Review: Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter

Book Cover and Synopsis:

When the Christmas season finds Eden in Summer Harbor, Maine, she's on the run from trouble. Romance is the last thing on her mind.

Riding in a bus in the thickly falling snow, Eden Davis wonders how it ever came to this--fleeing under cover of night with young Micah sleeping fitfully in the seat beside her. When a winter storm strands them in Summer Harbor, Maine, Eden wonders if what might have been the end could be a new beginning.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem-solver. He's recently left his job with the sheriff's department to take over the family Christmas tree farm to save it from insolvency. But he's flummoxed. During the busiest season of the year, he's shorthanded. Then Eden shows up looking for work, and Beau believes he's been rescued. Competent, smart, and beautiful, Eden's also guarded and quiet. He soon figures out she comes with a boatload of secrets. But Beau can't seem to help himself from falling for her.

As Christmas Eve approaches, Beau discovers he'll do anything to keep Eden safe. But who's going to protect his heart from a woman who can't seem to trust again?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
It's the start of a new series from Denise Hunter, and it's another winner! With Eden and her son, Micah, on the run from people who want to do them harm, this story immediately grabbed my attention and didn't let it go. I thought it might be a bit difficult to keep things straight when they had to assume new names for safety, but surprisingly it wasn't.

I wasn't excited about the fact that Beau already had a girlfriend when Eden entered the picture, as that just makes things sticky, awkward, and can easily toe the right/wrong moral line. But thankfully Beau handled it as well as he could when he realized his feelings were starting to change, and ultimately he did the honorable and right thing. He's a good guy and his law enforcement past made him very knowledgeable and helpful for Eden's situation which I thought was pretty cool!

The storyline of a kid (Micah) who doesn't talk due to a traumatic situation seems a bit cliche, but in this case it's actually done pretty well and it doesn't make any of the scenes awkward. (In truth it actually makes things a bit easier for Eden as she doesn't have to worry about Micah accidentally revealing too much about their situation.) I liked how things came about for Micah to slowing start talking again, and how his first word showed the surprising trust he had placed in a new friend.

Overall, I really enjoyed "Falling Like Snowflakes". The story is set in winter and around Christmas, but it's not necessary to read it at that time of year...though the descriptions of the cold snowy weather--especially at the beginning--were so vivid that for a second I really thought there was snow outside my window! I really liked Eden and Beau, but the rest of the characters were also very good and each was portrayed with lots of individual personality. It's easy to imagine the series switching the focus onto these other characters as it progresses, and I'm anxious to see what happens in their lives. The Summer Harbor series is off to a great start, and I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the books as they release.

My Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Thomas Nelson) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Married Til Monday by Denise Hunter

Book Cover and Synopsis:

With a big anniversary party in the works for her parents, Ryan will pretend to be Abby's husband for just one last weekend.

Ryan McKinley has tried to move on from his ex-wife, Abby. He’s sulked, he’s gotten angry, and ultimately he bought her dream house. Big mistake. Living alone in the massive 2-story has only made him miss her more. When her parents call him out of the blue about their anniversary party in Summer Harbor, Maine, Ryan believes God has dropped a golden opportunity straight in his lap.

Abby McKinley never exactly told her parents about the divorce. A strained relationship with her dad has culminated in a distant relationship with her parents, but she’s finally succumbed to her mom’s pressure to make the drive for their 35th-anniversary party.

Then Ryan shows up on her doorstep, looking as devastatingly handsome as ever. When he insists he’s going to Seabrook, with or without her, Abby knows she can’t say no. Her parents still think they’re married and now Ryan knows it too. Besides, he only wants to check in with his best friend from college—her cousin Beau, who just lost his dad. It’s just a one-week road-trip with the man who broke her heart. What could possibly go wrong?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
I'm generally not a fan of stories that revolve around divorce, but with Denise Hunter's name on the cover I knew I had to give this one a chance... and I'm glad I did. The story is very engaging, and even though certain aspects are fairly predictable, it's still an entertaining and amusing journey.

The point of view alternates back and forth between Ryan and Abby, and in addition there are also two alternating timelines. The "now" timeline is the most prominent, but the story of their first meeting and subsequent relationship development is also woven in. This was a touch I wasn't expecting but really appreciated, as the timeline from the past is a bit lighter in nature. Getting to see the events from the past helps to flesh out the characters and at the same time it gives valuable back-story to some of their personality traits.

The story ultimately shines a light on how our pasts can effect us in ways we'd never imagine, and how we might not even realize it...even when the effects are reeking havoc in our lives. It has definitely caused me to pause and consider some things in my own life from a different angle, and I suspect this viewpoint will likely stay with me for quite a while.

While it's true this isn't my favorite in the Chapel Springs series--simply because the plot isn't really my normal thing--I did enjoy it for the most part. I admit it did seem to lose a bit of steam towards the end, causing my focus to waver, but ultimately it ended well and overall I'm glad I read it. Honestly it's hard to go wrong with a Denise Hunter novel, and this one is no exception! 

My Rating: 4 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Thomas Nelson) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter

Book Cover and Synopsis:

She daydreams of whipping up sauces and souffles in her own restaurant. His heart is set on helping foster children. Both dreams are at stake. So are their hearts.

With grand plans to open her own bed & breakfast in Chapel Springs, PJ McKinley can't afford the most crucial part: the brick and mortar. But when the owner of a local historic home announces a contest and promises her property to the worthiest candidate, PJ makes a fervent wish and tosses her name into the hat.

Cole Evans is cool, confident, and successful, but he'll never forget his roots. He's thankful for how far he's come and knows his life could have turned out drastically different. If he can win the stately old mansion, he'll turn it into a home for children aging out of the foster system.

When the eccentric house owner narrows the entries down to only two applicants, she extends the contest, giving PJ and Cole one year to prove which one of them can make the best use of her beloved home. As the pair competes in close proximity, something deeper than rivalry sparks between PJ and Cole. And in this battle, they're likely to lose their hearts.

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:

I really liked PJ and her extremely talkative personality. I couldn't help but grin at some of her rambling speeches which were most prevalent when she got nervous. Considering her profession as a chef, I really appreciated that she didn't seem uppity about her tastes or knowledge, and the dishes she prepared, though fancy, weren't things I'd never heard of. Usually when chefs are in novels I find there is too much fancy terminology used, but that was not the case with PJ at all. She is very down-to-earth and easy to relate to, despite having refined tastes.

I also really liked Cole, and I felt so bad for the things he went through as a child. At the same time, I also sort of wanted to slap some sense into him and tell him that the things he blamed himself for weren't valid... BUT, nevertheless I did still like him. The work he did with the older foster kids was awesome, and it serves to shine a light on an important issue that is often overlooked or forgotten.

The book title and cover design initially gave me the impression that it would be a Christmas or winter centered story, but that's not really the case. The story covers the span of about one year, so while winter is included, it plays no larger part than any other season. The story is appropriate to read at any time of the year, so don't let the cute snowy cover image hold you back. 

Something I thought was unique was how one of the major relationship conflicts was resolved in an untraditional manner, with a third party getting involved to try to fix the issues. Often times novels with a large romantic element seem very cookie-cutter in their flow, but this angle brought a unique feel to the resolution of the story that I really liked.

Denise Hunter certainly doesn't shy away from the hard issues, but I really admire how she weaves everything together. The inclusion of difficult and touchy topics gives a very realistic atmosphere, while the grace with which they're handled keeps things from feeling overly gritty. Her characters are flawed with past mistakes--some larger than others--that makes them very easy to relate to and sympathize with. Though "The Wishing Season" doesn't top the previous Chapel Springs book (Dancing With Fireflies, which is one of my all-time favorite novels), it's still a very solid story with a good message and high entertainment value. I can easily recommend it if you are looking for a good read!

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher (Thomas Nelson) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Dancing With Fireflies by Denise Hunter

Chapel Springs, #2

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
Stepping back into Chapel Springs and seeing all the familiar faces (from Barefoot Summer) is both exciting and comfortable; the small town atmosphere is exactly the same, it's just the viewing angle--this time seeing things alternately from Jade's and Daniel's perspective--that's changed.

Though stories involving pregnancy don't normally interest me, I was extremely drawn to Jade's situation. It's heartbreaking, yet exceptionally enthralling due to the difficult circumstances and her stubborn effort to be independent in the midst of it all. I really admired that despite being scared to death, Jade never once considered giving up her baby. Despite its traumatic conception, she was determined to love the child, but at the same time feared she might not be able to.

I really liked Daniel, he is sweet and caring but feels very realistic. He has a way of phrasing things that makes for some very humorous moments! The relationship between him and Jade was simply delightful, it couldn't have been written any better. I loved how he almost unintentionally--and with such natural ease--worked his way further into Jade's life, becoming her confidant and helper, steadily growing their relationship without Jade even realizing what was happening. Things end up coming together in a very unique and interesting way that I never would have imagined.

Honestly, I just can't say enough good things about Dancing With Fireflies. The story is so very intriguing and enjoyable, hard-to-put-down, and kept me up past 2am a couple of times! It successfully tackles a very difficult subject with grace and tact; never once did I feel uncomfortable with how things were handled. I'm already thinking about re-reading it, that's how much I loved the story and relationship development between Jade and Daniel! Though it's still early in the year, I am confident this will end up being one of the best releases from the Christian market in 2014.

My Rating: 5 stars!!!

Thanks to the publisher (Thomas Nelson) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Chapel Springs, #1

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.

To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.

Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.
Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

My source for book: Local library

My Thoughts:
There's a lot of high praise going around for this book, and I have to say it's well deserved. Upon starting the book, I quickly blew through the first 6 chapters in just one sitting! The characters, the setting, and the deeply interlaced storyline have a way of drawing you in, making it hard to put the book down. There's so much twisted up in Madison and Beckett's relationship, and it's very satisfying to see their interactions when they are--reluctantly--thrust together with a common goal.

The writing is so vivid that I almost felt like I was experiencing everything the characters did. From Madison's fear of water in the midst of taking swimming lessons, to Beckett's guilt over his un-confessed youthful misdeed, the depth of the emotion is so intense that it's like you're right there with the characters. When Madison reached her emotional breaking point, her turmoil actually gave me a rather somber feeling, as if I could truly sympathize with her despite the fact that I've never been through anything even remotely similar. In the same vein, Beckett's situation with his alcoholic father also tugged at my heart, leaving me feeling so sorry for him. The emotions and situations are just so striking that you can't help but connect with the characters. 

The length is average for a book of this genre, but yet it actually seemed longer--in a good way--because so much content was covered. I admit that I was able to predict a few of the plot points along the way, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story in the least. If anything, it only proved that I was on the same wave-length as the author, wanting the story to move in the same direction! :)

Overall, I definitely recommend Barefoot Summer. The author has some serious talent on her hands, it's honestly hard to find any fault at all. Though it's just a fraction of the story, I never thought reading about something as mundane as swimming lessons could be so enthralling! :) I also liked Madison's and Beckett's dogs--it's a small detail, but their inclusion made the story that much more real. The bottom line is this: pick this book up, I think you'll be glad you did!

My Rating: 5 stars

Review: A December Bride by Denise Hunter

Book Cover and Synopsis:

What started as a whim turned into an accidental - and very public - engagement. Can Layla and Seth keep up the facade in Chapel Springs this holiday season - for the sake of her career . . . and his heart?

Under normal circumstances, Seth Murphy, the best friend of Layla O'Reilly's ex-fiance would be the last person she'd marry. But the news of their upcoming (and phony) nuptials convinces a big client that Layla may be high-society enough to work for his agency, a coup that would put her fledgling home-staging business on the map. 

Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, even when she was dating his best friend. Maybe she'll never forgive him for the way he hurt her back then, but he has to try. And Layla is willing to keep up their engagement farce until she's landed her client. For Layla, it's the chance to save her career. But for Seth, it's his last chance to win her heart.

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
I love a good "fake relationship" story, and when you throw in the Christmas season, this novella is a winner! The length is short enough to be considered a novella, yet it's long enough that it feels like a full story in the fact that the characters are fully developed and you get to know them well, which I find is rather rare in novellas.

Layla was certainly an interesting character and easy to like and sympathize with, but it was ultimately Seth that kept pulling me back to the story. His confidence and ease in the fake engagement was charming and amusing, especially compared to the anxiety and bouts of freaking out that Layla was prone to whenever they had to act like a "couple" in front of friends. Their bumpy past added a unique angle, causing Layla to refuse Seth's charm longer than most would...but this is certainly not a bad thing, as it added some pretty fun moments between the two.

I haven't previously read any of Denise Hunter's books, but this novella has sold me on her writing. (No doubt I'll soon be hunting down her previous works!) I really liked the atmosphere of the story; the development of the relationship between Layla and Seth has a very modern and "now" feel, but the Christian genre of the story keeps it clean. :)

If you're looking for a fun December read, this is certainly one that I'd recommend. It's short enough that it won't suck up a ton of your time during the busy holiday season, but yet it's long enough that you can really savor the story. It's a win from all angles!

My Rating: 4 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Zondervan) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.