later, Harriet’s ankle---and her heart---are broken. She packs up, ships her huge salt and pepper collection to California, and prepares to move away from the only life she knows. The only catch? She’s doing it her way. Just wait till her daughter-in-law hears Harriet will travel cross country only by public transportation and alternate means. What follows is a hilarious, heartwarming journey by train, metro bus, ferry, and motorcycle. Along the way, Harriet discovers that although her family thinks it’s time for her to be put out to pasture---God has a different plan.

My Review:  Harriet is one feisty lady!  And Joyce Magnin does it again!  

The story of Harriet and her trip is quirky and down right funny...but with a serious touch, too!

At 72 years young Harriet makes a bet with her daughter-in-law.  A sucker's bet to be sure but I think in her heart of hearts Harriet has wanted to explore the world.  Now that her beloved husband has gone to  his heavenly reward and her son and daughter-in-law want her to live with them in California....Harriet takes the bet only to...lose!  But good ole Harriet decides to get to California her way.  Her way?  Taking city transport all the way.  An interesting idea!

One of my favorite parts is when Harriet meets the motorcycling preacher and his wife.  She goes to their snake handling church....what a ride!

A light hearted read with all kinds of trip disasters, lunches, people of all walks of life and Harriet's views.  

Loved this great read! 

*Zondervan*

Format: Softcover

Language: English

ISBN 13: 9780310333555

UPC: 025986333553

{The Fiction Guild Blog Tour} Room on the Porch Swing by Amy Clipston

Book Description:  Laura Riehl is no stranger to heartache. Less than a year after her mother’s death, Laura finds herself burying another loved one: her best friend, Savilla, who has died after a brief and sudden illness. Laura feels heartbroken and alone, but her pain is nothing compared to that of Allen, the husband Savilla has left behind. He now faces a life so different from the one he imagined—plus a baby to care for on his own.

When Laura offers to help Allen with baby Mollie, he jumps at the opportunity until a permanent solution can be found. She’d do anything to lend a hand to Allen and to honor her best friend’s memory. Rudy, Laura’s boyfriend, is initially supportive of her plan, but the more time Laura spends with Allen, the more jealous and frustrated Rudy seems to become.

As Laura and Allen face hardships together, their friendship takes a surprising yet comforting turn—and she discovers an attraction she’s never felt with Rudy. Would falling for Allen betray the people she cares about most, or would denying those feelings betray her heart? This latest installment in the Amish Homestead series returns us to Lancaster County, home of the beloved Riehls, where a family’s strength—and advice from a new friend—may help Laura find God’s direction.

My Thoughts:  I love the cover of this book but the story is better than the cover!

This story is a bit sad but through sadness Laura and Allen discover friendship and love.  This is the second in the Amish Homestead novels. I did not read the first one and I wasn't lost so I believe this is a stand alone novel.)

Poor Allen he not only lost his sweet wife, Savilla, but he has a baby daughter to care for also.

Savilla was Laura's best friend so when she passed away Laura is heart broken.  Then Laura realizes that Allen must care for baby, Mollie, and work.  So, Laura tells Allen that she would like to take care of Mollie for him.

Allen jumps at the chance and he and Laura begin to create a friendship that turns to more than friendship.

Second chances come in surprisingly strange ways.  

A great story!

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

• Series: An Amish Homestead Novel (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (May 8, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310349079
• ISBN-13: 978-0310349075

Murder at the Flamingo: A Novel (A Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery) by Rachel McMillan

Book Description:  Hamish DeLuca has spent most of his life trying to hide the anxiety that appears at the most inopportune times -- including during his first real court case as a new lawyer. Determined to rise above his father’s expectations, Hamish runs away to Boston where his cousin, Luca Valari, is opening a fashionable nightclub in Scollay Square.  When he meets his cousin's “right hand man,” Reggie, Hamish wonders if his dreams for a more normal life might be at hand.

My Thoughts:  A new author and a new series for me.

Such a fun and quirky read!  This author has quite a sense of humor.  

Poor Hamish DeLuca and his insecurities and to be a lawyer too!  Can one be insecure and a lawyer?  Well, Hamish is both!

When Hamish meets his cousin's "right hand man"  he is fascinated with Reggie.  It turns out that Reggie is Regina Van Buren . . . a lovely lady.

As Reggie and Hamish work together they find a much darker side to the glitz and glitter at the Flamingo Club.  Not all that glitters is gold or even bronze it's a much lighter shade of darkness.  

Remember that the year is 1937 in Boston so when a dead body is found at the Flamingo Hamish and Reggie begin to see a whole different side of life.  A life where the have nots really don't have anything like the haves.  The glitter is tarnished.

Such an interesting case...a hint of romance, glittering night life and well, insecurities.  

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: A Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery (Book 1)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 10, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785216928
• ISBN-13: 978-0785216926

The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

Book Description:  Annie Wood, the housemaid-turned-pattern designer in The Pattern Artist, jumps at the chance to design her own clothing line when a wealthy New York couple offers to finance her endeavor. Joining the project is Annie’s new husband, Sean Culver, her best friend at Butterick, Maude Nascato, and a mother figure, Edna Holmquist.

Annie and her colleagues give up their careers, risking everything to follow a shared passion: clothes that are both fashionable and functional for modern, busy women in 1912.

Personal and financial setbacks test old relationships and new romances while threatening to keep the business from ever selling a single dress. No one said it would be easy. But the promise of the American Dream holds a deep hope for those who work hard, trust God, and never give up.

My Thoughts:  I enjoyed The Pattern Artist so I was excited to receive this next book, The Fashion Designer.  These are to be read in order.  Annie Wood was a housemaid who became a pattern designer.

Now Annie has a new husband, Sean Culver who totally believes in her gifts and endeavors.  In fact, he helps her in her projects.

Actually Annie and her colleagues have a passion to make clothes for women that are both fashionable and functional.  Remember this is 1912 and a man's world.

Well as with all things time and perseverance seem like a "forever" not going to happen with Annie and her crew.  Not a dress has been sold and it seems like one thing after another keeps getting in the way.  

A great read about trusting God in all things with a little romance and fashion items of the early 1900's.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from 

Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review*

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (July 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683226011
• ISBN-13: 978-1683226017