The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston

The Lighthouse at the Cove

Book Summary

Sometimes the road home isn't on a map.

After a painful breakup and a stalled career, journalist Kaiah Ross sets out on a reporting road trip down the East Coast, hoping the miles will help her find her way again. But when car trouble strands her in the postcard-perfect town of Coral Cove, she's forced to stop running--and unexpectedly finds herself drawn into a life that feels like something out of a dream.

Reid Turner has spent years putting others first--his career as a firefighter, his spirited young daughter, Piper, and the small town he's always called home. The last thing he's looking for is a relationship. But from the moment Kaiah arrives, her kindness, warmth, and quiet strength stir something in him he thought was long buried.

When Kaiah agrees to help promote the town's annual "Light the Dark" Festival--a celebration meant to save Coral Cove's historic lighthouse--what begins as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something more. Late nights of planning under string lights, shared laughter over coffee, and quiet, heartfelt moments with Piper begin to weave Kaiah into the fabric of Reid's life . . . and into his heart.

But just as love begins to blossom, Kaiah is faced with an offer that could relaunch her career and take her far from Coral Cove. Now, she's forced to choose between the life she thought she wanted and the unexpected love that's given her a glimpse of home.

My Thoughts

The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston is a sweet story.  There are great characters in the story that include Kaiah, Reid, and Piper.  I also like Reid’s family and Kaiah’s sister, Kam.  Coral Cove is a charming town with friendly, caring residents (for the most part).  I loved the lighthouse with its rich history.  I like that the romance between Kaiah and Reid progressed slowly and included Piper.  Piper was a cutie pie and a scene stealer.  The story does touch on some deeper topics such as grief, a broken heart, and the gravity of a bee allergy. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story along with the cute moments between Piper and Kaiah.  The epilogue provided a satisfying conclusion.  The Lighthouse at the Cove is part of the author’s Coral Cove series, but it can easily be read as standalone.  The Lighthouse at the Cove is an appealing tale with a car in need of repair, an inviting town, an enticing lighthouse, an energetic girl, a bothersome ex-boyfriend, a fun festival, and figuring out the future.

The Lighthouse at the Cove is available from Amazon*.  You can read the first chapter of the book here.  The View from Coral Cove is another book in the Coral Cove series.  You can find Amy Clipston's other novels here.  If you follow Amy Clipston on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for popping by today.  I will be back on Tuesday, December 9 with The Cold Case and the Corpse by Debra Sennefelder. It is the 8th A Food Blogger Mystery. I am off to decorate my next door neighbor's yard for the holidays.  I have a cute snowman display in mind.  I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter

 The Summer of You and Me

Book Summary

Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.

Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.

Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.

But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.

The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

My Thoughts

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter has Maggie Reynolds and her daughter returning to Seabrook Island, South Carolina for the summer.  I found the premise for The Summer of You and Me interesting, but the book failed to draw me in.  The story was overly dramatic in places and unbelievable in others (I rolled my eyes more than once).  It is an emotional story.  Maggie’s feelings ran the gamut as she deals with the grief over her husband’s death (he has been dead for five years) and the new feelings for Josh, her brother-in-law and friend.  I wanted to tell her to pull it together (she has a daughter who needs her and knows when her mother is upset).  I felt the drama with Maggie’s mother was unneeded (there was enough going on). Maggie’s mother behaved like a child, and I do not know why Maggie fell for her mother’s schemes each time.  

The storyline with the deceased husband’s double was predictable thanks to a tidbit the author tossed in that did not flow with the rest of the story.  I tried but I was unable to connect with the characters and it did not help that the story moved at a leisurely pace. The Summer of You and Me is a clean, Christian story (attending church, prayer, no swearing or intimate situations).   I did not feel that the title fit the story because it was not just Maggie and Josh.  There was Maggie’s daughter and Josh’s family (Maggie is staying in her in-law’s home).  I have been branching out to try different authors and genres to get me out of my reading rut.  Unfortunately, The Summer of You and Me was not my cup of tea. While it did not suit me, if the premise appeals to you, I encourage you to download a sample to check it out for yourself.

The Summer of You and Me is available from Amazon.  You can find Denise Hunter's other novels here. The images today are of Seabrook Island, SC where The Summer of You and Me was set.  Denise Hunter has The Second Story Bookshop coming out October 7. Thank you for joining me today.  I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter. My mother and I had a quiet day. She loves her Snoopy Easter Bunny that does the bunny hop and the little woodstock in a decorated egg costume.  Tomorrow, I will be sharing my thoughts on Written in Stone by Paige Shelton.  It is the tenth novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mysteries. I hope that you have a an uplifting day.  I am heading out to run a couple of errands. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter

 Before We Were Us

Book Summary

She can’t remember. He can’t forget.

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

My Thoughts

I found Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter to be a predictable story. It begins the day of Lauren’s accident.  It does not give readers a chance to get to know the characters or their history before the main event.  The story goes back and forth between the present and the months leading up to the Lauren’s accident.  I was not a fan of Lauren.  I found her attitude and behavior frustrating. Lauren was unkind to Jonah (I am being kind with my phrasing). I felt bad for Joanah who was being very patient. I liked Dr. Carson, and there was potential for this character.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pinehaven Lodge and the surrounding area (sounds like a beautiful place to reside and vacation).   I wish the author had captured New Hampshire because, based on the descriptions, the lodge could have been located in any New England state.  The Christian element is light.  There are repetitive details, and the ending was rushed.   I wanted to like Before We Were Us, but I did not.  Unfortunately, Before We Were Us is a forgettable tale.  

Renovated barn for wedding venue

Before We Were Us is available from Amazon*.  While Before We Were Us did not resonate with me, I suggest you download a sample to see if it appeals to you.  You can find Denise Hunter's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am taking a little vacation next week in honor of my birthday. It is not everyday that a person turns fifty-five! I am hoping to pesuade my mother out of the house, so we can go out to dinner (I do not want to cook on my birthday). I have also been burning the candle at both ends, so I plan on relaxing (some cat naps on the couch).  I will return on Tuesday, September 24 with K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend and a cheerful week.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Edge of Dusk by Colleen Coble

 Edge of Dusk

Book Summary

Even though secrets lie off the coast of Rock Harbor, the truth will set Annie Pederson free—if it doesn’t kill her first. Return to the beloved town of Rock Harbor in the first installment of a new series by bestselling suspense author Colleen Coble.

Nine-year-old Annie Pederson’s life changed the night her sister was kidnapped. The two had been outside playing on a dock, and Annie never forgave herself for her role in her sister’s disappearance. Twenty-four years later and now a law enforcement ranger, Annie is still searching for answers as she grieves a new loss: the death of her husband and parents in a boating accident.

But Annie and her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, aren’t the only people in the town of Rock Harbor whose lives have been marred by tragedy. While managing the property around the Tremolo Resort and Marina she inherited, Annie discovers a dead body floating in the cold Superior surf and begins to work with the sheriff’s office to tie the death to a series of other mysterious reports in the area.

At the same time, her first love, Jon Dustan, returns after nine years away, reigniting the town’s memory of a cold case he’d been suspiciously linked to before he left to pursue his orthopedic residency. For the sake of her investigation and her heart, Annie tries to stay away. But avoiding Jon becomes impossible once Annie realizes she is being targeted by someone desperate to keep secrets from the past hidden.

In this new series, bestselling romantic-suspense author Colleen Coble returns to one of her most beloved towns, where familiar faces—and unsolved cases—await.

My Thoughts

Edge of Dusk by Colleen Coble is the first An Annie Pederson Novel.  We travel to Rock Harbor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior.  Annie was nine years old when the attack happened.  Her younger sister, Laura wanted to see the loons.  They snuck out at night and were on the dock when a man came up, attacked Annie, and kidnapped Laura.  It has been twenty-four years since the terrible incident and there has never been a sign of Laura or her remains.  Annie has never been able to let go of the guilt for her part in her sister’s disappearance.  Annie lost her parents and husband in an accident two years prior leaving her to manage the Tremolo Resort and Marina and raise her daughter, Kylie.  Annie is also a law enforcement ranger.  Annie is down by the lake when she finds a body floating in it.  It turns out to be a missing hiker.  Annie is showing a cabin to a friend who wishes to purchase it when they discover two skeletons in a closet.  All of this coincides with the return of Jon Dustan who Annie has not seen since they broke up nine years ago.  As if Annie does not have enough on her plate, she notices that someone has been searching through her home.  They made no attempt to hide their search. While investigating the attack on a camper, Annie is assaulted.  Someone who wishes to keep the past hidden wants her to stop investigating.  Annie works with Jon to uncover the truth.  

Edge of Dusk is set in the same setting as Colleen Coble’s Rock Harbor series.  I thought Edge of Dusk was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I did feel that Taylor Moore’s character needed more fleshing out.  It is a suspenseful novel with plenty of action.  I thought the author depicted the Upper Peninsula with her descriptive words.  She also captured the atmosphere (the spookiness of the woods, the isolation of the camp, the depth of Lake Superior).  I like the different storylines playing out in the book.  The missing teen girls from nine years ago, hikers being found dead, someone in Annie’s home, and a camper being attacked.  I enjoyed following the clues that would allow me to identify the killer (I love solving mysteries).  There are twists and unexpected details that keep everything interesting. I like the action and suspenseful moments.  There is romance as well as Annie and Jon are flung together. The feelings are still there between them (very evident).  Of course, there is the added complication of Annie’s daughter, Kylie.  

I was a little disappointed with the ending.  It was incomplete and we must wait for Dark of Night for answers. There was repetition of details throughout the story (two examples are that it has been nine years since Annie saw Jon and that Annie married Jon’s best friend).  There is one incident that I am surprised Annie did not figure out on her own or at least suspect.  It seemed so obvious (I cannot say more because I do not want to spoil it for you).  It will be interesting to see what happens next.  We get to catch up with some of the key characters from the Rock Harbor series (Bree for example).  Edge of Dusk is a compelling tale with a missing sister, a second chance romance, a precious puppy, a lethal killer, disturbing happenings, an adored daughter, and a fretful mother.

Edge of Dusk is available from Amazon*.  The next An Annie Pederson Novel is Dark of Night which comes out January 10, 2023.  Break of Day will the third novel in the series and it will be in the summer of 2023.  You can find the Rock Harbor series here.  Check out Colleen Coble's other novel here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright.  I hope that you have a tranquil day (we all need less stress in our lives).  I am off to work outside on my summer display.  Evidently, my neighbors feel my home looks barren without my decorations (lights and inflatables).  I talked with my mother and we came up with a summer theme (seashell lights, Hawaiian snowman with surfboard, Santa and penguin enjoying the summer with hula skirts, beach balls).  It will be cute when I am done.  This will stay up until I do my fall decorations before the big Halloween extravaganza.  Take care, stay cool (so hot outside), and Happy Reading!  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.