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Love's Compass #1
Finding Peace
Tuck is determined to keep Laurie safe, even if it means risking his own heart in the process.
Police Officer Tuck Chandler works hard to protect the citizens of Kitner, Texas. He's also good at holding women at arm's length. Jilted by his fiancée for his dedication to his job, he's not about to open himself up to hurt like that again.
Laurie Blake is a struggling photographer. After growing up in a wealthy family, she's determined to make it on her own, even if it means doing it the hard way.
When Tuck is assigned to a puzzling burglary involving Laurie's fledgling photography business, he goes into it with his usual perseverance. He wants to help her - if she'll let him. As the case unfolds and the mystery deepens, another question arises.
Will their pasts get in the way of a future together?
Police Officer Tuck Chandler works hard to protect the citizens of Kitner, Texas. He's also good at holding women at arm's length. Jilted by his fiancée for his dedication to his job, he's not about to open himself up to hurt like that again.
Laurie Blake is a struggling photographer. After growing up in a wealthy family, she's determined to make it on her own, even if it means doing it the hard way.
When Tuck is assigned to a puzzling burglary involving Laurie's fledgling photography business, he goes into it with his usual perseverance. He wants to help her - if she'll let him. As the case unfolds and the mystery deepens, another question arises.
Will their pasts get in the way of a future together?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2015
1181 people are currently reading
1565 people want to read
About the author
Melanie D. Snitker
47 books305 followersMelanie D. Snitker is a USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children. They share their home with three dogs and a variety of small animals. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, training her dog, playing computer games, and hanging out with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 11, 2024
5 stars. So I picked up this novel at a sale because it was about police and opened it to do a couple checks and make sure it was clean. The very first lines hooked me in, and I ended up reading it in about an hour.
I enjoyed the setting. It had all the small, cozy town feels. The writing style was also good, specially for an indie book! The characters were my favourite though. Tuck was a really nice guy, and I identified with his fear of rejection and moving on. Laurie was very sweet and enjoyable, and together they were a great pair. I specially loved how protective Tuck was and how Laurie trusted him. Gideon was an unexpected and really sweet addition—yay for more diversity in Christian Fiction! Lexi & Lance were fun side characters and so were Patti & Grandma.
The plot was also well done. I honestly didn’t expect anything to come of the various little mysteries and was delightedly surprised by the grand climax! It was well done, and resolved easily, which I appreciated. I enjoyed how much it showed of Tuck and Laurie throughout. I also really appreciated how as a romance novel with a policeman for the MC, his job was actually heavily involved, not like some other police romances I could name.
Speaking of romance, it was good—and I don’t say that lightly. Physically speaking, it was clean. There was way more touching than I preferred—even before engagement—but it was pretty clear the two were interested in each other and it was Tuck’s fear of moving on that kept them from being engaged. I appreciated that there were barely any, if any, details, and that they didn’t spend half their time noticing each other’s attractive physique—even when they first met! I also really applaud how Tuck’s job was discussed and Laurie knew what she was getting into.
The theme of this book was also really good—learning to trust God and move forwards with what He gives us, instead of hanging on to the past and its pain.
Overall, this book was a well-written story with a good mixture of romance, action, message, and life, revolving around a lovely cast of characters.
Content: Besides the things mentioned above, a girl is a single parent because she got pregnant and her boyfriend skipped out on her. No one seems to be bothered by the fact that they got pregnant, only that the guy ditched her. It wasn’t a big thing, it was just never addressed, and I didn’t appreciate that.
A Favourite Quote: “You can’t continue to walk through life looking backwards. Think of how much you might miss right in front of you.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: If she was this frigid with the guy who was here to help, then it was a good thing the person who broke into her car was long gone. Tuck might have been called in to investigate a homicide instead.
I enjoyed the setting. It had all the small, cozy town feels. The writing style was also good, specially for an indie book! The characters were my favourite though. Tuck was a really nice guy, and I identified with his fear of rejection and moving on. Laurie was very sweet and enjoyable, and together they were a great pair. I specially loved how protective Tuck was and how Laurie trusted him. Gideon was an unexpected and really sweet addition—yay for more diversity in Christian Fiction! Lexi & Lance were fun side characters and so were Patti & Grandma.
The plot was also well done. I honestly didn’t expect anything to come of the various little mysteries and was delightedly surprised by the grand climax! It was well done, and resolved easily, which I appreciated. I enjoyed how much it showed of Tuck and Laurie throughout. I also really appreciated how as a romance novel with a policeman for the MC, his job was actually heavily involved, not like some other police romances I could name.
Speaking of romance, it was good—and I don’t say that lightly. Physically speaking, it was clean. There was way more touching than I preferred—even before engagement—but it was pretty clear the two were interested in each other and it was Tuck’s fear of moving on that kept them from being engaged. I appreciated that there were barely any, if any, details, and that they didn’t spend half their time noticing each other’s attractive physique—even when they first met! I also really applaud how Tuck’s job was discussed and Laurie knew what she was getting into.
The theme of this book was also really good—learning to trust God and move forwards with what He gives us, instead of hanging on to the past and its pain.
Overall, this book was a well-written story with a good mixture of romance, action, message, and life, revolving around a lovely cast of characters.
Content: Besides the things mentioned above, a girl is a single parent because she got pregnant and her boyfriend skipped out on her. No one seems to be bothered by the fact that they got pregnant, only that the guy ditched her. It wasn’t a big thing, it was just never addressed, and I didn’t appreciate that.
A Favourite Quote: “You can’t continue to walk through life looking backwards. Think of how much you might miss right in front of you.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: If she was this frigid with the guy who was here to help, then it was a good thing the person who broke into her car was long gone. Tuck might have been called in to investigate a homicide instead.
October 16, 2021
3.5 ✨
Sweet light read with a cute romance, a little mystery and a HEA ♥️.
Sweet light read with a cute romance, a little mystery and a HEA ♥️.
July 21, 2015
A great contemporary Christian romance. Melanie weaves a hint of mystery into a sweet romance to create a moving story full of family, friendship, and personal growth. I'm continually impressed by her skill at characterization. In each of her books, the characters come to life on the pages in a way that makes them feel naturally grounded and relatable---almost as if she's lived in each of their shoes. I love that.
We can all relate to times when we've allowed our baggage and fears to keep us guarded from the things our hearts were made to experience. Love, forgiveness, freedom, peace. Walking with the characters in Finding Peace through the journey of opening up their hearts again is such a sweet reminder that vulnerability is worth the risk.
Particularly if you're a fan of family series, such as Susan May Warren's books, I think you'll feel right at home in the Love's Compass Series.
We can all relate to times when we've allowed our baggage and fears to keep us guarded from the things our hearts were made to experience. Love, forgiveness, freedom, peace. Walking with the characters in Finding Peace through the journey of opening up their hearts again is such a sweet reminder that vulnerability is worth the risk.
Particularly if you're a fan of family series, such as Susan May Warren's books, I think you'll feel right at home in the Love's Compass Series.
July 28, 2015
If you're looking for cotton candy sweetness, don't look
further. This book takes you to a lovely, gentle place where
men are chivalrous, women are capable but endearing, and love
feels effortless and fulfilling. Laurie and Tuck's romance is
idyllic, clean, and simple. The mystery was fun too!
Then, when you have just about finished your cotton candy in
this book, you realize that there's something to chew on in the
center as well, adding a layer of interest. The detailed and
thorough way Melanie portrayed the young boy with autism, the
photography studio and Laurie's heart for her young clients -
all of this I think made the book. These subjects, I think,
should be pursued by Melanie in other, deeper novels. I think
that's where her true heart lies. Her care for children is very
apparent and I'd love to see her tackle harder issues children
go through. I think she would do it with as much grace and
tenderness as I saw in this novel.
For those days when you just need something soft to uplift your
spirit, check out this book!
further. This book takes you to a lovely, gentle place where
men are chivalrous, women are capable but endearing, and love
feels effortless and fulfilling. Laurie and Tuck's romance is
idyllic, clean, and simple. The mystery was fun too!
Then, when you have just about finished your cotton candy in
this book, you realize that there's something to chew on in the
center as well, adding a layer of interest. The detailed and
thorough way Melanie portrayed the young boy with autism, the
photography studio and Laurie's heart for her young clients -
all of this I think made the book. These subjects, I think,
should be pursued by Melanie in other, deeper novels. I think
that's where her true heart lies. Her care for children is very
apparent and I'd love to see her tackle harder issues children
go through. I think she would do it with as much grace and
tenderness as I saw in this novel.
For those days when you just need something soft to uplift your
spirit, check out this book!
September 7, 2015
What a sweet, clean romance with wonderful, real characters and a bit of a mystery, too. I so enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by Melanie.
April 27, 2015
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
This is the second book by author Melanie Snitker that I have read and while I didn't think that it could be better than her first one (which I loved) it was! This book is a fun, family filled, bumpy road that was endearing to the reader. The author did an amazing job with the characters, the setting, the plot and the way in which the reader was consistently on the edge of their seat, frantically turning the pages of the book to see what happens next!
I love the way in which the author was able to make Gideon one of my favorite characters, even though he didn't speak. He was a non-verbal autistic child that stole the hearts of the readers. The author was so respectful, factual and down to earth with his character that the reader couldn't help but choose him to be their favorite. Of course I also enjoyed Laurie and Tuck and both of their families. The author was really able to show the love and bond that the family had. The connection made me long for that type of connection in my everyday life.
The author also threw in several twists, turns, bumps and curves for the reader to try to figure out as they zoomed through the story. There was plenty of action along with prayer and love to round out this story and make it complete. I really enjoyed not being able to predict what was going to happen next as well as to make the connections as they came along. The author did a phenomenal job with not being predictable, even when it should have been.
I am already looking forward to the next book by author Melanie Snitker as she may be the newest author to make my top 20 favorites list! If you are looking for a book with a bit of mystery, a family bond, love and some faith then look no further - This book is the book that you have been searching for! It has everything that makes a good story an amazing one! Add this to your TBR list and you won't be sorry! It is a fun, quick read that will fill a boring afternoon and make your day just a bit better!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This is the second book by author Melanie Snitker that I have read and while I didn't think that it could be better than her first one (which I loved) it was! This book is a fun, family filled, bumpy road that was endearing to the reader. The author did an amazing job with the characters, the setting, the plot and the way in which the reader was consistently on the edge of their seat, frantically turning the pages of the book to see what happens next!
I love the way in which the author was able to make Gideon one of my favorite characters, even though he didn't speak. He was a non-verbal autistic child that stole the hearts of the readers. The author was so respectful, factual and down to earth with his character that the reader couldn't help but choose him to be their favorite. Of course I also enjoyed Laurie and Tuck and both of their families. The author was really able to show the love and bond that the family had. The connection made me long for that type of connection in my everyday life.
The author also threw in several twists, turns, bumps and curves for the reader to try to figure out as they zoomed through the story. There was plenty of action along with prayer and love to round out this story and make it complete. I really enjoyed not being able to predict what was going to happen next as well as to make the connections as they came along. The author did a phenomenal job with not being predictable, even when it should have been.
I am already looking forward to the next book by author Melanie Snitker as she may be the newest author to make my top 20 favorites list! If you are looking for a book with a bit of mystery, a family bond, love and some faith then look no further - This book is the book that you have been searching for! It has everything that makes a good story an amazing one! Add this to your TBR list and you won't be sorry! It is a fun, quick read that will fill a boring afternoon and make your day just a bit better!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
January 7, 2015
I have read Melanie's other book and liked it, but this one is even better! The characters were well written and I fell in love with each of them, especially little Gideon. He never said anything since he is a non-verbal autistic boy, but he was so endearing in everything that he did. Tuck's storyline was well done and I loved how much he went out of his way to help people. Laurie, with her drive to make her own way, and her whole aspect on doing what needed to be done regardless of how comfortable she was doing it was encouraging. The only thing I didn't like 100% is a personal conviction thing. Tuck and Laurie seemed to get a little too focused on the physical side of their relationship (they never went beyond holding hands and kissing) than the friendship side. But, that's just me. Overall, this book is amazing and...well, I stayed up WAY too late finishing it last night (technically this morning). I look forward to reading more about the Chandler's and the rest of these characters throughout the series!
August 3, 2019
Not a predictable romance/suspense
• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story.
• Truck and Laurie were very likeable characters and thoroughly developed.
• The supporting cast of characters added dimension to the story. They were very well fleshed out and they played active roles in this book.
• There was a lot of action and suspense in this story. Some of the action was predictable and some not. There were twists and turns to the plot.
• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story.
• Truck and Laurie were very likeable characters and thoroughly developed.
• The supporting cast of characters added dimension to the story. They were very well fleshed out and they played active roles in this book.
• There was a lot of action and suspense in this story. Some of the action was predictable and some not. There were twists and turns to the plot.
June 16, 2015
Sweet, clean, tender romance. The pace was a little slow, but the story takes place over a short period of time. Lots of action and some unexpected twists. A light read for when you want to relax and enjoy a good story.
August 29, 2015
"Lovely Mystery"
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was what seemed to be a simple tale of light crime solving and a love story developing, but turned out to be a bit more complex than that. A very good read with no sex or bad language.
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was what seemed to be a simple tale of light crime solving and a love story developing, but turned out to be a bit more complex than that. A very good read with no sex or bad language.
January 9, 2015
Finding Peace
This was a sweet clean romance, with a touch h of suspense thrown in to spice things up a bit.
This was a sweet clean romance, with a touch h of suspense thrown in to spice things up a bit.
June 12, 2015
A very comfortable quick read
When I need a get-a-way from it all, this fits the bill. Finding Peace is a heart warming story with a bit of drama thrown in.
When I need a get-a-way from it all, this fits the bill. Finding Peace is a heart warming story with a bit of drama thrown in.
August 25, 2015
Super cute book. I obtained the copy from book Bub. I enjoyed the characters bc they were realistic. This reminded me of the Glenbrook series which is a good thing!
August 29, 2015
A very sweet, clean Christian romance.
December 9, 2017
pretty good book.
March 24, 2017
*3.5 stars*
Short, cute, & clean, contemporary book.
Short, cute, & clean, contemporary book.
June 21, 2025
Contemporary Christian romance with a bit of mystery. Positive family dynamics and issue of special needs children addressed.
March 30, 2019
Clean romantic suspense with Christian overtones. I liked the characters, and thought it interesting that a nonverbal child with autism was featured as a supporting character. I didn’t find the story all that suspenseful. Another aspect I didn’t appreciate was the strong pro-gun message.
There were also several wrong word errors. The forms of the verb “to lay” were used wherever “to lie” should have been used. And “wrecked havoc” was used when “wreaked havoc” was intended. I realize these are not show stoppers, but grammar enters into my enjoyment of a book. That said, I still enjoyed the book and will check out the next in the series from Kindle Unlimited.
There were also several wrong word errors. The forms of the verb “to lay” were used wherever “to lie” should have been used. And “wrecked havoc” was used when “wreaked havoc” was intended. I realize these are not show stoppers, but grammar enters into my enjoyment of a book. That said, I still enjoyed the book and will check out the next in the series from Kindle Unlimited.
November 22, 2017
Well done, Melanie D. Snitker! I really enjoyed this good, clean romance story which also had some suspense and mystery. Young Laurie, who grew up in an above average income family decides to make it on her own in the small town of Kitner. Unfortunately, as she wouldn't accept any help from her parents who are currently touring around the world, she sets up her photo shop and apartment in an area of town which is not the safest in the world. After the first crime against her, Laurie meets one of the local town police, Kentucky (Tuck) Chandler and, even though they both deny it and are not prepared for it, sparks fly. The continuing story involves Tuck's family who take Laurie under their wings, when more acts of crime and violence occur in this small town. Tuck's sister, Lexi, is a nurse in the local hospital and she becomes a close friend to Laurie. While Tuck is busy trying to keep Laurie and the rest of the town safe, including children who appear to be targeted, the relationship between Laurie and Tuck grows.
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good romance story without all the fluff and sexual scenes which often accompany book romances. This book is listed as a Christian romance but is not at all preachy. The writer develops her story well, the characters are well-described and you will want to continue reading about them and see where their life goes from here. Even though this book is Book 1 in a series, it is a complete story and stands well on its own. This was the first book that I have read by Melanie Snitker, and I have already started Finding Hope (Love's Compass #2).
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good romance story without all the fluff and sexual scenes which often accompany book romances. This book is listed as a Christian romance but is not at all preachy. The writer develops her story well, the characters are well-described and you will want to continue reading about them and see where their life goes from here. Even though this book is Book 1 in a series, it is a complete story and stands well on its own. This was the first book that I have read by Melanie Snitker, and I have already started Finding Hope (Love's Compass #2).
August 8, 2016
This was an incredibly sweet romance with a little mystery woven in. Tuck and Laurie meet when Laurie's photography studio is broken into. Being a policeman, Tuck is protective, but his instincts with Laurie have him wanting to take care of her. He has been left before due to his job, so he is reluctant to begin a relationship. Laurie is definitely interested and with the mixed signals she is receiving from Tuck, she is confused and trying to make the best of it. Tuck begins to involve Laurie in his life by hiring her to take pictures of his nephew who is special needs. Laurie comes over to acquaint herself with him and immediately is enveloped into the family.
More break-ins and things happen around town as Tuck tries to piece together the mystery of why this is all happening and if the events are related. Finally with a break in the case, he is able to determine the problem. He and Laurie also come to know where their relationship stands(but I am not going to tell!) This book had just the right amount of suspense to keep you on the edge, wondering what was going to happen.
Melissa Moran created a very warm and happy performance. Her voice made you feel the emotion between Tuck and Laurie, their confusion, love and angst as things progressed and the break-ins occurred. I found her to be a very good narrator.
--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
More break-ins and things happen around town as Tuck tries to piece together the mystery of why this is all happening and if the events are related. Finally with a break in the case, he is able to determine the problem. He and Laurie also come to know where their relationship stands(but I am not going to tell!) This book had just the right amount of suspense to keep you on the edge, wondering what was going to happen.
Melissa Moran created a very warm and happy performance. Her voice made you feel the emotion between Tuck and Laurie, their confusion, love and angst as things progressed and the break-ins occurred. I found her to be a very good narrator.
--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2015
This was a wonderful, sweet love story about two people finding love and overcoming their fears to let it happen. Laurie is determined to make it on her own and hesitates to accept help from anyone. Tuck, a police officer, is accustomed to helping people in trouble and instinctively reaches out to her, though his feelings for her scare him and remind him of past pain. It's a wonderful tribute to police officers who sacrifice for others and genuinely care about helping their community. The romance was sweet and clean and I found the characters very real and lovable. I first got this book's Kindle version. When I read a Kindle book that I really love, I buy the paperback. I got this paperback!
July 30, 2016
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
Police officer Tuck meets photographer Laurie when he comes to investigate a break in at her place. They see each other more frequently than either expect as she is targeted several more times. A sweet clean romance develops as they work together to solve the mystery of all the break ins.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. A very sweet voice.
Police officer Tuck meets photographer Laurie when he comes to investigate a break in at her place. They see each other more frequently than either expect as she is targeted several more times. A sweet clean romance develops as they work together to solve the mystery of all the break ins.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. A very sweet voice.
August 14, 2015
This was a lovely romance with an element of suspense and danger, too. Tuck the heartbroken cop is a new favorite character now, and how his relationship with Laurie the kind-hearted photographer develops was so realistic and wonderful, I could NOT stop reading this book until I finished it in less than a day. If you like clean romance with a spiritual bent, and loveable secondary characters, you must read this book!
May 12, 2016
If you're looking for a sweet, clean romance with a little faith and mystery added in, this book is what you're looking for. I enjoyed meeting Tuck and Laurie and seeing their friendship and relationship develop. Loved the secondary characters as well and was excited at the end of this book to get to know them more in the books that are next in the series.
May 18, 2019
Cute story
This story was well developed. There was a crime. There were more issues. A cute cop! That always makes the story interesting. There was a well developed supporting character with autism. He was very believable. All in all a good book. As a personal preference I would have loved more dialogue and less narration. But it was a good book as it was written.
This story was well developed. There was a crime. There were more issues. A cute cop! That always makes the story interesting. There was a well developed supporting character with autism. He was very believable. All in all a good book. As a personal preference I would have loved more dialogue and less narration. But it was a good book as it was written.
August 24, 2015
Great story!
The story captures you right off the bat! It's hard to put down. I throughly enjoyed the descriptions of the characters and situations - leaving me feel I was right there. Im looking forward to the next book I the series!
The story captures you right off the bat! It's hard to put down. I throughly enjoyed the descriptions of the characters and situations - leaving me feel I was right there. Im looking forward to the next book I the series!
August 25, 2015
A joy to read
I'm usually leary of "romance" stories, but this one was pleasantly surprising. The compelling back story set the mood for solving the mystery of the ongoing break-ins in the small town of Kitner.
I'm usually leary of "romance" stories, but this one was pleasantly surprising. The compelling back story set the mood for solving the mystery of the ongoing break-ins in the small town of Kitner.
September 17, 2016
Sweet
A sweet Christian romance. The setting is at present day in a small town. The mystery of the young woman who braves the wrong side of town, is never completely resolved. But the hero is tall dark and safe!
A sweet Christian romance. The setting is at present day in a small town. The mystery of the young woman who braves the wrong side of town, is never completely resolved. But the hero is tall dark and safe!
September 18, 2016
Nice little drama and Christians love story
I liked the family dynamics, the honesty of the Tuck and Laurie. The drama from the crimes was a surprising twist and kept the story from being sappy.
I liked the family dynamics, the honesty of the Tuck and Laurie. The drama from the crimes was a surprising twist and kept the story from being sappy.
December 12, 2018
Very enjoyable read.
Inspiring and thoughtful. This book has lots of good Christian advice and just enough suspense to keep me reading almost non-stop. Excited to read the book in the series!
Inspiring and thoughtful. This book has lots of good Christian advice and just enough suspense to keep me reading almost non-stop. Excited to read the book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews