Firefly Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo

I was intrigued by this story when I read the synopsis on the back of the book. I'll admit that once I started reading the first chapter, I was head over heels for that little boy of Sessa's. I mean, who wouldn't love that rodeo-loving boy with the red hat?!  The Chambers were walking through a nightmare, but Sessa was trying her hardest to give her son what he needed. However, it wasn't enough. She loved Jesus, she did all the "right things" that we as Christian parents try to teach our kids, yet it didn't turn out the way she had hoped. Her prodigal son never returned back to her. Yet she still has a small piece of him that showed up on her doorstep. She has a choice of what she wants to invest her life in. Which is great, except she has several things she wants to invest in, including her job.

This isn't the only huge issue in Sessa's life right now, either. She has to come to terms with forgiveness and understanding. Dr. Brown's life was changed the same day that Sessa's son's was. His reputation has been tainted and starting over isn't easy. I couldn't help but like Dr. Brown. When I realized who he was and the connection, I didn't want to like him. But after hearing his story, I came to really like that man.

This book speaks to overcoming the past, forgiveness, and I really think, investing in lives. Sessa's life wasn't tied up in pretty bows. It was messy. It was just like all of our lives. Firefly Summer reminded me that my plan for my life and God's plan for my life may be completely different at some stages in my life. Will I surrender my will to His? Sessa had to do that and it was a battle, just as most of us experience.

I enjoyed the story, but would have loved to have seen the first 4 chapters not span such a wide time. I felt like I was jumping time for a bit. I appreciated the back story, but I wonder if it could have somehow been done differently. Doing it once wouldn't be so bad, but twice left me wondering how many more times I was going to be jumping through.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots (read about their real-life romance here!). Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A new cowboy romance from award-winning author Kathleen Y'Barbo.

Trey’s biggest challenge isn’t performing surgery…it’s restoring Sessa’s heart!

Artist Sessa Chambers may never recover from losing her prodigal son. Even as she grieves the tragic decisions that led to his death, and left her with a toddler to raise, she’s asked to work on her dream project—restoring carousel horses for the Smithsonian. But she can’t do it on her own…

Dr. Trey Brown can’t pick up a scalpel again. Yes, he acted in self-defense, but the events of that awful night haunt him. He was trained to save lives, not take them. When he goes to the young man’s widowed mother to apologize, she’s not at all what he expected. For one thing, she’s not as alone as he thought—not with the fearsome ladies of the Pies, Books, and Jesus Book Club in her corner. For another, she’s beautiful, and being in her presence is more jolting than any eight-second bronco ride from his former rodeo days. Before he knows it, she’s captured his heart as easily as they capture the fireflies gracing Sessa’s Texas ranch.

How can they overcome their past to embrace a future together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Firefly Summer, go HERE.

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I received this book free from Hometown Romance and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.



Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo

I like the mysterious look of this cover.  It caught my eye right away and I couldn't wait to read it.  Of course, I've been very interested in anything that Kathleen Y'Barbo writes so that was also another reason I was so excited to read this book.

 

The second book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, I think this book had everything a reader could possibly want.  I personally liked how both Millie and Kyle lived their lives trusting the Lord  It wasn't a personal relationship with the Lord that came out of just having tough times.  It was just them living out their faith in the Lord.

 

The books starts in 1888 but goes back to 1837.  That's quite a gap in years, but Kathleen Y'Barbo does such a wonderful job weaving the two different time frames together into a beautiful story that is seamless.  Millie is such a strong character.  She's one that is easy to like and I formed a bond with her right away. 

 

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.  They are so captivating that it's extremely hard to put down.  It's hard to compete with the first two books in this series, but I know that somehow she will top both of those!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo comes Millie's Treasure, the second book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, a new set of novels involving romance, adventure, and hidden identity.

Memphis 1890--Bookish heiress Millie Jean Cope is as clever as she is beautiful. Unfortunately, though adept at solving puzzles and cryptograms, she doesn't realize her new fiancé isn't who he claims to be, but instead is a charming scoundrel. The infamous Will Tucker is presenting himself as a British gentleman, Sir William Trueck, though in reality he is a crafty criminal looking for a hidden map to a secret treasure.

Pinkerton agent Kyle Russell has been on Tucker's trail for years. At last Kyle believes he has Tucker cornered, but he is uncertain whether the lovely woman on the con man's arm is an unsuspecting victim or willing accomplice. Finding reasons to spend time with Millie is easy. Keeping himself from falling in love with her is another issue entirely. A fun and entertaining story of how God can shine the light of truth on the most cryptic circumstances.

If you would like to read the first chapter of >Millie's Treasure, go HERE.
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I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

 

 

The Incovenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This book is apparently a part of a series, in which I hadn't read the first books.  That said, there was the typical introduction of characters that I wasn't for sure what their story was since I had not read the earlier books.  That didn't deter me from this book.  Instead it made me want to read the books before this since I was more intrigued about the characters.  I would recommend that this series be read in order so that you can have a complete picture of what is going on and who is involved.

This book did have me laughing at a few points, like when they were "proposing" their marriage.  Their proposal wasn't your typical one.  In fact, it was one that was a deal....between Alex and Charlotte's father.  Or maybe Charlotte's father saw something that neither of them could.  Charlotte has a very strong personality and ends up in things that a typical woman wouldn't encounter.  And there's only one man who stands his ground and doesn't get afraid when he has to deal with Charlotte. 

Charlotte and Alex decide to go along with the plan, but they've devised a plan of their own.  Once they are married, they will both work quickly to have their marriage annulled.  That's their plan.  Their father's plan is for them to stay married.  Which plan happens and what situations will they have to endure during this crazy engagement and marriage?!

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.