The Hearts We Mend ~ Review

The Hearts We Mend (Zondervan, March 2016)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Planning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie’s life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated.

Thirteen years ago, Evie’s firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie’s heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie’s life is stream-lined, Jack’s approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe or predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn’t make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn’t felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

MY THOUGHTS:

The Hearts We Mend is such an EXCELLENT read! It is book 2 in the A Banister Falls Novels.  It is one of those books where you feel like you've  just moved into the neighborhood and have met all of your neighbors and love each of them! 

I LOVE Evie and Jack! They both cherish their families and together they teach each other how to step out of their comfort zones and see things from a whole new perspective! As they do their feelings for one another grow, but can they let go of their past? Can Evie let go and move on since having lost her husband, Max? Evie has lived in their town for a VERY long time! She has many friendships with Max's friends, and all of them are very protective of her! So when Jack comes to town they are in full protective mode, and Jack isn't quite sure how to take that!

Jack is a family man through and through! He gave up his job to help out his brother! What a guy huh!!?? He comes to Banister Falls and he makes quick friends with all of those in his apt. complex! His door is always open to his neighbors, which is just one of the many things Evie Loves about Jack!  (And there is ALOT to love!!)

The Hearts We Mend is such a great spring, summer, or anytime read! Heart of a Bookworm gives this hands down  5♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s!! I fell in love with this quaint little town and all of those who live there! Thank you LitFuse for allowing this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!!

THE CHANGING SEASON

ABOUT THE BOOK:

This was supposed to be a simple summer for Billy: one more lazy expanse of time before college began. He'd fill the hours playing with Jimmy – his canine best buddy – going camping and doing all the things he promised Jimmy they'd do before Billy left. But that was before the accident that shook the entire town. It was before the summer job that turned into something so much more than a way to get a paycheck. And it was before Vicki. This summer was destined to be many things to Billy, things he didn't truly understand until now. But it was definitely not going to be simple.

An enormously touching, richly textured, deeply moving novel of new adulthood, THE CHANGING SEASON is an experience to savor.


MY THOUGHTS:

The Changing Season tells a tale of Billy and his dog(Jimmy), and two of his friends, Mark & Charlie.
The boys are hoping to make some great memories over the summer before they have to go to College. Mark & Charlie have a plan, but Billy doesn't know what he wants to do or major in, but that decision will  just have to wait because they have parties to attend and fun to be had!

I just love how Stephen Manchester takes you right into the lives of his characters! I haven't really read a "Coming of Age" book before but I loved all the relationships Billy has and the lessons he learns during that summer. I laughed and I cried and just LOVED this book!!

This would be such a great book for anyone really...  high schoolers, those in their final summer about ready to head off to college, or just anyone who enjoys a story about a boy and his wonderful dog!!

I totally recommend "The Changing Season"!!! You will be sooooo glad you read it!

Thank you Steven Manchester for sharing your gift of writing such wonderful stories with all of us! Thank you for allowing me to read your book in exchange for my honest review!

Always Watching ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have more than just skill and prowess in common--they're also all women. When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians in order to protect his son.

But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him. Olivia has the feeling that she's next on the list. And to complicate things even further, she realizes that her heart may be in as much danger as her client.

Bestselling author and fan favorite Lynette Eason drops readers right into the action in this fast-paced new series with a unique twist. Readers will love these strong female characters who put it all on the line to save lives.


MY THOUGHTS:
I have said it before and will say it again and again ... I am HUGE Lynette Eason FAN and I absolutely LOVE her books! I love it when she begins a new series and this book is the 1st in her new  Elite Guardians series.

Always Watching is a fast paced thriller with a little bit if romance! The Elite Bodyguards Agency is an all women agency and Olivia is called into this case after her co-worker was seriously wounded protecting Wade.  Unbeknownst to Wade, his father has hired the agency to protect his son from a stalker. Wade knew he was receiving some rather odd gifts that arrived at his home anonymously but he just shrugged it off, making light of the situation. His father however, did not. He saw what was happening and took matters into his own hands.

I absolutely LOVED this book because I would think I knew who the stalker was, and then, bam! Lynette threw a curve ball and I had to keep reading to try and figure it out yet again! Don't you just love books that keep you guessing all the way to the end!?!?! Well, if you said YES, then do yourself a favor and pick up, down load, or go check out Always Watching! I promise .... You will LOVE it too!!

Thank you Lynette Eason for sharing your gift of writing with those of us who LOVE your books and those who will hopefully read one of your books for the first time! I know without a doubt they will become huge fans just like me and so many others!!

Thank you REVELL, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!
Hands down... A 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s!!!