Review: The Last Way Home (Prince Edward Island Shores Book #2) by Liz Johnson

About the book:

Every broken thing can be made beautiful again

When Eli Ross left Prince Edward Island to join the NHL, he left a broken family behind. More than a decade later, he's headed home to an uncertain welcome. He wants to make things right with the family he wronged, but his mom's business partner isn't making it easy. To top it off, the coaching job he takes turns out to be more of a challenge than he anticipated.

For years, Violet Donaghy has put everything she had into making Eli's mom's ceramics shop a success, and she's not eager to forgive the man who hurt the family that's taken her in as one of their own. But when the kiln at the shop starts a fire that nearly destroys the studio, she'll need all the help she can get to save the business and their summer income.

When Eli and Violet come together, they must find the strength to mend the broken pieces of the Ross family--and to heal their own hearts.

My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Last Way Home is the second book in Liz Johnson's Prince Edward Island Shores series and I absolutely loved it! It was fun how characters from Johnson's other series (Prince Edward Island Dreams) made an appearance in this story...such a delight to get an update on their lives.

Eli and Violet were great main characters. I loved seeing their relationship grow and, while the romance was a little intense at times, I still really liked it. They seemed great for each other and Eli showed a lot of growth in the story.

All in all, The Last Way Home was a fantastic read and I recommend it. Can't wait to read the next book when I can.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Beyond the Tides (Prince Edward Island Shores, #1) by Liz Johnson

About the book:

When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should take it over instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross in charge. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg--an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, as well as a way to provide for his mother, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg will work the business together, and at the end of the season, he'll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren't what they expected.

My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Liz Johnson has quickly become a favorite author of mine. Her contemporary novels are such delightful stories and Beyond the Tides was no different. I wasn't sure how I would enjoy a story featuring a lobster-fishing business, but it was SO good. 

From the opening chapter on, I was hooked and loved seeing the main characters interact. There were deep moments and also humorous ones. I liked how there was an unexpected twist in the story, as well. 

All in all, Beyond the Tides was a fantastic read and one I definitely recommend. Such a good summer read!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson

About the book:

Discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but things do not go as planned.

Carter is fascinated with the wreck, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

My rating:

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Review: Christmas at the Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

About the book:

One blizzard. Two friends. Three days to fall in love.

Lifelong islander Brooke Kane doesn’t know what to do with her college degree, her dreams, or her future, but she knows better than to venture far from home when there’s a storm brewing. But a promise to check on Rose’s Red Door Inn prompts Brooke to venture out. By the time she arrives at the inn, the snow is knee-deep and visibility almost non-existent. She settles in to spend a few days alone at the inn until a familiar figure appears at the door.

Pastor Chuck O’Flannigan has never felt like a bigger fool. So focused on his recent decision to leave Prince Edward Island, he’s caught unaware by the blizzard while on a walk. He can only see the inn’s red door, a promise of safety. But when he discovers that Brooke—the only woman who could tempt him to stay on the island—is also taking refuge there, he knows he’s in trouble.

With Christmas only three days away, Brooke is determined that they’ll celebrate—even if it’s just the two of them. Happy to play Scrooge to her Tiny Tim, Chuck wiles away his hours dreaming of a return to Ireland—praying that God may have plans for him there. After all, God seems to have forgotten him in North Rustico. But as Brooke brings Christmas to life, her joy makes him wonder if God may not have forgotten him. In fact, God may have big plans for both of them—if they can only survive Christmas at the Red Door Inn.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

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Review: A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

About the book:

Uncovering the past can lead to an unexpected future . . . 

Millie Sullivan plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of a palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where her great-grandmother was a real guest ninety years ago. When Millie learns of a lost diary that may contain the location of a hidden treasure on the estate and reveal the identity of her great-grandfather, she sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune she desperately needs. But it won't be easy.

When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. Still, her story seems too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight.

My rating:
4 stars
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My thoughts:

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Review: On Love's Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson

About the book:

Natalie O'Ryan had no plans to return to Prince Edward Island. But when her fiancé books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose's Red Door Inn, she sets out to plan the perfect wedding. Yet she can't possibly plan for a run-in with Justin Kane--the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.

Justin has never forgotten Natalie. He'd been prepared to follow her off the island until tragedy struck, leaving him to run the family dairy farm. He's done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him--but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he's been missing.

After Natalie's reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin's property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin may discover that there is more between them than broken promises and an old friendship.

My rating:
5 stars

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My thoughts:

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Review: Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson

About the book:

In her kitchen at Rose's Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.

Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets.

When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart.

My rating:
4 stars
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My thoughts:

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Review: The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

About the book:

Marie Carrington is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle's Victorian B and B--and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn't expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they've got--and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

My rating:
 
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My thoughts:

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5-Year Blogoversary Celebration! Day 5 | Interview with Liz Johnson & Giveaway!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Liz! Will you share a little about yourself and your latest book?

Thanks for having me! I love stories with heart, humor, and happily ever afters. By day I’m a marketing manager for a nonfiction team at a Christian publisher in Nashville. I find time to write late at night and always have stories to tell.

My newest book, The Red Door Inn, tells the story of Marie Carrington, who is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle's Victorian B and B—and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn't expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they've got--and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

Have you visited Prince Edward Island, the setting for your new series?

Yes! I’ve been to PEI four times. It’s my favorite place in the world. Many years ago, I told my mom that I would take her to PEI when I sold my first book. She got me hooked on Anne of Green Gables when I was young, so I thought it would be a fitting way to celebrate my first book contract. But no one told me that I wouldn’t make much money on my first book, so we had to wait for my second contract. We went the first time for five days in September of 2010. And immediately started planning our next trip. My sister joined us for the second and third trip, and on our last trip, my oldest niece joined us.

I fell in love with PEI the first time I set foot on the island, and I hope that I shared a little bit of that in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series.

What do you hope readers come away with after reading your newest story?

I hope that readers will be reminded that God is present in our lives, especially during the hard times. He is our good Father, who loves us more than we can imagine.

Do you find it more fun to write stand-alones or series?

I love writing both stand-alone books and series. Single titles are fun because they often stretch me out of my comfort zone. I generally build a series around secondary characters. I love getting to tell each of their stories and catching up with characters from previous books. In my new series all the characters meet through the Red Door Inn, and I love reconnecting with them in each book.

Who are some of your favorite authors whose books have never disappointed you?

I have a number of favorites, including Julie Klassen, Karen Witemeyer, and Meg Cabot. I always look forward to their new books and have reread their backlist titles many times.

What's the last thing you celebrated, not including birthdays or holidays?

This last year has been filled with numerous writing deadlines, and I try to celebrate every milestone—even the little ones. When I met my last deadline in November, I celebrated by taking a day off of work and inviting some friends over for pizza and one of our favorite movies. We laughed and talked and just enjoyed a low-key day. It was a simple celebration, but very encouraging after a long lineup of deadlines.

Were you an avid reader as a child? If so, what was your favorite book growing up?

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