Review: Finding Me

Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman is a contemporary stand alone novel. This is my first read of this author, but the premise sounded intriguing so I went for it. Even though the idea was kinda far fetched, it was still a very interesting read.

Kelli Huddleston is still reeling from the death of her father and stepmother. Cleaning out their house, she finally checks out her dad's safe. What she finds inside makes her question everything she knew about her father. Determined to find out the truth whatever the cost, Kelli packs up and travels to Shoal Creek, Tennessee to get some answers. Not wanting anyone there to know why she traveled to their little town, she comes up with a plausible excuse and starts to look for her mom and siblings. But will she be able to handle what she discovers?

All of the characters were well written, and I felt like I was there in the story with them. I wish there was more to the story like a sequel or something. I would love to hear more about Beth and Rand. They were one of the best parts of the book. Even though I want more books set around this family, the ending was quite satisfactory. :)

I thought the author wrote really well of all the emotions Kelli was feeling. This one scene near the end of the book was heartbreaking, and I found myself urging her to tell them everything. But of course, she couldn't hear me so she didn't listen... haha If you are looking for a contemporary novel that is more than just a fluffy love story, pick up this book. But don't worry, there is a love story in there, too. It's just not the main focus. ;-)

I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Love at Mistleltoe Inn

Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk is the first in the A Year of Wedding Novellas for 2015. I read some from last year and really enjoyed them, but this book gets the new collection off to a rocky start. I do like how the books have titles now instead of the months. It makes the stories themselves sound more exciting.

Hope Prentiss has gone for ten years ignoring what happened her senior year of high school - marriage to John Burke. Once she heard how he didn't have enough money to pay the internet ordained preacher she decided she didn't really want to marry John after all even though they had already said their vows. Convinced that not sending the papers in would make them not legally married, they parted ways. But then Hope finds out startling news. She is still married!

John Burke decides he is ready to come back to Harmony and settle down. When he gets there, Hope approaches him about their marriage. Shocked that it's still valid, John is still happy because he has always loved her. Now here is where the weird twist comes in. After Hope tells him, the story then jumps to the next morning with her leaving his house. Whaaatttt?? And then she runs to an attorney to see if she can still annul the marriage. Uh, obviously not! This turned me off of the book like nothing else. She hasn't really seen or talked to him for ten years, and then she just throws herself at him? And now she wants an annulment/divorce?! Ok....

This story had no depth. It was just fluff. When I read a Christian story, I expect it to be clean and have some type of learning going on. Something I can take away from the book. This one didn't. Not even from the pastor. No Bible verses. Nothing. It was a well written book with a cute setting and a sweet, meddling aunt, but it was definitely not my cup of tea. My advice is to skip this story.

I was given this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: One Perfect Spring

One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon is a contemporary Christian romance. The term "Christian" should be used lightly when it comes to this story. It didn't feel Christian and could be sold without that title.

Claire Summers is a single mom of an eleven year old daughter when Keith Watson showed up one day. Immediately turned away from him since he reminds her of her ex-husband, Claire is abrupt with him. But then she finds out Keith is trying to find her neighbor's son, the one she gave up for adoption years ago. Claire begins to see Keith in a better light the more she hangs out with him. Is he really different from her deceased husband?

Keith doesn't want his new job assignment, but he has no choice. Adopted himself, he struggles with recognizing his own self-worth, but as he sees Claire he starts to change his workaholic ways. Will he ever find peace about how he was adopted?

Forgiveness is the main objective of this book, and on that the author did well. She effectively showed that forgiveness is the key to moving on in life without bitterness or regrets dragging you down. I enjoyed the story, but I didn't come away from this book feeling like I learned something new. And honestly, I didn't like some of the things she wrote about the married couple. You can show that they are happily in love without innuendos clouding up a supposedly Christian story.

I was given this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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