August passed in a blur… again… anyone else feel that way?

I completed the summer reading program… like in June. But it’s now officially over and so I figured I’d mention that.

As you’ll find in my books read this past month, I went on two streaks, both of which are not fully extinguished yet. Can’t wait til next month! 😀

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Saving Grace by Denise Hunter

This is the second book in the New Heights series. The first book was rough, but this one was in different ways. This one was… I guess more enjoyable? Though that doesn’t seem right since it dealt totally with hard subjects like abortions and betrayal the whole way through.

If you’re looking for a book that deals with these topics and perfect examples of total forgiveness and moving on from the worst kinds of trauma and heartbreak, this might be your book.

I always enjoy Denise Hunter’s writing and Gospel message in her work, but it was hard to give a 5 star rating on the subject so I refrained. I was close though because this one hit different than the first…

This book had the theme that what’s impossible to man, is possible with God.

Something else I like about this series is that there’s the two main characters and their stories playing out, but she also gives us glimpses of side stories of the other characters which tie into the following book. I saw that between the first and second books and look forward to finishing out the series in book three soon!

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The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

What an adventure this one was! Really, all of Jody Hedlund’s stories are adventures, but let’s be real. This one was a long drawn out adventure with so much happening along their multi state route out west.

Enjoyed the continued family dynamics of the McQuaids in this series and the first glimpses of reconciliation toward the end of the book (spoiler, oops). 🙂

This is book two of the Colorado Cowboys series.

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Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh

Thank you once again to the local library!! I will one day own the book myself for collector’s (hoarder’s) sake.

I picked up this book on the 9th and could not put it down. I did, but I just couldn’t.

I had to find out how it ended. It was actually a heartbreaking story… but very well written.

Another great Courtney Walsh read.

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Then Came You by Becky Wade

Is there anything that compares to that exhilarating feeling of finishing a novella in just two hours time?

If there is, I’m not sure what it is.

I had this in my Amazon cart for a wee bit, maybe a month or so? After I realized that I had finished this series ages ago and never even read the novella that launches their backstory, it was a must.

So here I was, on a Friday morning, just finished with my half day of work, and the Amazon guy delivered my box. Among the contents were some books, of course. How I never tire of ordering things and receiving orders before their expected delivery date – the small joys in the first world country never cease.

With nothing better to do, but nap, because I have gone without enough quality sleep for two nights in a row… I hunkered down with my blanket – because the house is so stinkin’ cold now! (I’m grateful) – and read the whole 150 page novella! Who needs sleep, really?

If you ask if I gave this 5 stars like all (I think all) the other Becky Wade books, the answer is yes.

Since I’ve read all other related stories with the Bradford Sisters Series … this is the last you’ll see of this series. Worth the read!

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Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

I took it way back to Becky Wade’s first series!

I’ve been wanting to read this series for a WHILE and the time finally came!!

This one was probably 4 stars, maybe 4 and a half if I wanted to rate it. Honestly, Becky has always been a great writer and though her writing has probably improved over the years, I’m never disappointed in anything she gives her readers.

This is the first book in the Porter Family series.

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Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

Another five star Becky Wade book!! I loved the characters, the banter between Celia and Ty, the plot. I loved that they were able to work through their unforgiveness (spoiler) save their spontaneous marriage after years apart.

I’m ready for the rest of this series, once I’m able to buy them (and also, make room for them…).

This was book two of the Porter Family series.

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Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

This. This was so close to 5 stars for me.

I think it could have been better, sure, but the characters and the struggle and the victory at the end (not a spoiler) was just… worth it to me. Given that I read this in two days time!!

The book had some bad reviews online, which I didn’t really understand because I totally enjoyed the book myself. Those reviews just can’t be trusted sometimes!

Ironically (which is also ironic, if you read this book someday), the plot twist in the story made it to where this story didn’t end the way I had originally thought it would.

One thing that I did notice in reviews and also in the book was it’s lack of talk on faith and how faith could have played a bigger role in the progression and interest in the book. This is Christian book only in the sense that it’s a clean rom-com which I love (because unfortunately they’re hard to find…), but that’s the only thing.

For like the third time this year… it’s books like this that inspire me to write and someday be an author.

You can’t tell from the photo, but there’s a visible crease in the cover from top to bottom straight down. My book was in perfect condition until it fell off from its precarious position on the porch chair armrest when I accidentally hit it. Of course it wouldn’t land correctly, why would it do that?

So my OCD is having a time and I can’t even look at or hold this book without thinking about it. I love this book though still.

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Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter

This book is over 10 years, but it’s just classic Denise Hunter writing. Just like all the others, this one didn’t disappoint!

I loved the faith that developed throughout the book and the internal struggle of Josie was heart wrenching.

I would have finished this in one day had I read it on a Saturday. 🙂

Next month I get to read the brand new Denise Hunter book!!! I’m pumped.

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Sold on Love by Kathleen Fuller

Just like what the cover says, this is an opposites attract romance. It was definitely one of those slow moving ones but it was so good I could hardly put it down!

This is the third book in the Maple Falls romance series and I’ve really been enjoying the unique characters and setting.

I picked this book up at Mardel (I know… I’m there multiple times a month…) and I was like !!!! I didn’t know about this book!!! It was published August 2nd so I wasn’t too far behind on reading it.

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A Cowboy’s Touch by Denise Hunter

How many times has it taken me longer then two or three days to devour a Denise Hunter book? Let’s get real here.

I was tempted to let this one get finished on Monday, but it was 10pm Sunday night and I had 50 pages left… work at 6am… obviously you know how this ended.

All the feels, as always. The deep feels from the past, the conflict, the internal struggle, the romance… it all came together and now I just can’t wait for the next one. Plans to probably get to the next one in a week, if I wait that long…

This is book one of the Big Sky Romance series.

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The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

Okay, obviously I didn’t wait a week.

I stayed up and finished this at midnight. Why? Two reasons.

1) it was SO good

2) I’m crazy 🥲

When I have to get up early no less!!

Anyway… one of my favorite books now by Denise Hunter. Loved everything about this. Like… all the feels. I would rate this 10 stars if I could.

This is book two of the Big Sky series.

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Until next time…