“How many times will you risk your heart for love?”
From Darkness Into Love is the first book in the Hope & Hearts From Swan Harbor series by Sophie Bartow. It is an angsty and emotional small town contemporary romance- with suspense, intrigue, mystery, drama, danger, heartache, pain, loss, 2nd chances, chemistry, steam, family, friendship, and the healing power of love. This might have been my first read by Ms. Bartow, but it certainly won’t be the last. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-07-26 01:25:452024-09-24 19:34:23From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book #1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Angela Hayes
From Darkness into Love: A Small-Town, Second-Chance Mystery Romance (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1 By Sophie Bartow
This is the first book I have read by Sophie Bartow, and I have to say I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I am glad I gave this book a go as the cover did not pique my interest very much. Forgetting the cover this book is definitely a 5-star read. Sophie Bartow has written this book in a way the book is easy to read and enjoy as the story develops. This is a second chance romance story set in a coastal town, Cam and Jessie are the main characters in this story and I really did like reading about them, their characters were easy to relate to as were the other characters in this book. Cam and Jessie’s story has romance, drama, twists, and turns, not forgetting the visible chemistry between them both. If you don’t mind reading books that switch been the now and the past, then this is the book for you to read. Not many authors can flip between the now and the past as easy as Sophie Bartow has done in this book. So please do yourself a favour and read this book, you will not be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sue Kemphttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSue Kemp2024-07-22 22:18:202024-09-26 13:31:05From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Sue Kemp
This book kept me jumping from the beginning with a great end. It is easy to read and can be a standalone, but I want more. Can wait to get started on the next book in the series. Very good!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Troyerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Troyer2024-07-22 08:24:022024-09-26 12:35:41From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Michelle Troyer
From Darkness into Love by Sophie Bartow is my first novel by this author and I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed reading this second chance romance story that has a twist of mystery and suspense to go along with the main storyline. Sophie put quite a bit of thought into developing the characters, we are introduced to Jessie and Cameron. They had something when they were younger but life’s demands had Jessie running the opposite way. When they unexpectedly run into each other again…something starts to stir and they aren’t sure what’s to come! They have always had great chemistry and they grow quite a bit throughout the story. Their story was a great read and it made it a hard book to put down! This was truly a story that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing what kind of world Sophie brings us next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2024-07-21 20:55:412024-09-26 12:33:53From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Mary Espinoza
This is the first book I have read by the author and I am so glad that I did! This was such a well written and beautiful story that really tugs at your heartstrings. The author did an amazing job of creating characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I loved Jessie and my heart broke with all of the pain she had experienced and she was just trying to keep everyone safe, even if it meant she lost Cameron. Having to come home was definitely not an easy decision and seeing Jessie and Cameron trying to figure out how to move forward was just so heartbreaking and then adding in the mystery and threats, this is a can’t put down and can’t miss book! I look forward to seeing what happens next in Swan Harbor.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2024-07-21 20:54:212024-09-26 12:33:46From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
Jessie has her heartbroken in a way that she is not sure she can ever survive another blow. Now she is back home and her old love has found another. Moving forward Jessie knows she needs to work on herself, but there are also questions about everything she knows and what is the truth. Cameron is by her side though and the love they once had begins to resurface, can Jessie trust what her heart feels?
This was a riveting story. Goes back and forth a bit from current to past with all the characters involved. I was rooting for Jessie and Cameron to find their happily ever after.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2024-07-21 17:42:452024-09-26 13:32:55From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Emily H
This was a very emotional story about love, heartbreak, missed opportunities, tradegy, loss and mystery. This was such a good read. I was so invested in this couples story and at times my heart broke for them both. This is Cameron and Jessie’s story.
Cameron and Jessie were friends growing up and as Jessie grew older their feelings changed from innocent friendship to something more romantic. Cameron was always there for Jessie picking her up when she fell down and supporting her through the hardest part of her life, the death of her parents. But there were forces working against them keeping them apart and when it all gets to much Jessie leaves to focus on her skating career.
When Jessie suffers an injury and returns for her friends wedding she sees Cameron and all those old feelings return.
Cameron on the other hand was left heartbroken when Jessie left and over time he slowly starts to mend him heart and move forward. He starts dating and seems happy until Jessie returns and all the old feelings return with her. The question is will opening his heart to her again be a good idea or will it only cause he more heartache?
With the immense return of feelings and the old mystery returning still trying to keep them apart do they even stand a chance? And with Cameron still in the dark about the real reason Jessie left how will he respond when he learns the truth? This is a beautiful second chance romance where misunderstandings and other people keeps two people made for each other apart
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2024-07-20 13:48:372024-09-24 19:56:12From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Kerry Carr
This was the first book I had picked up by this author, but the cover looked really cute, so I gave it a chance. I’m so glad that I did because it was such a wonderful experience! I’m from a small town, and the author seemed to have captured the feel of it perfectly. The very beginning grabbed my attention and refused to let go as I read about this second chance romance. Cameron and Jessie are fantastic characters that encounter some very dramatic situations that will fill you with suspense. I have enjoyed this writing style very much and will continue to look for more books by this author. I highly recommend picking it up if you enjoy romantic suspense novels about second-chance romances!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2024-07-19 19:45:402024-09-26 12:30:20From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Shannen Kern
Secrets, Lies, and Betrayals by Lynn Wood is book 1 in The Protect and Honor Series. It’s also the first book I have read by this author. This is a political thriller, with some romance, a little drama, suspense, and intrigue. It’s definitely one of those books that grab you in the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the end. The characters are lifelike, believable, and could jump right off the page. I also really liked how we were able to see the story from different point of views which helps to immerse your self in the story and see it as a whole which I’ve always really enjoyed. I’m looking forward to book 2.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Micalahhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMicalah2024-07-19 00:07:522024-09-26 12:28:06Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz
A beautiful story of a strong woman, whose world has been turned upside down. This book takes hold of you and doesn’t let go, a page turner to the end. This story is full of conspiracy, admiration and loyalty. It reminded me of a nice wine pairing to accompany your main course. Looking forward to reading more of the next adventure.Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A beautiful story of a strong woman, whose world has been turned upside down. This book takes hold of you and doesn’t let go, a page turner to the end. This story is full of conspiracy, admiration and loyalty. It reminded me of a nice wine pairing to accompany your main course. Looking forward to reading more of the next adventure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2024-07-18 22:40:572024-09-26 12:27:53Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Nina Maes
The synopsis of the book piqued my interest even though I typically do not read books with politics as a major part of the story. I was happily surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to pick up the next in the series.
This book follows our main character Lea living her second, fake life. Her original life she was Michaela Manning. As a young child that survived the assassination of her grandfather she was put into a new life to protect her. Living the quiet life away from the public is ruined when her father runs for office. Lea must now learn who she can trust as she goes on the run.
The characters in the story are fleshed out with depth that makes them relatable and real feeling. The author takes you on a twisty ride of surprise, suspense, and action with a dash of romance sprinkled in.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Eddyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Eddy2024-07-18 22:17:282024-09-26 13:39:22Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Ayla Eddy
Secrets, Lies, and Betrayals by Lynn Wood is the first book in the Protect and Honor Series, and my first book by this author. Full to the absolute brim with twists, turns, and honestly real life scenarios that make it really difficult to set this book down. This author has such a fine attention to detail, and will absolutely throw you for a loop if you think you’ve guessed what’s coming. With the current state of the world, this book was definitely an intriguing read and will really make you think. I look forward to seeing what else Lynn has in her bag of tricks!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Finn Cunninghamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFinn Cunningham2024-07-18 16:10:162024-09-26 13:38:33Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Finn Cunningham
A gripping contemporary romance with plenty of fast paced action, drama and suspense. All of which kept me hooked throughout. Michaela Manning is living her second, fake life under the watchful eyes of the ex-special forces operative who saved her life. At only three years old she became the victim of political violence along with her grandfather who was assassinated. Having grown up away from her family’s name and influence her father’s political ambitions now threaten Michaela’s new life. As his party’s presidential nominee her father is in the spotlight and the hunt for his long-lost daughter causes a media frenzy. Everyone wants to know if his daughter is even still alive, but when someone she trusts reveals her secret, her two identities collide. With her life in danger from the extremists who killed her grandfather, Michaela is forced to go on the run with Max and back into hiding as they figure out who betrayed her. I was fully immersed in the storyline as the descriptive narrator brought both the characters and the settings vividly to life. I loved the likeable and relatable Michaela and felt both engaged with her and invested in her story. I enjoyed the political thriller/conspiracy elements of the storyline and the plot twists definitely kept me guessing. A must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-07-18 16:06:362024-09-26 13:38:26Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This is a story of childhood love realized. The main characters grow into love. Through impetuous choices, they end up separated, thus the reference to darkness in the title. A hometown wedding puts them back into each other’s orbits, allowing them to reconnect. They each discover the other has grown and matured over the years, and they must choose to chase happiness and love together.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2024-07-18 14:23:042024-09-26 13:38:20From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Alison Risher
This is the first book in the Protect and Honour Series. This was a gripping read with twists and turns that I couldn’t see coming. It is set in a political arena which gives it a more realistic feel as you could actually imagine this sort of thing taking place. This is a story that gripped me from the first page and didn’t let go. the authors attention to details was great and really brought the characters to life. When Michaela Manning grandfather was assassinated and she almost lost her life in the process she was taken into medical care by Maxwell Cole. Now Michaela has grown up under a new identity of Lea and away from public eye to protect her. However now things are going to change. With her father entering the political arena this has caused her new identity to be revealed and for the target to be placed on her back. Maxwell is hired to protect her as she is thrust back into the spot light once again but can he protect her from all the dangers that could possible lurk out there? How is Michaela going to react when her life goes from being her own and making her own choices to have to be under surveillance and protection all the time? And who is responsible for leeking the information about Michaela’s identity? Can Maxwell figure out who is wanting to cause Michaela harm before they have chance to strike again. With so many secrets and lies it keeps the reader constantly guessing who they can trust and who could be the person wanting to cause her harm. This is a thrilling political read which will keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading more in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2024-07-18 13:37:042024-09-24 19:55:41Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Kerry Carr
This is the first book I have picked up by this author, and I was a little hesitant at first. I was not sure if I would be able to immerse myself in a political thriller; thriller, yes, politics, not so much. However, my fears did not last long and it took no time for me to become obsessed with getting to the end. Michaela, the Senator’s daughter, experiences a violent tragedy and is forced to lead a double life for her protection. Suddenly, it all starts to fall apart and it is a thrilling, breath-holding ride as she runs from extremists who killed her grandfather. Guarded by the man who saved her before, she must hit the ground running to figure out who let the secret of her double identity slip. This is definitely a page-turner, and I highly suggest starting it on a night before a day off because sleep will become less important! Loved it and can’t wait to get my hands on book number two.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2024-07-18 07:48:452024-09-26 13:37:52Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Chrissy Spulak
4 – 4.5 stars I have not read anything by this author before but have heard good things about her writing, so I was excited to get my hands on this book. This is not the original story, Sophie has revamped it and only just rereleased it. It is a heartwarming small town second chance story of love and the struggles and heartache along the way. It is a small town where everyone knows each other but do they “really” know each other? Jessie and Cam were meant to be, but someone wants her out the way but who, why? So much has been hidden behind secrets, lies, pain, who is behind the manipulation, the lies, the letters, the threats. Sophie has thrown in some twists with some drama, some suspense and a touch of mystery and secrets to be uncovered. The story is told with different times and dates and has a lot of flashbacks, so the story is a little slow to start but don’t worry it does pick up. With great characters, great friends and a wonderful romance you can’t go wrong with this read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-07-17 19:41:352024-09-26 12:26:24From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is the first book that I have read by Sophie Bartow. I struggled at first with the mixed timezones and swapping between present, past and in between but then the story concentrates in the present time and the mystery surrounding Cam and Jessie and I was extremely pleased that I persisted as it developed into a page-turner with a happy ending. Very hard to write more without spoilers so I guess you need to grab a copy and read for yourself?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlenehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlene2024-07-17 16:25:552024-09-26 12:25:12From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Charlene Pryke
I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story that has a twist of suspense to it. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. It is a well written story about Jessie and Cameron. They had something once but demands had Jessie running the other way. When they meet again unexpectedly and what happens after you don’t want to miss. They have great chemistry and growth throughout the story. They are relatable characters that bring their world to life. Their story is easy to read, fast paced, and engaging. It is a hard to put down story that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2024-07-16 13:46:042024-09-26 12:22:53From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Bobbi Wagner
This book has it all; fairytale romance all the way to international conspiracy. The reader gets drawn into the ups and downs of the main character’s life, as well as the corruption present in world politics. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the second installment.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Terri Jo McAllisterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTerri Jo McAllister2024-07-16 12:33:532024-09-26 12:22:38Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Terri Jo McAllister
I absolutely feel in love with this book and really couldn’t get enough of it. this is the first book to the series so always a good starter book, it really did a great introduction to Maxwell Cole. The characters in this book made you really feel like you know them on a personal level, and it was hard not to like them. this book was filed with so much from suspense, action, conspiracies, danger, mystery, secrets, lies, even some romance thrown in there. this book really made me stay on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen net to Max, and wondering if the life she tried leaving behind was going to catch up with her. I really can not wait to read the next book to this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2024-07-16 11:00:322024-09-26 12:22:07Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is so packed with emotions from deaths, continued life and moving forward. It captured my attention from the beginning to the end. I could not put it down. Can’t wait for the next book! Very good read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Troyerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Troyer2024-07-15 13:17:142024-09-26 12:17:36Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Michelle Troyer
This book had chapters but was also broken into places, dates, and times. The beginning was a little confusing with so many flashbacks during different times and places, but once I got in a bit then it really started flowing and was easier. I really liked the story between Jessie and Cam. They have known each other their entire lives and when Jessie turned 14, Cam finally saw her as a girl and started to have feelings for her. They saw each other off and on between her going to Boston to skate and him going to college (he was two years older than her). Then when they were supposed to meet one night Jessie disappeared and Cam didn’t know why. It is two years later and she is in town for her friend’s wedding. Cam is seeing someone else but Jessie is the one he feels he is supposed to be with. Then the book turns into a mystery that needs to be solved. Why did Jessie leave? Who was behind the letters and photos that she received? Why is she still getting threatening messages to stay away from Cam and leave town? The group of friends work together to solve the case so Jessie and Cam can finally be together! It was a great romance story with some mystery written in too and I really enjoyed the small town too. It says this is book 1 of 15 so I will have to keep reading the series to get to know what happens to the other characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Audrie Harringtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAudrie Harrington2024-07-15 08:42:292024-09-26 12:16:51From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Audrie Harrington
Let me start by saying, “Wow!” I did not know what I was getting myself into by reading Secrets, Lies, and Betrayals. Book 1 of the Protect and Honor Series by Lynn Wood is an amazing political thriller that I simply couldn’t put down. This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. In light of the current political situation in the US, this book is chilling. There is so much going on in this book; suspense drama, danger, romance, secrets, and much, much more! Lynn Wood weaves an intricately chilling tale of conspiracy theories, political extremists, assassinations, and secret identities. The characters are all realistic and believable, although my modest lifestyle reeled at the thought of the many private jets, stunning homes and palaces, and security measures being utilized throughout the book. Michaela’s journey and growth throughout the book, despite the obstacles, heartbreak, and opposition intent on keeping her down, was truly inspirational. The story is so well-written and imaginative that I could picture myself at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, overlooking the ocean in California, or listening to the gentle waves in Cape Cod. This was my first time reading a book by Lynn Wood but it will certainly not be the last!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2024-07-14 21:51:382024-09-26 13:47:09Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Mandy Ott
This is a romance that I couldn’t put down. Cameron and Josie’s story really tugged at the heartstrings. With an air of mystery, I found the story pulling me in to see what happens. The story really brings out all the emotions for a roller-coaster ride. The characters are written to be so relatable. You root for them…but will they get together? You’ll have to read to find out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-07-14 16:46:052024-09-01 06:36:49From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Shelly Kittell
When tragedy tore Jessie’s life apart, Cameron saved her and captured her heart. Just when they thought they had it all, impossible demands sent her running from everything … and everyone she loved.
It’s taken years, but Cameron’s broken heart has finally been put back together. An unexpected meeting with someone new gives him a chance to move on. Then, one night, he looks up, and Jessie’s standing there.
With Jessie back in town, their chemistry is too powerful to resist. When the threatening messages return, they must face the fact that someone in Swan Harbor will do anything to keep them apart. Do they let the enemy win and go their separate ways? Or do they risk their hearts and fight for the future they want … together?
For a chance at a happy ending, isn’t love worth the risk?
I am a married, mother of four, who lives in S. Florida with my family, a spoiled dog, Bandit, and an equally spoiled cat, Irma. After over thirty years as a speech/language pathologist working with post stroke and Parkinson’s patients, I’ve finally given in to her muse.
I write small-town mystery romance with layered plots and characters that are smart, loveable and complex. The Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Series has six historical novellas and fifteen contemporary books. The final book in the series will be released 7/26/2024. Each book has a new couple, a mystery and a happy ending. However, there are multiple threads that run in and out of the series.
While there are several entry points to the series, it is best to begin with book 1 and follow the journey of love to the end. For a review of the series, please check out https://sophiebartow.com/
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Darkness-1000-x1600-website.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-07-14 00:01:262024-07-27 15:36:54From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow
This is the first book in the Protect and Honor Series and the first book I’ve read by this author. I was pleasantly surprised to find one of the best romantic suspense stories I’ve found this year! I definitely lost a great amount of sleep because I couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know what happened at each stage and found myself staying up later and later. I really enjoy that this book was written from multiple points of view as it helps me get even further into the character’s mind. It feels like experiencing the book rather than just being on the outside looking in. There are plenty of emotions within these pages as well with engaging drama, tragedy, heartache, and mystery all woven throughout. I like to think I can figure out the plot to a story pretty quickly, but this one had me second-guessing myself with a rollercoaster of twists and turns. I am beyond excited to get my hands on the second book in the series. If you are looking for an intriguing romantic suspense, this should be your next read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2024-07-13 21:14:462024-09-26 12:13:48Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Shannen Kern
Michaela Manning barely survives a gunshot wound during her grandfather’s assassination. Hiding from her past at her father’s behest, she assumes a new identity. As an adult, she has created a new life away from the public eye. But when her father runs for president, her true identity enters out of the shadows. Grappling with the deaths of many family members, Michaela has to learn who she can trust, including herself. The storyline is amazing! My only issue is that the characters speak too formally, giving long speeches/monologues that do not fit their personalities. The story kept me on my toes and absolutely shocked me! I cannot wait for the next installment!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Chelsea Pletcherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChelsea Pletcher2024-07-13 21:03:562024-09-26 12:13:40Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Chelsea Pletcher
Secrets, Lies, and Betrayals is Book one in the Protect and Honor series. It is a romantic suspense full of danger, drama, action, secrets, lies, loss, mystery, trauma, betrayal, and political conspiracies. It is told from different points of view, which enables the reader to better understand each character. The story centers around the character of Michaela, or Lea, as she is now known. She has experienced a life of trauma and tragedy that started at a young age and has forced her to keep her identity a secret. It has caused Michaela to live a life where she is constantly in hiding and trying to survive against an unknown enemy for as long as she can remember. Now someone close to her has revealed her identity and she must flee because her life is in danger. An intense, fast paced and action-packed read that will keep you reading until the final page. I look forward to the second book in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2024-07-13 19:18:272024-09-26 12:13:24Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This book is a story of Lea Manning’s personal growth through life’s trials, including depression and grief. The rawness and realness of her pain really resonated through me and gave the book a depth that can be hard to achieve. Lea was born Michaela Manning. Her grandfather was killed, and her mother later passed away too. Then she was hidden away from the public eye for fear of her safety. At times, in the beginning, the threat to her life seemed a bit unbelievable but that smoothed out further in the story. For the most part, the story was clean without steamy parts or language, and I found that quite refreshing. There was only one section that contained language which made sense for the character. I enjoyed the mystery of the story as well as following Lea on her journey. She had to find herself as we all must and learn to stand on her own two feet. The one thing I didn’t like was towards the end, her speeches felt very preachy on hot button topics. It seemed unnecessary and took away from an otherwise enjoyable book. I like how everything was wrapped up in the end and all the loose ends were taken care of. I look forward to reading more by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2024-07-11 17:49:362024-09-26 13:51:24Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Rebecca Hill
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