Gentle Stories of Hope -- Mountain Lake Minnesota Trilogy

I can't remember when I first ran across the name Kim Vogel Sawyer -- but I'm so glad I did!

I can't remember the first book written by Kim Vogel Sawyer that I read -- but I know I enjoyed it because . . . how could you not!

I can't remember when I discovered the Mountain Lake Minnesota trilogy -- but I added those three books to my collection, and at some point found out they were the first novels she published. I hate to say this, but they somehow got pushed behind other newer books on my shelves, and I never got around to reading them.

Just recently I corrected that big mistake, pulled the books out and read the ones that started it all. Just as I expected, even if Kim was new to the game, she knew all those years ago how to write gentle stories of hope -- something she is still doing today and just getting better and better at! 

These stories follow the lives of a set of characters and will be best enjoyed by being read in order. Along the way, there are difficulties and challenges to be faced, but love, faith, and hope pave the way to great blessings! So I would recommend that as you are looking for great reading material, picking up this series from one of the best -- Kim Vogel Sawyer -- is definitely a good move! 

A Seeking Heart

Part 1 in the Mountain Lake Series

It’s 1917, and Samantha O’Brien, seventeen years old, runs away from Wisconsin to Minnesota to escape a drunkard father and broken home. She is accepted with open arms into the Klaassen family, German-Mennonites who show both love and patience to this lonely and defensive girl. Samantha’s fractured childhood and its devastating losses make it difficult for her to accept the Klaassen’s genuine care and concern, because she’s sure nobody can love the likes of her. But with prayer, time and love, the family—including the young and handsome Adam Klaassen—begins to break through Samantha’s walls.

A Heart Surrenders

Part 2 in the Mountain Lake Series

All David has ever wanted was love and security. He believes he can attain his desire by winning the heart of Josie Klassen. But Josie’s love for someone else casts a shadow on David’s dream, making him question if love is possible for someone like him. Can David set aside his own ideas and fears and open his heart to the one God has planned for him?

When a Heart Cries

Part 3 in the Mountain Lake Series

Their beloved little home was full of love . . . but it still felt empty.              Samantha and Adam Klassen started married life in the cozy little home built into the hill at the back of the Klaassen family farm. When they began looking forward to their own family, they knew they would need a real house with more room.                                                                                                But now the silent bedrooms in the farmhouse built with such love and hopefulness by her husband haunt Samantha’s days and nights. Why does God not see her yearnings for a child and answer the nearly constant prayers? And watching her sisters-in-law joyfully welcoming new little ones into their homes while her own arms lay empty nearly does her in. Does God even listen when a heart cries so fervently and long?

A Heartfelt WWII Novel -- This Promise Remains

About the Book

An unfinished story, souls shaped by war, and a legacy that binds them all.

Hugh and Madelyn Lenning have been married just two days when Hugh is drafted into World War II. While her husband fights overseas, Madelyn dares to pursue her long-buried dream of attending art school and creating something meaningful with her life.

But when Hugh returns home, the war has followed him. Haunted by invisible scars and a bloodstained journal he refuses to open, he struggles to keep the past at bay. As Madelyn tries to understand the man her husband has become, the future they once imagined begins to slip through her fingers.

Decades later, a beloved children’s story finds its way into the hands of a woman consumed by grief, regret, and years of careful self-protection. Drawn by its quiet power, she begins to question the life she’s spent years hiding from—and the promise she failed to keep.

As past and present begin to intertwine, they must decide whether some stories are meant to stay hidden or be carried forward with courage.                                                                                        

My Thoughts

This Promise Remains is Darcy Schock's debut novel but is written with the touch of a well-experienced writer.          

Darcy's story is built around events that happened during WWII and the impact they made on several people during that time period -- and even moreso for decades following the war. She  seamlessly moves back and forth through those years as she tells of hurt, trauma, disillusionment, and misunderstandings but also of hope, faith, light, growth, and restoration. The skill she uses in telling their stories draws you into the characters' lives, not simply as an outside observer but to the point of finding yourself sharing their feelings as well. The problems are raw, tough, not easily dealt with, and the solutions echo real life rather than made-up fairy-tale endings.   

I highly recommend This Promise Remains to anyone looking for a well-written inspirational story sure to warm your heart.                                                                                                                                                              

About the Author

Darcy Schock writes heartfelt fiction shaped by faith, grace, and the honest complexities of life. A small-town girl at heart, she loves coffee, the smell of new books, and quiet moments where stories take root. She lives with her husband and daughters in rural Illinois, nestled among the trees.

A Story of Love and Family -- Where We Belong

About the Book

The life of Hester Haak, a widow with no children of her own, takes an unexpected turn when she opens her Kansas home to children from the bustling streets of New York City. The orphan asylum has entrusted her with two sisters and a young boy, and Hester is determined to provide a safe and loving environment for them. Despite the looming uncertainty of their stay, she rises to the challenge, embracing the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.

Meanwhile, Callum Holbrook is grappling with the loss of his wife and the despair that followed. Unable to provide for his family, he made the heart-wrenching decision to place his daughters in an orphanage, promising it was only temporary. Now, with a stable job and a renewed sense of purpose, Callum is horrified to learn that his daughters have been sent halfway across the country. Fueled by determination and love, he embarks on the difficult journey to bring them back.

Through their struggles and triumphs, Hester and Callum discover that family and love can be found in the most surprising places—and that the journey home is paved with hope.

My Thoughts

Where We Belong is another touching story of hope from Kim Vogel Sawyer. As is always true in her books, her characters come alive and draw you into their lives -- the joy, the love, the loss, the fear. Her storytelling abilities capture the readers immediately and make it hard to put the book down.

The orphan train setting and the difficult choices connected with it definitely helped drive my feelings and emotions as I read the story, causing me to care about the characters and want the best for all of them -- whatever that best might turn out to be. Hester is a woman of strong faith and has a large dose of love to share. Callum has suffered great loss and pretty much lost the faith he had enjoyed in the past. The children are victims of difficult circumstances and not sure what their futures hold. Somehow, though, there was always hope, and I couldn't wait to see how that hope could be realized for everyone concerned. Watching the individual characters develop and grow toward that end made for a very engaging story.

I highly recommend Where We Belong to fans of great Christian historical fiction. I was gifted an early copy of the book and am happy to share my thoughts.

About the Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer is an award-winning, bestselling author with more than 1.5 million books in print in seven languages. Her work has received numerous awards, including the ACFW Carol Award and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She lives in central Kansas with her husband, Don, and enjoys writing stories of hope, petting cats, and spending time with her family.

Sweet Story of Love and Healing -- Harbor Pointe

 

About the Book

When life throws you off pointe, love helps you find your balance.

As a principal dancer with a prestigious New York ballet company, Devyn Lee is far from her hometown of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. But when a family emergency compels her to return, her visit turns into an extended stay after complications arise.

Widowed mill worker Aaron Steele pays no attention to the buzz in Hope Harbor about the famous dancer in town. Until his grieving nine-year-old daughter takes a fancy to Devyn after she agrees to help with a fundraising show for a local charity in which the young girl is performing. As the show--and Devyn--begin to lift his daughter's spirits, his own life is brightened by the beautiful ballerina as she slowly but surely captures his heart.

But what are the odds that such an accomplished, polished woman from the city could ever fall for a small-town lumberman with two left feet?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

My Thoughts

If I've said it once, I've said it at least a dozen times (and that's because there are now 12 books in the series), there is something very special about a trip to Hope Harbor.

Irene Hannon has created a special little town on the Oregon coast where the characters and their stories are so real that you feel at home when you open the next book. As is always the case in Hope Harbor, you will find Charley, the taco maker and town fountain of wisdom, a seagull couple named Floyd and Gladys who always manage to appear at just the right time, the friendly banter between a couple of clergymen who help keep townspeople and each other in line, as well as many other residents and visitors of the community.

In Harbor Pointe, Devyn, a professional ballerina with a fabulous career in New York, has come home to Hope Harbor temporarily to help her sister who is recovering from a serious accident. Aaron is a widowed lumberman concentrating on his work and raising his young daughter. Both find themselves dealing with loss and hurts from difficult family dynamics but not necessarily looking for any new relationships. Martin, Diane, and their son Lucas are suffering from long-time relational and business issues that have torn their family apart. 

As she does so masterfully, Irene brings all these characters -- and more -- to life and draws readers into their lives and stories. Through beautifully engaging storytelling, she crafts a series of personal and community happenings that provide a setting where "hearts heal and love blooms."

I highly recommend Harbor Pointe to anyone who enjoys contemporary sweet romance. Like all the other books in the series, this can be read as a standalone, so if you are a first-time reader in the series, you won't be lost. But I would expect that after reading this story, you will want to go back and read the previous 11 books and learn to love Hope Harbor even more.

(And in case you are interested, here are a couple of my favorite lines in the book:  "Yes, more stories are coming -- by popular demand!" and "Hope Harbor #13 will release in April 2027.")

I was very excited to be a member of the launch team for this book and am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 65 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at IreneHannon.com.

Love at First Sight . . . or Second Sight . . . or whenever? -- When They Met Again

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When They Met Again by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: When They Met Again 
Series: Letters from Lancaster County 
Author: Leslie Gould 
Publisher: Bethany House 
Release Date: March 17, 2026 
Genre: Fiction / Romance / Amish / Contemporary

A gently humorous just friends romance from Leslie Gould, threaded with heart-deep characters and the timeless traditions of simple Amish life. 

It's love at first sight for Adam Slaybaugh, yet while Joanna Grebel finds him attractive and is intrigued when he declares his interest, she's less certain of the potential for a romantic future together. Instead, she proposes they be "just friends," but Adam's not willing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship. In response, he leaves Lancaster County for Florida, and soon after, Joanna begins courting Jacob Byer--someone she deems a much more suitable match. 

When Adam returns to Lancaster County years later to pursue a career in his grandparents' successful home renovation business, he finds Joanna suffering from a broken heart. Misunderstandings and matchmaking schemes begin a tender journey of healing and romance--but is Adam's love enough to finally win Joanna over?  

For readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray, a sweet Amish romance with matchmaking grandmas and themes of enemies to lovers, he falls first, and love at first sight versus "just friends."  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

---

My Review

Leslie Gould ‘s When They Met Again was another delightful Amish story from an author whose work I have enjoyed several times. The book is written around an ongoing love story -- or maybe several -- worked into the pages, but at some points figuring out how things will work out is anyone’s guess. Joanna and Adam both have so many directions to go and decisions to make, and finding the right ones certainly makes their lives complicated. Family and friend connections add important and challenging pieces to the puzzle. 

There are places where it seems parts of the story are a little disjointed, and the jumping from one element to another can be a little hard to follow. But that causes very little distraction to the story and keeps the many characters and situations moving along to the resolution.

I would recommend When They Met Again to true fans of Amish fiction. I have not had an opportunity to read the other books in this series but would love to enjoy those in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my own opinion.

---

About the Author

Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including multiple Amish fiction series. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren. Learn more at LeslieGould.com.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card plus a copy of The Shop Down the Lane and When They Met Again!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 16, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Little Amish, A Little Mennonite, A Little English -- A Hidden Hope

About the Book

Book: A Hidden Hope

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Amish Fiction
Release Date: October 7, 2025

Supervising two newly minted medical residents might be the toughest challenge Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus has ever faced. Wren Baker, sharp and ambitious, graduated at the top of medical school with a hidden agenda in tow. Charlie King, at the bottom of the class, is determined to succeed–though Dok isn’t convinced he’s got what it takes. Then there’s traveling nurse Evie Miller, whose quiet love for Charlie doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by Wren.

Boarding at Windmill Farm, the trio struggles to balance modern medicine with plain living. Between medical emergencies, cultural misunderstandings, and brewing romantic tensions, Dok finds herself juggling far more than she bargained for. Soon the stage is set in the small Amish community of Stoney Ridge for plenty of professional and personal complications.

Click here to get your copy.

My Thoughts

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an Amish author whose books I have enjoyed reading for many years now. Her stories are great, her characters are fun to know and usually have quite a story to tell. If you are familiar with her Amish books, you probably won't be surprised to find yourself in the familiar setting of Stoney Ridge with "friends" you have gotten to know as you have visited that location before.

A Hidden Hope has more than one story line going with a variety of characters, but they all fit together as varied pieces off the same puzzle. There are those, of course, who are Amish or who have backgrounds in that culture. There are those with Mennonite connections. And there are those who find themselves in an Amish community with no previous knowledge at all of Plain lifestyles. Each of them has their own personal and/or professional challenges to work out and lots of lessons -- with some surprises -- to learn along the way. There are even some twists that you may or may not pick up on until the story nears its end!

I highly recommend A Hidden Hope to fans of great Amish fiction. Thanks to Celebrate Lit for providing a copy of the book. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances and Amish fiction. Suzanne and her husband live in a small town in northern California. Most friends act a little nervous around her because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

The Kitchen Garden by Suzanne Woods Fisher

“Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow.” Amish proverb

Whenever I visit my Amish friends, I always make a point of wandering out 

to their vegetable gardens to see what’s growing. Their gardens, usually not far from the kitchen, are bigger than most people’s backyards. Gardens, for the Amish, are a family affair. Husbands help their wives ready the soil and add the homebrewed fertilizer (ahem, manure), children help their moms plant, weed, and harvest.

Like so many parts of the Plain life, their value of the home

garden—for the sake of nutrition, for sustenance, for well-being—is a wonderful example to those of us who weren’t farm-raised. They’ve been living a sustainable life filled with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for over four hundred years. The rest of us are just catching on.

One Amish mom told me a story about her daughter, the youngest of seven. “This girl was a born worrier. Whenever she started on her worry loop, I would send her out to weed in the garden. When she came back in, her worries were gone. There’s just something about weeding that helps a soul settle down.”

I could expand that thought a little further. There’s just something about gardening that helps a soul settle down.

So, it’s late on Saturday and I just wrapped up a very long week. I spoke at three book events and finished the first draft (the drafty-draft) of a novel. I can’t stop thinking about the novel. Is it a mess? As tired as I am, tonight I don’t think I’ve got one more word in me—not to speak, not to write. I’m spent! Done. My husband is out for the evening, so I had a few hours alone at home to relax.

What did I do?

I planted in my garden: lettuce and radishes and carrots. As I dug in the spongy soil, I could feel my soul settle. Worry and exhaustion slipped away as I scattered seeds into furrows. Little by little, that wonderful God-given sense of re-creation returned. Tomorrow, I would write again. Time spent in my little garden does that for me. It renews me and gives me a hope for the future.

Or, at the very least, a good salad.

Overnight Blueberry French Toast

On a sunny July morning, we were served this breakfast dish at an Amish friend’s home and my husband couldn’t stop talking about it. You might be shocked at the amount of eggs, but don’t skimp! It’s worth every bite.

12 slices bread cut in 1” cubes
8 oz. cream cheese cut in ¾” cubes

1 ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
12 eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 cups milk

Place half the bread cubes in a 9×13 baking dish. Top with cream cheese blueberries and the remaining bread. Beat eggs, syrup and milk and pour evenly over bread. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until well done.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 7

The Avid Reader, October 7

Maureen’s Musings, October 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 8

Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Devoted To Hope, October 10

lakesidelivingsite, October 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 13

Mary Hake, October 13

She Lives To Read, October 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 15

Empowermoms, October 15

Texas Book-aholic, October 16

Blossom and Blessings, October 16

Vicky Sluiter, October 17

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , October 17

For Him and My Family, October 18

Holly’s Book Corner, October 18

Cover Lover Book Review, October 19

Blogging With Carol, October 20

Southern Gal Loves to Read, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!! 

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! 

Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d270/a-hidden-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Fascinating Romantic Adventure in a National Park -- Capture the Moment

About the Book

Book: Capture the Moment

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 6, 2025

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild.

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

My Thoughts

I first "met" Suzanne Woods Fisher through her Amish books, which I really enjoyed. But she has proven to be every bit as skilled in writing other genres as well. Capture the Moment is a very well-written and engaging story with a fresh plot line and setting and an interesting cast of characters.

The main thread of the story features Kate's attempts and adventures as she tries to get the perfect photo of a famous bear in Grand Teton National Park. But there are lots of twists and turns -- some pretty big twists, in fact -- as she encounters park rangers, eager and not-so-eager teenagers, and other folks who both help and stand in her way of reaching her goal. Those characters add questions and challenges, as well as interesting surprises to her endeavors. They all play compelling roles in the story and keep interest level high from page to page. It is obvious that the author has done her research on the national park, which also helps the reader feel very much present in the setting.

I highgly recommend Capture the Moment to fans of contemporary Christian romance. As this is the beginning of a new series, I look forward to seeing what other national parks Suzanne will take us to visit with her compelling story telling.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for providing a copy of the book. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

A Spark that Lit a Story -- By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places—like a gift shop in Grand Teton National Park. While browsing, I struck up a conversation with a college student who had never set foot outside Alabama until her mom dropped her off for a summer job in the park. One minute, she was home in the Deep South; the next, she was surrounded by towering peaks and moose crossings. Talk about a culture shock.

That conversation lit a spark that eventually became my National Parks Summers series. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fascinating mix of people who work seasonally in national parks. You’ve got fresh-faced college kids on their first big adventure, retirees finally living their bucket-list dreams, and everyone in between. These parks aren’t just natural wonders—they’re crossroads for people from all walks of life, all chasing something unique.

In Capture the Moment, I wanted to explore what happens when people and landscapes collide. Kate Cunningham, a determined zoo photographer, swaps enclosures for the wilds of Grand Teton, chasing an elusive bear and her own sense of purpose. Along the way, Kate meets Grant Cooper, a rugged park ranger with a knack for tracking and a talent for keeping her on her toes.

National parks are more than just beautiful backdrops—they’re places where people find themselves, lose themselves, and sometimes stumble into something extraordinary.

Maybe even love.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 22

By the Book, May 23

Carla’s Book Crush, May 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

Devoted To Hope, May 24

Book Looks by Lisa, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26

lakesidelivingsite, May 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

The Avid Reader, May 28

Blossoms and Blessings, May 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 28

Stories By Gina, May 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 29

Blogging With Carol, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 30

Cover Lover Book Review, May 31

Karen Baney Reviews, May 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

Holly’s Book Corner, June 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 2

Books Less Travelled, June 2

She Lives To Read, June 3

Pause for Tales, June 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 3

Lily’s Corner, June 4

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 4

Giveaway

Click on the link for your chance to win the gift card and book!

Fast-Paced Romantic Suspense -- Two Seconds Too Late

About the Book

Book: Two Seconds Too Late (Jeopardy Falls Series: Book Two)   

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 29, 2025

A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples’ retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman’s location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They’re not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson’s secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can’t bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance ata loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

Dani Pettrey has given us another captivating, fast-paced romantic suspense story in Two Seconds Too Late, the second book in her Jeopardy Falls series. The action takes off full force on the first page and just keeps growing.

The story has a very engaging plot. The development of the mystery, the growing romance element, and the revealing of the characters' backstories all work together to keep you, the reader, on the edge of your seat and guessing about who did what and why they did it. And there is a faith element that flows in a very natural, unforced way. 

Keeping up with all the characters and their connections gets a little tricky at times. There are a few places that feel a little repetitious and slow-moving in providing character details. But all in all this is a high-energy, intriguing story.

Characters and events carry over from the first book in the series, One Wrong Move. While the familiarity of that story lends some background benefit, this second book could easily be read as a standalone. And there are a couple of major cliffhangers at the end of Two Seconds Too Late that definitely have me looking forward to the next installment in this series.

I highly recommend Two Seconds Too Late to fans of great romantic suspense. Thanks to Celebrate Lit for providing a copy of the book. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Author

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Dani loves to mentor aspiring and newly-published authors. Seeing them grow and spread their wings is so rewarding. She recently was awarded ACFW’s Mentor of the Year. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband.

More from Dani

Hi friends! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to stop by and say hi. I deeply appreciate it. I have loved writing Riley and Greyson’s story. They are my favorite couple since Landon and Piper in my Alaskan Courage series. She’s fiery and independent and he is smitten by her, but also fears for her safety and after you read Two Seconds Too Late, you’ll understand why. Taking them out of their regular environment and placing them as a couple at a high-end spa and resort brings on the opportunity to test out their feelings for one another under the guise of playing along. It’s a close proximity, opposites attract, and fake relationship story that tugged at my heart and I hope it’ll tug at yours too.

Every time I release a new book, I get a bunch of questions, which I love. I love sharing more about the story and digging into my hope for it, so I’m sharing several of the questions I get asked most and I wanted to share the answers to them with you. Please feel free to ask any other questions in the comment section below and I’ll respond within a day. Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you enjoy reading Riley and Greyson’s adventure as much as I enjoyed writing it.

1) What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That despite a strong, complexed and nuanced antagonist, that light can come from the darkest places and bring peace or, at the very least, closure to not only the families of the victims but to the hero and/or heroine as well. It might not be perfect, and it certainly doesn’t fix anything, but I still believe in the hero/heroine triumphing over the villain.

2) What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

So many. I would say my top three influencers were Sue Grafton and are Lisa Gardner and Dee Henderson. The three write very different style of stories. Sue perfects the mystery with some edgy suspense scenes. Lisa creates the best or worst, I suppose. They are a force to be reckoned with and I love her twists and surprises. And Dee’s books are paced so well and laid out so methodically. I’ve learned something different, and continue to do so, from these three, excellent authors.

3) Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?

To me it’s a combination of knowing the hero and heroine’s jobs. I like to think about what kind of person would do that job and how it will affect them and the story itself. I also know the setting as it’s a character in  its own right and adds to and affects the story overall. I also know the crime, but I don’t know who did it. I like to leave my options open to see the direction the story goes, and where the investigation leads.

4) What was the biggest challenge this book presented? What about the biggest opportunity?

The balance between what was occurring on the surface in contrast to what was simmering beneath the surface and rising up in subtext. Creating that balance and keeping things on track was interesting, but It provided the perfect opportunity to delve into the deepest part of the characters. Overall, it was tricky to strike the right balance and have the subtly rise to the surface in a natural and authentic way.

Homemade Butterscotch Recipe:

Butterscotch is Riley’s favorite candy & the bane of Greyson’s existence (you’ll see why in the book).

Ingredients:
2 ½ cup sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1/3 tsp. salt
¾ cup water
½ cup molasses
¼ cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
And a little sea salt for an added touch.

Directions:
Put ingredients in pan. Cook mixture to 250 degrees.
Pour into a lined pan with parchment paper and leave it alone.
Sprinkle some sea salt if you’d like.
Let it sit overnight.
Cut it up into squares (a pizza cutter works great) and store in fridge.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, April 23

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 23

The Sacred Line, April 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 24

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 25

Wishful Endings, April 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Inklings and Notions, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 28

Maureen’s Musings, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29

Betti Mace, April 30

Bizwings Book Blog, April 30

Leslie’s Library Escape, May 1

Just Your Average reviews, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 2

Inkwell Inspirations, May 2

Stories By Gina, May 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 3

Cover Lover Book Review, May 4

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 5

Lights in a Dark World, May 5

Pause for Tales, May 6

Roads to Everywhere, May 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book in winner’s choice of eBook or paperback, and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54203