Contemporary Romance Review: The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson (Book 2 Prince Edward Island Shores)

What It's About:

When Eli Ross left Prince Edward Island to join the NHL, he left a broken family behind. More than a decade later, he's broke and headed home to an uncertain welcome. He wants to make things right with the family he wronged, but his mom's business partner isn't making it easy. To top it off, the coaching job he's accepted turns out to be far more difficult than he anticipated. 

For years, Violet Donaghy has put everything she had into making Eli's mom's ceramics shop a success, and she's not eager to forgive the man who hurt the family that's taken her in as one of their own. But when the kiln at the shop starts a fire that nearly destroys the studio, she'll need all the help she can get to save the business and their summer income.

Can these two strong-willed people come together to mend the broken pieces of the Ross family? Or will the ghosts of the past continue to haunt them?

Return to Prince Edward Island for a romantic story of family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

My Thoughts:

I’ve read all of Liz Johnson’s books and enjoyed them, but this series, Prince Edward Island Shores, is my favorite. And The Last Way Home is her best yet. She has mastered the characters, their personalities and their flaws. Her description made me feel like I was in the story watching the scenes unfold. Violet and Eli are both broken in their own way, yet they are drawn together by the very secrets they guard. If you enjoy excellent writing, an interesting story, and wonderful characters, you’ll want to read The Last Way Home. Thank you, Liz Johnson, for another wonderful story. I’m anxious to read book three. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

Fiction Book Review: Beyond the Tides (Prince Edward Island Shores Book #1) by Liz Johnson

Book Description:
When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster-fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should inherit it instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross take over. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg--an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg must work the business together, and at the end of the season, he'll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren't what they expected.

My Thoughts:
I’ve read several of Liz Johnson’s books, and this is the best one yet. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked Meg, but once Meg and Oliver are thrown together their banter and the tension between them makes for an entertaining tale—along with their family stories. I love how Meg’s strong character softens when it comes to her parents. And Oliver’s determination to overcome his family’s history is inspiring. The setting is fantastic. I found myself drawn into the lobster business on Prince Edward Island and enjoying the trips out to set traps and haul in the catch. Meg’s dad is a delight as he helps her mom in his gentle, caring way. As soon as I would stop reading Beyond the Tides, I would miss the characters and want to read more. Now that I’ve finished, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Available August, 3, it’s a perfect end of summer read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Fiction Review: A Dazzle of Diamonds (Georgia Coast Romance Book #3) by Liz Johnson

Book Description:

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 Review:
Liz Johnson's writing is a breath of fresh air when it comes to fiction. The books in the Georgia Coast series host a bit of intrigue with the history of the area mixed with sweet and (sometimes humorous) romance. All three in the series are entertaining, but I enjoyed this one, A Dazzle of Diamonds, the most. Tucker is a sweetheart and Penelope is a straightforward, hardworking, intelligent young lady who would do anything for her dear friend. The mystery of the treasure is fun to follow and adds an exciting thread to the story. The people Penelope and Tucker interact with are quirky in a lovable, but sometimes annoying, sort of way. With Savannah as the setting, you can't go wrong. If you enjoy southern romance with a bit of mystery, you'll love Liz's latest book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson

Book Description:

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love.

My Review:
I've read most of Liz Johnson's books, this one is my favorite. The character Anne is plucky and real, a pixie of a girl. She's paving her way after a terrible experience in her past. Carter is a sweetheart. Imagine cute guy, a bit of a nerd with black glasses. He's not your typical hero. The setting is gorgeous and the history of the lost ship is fascinating. In the story, Anne and Carter share a diary from a young woman who risked everything for her brother. I found the diary excerpts as wonderful as Anne's story. If you want to sink yourself into an enjoyable story filled with mystery and adventure, pick up A Glitter of Gold. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: A Sparkle of Silver (Georgia Coast Romance Book #1) by Liz Johnson

Book Description:

Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan's great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins' palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie's great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.

My Review:
Some things I love about Liz Johnson's books: the intrinsic humor, the quirky characters and the amazing settings. I've read Liz's books set on Prince Edward Island and loved them. Now she's moved south with her Georgia coast series and landed on St. Simon's Island. Since I visited the island several years ago, I had to read this book. And she did not disappoint. As Millie feels the stress of needing to help her grandmother, she doesn't just sit and hope for a remedy. Instead she takes on an almost mythical legend with determination. Millie is a delightful character who has lived through disappointment and challenges. Yet she's ready to tackle a new obstacle with aplomb and hope. Ben suffers from the destructive path left by his mother. He wants nothing more than to right a terrible wrong. He finds himself entangled in Millie's scheme. I like Ben because he wants to better himself and break the cycle his mom pushed upon him. The history woven throughout the story represents the times of the rich and famous quite well. If you enjoy women's fiction with a dash of mystery and romance, you'll enjoy A Sparkle of Silver. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Book Review: On Love's Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson

Publisher's Description:

Natalie O'Ryan had no plans to return to Prince Edward Island. But when her fiancé books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose's Red Door Inn, she sets out to plan the perfect wedding. Yet she can't possibly plan for a run-in with Justin Kane--the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.

Justin has never forgotten Natalie. He'd been prepared to follow her off the island until tragedy struck, leaving him to run the family dairy farm. He's done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him--but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he's been missing.

After Natalie's reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin's property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin may discover that there is more between them than broken promises and an old friendship.

My Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed On Love's Gentle Shores, the third book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series. First of all the setting is incredible. The water's edge, the small town feel, and a lighthouse drew me right in to Prince Edwards Island (PEI.) Second, the characters are lovable and realistic. From Natalie to Justin's mom, I enjoyed getting to know each one. Third, Liz Johnson is a fabulous writer. One of the things I like most about Natalie is that she's carrying baggage. Real baggage, and she struggles to deal with it. Fourth, I love the community on PEI. The people are real. There are loving folks and town gossips. Helpful and harmful—true to small town living. This is my favorite book in the series. And just for the record, Justin is a sweetheart. This is a fantastic summer read, and can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you'll want to read the series. I can actually say that I missed the characters after I finished the book. I'd love to see what happens to them in the future! 5 Stars! I received this book for free.

Fiction Book Review: Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson

Book: Description:

In her kitchen at Rose's Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.

Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets.

When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart.

My Review:

I absolutely loved When Two Hearts Meet. Once I started reading I had a hard time putting it down. There were parts I found myself smiling through, not just smiling but grinning, and others I wanted to cry. This is the second book in the Prince Edward Island Dream series, and I liked it even better than the first. I related so well to Caden Holt's sweet, insecure character. She's someone I'd choose for a friend. And Adam Jacob's story broke my heart. Visiting the island through these characters made me want to go there in person. The other characters who inhabit the island or just popped in for a visit add a great interest to the story. And this isn't just a sweet read, it's a story about courage, love, and honor with a great element of trust. For me, this is the perfect book to curl up with and get lost in. The Red Door Inn is a lovely place to visit and I look forward to book three in the summer of 2017. I received this book for free from Revell Publishing.

Fiction Book Review: The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Book Description:
Marie Carrington is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle's Victorian B and B--and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn't expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they've got--and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

My Review:

I totally enjoyed The Red Door Inn. Liz Johnson's description of Prince Edward Island drew me in as soon as Marie stepped off the ferry. I loved the references to Anne of Green Gables. Liz did a super job weaving some of Anne's characteristics into Marie. Going through the ups and downs of restoring the inn from a dilapidated building to a beautiful place for the hurting, the lonely, and the loved was a delight. I enjoyed the characters and their stories. Along with Marie and Seth, you'll meet Jack, a dear man missing his wife and seeking to fulfill a promise. By the time I finished this beautiful story filled with faith and hope, I wanted to book a night at the inn. If you're looking for a pleasant read with a compelling story, check out The Red Door Inn. This is the first in a series. I can't wait for book 2.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.