No Room in the Inn by Gracie Ruth Mitchell - Book Review

 

 My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres:

Christian Fiction, Christmas Romance,

RomCom, Christian Romance,

Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

Blurb:

My Granny leaves me two things when she passes away: her dilapidated old inn and a letter encouraging me to have a Hallmark-worthy Christmas here in Woodfield.

But I’ve seen enough Hallmark movies to know this isn’t one. Because the inns in Hallmark movies? They don’t have squatters. The heroines of Hallmark movies? They never burn their gingerbread cookies. And even though all Hallmark films are about the joy of family, I’d rather stick my head in a snowbank than reconcile with my parents. Nope; Granny’s last requests are going to have to go unfulfilled.

And the town Santa Claus, who's way younger and way more attractive than any Santa should be? He's going to have to stop his flirting. Otherwise, I'll never want to leave this place.

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“I’m nice,” he says quickly. He looks over at me, his smile softening. “I’m nice.”

And the air between us seems to thicken suddenly, not because he’s touching me or close to me but because of the way he’s looking at me.

Gracie has done it again! I fell in love with her first book, Eye of the Beholder, and I most DEFINITELY fell in love with this book as well!! And most of y'all probably know this, but I loveeee watching Hallmark movies...so I was very excited for the Hallmark "not Hallmark" aspect of the book's plot. Spoiler alert: it didn't disappoint. 😉

points to you if you know what hallmark movies this is from...

Nixon was as swoony as they come, and poor Willow was a perfect clumsy/awkward hot mess lol--one that I could totally relate to. I'm so happy we got to see both of their POVs; I feel like that really added to the story! And what a STORY. Obviously, the main plot is "cliche" but there were little twists and turns that kept things interesting/enjoyable. 👀🙌

i was totallyyyy there for it lol

It's timeeeeee for some highlightsssss!!

Nixon turns to look at me when I enter. He pauses in the middle of loosening his tie. It’s a strangely intimate sight, and weirdly attractive.

📖

“Willow,” he says from behind me. I stop, but I don’t turn around. “I’m sorry,” he says, sounding frustrated. There’s a beat of silence, then, “I just—I’m not the person who’s going to tell you what you want to hear all the time. You asked what I thought; I answered truthfully.”

👀👀👀👀👀

📖

A minute or so later, Willow speaks again. “You good?” she says, her voice soft.

My heartttttt. This part was so precious.

📖

What I want is to throw the whole vegetable tray in the trash to make room on the table for more brownies, but that feels like overstepping.

YES. GIRL. YES.

📖

Guilt pierces me yet again, and I find myself wishing I could just hold her. She’d never let me, of course. Not now.

📖

Although he’s awake when they come, he spends the entire time in silence, doing nothing but glaring at them while he sucks down two mugs in a row of hot chocolate.

📖

“It’s pretty bad,” I agree. “Green’s not my color.”

“Nah, green looks great on you,” he says absently, surprising me.

Note: I loveeee when guys absently make comments like thatttt

📖

Someone needs to say something. Someone needs to look away. Someone needs to break this weird stalemate thing we have going on.

Note: Awkwardddd lol

📖

I sigh, reaching over and turning off the light. “Your granddaughter is kind of a pain,” I say into the darkness. I know Granny’s gone, but I direct my words to her anyway. I swear I almost hear the old woman chuckle.

Once again, I could share SO many more highlights...BUT YOU JUST NEED TO READ THIS BOOK FOR YOURSELF.  👏 👏 👏

As far as content goes: No language! There were some mild innuendo/suggestive comments, including a remark about not being a "one-night-stand kind of girl." Remarks about "fetishes" were also made. At one point, Willow mentally realizes that Nixon is going to see the bare skin of her back/the exposed portion of her lacy red bra. Willow's best friend's abusive ex is mentioned in a negative light, but there weren't any triggering details. Nixon was shirtless several different times (I personally was fine with those moments, but I know other readers may not feel the same way). Grief and resentment are two major feelings that are experienced in the story; and even though the book is considered Christian fiction, the "religious elements" weren't overbearing.

While the ending felt a bit rushed, I absolutely enjoyed this sweet (with a touch of spice 😉) Christmas story! Nixon and Willow's chemistry was undeniable from the very beginning...and I loved how they helped each other grow despite their differences/insecurities. I definitely recommend that you add this one to your TBR!!

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About the Author:

Gracie lives in a tiny town in Idaho, where she subsists on a diet of chocolate, romance novels, and kisses from her cute family. She may or may not have a cheesecake addiction, as well as an addiction to scribbling story ideas on whatever flat surfaces happen to be nearby. Clean romance and romantic comedy are her passion.

Eye of the Beholder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell - Book Review

 

 My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres:

Christian Fiction, YA Fiction, YA Romance,

YA Contemporary, YA Christian, Christian Romance,

Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

Blurb:

One girl. One boy. One bargain…

Mina

Look, I’m no social butterfly. I don’t care what the extroverts say; talking to people is scary. I’d rather hang out with my books than actual human beings. Books don’t call you names or dump water over your head in the cafeteria.

But high school is almost over, and I’m realizing I have nothing to show for it but good grades. I need to come out of my shell if I want to get the attention of a certain football player, and I’m going to need help. My neighbor Cohen is the man for the job. Sure, his attractiveness makes me nervous, and yes, he smells obnoxiously good all the time, but it’s fine. I’ve got this.

I mean, probably.

I’ve probably got this.

Cohen

Mina’s got a thing for my buddy Jack. I’ve got a thing for getting into a good college. My plan is simple: I’ll help Mina get Jack’s attention if she’ll tutor me for the ACT. No big deal, right? But working with Mina isn’t going to be easy. Her social skills are iffy at best, and don’t get me started on her (lack of) flirting skills. It’s a good thing she makes me laugh, because we’re going to be spending a lot of time together…

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“Life is too short to be kissing boys you don’t really want to kiss, Mina. And you never know when someone you do want to kiss will show up. Just remember that.”

Cohen's sister said these wise words (I'd love for her to get her own book!!), and I absolutely fell in love with them!! I also love how the book wasn't just about Mina trying to get a man. The story was about personal growth, forgiveness, vulnerability, family, and so much more! It truly was a wholesome read!

😊😊😊

Let's talk about the romance aspect of the book though, shall we? IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. I ADORED IT. I was shipping Cohen and Mina SO FLIPPIN' HARD!! Their student/tutor friendship was adorable and I loved seeing that turn into something more. *wink wink*

Seriously, y'all, Cohen was SWOONY. The perfect mixture of sensitive and confident. 😍😍 

Let's see some highlights...because there are a LOT!!

I shake my head. “I’m not going to teach you how to kiss Jack.” Over my dead body.

📖

Slowly, he lowers his chin and meets my eyes. The pain and hurt I see in his gaze almost make my jaw drop.

THIS. SCENE. OH MY GOSHHHH.

📖

Despite myself, I grin. She’s cheeky. “You’re impossible, Willy. You want to know what I think?”

She sighs. “Probably not.”

Whenever he called her "Willy," my heart just...GAHHHHH!!

📖

I debate, but only for a second. The best way to get answers to questions is to ask them. My heart thunders in my chest as I say, “I’m thinking about you.”

He raises one brow, and his smile turns into a smirk. “Good things?”

I love this! I'm a firm believer in asking questions if you want answers. 👏👏

📖

He’s just staring at me, his dark eyes intense, his back against the door.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I say, my voice slightly breathless. I don’t know what to do or where to sit or what to think when he has that look in his eyes.

📖

I need to stop thinking about Cohen.

📖

Um, who doesn’t like Italian? Carbs for days. I am all about that.

This is MEEEEEEEE.

📖

“Because you don’t need to look like her or be like her,” he says. “You don’t have to have eyes that are the same color or any of that stuff.” He hesitates. “I actually really like your eyes, for what it’s worth.”

STOP THAT, COHEN!!!

📖

I nod, feeling disappointed. I cross my legs. “Do you want me to leave?”

He turns his gaze on me, and something in his eyes makes my breath catch. “Not really.” His voice is low, rough.

I want to share soooooo many more highlights, but I think y'all can tell that you need to READ THIS BOOK! Seriously.

As far as content goes: No language! There were some mild innuendo/suggestive comments, including a remark about "sleeping around the football team." Spiked drinks and drugs were mentioned at a party. Characters walked through a haunted house, and the descriptions were VERY detailed/semi-graphic (others may not have a problem with that, but it could be triggering for some readers). And even though the book is considered Christian fiction, the "religious elements" weren't overbearing.

All in all, I enjoyed this book so much! It was a cute, fluffy, fall/winter read with some AMAZINGGGGG kisses. And isn't the cover just ADORABLE?!

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About the Author:

Gracie lives in a tiny town in Idaho, where she subsists on a diet of chocolate, romance novels, and kisses from her cute family. She may or may not have a cheesecake addiction, as well as an addiction to scribbling story ideas on whatever flat surfaces happen to be nearby. Clean romance and romantic comedy are her passion.

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Finding Faith by Katlyn Grace - Book Review

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres:

Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance,

Clean Romance, Christian Fiction

Blurb:

Police Chief Mark Lawson is known for being Alton, Illinois' biggest hero. But when an angry teen and one bullet are two factors to the product of his fate, Mark's life is put at risk, and the odds are not in his favor.

ICU nurse Emma Stirling has nursed many patients in her career, but she's never met someone like Mark Lawson. Sure his big brown eyes are attractive, but something interests her more...his faith in God. But who is God again?

While Mark is clinging onto his life in Emma's care, will he be able to help Emma find faith? Will something romantic spark between the two of them?

–––––––-–––––––––📖–––––––-–––––––––

Mark nodded as they continued to dance, falling more in love with each other every minute. He nuzzled closer to her cinnamon and vanilla scent. Life could go on like this forever and he wouldn’t have a single complaint. God had been faithful.

Oof. This book was such a sweet read FULL of emotions, y'all. 💕😭

^^this

First of all, I know that the shooting had to happen for the plot...BUT OH MY GOSH. Reading it as the whole thing played out was just so heartbreaking. 💔

And I didn't mention it my review of Finding Hope (I have noooo idea why I didn't, lol) but I absolutely LOVED the Lawson family's bond! Especially the siblings (Mark, Faith, and Brianna)!!! I also loved the friendship that Brandon, Ethan, and Mark had...it was too flippin' precious, y'all!! 😩💗

So, Emma and Mark were PERFECT together. Even before their relationship became romantic, I just really enjoyed their interaction with each other. They both had such caring hearts, and I loved how well that was expressed.

they just literally made me so happy.

Let's bring out those highlighted parts!!

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“You’re gorgeous, Em.”

Someone say: SWOOOOONNNNN!! 💗

📖

Brandon scratched his head. “I missed you, buddy.” “Quit it, Smith.”

“In my defense, you almost died in my arms. I couldn’t have lived with that, Mark. It was hard enough to tell your parents and Bri the devastating news. As if Bri didn’t hate me enough already.”

“Bri doesn’t hate you, man. You’ve got to realize that.”

"Then what is it?”

Oh my goshhhhh, I can't wait for Bri and Brandon's story!! 👀

📖

Her eyes were filled with pity—he hated being pitied over—as she made him grab her other hand. “Slow and easy.” Emma’s grip steadied his wobbly legs.

Mark swung his feet around the bed, crumpling the blankets as he did so. “I feel like a fawn learning how to walk.” “Get used to that feeling for a while.”

Mark swallowed back the irritation. He glanced at his feet on the hard floor as he sat still in the bed. “My socks are ugly.”

Emma threw her head back, doubling over with laughter. He could listen to the raspy chuckle forever. “You just got shot in the chest and your socks are what you’re worried about?”

“The shooting is in the past.” He pointed to the ugly lime green socks. “These things are the real problem now.”

I shared part of this on IG, but I just HAD to share all of it here because it was too darn cute. 🙌🙌 

📖

She patted his hand. “Might as well milk it for all it’s worth while they’ve got you in here, big bro. I hear they serve killer orange swirl sherbet.” His annoyed roll of the eyes made Brianna chuckle. “I’m sorry to inform you, but you’ll have to lay back on the bakery’s cupcakes for now.”

“Sneak one.”

“I think I might get in trouble for that.”

Mark smiled, probably accepting his defeat.

Gah, all the Brianna and Mark moments were so wholesome. 🥰💕

📖

“I miss sleepovers with Hope.”

Bri was bored. She’d called Mark first every evening so far this week. He was normally the one to call her first.

"She’s happy, Brianna.”

Brianna grumbled. “I know. I just miss being with her every second of every day.”

Another gemmmmm!!

📖

Ethan sighed and shook his head. He slung his gym bag on his shoulder. “Well, now that I’ve been defeated, I’m going home. My wife’s making double chocolate chip cookies.” He wiggled his brows.

“I wonder if she’ll have a glass of milk already poured for you.” Brandon snickered, gathering his things as well.

“It’s a possibility.” Ethan grinned.

“You’re enjoying my sister too much.”

Ethan’s face reddened. “I love Hope.”

Mark laughed. He enjoyed having Ethan around. “I’ve never seen her smile the way she does when she’s with you, or when she’s just talking about you for that matter. You make her happy, and that makes me happy.”

Ethan shuffled his feet, then wrinkled his nose. “This is getting too mushy for me. I’ll be leaving now.”

See? PRECIOUS!

📖

Hope straightened Mark’s black collar and patted his shoulder. “Be safe today.”

Hope’s somber expression caused Mark to clear his throat. He didn’t want his sisters having to fret about him. Being chief of police came with great duty and responsibility. Every decision made in Alton’s Police Department went by and through him. Some days it left him feeling drained.

😭😭😭

📖

I’ve learned I admire you and all you’ve done for me. It’s odd when the nurse is thanking the patient, isn’t it? But seriously, thank you—for being kind, for informing me about Jesus when I had no idea, and for those big brown eyes that hardly ever leave my mind.

Pray for me, Mark.

This part really got me, y'all.

📖

“Tell me I’m stupid.” He marched into the kitchen, not caring who heard him.

Flustered at Mark’s sudden appearance, Hope looked up from the cupcake she was piping icing onto. “What?”

“Tell me that I’m stupid. That I’m acting like a girl-crazy teenage boy. That I need to grow up and go home.” Mark couldn’t think straight. Couldn’t sleep at night, and it was all because of a woman.

🤣🤣🤣

📖

Mark tried his best British voice. “My fine lady, I wouldn’t dream of missing it.” He kissed her on the lips.

“Be wearing your best,” Emma mumbled against his lips.

He rested his forehead against hers. “Flannel and jeans?”

“Mark!” His chest rumbled with laughter.

“Alright. Alright. I guess I’ll wear something nice.”

Too. Cute.

#happytears

As far as content goes: CLEAN! However, there was the shooting that caused Mark to get injured (nothing too graphic/descriptive though). Also, a drug addict/neglectful parent was arrested for being a criminal; and because of the arrest, his thirteen-year-old son had to be placed in foster care. Neither of these situations were triggering for me, but they could be for other readers.

All in all, if you love Christian contemporary romances that are sweet with a touch of humor, family-focused, have relatable characters, andddd faith-filled (of course 😉) then I think you'll really enjoy reading Finding Faith!!

~I received an e-copy of this story from the author, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~

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About the Author:

Katlyn Grace resides in a small town in West Virginia and adores spending time with friends and family. She enjoys writing, photography, music, early mornings, and going on walks. Katlyn also runs a Christian advice blog, RosePetalsAndFaith. She writes with the intent to inspire others to follow God and pursue His calling on their lives.