"The Crushing Depths" by Dani Pettrey - Coastal Guardians, book 2

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker, Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are flown to the scene thirty-eight miles from shore. Tensions aboard the rig are high, and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the "plague on the environment" from continuing its work. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating on board about an ancient curse lurking in the depths below. Mounting evidence shows the death might not have been an accident. Was the man killed by one of the activists or, more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only numerous suspects, but also their own haunted pasts and their attraction to each other.

I didn't remember much from the first book, particularly the large cast, but even so I had no problem following this one; it reads as a stand-alone, though it sets up the next book in the series (assuming Pettrey follows her usual patterns). I liked both Rissi and Mason and their deep bond from childhood; it added a lot of depth to their relationship, counteracting what would have otherwise been an unbelievably quick romance. Now they're finally given the opportunity that they had once been denied.

While Rissi and Mason are the main couple and their investigation the focus, there's a second case being worked, with a broader look on the CGIS team as a whole--sometimes from their perspectives, like Caleb, Noah, and Coast Guard Medic Brooke, and sometimes just glimpses of the remaining members as seen through the others' eyes. It's a fun crew, with personalities across the spectrum, including a couple delightfully quirky ones. I enjoy learning more about the duties of the CGIS, but even more I'm looking forward to reading more about the fun crew!

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Coastal Guardians
1. The Killing Tide
2. The Crushing Depths

3. The Deadly Shallows

"Set the Stars Alight" by Amanda Dykes

Lucy Clairmont's family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it's her oldest friend Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she's discovered in her family home. Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time. As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek

A sweet, whimsical story with a treasure hunt, history, a touch of romance, and a solid dose of hope, even amidst tragic circumstances.

The writing style is very lyrical; it reminds me of some of my favorite fairy tale retellings from my youth, written to be beautiful both in word choice and how it's put together (but not to be confused with purple prose or writing so fanciful that it makes no sense when you stop to think what it actually means). This was clearly crafted with care.

I loved the historical arc; it's a powerful allegory of Christ's sacrificial love, and even with hints from the Watchmaker's stories and research in the modern era, it still managed to surprise me in some directions it went. Lucy's story has a greater focus on light and hope--both always apropos in this dark world in which we live--and was enjoyable too, though some things were left more open-ended than I prefer. Overall, though, it was a beautiful story.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

"A Bride of Convenience" by Jody Hedlund--Bride Ships, book 3

Upon discovering an abandoned baby, Pastor Abe Merivale joins efforts with Zoe Hart, one of the newly arrived bride-ship women, to care for the infant. With mounting pressure to find the baby a home, Abe offers his hand as Zoe's groom. But after a hasty wedding, they soon realize their marriage of convenience is not so convenient after all.
A Bride of Convenience is a fast, entertaining read, and it's one more example proving why marriage of convenience stories are so popular. Early-days British Columbia was depicted beautifully (or rather, accurately--I wouldn't necessarily call mud beautiful on an everyday basis). Sadly, hypocrisy within the church was also depicted accurately, but I appreciated how Abe and and Zoe were able to be a good witness within an imperfect human institution.

What tended to pull me out of the story was the extremely public displays of affection; weddings and high school hallways are the only occasions I've ever seen the like. It's a romance--kissing is expected. But they don't try to seek privacy for all their kissing--neither Abe and Zoe, nor Pete and Arabella. They just make out regardless of whoever or however many are watching. I'd have died of mortification ten times over. But it is uplifting to watch them develop friendship and love after their hasty marriage, and I really like what their ministry becomes in the end.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

The Bride Ships
1. The Reluctant Bride
2. The Runaway Bride
3. A Bride of Convenience
4. Almost a Bride