Kathleen J. Robison

There was always fruitcake at our home delivered by my grandmother as part of her seasonal food gifts on Christmas Day. From my sampling of fruitcake on other dessert trays away from home, I did know that no one else's fruitcake tasted like Grandmom's. My closest awareness of the secret ingredient was that sometimes, after the 1st taste of the current year's offering, my father would smile at my grandmother, remarking that she had a "heavy hand" this year. My grandmother would merely give a little nod of her head as she smiled in return. With those memories, I couldn't resist the title of "Let Them Eat Fruitcake."

Victoria Randall has returned to Bay Town, Mississippi, from Catalina, California, after learning that her dearly loved grandmother Sally is not doing well. Victoria is only anticipating being in Bay Town for a few days as she hopes her work will be recognized by receiving a promotion and knowing her boyfriend Chad does not appreciate her leaving during the height of Christmas parties.

Art Anderson has been in love with Victoria for as long as he can remember. He's losing hope that Victoria will realize they could have a beautiful life together in Bay Town. Art is wondering if this might be the last opportunity for the magic of Sally's fruitcake to come true to work for Victoria and himself.

This is a heartwarming, faith-based novel with a touch of Christmas magic. I loved all the characters in this beautifully written story. Sometimes, in the eagerness to leave a small town to follow your dreams, you realize that your dreams will be fulfilled beyond your wildest imagination by following your faith's teachings and returning to the person who walks the talk and has always loved you.

Wishing you a magical holiday season!… (més)

Wade Bodine Gardner, the heir of Gardner Hotel Enterprises, and apparel designer Lacey Thompson are both eager to follow their passions and look to the future. The issue of sacrifice causes them difficulty. Would it be worthwhile to give up their desires for God to use them? How can Lacy allow God to direct her in selecting the best opportunity? Can Wade Bodine Gardner escape the sinister snares of his past? How does he move in the future's light?

Wade and Lacy struggle with believing in God and in other people. The novel does a good job of illustrating the characters' issues with religion and the future. Could humans overcome obstacles while still acting morally? The story of a budding romance that is veiled in mystery and intrigue is intriguing and perplexing. The author's effective incorporation of the religious message is on the verge of being preachy in places.
Despite being book three in the Bay Town series, this one may be read on its own.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/… (més)

Lacey is feeling lost when her dream to attend Design School is shattered . Have you ever experienced a disappointment in your life? How did you handle it? Lacey is struggling to keep her faith grounded as her rejection letter seems overwhelming. I do think she is being hard on herself and bitterness does start to rise to the surface.

I really liked Wade because he is a flawed character who is trying so hard to change his life. His back history is very intriguing and helps readers understand why he feels inadequate at times. Someone from his past has come to cause him misery and Wade isn’t quite sure how to handle it. I love that his great grandfather has taken him in to give him a second chance. I love second chance stories and this one is especially emotional.

Lacey and Wade start out on shaky grounds but soon form a somewhat relationship. From the beginning you can tell that Lacey is not quite trusting and she starts to turn on Wade when things don’t go her way. I can understand how we all have done that as well. The ones close to us are the ones we turn our anger on.

I enjoyed the intrigue in the story which gives our characters a chance to turn to God in their darkest moments. Fighting with each other, Lacey and Wade start to pull away from each other. They both find themselves lost and alone. Lacey can be stubborn at times and doesn’t give Wade a chance to explain his situation.

I love the faith element in the story which shows how the enemy can twist the truth and cause you to walk away from God. She gets some very wise advice from Desmond as she starts to turn her back away from God. “You don’t want to go there.You have your whole life ahead of you, don’t make the mistake of walking away from the Lord for something like this.” She not not only feels rejected by the Design School, but also by a famous designer who has stolen her design. The anger builds up to a point where she starts to think she is a loser.

The story delivers a great message about forgiveness, second chances and mercy. Lacey has a chance to be an example to Wade so he can see that God has not left him. The author allows Lacey to decide to let go of something she knows was not fair in order to grow in her faith. I think it would be hard for me to let go of something that caused my reputation to be questioned. We need to remember that God is in control. What the enemy meant for bad, God can turn into good. Here is where Lacey will see how her faith will sustain her.

Thanks to the author for an emotional, heart pounding story where revenge, forgiveness, bitterness and trust are highlighted in this story. “Remember God never left us during our last trial. He won’t now. He’s always here.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (més)

This book is my introduction to this author. While there obviously was some mention of what had occurred in the earlier books, I had no problem enjoying this one. Lacey is studying to be a fashion designer and is very good at it. While we know there is evil everywhere, it was good to see her rise above what could have been devastating to her dream.

Great-grandfather Reginald Gardner has taken Wade under his wing, helping him to rise above his sad upbringing. Understanding that God cares and wants to help him is not something new, but he is so used to fighting for himself. Amid blackmail, accidents and more will he finally learn to trust?

An early copy of Bay Town Book 3 was received through BookFunnel and CelebrateLit. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.… (més)