Would you be Compelled To Love a Stranger?...

Katie Montgomery thought that her life was getting better until she found out about her brother Mark's gambling debt. When Katie gets a visit from Joe saying that her brother owes his boss $25,000 dollars payable in a months time Katie is stunned. She isn't sure how she would get the money having no one to turn to. Lucas Lehman's life was blown apart when his wife was killed. But finding out about her infidelity was more than he could stand. He promised to never to let his heart become involved ever again. At the wedding of a friend he sees Joe and relates that it would be nice to have a wife without the emotional attachment. Joe, knowing that Lucas is well off, says that he might just know how to arrange his fantasy. He explains that Katie needs a good bit of money and he would get his "wife" and someone to run his home in return. Katie seeing no other way out decides to agree to the loveless marriage. They fly to Vegas, marry, then he returns Katie to her home to wrap things up where she lives then she would fly to his home in Illinois. While still at her home Katie's friend encourages her to come to church and Katie finally agrees. There she meets the Savior. How that moment will make a difference in her life and that of Lucas is the heart of this story.

This was a fantastic read. So many spiritual truths. Katie is a woman with strength of character. One who always was trying her best despite her discouragement. Lucas was such a bitter man who had closed himself off from feeling much of anything except anger. I was glued to the pages as the story unfolds right up to its satisfying conclusion. If you have ever had a struggle with fully trusting the Savior or showing love to someone who doesn't return that love, then you will easily relate to this story. I think Katie can teach us all some valuable lessons. Highly recommended.

A Romantic and Uplifting Story...

Alexa Turner has experienced heartbreak. Her and her father are both vets and work together as a team. After her father is dies in a fire she feels she needs a change in her life. She sells the business and the family home and moves to Kentucky to work with an old friend of her fathers. She is to stay in the guest house of a friend who just happens to be a very single ranch owner. Cole Jamison is tired of everyone, especially his own mother, trying to set him up with potential "wife" candidates. After he agrees to let Alexa stay there he starts having second thoughts picturing a man crazy woman who will do her best to win him over. Will Alexa find the peace she's looking for? What is Cole's reaction to Alexa? Is she everything he thought she'd be?

This was a wonderfully romantic story. Oh my goodness, Cole was a very yummy hero! Strong and extremely thoughtful and caring. Alexa was a wonderful heroine. She was strong, kind and had a wonderful sense of humor. I also loved Cole's brother Trace. He added some special spice to the story. I look forward to reading his story in Echoes of the Past. I highly recommend this story. It's an enjoyable and uplifting read.

Love is in the air in Turtle Creek...

Jodi Williams wasn't happy about moving to Turtle Creek. She was a Chicago girl who wanted a job with the Tribune not a small town paper. But she also wanted a chance to get away and heal her broken heart after her best friend married her boyfriend. The story opens with her almost hitting a dog when coming into town then watching as the dog was struck by another driver who keeps driving. As she is comforting the dog trying to figure out what to do along comes Josh Thomas who just happens to be a vet. The attraction is instant. Josh's receptionist, Della, notices the attraction too and out comes her claws. She has her cap on Josh and is willing to do anything to keep him away from Jodi. Will Jodi only find heartbreak in Turtle Creek? Will Josh win the girl of his dreams?

This was a delightful addition to the Turtle Creek Series. I love Robin's writing and the way she uses words. She holds your attention through the entire book. Jodi is someone we can all relate to. She is sweet, kind and caring but doesn't feel loved. Josh is a VERY romantic hero. A man who is thoughtful, kind and truly listens. I'm sure we have all experienced a Della in our lives but I love the way Robin handled her as well. Although not a suspense the twist toward the end was not what I expected which made it even better. You also get to see all the characters from the Christmas Edition which is fun. You don't need to read the Christmas Edition to have The Valentine Edition make sense but I highly recommend reading them in order for a richer story.

Love those MacIntyre Men...

Lisa Berthoff had watched her two sisters marry two of the three MacIntyre men. Now they have a gleam in their eye as they look at Lisa and Adam. But Lisa and Adam have no intention of becoming anything "together". Not only would it be strange for three sisters to marry three brothers, both have been hurt and betrayed in previous relationships. Then Lisa (as a photojournalist) is given the assignment to do an article on the grand opening of a guest ranch "romantic getaway". Imagine her surprise when she finds out Adam is the owner. He wants nothing to do with the article. Lisa needs this article to obtain a full time job. As they work together toward the grand opening hearts begin to change. Will they be willing to take a chance on love?

This was a delightful story. Lisa was an energetic, spunky heroine who built a shell around her heart to keep from getting hurt. Adam was a very romantic hero. Strong yet tender. He could cook too! The family dynamics was really fun. This is book 3 in the MacIntyre series and it makes me want to go back and read the first two books. The story kept me turning pages to find out how it would all turn out.

What's going on in the Bayou?...

Bayou Paradox (Book 4 in the Bayou Series) continues the story of the LeBlanc girls but centers around Tara LeBlanc (Coco & Alyssa's sister) and Sheriff Bubba Theriot. When Grandmere and Tanty are found unconscious, they are rushed to the hospital. The doctors can't figure out why they are in a coma or what exactly is wrong. Tara resorts to her Voodoo background and tries to prepare a healing potion. It's there by the work shed that she sees strangers in the Bayou. They say they are there to gather information on the plants but Tara thinks they're trouble. Are they friend or foe? Does this have anything to do with her Grandmere and Tanty? The sheriff is trying to gather the facts but Tara seems to be getting into trouble at every turn. They seem to be at each other throats and yet there is a strange sensation pulling at their hearts. Is there a future for these two?

This was a great addition to the series. All the characters from the first 3 books are part of this story. I highly recommend you reading them in order to get a more complete story.

Will There Be Judgment in the Bayou?...

Bayou Judgment picks up about a year after Bayou Corruption. All the main characters are in this book except the story centers around Felicia Trahan (Luc's sister) and Spencer Bertrand. Felicia works at a crisis center with Pastor Bertrand. When Jolie (a friend and co-worker of Felicia) is found murdered they begin looking for killer. Spencer is trying very hard to keep his past hidden. He know from past experience that people are not really very forgiving. Now his carefully planned life is about to fall apart. Felicia has begun to have feelings toward the good Pastor but how will she feel when she finds out what he's done?

The story definitely keeps you engaged from cover to cover. There were several parts where I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. You put together the clues along with Felicia to find who killed her friend. The romantic tension between Felicia and Spencer was done very well. You feel the strong pull toward each other but both are afraid to voice their feelings. Felicia is a great heroin. She is strong and spunky yet very sensitive, warm and caring. Spencer was a great tortured hero. He was full of strength and passion.

This was another great addition to the Bayou series. I recommend you read the books in order to follow the big story. Bayou Justice, Bayou Corruption then Bayou Judgment. Great job Robin!

More Mystery in the Bayou...

This is the second installment in the Bayou Series and one that doesn't let up on the action. Alyssa LaBlanc (CoCo's Sister from Bayou Justice) has returned home because her grandmere has had a heart attack. She really doesn't consider it home because of the memories it holds. Jack Devereaux has come to town to help his friend, Bubba, the police chief. The chief seems to feel there is a mole in his midst. Now he is in the hospital fighting for his life. Alyssa and Jack work together to dig for the truth of what happened to Bubba but find much more than they expected.

Bayou Corruption was better than Bayou Justice. There was so much going on in this story but never too much to keep it straight. Alyssa is a great heroin in that she is strong but struggles with her self-worth. She also struggles with self imposed guilt over the loss of her parents. Jack is a great hero. He's strong and yet very tender where Alyssa is concerned. The other thing I really enjoyed about the story is it picks up where you left off in Bayou Justice. You see all the characters you met in book 1 so it almost reads like one big story.

Looking forward to reading Book 3, Bayou Judgment.

Cajun Suspense...

Coco LeBlanc and Luc Trahan were engaged to be married until Luc broke it off. Since then they do their best to avoid each other. But it's pretty hard to avoid each other when Luc's uncle is throwing CoCo's family out of their home. Then Luc's uncle is murdered. CoCo finds the body and later finds the murder weapon. The murder weapon implicates Luc. As CoCo and Luc work together to find out who really killed his uncle they find much more than they bargained for.

Bayou Justice was a great mystery. You didn't know who the killer was until the very end.

Things heat up in Bullard, TX...

Jack and Charli used to be an item. That is until Charli dumped Jack and married Vince. She soon found out Vince was not all he said he was. After leaving Charli and their daughter Bonnie, Charlie returns home to Bullard, TX. The spark between her and Jack is still strong but she seems to be holding him at arms length. When she's accused of embezzling money from the bank where she works, Jack, as police chief, comes to arrest her. Is Charli guilty? If not then who could it be? Will she allow Jack to help her?

Jack was a great hero. He was not without his problems but he was a stable person and harbored a great love for Charli. He was careful not to be hurt again but was willing to forgive Charli.

Charli Friedmont is an unsure heroin. She struggles with her feelings for Jack. She is careful not to depend on him too much. She is portrayed as a real person. Someone who might be your friend.

What will happen when it looks like Jack's attention and care is directed to his beautiful widow neighbor? Will Charli reveal her true feelings to Jack? Will she step aside for the neighbor? Or will she be alive to make that choice?

Texas Heat is Book 1 in Debra's new Lone Star Intrigue series. It does keep you turning pages. You know who the villain is but you are kept wondering when he'll strike. Great start to the series. I Will be looking for Book 2, Texas Pursuit.

Set Sail with the Blue Enchantress....

The Blue Enchantress picks up where the Red Siren left off. Hope Wescott longs for love and acceptance but seems to be looking in all the wrong places. She follows Lord Faulkland after he spoke to her of a future together but finds herself on the auction block being sold to the highest bidder. (and the bidders were none too appealing). Captain Nathaniel Mason has been drawn to Hope for quite some time. He knows she is not the type of woman he would ever pursue, she reminds him of where he came from. However, when he sees Hope being auctioned-off he knows he can't just leave her there. He sells his ship to pay for her and with very little money left finds passage for both of them back to Charles Towne. From that point on, it's a high seas adventure you cannot put down complete with shipwreck, pirates and God's faithful and watchful care. Will Hope find the love she so desperately longs for? Will Nathaniel ever see Hope as the Lady she so longs to become?

This was the second installment of the Charles Towne Belles series and it was a page turner! I love how MaryLu always writes characters that are so real and believable. (and fun) No perfect heros in her books only honorable flawed ones. The story presented so beautifully the picture of God's unfailing love for us. The end of the story leaves you wanting for the next installment. aarrgg! You could read this as a stand alone but I recommend you read The Red Siren first for a much fuller story. Highly recommended.