
Member Reviews

Is It Any Wonder that I truly loved this story from Courtney Walsh? Her romances are so sweet and swoony that I just cannot get enough of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've never been to the island of Nantucket, but Courtney Walsh expertly creates it directly in front of me when I'm reading her books! I can imagine the characters, feel their pain, anguish, love -- everything. I love a best friend's story that encompasses love, pain, a past that eventually has to be repaired, and love in spite of everything. The theme of unconditional love (including God's!) provides a beautiful flow to the story that extends into a supply of endless grace. My heart was so full of emotion after this read!

Is It Any Wonder is a modern day romance novel written by Courtney Walsh. It is book two in the Nantucket Love Story series.
Summary: Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers grew up together as best friends, and then as boyfriend and girlfriend. But when a tragic event pulls them apart, both are filled with regrets.
When they meet again as adults, will they be able to move beyond the past, or will it haunt them forever?
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. There is an interesting and unique story line, the characters are refreshing, and there is a nice romance too. There is also a good message about forgiveness woven throughout the book.
There was a little bit too much back and forth in the relationship for me, but otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!
I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

An absolute masterclass story! It has it all. Life long friendship between two families, torn apart by secrets and grief. A life long friendship being the salve that gave a much-needed source of love between neighbors. A life long friendship, separated by guilt.
All of the aspects of this story provide for a powerful heart-wrenching resolution to all of the friendships that are interwoven throughout this story. All taking place on the beautiful backdrop of Nantucket.
This is a must-read for Christian Fiction contemporary romance readers, who seek something a little more from a story. This packs it all in. Hope. Forgiveness. Progress. Change. Love.
An uplifting and beautiful story.

Childhood friends and sweethearts who make a pact t return on their golden birthday to share a birthday wish. This is a sweet story of forgiveness, love and healing.

An enjoyable summer read. Likeable characters and an interesting twist on what may feel like a familiar story. She has some annoying traits. His job as a coastguardsman is unique. The setting of Nantucket always provides a romantic backdrop. Romance lovers will truly enjoy this one.

Courtney Walsh is easily one of my favorite authors. Her stories are real, gripping, and oh, so heartwarming! This is no exception. The setting is beautifully described to the point where I am literally considering going to Nantucket for a lovely visit! This love story is beautiful and it is not to be overlooked or missed. I cannot recommend this enough for a feel-good romance that is sure to lift your spirits and restore your faith during dark times!

Another masterpiece by Courtney Walsh. Beautifully written. Real characters. Thought-provoking storyline. Full of forgiveness, redemption and truth. Five stars.

Is It Any Wonder is the second book in Courtney Walsh's Nantucket Love Story series, but can be read just fine as a standalone if you have not read the previous book. (That said, it's fantastic and I'd highly recommend it!)
When I pick up any book from Courtney Walsh, I know that I can expect and good inspirational romance with fantastic characters that I cannot help but fall in love with and root for, and a read that truly is an ideal for a getaway... even when I can't actually get away. This was certainly no exception. I'm always a fan of a story where childhood friends are given a chance at romance as adults too, so right this book was already right up my alley. While it's certainly a beautiful romance story, it also goes much deeper than that too with the struggles the characters have experienced and the family history between them. Mixed in with beautiful messages of faith, it all worked together to create a beautiful story that fans of contemporary romance and Christian fiction are sure to want to experience for themselves.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

My. Word.
I finished this one a few days ago, but Cody, Lou, and Maggie won't leave my heart. I thought I could give it some time to let my love settle so I could find the words, but it simply isn't happening. This was my first Courtney Walsh novel, but I adored it. The setting was wonderful. I want to go to Nantucket, like, now .
And the message of forgiveness was just TOO GOOD. Beautifully done. The journey that Cody and Louisa take as a couple is fantastic in its own right, but their individual growth throughout the novel makes their story all the sweeter. Plus, the swoon level? Off the charts. Why did no one tell me that Walsh wrote romances like this?! (I know. You did. I'm just now listening. That's my bad.)
Fans of emotional romances will not want to miss this one. If you enjoy Denise Hunter's offerings, you'll love this book. Strong but not overpowering elements of faith, swoon-worthy romance, and emotions for days. This book is the good stuff, friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.

I didn't know I was in the mood for a beach read until I picked this up. @courtneywalsh generously sent me a Kindle copy of her new book to review and it was just what I needed this weekend!!!
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My main problem I had with it was that all I wanted to do was either sit and read it....or go to the beach!! If that was her goal, then mission accomplished.
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I loved that this couple had major history, and that the trials they went through actually affected them realistically. It created a lot of baggage that hadn't been dealt with and made for some very complex characters. Hearts needed to be softened and I enjoyed being along for their journey.
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Some struggles and themes were a little heavy handed, which can be typical in Christian fiction and I can always do without excessive inner dialogue but those are my only true critiques. Oh! One more....I didn't want it to end 😭 I wanted an epilogue at least! I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Cody and Louisa.. Courtney Walsh, I do hope we're visiting Nantucket again soon!!!!
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This bright, sunny, beach read is out on April 6th, but you can pre-order now!!! Her books are always free of language and sexual content! Just kisses!

Is It Any Wonder starts with a bang. What should have been a short paddleboard ride turns nasty when Louisa loses her paddle and is swept out to sea in a sudden storm. Louisa thinks about the mistakes she’s made … not wearing a lifejacket today, and never sending that apology letter to Mrs. Boggs after her husband died twelve years ago.
Rescue comes in the form of ex-boyfriend Cody Boggs, her “twin”, now an Executive Petty Officer with the US Coastguard. (He’s no relation, but they grew up together and share a birthday). Cody has been posted to Nantucket, against his protests. He has no desire to return to the place where his father drowned, nor to the ex-girlfriend he blames for his father’s death.
Is It Any Wonder is a very human novel. It uses the tragic death of Daniel Boggs to address issues of guilt and forgiveness. Cody has the all-too-human tendency to count his failures rather than his successes. Louisa and Cody both remind us how easy it is to blame the wrong person when trouble strikes, and how easy it can be to accept that blame and the associated guilt. It reminds us how hard it can be to accept forgiveness, and even harder to forgive ourselves, or accept God’s forgiveness.
As with all Courtney Walsh’s stories, everything is excellent—the writing, the characters, the plot. Sure, Cody’s attitude bugged me a few times, as did Louisa’s overwhelming sense of guilt. But they were necessary parts of the story, because they were needed to show the depth of love and forgiveness.
All in all, Is It Any Wonder is another great contemporary Christian romance from Courtney Walsh. Recommended.
Thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Is there such thing as a friends to lovers to enemies to lovers storyline? If there’s not, Courtney Walsh has made it a thing in her newest release Is It Any Wonder. Second in her Nantucket set romance series, this story centers on Louisa and Cody, two people that can’t seem to do anything but clash due to an ugly past that fairly haunts the space between them. I’m not one for a broody male lead, but Cody isn’t so much broody as he grumpy. Is it wrong to have enjoyed his grumpiness and the way it bumped up against Louisa’s effervescent, people-pleasing nature? They had such a strong chemistry, but a history together as well that made things a bit bumpy for them throughout the story.
Caring and no-nonsense Maggie is my favorite secondary character, but I also liked Master Chief Duncan. Walsh always makes me curious about the backstory of other characters, and I think that’s one reason why she’s such a great author. The world of the story is so fully realized that Nantucket comes to life, the characters feel like real people, and the details add such a depth to the plot. There’s also a substantial amount of humor in the story, but nothing that comes across as silly. The auction scene comes to mind when poor Louisa gets in over her head, but there’s a lot of poignant moments, too. Walsh does a wonderful job of balancing the different tones throughout the story.
Bottom line, please add this book (and the previous one in the series) to your spring and summer reading list – you won’t regret it! Although I did read book one first, I do think that these can stand alone well.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This is the second full length novel of the Nantucket Love Story series. There is also a novella that came out between novels one and two. However, these stories can absolutely be read as stand alone novels or in whatever order you choose to read them in.
Wow! What an amazing story Is It Any Wonder turned out to be. These two main characters, Cody and Louisa, were the best of friends as children who then fell in love during their high school years. I loved the little flashbacks that let the reader see the people they were back then.
Then tragedy struck when Cody’s father died saving him. Everything in Cody and Louisa’s lives fell apart from that point forward. There was guilt and sadness and blame and two families who went from friends to enemies.
I absolutely loved the way Louisa and Cody were thrown back together in this book. It was dramatic and from that moment forward, they ended up working together no matter how much it hurt them to remember all they had lost.
Their pain and their love really shone through in these pages. I loved that their reconciliation wasn’t simple. There was so much that they went through in this book and it made the happy ending all the more precious. While I loved this book, I did wish there was an epilogue at the end. While satisfying, the ending felt abrupt to me. I hope we get to see Cody and Louisa in a future story or two. These characters deserve a very happy life together!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, however, I did end up buying myself a copy, as well. All opinions are my own.

This latest release by Courtney Walsh is a cute summer read. Working as a stand-alone, the story inside is just as fun as the cover suggests. It’s been a while since I read anything by this author, but when I got her newsletter announcing this release, I thought it looked too cute to pass up. I am pleased to say I was not disappointed! A fun summer story about two high school sweethearts reuniting as adults, Is It Any Wonder is the perfect beachside, summer vacation read. And, it’s available now, wherever books are sold!
Thank you to Tyndale House publishers for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This is such a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption. It was very difficult to put it down as I was sucked into the lives of the main characters. This is an incredibly real book that will leave you feeling better than you did before picking it up.

Second chance romance, forgiveness, and faith on the shores of Nantucket Island.
Sharing a birthday, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers were inseparable for years until tragedy tore them apart. Louisa has worked hard to build her concierge and event planning business, while Cody is back to help the Coast Guard rebuild their fractured image in the community. Can they unravel the secrets of the past to find a new beginning?
Engaging from the start, I enjoyed this story rich in community, friendship, and faith. this is actually my first time reading a Courtney Walsh book, despite having them recommended to me all the time. The characters are relatable and complex, and I completely adored Miss Maggie, with her big heart for others even when she was going through so much. Cody has a great boss in Chief Duncan, and I loved how he keeps nudging him towards Louisa.
The pacing was well done, with small reveals and clues along the way, keeping me completely engaged with the story and wondering what could have happened. Excellent character interaction, I loved Louisa's best friend, she is a wonderful friend and supportive of Louisa throughout.
A moving story of second chances and forgiveness, against the backdrop of the idyllic Nantucket Island. Amazing characters, and a compelling storyline. Definitely will be reading more of her books in the future!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Absolutely adorable story that has the depth I love from relatable characters. Cody and Lou, with their broken friendship and second chances, reeled me in. They both have regret they must overcome before they can have a future and Courtney Walsh presents them in such a way that I felt genuine distress at their situation. An emotional read that tugged my heartstrings and reminded me why I love this genre.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I was captivated and wondered along with the main character if the end is near. Louisa Chambers cannot believe she’s in this predicament. She knows better.…” Apparently being faced with the end of one’s life resulted in” ..”A deep dive into all the things she’d been successfully avoiding. As if there weren’t more important things to be thinking about. Like staying alive.”…”A list. Okay? Things to do seemed a bit pointless given her current situation”. …” Things I wish I’d done in my life. A bucket list made moments before my impending death.” “I wish I’d worn a life vest..I wish I’d checked the weather forecast. Etc.”
Louisa was fun to get to know and so was Cody Boggs. I adored this story. It made me laugh, cry and everything in between. The survival story being faced with living in the here and now got me too. Grandma knows her time for this world was short and asks help from Louisa and Cody to clean up her things. So, when Louisa and Cody start sorting, they uncover secrets that change their perspective on past events. Nothing could have prepared them for the impact this would have on everyone they knew and what they thought to be true, turned out to be something totally different. What a great story of family, healing, hurting, and discovering true love.
This is a great story of second chances, facing fears, love, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a heart-warming novel with flawed characters that seek answers to hard questions. I liked their journey and how the author handled Louisa’s struggle and Cody’s sensitivity was sweet. These characters jumped off the page and into my heart. I have never been to Nantucket but reading this story makes me want to go.
Reading Louisa and Cody childhood flash backs gave a depth to the bigger picture in this story, it was a delight to read. I also enjoyed reading about the pack they made with each other to meet on this island for their golden birthday. Would they make it? Or was it just a kid fantasy. This is a delightful story and one that would work well for your book club. I had no idea this was book two in a series. It reads as a stand-alone.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

I always love picking up a Courtney Walsh book. There's just something comforting in knowing I'm in for a fabulous read. Is It Any Wonder delivers on everything I love about Christian romances. Faith, chemistry between characters, wonderful character arcs, and interesting settings. The mystery woven into this story had me addictively turning the pages.