Friday, March 11, 2022

blended lives

About the Book

Book: Blended Lives

Author: Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 22, 2022

Sparrow-2-WARDWELL-Blended-lives-663x1024 Wedding bells are ringing on the islands, but more than romance is in the air.

Seth Mikels experienced a fulfilling marriage with his wife until her sudden death left him alone to raise their two daughters. As they approach their teens, it’s obvious that they need a woman’s influence. He’s not looking for love, but he could use the partnership of a wife. Between his handyman business and playing Mr. Mom, time is fading fast.

Sarah Reid has spent the last four years caught in the middle of one island drama after another. Following the most recent fiasco, she hopes to find refuge on Sparrow Island with her two little boys. Climbing bills and a dwindling bank account leaves her no choice but to sell out and move to the mainland. Enter Seth’s handyman skills and an unexpected romance.

With Beth and Scott planning their own Merriweather wedding (complete with a Momzilla), will wedding bells ring out on Sparrow, too?

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Melissa-Wardwell-768x768 Melissa Wardwell doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee.

When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.

To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com

More from Melissa

I want to thank you for taking the time to follow this tour. This book was written during one of the most difficult times in my life but, as Beth said, God has turned the mourning into gladness. We are never promised the next breath we breathe or the freedoms that we enjoy, but He does promise that will be with us through every change in our lives.

Sarah and Seth’s stories are tragic and unimaginable for many. They have been brought to the lowest points in their lives but must continue to move on for their children.

Writing this story helped me work through some of my own struggles. Some areas of my life were burning to the ground and I found myself looking for answers as to how to pick up the pieces. Instead, God taught me some pretty important lessons.

I learned to be a woman who spoke clear and true. I learned to show the people around me how much I love them and appreciate them. I learned that only God could fix those broken pieces of our lives and stitch them back together. And lastly, I learned of the beauty of friendship and how important it is in our daily lives. Even though I am glad that journey is over, I will forever cherish the lessons.

I think Gram summed it up nicely for me though.

“When we blend our lives with others, whether in marriage or friendships, we open the door to carry each other’s burdens in life. God gives us certain friendships to help us through tough times to teach us how to be a shoulder for others.”

Fiction is a reflection of reality, so expect some of the lessons I learned to be reflected in Blended Lives as Sarah and Seth figure out how to navigate the changes I put them through.

MY REVIEW

The author has delivered a book that shows how much she has grown in her writing and accomplished a spot on my best of 2022 book list. The characters in this series are like family to me and I couldn’t wait to see who the author would feature in her book. Before you start reading, grab some tissues, a comfy blanket and your favorite beverage. Now that you have everything you need, let’s find out what is going on at Sparrow Island.

Sarah is having a hard time trying to manage raising two boys on her own, paying bills and overcoming her past. It hasn’t been easy for her since chaos seems to follow her. I liked how the author illustrates the ups and downs of being a single parent. My heart went out to Sarah as she struggles with making ends meet. Her boys are everything to her but you can tell she feels like she is letting them down. Keeping everything inside she is good at pretending that everything is fine. Oh I know what that is like. I have always been a loner. I’m pretty friendly and outgoing, but I don’t share much of my private life. Sarah has a tendency to not trust anyone which holds her back from finding friendship. I have learned over the last several years just how important friendship is. This story reminded me that when I opened up I was blessed with two very special friends who have become so precious to me.

Seth is a single parent raising two daughters. Losing his wife has been devastating not only for him but his daughters as well. I won’t go into all the details of how Sarah gets a job helping Seth out because that is a special part of the story. Two people each facing difficult situations form an unlikely friendship that somehow seems to work. Oh it isn’t all fun and happiness for these two. Let’s take one jealous opinionated young girl who is determined to make sure that Sarah is not welcomed in their home. Seth has his hands full trying to play referee between his girls, Sarah and her boys. Can we all just get along guys?

The story also brings in Scott and Beth who I have adored since first meeting them. They are still trying to set a date for their wedding but a certain someone’s mother is wanting to take over the event.I like how Scott is willing to compromise to make Beth happy. I did like how Scott and Beth both minister to Sarah and Seth. Their wisdom is faith based and both want to see these two happy.

Thanks to the author for writing a story that reminded me how blessed I am to have special friends in my life. Sarah and Seth may have complications in their life but through prayer and trust they discover a second chance at happiness.

“ All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.