About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston

The Heart of Splendid LakeABOUT THE BOOK

Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers to a picturesque lakeside town in this heartwarming contemporary romance.

Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her father’s footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina. 

When Brianna’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson. 

As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake.

MY THOUGHTS.....

Amy Clipston is a beloved author of Amish fiction but this book demonstrates just how versatile her writing skills are. The Heart of Splendid Lake is a contemporary romance that grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go! I loved meeting the Porter family who live in the magical town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina, and I'm convinced that I would absolutely fit in. From finding the latest best-seller at the Bookend, going to a movie at the Warner, or grabbing a special coffee at the Coffee Bean, this could be a place that I would like to call home. I might even find romance on the shores of Splendid Lake!

This story, however, isn't all light and fluffy romance. There are some heavy moments that involve death, grief, and the decisions that must be made after losing a loved one. I could understand Brianna wanting to hold on to the past, and I sympathized with the uncertainties in both her professional and personal life. Should she honor what had been, or accept that change can be good? Does her future include a love from her past, or is there a deeper love with someone new?


The Heart of Splendid Lake is a heartwarming story about family, faith, and hope, and the characters and setting make it especially appealing. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She's sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and five spoiled rotten cats. You can find Amy at AmyClipston.com, or follow her on  Facebook     
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Saturday, September 18, 2021

Finding Love in Mountain View: Movie Review & Giveaway with FrontGate Media

I am fortunate to have a sneak preview of a new movie that will have its premiere on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel Sunday, September 19th! Finding Love in Mountain View is a heartwarming story that is worthy to be labeled a Hallmark movie, and I urge you to tune in to the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel this Sunday, September 19th, at 9 PM EST, 6 PM PST. 


ABOUT THE MOVIE

FINDING LOVE IN MOUNTAIN VIEW

GENRE

Romance

CAST

Danielle C. Ryan, Myko Olivier, John Paul Lavoisier

YEAR

2019

SYNOPSIS

This film is based on Finding Love in Bridal Veil, Oregon, a historical fiction book written by Miralee Ferrell, but producers have chosen to make this a contemporary story.  Finding Love in Mountain View is the  heartwarming tale of an architect who has been entrusted to care for her deceased cousin's children. Margaret is eager to succeed in her chosen profession, but will she be able to focus on her career and still take care of young children? 

Getting to know the children offers her a glimpse of what her life could be, and she is also reunited with someone from her past. Can she honor her late cousin's wishes by staying in Mountain View, or will she choose to return to her life in the city? 


View the Trailer HERE

 MY THOUGHTS.....

I truly enjoyed this movie. I wasn't familiar with any of the actors, but Margaret (Ryan) and Andrew (Olivier) share a special chemistry, and Joel (Loveless) and Sammie (Philpot) are both adorable. They convey all of the emotions that young children would feel after losing their parents, and Ryan and Olivier are perfect in their efforts to help the children and determine their true feelings for each other. .. 

Finding Love in Mountain View has beautiful scenery, a touching story, and there is even entertaining music to add to the enjoyment.  It is a clean romance that the whole family can enjoy, and I definitely recommend this movie!

I was given a sneak preview courtesy of FrontGate Media but was never obligated to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. 


GIVEAWAY



To celebrate the premiere of FINDING LOVE IN MOUNTAIN VIEW, premiering Sunday Sept 19th at 6pm PT/9pm ET, FrontGate Media is giving away a copy of the book that the film was based on, and it will be signed by the lead actors!  Enter to win one of 3 copies here:


https://www.blessedfreebies.com/finding-love-in-bridal-veil-oregon-book-giveaway.html