Book Review of 'Love Overboard' by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Hello Bookworms!

I don't know about you but to me May is speeding by so fast that I can't seem to wrap my head around all of the chaos! I know one day I am going to look back at this time and cherish every sweet memory but it can be a lot when you're in deep of it!

Today I am featuring a novel that was exactly what I needed right now...a super cute and sweet escape. Who doesn't love a story set on a cruise ship? I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this novel and, as always, don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Love Overboard
Series: Love Overboard #1
Author: Shannon Sue Dunlap
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Genre: Christian Romcom

A snort-laughing, cruise ship romance takes readers into topsy-turvy waters

When a group of four quirky friends retire on a neverending round of cruises, their attire consists of more than floral shirts and gaudy skirts. Armed with walkie-talkies and battle plans, these relationship experts--who've dubbed themselves the "Shippers"--target hostess Lacey Anderson and director Jonathan King in their romantic schemes. But the young couple refuses to cooperate. They've been on the "love boat" together before, and it went down in flames.

Boss matchmaker Emily Windsor has orchestrated multiple romantic successes, and these two upstarts certainly won't get the best of her. The chemistry between Lacey and Jonathan is obvious, but the couple rebuffs every outlandish plot and "coincidental" meeting, forcing the matchmakers to chart a new course to true love--all while inadvertently thwarting drug smugglers threatening to ruin their floating home on the ocean.

This laugh-out-loud rom-com features loveable characters, over-the-top situations reminiscent of 1950s sitcoms, and a dash of mystery. The toe-curling romance will push the reader overboard and all in with Shannon Dunlap's new series.

My Review

Lately, I have been feeling like I’m reading the same narratives over and over again and have been in a reading rut, so I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to have a change of scenery in Love Overboard, which is primarily set on a cruise ship.

The narration bounces between octogenarian matchmaker Emily Windsor and the two lucky candidates that her and her matchmaking group, the Shippers, are determined to match up, Jonathan and Lacey. Luckily for the matchmaking crew Jonathan and Lacey already have a past and it’s clear that the embers still smolder, and the attraction is very much alive between these two.

I adored every scene with the Shippers. Those old biddies had my heart from the start and added so much charm to this novel. Seeing their interactions truly gives me hope for my later years and I think I know what I want to be when I grow up! Lacey and Jonathan are also sweet in their own right, but the Shippers are who kept me reading.

This is a very character-driven novel with elements of mystery that keep the narrative quite interesting. It is a slight side story that you can’t help but wonder about as you read the going’s on aboard the MS Buckingham. I had guessed the culprits from the start, but it was still nice to see how the story as a whole played out, though a nice surprise twist would’ve really added the perfect amount of spice.

I ended up reading this novel in one sitting after being down with an illness and enjoyed it so much. There were a few parts that did drag, and I could’ve seen a tad more condensed, but overall it was a cute story with great characters, love and friendship, and dreamy scenery that has me really wanting to go on a cruise.

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the Author

Shannon Sue Dunlap writes books with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of love. One of the greatest compliments you can give her is saying her stories made you laugh-out-loud. She loves traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Shannon is a die-hard fan of happy endings and believes God has designed one for each of us.

Connect with Shannon at shannonsuedunlap.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of Love Overboard plus character-themed items for each matchmaker!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 20, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!