About the Book Blended Lives

Book: Blended Lives

Author: Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 22, 2022

Wedding bells are ringing on the islands, but more than romance is in the air.

Seth Mikels experienced a fulfilling marriage with his wife until her sudden death left him alone to raise their two daughters. As they approach their teens, it’s obvious that they need a woman’s influence. He’s not looking for love, but he could use the partnership of a wife. Between his handyman business and playing Mr Mom, time is fading fast.

Sarah Reid has spent the last four years caught in the middle of one island drama after another. Following the most recent fiasco, she hopes to find refuge on Sparrow Island with her two little boys. Climbing bills and a dwindling bank account leave her no choice but to sell out and move to the mainland. Enter Seth’s handyman skills and an unexpected romance.

With Beth and Scott planning their own Merriweather wedding (complete with a Momzilla), will wedding bells ring out on Sparrow, too?

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts on Blended Lives

Blended Lives is a fun book with some hard content but also laughable moments and characters who draw you in and refuse to let go of your heart.  I enjoyed travelling back to the islands and seeing some familiar characters.  To be honest, I know I’d probably met these two main characters in passing but they did not stand out in my mind and I couldn’t place them.  

So after I stopped racking my mind to try to find out who they were and where they fit in, I settled in for a good read.  

Sarah had a hard marriage.  Her husband died but it wasn’t just a sudden thing.  It was gradual, she was his caregiver and it wasn’t a pleasant thing in more ways than one.  To say the least, she’s gunshy.  But she also isn’t sure about trusting again.  Trusting anyone that is not just men but especially them.  

Seth is a single parent due to spousal death as well but their situations are very much different.  He’s raising two daughters and she two sons.  He’s got a good job where she’s struggling to make ends meet because she doesn’t have one anymore.  Just when she thinks she’s going to have to leave the islands he steps in after a mutual friend planted a bug in his ear. 

It’s like he saved the day.  Until she gets to spend a day as the caretaker for all the kids.  They don’t get along and Seth’s oldest daughter has it in for her thinking she’s coming to replace her mom and marry her dad.  There are funny moments and hard moments but also laughs along the way. 

I really liked this book and getting to know these two characters as well as their children.  Throw in some old favorites and get to catch up with their lives and it’s a must-read in my opinion.  This is a wonderful series and I hope you enjoy all of the books as much as I have.  While you don’t have to read the books in order you will get a much better picture of all the characters if you do.  

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author of Blended Lives

Melissa Wardwell doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee.

When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.

To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com

More from Melissa

I want to thank you for taking the time to follow this tour. This book was written during one of the most difficult times in my life but, as Beth said, God has turned mourning into gladness. We are never promised the next breath we breathe or the freedoms that we enjoy, but He does promise that will be with us through every change in our lives.

Sarah and Seth’s stories are tragic and unimaginable for many. They have been brought to the lowest points in their lives but must continue to move on for their children.

Writing this story helped me work through some of my own struggles. Some areas of my life were burning to the ground and I found myself looking for answers as to how to pick up the pieces.

Instead, God taught me some pretty important lessons.

I learned to be a woman who spoke clear and true. I learned to show the people around me how much I love them and appreciate them. And I learned that only God could fix those broken pieces of our lives and stitch them back together. And lastly, I learned of the beauty of friendship and how important it is in our daily lives. Even though I am glad that journey is over, I will forever cherish the lessons.

I think Gram summed it up nicely for me though.

“When we blend our lives with others, whether in marriage or friendships, we open the door to carry each other’s burdens in life. God gives us certain friendships to help us through tough times to teach us how to be a shoulder for others.”

Fiction is a reflection of reality, so expect some of the lessons I learned to be reflected in Blended Lives as Sarah and Seth figure out how to navigate the changes I put them through.

Blog Stops for Blended Lives

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

Simple Harvest Reads, March 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inklings and notions, March 13

For Him and My Family, March 14

Library Lady’s Kids Lit, March 15

deb’s Book Review, March 16

Connect in Fiction, March 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 20 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, March 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 21

Blossoms and Blessings, March 22

Aryn the Libraryan, March 23

lakesidelivingsite, March 24

Giveaway for Blended Lives

To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b8b7/blended-lives-celebration-tour-giveaway