About the Book

Book: Blessings in the Bargain

Author: Kari Trumbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 27, 2022

Despite a career in logistics, Courtney is unprepared to get lost at sea…

A fated trip to the docks with her closest pal Annie leads to disaster. Ship Captain Lex Ford agrees to take Courtney and two of her friends on what was to be a quick trip to test a new boat. A dangerous storm traps them against a reef, damaging communications and stranding them at sea.

Lex knew this was a bad idea…

He hated having people on his ship with him. Ever since his partner left, he doesn’t share his life with anything but the seagulls. So, when Courtney’s friend Rafe offers him a deal on a new boat, he’d rather ignore the offer.

His heart isn’t ready for how he feels about Courtney, and watching her brave the elements after the storm makes him want to protect her. But the last woman he loved just walked away. And what about their age gap? He’s far older than her. The Lord is good at turning bad situations for good, but can even He make this mess right?

This Breakers Head novel is Kari Trumbo’s final 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

Kari Trumbo is the creator and co-author of the best-selling Christian Historical Romance series, Cutter’s Creek; selling over 200,000 copies. She has published over 45 titles in seven series. When she’s not writing, editing, plotting, or managing, she home schools her children and pretends to keep up with them. She loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up with a fluffy blanket when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with my husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.

MY REVIEW

With a well known theme from a television show, I joined Captain Lex, Courtney, Annie and Rafe on a three hour tour around the islands. Lex was already having misgivings about the trip when out in the middle of the water, disaster strikes. I loved how quickly the author brought excitement to the story with a dangerous storm approaching the group who seems to be drifting out to sea. It oddly sounds familiar to me, but I was intrigued to see where the author would take our group as they face danger.

I am thrilled to be here for the unveiling of Courtney. She has been in the series but often in the background. She isn’t much of a people person and her insecurity holds her back. After what she went through at her job I can understand how hard it is for her to trust anyone. I know how she feels thinking that everyone is looking at you, judging you and making you feel worthless. It is a struggle to overcome this but this story illustrates who we need to turn to when we are at out lowest.

Lex knows what it is like to think you have a great relationship and then suddenly one day a note destroys your dreams. It broke my heart to see how hurt Lex was. He seems to try to steer away from everyone but being on the boat with three other people may help him realize he is not alone in the world. As Courtney and Lex try to survive the situation they are in, I just knew that something good was going to happen for them.

I like how the author is able to talk about the storms we each face. With the group stuck out in the water they had to endure a storm that took them off course. We each have been through storms that take us away from our comfort zone. One of the things the story touches on is how we can fall into the trap of isolating ourselves. We become so scared to trust because we have been hurt that we don’t want to let anyone in. Trusting others is difficult but we need to let go of our doubts and allow others to help us. On the boat the group start to work together to find a way to be rescued. We can be rescued from our storm by calling out to Jesus.

One of the best parts of this book is when Courtney opens up to Lex about her past. As she tells him about her depression and how the church she use to go to treated her, I cried. Yes I too have been judged by people in church because I have depression and anxiety. Many people don’t understand it and want to blame you for not getting better. It was sad to read that the church Courtney went to was judgmental because she wanted to get therapy. This pushed her away from everyone. I appreciate how the author approaches depression in a sensitive way.

I have loved this story starting with the storm that stranded people and how they each found how strong they are. They worked together and allowed each other to share their struggles. We see how Courtney deals with social anxiety. It has affected her for years and slowly with help from her friends and faith she starts to see that there is hope. The relationship between Lex and Courtney was nice and grounded in faith. They didn’t allow the stigma of an age difference to stop them from finding happiness with each other. When each character let go of doubt, fear and trust issues, they found peace and a God who is always there.

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