The Cedar Key: A Small Town Southern Contemporary by Stephenia H. McGee

Could the key to Casey’s future be hidden in someone else’s past?

Casey Adams unexpectedly inherits an old Victorian house full of other people’s memories. Stuck in a quirky little Mississippi town, Casey’s hope for a fresh start died as soon she had to lay the grandmother she’d just met to rest.

But Grandma Ida carried secrets beyond the grave.

Before her death Ida carefully planned a trail of clues to help Casey unlock the Macintyre family secrets and finally explain why they abandoned her. But each of Ida’s letters will only come from Casey’s handsome—and often frustrating—new neighbor. As Casey pieces together the stories behind the objects filling her grandmother’s house, she embarks on a heart-stirring journey that rattles her foundations, ignites her faith, and leads her to a startling discovery that will reshape her future. But only if she can face the lies that have been slowly tearing her apart.

my point of view:

Such a lovely story of a woman searching to belong… I especially enjoyed the glimpses into the past as Casey made her way through all the “steps” her grandmother left behind for her. 

I was blessed to get a copy of this amazing story and enjoyed every moment of it! I just knew this was my type of story, from the Victorian era home I have always dreamed of having, to a true ancestry going back for many years!  Stephenia always does an an amazing job of story telling in all her historical novels, I was so excited to get to be an early reader for this new contemporary!

Now I want to learn to quilt, lol! But, seriously, a truly amazing novel of finding yourself while looking into the past! I loved it!

About Stephenia H McGee:                                                          
Best-selling author of Christian novels, Stephenia H. McGee writes stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. When she’s not twirling around in hoop skirts, reading, or sipping sweet tea on the front porch, she’s a homeschool mom of two boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com for books and updates.

Marry Me for Real, Cowboy: a fake engagement Montana Ranches Christian Romance (Cavanagh Cowboys Romance Book 1)

A desperate kiss results in a fake marriage proposal from a hunky rodeo cowboy in this Montana Ranches Christian Romance.
Adam Cavanagh’s rodeo championship tastes like dirt after a competitor’s critical injury, but going home to his family’s Montana ranch isn’t much of an improvement. If not even the coveted trophy earns his stepfather’s respect, what will it take?

Riley Dunning’s quick thinking is all that’s keeping her body, soul, and principles together, but demanding a kiss from a hunky cowboy to deter the weirdo following her might be taking things too far… especially when the cowboy comes up with a risky plan that might offer them both stability. If it doesn’t backfire completely.

Will a fake engagement give Adam and Riley the leg up they each need, or will the cost to their hearts be too high? Because neither believes the other will want to marry them… for real.

About the Cavanagh Cowboys Romance series

The Cavanagh brothers might be rivals in many ways, but at their ranch? There they cowboy up, keeping the horses fresh, the cattle in tip-top condition, and their twin teenage sisters (mostly) out of trouble. Romance comes knocking at Rockstead Ranch — not once, but six times — in this Montana Ranches Christian Romance series.

my point of view:

Okay, you all know that Valerie is one of my favorite author’s of all time, but in all honesty, it is an absolute honor to be able to post this review on my blog and for Celebrate Lit!

There is always something fun about pretend romance stories, but it is even more so when the couple are complete strangers! I mean, how in the owrld can they convince people they are engaged when they know nothing about one another?

I’ll be the first to admit, I never really thought cowboys were my thing, having grown up a city girl and all, but just like the series this story sprang from, I have grown to love them. Valerie Comer has such a way with words….and getting to the very heart of character’s…that you can’t help but be pulled in to the story on going for the ride! You always know there will be a great happily ever after, I mean, it’s Christian Fiction, right? What I really love though, is how Valerie grows the characters within the story and makes you yearn for more! 

This journey takes us to through ranch life, sibling rivalries, family strife….and of course Faith. We had glimpses of the Cavanaugh famile from Saddle Springs series, but this first book really takes you into the center of the family, and you find yourself wanting to learn all about Adam’s parent’s history and what about the rest of the siblings? Good thing Valerie Comer plans to keep writing this series, asn I cannot get enough of them!

About Valerie Comer            

She’s waiting for her someday. He thinks his has already come and gone.

After spending the past five years caring for her ill grandfather, Grace Calvano is eager to honor his memory by turning his stately old house in Hope Springs into a bed-and-breakfast. All she has to do is fend off her mama, who keeps pressuring her to come home to Tennessee, marry the new youth pastor, and start raising a passel of children. Sure, Grace wants to settle down and marry someday. But only when God sees fit to send Mr. Right her way. Until then, she’s content to wait.

After a career- and relationship-ending injury, former NFL quarterback Levi Donovan is sure his someday has already come and gone. Returning to Hope Springs for the summer to help out at his dad’s construction company is not his idea of a bright future. But maybe it will be a chance to make up for lost time with his brother—and to make his dad proud at last.

The day Levi shows up to help renovate her bed-and-breakfast, Grace is sure of one thing—she and God must have gotten their wires crossed when she asked him to send Mr. Right to her doorstep. Because the motorcycle-riding, football-playing bad boy is the very definition of Mr. Wrong.

But as they get to know one another, Grace is challenged to rethink everything she thought she wanted. Can she and Levi move past their own plans to let God give them the someday neither has dared to hope for?

my point of view:

I just adore books in a series, it is so fun getting to know people and a place until you feel like you are a part of the story! This is how I feel about Hope Springs. Valerie brings this community to life and the characters are so real I feel as though I could visit and spend time with them all! With each new book I think oh, now this one is my favorite, lol, and truthfully, they are all wonderful! There has always been something in each of her books that makes me feel like Valerie wrote it just “for me” lol, and this case is no different.

As most of you know I am a huge football fan, so Levi jumped off the page for me perfectly. What most people don’t know is that since I was a young girl, I had always harbored a secret dream of running a B&B – in Wisconson too – and so this book fit me to a ‘T’. In fact, it was book I read many – many – years ago about turning an old house into a B&B in Door County that stayed with me all these years. Reading this story of Grace and Levi brought all of that back to me and then-some.

I simply adore the way Valerie brings such a powerful message of faith and God into all of her writings, and for that I am forever grateful. Anytime I can read a story and it has me running to my Bible to read more scripture is a win-win for me, and it will be for you too! If you haven’t read any of her Hope Springs books, I highly encourage you to do so – right away, lol! Currently Not Until Someday is only $0.99, so you should click here and take advantage of that pricing before it changes!

About Valerie M. Bodden       

Valerie M. Bodden has three great loves: Jesus, her family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). She writes emotion-filled Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. Her characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but true to her tendencies as a hopeless romantic, she will always give them a happy ending. Valerie is living out her happily ever after with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their four children in snowy Wisconsin. Visit her at www.valeriembodden.com to get your free short story today.

Show Me a Marriage of Convenience

An ex-player cowboy with a little son, the boy’s shy plus-size aunt, and a reluctant modern marriage of convenience only the boy is excited about… A sweet, clean, wholesome romance with a happily-ever-after!

After three near-death experiences in one day-okay, maybe burning dinner and falling from a tree shouldn’t count-Kade Clark worries about his son’s future if he’s not around to protect him. The last thing he wants is for his son to become a bargaining chip between a con artist grandfather and a ruthless ex trying to get their hands on the family fortune. So Kade agrees to a crazy proposal from the woman his child adores. But as a former foster kid, Kade learned to walk away before getting hurt. Can he now learn to stay and love?

Heather Johnson dreams of a real marriage with the man her sister abandoned, not a fake one. But the rumor is Kade might leave their small town again and take her darling nephew with him. She’s reluctant to trust a womanizer-husband or not. If she allows love for him to ignite her heart, will her marshmallow-soft heart become roasted and burned?

Cowboy Crossing Romances series set in a small town in the Show Me State is about curvy forty-something women and the swoon-worthy single dad cowboys who love them, though sometimes those rugged handsome men might need a nudge-or a push.

my point of view: 

Okay, you guys know me well enough to know how much I adore books with children, but this story is soooo wonderful and I absolutely adored these characters! Heather is such a brave soul to put her heart on the line in trying to keep her promise to her dad and keep her heart intact at the same time! I have no idea how ard it would be to contstanly be living in the shadow of your own sister, but Heather has a heart so big you cannot help but fall in love with her. If only Kade would open his eyes, lol! Both of these charachters have a lot of growing to do, and trusting God is the key to it all.

Alexa has a beautiful way of bringing the people to life right off the page and making you feel as if you are right there with them in every situation. It’s so refreshing to read a story about characters closer to 40 then their teens, and a plus size heroine is always fun! I am so excited over this new series from Alexa and cannot wait to read more of these stories form the Show Me state!

About Alexa Verde       

Glimpses of God: a summer devotional for women

Spiritual Seasons are like Natural Seasons

Creator God made the world in which we live. He placed the moon and stars in the sky, the rivers and oceans on the earth. He also created seasons throughout the year. Each season is defined by specific features and attributes that are common.

As Christ-followers we experience spiritual seasons. Though these seasons do not come in order like seasons in nature, each spiritual season we experience is defined by certain features also.

This devotional is focused on summer—both calendar and spiritual. Our spiritual summer is a time of growth, hard work, and relaxation as we nurture and care for the new things that were planted in our spiritual spring and allow them to ripen or mature.

This book is a part of the four-book Glimpses of God devotional series.

my point of view:

This is a lovely devotional, I am so blessed to have been given this ebook for review. I found myself truly able to get more out of my daily bible reading and more thought provoking insite into my devotioans as well. I truly found myself thinking about bits and pieces of what I read all day long, and even days afterward something would trigger my memory.

I also enjoyed the way it was based on a season of the year, we all go through seasons in our life, and this brought the devotional even more to life for me. I look forward to reading more of these devotionals from these lovely authors!

About Shirley Crowder     

The Crushing Depths 

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

my point of view:

This is my first book by Dani Pettrey – but I can promise you, it will not be my last!. There was a lot of action packed suspense throughout the entire book, and this really kept me on the edge of my seat. One of the main things I liked about the story is the element of faith in every aspect. Nearly all of the characters are Christians, and they show that in their daily lives.

Rissi and Mason make for a great romantic component to the story. For me, the romance did not seem over powering, the suspense and mystery took precedence with the romantic entanglements more of a side story. Don’t get me wrong, the romance is sweet, and the glimpses into their shared childhood simply touched my heart. I really adored seeing their relationship come full circle.

The mystery of the “cursed” oil rig was quite interesting and complex, I kept thinking it was headed in one direction, then the author turns it around on you, which is a great thing for me. I am not much of a fan if I can figure out the plot too early, and this story had me going to nearly the very end! The author does leave openings for future stories involving this group of co workers / friends, and I am looking forward to reading about them when they come out!

About Dani Pettrey    

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot–and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job–and falling helplessly in love.

my point of view:

Oh my goodness, I cannot tell you how excited I was to finally get to read this story! I just love the whole series Liz Johnson has done for Savannah – one of my favorite places in the world!

This third installment truly is one of the best! I adored both Penelope and Tucker from the very first page, and they are the sweetest of friends together. The beauty of their shared history and love for one another is just heart warming. They way they would do anything for one another is so special, I can almost see why they’d be afraid to lose this amazing friendship by bringing romance into the relationship, lol! But, hey, this is a romance novel, sooooo…..

Now, add to this delicious mix a real life treasure hunt through historic Savannah! What a treat this novel is! Reading how they explore all the historic streets and squares throughout Savannah makes me want to plan my next trip to this beautiful city! I love history, and I love family ancestral plots, so getting a glimpse of what life was like for a Southern family during the Civil War in the diary and letters they find was almost like getting two books in one.

I highly encourage you to grab this new release as soon as possible, you do not need to have read the previous two in the series, as this stands alone quite well, but they are a treat to read too!

About Liz Johnson      

• Second Helpings: A Humorous Contemporary Novel

Can her marriage be saved?

Today is Jocelyn Johnson’s forty-fifth birthday. Unhappy with her marriage of twenty-two years, she has planned a noonday tryst with her talk-show cohost. A phone call from her college daughter, a peek into her teenaged son’s journal, a sick preschooler, a Goth daughter’s identity crisis, a middle-school son’s prank, and her husband’s inflamed suspicions, not only interfere with her hopeful birthday plans but throw her family into more chaos than a circus on steroids.

In desperate need of counsel, Jocelyn invites a Christian, her guest from her morning talk-show segment, to dinner. However, the evening holds little promise of calm. In the midst of bedlam, a forgotten faith rekindles causing Jocelyn to rethink her life and her marriage.

You will laugh and you will cry from the first page to the last as you journey through the day’s events and Jocelyn’s search for Second Helpings.

my point of view:

I want to start off by telling you this is my very first post for Celebrite Lit Bloggers and I am honored to be here, I thank you very much for the opportunity. I was a little surprised by the start of the story, not having read anything by this author before.

This story is fairly fast paced, and other than the epilougue, it all takes place in one super jam packed day. The chaos of the main characters 45th birthday is a lot to take in, and in all honesty, I was a little nervous about the beginning of the story. A woman married for 20+ years contemplating having an affair with a co-worker is truly not my “cup of tea”. Getting to know her husband and children in the middle of all the conflict is intense and you find yourself caught up in all the drama quickly! However, once you get pulled into this family’s dynamics, you find yourself invested in what is happening with her marriage and children and needing to know how this will come about!

For me, Naomi is the bright light and shining star of the novel….I absolutely adored her! In the midst of the storm, she is the anchor that manages to right the ship and set Jocelyn and her family on the right course. Seeing the turn around and how Jocelyn embraces her faith once again is truly inspiring. I was quite pleased with the journey.

About Linda Wood Rondeau   

A Single Christian Mother Romance

With a life marred by painful experiences, Abigail Walsh is just a good single mom trying her best. Though she has made her share of mistakes along the way, she trusts that God has a plan for her life and with the broken pieces of her heart. When she meets a man who stirs the depths of her soul, Abby hopes that he’s a gift from God, and not just another heartbreak waiting to happen.

For Wyatt Fuller, the last five years in Lincoln City has been a game of hiding from the heartache endured by losing the only woman he had ever loved. When he is not hiding, he longs to understand the real meaning of life. He longs to discover lasting beauty in a world that is passing away. A chance encounter with a man on a beach leads to meeting a woman who would challenge him to the core of who he is and what he knows to be true.

One Chance At Forever is a realistic Christian story filled with romance and deals with difficult subjects such as: grief over losing a spouse, unbelief, and a Christian learning to trust in God’s timing. Inspired by the Word of God and real-to-life people, this story shines a light into the darkness.

my point of view:

First off, let me say I am a weakling when it comes to single mom stories, maybe becasue I was a single mom for many years, but really, anything with children in a story goes straight to my heart strings.

I adored Abigail and how ard she tried to hold herself together to be a parent for her little girl. It’s not easy when everyone around you thinks they know best how you should raise your own child…she works hard and she gives to the Lord, sure she’s made mistakes, but who hasn’t?

Enter Wyatt – what a tough nut to crack he turned out to be! I truly love reading books where the main charachter takes a faith journey, and Wyatt’s was certainly one of the best I have ever read. Reading how he truly researches God to determine His existance was beautiful to me.

I was taken in by all the characters in this story and am so very blessed to have been able to read it, I sincerely encourage you to take a look into reading it for yourself!

About T.K. Chapin