The Color of Home...a debut novel.

Hope is dangerous. To hope is to play with fire.

At least that is the belief of Audrey Needham, a woman whose past tinged with tragedy has jaded her plans for the future and muddled her present. When her great-aunt Daisy asks for help and support taking care of her uncle Dale, even a painful past cannot keep her away from helping those she loves in a place that once meant the world to her. 

Audrey anticipated lending a helping hand to the people she loves. She did not anticipate finding healing in a place that once represented her deepest wound. Despite her best intentions and her attempts to protect her heart, the pull of home is hard to resist and love is hard to avoid. After all, this is her one wild and precious life...can just doing the next right thing bring the closure and peace she didn't know she needed?

Kit Tosello weaves magic through the pages in her debut novel, "The Color of Home". First-person point of view is not normally my first choice in perspectives, but Kit does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life in vivid and descriptive color. I felt a deep and inspired connection with each of the characters, like I had known them my whole life, and wanted the very best for them. The story was well-written, the flow was natural and un-hurried, like a friend coming home to my bookshelf. The Color of Home left me with a hunger for more. I will definitely be looking for more from the talented Kit Tosello! 

You can grab this great book from Amazon here!

Revell Review- The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot

Happy Spring, all! It is a rainy spring day here in Virginia, but that just means flowers are on their way, so I am not minding a bit. Plus, I have the final book in Amanda Cabot's latest trilogy to share with you all!

 *Summary*

                    When a spurned suitor threatens her, heiress Alexandra Tarkington flees New York for Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, where her father is building a hotel. But the happy reunion she envisions is not to be as her father insists she return to New York. Instead, Alexandra carves out a niche for herself in town, teaching schoolchildren to paint and enjoying the company of Gabe Seymour, a delightful man she met on the stagecoach.

But all is not as it seems. Two men, each with his own agenda, have followed her to Mesquite Springs. And Gabe is an investigator, searching for proof that her father is a swindler. When a series of apparent accidents threaten her life, Alexandra and Gabe will have to work together to discover the truth. And perhaps along the way they will discover that the sparks of attraction they've felt from the beginning are more than sparks--they're love.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you back to 1850s Texas for this exciting and heartwarming tale of treachery, love, and learning to trust.

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 *My Thoughts*

After digging into book three of Amanda's Mesquite Springs series, I have decided that she has tricked us into reading not just a historical novel, but a mystery as well. The word tricked sounds a bit like Amanda had a nefarious plan in mind, much like some of her side characters, but I assure you, the mystery is unexpected, but delightful. 

Alexandra and Gabe were both likeable characters. I did find Alexandra to be a bit neieve for much of the story, however, I found that to match what was going on in the story quite well. I really appreciated the backstory that Gabe was given and the way that the whole story unfolded...it all came together very naturally, with nothing seeming to be out of place. Their relationship did seem to progress quite quickly, but since I do not believe that was the main focus of the story, it did not detract from the book.

The Spark of Love was a wonderful way to wrap up the series. While I do not feel that each of these books need to be read together, they do pair up very nicely. Amanda keeps the storyline threaded in just enough to make this a wonderful trilogy without them being dependent on one another. I enjoyed revisiting Mesquite Springs and getting reaquainted with past characters. If you are looking for a light historical read with an unexpected mystery attached, this may be the perfect book for your next porch read. 

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  *My Rating*

  I give The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot...

                                       

                             4 stars!             

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own.

Happy Reading,

Nicki

Revell Review- A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

Hey, y'all!

I'm sitting in a warm recliner on a surprisingly bitterly cold night here in Virginia. We returned from a fun Christmas trip to see family on Sunday...no snow in NY where we left off and we returned to 60-degree weather with talk of snow that night. It felt like I blinked and it was Monday morning...imagine my surprise when I awoke to a full 5 inches of the beautiful white stuff! The perfect background for a good book like A Heart Adrift.

 *Summary*

              It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier EsmZe Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esme. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril--on the sea and in the heart--in this redemptive, romantic story.

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 *My Thoughts*

Another stunner from Laura Frantz! Laura has long been my go-to storyteller when it comes to colonial happenings and all the bedecked covers and heartrending stories that come along with it. Often timely, in the daybreak of winter, a perfectly crafted story makes its way to my mailbox just when a light in the dark of winter is needed most.

A joy to my hands and heart as every story penned by this author, Laura instills a love of rich history, sharing the sorrows and elations of those who come before us in her newest tale, A Heart Adrift. A beautiful second chance story, Henri (pronounced Ahn-ree in beautiful French detail) and Esmee’ captured my head and heart from the first page of the prologue. If the true heart of the story, the main characters, aren’t enough to have you delving in, the painstaking details that have you smelling the fresh cocoa scents and breathing in the air of the sea will lead you straight to A Heart Adrift.

Far more than the tale of simply Esmee’ and Henri, I felt drawn into the world of ballgowns and ships, cities and the adventures of Eliza and Quinn, of Esmee’ and Eliza’s own dear father and the various side characters painted so beautifully whether in a chocolate shop or on the very streets of York or Norfolk. Adventure and intrigue awaited every corner just as well as the tender, faith-filled moments fireside.  

Though the final page of the story has been turned and the cover closed, the words and characters will long be held close as their beautiful home sets on my bookshelf, until I open its pages to visit again. Few stories captivate as Laura captures the long-ago frontiers and countrysides of long ago, igniting a spark of excitement and desire for more knowledge, more “invisible” yet tangible friends, and I daresay, in this novel, more chocolate and seaside excursions. Five stars and many more happy sighs as I close out this review of yet another Frantz win!

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  *My Rating*

  I give A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz...

                                     
                             5 stars!             

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own.

Happy Reading,

                    Nicki

Revell Review- Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant

How is it November already?! It feels like time is absolutely flying by. Transitioning from reading on the front porch to reading by the light of my Christmas tree in my room (yes, I am one of those people) feels like such a drastic change once again. The Virginia weather consistently has me switching back and forth between the two, but I am enjoying every spare second I can manage delving into a good book in either location! 

 *Summary*

               Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can't cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red--and an upcoming contest during Modest's annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. The prize money could finally give her a solid financial footing and keep her cousin with special needs paid up at her beloved assisted living home. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she's been talking to via an anonymous online dating site.

Jude Strong is tired of being a puppet at his manipulative father's law firm, and the food truck festival seems like the perfect opportunity to dive into his passion for cooking and finally call his life his own. But if he loses the contest, he's back at the law firm for good. Failure is not an option.

Complications arise when Rory's chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he's been falling for online the past month.

Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one?

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*My Thoughts*

Tacos and all the best parts of romantic comedy...what could be better? This was such a fun story from the start and was clearly a story where a lot of heart and thought was put into the characters. Not always does a story unfold in a vivid picture before your eyes, nor are there often such close connections with side characters as well as main characters. Betsy did an amazing job of weaving together all of her characters in this amazing tapestry of a quirky and relatable community. From an overbearing father to well-meaning friends and jealous siblings, the whole story was so well developed that it made me feel as though I resided in the small town of Modest, Texas. Jude and Rory. The chat format between them was such an endearing, intriguing, and unique part of the storyline! I enjoyed getting to know their online relationship and then watching their interactions as they first start getting to know each other as “real people”. Each of them had things that they needed to work through, but both felt so genuine...and such a fun way to watch a story unfold! Tacos for Two made it to that happy medium—perfectly executed as a stand-alone novel while a large part of me is already ready to return to Modest, Texas...and maybe to eat a taco, or two.

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  *My Rating*

  I give Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant...

                                     
                             5 stars!             

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own.

Happy Reading,

                    Nicki

Revell Review- Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson

I'm sitting here scratching at a mosquito bite with a case of sunburn on my face and I can't help but think that a weekend spent camping with Liz Johnson's newest book in hand makes it worth it. Our first night was not a campfire night, but we had the perfect thunderstorm that made snuggling into a blanket with a book the perfect pastime. 

 *Summary*

               When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster-fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should inherit it instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross take over. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg--an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg must work the business together, and at the end of the season, he'll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren't what they expected.

Bestselling author Liz Johnson invites you back to Prince Edward Island for a brand-new series about family, forgiveness, and the kind of love that heals all wounds.

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*My Thoughts*

Each time Liz sets pen to paper brings to life another captivating tale and further cements her standing as one of my favorite authors. I still remember her first book coming out, long after I’d started reviewing and now, she’s a beloved name on my bookshelf with each new book that comes out.

The uniqueness of the storyline is not something to be overlooked. I would think it would be a daunting task to take on the research required for lobster fishing and a mystery illness, but Liz handled it like a pro. Meg and Oliver and every one of the “side” characters were perfect for this story. Meg was so relatable, showing her human side and not looking at all like a character with a “perfect” life as some authors tend to portray their characters. Her feelings of not wanting to burden those she loved and fighting for her family are feelings that most of us can relate to. Likewise, Oliver was her perfect match in an imperfect way, showing his hurts and dreams, and all the roadblocks along the way.

Beyond the Tides also wove together clear, resonating messages of forgiveness, love, and taking the time to appreciate the gifts we’ve been given without sounding at all preachy or over the top.

The best stories make you laugh out loud no matter who might hear, sigh with happiness, maybe cry a few tears for fictional characters, and when you turn to the last page, makes you wish that there was just one more for you to read. I can tell you; this story fits that description perfectly. A breathtakingly beautiful story, Beyond the Tides will steal your heart from the very first page.

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  *My Rating*

  I give Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson...

                                     
                             5 stars!             

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own.

Happy Reading,

Nicki

Review- Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg

I'm sitting here on my front porch on a beautiful early August night in total and complete disbelief that fall is around the corner and we have two days until kids are back in school in my community! I absolutely adore my job as a teacher assistant and am currently taking classes to become a teacher, so I am ecstatic, but it still seems crazy that summer is in its last days for another year. I spent a glorious rainy day with a candle lit and curled up with Melissa Tagg's newest gem and finished up this Sunday afternoon...I cannot wait to share it with you! Just look at this gorgeous cover.

 *Summary*

                A captivating new seaside romance brimming with mystery from USA Today bestselling, Christy Award-winning author Melissa Tagg

Abandoned as a toddler, Sydney Rose has spent years wondering who she really is, homesick for a life she's never lived. When a private investigator crashes into her world, she finds herself heading to a tiny seaside town in Maine to meet a woman named Maggie, who's searching for the granddaughter she lost decades ago.

If not for Maggie, Neil MacKean might still be back in Scotland, bereft and alone. Instead, he has a full life in Muir Harbor with an adopted family he loves and a blueberry farm to run. But the farm is struggling and strange occurrences have him concerned. Worse, Maggie's once again caught up in the past, convinced she's finally found her long-lost granddaughter.

Worried for Maggie, Neil is suspicious of the city girl who shows up at the farm. But there's something about Sydney that tugs on him, drawing out secrets he never meant to share. While Neil grapples with the future of the farm, Sydney wrestles with a past that's messier than ever. Together, they're pulled into a mystery complete with a centuries-old legend, unexpected danger . . . and a love as deep and wild as the sea.

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 *My Thoughts*

Many times I feel sorry for my favorite authors. I wait not-so-patiently for a new book to come out as they tirelessly pour their heart into the pages between beyond gorgeous cover designs. I devour said long-awaited book in one glorious sitting. And then I put the pressure on by continuing the cycle. In the case of most, however, I guess that predicament is remedied by rereading old friends while awaiting new ones. Melissa Tagg has been at the top of that list ever since her very first story and this new series is no exception!

Autumn by the Sea was enchanting in every way. The characters draw you into their story without pause and the setting is absolutely perfect. I'm sure I am not the first to think that Maple Valley is completely irreplaceable, but I have to confess to already googling luxury treehouses and wild blueberry farms along the coast of Maine. Maine has long been a magical place in my mind and Melissa absolutely did justice to my seaside fantasy. Also...for those of you who are longtime Melissa fanatics as I am, she managed to include goats in her storyline again so no worries about that!

Neil is...wow. Neil is Scottish brogue speaking, flannel-wearing, come to my rescue without a second thought swoon-worthy and Sydney was the most perfect match up to his dreamy yet wounded character. Maggie is the grandmother figure most people dream of and the whole family just pulls you into the magic and effort of farm family living. 

Melissa not only wrote another beautiful romance novel with adorably quirky characters and swoon-worthy meet-cutes, but she added a healthy thread of intrigue and mystery that kept me guessing throughout the book and still has me hanging on for more. I have already planned my pre-order of my paperback copy to add to my full Melissa Tagg library and I once again put on the pressure by anxiously awaiting book two in this delightful series. For now, I will settle down with old friends and share this new one with anyone desirous of an escape in the form of a beautifully well-written story. Another standing ovation for a longtime favorite!

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  *My Rating*

  I give Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg...

                                       

                             5 stars!             

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own.

Happy Reading,

Nicki

Revell Review-Come back to me by Jody Hedlund

Happy Thursday! I cannot beleive it is already the last day of June. Time is flying again!

 *Summary*

                The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

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 *My Thoughts*

This book was totally new to me...I had never read a time travel book before and all I had read of Jody's books were her historical stories. Jody is definitely multi-talented! High energy and action packed, Come Back to Me had the same romance and sweet storyline I have come to expect in a Hedlund historical novel. I was definitely transported back in time! The characters were so in depth. I loved getting to know Will and Marian and can't wait to see what she does with the rest of the series. If you are a fan of medieval times, time travel stories, or a good action novel with romance to boot, this is the book for you!

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  *My Rating*

  I give Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund...

                                       

                             4 stars!             

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own.

Happy Reading,

Nicki