Engaging, heartfelt story!
340521
Winsome and wise, LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE shows us that true, strong marriages are forged as much out of pain as passion. Kristy Woodson Harvey treats both Annabelle, the young, naive heroine, and Lovey, the formidable matriarch, with skillful tenderness. Fans of Southern fiction, especially book clubs, will flock to this engaging, heartfelt story.
1653448
What an intricate and well-crafted story.  Macombers inviting writing style draws you in to this enjoyable story.  This heartfelt story held my attention throughout.  I couldn't put it down.  Ok.  Thats a bit of a lie.  I did put it down once because I was crying so hard I had to go grab a box of tissue.  But other than that I read it from beginning to end in a single sitting.  I loved how the author brings together the big events in life along with the little, everyday things that we rarely think about to give a full and complete picture to her readers.

Macomber invites her readers deep into the lives of the main characters of this story.  I love how she develops them in detail individually, showing how they became who they are.  Readers also get to see how they change, in small ways, as they come together as a couple.  You can actually feel the friction between the characters.  Its pricelessly comical at times and heartbreaking at others.

This was a fantastic novel that really brings forward the difficulties and rewards of a military marriage.  I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who enjoys any form of romance.
166429
A heartfelt, inspiring story! This is Kay's introspective telling of  what it was like growing up in a family where the mother suffers from mental illness, and the effects that had on her family and relationships. Told with courage and grace, Kay's story is at times emotionally difficult to read, but well worth the time to journey with her to the end, where she finds not only redemption but also a new sense of self. Kay's hope at the end of the book is that she will have encouraged or inspired the reader. Her message is that no matter what "baggage" you carry, or what difficulties you have endured, you are not alone. You can make yourself the best you can be, and keep moving forward. Bravo Kay! Definitely a worthwhile read!
35680
This story captured my interest, even though I don't usually read romantic fiction. The characters came across as real people, and I found myself caring about them, which to me is the crucial test of artistic worth in books or movies.  The plot managed to blend simple, true to life happenings with some extraordinarily intense events in a way that was natural and kept me wanting to know how things were going to work out.  One of the best aspects of the story is the way it shows the characters learning and changing from the circumstances in their lives.  Along with the sheer entertainment of the book, it has an underlying theme of recovery and the power of forgiveness.  Also nice to know it's the first in a trilogy, which has me eagerly awaiting the second in the series.  A stirring, engaging, fun, and uplifting book!
1486631
Youll Think of Me by Robin Lee Hatcher was a sweet, engaging story filled with picturesque small town scenes and events that made me feel like I was there. I loved the community that Ms. Hatcher developed in this book. It had a very realistic small-town feel, from thoughtful scenes where members of the community came together to support their own to the not as pleasant characteristic of small towns where rumors can spread like wildfire. The mostly pleasant aspects of the community and the way they stepped in to help and encourage each other was a wonderful part of the book that I loved. Ruth (Dereks grandmother), in particular, was one of the characters that made me feel welcomed into the story as I read. Through her character and a few others, the book delivered some powerful moments of wisdom. The flow of the book itself feels as though it has that laid-back small-town pace, only adding to the pleasantness of the story.

When we enter into Brooklyns story, shes already been through a lot of change in her life, including finding her Savior, gaining courage, and maturing a great deal. I would have loved to have seen that change as it happened, but those changes can still be appreciated even though the reader is not present for them. Like any of us, though Brooklyn has changed much from her youth, especially after being introduced to the Lord, she is still undergoing change. Her faith is still being challenged and shes growing more fully into it throughout the book, especially as she has to come face to face with her past. Through the work of the Lord, she learns more of how to overcome her past and not let it overcome her.

Facing the past is most often not an easy thing, but its important to our healing, and though Brooklyn did not have plans to go back to the hometown she came from, God knew what was best for her and made a way for her to find what He knew she needed. I loved that aspect of this book. Both Brooklyn and Derek have other plans in mind for themselves, but God sends them on a detour from those plans that turns out to be infinitely better than they could have imagined for themselves. The book concludes with a sweet ending that just might make you tear up (in a good way :)) and just might speak to your own heart about who you are in the Fathers eyes and remind you of just how much He loves you and that He has the best in mind for you.

**I was provided a copy of the book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
2132214
Well-written.  Engaging.  Captivating story line.  Heartfelt.  Relateable.  Interesting.
Just a few words I would use to describe my review of this book.  I loved the "home" area of the book, as well as the "Outer Banks" area.  I expected a sappy love story, and received an engrossing, thrilling novel with an ending that left me with mixed emotions; all wanting more of the story, more about the lives, not wanting the story to end.  I want a sequel!!!  All of the characters are the people next door, people that we actually live with, deal with, or see on Facebook on a daily basis.  Ethan, by far, was my most favorite character.  He had to deal with so much, and I still felt that he was such a strong, respectful, truly good person.  I guess that you never truly know what someone is going thru, so just Be Kind!  Great job to Sean Plummer, as you have written a prized book here; I truly enjoyed it, and look forward to more of your stories!
1451071
If you are looking for a light read with a heart-warming story, give this book a try! Coming from someone who usually reads heavy, thought-provoking, work-to-get-through-it kind of books, it was a breath of fresh air and reminds me of a "chicken soup for the soul" kind of book. Chance combines themes of death, dying, love, and belonging in such a nice way. By the end I felt like the characters were real and I felt genuine emotion for them. It left a warm glow in my heart, I don't know how else to describe it.
161275
Rune and Signe Carlson only wanted a better life for their family when they moved from Norway, but now, they are doubting their decision. Despite toiling endless hours to help with their uncle Einar's land, they are only met with harshness: the harsh attitude of their uncle, and the harsh weather of Minnesota. Beginning to doubt Gods plan, they must work through pain and the unexpected to come to a new dawn.

  I really enjoyed this book. Believe it or not, this is the first book of Lauraine Snellings that I have had the pleasure of reading. I fell in love with the characters; so well developed that they were! This book has a very engaging plot. Though not a suspenseful read, I found the plot to be unique for historical fiction. I could relate with the characters with ease, and not just because I currently live in Minnesota! That persevering spirit of a pioneer in this book, the endurance to push through hard times, is not only powerful in and of itself, but also when we look at it as an analogy of our pilgrimage in this life towards the next.
  Overall, I was incredibly blessed by this book. Relating to kindred hearts, as well as engaging wholeheartedly with the storyline, I would absolutely recommend this book! I always appreciate a clean, well-written, and captivating read.
1188301
This was an engaging read I wanted to keep with until it was finished.  The setting was familiar to me, as I live very close to the fictional town and know the community back-stories, and that provided a fun element to the story.  I could picture the location and characters with that context.  Mr. Souza gave us relate-able characters and sharp drama within an emotionally challenging story.  I look forward to reading more by the author.
1044491
Loved it!  I literally could not stop reading and had to finish the book in one day.  The characters resonated with me, and the story is engaging.  A story of love lost, betrayal and finding hope again.  Buy this, you'll love it!
1642780
This book was intense, sad, emotional, and joyful all at the same time. I had a hard time putting it down. It was eye opening for the stages of grief as well as what returning combat vets often endure when they come home to a world that changed without them. Children who don't remember them, families that have endured and grown without them there to grow alongside them. It's a beautiful, heartwarming story that is gripping and well written. I found my heart breaking for Mike on several occasions. I also found myself cheering for him too! Great read.

I purchased this book at a stand alone book store, not from Amazon.
3010651
I hadn't read anything from Jojo Moyes before reading this book but I think I'll quickly become a big fan!  I enjoyed this story very much; it is heartfelt and entertaining. I even found myself wanting to meet the characters in real life!  I laughed, got a little choked up and didn't want it to end!  Highly recommend
2535508
Engaging - touching story - enjoyed it very much - highly recommend - unique pacing of the story that keeps it flowing
2122067
This is a beautiful, heartfelt story of love, loss, hope and dreams. You can relate with both Aundrea and with Parker as they find love through the trials and fear that they have to face. It is a well written story that deals with cancer in a very real, understanding way. Well worth reading!
2690281
This debut author did a wonderful job in penning a heartfelt story.  This story is centered on three sisters: Brynne, Camille and Olivia.  These three women were raised by their grandmother (Mama Laurel), after their parents were killed in an automobile accident.  Brynne seems to have the perfect life of every person's dream, a successful career and a wonderful endearing husband.  But, Brynne is not satisfied with her life ... she feels some sort of emptiness deep inside.  Camille is a drop dead gorgeous woman who can have any man falling at her feet.  Unfortunately, Camille has gotten involved with a man, which she can't break away from.  Olivia is the baby of the family.  She's been struggling since her parents death.  Olivia's last crisis brings Gram Naomi (paternal grandmother) to town.  Gram Naomi despised Mama Laurel and promised everyone she would never return to Cleveland, Ohio.  But, that strong love for her granddaughter brings her back in town.
The women of this story will be faced with many challenges.  The five women are dealing with problems and realize they need one another in order to make it and pull through.  Janette McCarthy Louard does a wonderful job of portraying a family struggling, but through God and each other all things are possible.  The family bonds and gives one another enormous strength.  I couldn't put the book down and still yearned for more in the end.  I look forward to more books by Janette McCarthy Louard!
2822498
Thoroughly enjoyed this story as I read it along with my daughter who is in 4th grade.  She loved the story and enjoyed discussing the deeper themes and exploring the hidden gems of this book with me.

The story is well-developed with thought-provoking themes that teach heart-felt values.  This story stirs up emotion and leaves the reader feeling empathy for the characters.  It is beautiful how the author took an old amusement park and brought the history of this very place back to life, allowing children to experience something that many would never understand or know!  The use of animals was a wonderful way to share the story and give children an opportunity to see the world through an animal's eyes! The author has provided useful discussion questions and opportunities to dig deeper into the story making this a powerful literature circle book!  I hope all children get to experience the Magic of Norumbega!  Who is ready to see where Geti will take you...
1916120
Cracking Open is a beautifully told auto biography and an emotional peek into one woman's journey into becoming a medium.  What makes this story so lovely is the honest, candid telling of what it is like to start accepting the signs and messages that are so often ignored.  Esby is able to convey her story with wit, humor, and true emotions.  This is an engaging, enjoyable book.  I highly recommend it!!