In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart

Come aboard for the adventure of a lifetime in a thrilling showboat story that will leave you breathless. Young Jacci is only five years old when she and her mother are attacked by a stranger in the shadows. Jacci is forced to protect her mother in a way that a young child should never have to. In desperation, Jacci and her mother escape to their family's arms on a showboat full of rising stars. Jacci's mother will have to fight for her life to survive, and Jacci will have to learn to adapt to her new life in the spotlight. The author has done such an excellent job writing this exciting historical romance. The mysteries continue building until the final pages, and the ending does not disappoint. I also loved the inspiration woven throughout and the willingness of the characters to offer forgiveness where it is due. I would love for the story to pick up where it left off as I had become very invested in the characters and their lives. I appreciate the chance to read and review this book. These opinions are all my own.

Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Secret Hope is the third book in the A Season in Pinecraft series. This book focuses on Lilly Kurtz and her move to Pinecraft. Lilly is hoping for a fresh start, and she finds it as a maid at the Marigold Inn in Pinecraft. Her job starts out well, but it doesn't come without problems. Lilly also has a chance meeting with a handsome stranger named Eddie Byler who surprisingly has connections to her hometown. Lilly will have to learn to make her way in life and grow through the joy, as well as the struggles that come her way. As compared to the earliest book in this series, Her Secret Hope kind of missed the mark for me. I couldn't relate to the characters and didn't feel like some of the situations in the book were very realistic. Lilly's decisions were often spontaneous and not well thought through, and I just didnt feel like I could relate. I also felt like the book kind of dragged on at times. Nevertheless, even though this book wasn't for me, I appreciate the chance to read and review this book! These opinions are all my own.

The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I enjoyed this sweet treat of a read by one of my favorite authors, Suzanne Woods Fisher. Seriously, who doesn't love a book about ice cream!? Readers will be swept away to beautiful Cape Cod as main character, Callie Dixon, attempts to refresh her life in, you guessed it, an ice cream shop. Callie wasn't planning to start over in an ice cream shop, and she also wasn't expecting to find the key to happiness. But as we all know...life doesn't always go as planned. The Secret to Happiness is the perfect cozy read and a great one to pack in your suitcase on your next vacay. 4 star read for me! Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book. These opinions are all my own.

Her Heart’s Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Heart's Desire is the first book in the A Season in Pinecraft series by Shelley Shepard Gray. Readers will go on an adventure with Mary Margaret Miller as she takes a spontaneous trip from her Amish hometown in Trail, Ohio to sunny Pinecraft, Florida. Mary Margaret's trip starts out a little rocky, but not without blessings in disguise. Two of those blessings turn out to be Mary Margaret's surprise travel companions, Betsy and Lily. The girls quickly become friends and look forward to having an amazing vacation together. Fun will be had, lessons will be learned, and lives will be changed forever on this trip of a lifetime. Amish fiction readers will enjoy the first book in this fresh new series by bestselling author, Shelley Shepard Gray. It is a refreshing and inspiring read, and the clean content is very much appreciated. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next books in the series. This was a 4 star read for me! Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book. These thoughts and opinions are all my own.