Book Review: Between Heaven and Earth (Power of the Matchmaker) by Michele Paige Holmes

Description from Amazon:

From the Power of the Matchmaker series: BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH

Cassandra Webb’s every waking minute is devoted to being a great mother and wife. She takes five-year-old Noah to the library each week, volunteers in his kindergarten class, and even coaches his soccer team. She makes sure her husband’s uniforms are always laundered—even though he hasn’t worn them the last six years—always has his game day snacks on hand, and meets him for date night every Friday—which consists of one sided conversations at his bedside and watching his favorite take out remain untouched. 

Pearl, a mysterious visitor at the care center, suggests that it is only Cassie’s love still tying Devon to Earth when he has been ready to move onto Heaven for quite some time. If Cassie will but open her eyes and heart, she will discover the path she should travel, one that will bring relief to Devon and much joy to her own life. But Cassie vowed never to give up on him. She never has and she can’t now, even after meeting hapless, single soccer-dad Matt.

https://www.amazon.com/Between-Heaven-Earth-Power-Matchmaker-ebook/dp/B01F9XBOYS/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

My Review: by Robyn "The Mom" Savage

Michele Paige Holmes is on my list of favorite authors and she shines in this Power of the Matchmaker book. “Between Heaven and Earth” is a touching romance between two people who need each other, but can’t or shouldn’t be romanctically involved. This was a very real book. I loved how both of them worked so hard to do the right thing. I especially loved the kids! All the characters in this book are real, flawed and perfect all at the same time! Pearl was priceless in this book. She imparted her wisdom flawlessly. She was a sweet addition to the story.

While this book deals with death and letting go, it also has a great message about moving on and the fact that you can love more than one person in a lifetime. Ms. Holmes does a wonderful job of portraying both loves in Cassie’s life. I found myself both cheering and crying throughout the book, sometimes at the same time! The messages in this book are timeless and I loved how each of the families interacted with each other and the in-laws and out-laws! I especially love, Matt’s mother! She was the best! This is one for the ages. You will laugh, cry, cheer, swoon and everything in-between! I truly enjoyed the relationships between Matt and Cassie and their boys. I knew I loved to read Michele Paige Holmes!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Content:

Sex: none. Some kissing. No inappropriate scenes. Great message about being faithful to marriage vows.

Violence: None

Be sure to read all the Power of the Matchmaker books!

Book Review: Chasing Fireflies (Power of the Matchmaker)
(Review by Robyn "The Mom" Savage)

Amazon description: 

My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Fireflies-Power-Matchmaker-Taylor-ebook/dp/B01F35TXFY/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

My Review:

Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean was a very interesting addition to the Power of the Matchmaker series. I quickly got into the book. When reading in first person, I miss not knowing the thoughts of the other characters in the book, but Ms. Dean did a wonderful job a pulling me in and loving every minute of it!

I quickly identified with Savannah and her shy personality. I loved Julian. He was the best hero, patient, but not too much so. He was the perfect combination of kind, loving and tough and masculine. The twists and turns to this romance were such fun. I sometimes wondered who she was really going to choose! I liked the way Miss Pearl was introduced and used in this book. The sensitive subjects tackled by Ms. Dean were well done and very realistic. The characters were real and human in their emotions and actions. 

The side romances and stories were also very interesting. I really liked the way Savannah kept trying to choose the ‘right man’ and used Pearl’s wisdom to choose. I’m a sucker for true love winning in the end. This was an exciting, fun and romantic book with lots of surprises. You’ll cheer, cry and laugh as you search for Paul with Savannah. Lots of fun reading to while away a perfect fall day!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

pages: 311

Content: 

    Sex: Premarital sex is discussed, but only in the context of "I'm not that kind of girl". It is portrayed as    
             wrong and something the characters want to wait for. Some passionate kissing, but nothing to be 
              ashamed of.

    Violence: There is a side story about luring vulnerable young people into spying for China, but no real  
               violence.

This is a fun and romantic addition to the Power of the Matchmaker series.