Susan's Review of Samantha Chase's Kiss The Girl--Magnolia Sound --#11

Savannah James is no stranger to heartache and loss. It wasn’t enough to lose two sets of parents, now she’s losing the only person she has left. Escorting Cash Coleman back to Magnolia Sound so he can say goodbye to his family is a no brainer if it means she gets to spend whatever time he has left with him. Once he’s gone, it’s back to her lonely life in Seattle. At least, that’s what she thought would happen before she met Cash’s family—and his youngest son.

When it comes to his father, Jackson Coleman isn’t short on anger. So when the old man comes back to Magnolia Sound to say goodbye, he’s determined not to care. But with Cash comes Savannah, and Jackson starts to question everything he’s ever thought about his father—like why was he able to be a parent to a friend’s daughter when he couldn’t even be there for his own sons? As much as Savannah represents everything he resents about Cash, he also can’t deny the intense attraction he feels for her.

After a lifetime of being left behind, Savannah finally found the one person she wants to stay. But in order to have a chance at a happily ever after with Jackson, she’ll have to fight every instinct she has to not get attached.

                            

Samantha Chase’s Kiss the Girl is an unforgettable, emotional journey with all the feels. It’s filled with appealing characters, down to earth family drama and heartfelt romance. The relationship triangle between Cash Coleman, Savannah James and Jackson Coleman drew me into the story.

Cash Coleman’s return to Magnolia Sound drives the storyline and sets off a series of events that impacts the entire Coleman clan. Samantha Chase’s voice is perfect for this type of novel as she writes from the heart. Loved the conversations between Cash’s sons and family members. The dialogue is honest, direct and no one holds back as they ask themselves why has Cash reappeared? Why now?

Jackson and Savannah meet at Donovan’s Pub—neither is aware of each other’s relationship with Cash. Loved that Jackson was at a total loss for words when he first approached Savannah at Donovan’s. The attraction between the couple unnerved Jackson so much that he forgot to get her phone number.

The characters is Kiss the Girl are complex, compelling, and they face real life challenges. Savannah has overcome illness, loss and betrayal; her story tugged at my heart. Her journey made her a strong person but, she can’t get over the fear of being left behind. Jackson grew up without his father and although he has a large, supportive family he suffers from trust and abandonments issues. I felt for Jackson and his brothers Austin and Garret. Even though they were part of the large Coleman clan, they were not afforded the same opportunities as their cousins.

I was moved to tears throughout the novel as Savannah’s relationship with Jackson strengthens as Cash’s condition worsens. Samantha Chase did not redeem Cash instead, she chose to provide insight into a troubled man’s life and his choices. Cash didn’t ask for forgiveness. He wanted understanding and a chance to reconnect with his family. The conversations that Cash had with Savannah, his sons and Grace were poignant and gave me goosebumps. Cash and his family were given a rare gift. They were able to say good bye, clear the air and share memories of happy times with Cash. These pages were poignant and written with so much heart and understanding.

Samantha Chase’s Kiss the Girl focuses on Savannah and the Coleman family’s journey. The compelling story emphasizes Savannah’s ability to overcome the many obstacles in her life and enables her to trust herself to love again. Jackson learns to trust, to forgive and to move forward. Loved the subtle character nuances, the relationships between the Coleman brothers and the strength of Grace Coleman who held her family together through good and bad times. The powerful story with its dynamic characters, passionate romance and family drama is a must read for 2022!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of A Match Made In Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Katie Ruth Crewes is one of my favorite characters in Cindy Kirk’s Good Hope series. Katie Ruth is an integral part of her community-she works at the Y, volunteers at the church and is best known for writing the town’s daily e-newsletter. Cindy Kirk pairs the friendly, compassionate Katie Ruth with Pastor Dan Marshall in A Match Made in Good Hope.

Dan Marshall’s structured life has taken several detours this past year. His fiancé broke off their relationship, got married and is having a baby. His parents are pressuring him to take a position closer to home and his pink haired sister, Oaklee, dropped out of college and landed on his doorstep.

Katie Ruth’s good heart coupled with her past, Dan’s struggles with his career path and feelings for Katie Ruth and Oaklee’s unfiltered conversations and advice make this novel a fabulous read! Loved the conversations between Katie Ruth and Oaklee. Katie Ruth shows compassion towards Oaklee when she needs a friend. And Oaklee’s friendship with the town match makers Katherine, Ruby and Gladys was perfect—it took the four of them to get this couple on the right path!

Dan struggled with his faith a bit during the novel. He was passionate about serving his parish but, was tempted to move to a larger congregation for a step up in his career. Dan faced a tough decision did he want more of an administrative role or a leadership role? A secret from Katie Ruth’s past is revealed and Dan’s reaction surprised me—if he truly believed in the power and strength of compassion and forgiveness why couldn’t he forgive Katie Ruth? I liked that Cindy Kirk didn’t make it easy for this couple and challenged them throughout the story.

I liked that the novel took place during Easter which is a time for forgives and rebirth. The themes of forgiveness, faith and trust are woven throughout the story. Oaklee changes when she finds her place in Good Hope; she blossoms during the story as she gains confidence and makes friends in the community. Katie Ruth has suffered and been bullied in the past; her faith and determination got her through the tough times. Dan’s struggles with forgiveness and faith made me realize that he wasn’t perfect; he made mistakes, too.

Loved that Cindy Kirk included many of the past characters in this story- especially the scenes with Eliza, Kyle and Cassie. The storyline choices made for an excellent read and I am glad that I was so immersed in the characters that I couldn’t figure out the ending.

A Match Made in Good hope has all the feels-great characters, emotional, heartfelt story and the perfect setting.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman