Stories That Bind Us, by Susie Finkbeiner
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Susie Finkbeiner delicately unfolds a beautifully touching story of grief, hope, and love. A woman struggling with the pain of a traumatic loss, and a young boy with the desire to be loved. An unlikely pair to outsiders in the 1960’s, faced with unkind glares, and not so subtle whispers. Together, this aunt and nephew duo bond, heal, and find strength through the power of storytelling.
We were deeply moved by Finkbeiner’s profound portrayal of a woman’s deep love, and desire to protect her nephew. In her aspiration to shelter him from the cruelty of others, she in turn finds personal growth through empathy and understanding. We were also deeply impacted by the unconditional love this family shared.
Whether you enjoy spiritual books, or a book that inspires hope, Stories That Bind Us is a slow paced touching read. Addressing important issues held very dear to us, Finkbeiner created a timeless read that will forever be imprinted in our hearts.
Publisher's Description:
Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next. She couldn't have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.
In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.
Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts.
Live: June 2, 2020
The Girl In The Love Song, by Emma Scott
Rating: 4.7 Stars
Have you ever started a book and connected so deeply with the characters, that you jump to the end in dire hope that they get their HEA? Well...we may or may not have been compelled to do such a thing.
Lately, we are desperate to engulf ourselves in uplifting stories that warm our hearts. Emma Scott’s The Girl In The Love Song indisputably did just that. Brave characters and real world issues. The Girl In The Love Song is a beautifully written, touching story about two people from vastly dissimilar worlds. Their lives are tethered together by a single act of kindness, forging an unbreakable bond and unconditional love.
As Scott profoundly portrays Violet and Miller’s journey we can’t help, but find ourselves touched by these strong characters battling immense struggles. As circumstances and fears cause them to stray from a common path, a single kiss forever changes the direction of their friendship. Mistakes are made, complications arise, however, love endures and hope remains.
Through Scott’s exceptionally vivid storytelling, we empathize with her characters, their experiences, and emotions. So if you are seeking a slow burn heartfelt read, The Girl In The Love Song is a must!
Publisher's Description:
At Santa Cruz Central High School, they called them the misfits, the outcasts, the weirdos. But most of us knew them as the Lost Boys...
Miller Stratton is a survivor. After a harrowing childhood of poverty, he will do anything it takes to find security for himself and his mom. He’s putting all his hopes and dreams in the fragile frame of his guitar and the beauty he creates with its strings and his soulful voice.
Until Violet.
No one expects to meet the love of their life at age thirteen. But the spunky rich girl steals Miller’s heart and refuses to give it back.
Violet McNamara’s life hasn’t been as simple as it looks. Her picture-perfect family is not so perfect after all. Her best friend Miller is her one constant and she is determined not to ruin their friendship with romantic complications.
But the heart wants what it wants. As Miller’s star begins to rise to stratospheric heights, what will it take for Violet to realize that she’s the girl in all of his love songs?
Lost Boys is a new series of interconnected, coming-of-age standalones from USA Today bestselling author Emma Scott, coming in 2020.
Live: June 7, 2020
Reckless Memories, by Catherine Cowles
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Catherine Cowles’ Reckless Memories is an incredible story filled with memorable characters and packed with emotion, which rocked us to our core.
An unimaginable tragedy separated them, leaving a hero ravaged by guilt and a heroine scarred and angry. As they are reunited through fate we witness Bell and Ford begin to heal as they face painful memories, embrace their feelings and learn to forgive. Life soon begins to draw them closer, and they surrender to their undeniable attraction. However, not everyone is happy for them...and one person is determined to destroy their lives!
Catherine Cowles delivers the perfect mixture of warmth, suspense, and danger, leaving us rooting for Bell and Ford, adoring the secondary characters, and forever invested in this series!
Our first announced Top 10 Best Reads of 2020!
Publisher's Description:
I loved him before I knew what the word meant.
From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between.
But he was never mine to love.
I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more.
That was before.
Before he ripped my world apart and didn’t bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces.
I knit every last shred back together all on my own.
And I’ve all but forgotten his name.
Now, he’s back, and everything is torn apart once more.
But he’s not the only one doing the tearing this time.
And there might be no stopping the person who has it out for us both.
Live: May 12, 2020
Regretting You, by Colleen Hoover
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A touching story, which masterfully illustrates a mother's selfless love for her daughter, Colleen Hoover stuns us again in her latest novel Regretting You. Morgan, wrecked by tragedy, heartache, and betrayal, shoulder's the fallout of other's mistakes in an attempt to protect her daughter, Clara. However, once secrets are exposed, so to is the depth of a mother's love.We are in awe of Morgan's resilience, her ability to forgive, and her endless compassion. Simply stirring!
Just Ten Seconds, by Jeannine Colette
Rating: 5 Stars
It took only seconds to be captivated, minutes to fall in love with these life-like charming characters, and hours to be awe-struck. Jeannine Colette's, Just Ten Seconds, is an incredible story about a heroine devastated by her past, haunted by her memories, and mourning a loss. A single act of kindness evolves into a second chance at love and family, however, an unintentional lie and a shocking discovery, has the power to unravel her new life. A consuming read!
Just Love, by Prescott Lane
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Blown away! Prescott Lane's latest book is a compelling quintessential epitome of love. A striking turn of events, which quaked us to the core, rendering us completely fixated and drowning in tears. Just Love shook with emotion. A grippingly realistic reflection of the earth shattering aftermath of a life altering tragedy.
Letters To Molly, by Devney Perry
Rating: 4.2 Stars
A moving story about a neglected love, Letters To Molly seeped into our hearts. Six years after their divorce, Molly and Finn still harbour the wounds from their broken marriage. However, when the surprising delivery of secret letters reveals raw unspoken feelings,there begins an emotional journey of healing and forgiveness. A touching read that shares a couple's painful mistakes, and a miracle that encourages them to learn from their errors, to reclaim their love! Memorable!
The King Maker, by Kennedy Ryan
Rating: 5 Stars
An exceptional novel which commanded attention and moved us to the core, The Kingmaker went beyond our expectations! Kennedy Ryan pens an insatiable second chance love story, which battles with deception and forgiveness, as well as brings attention to major real life issues. A poignant, page-turning masterpiece, with a conclusion that left us in suspense!
Rustic Hearts, by Amber Kelly
Rating: 4.2 Stars
We were drawn in by every word, as it quickly took hold of us, leaving us utterly connected. Connected with the memorable characters, and touching moments. Rustic Hearts just felt like home! Without a doubt, Amber Kelly took our breath away and stole our hearts in this enemies to lover, small town love story, about secrets, forgiveness, and finding peace.
The Banker, by Penelope Sky
Rating: 4.6 Stars
By far, our most favorite read from Penelope Sky! She masterfully writes a story about a loyal and determined heroine who will manipulate and seduce, to save the one she loves, and a powerful and ruthless hero who kills those unloyal to him. A luring, captivating, and mesmerizing read!
Kill Switch, by Penelope Douglas
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Penelope Douglas undoubtedly managed to reel us in yet again, with Kill Switch the third instalment of the Devil's Night series. This book effortlessly pushed us forward on our journey down the dark path with the Four Horsemen. We were enthralled with the introduction of two characters whom both faced great adversity, but must find a way to overcome before they drown in the darkness of their past.
All Grown Up, by Vi Keeland
Rating: 5 Stars
Vi Keeland transported us into an intoxicating world of intensity, desire, and romance. All Grown Up is a passionate, sexy, and romantic read which shows us that love can be found at the least unlikely time, with the most unexpected person. So if the cover of this book hasn't captivated you enough to pick it up, we sure hope this review does!
N9ne, by T.M. Frazier
Rating: 4.3 Stars
T.M. Frazier lured us into another enthralling dark, and suspenseful romance. Driven by revenge and determined to get answers, Nine will stop at nothing to retrieve what was stolen. But when the past and present collide, chaos ensues, and Nine must battle with his burning desire to protect his indescribable feelings for his target, Lenny. A highly entertaining read, seared with moments of passion, disbelief, and danger!