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Member Reviews

Love, love love this story! It was so much fun, I was hooked from the first page. Seeing the Shippers again was awesome and Abby, Maddie and Spencer stole my heart early on. We have a bit of mystery as well which added a nice element to an already wonderful story. This is a completely charming read that will be a reread for me. Definitely one of my top 2025 reads and my favorite Shannon Dunlap book so far…and I can’t wait for the next one!

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Shannon Sue Dunlap’s Shippers are back and I could not be more excited! In a follow-up to Ms. Dunlap’s Love Overboard, Hearts Aweigh follows “The Shippers”–a group of 4 women in there 70s who set out to spend the rest of the life living aboard a cruise ship–putting their matchmaking and sleuthing skills to good use. The Shippers latest matchmaking escapade involves Abby, a sweet worker on the ship that who has sought out The Shippers matchmaking skills after The Shippers matched Abby’s friend with a husband. Having a person seek them out for their matchmaking skills is a first for The Shippers, but they are up for the task! However, each match they send Abby’s way is a perfect match on paper, but that’s it. When Spencer, son of one The Shippers, Daisy, boards the cruise ship with his Daughter, Maddie, in tow, he seems to be perfect for Abby. But Spencer is off limits for two reasons: 1.) Daisy’s against the match and 2.) Abby is too good and precious to The Shippers that they don’t want Abby to get hurt due to Spencer’s upper crust lifestyle and the cold trappings it brings. When Abby gets enlisted as Maddie’s Nanny during the voyage(s), Abby brings a warmth to Maddie and Spencer’s cold world that they didn’t know they needed and can no longer live without.

I loved taking another voyage with The Shippers, coming alongside them as they get into mischief and mayhem in Hearts Aweigh! I love the environment that Shannon Sue Dunlap created aboard the Monarch Cruise! I love how Ms. Dunlap weaved God’s Truth and the Theme of the importance of Waiting on God’s Timing throughout the book. I loved meeting Spencer and Maddie! (Maddie was precious!) I love reuniting with The Shippers and Abby from Love Overboard! I thought having Spencer and Maddie related to Daisy added a unique element to Hearts Aweigh. I enjoyed reading and learning more about Daisy and thought that Daisy’s thread in Hearts Aweigh added a depth to the story and showed growth in Ms. Dunlap’s writing. I loved that the plot of Hearts Aweigh was equal parts Spencer’s and Abby’s story and equal parts The Shippers’ story. I also loved that God taught each of the Main Characters a lesson in Waiting for His Timing. I thought that Spencer and Abby were perfect together from the get-go. It was a joy, and hilarious at times, watching Spencer’s and Abby’s relationship grow and progress in the book. I was also proud of how Spencer and Abby wanted to do things God’s Way. I also love how The Shippers were not afraid to stand up for what they believed was right in God’s Eyes and heed His Prodding to where He was leading. If you are looking for a book that gets you into mischief and mayhem right along with it’s Characters, while learning important lessons about God’s Timing in the process, I highly recommend Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap!

Have you read Hearts Aweigh? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Karen from Book Lovers and Launchers for the opportunity to read Hearts Aweigh and be on the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on NetGalley, Amazon, and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.

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Shannon knocked this story out of the park! I loved the previous book that introduced the Shippers, but I loved this one more. (You don’t have to read the books in order, but the Shippers are worth getting to know.) The characters are so well written, the storylines are filled with witty humor, but also explore some deeper subjects with grace & depth. Hoping there are lots more books in this series!

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It was so fun to re-visit the Shippers in Hearts Aweigh, Shannon Sue Dunlap's second book in the Love Overboard series. These ladies are nosey schemers and laugh-out-loud hilarious! There's a mystery to solve and love matches to set up, and the Shippers are up for the tasks.

The female partner of the love match is apparent from the beginning of the book, but the Shippers keep striking out with the suitors. Then all of a sudden, there's an apparent love match, and I knew I was giving this RomCom 5 stars! I mean, how often does the lead in to a (possible) first kiss make you tear up?!

This book has something for everyone! I loved these heartwarming characters and hope to see them again in the future. I think one of the Shippers deserves her own love match! Swoon.

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Hearts Aweigh is the second book I have read written by Shannon Sue Dunlap and she has become an instant read for me. I know I can expect a witty, faith-filled romance from her. I hope there is a third Shipper’s novel because I am not ready to say goodbye to this crew. This is the second book in the series, and it could be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the first one, you will not be disappointed.

The character development is great. I love the Shippers, and getting to know more of Daisy’s back story was great and gave her a better dynamic. Abby has such a bright personality that shines through. I loved getting to know her. Spencer was fun to pull back the layers on and see what made his broody attitude and the secrets behind the Masterson family.

The storyline and setting are so fun. I love the cruise ship setting. The storyline is fun. While we have the Shipper’s scheming and matchmaking, we also have some underlying crime going on, which this time was blackmail. Lo and behold, it is affecting the Shippers personally. With some other underlying things going on.

The relationship between Spencer and Abby is an opposites attract/ employer-‘nanny’ trope. It is a low-spice, kisses-only romance. I loved the shipper’s matchmaking skills and the different dates that Abby goes on to try and land the right man for her.

Shannon Sue Dunlap does an amazing job intertwining faith throughout the novel.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

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Shannon Sue Dunlap has quickly become a favorite new author. I love these quirky "Shippers" who are like the Golden Girls of match-making aboard a cruise ship.
When Spencer Masterson arrives on board, the environment completely changes. Spencer is Daisy's son, and the "Shippers" hone in on him, determined to make a match between him and Abby, who is the activity director aboard the ship. Spencer brings with him his adorable daughter, Maddie, who adds loads of fun to the already humorous cast of characters.

I really hope this series continues because they are so doggone fun! Talk about armchair traveling, this series is perfect for it. If you are looking for some traveling but can't afford it, this series provides the ability to travel without leaving you're home.

Bottom Line: This book has hilarity, charm, heart, and unexpected romance. Summer is right around the corner, and this is the perfect beach read. You don't need to read the first book to read and enjoy this one. Today is release day, so please click one of the links above and get a copy of this amazing book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Hearts Aweigh is another adorable, laugh out loud contribution to Shipper lore! The Shippers, a group of Golden Girls type ladies who live on a cruise ship, are at it again, this time trying to find a match for Abby. Abby is immediately lovable and relatable. The Shippers come up with a few candidates, and of course, there's Spencer. I do love a grumpy/sunshine trope, and Spencer qualifies as the grumpy at the beginning of the story. Maddie adds so much adorableness and joy to the story, and her relationship with Abby is just too cute. It's also just super fun to read a story set on a cruise ship. It's a little bit of a vacation from the comfort of your favorite reading spot. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I think this one's even better!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. This opinion is my own.

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Hearts Aweigh
by Shannon Sue Dunlap

This novel stands out as a delightful read, perfect for anyone looking for a charming story. I particularly enjoyed the matchmaking ladies aboard the cruise ship; their efforts to help Abby find love added an engaging element. Abby is earnest in her quest for marriage, not just casual dating, which makes her character relatable and endearing. Plus, her warmth with children is simply heartwarming.

Spencer, a dedicated lawyer, embarks on this journey in a suit, showcasing his commitment to his daughter as a new single parent. A fun twist is that one of the matchmaking ladies is actually his mother, adding a layer of humor and depth to the storyline. I appreciated the incorporation of faith elements throughout the novel; it maintains a clean and wholesome feel. The blend of mystery and intrigue kept me guessing with the blackmailing plot while the love story between Abby and Spencer unfolded captivatingly. This book is truly a must-read for a fabulous summer escape!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, Kregel Publication and NetGalley. #HeartsAweigh

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This is the second book in what I pray becomes a prolific series. Four Senior ladies are spending their golden years on a cruise ship. Both of these books were quite entertaining and engaging throughout. I love the cruise ship setting. There are so many laugh out loud moments. Not only are the Shippers trying to find a match for Abby, there’s a blackmailer on board. Highly recommend the entire series.

I was blessed with an ARC from the author and these are my own, unbiased opinions. Upon release I do plan to purchase the book and the audible version. This is a series I will revisit.

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Hearts Aweigh is a romantic story full of humor, fun, and a smidge of suspense. It's a great read that will make you laugh as well as feel empathy for a few of the characters. I totally enjoyed this book and most definitely recommend.

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This is a fun sweet story that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
The Shippers will make you laugh out loud at some of their antics. This book is a
very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The wild and whacky Shipsters are at it again. Cruising and looking for love matches and trouble. Fun and quirky characters have fun on the high seas. This book was provided by the author and publisher for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own.

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