About the Book
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
And so is Beth’s cooking! It’s a good thing, too. After a lifetime of her family’s smothering embrace, a whole new world opens to her with the passing of her beloved grandmother.
Armed with an inheritance she never expected and orders on how to use it, Beth sets off for Merriweather Island and fulfillment of a lifetime of dreams.
Or so she hopes.
What she didn’t hope for was what most women would—a man who fills her thoughts at the most wonderfully unwelcome times. She doesn’t have time or space for a relationship, but how do you tell love to just go away?
Of course, starting over in a new place is never easy, especially as an outsider in a small community. Add to that a mayor who has her dander up and a woman bound to make her life miserable, is it any wonder that Beth begins to doubt God’s and Gram’s plans?
With her heart betraying her resolve and challenges to her faith, Beth finds it takes bravery she didn’t know she had to discover just how scrumptious independence can be.
This “Merriweather book” is the second in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.
Click here to purchase your copy!
MY THOUGHTS.....
"I came down here to find my own way in life and instead I found my faith in humankind and in God while in your care."
This is such a sweet love story and it isn't just a romantic love story. Elizabeth "Beth" Stevens and her grandmother shared a very special bond and Elizabeth Merriweather-Lewis recognized a potential in Beth that her family had never seen. As she sets out to fulfill her late grandmother's last wishes, Beth learns that she can stand on her own and she gains a confidence that she has never known before. Leaving her very critical mother and moving to Merriweather Island offers Beth independence and the chance to create a new existence. It also allows her to reconnect with a friend from her past. Could this friendship turn into something more?
Scrumptious Independence has so many things that I enjoy in a story: great characters, a beautiful setting, family drama, mystery, and intrigue. There is also a sweet romance but I was especially touched by Beth and Gram's remembered conversations that are sprinkled throughout. Author Melissa Wardwell has beautifully captured the special love and wisdom that only grandparents can offer and I was reminded of the special bond that I enjoyed with my own grandmother.
If you enjoy contemporary romance with an inspiring message of hope and faith, you will certainly appreciate Scrumptious Independence, the second book in the Independence Island series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own opinions.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
About the Author
Melissa Wardwell resides in Owosso, Michigan with her husband Jonathan, three children, a cat, and two pitbulls.
Besides writing, she enjoys reading, having coffee with friends, and spending quality time with her husband kayaking and fishing.
Melissa likes to joke about the voices in her head, but it is those voices have inspired her to write several romance novels such as “I Know the Plans” (a story based in her hometown of Owosso) and “Finding Hope in Savannah”. When she is not penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books on her blog, Back Porch Reads.
To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com
More from Melissa
“Lord, I don’t know how I can keep doing this.”
That was my prayer one evening in 2019 as I made my way to praise practice. I knew that writing was something God had called me to (because He never seems to call you to do something you enjoy) but the finances were just not there to publish another book. I felt lost in the uncertainty of the path moving forward and I needed a light. I had just shared all my concerns with my parents and left with my dad’s words ringing in my head. Are you writing to gain notoriety or are you writing for God?
The next morning, CelebrateLit had a post looking for submissions for a new and innovative series. Hope burst within me and I know I needed more information. I followed instructions and spoke with Sandy Barela and Chautona Havig. The more I was told, the more excited I became because I knew I needed to be part of this collection.
Ideas were hatched, characters began to talk, and a book proposal was sent. I continued to work on the development of characters and the mobile business knowing in my heart that God had given me this opportunity. I wouldn’t do things halfway. And when the confirmation email came, I was ready to share the beautiful story and characters that developed.
Beth is a food truck proprietor, so that means she spends most of her time cooking. In an effort to grow her recipes, I have been making videos of me cooking some of our family’s favorites as well as raiding my mom’s recipe box. The result is some amazing food to share.
Every book, pre-order card, and my YouTube channel has recipes on it. And so will this tour.
With it being summertime, our family doesn’t want those heavy meals so sometimes chips and sandwiches are all we need in the evenings. One favorite is my chicken salad.
Now, this recipe is easily substituted with other things like however, you like your chicken.
Melissa's Chicken Salad
Feeds 4 (unless you have big eaters.)
2 cans of chicken (you can use cooked but this is quick and easy
1/2 cup of red grapes – halved
1/2 cup celery – diced
Make sure you rinse all of this well as you prep the salad
Dressing
1 1/2 cup of miracle whip (you can use mayo)
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp of sugar
Mix everything together and serve on your favorite bread option or on a bed of lettuce. I like mine in a pita pocket or on lettuce. This time it was with a pita pocket with a side of lightly salted chips and a pickle.
Now, just a little side note, you can add what ever veggie or fruit you like. Apples and cucumbers would be a great addition as well. So, don’t feel like you have to do things exactly like I do. Make it your own.
Bon appétit
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 21
Soulfully Romantic, September 21
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 21
Sara Jane Jacobs, September 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22
Texas Book-aholic, September 22
Inklings and notions, September 22
For Him and My Family, September 23
deb’s Book Review, September 23
Artistic Nobody, September 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
She Lives To Read, September 24
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24
Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 24
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 25
Quiet Workings, September 25
21st Century Keeper at Home, September 25
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , September 26
Older & Smarter?, September 26
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 26
Blogging With Carol, September 27
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 27
Batya’s Bits, September 27
Emily Yager, September 28
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 28
Stories By Gina, September 28
Reviewingbooksplusmore, September 28
CarpeDiem, September 29
Christian Bookaholic, September 29
Cultivating Us, September 29
Aryn the Libraryan, September 30
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 30
Connect in Fiction, October 1
The Collaborative Press, October 1
Livin’ Lit, October 1
Simple Harvest Reads, October 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
The Meaderings of a Bookworm, October 2
Godly Book Reviews, October 2
Joanne Markey, October 3
Captive Dreams Window, October 3
Vicky Sluiter, October 3
Blossoms and Blessings, October 4
Splashes of Joy, October 4
Pause for Tales, October 4
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10105/scrumptious-independence-celebration-tour-giveaway
