The Artisans'sWife by Judith Miller

As Ainslee McKay reluctantly leaves all she's known, the beauty of forgiveness and new beginnings comes to light in a West Virginian town with hidden depths.
Ainslee McKay's world is upended when her twin sister secretly elopes and leaves Ainslee alone to move to Weston, West Virginia, to fulfill their obligation at the McKay family's new tile works. While her brother, Ewan, agrees to travel with her and help her learn the ropes, she still intends to sell this business she no longer wants if a buyer can be found.

When the talented Levi Judson arrives to show Ainslee his designs for new tiles, she's impressed by his skill and passion for the business but feels she must keep her true plans for the business a secret from him. And though Levi hopes for a long, successful career at McKay Tile Works, he's hiding his true reason for coming to Weston. Can the growing feelings between them survive if the truth comes to light--or is a future together as uncertain as the future of the tile works itself?

The continuation of the McKay family was good to read.  Ainslee does not want to go to Weston, WV and leave everything and everyone that she loves.  She goes on the condition that a new buyer will be found and she can come home as soon as possible.  Little does she know that she will develop a love for Weston and a certain man who arrives in town looking for a job. Levi comes looking for a job with grand ideas for new tiles.  His devotion to his brother is commendable. 

I enjoyed reading this story.  I would recommend this book to anyone.  This is the third book in the series.  But it wasn't necessary to read the first two to read and understand this one.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Things We Knew by Catherine West

After her mother’s death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to blame their father for their mother’s death, but nobody will talk about that tragic day. And Lynette’s memory only speaks through nightmares.


Then Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, bringing the past with him. Once Lynette’s adolescent crush, Nick knows more about her mother’s death than he lets on. The truth could tear apart his own family—and destroy his fragile friendship with Lynette, the woman he no longer thinks of as a kid sister.

As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets surface that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question their faith, their willingness to forgive, and the very truth of all the things they thought they knew.

I am having a little bit of trouble deciding how to rate this book.  A big indicator for me is whether or not I would go back and re-read the book.   The answer is no I will not.  It's not a bad book but it didn't grip me like other reviewers have stated.  The Carlisle family is very dysfunctional.  Lynette has the sole responsibility for her dad and the upkeep of their home.  No other member of the family seems to care one way or the other.   One brother is a druggie, one is unemployed, the other is a missionary.  Lynette's sister is an attorney with anger issues.  I can't say I really cared for any of the siblings.  Lynette needed to get a backbone and stand up to her siblings.  I did like Nick.  It seemed he was the only ally that Lynette had. It was interesting to see how the story unfolded.  The siblings did care for each other but it seemed circumstances drove them apart.

The religious aspect was lacking.  Nick and Lynette were the only ones remotely living a Christian life.  There was no language or sex scenes in the book.

Would I recommend this book?  It would not be on the top of my recommendation list.  Not a bad book, just not my style I guess. 

I was given this book for an honest review by the publisher.  I was not compensated in any way.