Just Maybe by Crystal Walton

Just Maybe is a great, clean, contemporary work of fiction. This is the third book in the Home in You series. I saw an underlying theme of redemption in this book. Both Quinn and Cooper have to face redemption in their own lives and I think that they are their own biggest stumbling blocks.

Quinn is a journalist for a struggling magazine. She wants nothing more than to land the big story that will prove she is worthy of the editor's position so that she can revitalize the magazine and protect her jobs of her co-workers. She is assigned the impossible task of getting an interview with Cooper Anderson, the Top Entrepreneur of the Year, a man who refuses all interviews. In fact, he despises journalists.

Through a misunderstanding, Quinn finds herself in a position to get the story she needs but under false pretenses. Cooper begins to see Quinn as indispensable. Quinn quickly discovers that returning to her home town is much more difficult than expected.

The hardest part for me was reading about the character with Alzheimer's. I lost my grandma to dementia far sooner than we lost her to death. It is such a painful experience to watch a loved one start to forget. I definitely experienced my share of some of the moments of confusion and the moments of lucidity. 

Despite the painful moments, I really enjoyed reading Quinn and Cooper's story. Sometimes, I was cheering them on and at others I wanted to shake some sense into them. This is a great story full of poignant glimpses, missed opportunities, confrontations and redemption.

A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese

Nicole Deese never fails to create a story that draws me in. A New Shade of Summer is a continuation of the Love in Lenox series; the third in the series. It could be read as a stand alone, but would definitely have some spoilers for book 2.

Davis is a strong and level guy, maybe even no fuss. His most recent relationship did not end the way he had hoped. He, in turn, has devoted his time and energy to his veterinary practice. Davis's son, once an amazing student, is making bad choices at school.

Callie comes breezing into town in a worn down vehicle. She intends to stay with her sister while working on a mural project in town. She is shocked to find out that her sister's perfect world isn't as perfect as she always thought. 

Through an unfortunate misunderstanding, Callie and Davis start off on the wrong foot. She braves the rift when a dog is injured and Davis is the only one in town that can help.

Throughout the story, it is Davis's patience and kindness that really got me. Offsetting his calm, is Callie, a force of nature and color. I loved watching the story unfold. They had friends on their side, I think Shep was my favorite. They also had others who were working against them. 

If you are looking for a modern romance with a clean story line and realistic characters, this is the author for you. Don't miss this opposites attract summer romance!

Begin Again by Crystal Walton

When I started reading Begin Again, it felt a lot like the first book. Drew was the reserved one trying to overcome past hurts while trying to save his father's heritage and Ti was the one pushing his boundaries. There was even the spunky senior, Grandma Jo.

However, the more I got into the book, the more I realized that it was its own story. I think that I love this one even more than Write Me Home. I could hear the New York sass pour out of Ti. She was be choice a superficial person, so that she could hide all the deep hurts started by her parents and perpetuated by every male relationship that followed; until Drew.

Drew reminds me of my husband. Someone who is thoughtful about his approach to life. He analysis and processes how to take care of the people in his life. Drew demonstrates a love and patience that is not often found. Despite the cost to himself, he continues to deliver what he feels the other person needs. He isn't perfect and some of his responses are quick and selfish. For those he loves, it is a steady love.

Ti battles issues of sexual abuse, forgiveness, belonging and love. While other characters also tackle neglect and love. Faith played a stronger role, as you will see characters battling with their understanding of a loving God.

This was definitely my kind of story and I am eager to read the next story, Just Maybe.

Write Me Home by Crystal Walton

Write Me Home centers around a run down summer camp. Cassidy is intent on repairing the damage to the facility so that she can sell the camp. The money from the sell of the camp will go to paying off the lien on her mother's business, which also contains her residence. She is unpleasantly surprised by some of the challenges she faces. One of them is a man named Ethan.

Ethan has spent the last several years as far away from his hometown as possible. He is burdened by his past and everyone in that small town knows his story. Yet, his grandmother's health draws him back. In an attempt to salvage his grandmother's pride, he makes a business deal with Cassidy that allows him to stay at the camp. Close enough to help his grandmother without making her feel like he was taking over.

It's hard not to fall in love with Ethan and Cassidy right away. Ethan turns out to be a hard working handyman who lends his strength and presence to all the projects at Cassidy's camp. There are many roadblocks that get in their way. I found myself rooting for my favorite characters every time the odds were against them.

I just finished reading Write Me Home and am a first time reader of Crystal Walton. This contemporary fiction is well written. I loved the clean romance and elements of mystery. There are elements of faith present, but not in a pushy way.  The characters were well thought. They have layers and personal flaws that make them feel like someone you might know. They struggle with issues that many people face. My favorite part of any book is an uplifting ending and Write Me Home didn't disappoint. It is always a good indication when I am sad that a story ended and thrilled that the next book is already written.   If you enjoy a good contemporary story, you should definitely read this one.

Better Together by Kimberly Stuart

Heidi now has a 5 year old daughter, who is starting kindergarten. She turned down returning to work because she plans on having a second child. But life, doesn't always follow our plans. Heidi distracts herself with all sorts of drama. She begins pushing away all of the people that matter most. Only time will tell if she will emerge unscathed from her self-imposed drama.


Heidi's husband Jake is amazingly patient with all her levels of crazy. He gives her space. He tries to help shoulder the burdens of their life. He encourages her to move on when their plans don't work out as expected. Only time will tell if his patience will last or if he will have enough.


Great things are in store for Heidi's friends Annie and Willow. Maybe it's jealousy that leads Heidi to create the mess of her relationships that ensue. Only time will tell...

Better Together is a contemporary Christian fiction novel. I enjoyed reading this edition of Heidi's story much more than the first. It is probably because my life is closer to this story line than one with a newborn. Ms. Stuart really captures the feeling of life with a little one, the moments of stress and joy in a marriage and the vagaries of close friendships. At times poignant and others humorous, this book has a great flow. The romance elements are clean and the subject matter is addressed in a way that even my pre-teen daughter could read and enjoy the story. There is a spiritual element to the story that is evident but not forced. Heidi helps remind us all that life is messy but so worth the effort.