After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot

 Mrs. Carmichael was lucky in the love the first and second time around when she remarried after her first husband died.  She is the town matchmaker for widows and widowers.  Some of the recipients of her attention are determined to never love again.  When a string of sudden deaths occur in Sweetwater Crossing it leaves everyone on edge and wondering who they can trust.  This book deals with family relationships, the ways we grieve and the hope God gives even in the darkest times.  I couldn't put this book down and read it in two days time.  Amanda Cabot once again caught my attention by her inriguing title and kept it as I read her book.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson

 Mallory finds herself an empty nester that has inherited her grandmother's old store.  When she goes to check it out she is as surprised as anyone when she decides to resettle in her grandmother's old home town.  When she decides to open her own home decor store her family wonders if its folly or a midlife crisis.  Mallory is offended and hurt by others judgments of her.  But soon discovers that she has some preconceived opinions of others that she needs to remedy.  What I liked about this book is that is made God a natural part of Mallory's life and not an artificial or tacked on part of of the story.  And while Mallory has some things in her past to deal with she isn't a bitter woman but a lady with a good attitude and one that is relatable.  

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.