Review of The Legacy by Michael Phillips

Nutshell: Loni Ford has inherited an island along with all of it's buildings and inhabitants off the coast of Scotland through ancestors she has never met. Her world is turned upside down with trying to figure out what to do with this very remote place. Over time though, she falls in love with the harsh-weathered island, and it's dwellers, especially one, David Tulloch. In this third and final book of the series, Loni learns more about her past, how it ties to her present and what it means for her future.

What I enjoyed: This book was very different than the previous two. I enjoyed the story-line of Loni's great-grandmother and the history of Loni's ancestry. I also enjoyed the side story of Loni's best friend and her journey of a new change in life. I did like the different angle this book took and how the heritage of Loni came to be. Very well written, very descriptive and overall a great read!

What I struggled with: All the names of the Tulloch ancestors! So many over decades of time that it was hard to keep straight who was from which era of their family. But, the family tree at the back of the book was a tremendous help in referencing who came from who and had which kids.

Would I recommend this book? I would....but the reader is going to want to read the first two books in the series to really understand what is going on. If you try and read this as a stand-alone novel, you will be putting it down in discouragement as it won't make any sense.

Bethany House Publishing sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

Nutshell: Margie Lane loves nature. And she gets to spend the summer living under the shadow of Mt. Rainer in Mt. Rainer National Park. But as she quickly realizes, living in the National Park is a lot of work, but Margie falls in love with the place quickly. But trouble looms as the man from her past is set on taking over the park. Since he can't have Margie, he will go after what she loves. With her new friend, Chief Ranger Ford Brayden they will do everything they can to save the National Park, even if it means putting their lives in danger.

What I enjoyed: As the sub title describes this book as "A Vintage National Parks Novel", that is exactly what this is! Set in the 1920's, this book feels vintage'y (if that's even a word). I have not read Karen Barnett's books before, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I wasn't sure quite what to expect when I chose to read it, but it did not disappoint. With a little bit of romance, a splash of suspense and oodles of descriptive nature, this book was a delight to read. Vintage quaint comes to mind when thinking about this book. And the cover fits right in with how this book is portrayed.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you are looking for quick read that is quaint and yet has a bit of meat to it, then you will enjoy this book. A good book to read on the beach, a rainy day or by the fire on a chilly, snowy evening.

Blogging For Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge

Nutshell: Have you read Sense and Sensibility? Well, modernize that to present day and you have this great book! Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves in a bit of a pickle due to their father's choices at work. Their last name has been tainted, and while their father flies off to another country to continue his life, these sisters are now the guardian's of their youngest sister and need to find a course of action and fast! They decide to open a tea shop...how hard can that be? After years of success and making a promising name for themselves, the building is handed over to new management and they find themselves on a new adventure, heading for Texas where a cousin lives. Floundering in their personal relationships, Jane with her new boyfriend and Celia with her broken heart, these sisters learn what it really means to be a family and put family above all else when hearts are broken. Between cousins, new boyfriends, and a man who loves Jane, but she is off-limits, follow this story of the Woodward family to find out how their lives become better than a cup of tea.

Pro's: An exceptionally light and easy read that makes you feel all sorts of goodness inside by the time you are done. Lodge did a fantastic job spinning this classic in to modern day-ness. With a light-hearted plot that keeps you engaged all the way through, this book will be one you will want to keep on your shelf and re-read down the road. Also, the recipes at the end of each chapter!! I will be making some of these...I'm a sucker for recipes!

Con's: Not many! There wasn't a whole lot of characters to keep straightened out and the plot was light and simple. Jane's jump from one guy to another was a bit abrupt, but so goes classics and the time-era this story was originally set in. :)

Recommendation: A definite yes! I'll be pulling out the original to read too as this was such a fun story! If you enjoy Jane Austin, you will enjoy this! WaterBrookMultnomah sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh

Nutshell: Lane Kelley is on a new path she has formed for herself. Far away from her family in the sleepy town of Harbor Pointe, Michigan. She is now on a new journey in the bustling city of Chicago working for a fast-paced interior designer firm and she's about to land the promotion she's worked countless hours for. Then one phone call changes her life and she finds herself back in sleepy Harbor Pointe at the bedside of one of her brother's who is clinging to life. She is torn in two between being there for him when he wakes up from his coma and being back in Chicago - so she can flee from home. But then long-time family friend, Ryan Brooks re-inserts himself in her life and she is beyond confused as to what is most important in life. In the end, which path will her life head down?

Pro's: Loved that the book was set in Michigan, my home state! The story was a great reminder that no matter how quirky family is, they are still your family. And that forgiveness can go a long way in healing old wounds and re-awaken new friendships, even among family. I enjoyed the intertwining story lines of the lives of the two main characters. Great story line and a great book overall!

Con's: Very few! There was a lot of family to navigate through and remember who was who and who belonged to who, but the reader gets the hang of it as the book continues.

Recommendation: If you're looking for a book to read on a chilly, rainy day, or while sitting soaking up the rays at the beach and don't want anything heavy, you will enjoy this one! Tyndale Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.