{Book Review:} Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

My Review:
An endearing contemporary!

This is the first book I've read from Bylin and I have to say I'm impressed. Her style is smooth and it draws you deeper into the story. I loved the condors! I'd heard about the incredible, near-extinction birds from somewhere else, but Bylin's novel took my knowledge to another level. The condors slipped into the story so seamlessly that they didn't take up too much space, nor did I feel they were lacking attention.

Kate is a seemingly typical control-freak with a bruised heart. All her life she has lost people she deeply cares about due to circumstances beyond her control. She's a character I could easily sympathize with, but I couldn't relate to her problems. There were so many times I wanted to shake her silly! Nick too for that matter. Kate's transformation from an unbeliever to a believer in God is slow and realistic. She asks many questions common coming from an unbeliever. They're good questions. They're hard questions too. Yet Nick responds with grace and patience every time, being honest with Kate when he doesn't know all the answers.

In sum, Bylin's newest release from Bethany House isn't a personal favorite; however it's a delightful story about giving up control of your life to your Creator. I recommend this novel to those who enjoy contemporary novels set in small towns, and those looking for a novel with a deeper message. I recommend to readers ages fifteen and older.

I received this book from Bethany House through Netgalley in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

Back Cover:
Contemporary Romance to Make You Laugh, Cry, and Fall in Love

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: "God, if you're real, I want to know you." 

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to fall in love with one of the locals. 

Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow: no dating for a year. And it's a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby...

{Book Review:} Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell

My Review:
A charming novel set in the Roaring Twenties!

I was swept back in time to the interesting era known as the Roaring Twenties in Mitchell's new book, Love Comes Calling. I loved seeing the events and culture filtered through Ellis. I personally think Mitchell did a fantastic job capturing the feel of the times as well as portraying characters that mold to their surroundings. Places, characters, they all jumped off the page and played out like a movie in my imagination.

Ellis is easily distracted. This annoyed me at first but as I pushed further into the story I accepted that this was Ellis's personal quirk. I had no idea until I read the author's note at the end what was behind it. But all quirks aside, Ellis believes so many lies about herself. I ached for her over and over, especially after encounters with her family. I think she's a great example of a self-fulfilling prophecy. She believed she couldn't do anything right and thus she never could. You have to have confidence in yourself.

This is my first read from Mitchell and it definitely won't be the last! I'm very impressed with Mitchell's writing style and I loved meeting her characters. I have another of her books on my shelf, waiting to be read. I think I'll double my efforts to get to it soon. ;-) I recommend this book to readers fifteen and older. As far as content to know about, this is a book set in the Roaring Twenties and both drinking and smoking is mentioned consistently. There is also mention of an indiscretion before marriage.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks! 

Back Cover:
A girl with the best of intentions.
A heart set on Hollywood.
An empty pocketbook.

That's all it takes for Ellis Eton to find herself working as a telephone operator for a look-alike friend. For Ellis, this job will provide not only acting practice but the funds to get her a start in the movies. She's tired of always being a disappointment to her traditional Boston family, and though she can't deny the way he makes her head spin, she knows she's not good enough for Griffin Phillips, either. It's simple: avoid Griff's attentions, work, and get paid. But in typical Ellis fashion, her simple plan spirals out of control when she overhears a menacing phone call...with her very own Griff as the target.