HARPER'S WISH by CERELLA SECHRIST

Harper Worth finds herself out of a job because of a critique she did of a restaurant. She decides to move back to Findlay Roads with her sister to start over. She starts looking for a job in the quaint little town and finds herself at the Rusty Anchor. It's a small restaurant compared to the ones she is accustomed  to dining  at and doing critiques for.  Harper is desperate for a job and soon finds herself trying out for a position as a server at the restsurant.

Connor Callahan is the owner /chef of the Rusty Anchor. He observes Harper working hard to keep up with the orders.  He calls her into his office and Harper thinks she is going to be offered the job. To her surprise , Connor is angry and lashes out at her. It's funny how your past can catch up with you. Connor reminds her of a very harsh review she did for a restaurant that essentially closed the place down and ruined the owner's life. Can you guess who that owner was?

As the story progresses, Harper has been hired full time at the restaurant because Connor is in dire need of help. He tells her it is hard to compete with the other restaurants in the area. The tourists want to dine at fancy places and Connor needs a plan to get his restaurant back on the map. Can Harper help him re establish his restaurant and get his confidence back? Will the locals and tourists find the Rusty Anchor a place that has the best food in town ?

The author does a great job with the banter between the two characters. It's almost like a love, hate relationship. Will romance blossom between Connon and Harper? Connor starts Harper off doing dirty chores around the restaurant . It seems he hasn't quite forgiven her for  the past. I loved when Connor says," If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."

If you are looking for a funny story filled with intrigue, determination and a light romance, this book will not disappoint. Be prepared to smile as you read, and believe in second chances.

I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads giveaway for an honest review.

DODGING DESTINY by DERINDA BABCOCK

Lexie Logan is upset as she awaits her family's return home. She has upsetting news and isn't sure if she made the right decision. As her family listens intently, she tells them that she has broken her engagement to Lance. They are surprised and ask her why she broke the engagement . Lexie tells them that Lance wanted to go to Guatemala and have her by his side as they become missionaries .

Her brother comes to her and says, "what does God want you to do?" She told him that she hasn't asked Him yet. But she knows why she hasn't asked the Lord. "Because I'm afraid , Lord! I'm afraid the answer you'll give me isn't what I want to hear." How many times have we done the same thing? We don't ask because we are afraid of the answer. She knows that her place is to be with Lance and become a missionary, but she can't go. She feels she has valid reasons why she shouldn't go and tries to justify her reason to break up with Lance. How many of us hear the call on our life and find excuses to ignore Him?

Lexi dismisses her encounter with God and heads to the university to put her application in for the Master of Arts program. She is told that there will be a little wait before she can speak with a counselor. Lexi decides to go to the library to wait. She grows tired and lays her hear down to rest. Much to her surprise when she wakes up , she is in a strange place. She finds herself in the Kansas prairie in the year 1857.

This begins a journey for Lexi that will bring her face to face with wagon trains, a family that takes her in and an unforgettable story of faith, forgiveness,  second chances  and realizing she can't run from God or her destiny. Will she allow God to show her that she can fulfill her destiny? Can Lexi minister to these people who have opened their home to her?

The author has written a story rich in history and reminds us of the struggles of men and women long ago. Lexi faces many obstacles and sometimes cries out to God  begging Him to let her go home. The story weaves biblical lessons and scriptures that capture the essence of God's love and plans for us. I am so thankful I was able to read this moving story that has a message for everyone. "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network for an honest review.

NOTHING VENTURED by JANE OLDAKER

The story is about a woman determined to build  a high-end housing development. Such a big dream for a woman who is essentially on her own,  some people may think. That doesn't stop Molly for going full speed ahead. Molly needs to find someone that will help her go forward with the building with much needed funds.  She meets Paul, who will hopefully be her answer to building this big project . The author touches on the strained relationship between Molly and her dad, which explains her determination to do the impossible task some people think she won't finish.

There is romance blooming between Molly and Paul  that makes the story fun as they explore their feelings. At times it seemed like maybe they were holding back a bit. Is it possible they have secrets they are hiding from each other? Molly's character was very well developed . The author shows how working in a "man's world " can sometimes be difficult but Molly had such heart and enthusiasm for the project which helped get respect from others who had doubted her.

The book at times did slow a little but overall the story was written with characters who were inspiring and fun to read about. It was a light hearted book that is perfect for an enjoyable day to relax , get comfortable and enjoy a well written story .

I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review.

DOVER PARK by BRUCE FOTTLER

Jim and Sara lead a quiet life with their two sons. Everything seems to be going well for them until Jim gets a mysterious call one day. The caller on the line is  saying they are Jim's  daughter. Jim is beside himself and can't explain the weird calls to his wife. There is a knock on the door one day and there stands a young girl who says her name is Rachel. She says she is Jim's daughter and seems to know a lot about the family. Who is this girl? Rachel is upset because Jim keeps denying he is her father. Rachel doesn't understand why the house she grew up in looks so different. She says she wants to come home and has nowhere else to go.  Can you say bizarre? Where did Rachel come from? The story at this point takes a twist so unexpected that I had to read faster to see what was going to happen next.

As I started reading more of the story, I suddenly felt like I was reading a script from "The Twilight Zone."  The author had me so engrossed in the book, I couldn't put it down. The characters are so well written and very convincing , I wasn't sure who was telling the truth at times. As Jim keeps everybody believing that Rachel is not his daughter, a new layer to the story unfolds. Will the real father please stand up?

I love a good mystery that has plots that follow a twisting road and this book is packed with twists and turns and layers of secrets that will blow you away. The story was drawing to a close when I suddenly realized that the author had brilliantly written a mystery so perfect that no one will ever see the end coming. The last few chapters will have you questioning who is really telling the truth? Be prepared for the explosive ending that was masterfully written with more then just a girl trying to reconnect to her father. I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a mystery thriller.  It is not your typical mystery where it is easy to figure out. It is a well crafted story that has everything that will have reader wanting  to read more from this author.

I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review.