Through the Tears (Rosemary Hines) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

25. Through the Tears by Rosemary Hines

Synopsis:
Michelle Baron sat on the edge of the couch, her heart racing as she looked at the envelope in her hand. I guess this is it, she thought. The return address seemed harmless enough. Fairfield Lab, Portland, Oregon. But this envelope contained information that could change her life forever.
Michelle and her family rejoice when her father begins to regain consciousness after an unsuccessful suicide attempt. But a long journey awaits, as they seek to clear his name of the embezzlement charges that drove him to this desperate act. The days of their vigil at the hospital drag into weeks, and Michelle finds herself repeatedly drawn to the newborn nursery. Observing couples leave with tiny babies in their arms, her heart is stirred, and she begins to yearn for a child of her own. However, an unexpected twist will threaten her new dream.

My Review:

As John starts to recover from his suicide attempt, his family has to take care of his embezzlement charges and clear his name. In the meantime, Michelle has to figure out how to deal with Trevor. Who's Trevor? Trevor was her spiritual guide (or something like that) in Out of a Dream. It has also been his mission to somehow get involved intimately with Michelle and are destined to be together. And yes, he knows she's married. There have been some instances where Michelle has felt more comfortable being around him rather than her husband. Now, Michelle is looking to break back into her Christian faith, but is still battling some feelings for Trevor. In this book, you'll get to hear from Trevor's perspective as well and see where he's coming from. Michelle knows she has to break things off with him in order to fix things with her husband (once Steve finds out). She's more confused than ever between wanting to become Christian again and sorting things out with Trevor. Once she breaks it off, Trevor seems fine, but still wants to figure out how to be a part of her forever.

Since John is facing a long road to recovery, Michelle, along with her family, spends a lot of time at the hospital. Michelle keeps finding herself drawn to the nursery. Seeing couples leave with their newborns makes Michelle want to have a child of her own and experience the same joy of starting a family. After John moves to a rehab center closer to home, Michelle has time once again to focus on doing just that. Months go by without anything happening and finally they find out that Steve is infertile. As they figure out the options, Steve pushes for adoption, while Michelle really wants to give birth herself. They agree to artificial insemination (Steve only does because he knows how much it means to her). Once hearing about this, Trevor has a trick up his sleeve to always have a connection to her by being the other donor without them knowing about it. The process goes well and Michelle becomes pregnant pretty quick. Once Michelle gives birth, Steve could be less than thrilled. And they do find out about Trevor. It seems to be a matter of pride that he doesn't want to be involved with the baby. The not knowing who technically is the father leads him to request a DNA test to find out for sure. Once the results come back, all is well as Steve is the father and he's able to become the father he should be.

Click here for my Out of a Dream book review. It helps to read this series in order. 

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

Rose Harbor in Bloom (Debbie Macomber) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

24. Rose Harbor in Bloom by Debbie Macomber

Synopsis:

Since moving to Cedar Cove, Jo Marie Rose has truly started to feel at home, and her neighbors have become her closest friends. Now it’s springtime, and Jo Marie is eager to finish the most recent addition to her inn. In memory of her late husband, Paul, she has designed a beautiful rose garden for the property and enlisted handyman Mark Taylor to help realize it. She and Mark don’t always see eye-to-eye - and at times he seems far removed - yet deep down, Jo Marie finds great comfort in his company. And while she still seeks a sense of closure, she welcomes her latest guests, who are on their own healing journeys.
Annie Newton arrives in town to orchestrate her grandparents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration. While Annie is excited for the festivities, she’s struggling to move on from her broken engagement, and her grandparents themselves seem to be having trouble getting along. Worse, Annie is forced to see Oliver Sutton, with whom she grew up and who has always mercilessly teased her. But the best parties end with a surprise, and Annie is in for the biggest one of all.
High-powered businesswoman Mary Smith, another Rose Harbor Inn guest, has achieved incredible success in her field, yet serious illness has led her to face her sole, lingering regret. Almost nineteen years ago, she ended her relationship with her true love, George Hudson, and now she’s returned to Cedar Cove to make amends.

My Review:

In this second book, Jo Marie has settled into the inn and more healing awaits. At the recommendation of a fellow innkeeper, Jo Marie employs the local handyman Mark to make improvements (particularly to construct a rose garden). A man who keeps to himself, Jo Marie is determined to get to know more about him. Mark comes across as being a bit callous and rough around the edges. But he's built a wall so big that no one can get in. They don't always see eye to eye, but Jo Marie likes having him around.

A new season brings new guests. Annie comes to town to get everything ready for her grandparents' anniversary celebration. Annie's being pushed past her limits as she's still reeling from a recent breakup, dealing with her grandparents' bickering, and wanting everything perfect for the big event. In the process, Annie is forced to be around someone who tormented her relentlessly as a child and hasn't gotten over all the hurt. As time goes on, she realizes that people can change as they grow up and that he didn't realize how much it bothered her. And Annie finally understands that her grandparents didn't want to make a big deal about their anniversary. They didn't know how to tell Annie that since she was so excited and chose to act like they didn't get along to see if that would put off the celebration. True love conquers all. How Annie's story turns out is incredible.

Mary comes back to town to find her true live who she left years before. She's battling cancer and has been told that there's nothing more that can be done. She wants to reconcile with George and explain why she really left. As they attempt to mend the fences, they each have their concerns. George is ready to start a new relationship until Mary tells him that she had been pregnant with his child all those years ago, but gave her up for adoption. Mary is hesitant about having a relationship with him since she wants to spare him from watching her slip away from the cancer. They reconcile and attempt to start fresh. Their story is remarkable as once again, true love always wins. Sometimes going through so much pain and heartbreak is worth it in the end.

Since this is the second book in the Rose Harbor series, I recommend to read them in order. There are five books in this series and as of this writing, I have read four. The next two book reviews for this series will be posted this week. I will be linking to the previous one/ones in each post.

Rose Harbor Series:
1. The Inn at Rose Harbor

I just wanted to remind you that I do reply to all (except for an occasional one) comments in the comment section as a reply to your comment.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

Out of a Dream (Rosemary Hines) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

22. Out of a Dream by Rosemary Hines

Synopsis:

Michelle Baron should be reveling in her new life in Sandy Cove, Oregon. From the outside, it all looks idyllic. A newlywed settling into a quaint coastal town, her husband establishing himself as a junior partner in a law firm—what more could she want? But a series of disturbing nightmares haunts Michelle. Her quest to understand these dreams leads her to the New World bookstore, where she begins a spiritual journey that will challenge her Christian heritage as well as her marriage.

My Review:
For starters, it took me quite awhile to get into this book. And I wasn't sure how I was going to get through it, let alone the other books in the series. I didn't really like the writing style. It dragged along for quite a bit, making the progression of the story to be slow. I decided to stick it out though. It picked up near the end, especially as far as suspense goes, wanting me to read more.

The main theme going on throughout the story was new age beliefs. Michelle had been experiencing disturbing dreams. At the suggestion of a friend, she starts to look into dream interpretations. The more she got into that, the more she got into other New Age religion practices in her search for answers. For instance, tarot card readings, palm readings, astrology, divination and spiritual transformation. As she starts her way down a dangerous path, so to say (you'll have to read the book to understand), her grandparents keep praying that she'll come around. Michelle's grandparents are devout Christians. Michelle's parents let her and her brother choose their own path.

The other theme brought up (that's not really talked about in society) was suicide. Michelle's father, John, had been accused of embezzlement from the company he works at. He believes he's been set up, but can't prove it. As the investigation goes on, John gets go his breaking point, figuring that there's nothing that can be done to prove he's innocent. He decides the only way out is by committing suicide so that his wife and family don't get dragged into the situation (like him going through a trial and most likely being in prison for awhile). John attempts suicide and as his life hangs in the balance, the first book in this series comes to an end.

I can say that the other books in this series are really good. But it helps to read them in order. I will be posting those reviews in the next couple of weeks.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

Finding Hope (Melanie D Snitker) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

22. Finding Hope by Melanie D Snitker

Synopsis:

Cancer. That one word has rocked Lexi Chandler's life to the core. Her focus has always been to help others. She loves being a nurse and enjoys spending time with her family. Things had been going according to plan. Now she’s struggling to pick up the pieces and make sense of the changes in her life. Lance Davenport has cared for Lexi since they were kids. Between their age difference and bad timing, he's turned burying his feelings into an art. Now, watching Lexi battle with cancer has made him realize just how much he's missed. He doesn't know what their future holds, but he's determined to not waste another minute. The people closest to Lexi pull together as she tries to navigate her way down a path none of them ever dreamed she’d have to travel.

My Review:

Lexi has everything going for her. In the blink of an eye, all that changes the  she gets diagnosed with what nobody ever wants to hear: cancer. As a nurse, Lexi's used to helping others. When she gets cancer, it puts Lexi in a position she's not used to being in: the patient, the one who needs help. At the beginning of her journey, she doesn't want anyone to really know (except family of course) and wants to do it alone. So that no one has to see the bad days of her battle.

Lance has known Lexi her whole life. He's a friend of her brother's and has always watched out for Lexi growing up. What she doesn't know, he's always had feelings for her, but has kept it hidden because he thinks it would be inappropriate. When Lexi tells her family about the cancer, Lance wasn't going to let her go through it alone. He insists on taking to her appointments and treatments. Finally he realizes that it's his chance to show her how he really feels and don't let a relationship slip away. 

As Lexi goes through her cancer journey, she realizes that it's okay to ask for help, to need help. Her family and closest friends come together to support her in her fight. When a devastating event happens to her family, they all realize what's truly important. That it doesn't necessarily matter about what you have; it's about the little things and the memories you make/have with those you love.

It's about having each other and supporting each other no matter what.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

The Inn at Rose Harbor (Debbie Macomber) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

21. The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber
      Theme/Topic: book that's guaranteed to bring you joy

Synopsis:

Jo Marie Barlow first arrives in Cedar Cove seeking a sense of peace and a fresh start. Coping with the death of her husband, she purchases a local bed-and-breakfast - the newly christened Rose Harbor Inn - ready to begin her life anew. Yet the inn holds more surprises than Jo Marie can imagine. Her first guest is Joshua Weaver, who has come home to care for his ailing stepfather. The two have never seen eye to eye, and Joshua has little hope that they can reconcile their differences. But a long-lost acquaintance from Joshua’s high school days proves to him that forgiveness is never out of reach and love can bloom even where it’s least expected. The other guest is Abby Kincaid, who has returned to Cedar Cove to attend her brother’s wedding. Back for the first time in twenty years, she almost wishes she hadn’t come, the picturesque town harboring painful memories from her past. And while Abby reconnects with family and old friends, she realizes she can only move on if she truly allows herself to let go.

My Review:

As a way of coping with her husband's death, Jo Marie decides to purchase an inn. She feels like the inn will help her heal, by starting over Ina new town. She has a lot to learn about managing an inn, but with the support of another innkeeper in Cedar Cove, it's not long before she gets a grasp of things. 

Jo Marie not only wants the inn to be a place of healing for herself, but for her guests as well. Joshua comes to Cedar Cove to help with his stepfather's care in his final days. Even though they haven't gotten along (moreso after Josh's mom died), Josh is the only one family his stepdad has left. With the help of an old friend, he is asked to look past all the hurt and pain and attempt to make things good again. And if a relationship (with Josh's friend) blooms in the meantime, then so be it. It turns out quite interesting, but you're going to have to read this book to see what happens. 

Abby is back in town for her brother's wedding. The town she's run away from and never looked back. She was involved in an accident that killed her best friend as a teen. Even though it was a complete accident, Abby's been living with guilt and hasn't been able to let it go and move on with her life. And hasn't faced her classmates since that day, as she believes they'll blame her for what happened. A chance encounter with one of them leads to a reunion type of thing with the rest and Abby realizes that they cared about her. Being back forces Abby to face what she's been avoiding: visiting her friend's grave and her friend's parents. It's not easy, but Abby realizes that she needs forgiveness to truly accept what happened, to heal her pain, and to move forward. Abby's story is heartbreaking and heartfelt at the same time. Her story will resonate to anyone who's ever felt guilt (and let's face it, we all do) over losing someone. 

Fans of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series will enjoy the Rose Harbor series.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

Let Them Eat Cake (Sandra Byrd) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

20. Let Them Eat Cake  by Sandra Byrd

Synopsis:

Lexi Stuart is at a critical crossroads. She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends. When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye–but even may not be who he seems to be!
So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed– she loses her compulsion to please. “What am I going to do?” he shouts. “Let them eat cake!” she fires back with equal passion and a nod to Marie Antoinette. And then, something inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin! Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else’s expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting God with her future–très bon!

My Review:

Lexi has been struggling to get her life together. Life after college isn't always easy as it may seem. Getting a job (and keeping a job at that rate) is harder than. She assumed. And living with and up to her parents' high expectations is no easy task either. A chance encounter finally lands her a job that she's good at in a bakery. It's still not good enough for her family, but she ends up enjoying it. Lexi discovers that baking is what truly makes her happy, even though she starts ad a counter person. As she begins to progress through her newfound career, Lexi is able to develop her skills little by little. It shows that you have to start at the bottom and work yourself up the career ladder, just like in real life. 

As Lexi is making something of herself, she still has to prove that to everyone else. Whether it's messing up an order by accident (mistakes happen), not having a job that doesn't please her parents or coworkers that don't believe in her skills, Lexi has a lot to prove. She soon realizes that the only way to live her life is by trusting in God's plans, as well as living her life the way that makes her happy. I liked how the relationship between Lexi and Sophie developed and grew as they started believing in each other. And I appreciated how Lexi was able to help Sophie in believing in God again, just like herself. I feel like it's okay to doubt God at times, but then go through the process of rediscovering Him and trusting in His ways. 

Lastly, I enjoyed the French sayings and phrases throughout the book, especially at the beginning of each other. I took French for four years in high school and I can still read and understand a little. Don't worry, the phrases are also in English.

♥Meg♥

Resolutions (Jenn Faulk) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

19. Resolutions by Jenn Faulk

Synopsis:

Three friends, ten resolutions, and a year full of big life changes.
For Emily Fisher and her friends, New Year’s Eve has never been about more than eating cake and watching the minutes until midnight disappear. This year, though, Emily, Sara, and Melissa decide that as they approach the age of thirty, they’re going to make some bold resolutions together and see them through in the year ahead, never guessing how dramatically life will change for them in the process. As the daughter of a megachurch pastor and the assistant to a sensational and exhausting wedding coordinator, Emily already has her hands full. Using the resolutions as a challenge to make life about more than being a mindless drone at work, she ventures out of her comfort zone – trying new hobbies, picking up new exercise habits, travelling abroad, helping out in new ways at church, DATING – and discovers in the process that there’s more to life than weddings and work. When her family experiences unexpected hardships, Emily is forced to re-evaluate all of her priorities, and the lessons she learns lead her to stronger faith, a new dream for her career, and a romance greater than any that she could have imagined for herself.

My Review:

Although this book is about the resolutions that three friends make, the story centers around Emily. Emily has her hands full working for an over-demanding wedding coordinator. With the support of her friends, they embark on a life changing journey. Together, Emily, Sara, and Melissa agree on ten resolutions for the new year. As the year progresses, they are forced to go out of their comfort zone. Things don't always go according to plan and unexpected events come up and they learn what's really important in life. Of course, they learn other life lessons along the way, especially Emily. 

The 10 Resolutions

1. February - get in shape

2. March - amp up your love life

3. April - volunteer somewhere new in church 

4. May - go somewhere exotic

5. June - begin attending weekly Bible session 

6. July - help someone truly in need

7. August - improve your home

8. September - start a new hobby

9. October - move forward in career

10. November - improve social life

♥Meg♥