Good Morning My Sweet Friends :)
I pray today finds you all doing well, and I'm so thankful you've chosen to stop on by The Preppy Book Princess today for another book review.
Today is actually a holiday where I live, but I'm off to work anyways. However, I was blessed to have had the last two days off, and actually the upcoming two days as well. It's been awesome having some time to spend with my hubby, get caught up around the house, do some baking and cooking, and curl up with books and get my blog back on track.
Last week was crazy! Which is why you didn't see me around here too much. However, I'm hoping that won't happen again anytime soon, and I can't wait to get back to my regular posts this week.
I'm starting the week off by sharing my review of a lovely title by one of my favorite authors that actually releases today!!
I can't wait to tell you guys all about this one, but if you'd first like to check out my reviews of the previous titles in the series, you can do so using the links below:
Otherwise, keep on reading down below, and let's jump right into today's review.
Love and Memories by Mandi Blake:
Publication Date: February 17th, 2025
Genre: Christian Fiction/Contemporary/Cowboy Romance/Suspense
Series: Love in Blackwater
Synopsis:
She has secrets, but she can’t remember what they are.
Paramedic Travis Monroe has honed his emotional shield when it comes to trauma, but when a terrified and injured woman clings to him after a devastating accident, her touch threatens to break through his carefully constructed defenses. She’s scared and alone, and she can’t remember anything.
Unable to remember half of her life, Isabella Young latches onto the kind EMT whose patience becomes her solace as she struggles to put the pieces of her life together. As each day passes, Travis is becoming more than just her caretaker—he’s becoming her fiercest advocate in a world that suddenly makes no sense.
As Travis arranges for Isabella to stay with his friend and helps her get back on her feet, fragments of her past begin to surface, and the truth is far from pretty, threatening to entangle them both.
When the ugly truth begins to push them apart, Isabella must decide if she will confront the darkness of her past or continue running from it. When law enforcement issues a public warrant for her arrest, time and options quickly run out.
Now, Travis must decide how far he will go to protect a woman he barely knows but can’t bear to lose. Can he save Isabella from the sins of her forgotten past, or will the long arm of the law tear them apart forever?
If you loved the Blackwater Ranch series and the Wolf Creek Ranch series, get ready to fall in love all over again in Blackwater, Wyoming.
(synopsis from goodreads)
My Review:
I always look forward to diving into a new title by Mandi Blake (one of my all time favorite authors), and Love and Memories definitely did not disappoint.
Mandi's writing and stories keep getting better and better with each book she releases, and this ended up being the type of story that I never wanted to put down. Definitely not a title for the faint of heart, Isabella and Travis' road to happily ever after is paved with lots of turmoil and hurts from the past, but also beautifully illustrates the hope that comes our way when we place our trust in Jesus.
Travis first meets Isabella when he responds to a call for a victim of a hit and run. He can't stop thinking about her, and wants to be there for as she navigates dealing with amnesia and not knowing who she is or why she's in Blackwater. Such a fantastic starting point for a story, and while I don't want to spoil anything, I will say that the story unravels in ways no reader could ever see coming, and this couple's romance is truly one with all the feels and full of so many swoon worthy moments. The story is heart wrenching, while also realistic, and one of my favorite parts of this series continues to be the way the town is such a close knit group who chooses to rally around anyone in need.
All in all, this was a wonderful story that I'm still thinking about days after finishing, and can't possibly recommend it enough. Mandi is truly one of the genre's best authors, and I love her big heart for Jesus, and how she uses her stories to tell others about His never ending grace.
However, before I conclude my review I do want to issue a content warning with this title. I've loved every single book Mandi Blake has ever written, and this one was no different. However, this title is quite a bit darker than anything she's written before, and includes some elements that might bother others so just be forewarned that it includes the following:
*Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Physical Abuse, Emotional Manipulation*
That being said, the dark themes are never glorified, and every single situation is used as an illustration for Jesus and His healing grace. The title may be dark, but there's lots of Jesus to add the light, and that makes all the difference from darker titles where He's never present.
Final Rating: 5/5.
This story was everything I ever could have wanted, and I can't wait for the next book in the series! (Especially since I had guessed right about who the next couple is going to be and I'm going to have a hard time waiting for it's release!) I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys Christian romance with a touch of suspense.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her ARC Team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
Thanks so much for reading friends! Have a wonderful rest of your day :)
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