Book Review: Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

Book Description:
Sophie Lawson should be enjoying her sister’s wedding day. But nothing could have prepared her to see the best man again.

After her mother became bedridden and her father bailed on the family, Sophie found herself serving as a second mother to her twin brother, Seth, and younger sister, Jenna. Sophie supported her siblings through their college years, putting aside her own dream of opening a bookshop in Piper’s Cove—the quaint North Carolina beach town they frequented as children.

Now it’s finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden Maddox, her high school sweetheart who left her without a backward glance.

When an advancing hurricane strands Aiden in Piper’s Cove after the wedding, he finds the hotels booked to capacity and has to ask Sophie to put him up until the storm passes. As the two ride out the weather, old feelings rise to the surface. The delay also leaves Sophie with mere days to get her bookshop up and running. Can she trust Aiden to stick around? And will he find the courage to risk his heart?

My Thoughts:
I love the beautiful cover of Bookshop by the Sea, set in the lovely town of Piper’s Cove, along the Atlantic Ocean. Can I say perfect setting? A dream come true for Sophie who has struggled to finally live the life she wants and needs. Denise Hunter tells a beautiful story as she delves into abandonment issues. Both Sophie and Aiden must come to grips with the emotions that have kept them apart for seven years. A hurricane, a wind storm, and rain tossed on top of the turmoil in their hearts makes for a captivating story. And the bookstore takes on a life of its own, as friends help Sophie realize her dream. I love the nod to Hunter’s Bluebell Inn series. If you haven’t read those yet, you should. If you enjoy a beautiful setting, a riveting story, and well-written characters, you’ll love Bookshop by the Sea. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: The Heart of a Hero (Global Search and Rescue Book #2) by Susan May Warren

Book Description:

Jake Silver may not be able to put the memories of his time as a sniper and Navy SEAL behind him, but at least he can put his skills to use as a part of the Jones Inc. rescue team. Saving the life of pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Aria Sinclair on Denali helped too. Now he can't get her out of his head, and when he hears she is in the path of a hurricane down in Key West he can't help but jump on a plane to rescue her.

Aria has dedicated her life to helping children born with defective hearts. After all, she was one of those children. Now driven to succeed, she lives a lonely, stressful life. One she would have lost on Denali if it hadn't been for Jake. Jake is exciting and handsome, but he's also dangerous, and she's already lost one person she loves. She can't bear it again.

It's not until she finds herself trapped in the middle of a category 4 hurricane that she can admit she needs Jake desperately. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life . . . and love?

My Description:
You've got two strong characters in the midst of a crazy storm which leads to a story of will-power, trust, and second chances. Susan May Warren weaves a story filled with energy and excitement. When Jake follows Aria to Florida, he's prepared to rescue her. What he finds is a woman who pushes herself aside to save others. In the midst of the chaos, some of the other characters try their patience and make them question their trust, while others teach them lessons they didn't know they needed. While they wrestle with their inner demons, they fight the elements and search for the light at the end of a hard and hectic tunnel. Filled with suspenseful moments as well as tender embraces, this is a great summer read. One thing I enjoy most about Warren's stories is her focus on the male heroes, flaws and all. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

He Stills the Storm

Psalm 107:28-31
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
    the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
    and he guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

We witnessed the remnants of Hurricane Gordon as the winds and rain carried through Northern Ohio. The high waves on Lake Erie threw water and rocks on the road in front of Lake Point Hotel, where we stayed. Down the road, the tide swelled around the foot of Marblehead Lighthouse as it splashed over the huge rock barrier.

Later, from our hotel room we listened to the crashing and splashing as it echoed through the night. The thought of being out on a boat in the stormy waters made me shutter. Yet I found the storm fascinating. The power behind the waves reminded me of the authority of our all powerful God.

Psalm 107 reminds me that God calms storms, whether natures tempest or the day-to-day gales of life. Sometimes, life feels like a hurricane, being hit by wave after wave of disappointment, disaster, or depression. If you feel like you've been in the eye of life's storms, pray. God listens. He loves. He cares. Sometimes the squalls leave debris in their wake. Junk we have to clean up. God offers strength. Sometimes a flood of sadness wraps around our hearts. God comforts. With hope, the sun comes out after the showers pass. That's when we praise God who helped us weather the storm.

No matter what we struggle through, God walks with us. He hushes the sea, he guides us home.

As I'm writing this, Hurricane Florence is striking the east coast. My heart goes out to the people dealing with this disaster. Pray with me and find ways to help our friends in need.