All This Time by Melissa Tagg

All this Time by Melissa Tagg

My rating: 4.5, leaning toward 5 of 5 stars

Amazing summertime read! Warning: may induce deep seeded need to hunt fireflies or break into abandoned buildings.

Five years of friendship and a secret crush make it really hard to get over a man. Even when he's thousands of miles away. Reagan Walker can't seem to get past her feelings for Bear McKinley, or another dark problem that she's been combating since before her world turned upside down.

Bear McKinley could have sworn he got it right this time, but nothing's turned out like he'd planned. When his life gets completely upended yet again, and he finds himself back in Maple Valley with the care of his niece and nephew entrusted to him, or rather thrust upon him, he's positive about only one thing: he's not sure of anything anymore.

As Reagan tries to overcome her challenges, and bear tries to figure out where he's supposed to go from here, a summer together has them realizing that they can't keep ignoring the forces driving them together.

Keep Holding On by Melissa Tagg

Keep Holding On by Melissa Tagg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Keep Holding On is a perfect Autumn read, best accompanied by some apple pie or a warm mug of cider.

Beckett Walker has always followed his impulses, and they had served him well thus far - from running away six years ago to this trip back to Maple Valley - but he may have been wrong this time.

Kit Danby never quite got over losing her best friend, but seeing him in the flesh after all this time was vastly more jarring than she had anticipated. Can she risk spending her days with him to save the only home she's ever known?

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amelia Bentley lost everything once. So now she's safely tucked herself away in a perfect little home community and is only revealed enough of herself in order to be embraced in this new life. But she still has a deep yearning to be a part of a family, especially one like the Walkers have. Unfortunately she seems to lack the courage to let down enough walls to really connect with someone.

Logan Walker desperately needs a break. Trying to care for his three-year-old daughter all by himself is not working out like he planned with a blossoming career as a political speech writer. When an amazing opportunity or what may be a big problem lands in his lap, he's forced to go back home to Maple Valley and reevaluate what he wants in life.

When Amelia and Logan end up locked in a battle-royale over the local newspaper, hilarity and sparks ensue, making both wonder what they're really after.

Excellent spring or early summer read. Preferably on a porch swing lots of comfy cushions, overcast skies that may give a little rain, and a bed of flowers nearby.

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 Kate Walker is a specialist in love, writing acclaimed romantic scripts for TV movies, but is perfectly content with love staying safely trapped on the pages and in the screen.

Colton Greene has no idea what he wants to do with his life. Now permanently sidelyined by an injury, his career as an NFL quarterback is over and he's laying low in small town Iowa trying to figure out his comeback.

That town, devastated by a natural disaster brings both Kate and Colton into the Walker home and opens some doors that neither of them thought possible.

Good Autumn read or anytime during football season!

Characters

I'm predisposed to dislike writer characters in books simply because I feel like the authors tend to glorify the profession. Fortunately, this isn't the case in this story. Kate is a great flawed character who is really struggling to find her purpose. Returning to Maple Valley seems to help her grow in just about every aspect of her life. Colton is a wonderfully complex character who is working through, or rather trying to avoid working through, extreme childhood trauma. Although he starts out as a self-centered individual, his transformation throughout the story makes him into a very lovable character.

My Character Inspiration

Scott Eastwood as Colton Greene

Jennifer Love Hewitt as Kate "Rosie" Walker

Plot

The overall plot really seems to focus around Colton's discovery of his past. There are smaller story arcs throughout that maintain a good pace and keep your interest as well. This is my second time reading this book, so while I wasn't surprised by any of the plot twists, I remember them being really great the first time around. This book has the potential to make you laugh, cry, and dream about small town American life.

Setting

Maple Valley, Iowa is the perfect picturesque small town. While most of the story occurs in modern day Maple Valley, there are parts that take place in Chicago and LA.

Style

You can definitely pick up on how wonderfully quirky Melissa Tagg is by reading these books. The quick wit and banter between characters is always amusing. There are the token classic movie references, along with a nod to the author's favorite band NEEDTOBREATHE.

Theme

The two major themes throughout this book are ones that each character struggles with. Kate gives us a great example of being afraid of going after what you really want when there's a fear of it either slipping through your fingers or leaving you hurt in the end. Colton's challenge is finding the blessings that God has for you when things don't necessarily go the way that you originally planned.

Quotes

"And he was just standing there now, a thesaurus full of synonyms that added up to ridiculous amounts of handsome."

"'Maybe I did, but look where it got me.'
He grinned and stood, his shadow swallowing hers. 'It got you right here. Softened. Flexible. Willing to consider maybe God knows better than you what your life should looks like. And like this little bridge that weathered a slew of storms, ready to be used.'

My Thoughts

No lie, y'all. I'm in super stressed mode. I was slacking with getting this review written and now I have to double check my 8-year-old's packing job, pack for myself, and get some sleep before heading to the airport EARLY tomorrow for my sister's wedding in Oregon. I am so stinking excited about getting to be there for the wedding, but a little nutty from trying to get everything ready for the trip.

ANYWAY, thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! I'll be back here Monday with the next book in the series. 

TheModestMillennial

Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg

Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy cuteness, Batman! I got this book for free on Amazon, and it just sat on my Kindle for almost a year! I read the Where Love Begins series, and already read the first two books in the Walker Family series before remembering I had this. I don't know how, but I missed that the Ava in the Walker Family books is THAT Ava. *facepalm*. back to this book, though. Seth and Ava's is the best story I've read in months! I felt an instant kinship with Ava, being a bit of a football-loving tomboy myself, and I loved the e-mail relationship of sassy arguments between her and Seth. I admired Seth's loyalty and commitment, even if he almost took it too far. Great read that I'm sure to pick up again one of these days!

This is a perfect quick read, but you may want to read the preceding Whisper Shore novels first. It'll make this book richer and avoid spoilers for the previous story lines.

*Free book, but only available in digital format*

Storm Front by Susan May Warren

Storm Front by Susan May Warren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After a total of 48 hours, Brette Arnold had fallen so hard for Ty Remington that she knew there was no way she could drag him through this with her, so she knew her only option was to run, but when a tornado decimates a small town, she's suddenly thrown back into a world that includes the gallant hero that can't seem to stop trying to save her.

Eighteen months and Ty still can't get Brette off his mind. It was painfully obvious that she must not have the same problem since she hightailed it away from him as fast as her feet could carry her. When his mentor and boss at PEAK rescue goes missing, he finds himself face to face with the woman he can't get over wondering what on earth happened to the beautiful optimist that won his heart.

If you're looking for a heart-pounding adventure, get your hands on this book. It's an exhilarating story of hope in the bleakest moments.

Shadowed by Dani Pettrey

Shadowed by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What starts as a relaxing break from the riggors if her profession quickly turns into a whirlwind and potentially life-threatening adventure for Libby Jennings when she and her tour guide discover a murder victim in the open ocean.

Ben McKenna loves the thrill of the outdoors, but almost from the instant Libby steps onto his boat and into his life, his adventures turn into something dangerous that he can't escape. Walking away would guarantee he'd lose the girl who made him realize he hadn't been living until she showed up.

Great vacation read or even a weekend read because of the length of the novella. Warning, you may get pulled in and have to read the entire series.

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kirra Jacobs has known Reef McKenna practically her whole life, so you can imagine her surprise when the carefree, no-commitment, flighty boy from her childhood volunteers to help her track down her missing uncle and sticks by her side as the mystery involving his disappearance takes a turn for the worst. Could she really be that wrong about the boy who she swore would never grow up?

Kirra had always had the power to get under Reef's skin. Ever since she ratted him out for bad behavior for the first time in Kindergarten, she'd retained her top-billing as his primary nemesis. When he tries to step up and do the right thing for the girl who drives him absolutely crazy, he get's pulled into a disaster he'd never imagined, falling for the girl he'd thought had it all together.

Good vacation read, also would be great in early March during the Iditarod race in Alaska.

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Strong and independent, Kayden McKenna has everything under control. Dedicated to staying strong, healthy, and beholden only to herself, she's effectively created an indestructible shell of protection. That's exactly why she's so scared of Jake. He has a crazy way of sneaking past that barrier and seeing what's really going on with her. Things only get more complicated when she's forced to accompany him on an investigation into a murder she stumbled upon.

Jake Cavanagh never thought he'd recover from the loss of his wife and child, but somehow Kayden has brought him back to life. When the case they're working on leads to threats on her life, he will do anything to keep the woman he loves safe from harm.

Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Stranded by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Investigative reporting is in her past and good riddance, but when Darcy St. James's former partner asks for her help and then mysteriously disappears, she has to use those skills to find her friend and uncover a scheme that has ruined and ended lives.

Gage McKenna is over her. There's no way he's letting Darcy sneak into his heart. It's too fractured to handle one more heartbreak. But when she sails back into his life, he discovers that choice may already be out of his hands. Will she be his undoing or the key to healing?

Great spring or vacation read.

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When her brother is placed on trial for murder, Piper McKenna won't stop until she's proved his innocence. Deputy Landon Grainger would do anything for the family that took him in as one of their own, but how can he prove the innocence of a man who appears to be guilty? When the woman he's come to love begins interfering in his investigation, he may have to go to extraordinary lengths to keep her safe, and hopefully help save her brother too.

Submerged by Dani Pettrey

Submerged by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bailey Craig has been running from her past for years when it finally catches up to her. Forced to return home due to the sudden death of her closest relative, she must face her sordid history along with her first and only love.

Cole McKenna has experienced his fair share of loss, but none that impacted him like losing Bailey. When she returns to town, he finds himself torn. Should he protect himself from the one woman with the power to wreck his life again or hold on tight to a friend that's hurting? When mysterious killings rock the small town, they are forced to put all else aside to bring the killer to justice.

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Suddenly confronted with a past she can hardly remember, Haley Callaghan must fight for her life as an unknown killer (or possibly killers) take aim. Detective Steven Rothwell can't believe the beauty and spirit of this woman he's just met, and gets taken on the ride of his life as he tries to keep her safe.

Moving Target by Lynette Eason

Moving Target by Lynette Eason

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Quinn and Maddy are teetering on the edge of a relationship, but will it fall in to something meaningful after all they've been through together or fall apart when they face their next challenge? When they find themselves in the sights of a serial killer, the relationship status comes secondary to their main focus. Survival.

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Still reeling from the death if his brother, Daniel's life once again spirals into chaos when a series of violent crimes strikes his restaurant chain. His niece, worried that she'll lose him too, convinces him to hire the Elite Guardians for protection. Katie is fighting her demons the best way she knows how - avoidance - when she takes on the case for a man who might just change everything and make her face her fears.

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

What impact do you have on those around you?

I find that a lot of the time, I forget that my life - how I act, what I do, and what I don't do - affects other people. I get into my routine: church, family time, dinner, bed, physical/occupational/speech therapy appointments, school, homework, cleaning, bed. Rinse. Repeat. What I never think of is how my going into my reading bubble while Addie's in therapy or how I drive my car can actually interfere with being a messenger of the gospel.

Not only am I distracted by my to-do list, but the way that I go about that to-do list can be an example of how Christ is working in my life - or exactly the opposite. I am outspoken about my faith, but am I out-acting that faith? The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22) and those attributes should be obvious in my life if I am submitting to God and living as he would have me. It's been my experience that most people are turned off from Christianity not because the concepts are inconceivable, but because they had a bad experience with someone who called themselves a Christian and didn't get it right.

None of us are perfect - we wouldn't need a savior if we were - but we are called to be examples of Christ. He was never outraged over a personal offense. As a matter of fact, he died for the people who were criticizing, cursing, and beat him. He never backed down from what he taught to make people more comfortable, but he invested time and energy in getting to know them and loving them, changing hearts through relationship.

So, give up those Facebook tirades and Twitter attacks on those who disagree with you and take the time to make sure you're having a positive impact on your true sphere of influence - family, friends, coworkers, and others you see on a daily basis. Show people through the way you live what Christ is capable when he gets a hold of a willing heart.

The most obvious sign of another believer to me, especially nowadays when anger, malice, and sadness seem to rule, is usually the joy that we have through the hope of Jesus Christ.

You will show me the way of life, 

granting me the joy of your presence 

and the pleasures of living with you forever. 

Psalm 16:11

Praying that you get to experience this amazing joy and that it has a radical effect on those you encounter.

TheModestMillennial


Her One and Only by Becky Wade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What happens when a super manly sports star's life is in jeopardy? Naturally you hire a slender, model-looking female security agent to guard him. The premise for this book is outlandish and laughable, but if you can get around that (which, let's face it, as romantic fiction readers we are probably accustomed to doing so) you will get so much enjoyment out of this story.

I love the battle of the wills between Dru and Gray. I'm pretty sure that Dru is my spirit animal, starting with her superhuman stubbor--ahem determination, right down to the affinity for Cool Ranch Doritos, Coke, and bad-for-you breakfast foods. Gray can definitely hold his own, and I love that he is very kind and caring in his own way, while still being able to stand toe to toe with the Revengeress -- btw the best nickname ever.

Dru's inner monologues are some of THE most hilarious sentiments I've ever read. "Some people received actual, useful benefits at their jobs - like dental coverage. She'd have preferred dental coverage." LOL and the chemistry on that first kiss... Whew.

On a spiritual level, I LOVE Love love Dru's testimony and that she still faces the reality of temptation, while still calling Gray on his lifestyle and that he actually has the conviction to let God work on the way he's living his life.

Finally, I loved that we got to see Meg and Bo and what they have been through over the last ten years. Wow. Just wow. The reality and transparency in their struggle with infertility and trusting God through it was very impacting.

Oh wow... All the feels. The last Porter family book most certainly is the end of an era and I'm not ashamed to say I am teary-eyed at the thought of it's closing, but what a great adventure it's been.

The Proposal by Becky Wade

Condemnation.

It's an easy go to for a lot of us, whether it's self-condemnation over mistakes we've made in the past or condemning others because of their actions and it really can be a useful tool that brings us into an understanding of why Christ died for us.

The problem with condemnation is that it quickly becomes a way for the devil to wreak havoc because we can't accept forgiveness or give forgiveness to others. There is one pivotal moment in our lives when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior and confess our sins that turns the tables so that we are free from guild and shame that we have to accept as truth. Sometimes we may not "feel" forgiven, but that's when we have to remind ourselves of that truth. When we really own the gospel, it frees us to forgive ourselves and others and allows us to live like no one else.

I hope you have experienced this forgiveness and freedom, and that it has opened your eyes to the amazing blessings that God pours out on his children.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" Romans 8:1

TheModestMillennial

Amber is a great example of forgiveness and redemption. Check out her story in this VERY short Christmas story, and companion to the Porter family series, The Proposal.


The Proposal by Becky Wade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very cute. Felt a little rushed, but it was a great quirky little snippet. It's so nice to see Amber finally get the good guy.

This is definitely not something you could just pick up and read by itself, but a great add-on to the Porter Family books. I really like Will, and I think he and Amber could have easily kept my attention for a full-sized novel.

The great part about this only being a short, however, is that it's less than $1 on Amazon or free for the Kindle Unlimited subscribers, so there's no excuse to miss out on Amber's happily ever after.

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

The term "bleeding heart". It's a phrase I feel gets a bad rep because our society has become so focused on taking care of yourself. They say a bleeding heart does nothing but get everyone messy and leave you lifeless, but I think that is such a sad view to have. I am an emotional person, as you may have guessed by now, but I'd probably go as far as defining myself as hyper-sympathetic. It's not only my own victories and trials that I feel, but those of people around me. I like to think that I was made that way for a purpose.

The "bleeding hearts" of society tend to be the people that will bring light to issues that others didn't even recognize as a problem and take action to make a change. They see how their neighbor, city, state, nation, or world hurts and feel that pain as keenly as if it were their own. As you can imagine, with so much pain and suffering in the world, it can be draining to take on the problems of other people when it all feels so insurmountable. A bleeding heart will exhaust itself and become completely impotent if it is not transfused with an additional supply. That's where I recognize that impact is impossible without a supply source.

As Christians, we have the secret to that source. We can hurt and care and love outrageously because we have a Creator who can fill us back up. Not only can we do this, but our very purpose is to be this example to people. We don't have to try to convince them that our beliefs are "right" or that they are heathen sinners in need of redemption. We have a stronger weapon - the love of Christ. And that love has the power to change (and not just others, mind you, but ourselves as well). I encourage all one or two of you reading this to love extravagantly and let God fill you up when you're depleted. It's a challenge that I'm working on in my own life too, so don't feel like you're in it alone.

Praying for you today.

TheModestMillennial

P.S. See what healing love can bring in Lindie and Jake's story, the third in the Porter family series and today's book.



A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lindie James, born free-spirited with a heart made to nurture, lost the best friend she ever had when her family moved away from Holley, TX before her high school graduation and now that they're finally back, nothing is the same. Especially the friendship she had with Jake Porter.

Jake has seen the worst of the worst, somehow surviving when no one else did. Now his only peace can be found in training Thoroughbred Race Horses. That, and maybe an occasional flashback to his childhood, but his whole world is turned upside down when Lindie steps back into his life and into his worse fears.

If you've read any of the previous books in the series, you probably have a special place in your heart for Jake - Mr. Tall, Dark, and Brooding. My heart continued to ache for him as you see his story unfold throughout this book. I'm a sucker for childhood friendships that eventually evolve, and this on hit me right in the feels. Lindie is a beautiful character with a strong current of compassion that runs soul-deep, and the perfect match for Jake's, well, broken persona.

The writing is perfect - well paced, and keeps you locked in to the story. The believable characters play wonderfully off of one another, and show development from beginning to end. Jake, especially. He truly felt like a man suffering with PTSD and his reactions to situations were plausible and realistic. Another job well done by Becky Wade.

Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade

Sometimes, things don't go the way we plan. I know this is a shocking revelation for a lot of you, but hold on here with me. My biggest life-changing moment happened when I was 19 years old. No, it wasn't when I started college, or moved out of my parent's house. It was when I found out I was pregnant with a guy I'd only been dating for two months.

I grew up in a Christian home and truly gave my life to Christ when I was only four, but after graduating high school and moving out of my house, I took my life back into my own hands. I knew that the way I was living was wrong - I felt dirty and worthless - which lead deeper into promiscuity as I searched for my value. When I found out I was pregnant, it was a huge slap in the face. It honestly felt as close to being jolted by a defibrillator as I can imagine, and had about the same effect. I got a second chance to live life right. Really, it was a choice I had all along - a simple step back under the care of an Abba Father who loves me more than any earthly father ever could. I got to run back to a father whose love is perfectly unconditional.

The best thing about a God who loves us like this is that when we submit our lives to him, he will take our mistakes and turn them in to something beautiful. A year after my Zoe Elizabeth (meaning "life consecrated to God") was welcomed into this world, her dad and I got married. When she was three, she helped us welcome her little sister into the family. Now, our little family of four is doing our utmost to glorify God in all we do and tell others about his amazing, wonderful, unending, redeeming love.

Speaking of redemption stories, check out today's book: number two in the Porter Family series by Becky Wade (one of my very favorite authors)

Be encouraged and know you're loved :)

TheModestMillennial

Romans 5:8



Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, that started out with a bang.

What a perfect book to draw you in to a story that will have you obsessing over a former romance and wishing that characters could get past circumstances and just see that they are obviously perfect for each other. Ty is the boy-man you hate to love, but you simply can't help yourself when confronted with his fantastic cowboy charm and killer smile, not to mention his well-concealed noble and tender heart. Normally sane and grounded Celia has always had a weekness for the handsome troublemaker, making her horribly vulnerable to his crazy whims. The combination makes for a starting intro and a wonderfully complex plot.

I love that even though Ty is a complete rapscallion, he always takes responsibility for his actions. He has a truly generous heart, always doting on his loved ones. Celia lives sacrifice, but I like that she has to grow as a character and understand that her sacrifices have to do more with her stubborn self-reliance than a humble submission.

Their fantastic, steamy, rocky relationship will have you reaching for some ice water more than once, and the last chapter plays out like a movie scene I would watch over and over and over again.

Meant to be Mine is the perfect combination of hard reality, sensational romance, and the truth of God's grace in the midst of our failures. You'll definitely want to have your own copy on the shelf to read again and again.

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

Ever feel emotionally overwhelmed? Yeah, me too. It's funny how when I'm going through it, I often feel alone in my depression and suffering, but almost as soon as I'm out the other side, I remember that pretty much every woman ever has experienced an emotional overload. My favorite example is from the movie Mom's Night Out where the main character is "stress paralyzed", but I even found a kindred spirit in the main character of today's review.

In my case, when I get knocked down emotionally or psychologically, I tend to drop everything good and productive that I'm doing because I seem to think these activities are responsible for the drain, which in turn leaves me feeling unproductive (who woulda thunk?) and completely depletes my self-worth - and explains my month-long absence from the blog world. My "triggers" for this awesome behavior range wide and vary greatly, but most recently the straw that broke the camels proverbial back was a disappointing read that had me swearing off fiction for good (thank goodness that didn't take).

The problem with all of that nonsense is that whenever I get that emotionally attached to a book (or person, idea, feeling, etc.) is that I forget where my value and satisfaction is really found. I'm still trying to recover from my most recent descent into the dark side, but I'm making myself start my day with a small quiet time, work on scripture memorization, and am limiting my audio input to worship-only music. Since I already struggle with self-discipline, you can just imagine how great I'm doing at all of this, but even when I fail, I'm working on recovering my focus as quickly as possible.

I hope you'll be encouraged today to keep your chin up and remember where your worth and fulfillment come from.

All my love.

TheModestMillennial



Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The thing I hate about authors who are fairly new to the scene? I scarf down all their material entirely too fast. The good news is that I love reading their wonderful stories just as much the second and third times as I do the first. Becky Wade has created a masterpiece with the Porter family that I can't help coming back to. She does a great job of really drawing you into the story, even giving you a soundtrack to the characters' thoughts and feelings.

Meg, an heiress feeling overwhelmed with the enormity of what she's facing in the wake of her father's death, is forced to make some hard decisions on how to run his empire. Unfortunately, that puts the delectably endearing Bo Porter in her cross-hairs. The result is magical.

I love Meg! She's so fragile and spunky at the same time. Her thought processes will have you control-breathing through her anxiety and laughing out loud at her sublime quirkiness, especially when she translates her unspoken conversations with Bo and Silver Leaf.

Bo is honorable and respectful, but also determined. I love the masculinity if his character and his need to be the protector, making him tender toward Meg, rather than just being a hyper sensitive male.

Even the supporting characters are incredibly well done, giving a well-rounded cast that you want to get to know better. Amber is a perfect compliment to Meg, and their relationship brings added depth to both, uncovering strengths and struggle that make them more dynamic. I adore Brimm in all of his quirky un-Texan-ness. He's a character I'd love to read more about.

Finally, I'm predisposed to dislike any book where a divorce plays into the plot in a positive it supportive manor (hence the loss of a star) but Becky handles the situation well, making it something that the character had virtually no say in, and is ultimately used for a great story of redemption.