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Trinity Lakes Romance #4
Always By My Side
A hardworking introvert meets a handsome adventurer longing to settle down.
Tabitha Thomas longs to leave Trinity Lakes and travel the world in honor of the beloved grandmother who raised her and her siblings. But she’s needed at home—she’s the responsible triplet, the one who stayed home to run the family inn while her brother and sister left to live their dreams.
Kiwi Logan Wylde doesn’t call any place home. When an injury frustrates his travel plans, he accepts an invitation to return to Trinity Lakes and recuperate at the Lakeview Inn, where he hopes to rediscover his purpose in life.
When Tabby and Logan find a property deed while cleaning out Gran’s rooms, Tabby embraces a new challenge—to solve the mystery of the floodplain and renovate the old boatshed. Working with Logan reignites long-suppressed feelings, but will their differences drive them apart?
An opposites-attract, friends-to-more, small town contemporary Christian romance.
Welcome to Trinity Lakes, a warm and welcoming small town in east Washington, filled with charm, family, and friends, where fresh starts, second chances, and romance abound. You'll meet swoony bachelors, cowboys, and adventurers, sweet and sassy ladies, and your new best friends. This series of standalone Christian romances will warm your heart, inspire your faith, and bring a smile to your soul.
Tabitha Thomas longs to leave Trinity Lakes and travel the world in honor of the beloved grandmother who raised her and her siblings. But she’s needed at home—she’s the responsible triplet, the one who stayed home to run the family inn while her brother and sister left to live their dreams.
Kiwi Logan Wylde doesn’t call any place home. When an injury frustrates his travel plans, he accepts an invitation to return to Trinity Lakes and recuperate at the Lakeview Inn, where he hopes to rediscover his purpose in life.
When Tabby and Logan find a property deed while cleaning out Gran’s rooms, Tabby embraces a new challenge—to solve the mystery of the floodplain and renovate the old boatshed. Working with Logan reignites long-suppressed feelings, but will their differences drive them apart?
An opposites-attract, friends-to-more, small town contemporary Christian romance.
Welcome to Trinity Lakes, a warm and welcoming small town in east Washington, filled with charm, family, and friends, where fresh starts, second chances, and romance abound. You'll meet swoony bachelors, cowboys, and adventurers, sweet and sassy ladies, and your new best friends. This series of standalone Christian romances will warm your heart, inspire your faith, and bring a smile to your soul.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
25 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Iola Goulton
3 books28 followersIola Goulton is the empty-nest mother of two who lives with her husband in the sunny Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, and writes contemporary Christian romance with a Kiwi connection. She works part-time for a local company, wrangling spreadsheets by day and words by night. Find Iola at iolagoulton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 15, 2023
I was really looking forward to reading Iola's Goulton's debut novel, and it was a lovely romance. Tabitha (Tabby) Thomas is the oldest and most responsible of three triplets. She has stayed behind at Trinity Lakes to help run the family inn. However, since her beloved grandmother's death earlier in the year, she has had even more responsibility. Between running the inn, working part-time at the local rowing club, and helping out in her church and community, she doesn't have any time for herself. And she certainly doesn't have time for romance, even if it is with hunky Logan Wylde who is staying at the inn for a couple of months while his ankle heals. Then he's off to be a counsellor at a summer camp and on to Europe, where she won't have to think about how much she would like to be with him. Especially since her brother implied that Logan isn't a Christian. Or is he?
I really liked the main theme of the novel. What are your God-given dreams and abilities, and how do you balance what you want with the need to serve others? Like many Christians, Tabitha ends up saying 'yes' to a lot of roles because she believes we're meant to serve, but that may be taking her away from where God wants her. I liked the way that she and Logan had to grapple with their growing love for each other and their desire to be in the centre of God's will. It also showed that decision-making isn't always a simple 'yes' or 'no', but can sometimes be 'wait and trust'. The writing is also very good, with lots of interesting imagery and word choices.
I did get a little confused about the timeline at one point. I had already read Book 2 in the series, and I thought the books would run in chronological order. Therefore, I was surprised when Kyla from Book 2 turned up and was flashing her engagement ring. I thought those events had already happened. But if I'd thought about it, I should have realised that the summer camp Logan was going to was the one we'd already had in Book 2. I also read a lot more romantic suspense than primarily romance, so there was perhaps a little too much talking and thinking in this book for my taste. I like a bit more action and suspense, but that's a personal preference.
If you like Christian romance novels, or sweet romances with good values, there's a lot to enjoy in this book. I'll be checking out more from this author.
I really liked the main theme of the novel. What are your God-given dreams and abilities, and how do you balance what you want with the need to serve others? Like many Christians, Tabitha ends up saying 'yes' to a lot of roles because she believes we're meant to serve, but that may be taking her away from where God wants her. I liked the way that she and Logan had to grapple with their growing love for each other and their desire to be in the centre of God's will. It also showed that decision-making isn't always a simple 'yes' or 'no', but can sometimes be 'wait and trust'. The writing is also very good, with lots of interesting imagery and word choices.
I did get a little confused about the timeline at one point. I had already read Book 2 in the series, and I thought the books would run in chronological order. Therefore, I was surprised when Kyla from Book 2 turned up and was flashing her engagement ring. I thought those events had already happened. But if I'd thought about it, I should have realised that the summer camp Logan was going to was the one we'd already had in Book 2. I also read a lot more romantic suspense than primarily romance, so there was perhaps a little too much talking and thinking in this book for my taste. I like a bit more action and suspense, but that's a personal preference.
If you like Christian romance novels, or sweet romances with good values, there's a lot to enjoy in this book. I'll be checking out more from this author.
September 10, 2024
A sweet read for lovers of Christian Romance Fiction. Iola Goulton’s debut is a well-oiled and crafted work that does her chosen genre proud. Her characters prove the folly of making assumptions can cause all sorts of complications and hindrances to the blossoming of true love. But then, that’s part of the torment and the fun of the journey towards real, enduring relationships, isn’t it?
June 2, 2023
Romance is not really my thing but I was curious to read this author's debut.
5-star cover and I enjoyed the spiritual side to the story and the normal, everyday issues that the characters had to deal with.
This series is a clever concept and I might even be induced to read more of the stories.
5-star cover and I enjoyed the spiritual side to the story and the normal, everyday issues that the characters had to deal with.
This series is a clever concept and I might even be induced to read more of the stories.
August 6, 2023
Imagine a quaint, lakeside community in Washington state, a town that seems to attract Aussies and Kiwis in delightful droves. Then imagine a lovely lakeside B&B with a hospitable young owner… and voila! You will find yourself in the setting of Always By My Side by Iola Goulton.
Trinity Lakes definitely draws readers in with its charm, and Goulton stands ready with her engaging characters to keep you invested in their story. I really related to Tabitha (Tabby) in several ways, though not in everything (more on that in a moment), but especially in her self-made pressure to do everything for everybody. I’ve gotten better at saying no over the years, and the turning point for me was finally understanding the truth that Tabby is given by several people in this book:
“Did it ever occur to you that doing something that isn’t your calling might be preventing someone else from stepping up to their own calling?”
I loved this message that Goulton weaves into the framework of the story, partly because it was so meaningful for my own growth in the past and partly because it’s not one that’s addressed often in fiction. And Tabby isn’t the only one who is waiting for God’s direction in Always By My Side – swoony Logan with the swoony New Zealand accent and the vagabond spirit also wrestles with discerning what God wants him to do next. Speaking of Logan, I so enjoyed his character, and not just the swoony parts. He is a man of integrity and kindness, and I think you’re going to love him too! I didn’t agree with Tabby’s logic in some of the assumptions she makes about him (and the subsequent fallout from her misguided ideas), especially in the latter parts of the book, but I still enjoyed her otherwise warm and friendly personality.
Bottom Line: Always By My Side by Iola Goulton has a beautiful message to match its beautiful cover – and a sweet romance too! Logan and Tabby are opposites in many ways, and Logan provides the perfect easygoing balance to Tabby’s rigidity. But they’re not completely different, and the book’s faith thread highlights those commonalities perfectly. There’s also an intriguing bit of mystery regarding the boatshed on their property, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to be resolved in future books. Some repetition of information (that seemed as though the character was learning it for the first time… again) bogged down a few sections of the book for me, but overall Always By My Side is an entertaining and engaging romance with affable characters and a Kiwi twist! And because they so intrigued me, I hope we get to follow Tabby’s siblings in other books by this author!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Trinity Lakes definitely draws readers in with its charm, and Goulton stands ready with her engaging characters to keep you invested in their story. I really related to Tabitha (Tabby) in several ways, though not in everything (more on that in a moment), but especially in her self-made pressure to do everything for everybody. I’ve gotten better at saying no over the years, and the turning point for me was finally understanding the truth that Tabby is given by several people in this book:
“Did it ever occur to you that doing something that isn’t your calling might be preventing someone else from stepping up to their own calling?”
I loved this message that Goulton weaves into the framework of the story, partly because it was so meaningful for my own growth in the past and partly because it’s not one that’s addressed often in fiction. And Tabby isn’t the only one who is waiting for God’s direction in Always By My Side – swoony Logan with the swoony New Zealand accent and the vagabond spirit also wrestles with discerning what God wants him to do next. Speaking of Logan, I so enjoyed his character, and not just the swoony parts. He is a man of integrity and kindness, and I think you’re going to love him too! I didn’t agree with Tabby’s logic in some of the assumptions she makes about him (and the subsequent fallout from her misguided ideas), especially in the latter parts of the book, but I still enjoyed her otherwise warm and friendly personality.
Bottom Line: Always By My Side by Iola Goulton has a beautiful message to match its beautiful cover – and a sweet romance too! Logan and Tabby are opposites in many ways, and Logan provides the perfect easygoing balance to Tabby’s rigidity. But they’re not completely different, and the book’s faith thread highlights those commonalities perfectly. There’s also an intriguing bit of mystery regarding the boatshed on their property, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to be resolved in future books. Some repetition of information (that seemed as though the character was learning it for the first time… again) bogged down a few sections of the book for me, but overall Always By My Side is an entertaining and engaging romance with affable characters and a Kiwi twist! And because they so intrigued me, I hope we get to follow Tabby’s siblings in other books by this author!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 29, 2024
Did you know Sir Walter Scott once reviewed Jane Austen’s Emma? In the opening paragraph, he more or less said Austen wrote about the common day life (which they all knew down to the minute detail) so well and with such spirit that they found no fault in her portrayal of their life. Rather the common became exciting under her pen.
That is how I felt when I read Iola’s debut. She wrote about life as I know it but wrote it so well that I wanted to keep reading.
Always by My Side is a lovely, contemporary romance.
I crept in on timid feet to Logan and Tabitha’s world. Bad boys aren’t usually my type of book, but I liked Logan right off the bat. My timid feet settled in and put down roots, desiring to linger in Logan and Tabitha’s world.
He was so nice. She was so relatable!
The characters are well thought out. Their actions make sense. The plot doesn’t lag or get frustrating. It’s not action packed like some romances. There is time to breathe between scenes, to take in what happened, but still want to know what’s coming next. It’s a lovely, well-paced romance. One I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
A bit more about the story itself:
Logan is a free spirit who works from job to job, living on his motorbike, and never worried about what’s coming next until God rattles his boat. Logan isn’t quite clear what God has for him next. But Logan’s lifestyle suits him and makes sense when you find out about his background.
Tabitha was relatable and drew my heart to her. Her gran just died, and she’s dealing with her grief by keeping herself busy. So busy she is barely keeping above water, and she has never stopped to consider if maybe the life she has is the life she ought to have.
I can get frustrated with heroines who don’t ask questions, but not with Tabitha. It made sense when she held her tongue, or when she drew the wrong conclusion without clarifying. I couldn’t get mad when I would have done the same thing! It’s a pleasure to read a book so well thought out that misunderstandings happened when a misunderstanding would have naturally occurred.
It’s good writing.
The story can stand on its own. No, it does not neglect the other books in the series, but it builds so seamlessly on them you wouldn’t notice or miss the others. Again, really good writing.
Looking for a contemporary romance? Want relatable and likeable characters living a life that feels real and yet makes our normal life feel interesting? Check out Always be My Side.
That is how I felt when I read Iola’s debut. She wrote about life as I know it but wrote it so well that I wanted to keep reading.
Always by My Side is a lovely, contemporary romance.
I crept in on timid feet to Logan and Tabitha’s world. Bad boys aren’t usually my type of book, but I liked Logan right off the bat. My timid feet settled in and put down roots, desiring to linger in Logan and Tabitha’s world.
He was so nice. She was so relatable!
The characters are well thought out. Their actions make sense. The plot doesn’t lag or get frustrating. It’s not action packed like some romances. There is time to breathe between scenes, to take in what happened, but still want to know what’s coming next. It’s a lovely, well-paced romance. One I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
A bit more about the story itself:
Logan is a free spirit who works from job to job, living on his motorbike, and never worried about what’s coming next until God rattles his boat. Logan isn’t quite clear what God has for him next. But Logan’s lifestyle suits him and makes sense when you find out about his background.
Tabitha was relatable and drew my heart to her. Her gran just died, and she’s dealing with her grief by keeping herself busy. So busy she is barely keeping above water, and she has never stopped to consider if maybe the life she has is the life she ought to have.
I can get frustrated with heroines who don’t ask questions, but not with Tabitha. It made sense when she held her tongue, or when she drew the wrong conclusion without clarifying. I couldn’t get mad when I would have done the same thing! It’s a pleasure to read a book so well thought out that misunderstandings happened when a misunderstanding would have naturally occurred.
It’s good writing.
The story can stand on its own. No, it does not neglect the other books in the series, but it builds so seamlessly on them you wouldn’t notice or miss the others. Again, really good writing.
Looking for a contemporary romance? Want relatable and likeable characters living a life that feels real and yet makes our normal life feel interesting? Check out Always be My Side.
July 29, 2023
This is Goulton's first published story and it's a good one that fits in well with the Trinity Lakes collection. It's classic contemporary romance and followed a similar arc to Narelle Atkin's story that kicked off the series.
Logan Wylde, is a Kiwi, who has landed in Trinity Lakes to rest his injured ankle before volunteering as a camp counsellor over the the summer. Trent Thomas is an old mate of his and kindly offers Logan his room at the family B&B while Trent is living on campus while studying. Trent is a triplet with sisters Tabitha and Tiffany. Tabitha runs the B&B having taken over from her dear Gran who recently passed away.
Tabitha knows Logan and actually had a schoolgirl crush on him but is weary believing he lives up to his name: "Wylde by name, wild by nature" as her brother introduced him a few years back. Tabitha is a little stiff and I struggled to warm to her for much of the story. Logan is not at all wild and in fact is a very decent guy who is easy to like. He's grappling with those 'big' life decisions on 'what will I do with my life' which is very common these days. But he is a young man who is seeking to trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6 being his life verse) and happily helps Tabitha out in her daily chores in running the B&B.
There is a bit of repetition in parts of the story but I appreciated the strong faith element and the prayers that we often read from both Logan and Tabitha. The story has a strong theme about calling and vocation, trust and waiting on the Lord. Logan's easy going nature complements Tabitha's intensity and the last chapter is a doozy. I especially enjoyed Logan's romantic surprise.
I hope this is just the start for Iola Goulton as she clearly has the key elements of story arc down and is able to craft an enjoyable story with believable characters together with a strong faith emphasis.
Logan Wylde, is a Kiwi, who has landed in Trinity Lakes to rest his injured ankle before volunteering as a camp counsellor over the the summer. Trent Thomas is an old mate of his and kindly offers Logan his room at the family B&B while Trent is living on campus while studying. Trent is a triplet with sisters Tabitha and Tiffany. Tabitha runs the B&B having taken over from her dear Gran who recently passed away.
Tabitha knows Logan and actually had a schoolgirl crush on him but is weary believing he lives up to his name: "Wylde by name, wild by nature" as her brother introduced him a few years back. Tabitha is a little stiff and I struggled to warm to her for much of the story. Logan is not at all wild and in fact is a very decent guy who is easy to like. He's grappling with those 'big' life decisions on 'what will I do with my life' which is very common these days. But he is a young man who is seeking to trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6 being his life verse) and happily helps Tabitha out in her daily chores in running the B&B.
There is a bit of repetition in parts of the story but I appreciated the strong faith element and the prayers that we often read from both Logan and Tabitha. The story has a strong theme about calling and vocation, trust and waiting on the Lord. Logan's easy going nature complements Tabitha's intensity and the last chapter is a doozy. I especially enjoyed Logan's romantic surprise.
I hope this is just the start for Iola Goulton as she clearly has the key elements of story arc down and is able to craft an enjoyable story with believable characters together with a strong faith emphasis.
June 1, 2023
I have been looking forward to this book for awhile. It is Iola Goulton's debut book and also part of the Trinity Lakes Series. If I didn't know it was a debut book I would have thought she had been writing for years. The book flows well and after a few recently where I wanted to knock some sense into a character this book didn't do that to me.
The book features Tabby (Tabitha) who is running the family inn, and cooking for church groups and helping where needed. Then there is Kiwi Logan who went to college with her triplet brother Trent and is like part of the family. Logan is more adventurous doing seasonal jobs outdoor jobs. They are different in so many ways but they are also drawn to each other.
Logan is recuperating at the Inn after a snowboard accident and can see how hard Tabby works and wants to help out. We also see the boatshed and mystery of why the land is floodplain which were learnt about in book one Never Find Another You by Narelle Atkins.
It was interesting seeing more of this mystery and still looking forward to see how it impacts future books. We also see Grandma Gracie again and she still has some very sage advice which makes Tabby think. I would love to say so much more but then you would miss out on this wonderful story. But I will say we do see a lot of growth from both Tabby and Logan. I also found Grandma Gracie's advice and observations enlightening and hope it will resound with many.
I am looking forward to more books by Iola.
The book features Tabby (Tabitha) who is running the family inn, and cooking for church groups and helping where needed. Then there is Kiwi Logan who went to college with her triplet brother Trent and is like part of the family. Logan is more adventurous doing seasonal jobs outdoor jobs. They are different in so many ways but they are also drawn to each other.
Logan is recuperating at the Inn after a snowboard accident and can see how hard Tabby works and wants to help out. We also see the boatshed and mystery of why the land is floodplain which were learnt about in book one Never Find Another You by Narelle Atkins.
It was interesting seeing more of this mystery and still looking forward to see how it impacts future books. We also see Grandma Gracie again and she still has some very sage advice which makes Tabby think. I would love to say so much more but then you would miss out on this wonderful story. But I will say we do see a lot of growth from both Tabby and Logan. I also found Grandma Gracie's advice and observations enlightening and hope it will resound with many.
I am looking forward to more books by Iola.
May 30, 2023
Tabitha runs the family B &B, along with working several hours a day at the boating club, and volunteering whenever anyone asks. Logan was her brother’s best friend and college roommate from New Zealand. Logan unexpectedly drops in to star for a few MONTHS due to an injured ankle. Tabetha has always refused to date Logan because her brother always gave the impression that Logan was a bit wild and not a Christian. She is surprised to discover that Logan is on a spiritual journey to find God’s will for his future. Logan helps Tabitha realize that she needs to be seeking God’s will for her life as well.
This book is very well-written with likeable characters, some of which were in the previous books in the series. The books in the series do not need to be read in order. They actually seem to be covering the same general time period. Proverbs 3:5-6 plays an important role in this books.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This book is very well-written with likeable characters, some of which were in the previous books in the series. The books in the series do not need to be read in order. They actually seem to be covering the same general time period. Proverbs 3:5-6 plays an important role in this books.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 5, 2023
The Trinity Lakes series is a most enjoyable set of ‘stand-alone’ books, written by a talented team of authors. The featured characters are fairly young people who have long-standing roots in the community, with strengths and flaws the reader can relate to. A strong Christian ethos throughout the series adds value and enjoyment.
In this fourth book, triplet Tabitha ‘inherits’ the sole care and management of the Lakeside Inn after the death of her beloved grandmother while her siblings continue with their studies. When her brother invites his friend, Logan Wylde to recover from an ankle injury at the inn, Tabitha is initially annoyed. However, Logan soon disproves his reputation of being ‘wild’...
As their friendship develops, Tabitha has to make decisions about the future she wants and to trust that heartbreak will not follow Logan’s inevitable departure at the end of summer.
I was given an advanced review copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
In this fourth book, triplet Tabitha ‘inherits’ the sole care and management of the Lakeside Inn after the death of her beloved grandmother while her siblings continue with their studies. When her brother invites his friend, Logan Wylde to recover from an ankle injury at the inn, Tabitha is initially annoyed. However, Logan soon disproves his reputation of being ‘wild’...
As their friendship develops, Tabitha has to make decisions about the future she wants and to trust that heartbreak will not follow Logan’s inevitable departure at the end of summer.
I was given an advanced review copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
July 6, 2023
Not just doing, but being…..
Tabby, or Tabitha to give her the full name she was given at birth, the first born of triplets, filled her life doing things like working hard managing and cooking and cleaning for guests at her family’s B and B as well as working afternoon shifts at a friend’s Country Club. When Logan reentered her life after spending several years travelling the world he challenged her reason for her busyness. Should she always be doing things or should she spend more time just being? Allowing herself time to rest, restore herself physically and spiritually after the death of her beloved grandmother and spend more time with God to determine what it was He had in store for her?
I loved how Iola led us through Tabby’s journey to this point in her life and used her growing relationship with Logan to come to this realisation that she needed to rest and wait in the Lord
A wonderful first novel! Can’t wait to read more!!
Tabby, or Tabitha to give her the full name she was given at birth, the first born of triplets, filled her life doing things like working hard managing and cooking and cleaning for guests at her family’s B and B as well as working afternoon shifts at a friend’s Country Club. When Logan reentered her life after spending several years travelling the world he challenged her reason for her busyness. Should she always be doing things or should she spend more time just being? Allowing herself time to rest, restore herself physically and spiritually after the death of her beloved grandmother and spend more time with God to determine what it was He had in store for her?
I loved how Iola led us through Tabby’s journey to this point in her life and used her growing relationship with Logan to come to this realisation that she needed to rest and wait in the Lord
A wonderful first novel! Can’t wait to read more!!
May 23, 2023
I really enjoyed the story
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
I enjoyed this return to the small town of Trinity Lakes. This story is part of a series but does stand alone.
Tabby is the elder of triplets and the only one to stay home after high school graduation, about four or five years ago. She runs the inn she and her siblings grew up in. There's a surprise about that and a few other things that play out as she gets to know her brother's former roommate, who is here for an extended stay.
In usual small town form, there are loving friends and busybodies to move the story along.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
I enjoyed this return to the small town of Trinity Lakes. This story is part of a series but does stand alone.
Tabby is the elder of triplets and the only one to stay home after high school graduation, about four or five years ago. She runs the inn she and her siblings grew up in. There's a surprise about that and a few other things that play out as she gets to know her brother's former roommate, who is here for an extended stay.
In usual small town form, there are loving friends and busybodies to move the story along.
June 18, 2023
This is a stand alone story, but I highly recommend reading the other Trinity Lakes stories as it will give you more background on Tabby & some of the minor characters. Unlike most series, these are written by different authors, which gives each story a different feel. I think this was my favorite so far. Tabby & Logan's story is so sweet - she's had a crush on him since they first met, but her brother warned her off of his roommate. Logan had feelings for Tabby, but her brother threatened him to leave her alone. Can they overcome everything standing in their way and find love?
I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are 100% my own.
I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are 100% my own.
June 3, 2023
I enjoyed the story line and the characters, especially how Tabitha had preconceived ideas about who Logan was (thanks to her brother, Logan's college room mate blaming Logan for the booze in their room...). I liked how Logan pitched in to help and how as they worked together their relationship grew. Even though this is book 4, this book is easily read as a stand-alone, there is however a thread of mystery through the series about the old boat shed and why the land was zoned as flood plain. I look forward to the next book in the series. I received an ARC but this review is my own.
June 3, 2023
She is ALWAYS working - trying to take her grandmother’s place
She cooks for the B&B - she works for a friend. She cleans the B&B. And what ever she is asked to do, she does. And then a friend of her brother comes to visit . .. and life becomes interesting . . .he helps her a LOT. But does he want more/\? Does she? This is a superb book that gives a great idea about how to discover God’s will!!! LOVE IT. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
She cooks for the B&B - she works for a friend. She cleans the B&B. And what ever she is asked to do, she does. And then a friend of her brother comes to visit . .. and life becomes interesting . . .he helps her a LOT. But does he want more/\? Does she? This is a superb book that gives a great idea about how to discover God’s will!!! LOVE IT. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
June 5, 2023
A sweet, opposites-attract Christian romance with a suitably heart-happy ending.
Set in a small town in Washington State, this instalment of the Trinity Lakes Romance series features Tabitha, the overworked mainstay of the Lakeview Inn, and Logan, the New Zealand-born world traveller.
Tabby and Logan both need to learn—or re-learn—to ask for God’s direction for their lives instead of forging ahead on their own. And then to trust Him in the waiting.
It’s book four in the series but reads easily as a standalone. The setting is beautiful, the characters easy to spend time with, and there’s a hint of mystery about the abandoned boathouse on the edge of the property.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
Set in a small town in Washington State, this instalment of the Trinity Lakes Romance series features Tabitha, the overworked mainstay of the Lakeview Inn, and Logan, the New Zealand-born world traveller.
Tabby and Logan both need to learn—or re-learn—to ask for God’s direction for their lives instead of forging ahead on their own. And then to trust Him in the waiting.
It’s book four in the series but reads easily as a standalone. The setting is beautiful, the characters easy to spend time with, and there’s a hint of mystery about the abandoned boathouse on the edge of the property.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
July 6, 2023
As I once lived in a small hamlet clustered around a bay, I easily identified with the setting in this contemporary romance novel. Everybody seems to know everyone else, and Iola captured that snug feel. The characters were very real and the developing romance was satisfying. I liked the way her love for her grandmother shone through. A genuine hometown girl with no hankering after a big city lifestyle and struggling against feelings for a guy seemingly without roots or faith of his own. An all-round sweet story.
April 24, 2025
It was pretty good. I didn’t like how Tabitha’s brother lied to her about his friend. Maybe not in so many words, but it was implied. There was a good message about making sure what you are doing is what God wants you to do, not just because it is a good thing or because you want to honor someone by doing what they did. I was afraid the misunderstanding was going to drag out, but thankfully it didn’t last too long, and there were friends who spoke the truth even if Tabitha didn’t want to hear it.
It was clean and a nice read. Not very memorable, but I enjoyed it.
It was clean and a nice read. Not very memorable, but I enjoyed it.
June 8, 2023
I love a good small town romance and this Trinity Lakes romance is simply wonderful! Tabby runs the family inn, Logan is a friend of her brothers and comes to stay at the inn to recuperate after an injury. Their friendship develops as does their romance as the story progresses and it was great to see the family and friendship relationships with the other characters . There is surprises along the way, there’s a little mystery and it was a fantastic read to curl up on the sofa with.
August 12, 2024
A lovely story
It was great to read a story that had characters that I’d already met in some of the other Trinity Lake books, and to having a New Zealander added to the community. From the start I loved both Tabitha and Logan and wanted them to find a way to be together. I added more than a few highlights to paragraphs that had me smiling at the wisdom on the page. This is a story about being not doing, and about stopping long enough to ask God the important questions.
It was great to read a story that had characters that I’d already met in some of the other Trinity Lake books, and to having a New Zealander added to the community. From the start I loved both Tabitha and Logan and wanted them to find a way to be together. I added more than a few highlights to paragraphs that had me smiling at the wisdom on the page. This is a story about being not doing, and about stopping long enough to ask God the important questions.
June 6, 2023
This is such a cute story, the characters are charming, you will fall in love with Tabby and Logan. The story has romance, good Christian values. There are lessons to be learned, things they both need to figure out. It is a interesting story, never boring. I recommend this book to everyone. I received a free copy of this book an this review is my own.
May 31, 2023
This is another Trinity Lakes story. Tabby is the oldest of triplets and the only one who decided to stay in Trinity Lakes after they graduated. She has been running the Inn where they were born by herself since her grandmother passed away.
When Logan was injured, Tabby's brother told him he could go to Lakeview Inn to recuperate. While there, he helped Tabby with some of the work around the Inn.
During Logan's previous visits, Tabby had developed a crush on him. Would the feelings still be there? Would he think of her as anyone other than his friend's sister? Both of them prayed asking God what He wanted them to do with their lives.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
When Logan was injured, Tabby's brother told him he could go to Lakeview Inn to recuperate. While there, he helped Tabby with some of the work around the Inn.
During Logan's previous visits, Tabby had developed a crush on him. Would the feelings still be there? Would he think of her as anyone other than his friend's sister? Both of them prayed asking God what He wanted them to do with their lives.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
June 2, 2023
knowing their true calling
Tabby and Logan learned some powerful lessons in this book, ones we all should consider. Why are we doing what we do? Is it really what God has for us? Very well done!
Tabby and Logan learned some powerful lessons in this book, ones we all should consider. Why are we doing what we do? Is it really what God has for us? Very well done!
June 3, 2023
A great love story of two people who struggle with their feelings for each other. I find I enjoy the Trinity Lakes stories by the various authors. And I’m sure many will enjoy this story. I received a copy of this book and all these opinions are mine.
June 3, 2023
I loved this one. I’ve been reading this whole series and each is a solid addition. I’ve not been disappointed yet! Honestly I think this has been my favorite so far! I really want to get more into the siblings, so I hope the author has plans to write their stories as well!
May 11, 2025
Thought provoking!
I could certainly relate to Tabby and her constant busyness. I also think I would have reacted exactly as she did when friends tried to help. The Godly wisdom and conclusions that she and Logan reach make this book a really good read.
I could certainly relate to Tabby and her constant busyness. I also think I would have reacted exactly as she did when friends tried to help. The Godly wisdom and conclusions that she and Logan reach make this book a really good read.
June 3, 2023
So good! Loved this story and seeing some old friends. Great characters. I love the triplets!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
April 12, 2025
I read this about a year ago, sorry for the late review! I loved the natural slip into prayer of the main character and her servant heart struggles. An enjoyable, sweet read.
June 16, 2024
I loved to read this love story as it is sweet and clean. It also showed me that it's not healthy to say "Yes" to every noble thing but to prioritize the calling God gave us and therefore to rethink the things I'm doing now.
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