Fiction Review: Windswept Way by Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor novels get better and better. "Windswept Way" was one of my favorite yet in this series, with endearing characters and relatable struggles. Despite pressure from her mother to choose a more stable career, Ashley Scott takes a financial risk in working with a secluded widow restore her historic home as an event venue and tourist attraction. While there, she meets Jonathan Gray, who, with her help, slowly learns to not let his physical scars impact his self-worth and confidence around others. The secluded widow's story makes for a sweet side journey, as she, too, begins to open up the world and share both her home and her talents. Hannon knows how to unfold these characters and their mysterious pasts in a way that keeps her readers hooked and invested. These are deeply realistic people, and every reader will wish she could know them in real life.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Fiction Review: A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson's "A Royal Christmas" is essentially a mashup of "Princess Diaries," "The Prince and Me," and every Hallmark or Netflix "royalty romance." Fans of these kinds of stories will love Carlson's latest holiday novel, but should not expect anything too original. The plot follows a young woman who finds out she's the daughter of the king of a small country, travels to meet her father, and runs into both romance and conflict (kidnappings, succession disputes, betrayal). Carlson does incorporate a sweet bit about things happening in God's timing, but with her usual lack of character development, Carlson does little to develop this or any other spiritual themes in the book. As usual, Carlson provides a short and easy, enjoyable holiday read, but not much substance.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.