Book Review: A Matter of Heart

Anytime I have the chance to read and review a Tracie Peterson book from Bethany House, I jump on it.  I have always loved her work and this one set in Texas (a favorite setting of mine) did not disappoint at all.  A Matter of  Heart is set in Texas and centers around Jessica Atherton, a wealthy young woman who has been born and raised in Texas.  Jessica immediately faces the challenges of a young woman who is seen as spoiled.  She comes to realize that maybe these accusations are true and we see her throughout the book fighting to overcome this image.  Not only does she face this challenge, but she is unmarried in a town where all of her friends have settled down with families of their own.  She struggles to find what her heart wants - Harrison Gable, a wealthy young lawyer who can give her whatever she wants, or Austin Todd, a Texas Ranger/former Secret Service agent who is running away from his own past.  In this book there is romance, mystery, a little suspense and the theme of fighting the odds to overcome obstacles with God on your side.  This is a great read and I can't wait for the rest of the series.

Book Review: The Princess Within

Awhile ago, Bethany House sent me the book The Princess Within by Serita Ann Jakes to read and review for them.  I apologize for it taking so long for me to write the review.  I really liked the book and plan on using it with my daughter as a study this year.  The topics of self-esteem, friendships, family situations, shames and many others (there are 17 chapters) are right on target as to what teenage girls are experiencing or will experience during these difficult years.  In each chapter the author puts so much scripture (which I LOVE) in with each topic in order to bring you back to God's word.  I also love the "Playlist" she gives in each chapter so the teen can have songs to help them think about and listen to as they are going through the situations faced.  Also at the end of each chapter is a chance for the girl to respond to what she has studied in that chapter.  Usually this response is encouraged to be a prayer to God using scripture.  I would recommend this book to any mother to read first before sharing with their daughter.

Literary Ladies: It Happened At the Fair

In March, our Literary Ladies at church had our meeting to discuss our latest book we had read

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanna Gist.

I absolutely LOVED this book.

It takes place at the Chicago's World Fair in 1893.

This book has everything in it -

history...

love...

chocolate...

firefighters...

beauty...

mystery...

We had a wonderful time reading it and fabulous time talking about the book.

Tables were set and decorated to recognize the different buildings the World's Fair had to offer. 

Of course, we couldn't go without a table to represent the firefighters!

A Ferris Wheel graced the food table since it made its debut at the

Chicago's World Fair.

World's Fair Menu:

Chicago Style Hot Dogs

Cupcakes

Popcorn

Peanuts

Hot Chocolate

Cracker Jacks

Doughnuts 

It was a fabulous night at the fair!

Our next book to read is Tamara Alexander's

A Beauty So Rare.

She will be making a guest appearance at the meeting as well!

Book Review: Love Comes Calling

We have all felt like we did not belong in the world we were put in.  We have all felt that we needed to do something else or BE someone else only to realize that where we are is where we need to be.  That is exactly what Ellis Eton learns in Siri Mitchell's book Love Comes Calling from Bethany House.  Ellis is from a well to do family in Boston and being from a traditional family, traditional expectations are given to her - college to go to, profession to have, Griffin Phillips to marry.  However, Ellis feels like the bright lights of Hollywood are calling her and she begins to make plans to head that way.  After having a rough semester in college, she comes home to Janie (a friend who looks like her) needing her to fill in while she goes to look for her father.  Janie works as a telephone switch operator and needs to keep her job now that her mother has passed.  Ellis agrees to help seeing how it can also help her get the money she needs to head to Hollywood.  On the job one day, she overhears a plot to harm Grif - the one her parents want her to marry.  In her resolve to save Grif from potential death, she meets Jack, a police officer who might be in on the Grif scheme.  As her plans to go to Hollywood, save Grif, as well as avoid Grif so love does not bloom begin to go haywire, she learns very valuable lessons about being who God has made you to be in the place where He has put you.  A wonderful story full of many twists and turns, love, mystery, suspense and a real heroine!  Thank you, Bethany House, for allowing me to review this book for you!

Book Review: Where Courage Calls

Bethany House sent me a book awhile ago called Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oak Logan.  I was anxious to read this one because I have not read any by Janette Oke in awhile.  However I was captivated by this book from the moment I opened it.  Beth Thatcher has decided to leave all she has ever known - wealth, comfort, family - in Canada for the very rugged outdoors of western Canada where she has accepted a teaching position.  While on the train headed that way, she runs into Edward, a Canadian mountie, who is the one her mother wants her to marry.  Edward has always been a thorn in Beth's side but as she continues on her journey, she is glad to have a friend beside her.  Once she gets to Coal Valley, she sees that things are much different than she had imagined.  Not only is she needed as a teacher, but she is a counselor, nurturer and friend to so many who have lost so much.  She has her work cut out for her as she tries to educate the children as well as possibly some of the miners that are left.  As she tries to help the town get back on their feet, her heart begins to wonder if Edward is really the one for her or could his mountie friend, Jarrick, be the one her heart wants.  Obstacles abound in this small town as Beth tries to decide what she can do to help the town, her heart and future decisions.  This is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Book Review: Praying for Boys

Another book crossed my door steps not too long ago and I just thought that this would be a book to review (Thank you, Bethany House) and move on to the next.  However, Praying for Boys has made a huge impact in my life.  I have always wanted to do better at praying for my children.  Praying specific things for them. Praying scripture for them.  However, I get so overwhelmed by all that does need to be prayed about that I just go back to the basics.  Brooke McGlothlin does a fantastic job with this book.  She is so personal in sharing her own stories as a mother of two boys.  She is very real in allowing us to see that she is not perfect but just wants what is best for her children.  She is very simple in giving us 21 areas of prayer that we can pray over our children (and I have been praying these over my girl as well as my boy).  Each chapter focuses on one aspect that is needed in your son's life.  While you can choose to focus on the aspect for the day, you can.  However, at the end of each chapter, more scripture is given to allow for extended period of prayer time for that aspect.  Questions are even given at the end of each chapter to allow you to personalize how you are going to work on bringing that characteristic out in your son's life.  Praying for a heart change, obedience, fears, integrity, wisdom, pride, and the fruit of the Spirit are just some of the 21 characteristics in this book.  She also gives advice on how to keep going once you are done with the book and ways to get your friends involved.  This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and it will be one I pick up again and again to remind myself of my most important job.

Book Review: The Miner's Lady

I didn't think that this series could get any better, but I was wrong!!!  This third book, The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson,  was a fabulous end to the series and will not disappoint!  This book has it all - romance, murder, mystery, family feuds and forbidden love! The Panetta family and Calarco family have been at odds with each other for generations that span back to Italy.  They found themselves living in the same town and working in the same mines.  The hatred for each other is still there between the fathers of the families, but can it be resolved.  When the youngest of each family fall in love with each other, the families become even more at odds with each other.  Chantel Panetta (the oldest sister) and Dante Calarco (the oldest brother) find themselves "helping" the forbidden lovers meet with each other, and, as their paths cross more and more, one wonders if there will be more than one forbidden love.  Family feuds are not the only problem in the town.  There is a gambling issue as well and the Panetta brothers are suspecting that there are other issues going along with it.  When more than one family tragedy strikes both families, can it bring the families together?  Tracie Peterson does a wonderful job developing her characters and the plot.  You really never know where the story is going to go.  I would highly recommend this book and this entire series to anyone.
I have been given this book by Bethany House to review, but the ideas are my own!

Book Review: Rules for Murder

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for a review of it. I was trying to branch out to try new genres not just for me but for my book club. I chose to receive Rules for Murder by Julianna Deering. I was not impressed with this book. I had such a hard time getting into the book. I was easily confused from the very beginning of the book. I had a very hard time keeping up with the characters in the story. I don't know if it was trying to keep up with the whole story plot, the characters or even the British elements in the story. I really was disappointed because I was looking so forward to reading this one. Others of you may have better luck with it! I will not give up on this author though! I will try again!

Book Review: The Quarryman's Bride

I received a book from Bethany House to read and then review.  I always enjoy their books and The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson was of NO exception.  I really was not expecting the storyline to be like it was.  So many Christian authors repeat the same storyline just changing the characters and setting a bit.  However, this was so unlike the first book in the series.  Immediately your heart went out to Emmalyne, her situation and her whole family.  I just could not put the book down as I was kept under the spell of Emmalyne and Tavin's future story, present story and future.  Seeing the change that took place in all the characters was so heartwarming and made you realize people can change with God in their lives.  I would recommend this book to anyone!

Book Review: Sweet Sanctuary

I love the summertime because I get to read to my heart's content for the most part!!  I started the summer with a book Bethany House publishers gave me in exchange for a review.  I was very interested in Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer because I had never read any of her books before.    I was NOT disappointed.

I really did not know where this book would go but it did not disappoint.  It went in so many directions!  Lydia and Micah go way back to their service time together in Hawaii at the beginning of America's involvement in WWII.  Lydia mysteriously leaves her job and is really never heard from again until one day Micah receives a note from Lydia's father telling him that Micah is the father of Lydia's child.  Micah goes up to see Lydia to get everything straightened out because he knows there is NO way he is the father.  From there, the story spirals.  Both Lydia and Micah hold secrets they are hesitant to share with each other.  Lydia is holding back the true secret of her son and how she is trying to keep him safe from his drug-addicted father because who knows what he would do with him.  Micah works with immigrants in New York as well as a secret mission with his brother who is a missionary overseas.

Ms. Sawyer does a great job keeping you on your toes as each situation is developed in the story as well as solved.  This is a story full of forgiveness, trust, God's plan for everyone, and love.  It needs to be on everyone's summer reading list.

Book Review: The Icecutter's Daughter

Bethany House and Tracie Peterson have done it again!! This time with The Icecutter's Daughter, the first book in the new series Land of Shining Water.  This was a very different book for me to read as far as the setting of it was concerned.  Set in Minnesota in the middle of winter, we met Merrill Krause - only daughter of the icecutter in town and is just as content being "one of the guys" as she is with her ladylike side.  Even though she can train and drive a team of horses better than most men, she does desire to have a family of her own despite a promise to her mother on her deathbed to take care of the family.  When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in town to help his uncle with his furniture and carpentry, Merrill seems to have finally met the man of her dreams.  He is handsome, hard working and not afraid of Merrill's brothers who have run other suitors off in the past.  However,  when Svea Olsson and her brother come to town, Merrill realizes Rurik may not be the man he has said he is.  Questions are raised about Rurik's intergrity, Svea's declarations and her brother's work ethic.  All the while, Merrill is trying to find the truth as well as be the Christian example she is suppose to be to those who may not be acting the right way.  I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down.  It is a fabulous read that will keep you guessing and in your seat until the last page is read - then you will want to know more!  Another great job by Tracie Peterson! Thank you, Bethany House, for the book to read in exchange for this review!

Book Review: To Honor and Trust

Once again, I am blessed to be able to give you a review in exchange for a free book - I just can't help myself!!!!  This time Bethany House sent me the book To Honor and Trust by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller.  I really can't turn away anything written by Tracie Peterson and she does a great job teaming up once again with Judith Miller.  This is the third book in the Bridal Veil Island series and I enjoyed it very much.  Set again at the fictional retreat island of Bridal Veil off the coast of Georgia in 1913, we meet Callie Deboyer who comes from a well-to-do family, but is now joining the Bridgeport family as their governess as they spend the winter on the island.  While she loves her job and the Bridgeport family, she keeps thinking that something is missing in her life and that God is calling her to a higher purpose, one that possibly would include joining her parents on the missionary field of Africa. As Callie enjoys the island for the first time, Wesley Townsend comes to the island as well.  He comes with his extremely wealthy family who is trying to convince Wesley to join the family business and leave practicing medicine behind.  While Wesley is trying to decide which direction to take in his life, he volunteers to teach golf lessons.  It is here that his path crosses with Callie's.  As the book progresses, Callie and Wes grow to care for each other, but neither as entirely honest with the other about their past as well as what the future holds for them.  I loved reading about their relationship and seeing it progress as the book continued. One of my favorite parts of the book though was the plot beside the romance - the mystery of expensive pieces disappearing from different homes around the island.  The authorities have narrowed it down to several suspects and Callie's names is at the top of the list.  Through the book we see Callie struggle with trusting another person, with what her future holds and with trying to clear her name.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great book.

Book Review: Unending Devotion

Once again, Bethany House to the rescue!!! I am so honored to get a complimentary book to read and review from them from time to time.  This time I ventured out with a new author, a new time period and a new setting.  I was a little uneasy at first, but fell in love very quickly!

This read was Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund.  It takes place in Michigan in the late 1880s.  Lily Young and her sister became orphans and joined the orphan train to Michigan.  Determined to take care of her sister, Lily always remained close until they were split up from the orphan train.  Lily was taken in by a loving family; her sister, not so much.  One day Lily realizes that her sister has run away and now she will stop at nothing to find her.  Going along with Oren (the man who took her in from the orphan train) to photograph logging camps and towns, she searches relentlessly and fearlessly for her sister while helping other girls escape unfitting jobs.  When she arrives at Harrison, Michigan, she uncovers a dangerous and powerful man who has many young girls - possibly including her sister - as his servants.  She also meets Connell McCormick an upstanding citizen just trying to keep his father's lumber company thriving.

Throughout the book, together they run into many escapades together where Lily wants Connell to stand up for what is right even if it is against the one who can ruin his business.  While they fight about what is right and how to let the right reign, they find themselves becoming closer and closer to each other.  Lily finally persuades Connell into helping her with one big final plan, but will it be worth it to possibly lose all they have?

This book is full of adventure . . . love . . . humor . . . standing up for what is right . . . David vs Goliath . . . God being in control and His love never failing those who love Him.  Excellent read! Get yours right now!

Book Review: A Perfect Word for Every Occasion

I usually don't like to review non-fiction books, but this one caught my eye.  Sometimes you want to be able to say the right thing for the right moment, but are at a loss for reason or another.  Bethany House sent me A Perfect Word for Every Occasion to read and I loved it.  The book was full of all the different scenarios you may encounter.  There are chapters for grieving, gratitude, sick and suffering, birthdays, weddings, encouragement and many more.  Each chapter is broken up into even more specific areas where you need the right word to help you find just the right word.  I love that the chapters were full of quotes, scriptures and sample writings for you to look at.  This is a wonderful tool for anyone who still writes letters and even emails.  It is a MUST have!

Book Review: To Love and Cherish

I just love a good book and when I find a good author - I read everything they have available!  Bethany House introduced me to Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller as a duo writing team and I have enjoyed everything they have written.  Bethany House sent me a book awhile back to read and review and again I really enjoyed it.

This time, they sent me To Love and Cherish, the second book in the series called Bridal Veil Island.  I adored the first book so much that I was ready to go to Bridal Veil (even though it is a fictional place), and could not wait to read the second one.  This one took me a little while to get into because the setting jumped around a bit.  Melinda is the main character of this book who works as a lady's maid for a prominent family in Cleveland.  They vacation on Bridal Veil where Melinda has met and fallen in love with Evan, a worker on the island.  Evan is not ready to promise Melinda anything until he is able to support a family like he should.  Melinda, about to give up, has to return early to Cleveland with her family.  Writing letters back and forth strengthen the relationship until a storm hits Bridal Veil and news is not good.  Melinda can't stand not knowing if Evan is alive or where they stand in their relationship.  She leaves her home and takes off with her brother, who is up to no good, to head back to the island.  

Once she returns to the island to find Evan is ok, but not ready for marriage, Melinda does not know what to do.  Work opens up as the island is ready for everyone to come back, as well as a visit from President McKinley.  Melinda and Evan find that it is hard to have any time together between others trying to come between them and their work.  However, when a plot to assassinate the president is revealed, they come to realize they can only count on each other if they want to save the president, themselves and the island.

Once I got into the book, it was great and a wonderful read for any relaxing weekend!

Book Review: Touching the Sky

WOW! I have a love/hate relationship with a good book.  While I love reading them . . . I hate it because once I get into a good book nothing else happens! That is just what happened with the newest book from Tracie Peterson, Touching the Sky.  Bethany House sent me a free copy to read if I would write a review about it, and I am so glad they did.

I really enjoy Mrs. Peterson's books.  This is the second in a series based in Texas.  I read the first book in this series, Chasing the Sun,  not too long ago, and loved it.  However, this one may be my favorite.  Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, after the Civil War, Laura and her family must face the fact that because they supported the Union in a Confederate state, they are not well liked.  On top of this, Brandon Reid and his black troop of Union soldiers are still hanging around town and people are ready for them to leave.  People are still at war with each other and Laura wonders if the Civil War will really ever end.  She realizes that a lot of things may be like trying to Touch the Sky - almost impossible.  Despite the hard times Laura is facing, her sister Carissa has fallen in love with a Confederate soldier and Laura does not have a good feeling about it.  At the wedding, Laura overhears her now brother-in-law plotting something that could bring them all to their end.  She reaches out to Brandon, who has been aware that this could be the ring leader the army has been looking for, to try to help her sister.  Trying to save her sister . . . trying to teach the newly freed slaves to read . . . trying to fall in love . . . it all feels like it is out of her reach.  Laura gets a little too involved and may be in trouble.

Tracie Peterson had me from the very beginning and keeps you right in the palm of her hand as you read the book.  A wonderful summer read that you will be so glad you picked up!

Book Review: Travelers Rest

Bethany House has recently sent me another book to read in exchange for writing a review on the book.  The book they sent was Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock.  This book takes place in current every day North Carolina.  Jane Morrow is searching for so many things in her life.  Her finance, Sean, is currently in the Veterans Hospital in Asheville after being paralyzed while he was on duty serving our country.  Sean's faith has been instilled in him by his parents since his childhood. However, he believes it would have been better for everyone if he had just died on the battlefield. Jane is searching for faith and has to overcome so many obstacles from her childhood to get through this.  While she is visiting Sean daily in the hospital she meets some amazing people who impact her life in more ways than she will ever know.  Truman is a Korean veteran who is a retired doctor. He lives at the Veterans hospital and makes his rounds each day to see patients.  His meeting Jane helps her see Sean's obstacles in a different light and brings light to God and His love for all.  Truman has his own obstacles to overcome having grown up in the time of the Jim Crow laws.  All he really wants is to be forgiven.  Jon-Paul is another new friend that Jane is drawn to during her visits to the hospital because it is when Jon-Paul is playing the piano that he is able to find peace.  As the get to know each other, Jane is beginning to see that everyone has their own obstacles to overcome because she discovers that Jon-Paul is fighting an illness as well that affects his every day life.  All of these people are in Sean and Jane's lives for a reason.  All of these people need each other for one reason or another.  All of these people are just looking for rest.

Ann Tatlock does a great job with the story line as well as her characters.  I loved the book from the very beginning and wanted to see everyone have their "happily ever after" ending.  Her research of the characters' illness and life altering cases was wonderful and you really felt like you should add them all to your prayer list!  A great read that will make you thankful for your life, health and family.  It will really make you stop and think as well as tell your Father, "Thank you!"

Book Review: So Far This Summer . . .

I told myself at the end of the school year that I was going to read  . . . read . . . read this summer.  I did not care if I just read one whole day . . . I was going to do it, but . . . I haven't.  I have read a lot and have a lot I want to get to.  I thought I would share some of my reads this summer.  All have been good and very different . . .

1.  The Vow -  This book is the real story that the movie The Vow was based around.  I have not seen the movie still, but I have talked to people who have seen the movie.  While many things are still the same, the couple's faith that led them through this horrific deal is not a major part of the movie.  Sad, but true.  The Carpenters are good with the movie's portrayal of their story and when they are called to interview their faith is brought out then. I was very amazed and very impressed with their story. I cannot even imagine having to go through what they did.  It was a very quick and easy read.  It makes you think about your relationships and what you would be willing to do for those people in your life.

2.  The Hunger Games Trilogy - I actually read all 3 books in a matter of days.  I won't tell you how long it took my dad (who can be the slowest reader on the planet) to read them. (ACCHHH-3 days-HHOOO)  What did I think of them? LOVED LOVED LOVED - especially books 1 and 2.  I liked 3, but it was not my favorite.  I had read Hunger Games during my Christmas vacation, but after seeing the movie (finally) I felt like I needed to reread it before I went on, and I am so glad I did.  Now, I will not let Laura Beth and Carter read them (especially 2 and 3) for a long time, but I absolutely enjoyed the series.  It may be my next Harry Potter - ones I have to reread before the movies come out in the theaters.  If you haven't read them and even think these are not "your kind of books" (Dad), try them just so you know what is going on and can say one day that you have read (or tried to read) them.

3.  Love Finds You in Deadwood, South Dakota - I actually read this one in between some of the Hunger Games books for reasons I really don't remember now.  I really enjoy the Love Finds You series.  They are usually very easy to read books that I can just sit down and knock out in no time at all.  I am the kind of reader who needs books like that a lot!  I find myself especially reading these kinds of books during the school year.  However, back to this one . . . I really enjoyed this book.  Jane has been left a son, a child on the way, a loan that has not been paid off (and is in serious trouble) and more troubles by her worthless husband who has been killed.  Franklin is the man who is trying to collect the debt or the land that Jane is not willing to let go so easily.  Even in her "condition" she drives the freight load to try to pay off the debt her husband and built for her.  More trouble comes her way and Franklin is torn between how he can help when he is the one she is fighting against.  This was one of my favorites (although I think I say that about a lot of them after I read them), and would highly recommend it to anyone who needs an easy read.

4.  Chasing the Sun - see the review here.

5.  I was Jane Austen's Best Friend - I LOVE Jane Austen and always have.  I find myself trying to read anything by her and about her, so when this book came across in the book order this spring I knew it was a have to get book for me.  This book is fiction with a lot of facts in it.  Jenny is Jane's cousin and the book is Jenny's diary of a year where she lived with Jane and Jane's family.  It does include factual events and people from Cora Harrison's research.  Of course, not a lot is known of Jane's early life so that is where Cora took some liberties.  I really could not put the book down.  I found it so intriguing and loved getting another glimpse into Jane's life!  If you are a fan of Jane Austen, this is a MUST for you! I really enjoyed it.

6.  Maid to Match - I am in the middle (well, actually the end) of this book but wanted to go ahead and put it on here so I could cross it off my list!  I have been wanting to read this one for a long time not even knowing what it was about (sad, isn't it).  Now, I can say, I am soooo glad I am reading it and I want to go to the Biltmore to see where the story takes place.  I absolutely LOVE Deanna Gist's writing  in this book.  She has developed the characters and story line so well. I don't want to put the book down (boo  . . . inservice the past few days).  I can picture the Biltmore Mansion as she is describing it and can see Tillie and Mack as they walk among the grounds and house even though I have never been there.  I really need to stop writing about it so I can finish it! I will let you know if I change my mind about this one, but I don't see that happening!

Now, go out and read . . . what have you been reading?  Even though my stack is a mile high, I am always looking for a good read!

Book Review: Chasing the Sun

Bethany House is wonderful to let me review books that are coming out in exchange for my review of them on the blog and Amazon.  I have LOVED doing this for them and love getting new books in the mail!  The latest book I have read for them was Tracie Peterson's Chasing the Sun.  I have always loved Mrs. Peterson's book so I was very excited to be able to read this one as well.

It is the first in a new series entitles Land of the Lone Star which means it takes place in Texas.  I love to read anything about Texas that I can get my hands on, and this did NOT disappoint me at all.  I will admit that the storyline was nothing like I thought it would be.   Hannah Dandridge has been uprooted by her two-time widowed father from Civil War destroyed Vicksburg, MS, to an area outside of Dallas, TX.  Mr. Lockhart, her father's business partner, is trying to win Hannah's hand in marriage as well as the land her family is living on.  He is having troubles doing both, but his troubles rise when William Barnett comes back home - to the land Hannah and her family are living on.  The town sees William as a traitor.  Hannah sees William as one who can help with the land until it is decided who actually owns the land.
Land is torn. People are torn. Tracie Peterson does a wonderful job holding her readers' attention until the very end.

Book Review: A Wedding to Remember in Charleston, South Carolina

My college friend, Annalisa Daughety, has written another great book. She was so kind to send me a copy for read and then tell you about it!  I have to be honest . . . I have been anxiously waiting for this book because I want to go to Charleston sooooo badly! One day . . . . one day . . . .

This book was wonderful!  It was very different than most because in this book the main characters are already married.  You meet Summer Nelson is a wedding director in Charleston, SC.   She and her husband, Luke, met when they were younger, fell in love and married despite the differences in their backgrounds.  Throughout the book, you see that life has happened to Summer and Luke and they are facing the realities that marriage is a lot of work.  They have faced many obstacles, but have not overcome them - each having to deal with the obstacles in different ways.  Not sure what is in store for them, Summer gets the busy wedding season focusing on one BIG wedding where she is given full control.  Luke does not know what to do after they decide to separate for a time, but he knows it is a mistake.

Annalisa does a great job pulling you into the characters' lives before the book and at the time the book takes place.  She is really developing as an author - each book getting better and better.  Her take on this romance is a wonderful one because we all find ourselves facing the realities of life in our marriages at times.  We all realize that life and marriage is not easy.  Seeing how Summer and Luke handle these obstacles is very real!  Throughout the book you find yourself cheering for them, praying they work it out and wondering just how it will end.

Take a vacation to Charleston as you read about different landmarks in the city and take in the history of this wonderful city.  You'll be so glad you did!