Impact Zone - Julie Anne Lindsey (HI #1971 - Jan 2021)

Series: Tactical Crime Division: Traverse City (Book 3)

When Grand Rapids falls victim to a serial bomber,

the Tactical Crime Division launches into action.

Veteran TCD special agent Max McRay is the definition of unflappable. But when a serial bomber wreaks havoc in the town where his ex-wife, Allie, and infant son live, suddenly a high-profile case becomes personal. The bomber is ruthless…and now Max's family is in his sights. Can the TCD stop this killer's deadly rampage before Max and Allie pay with their lives?

Excellent blend of suspense and a second chance romance. Max is the explosives expert on the Tactical Crime Division team. When he hears about the bombs in Grand Rapids, he suggests to his boss that the team get involved. Max has an ulterior motive in that his ex-wife and infant son live in that city. They may be divorced, but Max still loves Allie and wants to protect her. Allie divorced Max a few months earlier because she couldn't handle how work always came before the family with Max. She moved to Grand Rapids to put some space between them and try to move forward with her life.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Max and Allie. It is evident from the start that they still love each other. Max is super-protective thanks to the things he has seen, and even though divorced, he calls Allie to warn her of the bombings. Allie tends to be a bit more relaxed and trusting, which was one of their marriage issues. Be that as it may, they still have an amicable relationship. Allie welcomes Max to her home when he arrives in town. I loved Max's sweet scenes with his son and the evidence of how much love he has to share. The time he spent away from Allie made him realize how many things he did wrong during their marriage. He yearns for a way to fix it but doesn't know if he can.

Spending time with Max reinforces that Allie still loves him and reminds her of why they parted. She had a hard time with the way he put other peoples' families ahead of theirs. But when Allie gets an up-close and personal view of what Max does, she begins to understand him and what drives him. The ending had me on the edge of my seat as Max was in the fight of his life to save Allie. Both of them realized life was too short to throw away what they had together. I loved the epilogue and the changes it showed in their relationship.

The suspense of the story was fantastic and kept me turning the pages far into the night. The team's pursuit of the serial bomber was well portrayed in its successes and frustrations. An early look into the mind of the serial bomber showed his determination. The intensity ramped up as Max and the others closed in on the bomber. The apartment scene had me glued to the pages as I felt like I was right there with Max. When the final confrontation came, the bomber's methods and intentions were terrifying. Max's coolness under pressure was terrific, and I loved how Allie kept her head and found a way to help.

Toxin Alert - Tyler Anne Snell (HI #1965 - Dec 2020)

Series: Tactical Crime Division: Traverse City (Book 2)

After biological terrorism rips through an Amish community,

the Tactical Crime Division is called in to find out why.

Following a deadly anthrax attack, TCD's biological weapons expert Carly Welsh springs into action. Problem is, the Amish trust no one -- especially not an FBI special agent. That's where Noah Miller comes in. Even though the rancher left the fold decades ago, the community trusts him…and so does Dr. Welsh. But even their combined courage and smarts might not be enough against sinister forces that want them both to perish.

Good book with romance and some intense suspense. The Tactical Crime Division is sent to investigate biological terrorism in an unexpected place - a local Amish community. Someone spread deadly anthrax around three Amish farms, killing cattle and murdering two people. As the team's biological weapons expert, Carly becomes the lead agent for the investigation. She runs into trouble right away because the local Amish don't trust outsiders, especially law enforcement, and no one will answer questions. Fortunately, they find Noah Miller to help them.

Noah is a former Amish farmer who left the community when he was sixteen. He has a tenuous relationship at best with his family and keeps mostly to himself. The Amish community trusts him, and he often serves as a link between them and the English world. Though reluctant to get involved at first, Noah agrees to help them get the answers they need.

I liked seeing Carly and Noah together. Not only did they work well as a team, there were sparks of attraction too. Both of them have events in their pasts that made them who they are today, things that they don't share with others. As they spend time together, they get to know and trust each other. I especially liked how Noah was protective toward Carly but also respected her abilities. I loved seeing him call out his father on his attitude toward Carly and the rest of the team. Noah's ability to listen and understand Carly led to several sweet and emotional scenes. I loved the ending, and seeing how nearly losing each other opened their eyes to what is important. Noah's big moment was beautiful (I loved the ring).

The suspense of the story was excellent. The anthrax angle reminded me of the stories years ago of mysterious white powder mailed to prominent people. The knowledge of how deadly anthrax gave an added layer of intensity to the book. There were some interesting twists as the team began unraveling what happened. A boneheaded move on Carly's part put her in extreme danger, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. I loved the instincts that told her that something didn't add up and the team's persistence in figuring out what it was. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with Carly in the hot seat again.

In Hot Pursuit - Geri Krotow (HRS #2111 - Nov 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 5)
            Colton 911 (Book 11)
            Coltons (Book 122)

On the run for their lives…and straight toward a killer.

Sergeant Flynn Cruz-Street's estranged half-brother is a threat to society. To catch him, Flynn must join forces with JAG paralegal Vikki Colton. Vikki proves to be a brilliant investigator, and what starts as a reluctant partnership soon blossoms into an irresistible attraction. But as they work tirelessly to track down the dangerous criminal, Flynn and Vikki must resist the sparks between them…or risk losing their very lives.

Terrific combination of romance and heart-pounding suspense. Vikki is a JAG paralegal sent to the local army base to question two people. First, she needs to talk to the husband of the latest ReVitaYou victim and find out what he knows about his wife's use of the supplement. Then she has to connect with MP Flynn Cruz-Street and find out if he knows where his half-brother, Landon Street is. Landon is the scientist who created ReVitaYou, and the authorities need to know what the ingredients are.

The action starts immediately as Vikki arrives to see a grief-crazed Captain Joseph attack Flynn because of his relationship to Landon. The captain escapes, leaving both Vikki and Flynn in danger of a future attack. Vikki, whose investigative techniques can be a trifle intense, rubs Flynn the wrong way by implying he knows where Landon is. Their initial interactions are a bit antagonistic, and it doesn't help that they are ordered off base (together) for their safety. I liked how they decided that working together was the way to go and discovered that their methods meshed well.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Vikki and Flynn. Despite their rough start, they do work well together. That work is complicated by the intense attraction that they feel for each other. They need to maintain their professionalism, but their chemistry is hard to resist. Each of them also have prior relationships that make it difficult to trust the feelings that grow between them. It was occasionally frustrating to see the push and pull as the growing strength of those feelings cause one or the other to retreat when things get too intense. I ached for them both at the end when insecurities pulled them apart. I liked the conversation Flynn had with his mom that opened his eyes to how he needs to live his life. Vikki had a similar conversation with her sister Sadie. I loved seeing Flynn grab onto hope and go after Vikki. I loved the ending and the depth of their love.

The suspense and action in the story were intense. From the opening shots, as Captain Joseph tried to kill Flynn to the surprise twist at the end, I could not put the book down. There were two main missions in this book. The first was to catch Captain Joseph, and the second was to find and capture Landon Street. Captain Joseph was not only grief-crazed; he was also well-trained. It seemed as though Flynn and Vikki would escape one attack only to be confronted with another one a short time later, with one genuinely terrifying one that could have ended very badly. The final confrontation with him was a nail-biter but ended the threat.

At the same time, Flynn and Vikki did everything they could to try to find Landon. Though the man has always had problems, Flynn is confident that he never intended to kill anyone. He's also under no illusion that Landon is innocent of other crimes. An unexpected event brought Landon out of hiding, and I was glued to the pages until it was all over. Though this is one more piece to the puzzle, it isn't over yet. Trouble from Sadie's past reappears as the next and final book of the series is set up.

Detective on Call - Regan Black (HRS #2103 - Sept 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 3)
            Colton 911 (Book 9)
            Coltons (Book 118)

Two bitter rivals unite to track a deadly killer

Detective Emmanuel Iglesias does his duty at all costs, even if that means going up against Pippa Colton. The stubborn attorney insists her client is innocent, but Emmanuel knows that his case is rock-solid. That is, until Pippa becomes a target herself. Is the real killer still at large? As their mutual distrust turns into an undeniable attraction, the murderer becomes bolder -- and more menacing…

Another fast-paced, intense entry in the Colton 911: Grand Rapids series. Pippa Colton is an attorney who was hired to prove that her friend's mother was wrongly convicted of murder. It isn't a popular position as the woman is rude, mean-spirited, and just plain nasty to those around her. Because of Pippa's work, she has been receiving death threats. One of her brothers, Griffin, asked his friend Emmanuel Iglesias to keep an eye on Pippa. That creates some tension because Emmanuel is one of the detectives whose work convicted her client.

Though Pippa and Emmanuel know of each other, they don't meet until he shows up at her home to investigate a break-in. Pippa doesn't hide her dislike of him, but Emmanuel has no intention of backing down from doing his job. He also has his promise to Griffin to keep. I enjoyed seeing the two stubborn people butt heads as Pippa tried to get him to leave, and Emmanuel insisted on staying. Neither one expected the feelings that stirred - Emmanuel feeling protective and Pippa feeling safe while he's there. There were also sparks of attraction that each tried to ignore.

Both Emmanuel and Pippa have a strong sense of justice. Even though they are on opposite sides of this case, both are determined to find the truth. I liked that they respected each other's abilities and dedication. As they are thrown together by Emmanuel's determination to keep Pippa safe, the sparks of attraction grow stronger, and the attraction quickly deepens to something more. I loved watching them get to know each other, from simple things like cooking together and watching television to understanding how the other's mind works. I loved the ending, especially Emmanuel's nervousness. Pippa's reaction was terrific.

The suspense of the story was fantastic and kept me hooked from start to finish. It opens with Pippa's difficulties being allowed to meet with her client and the revelation to the reader that someone is working against her. There is a mention of the threats she received just before discovering that her home was broken into and vandalized. Emmanuel's arrival and assistance starts the dialogue between them about the case she is working on. Though Emmanuel is confident in his investigation, the points she makes raise some questions in his mind. As he and Pippa join forces in their quest, the person behind the attacks ramps up the efforts to stop her. Though the identity is revealed to the reader early on, it takes more work by Emmanuel and Pippa to suspect the truth. The tension increases the closer they get and the more desperate the killer becomes. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was all over, and Pippa was safe.

There was also some progress made in the series story arc involving a deadly drug, a pyramid scheme, and an unscrupulous loan company. More people suffer serious side effects from the drug, including a couple more deaths, amplifying the need to find those responsible. Pippa joins her siblings at Colton Investigations in setting up a sting against the loan company. There are some intense moments as the trap is sprung and later as they bargain for information. I look forward to seeing how they use what they learn in future books.

Suspect Under Siege - Jane Godman (HRS #2099 - Aug 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 2)
            Colton 911 (Book 8)
            Coltons (Book 117)

Enemies are surrounding her…

Can he protect her growing family?

Dr. Abigail Matthews has separated herself from her con artist dad. When his latest scheme threatens her chances to adopt her foster daughter, Abigail will do anything…even rely on a man she can't trust. Griffin Colton is a crusader for justice, but his family thinks that Abigail is harboring a dangerous secret. Despite the odds stacked against them, an attraction burns bright and they forge a strong defense. But some threats still find a way to get inside…

Fantastic mix of romance and suspense in the second book of this series. Abigail made her first appearance at the end of the first book, Family Defender. She is the daughter of the man at the head of the ReVitaYou vitamin scam, though she parted ways with him long ago. She discovered some horrifying information about the vitamin and took it to Colton Investigations. They were initially suspicious of her, suspecting that she might be involved in her father's scam. As this book opens, Abigail learns that her plans to adopt her foster daughter, Maya, are held up due to accusations against her. Terrified that she could lose her daughter, Abigail goes to Griffin Colton for help.

Griffin is the Colton brother that isn't a Colton by blood. Adopted by them after his mother's death, Griffin has never felt like he fits in with the family. It's not that they treat him any differently, it's just the way he sees himself. Remembering his own experiences, Griffin became an adoption attorney and has one of the state's best reputations. His kindness and compassion are evident from the beginning.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Abigail and Griffin develop. Griffin is wary of Abigail because of her father, and she senses his distrust. But Griffin can also see the depth of love Abigail has for Maya and steps up to help. From the start, the accusations against Abigail make little sense. First, she is accused of tampering with a study she's in charge of, then being mixed up in ReVitaYou, and finally suspected of murdering her boss. Through it all, Griffin is by her side as they try to get to the bottom of the accusations. I loved how Griffin stepped up to foster Maya when CPS wanted to take her away from Abigail. There were some fantastic scenes with Griffin and Maya that had me laughing out loud. It didn't take long for both Abigail and Maya to find a place in Griffin's heart.

There was also no denying Griffin and Abigail's attraction and how quickly it turned to love. The love between them also affected Griffin's relationship with his family, and I loved seeing those changes. They were most apparent during the hospital scene and how easily Griffin accepted their help. The only real issue that came up was Griffin's insecurity over trusting his feelings, but Abigail's love overcame those. I loved the ending and seeing how happy they are.

The suspense of the story was great. The Coltons' initial suspicion was understandable given Abigail's profession, but they also quickly realized that she was a victim, not a suspect. I liked how Griffin was immediately suspicious of the actions taken against Abigail, finding their timing suspicious. Some interesting connections turned up linking the accusations to the ReVitaYou investigation, adding to the questions they already had. The intensity ramped up when someone attacked Abigail and threatened Maya. I wasn't surprised by who it was, but the motivation had some surprising elements to it. The final confrontation was terrifying for Griffin and Abigail and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. The book finished with one sibling's plan to infiltrate the money side of ReVitaYou as a lead-in to the next book.

Family Defender - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2095 - July 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 1)

             Colton 911 (Book 7)

             Coltons (Book 114)

Struggling to protect his heart…he must also protect his growing family

Former FBI agent Riley Colton tends to keep to himself…except for the time he gave in to Charlize Kent. Now that single passionate night produced a surprise Riley never imagined -- a baby! His paternal and investigative instincts kick in when their growing family comes under fire. As sparks fly, Riley and Charlize work together to track and capture a criminal…who will stop at nothing to destroy everything they hold dear.

Good book. There are six Colton family members: Riley, his two sets of twin sisters, and an adopted brother. There is also a younger foster brother who is the catalyst for the mystery that runs through the series. Riley is the oldest, who at thirteen years old became the surrogate caretaker for his first set of sisters, adding the second set two years later. His parents were socially and politically active and often left Riley in charge of his siblings. After his parents' deaths, he took over raising them. Now, at the age of forty-three, he has no intention of ever being a husband or father. He is done with all of it.

I have to admit that Riley grated on my nerves at the beginning. He seemed to be in a constant state of self-pity over having had to care for his siblings. Yet, they all work together in some way with the family investigation business. There are also frequent scenes of the things he still does to take care of them - preparing snacks for their meetings, having pre-prepared meals in his freezer for any of them to take, etc. He fights and denies that caring nature through most of the book.

As the book opens, Riley is fighting the memories of a one-night stand three months earlier. Unlike other short-term women (he doesn't do relationships, period), he hasn't been able to get Charlize off his mind. Despite that, he doesn't intend her again until fate intervenes. Her aunt is connected to a case he is working on, and on his way to see her, Riley witnesses an attack on Charlize. His protectiveness is aroused in spite of himself, especially once he finds out she is pregnant with his baby.

Charlize is an independent woman who, knowing Riley's feelings, is ready to raise the baby independently. She would rather have Riley involved, both with the baby and her. She fell in love with him immediately but knows that her "fantasyland" isn't likely to come true. However, with the threats against her, she is happy to accept Riley's protection.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Riley and Charlize. The connection was there between them from that first night, though Riley tried to deny it, and is still there when they meet again. Riley freaks out at the news of his impending fatherhood though he does accept responsibility. He begins by planning minimum participation for heartbreaking reasons. As they spend time together, Charlize starts to see the caring man beneath the surface that Riley shows the world. I liked seeing Riley's changes, especially over the days that Charlize stayed at his house. But he still can't see the possibilities for a future when the danger is over, and she leaves. A visit from one of his sisters sparks an eye-opening conversation. At the same time, Charlize decides to go after what she wants. I loved the scene at the end, as she reminded him that love is not perfect because life is not perfect.

The suspense of the story was terrific also, with two mysteries. The first is when the Coltons' foster brother, Brody, contacts Riley to say he's in trouble. Brody got involved in a pyramid scheme using borrowed money. Now he's on the hook to pay back the loan, and Brody can't reach anyone in the company. As Riley and the other members of the family investigate, Brody disappears. Riley delves deeper into the ReVitaYou program and discovers disturbing irregularities, combined with a product that makes some people sick. There's a twist at the end that leads into the next book and the continuing search for the ringleader and Brody.

The second mystery is more immediate. As a social worker, Charlize occasionally encounters violent clients. In this case, someone first tries to run her down, which is when Riley gets involved. While she isn't panicked by the attack, Charlize is somewhat concerned. The intensity ramps up when someone takes a shot at her. It was obvious to me who was behind it, but they needed proof. The final confrontation was intense and kept me glued to the pages until it was over.

Colton books are always good for family unity also. Riley is clearly the head of the family, but he also respects the others' thoughts and opinions. After all his years of going on about never being a father, it was funny to see him plotting how to drop the pregnancy bomb on them. I was impressed by their reactions. I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of them during the other books.

Rookie Instincts - Carol Ericson (HI #1959 - Nov 2020)

Series: Tactical Crime Division: Traverse City (Book 1)

Two women dead…with the same ID?

Time to call the Tactical Crime Division.

New TCD team member Aria Calletti is determined to find out why women are turning up dead -- especially since an infant was left at the most recent crime scene. Fortunately for the TCD's newest operative, the baby's uncle, Grayson Rhodes, has sacrificed everything to discover the truth following the disappearance of his half-sister. But can a civilian-turned-undercover-dockworker and a brand-new agent take down a formidable drug kingpin?

Good story that had me hooked from beginning to end. Aria is the newest member of the Tactical Crime Division team and arrived just in time to participate in their most recent case. Young women have turned up dead, each bearing identical IDs. In a strange turn of events, a baby was found with the most recent victim. While investigating that murder, Aria learns of a missing person report filed for a woman and her baby. This puts Aria in contact with the woman's brother, Grayson.

Grayson is worried about his half-sister, Chloe, and her son, Danny. They never showed up for Thanksgiving dinner. Chloe may be an addict, but when she makes a promise, she keeps it. The last time he talked to her, she mentioned Port Huron, so he is now pretending to be a dockworker and hopes to learn something about her disappearance.

I liked both Aria and Grayson. Aria is very good at what she does. She began her career as a Detroit street cop and did some undercover work before the TCD recruited her. She has excellent instincts, and though she was a little nervous at first, she fit in with the team very quickly. Grayson is a successful businessman who loves his younger sister. He blames himself somewhat for Chloe's problems and is determined to do whatever he must to find her and Danny.

I liked the first meeting between Aria and Grayson. There was no doubt about the immediate connection between them, though Aria was careful to be professional. I ached for Gray when he was so hopeful that she was in jail, only to find out that she was dead. The scene at the morgue was heartbreaking, and Gray's determination to find her killer was understandable. As Gray carried out his plans and Aria worked the FBI side, they spent more time together. The sparks between them continued to grow, sometimes at inconvenient moments. Aria tries to resist, aware that her job makes relationships difficult, but she can't deny her growing feelings for him. It was interesting to see Gray interact with Aria. He knows that she is a fully capable FBI agent, but his innate protectiveness makes him worry over her safety. He tried her patience a few times with that protectiveness until one event brought the reality into focus for him. I loved the ending and seeing how Gray and Aria took a realistic look at their prospects for the future. I hope to see them in future books and catch up on their romance.

The suspense of the story was excellent. From the moment of Chloe's shooting to the end of the book, I was hooked on the story. I loved seeing each of the TCD agents put their unique talents to work to solve the case. Aria's instincts in thinking outside the box were excellent, and she arrived at some interesting conclusions. I understood her skepticism over Gray's "undercover" intentions, but she quickly learned that his instincts were also good. As Gray's actions led to an arrest, the intensity steadily increased, and more information came to light. The search for the "kingpin" took an unexpected twist, and the final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over.

I enjoyed meeting the other members of the team and look forward to reading their stories. Max and Alex both have fascinating histories, and I am intrigued by the relationship between the two sisters, Ophelia and Selena. There was a heartbreaking scene with Aria and the team's leader, Alana, that made the book's theme even more poignant.

Agent by Her Side - Deborah Fletcher Mello (HRS #2107 - Oct 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 4) 

She’ll do anything to track a killer

And he’ll do anything to keep her in line…

If PI Kiely Colton must work with FBI agent Cooper Winston, she will. But to solve a cold case, she won’t change her break-the-rules style to accommodate the single father’s by-the-book principles. As the investigation progresses, Kiely finds herself inexplicably attracted to her exacting partner and enchanted by his adorable son. Will a ruthless killer put an end to their possible future before it really begins?

Good book with a nice blend of romance and suspense. Kiely is a PI with her family's business, Colton Investigations. She has a reputation for getting the job done, and also for pushing the envelope of legality. This has put her at odds with Cooper Winston, a by-the-book FBI agent. Because of her family's excellent reputation, they frequently work with local law enforcement, including the FBI. She currently assists with a case that also has a personal connection for her. When a tip comes in that she thinks is legit, she wants to follow up on it immediately - alone. Cooper, the lead agent on the case, disagrees.

Cooper is skeptical about the tip, but doesn't want her to follow up on it by herself and insists on going with her. Kiely irritates him with her disregard for the rules, but he doesn't want her to be in danger. Before they can leave to check it out, Cooper receives a call from his son's daycare that little Alfie is missing. Cooper and Kiely rescue him through a fortuitous series of events, but Cooper is injured in the process. Cooper is a single dad, and Alfie is his world. Because the boy may still be in danger, Kiely steps in to help protect him and also take care of Cooper.

I loved the development of the relationship between Cooper and Kiely. Together 24/7, each of them discovers a different side of the other. Kiely sees that the cold, rigid FBI agent is also a warm, relaxed, and loving father. Cooper finds that the go-for-broke PI has an unexpected soft side that connects quickly with his son. There are several terrific scenes as he and Kiely get to know each other, and show them becoming a temporary family. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flew between them. Cooper didn't think that he'd be drawn to another woman after his wife's death, but can't deny his growing feelings for Kiely. Kiely was wary of love because of things she had seen in her parents' marriage. I enjoyed seeing Kiely discover new facets of herself and laughed at her family's reactions. It was nice to see that both Cooper and Kiely were upfront about their feelings. There's an event at the end that solidifies those feelings. Cooper's support and understanding as Kiely dealt with the aftermath was awesome.

The suspense of the story was terrific. The book starts with a rush when Alfie is kidnapped and maintains the intensity throughout. Both the FBI and Colton Investigations are determined to find their quarry. Alfie's kidnapping adds a new set of questions as they try to figure out its connection to the case. As Cooper and Kiely delve deeper into their search, the attacks on them intensify. The final confrontation with the kidnapper was a nail-biter with a satisfactory conclusion. However, an unexpected twist showed that the danger wasn't over yet. This one had me glued to the pages (and up way too late) as Kiely faced a frightening foe. Some progress is made in the overall investigation, leaving me ready for the next book and whatever happens there.

The Love We Keep - Toni Blake (HQN - Feb 2020)

Series: Summer Island (Book 3)

Suzanne Quinlan has been through a lot lately, so nothing sounds better than a peaceful winter in her cozy cottage on Summer Island. The last thing she wants is a massive lifestyle adjustment -- especially when it comes in the form of an injured Zack Sheppard, who is sullen, angry and completely dependent on her.

Zack values his independence above all else. But when he falls down his icy steps, he finds himself with a serious leg injury and in need of round-the-clock care. The only person available to help is his ex's best friend, Suzanne. It doesn't hurt that Suzanne is far more attractive than he ever realized, but he's never been one to settle, and he sure isn't going to start now.

As Suzanne and Zack grow closer, they both realize they're in this thing more deeply than they ever thought, and it's started to cause tension in their small, close-knit community, too. Will Zack be able to commit this time, and will Suzanne be able to trust him? One thing is certain: come spring, the lives and loves of Summer Island will never be the same.

Good book. I will say straight off that this is one that you should read the first two books in the series before reading this book. Those two books give the backstories that you really need to understand the relationships in this one.

Zack is a fisherman on Lake Michigan. He is on the water for weeks or months at a time. He is very much a loner who gets antsy when he's been onshore for too long. In the first book, The One Who Stays, he and innkeeper Meg have been an item for several years. He comes and goes, and she is okay with that - until she isn't. She wants a commitment, and he can't - or won't - give her one, so she ends their relationship. Zack is clueless and goes into a deep funk over their breakup. He island-bound during the winter, which makes him even grumpier. The last straw is when his Aunt Dahlia abandons the island (and him) for the winter.

Suzanne is Summer Island's florist. She came to the island several years earlier, trying to escape the grief of losing her husband. She has been adamant that she had her one chance at love and wasn't interested in trying again. But in the second book, The Giving Heart, Suzanne meets a man who shows a great deal of interest in getting to know her better. But she allows her fears to push him away, and by the time she has overcome those fears, he has fallen in love with someone else. When this book starts, she too is in a funk, trying hard not to resent the other couple's happiness and not having much success at it.

Summer Island is one of those places that becomes very isolated in the winter. When the lake freezes, the ferry doesn't run until the spring thaw. The only way on or off the island is by helicopter. Dahlia is on the last ferry off the island, which creates a big problem when Zack slips on icy stairs and seriously injures himself. Meg isn't comfortable being the one to care for him, especially now that she is in a new relationship. Out of their group, that leaves Suzanne to pick up the slack. It is awkward because Suzanne has made no secret of her disapproval of Zack and the way he treated Meg. However, as a former nurse, she can't just walk away, especially when the injury leaves Zack with a paralyzed right leg.

I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Suzanne and Zack. Things get off to a rough start. Zack is depressed because his injury likely means the end of his fishing career, and he has no idea what else he would do. Suzanne isn't happy about caring for the surly fisherman but feels she owes it to her friends, Meg and Dahlia. Zack is a real pain until Suzanne lays down the law to him. She understands why he's down, but she's not going to let him lay around like a lump all winter. Somehow she manages to convince him to let her work a little physical therapy on him. At the same time, being stuck together in the same house day in and day out, the antagonism between them begins to fade.

I liked seeing Zack and Suzanne get to know each other. It was fun to see them start to relax enough to tease each other over music and movies. I also enjoyed seeing how Suzanne worked to motivate Zack to give the PT a chance. There were a few rough patches, especially when Zack's fears about his future would overwhelm him, but Suzanne usually found a way to pull him out of it. What neither expected were the sparks of attraction that flared between them.

Suzanne was horrified at first. Getting involved with her best friend's ex felt utterly wrong, but she couldn't deny the way he made her feel. Zack was simply flabbergasted to discover that being around Suzanne helped ease his fears about his future. While any thoughts of settling down with Meg used to send him running for his boat, the idea of staying with Suzanne was curiously appealing. I hurt for them both when Suzanne's fears of what the future might hold made her push Zack away. It took an emotionally devastating event and advice from her friend Dahlia for her to realize that she wanted to keep their love. Zack also had a startling epiphany the first time he went back out on his boat. I loved that it was Suzanne that felt like home, not his boat. His big moment on the street of the town was sweet and romantic and entirely unlike him.

There was also a secondary story going on with Dahlia. Her departure from the island and refusal to come back when her nephew was injured was very out of character. Zack always seemed to be the center of her life, and to abandon him now felt off. It was hard for Zack, Suzanne, and Meg to understand it. The glimpses into her past gave a better understanding of her actions. There was an emotional twist in her story that I didn't see coming until just before the big reveal.

An Amish Home - Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid (Thomas Nelson - Feb 2017)

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman

Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins, once again, to see her cup as half full.

Newlyweds Sarah and Abram's lives forever changed when a buggy accident left Sarah confined to a wheelchair. While she recovered in the hospital, Abram started transforming their home. He wants nothing more than to show his love for her by making life easier for her, but it comes at a higher price than he expected. He struggles to find a way out of debt without burdening Sarah with his troubles. Meanwhile, Sarah is bitter about the loss of her perfect dreams, and fearful of what the future might bring.

I ached for both Abram and Sarah as they struggled alone with their issues, neither wanting to burden the other. Sarah was filled with self-pity at the beginning, but gained inspiration from an unlikely source. I liked seeing her begin to embrace her new normal, though there were still challenges to overcome. Her conversation with her mother was an eye-opener for her, coupled with an amusing revelation. I also liked her conversation with Abram's coworker, Brenda, and the unexpected partnership that came from it.

Abram quickly discovered that he was in over his head when the bills came due for his work on the house. I shook my head at his naivete when he got involved with the quick loan guy and knew there would be trouble there. I liked his friendship with his coworker, and the support she gave him. I understood his reluctance to share his problems with Sarah, since she was fighting her own battles. I liked his conversation with his father-in-law and the surprising resolution that came from it.

The biggest thing that both Sarah and Abram discovered was that their problems were easier to deal with when they were shared with each other.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston

Down on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O'Connor reluctantly take Chace's Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadi haus located on his property. They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chace and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.

Chace and Mia are a young couple who have fallen on hard times. When they are evicted from their apartment Chace's Amish boss offers them the small house on his property. Though grateful for the roof over their heads, both are overwhelmed by how different their lives are from what they had planned. Though they came from very different backgrounds, Chace and Mia's love for each other and their baby daughter was strong. I ached for them both as the stress of their situation aggravated their fears of inadequacy. Chace was never accepted by Mia's wealthy and snobby parents, and he feels guilty about not providing for them the way he feels he should. Mia is terrified of being a bad mother, thanks to the cruel things her mother said to her. Though the stress frequently caused them to lash out at each other, they never doubted their love for one another.

I enjoyed seeing how Isaac and his family gave the couple the support they needed. Unfamiliar with Amish ways, Mia was stunned by everything that was offered. I liked seeing the friendship that grew between Mia and Vera, and how that friendship helped Mia gain a little confidence in herself. I hurt for Chace when one thing after another seemed to go wrong, stretching him to the breaking point. I loved how Isaac provided the kind of guidance that Chace had never experienced before.

When baby Kaitlyn got sick, it brought many of their fears bubbling to the surface. Erupting tempers did nothing to calm those fears. I liked seeing both of them finally face those fears, and with a little help find their way back together.

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid

Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards. All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost. When fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble. As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past, Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope - and love - is re-ignited.

This is a story told in flashbacks, back and forth from the present day to fifteen years earlier. Thomas and Noreen have been married for fifteen years. The book opens in the present as their house burns down and they lose everything. The reader immediately gets the sense that things are not well with their marriage, and the fire adds to the strain that is already there.

In the flashbacks, we see their courtship and early marriage. Thomas irritated me during these parts. He professes his love for Noreen, but it seems like he is more interested in what he wants. Noreen's father is not in favor of their courtship or of Thomas wanting to marry her. Instead of biding by her father's wishes for them to wait, Thomas continues to push. A tragedy ends up forcing her father's consent, but he makes Thomas promise to always put her needs ahead of his own. The early days of their marriage are blissfully happy until a devastating loss drives a wedge between them. For the next fifteen years their relationship slowly disintegrates, leaving both lonely and bitter.

It seems as if the fire may be the final straw that drives them apart. Both Thomas and Noreen blame themselves, and the guilt causes them to withdraw rather than lean on each other for support. I liked the way that their community banded together to help, but even that added a bit of stress to the couple's life, as it became more difficult to hide their problems. As they combed through the rubble of their home, now and then something would remind them of the love they shared at the beginning. Just as things seem to be looking up, another devastating loss adds insult to injury. Fortunately, Thomas also receives a kick in the seat that reminds him of what is most important. I loved the ending with its two surprises for a new beginning.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller

Faith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiancé, Silas. As they work to build Martha's kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?

Faith misses her grandfather deeply. She feels closest to him when she works with the wood they both loved. Since his passing, Faith spends all of her free time in the shop, shutting out everyone else. When her cousin and best friend, Martha, asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new kitchen she is happy to take on the challenge. That is, until she discovers that she has to share the job with her ex-fiancé, Silas.

Silas works as a carpenter with his father. He hasn't always been the most reliable of workers, but he's had to make the effort lately. His father is busy taking care of Silas's sick mother, leaving Silas to run the business. With mounting bills to pay, Silas can't afford to turn down any work. When his friend, Melvin, hired him to build the cabinets in his new home, Seth felt a great deal of relief. He was determined to do a good job, and was dismayed to find out he would have to work alongside Faith.

This was a good opposites attract story. Faith and Silas courted and became engaged, in spite of their differences. Silas was a bit of a dreamer, with creative ideas but lacking in the ability to follow through. Time meant nothing to him and he was always late. Faith is ultra-organized, preferring to plan and schedule everything to the minute. Silas's attitude frustrated her, but when he didn't show up for her grandfather's funeral, she'd had enough and ended their engagement without explanation. Living in the same district, they can't avoid seeing each other, though they do their best.

Neither was happy to discover that they'd each been hired to build the cabinets, but they tried to put aside their differences for the sake of their friends. There were some intense clashes between Faith and Silas. Faith can't forget the issues that drove them apart, and Silas is frustrated by Faith's controlling ways. A big blowup between them opens Faith's eyes to some uncomfortable truths. I liked the scene the next day as they finally talked to each other instead of their usual sniping. I loved how they worked things out. The conclusion was sweet and satisfying.