Kate O'Brien has been struggling to take care of the farm and her brother and sister ever since her parents died. The bank is very close to repossessing her land. As if that's not enough to deal with now a man named Nathan Rutledge is at her door with a certificate that says they are husband and wife. Her young siblings and a friend in town only wanted to help her find love and help for the farm. Nathan only wanted a fresh start and Kate's ad for a husband seemed like the perfect solution. But Kate wants nothing to do with a marriage to Nathan. The problem is the judge that can grant an annulment is out of town and won't be back for a least a month. In the meantime Nathan moves into a cabin on the farm and somewhat takes charge. She learns day-by-day that Nathan is a good, Christian man. But Nathan also has a past that Kate doesn't know of. What will happen when the past rears it's ugly head? More importantly, what will happen when the judge finally returns to town?
This was a really fun and enjoyable story to read. You really can't help but fall in love with the characters. Especially the kids, they are such a hoot! I loved the steadfastness of Nathan and the way handled himself. The way he always encouraged Kate and the kids to turn to the Lord for help. Kate was a very spunky gal. But for all her spunk, she was afraid to accept help from anyone and trust did not come easy, if at all, but she was practical. Nathan was a great influence, although he didn't realize it was having any effect. I think that could be true for us as well. You never know how you influence someone for good or for bad. This was just a great, feel-good, type story. One that will take you away for a little while, to a different time and place and put a smile on your face. It had a little of everything in the story which kept it well rounded. At the end it made reference to a book coming out starring one of Kate's siblings. I look forward to seeing what happens next. Format: Kindle Edition File Size: 411 KB Print Length: 285 pages Page Numbers Source ISBN: 037382890X Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals (October 1, 2011) Sold by: Amazon Digital Services ASIN: B005HRQ032
Carson Merrill loves Lone Creek Ranch but not quite as much as when Jessica Tate was around it. Carson had plans to marry Jessica until an accident happened that nearly killed her brother James and took his ability to walk. Jessica blames Carson for the accident and leaves town. She hasn't seen Carson or her brother in over a year. Now Jessica has returned as a big shot land developer. She wants to buy and develop Lone Creek Ranch as a way of making Carson pay for the accident. A lot has happened in that year. Will Jessica come to terms with the past and see the possibility of a beautiful future?
This is Book 1 in the Lone Creek Ranch Series and a great start! I really enjoyed meeting the characters. Jessica is full of anger but Carson's careful handling simmers her down a bit. I enjoyed their interactions together. James is a great guy and hopefully we'll see more of him. He's a great example of what God can do when He get's hold of your heart. It's a short story and to be perfectly honest I wanted more. I wasn't ready for it to end and it made me definitely want to read Lullaby in Lone Creek. If you're looking for a good quick read, Lost in Lone Creek would be a great choice. Format: Kindle Edition File Size: 161 KB Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group (White Rose Publishing) (January 5, 2012) ASIN: B006U5X5YM
Jordan Harrison doesn't trust relationships since her long time boyfriend walked away when things didn't happen when he thought they should. Now her windowed mom is engaged to a wealthy architect that she's only known for a few months. So, Jordan heads for Breckenridge Manor to see if she can talk some sense into her mom. That's when she runs into Tanner Breckinridge. The handsome son of the man her mother's going to marry. Tanner is not at all what Jordan expected and his understanding ways help to heal places inside that she never thought would heal. Jordan has wormed her way into Tanner's heart but he doesn't trust his own judgement when it comes to women. When trouble arises, will they be willing to put their hearts on the line for a chance at true love?
I just loved Reluctant Bridesmaid! The characters were very well drawn and full of life! Jordan is such a relateable gal. I really liked that she was full of determination but not in an unreasonable way. Tanner was definitely a swoon worthy hero. Oh my, his sweet and gentle ways won my heart, that's for sure! I liked the fact that he was flawed and willing to admit it. That made him all the more appealing. We're reminded in the story that people can't change hearts but God can, if we allow him to do his work. Although this wasn't a suspense type story, it had a wonderful flow to it that just kept you turning the pages. Don't be a 'reluctant reader'! Get Reluctant Bridesmaid. It's one I highly recommend (or any of Wendy Davy's stories for that matter)! Format: Kindle Edition File Size: 322 KB Print Length: 156 pages Publisher: White Rose Publishing (March 3, 2011)
Krysia Barciniak made a terrible mistake six years ago by giving herself to a man of sweet words and empty promises. As a result she became pregnant, and because of her age, gave her precious little girl up for adoption. Now she's a romance author but she has absolutely no notions of finding love for herself. She thinks of her daughter everyday as she wonders what her life is like, but knows she will never see her again. Then Connor Tiernay shows up in Harmony Village. He's the new museum curator but that's not his real reason for coming to Harmony. Connor is dealing with his own heartache after losing his wife and having to care for their daughter, Brenna, all on his own. She needs a mother. Connor makes a proposal to Krysia. One that she really can't refuse. But if Cupid Cat has his way, this just might be a match made in heaven.
Another wonderful installment to the Harmony Village series. This story dealt with some very serious issues but all from a Biblical perspective. Premarital sex, pregnancy, adoption, love, marriage and death were all a part of our tale. However, there were enough splashes of humor and fun to keep the story going. I really liked the fact that Connor and Krysia were not perfect but were trying to honor God in the way they behaved. God has a high-standard and expects His children to follow it. But He's also willing to forgive you of your mistakes as far as the east is from the west. Cupid Cat is always great with his uncanny match-making ability. You also get to see all the other Harmony Village residents that you've come to know in the previous books. The end of the book leaves you with Cupid Cats next victim...ahem client!!! Looking forward to that one! If you have enjoyed the other Harmony Village stories then you'll want to pick up this next installment. The Write Honor is book five in the series and one you could read as a stand alone but reading the previous books allows you see the history of the Cat's previous clients. (Looking for Love #1, A Matter of Faith #2, A Pocketful of Hope #3, On Wings of Trust #4 and The Write Honor #5). A thank you goes to the author for providing this complimentary copy for my honest review. Paperback: 272 pages Publisher: Cambridge Books (December 29, 2011) ISBN-10: 1613860382 ISBN-13: 978-1613860380
Sierra Malone thought Kevin Eason was a wonderful man but now he's trying to kill her. He almost succeeds but Sierra manages to escape. She leaves everyone and everything she knows and travels across the country to seek a safe shelter but always lives in constant fear of Kevin finding her. Chase Price is after Eason. He has been watching Sierra with the hopes that Eason would go after her and then he would nail him. After a life and death introduction, Chase offers Sierra his help. Sierra battles to trust Chase but knows she could use his help. Chase is unprepared for the things Sierra makes him feel. It's a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Who will be victorious?
This is Wendy Davy's best yet! Deadly Chase is jam-packed with not only heart-stopping suspense but a tender romance as well. From the first page to the very last you will be glued to the story. Sierra was a wonderful heroine. Such faith and strength in light of her situation. I fell in love with Chase. Oh man! Such a great guy. The chemistry between them was awesome. Chase's family was really great too. I would love to see a story about Chase's brother Jake! (hint, hint)! This tale is a great reminder that bad things are going to happen but the Lord is always right there walking beside his children and that we need to trust Him even to the end. If you like a good romantic suspense with a great message then I highly recommend Deadly Chase! Great job Wendy!!! Format: Kindle Edition File Size: 397 KB Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group (White Rose Publishing) (January 1, 2012) ASIN: B006SM6GZM
Book Description: Two Destinies...One Journey of Love In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered. When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph. Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace...and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master's wife and thrown into prison. Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I thought the author did a wonderful job of bringing to life a woman we know little about. It's really Asenath's journey and how it intersects with Joseph. I liked the way she portrayed Joseph. He was really just as I would have imagined him to be. The story is written in first person from Asenath's point of view. Although the first person POV is not my favorite, I really felt it worked for this story. As a reader, we were able to get a glimpse into the Egyptian culture and what they believed. I don't often read Biblical fiction but this is one I would definitely recommend. As the author points out in her note at the end of the book, little is know about Asenath so she was able to let her imagination run wild. I thought she came up with a very believable story and one I really enjoyed reading. A thank you goes to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy for my review.
Alexia Allen fights fires. When she has a brush with death while trying to save a child she is ordered to take leave while the incident is under investigation. She decides to attend her 10 year class reunion and stay at her moms house. As soon as she arrives trouble starts. Hunter Graham was drawn to Alexia in high school but she didn't seem to show any interest. Now ten years later he's Detective Graham and still finds himself drawn to her. Even when it seems she's in the center of all kinds of trouble, from murder to arson. Not to mention family secrets. Who is really behind all the trouble and will she survive long enough to actually find out?
From beginning to end, When the Smoke Clears is loaded with non-stop action and suspense! I literally could not flip pages fast enough. I was totally enthralled with not only the story but the characters as well. The family dynamics in Alexia's family as well as Hunter's family we realistically portrayed. I was completely on the edge of my seat through the whole book and while the end is partially concluded (in a satisfying way), the door is wide open for the next book in the series. Which I can not wait to read!!! Two things came across to me while I was reading. One, no matter what we go through God walks through it with us. Always working in every situation. Two, that God can change hearts and forgiveness is part of that change. That's not always easy as we see in Alexia's case. I thoroughly enjoyed When the Smoke Clears and would highly recommend it. It's an edge-of-your-seat tale that once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down!!! It's Book 1 in the Deadly Reunions Series. A thank you goes to Lynette Eason as well as Revell for providing this complimentary copy for my review! Well done Lynette!!!! Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2012) ISBN-10: 0800720075 ISBN-13: 978-0800720070
Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter, Olivia, on her own on the ranch she grew up on in Moose Creek, Montana. Try as she might, the bills keep piling up and now the bank is ready to foreclose on her land. She prays for an answer but the answer is not what she expects or wants...or does she? Travis McCoy has always loved Shay but made a really bad decision when he left Shay at the courthouse waiting for him to come and marry her. Now he's returned to look after his parents ranch while they're on a mission trip. He returns to apologize to Shay and maybe find a second chance at the love he never got over. Shay is asked to play the bride in the Founders Day reenactment and is shocked to find Travis is playing the groom. Then they find out that because of an absent-minded preacher and a match-making friend, the marriage is real. Shay wants an immediate annulment but Travis offers her a crazy proposal that she really can't refuse. If she does, she'll loose her childhood home. But if she agrees to his proposal, she just might loose her heart, again! Can the Founders Day wedding reenactment be the worst thing that ever happened to Shay or will it be the best mistake that ever happened her?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and returning once again to Moose Creek! Although something like the Founders Day mistake would probably never happen, the whole premise for it was fun. I truly LOVED all the interaction between Shay and Travis. I must say though, that Shay kinda grated on me a little. You could truly understand why she behaved the way she did. I mean the man did leave her at the altar, but the fact that she knew him her whole life it seems she would have been able to see that he had truly changed and that he was really trying. Travis was a swoon-worthy hero. Oh my! I loved the way he handled Shay and Olivia. He was strong yet patient even in the face of Shay's prickliness. There was enough sizzle between Travis and Shay to light the lamp I was reading next to. It was also really fun to see Abigail and Wade again. It made me want to go back and re-read A Cowboy's Touch. I also thoroughly enjoyed Miss Lucy. She and "her girls" are a hoot. I think one very important lesson in the story was that our self-worth or value should not come from what people think about us but what God thinks about us. Also, the way in which we behave affects, not only us, but those that are around us so we need to be careful. I always enjoy Denise Hunter's books and The Accidental Bride is no exception. It's Book 2 in A Big Sky Romance Series. A thank you goes to Thomas Nelson who provided me with the complimentary copy through Netgalley for my review. Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012) ISBN-10: 1595548025 ISBN-13: 978-1595548023
Amy Maxwell thought she was the luckiest girl in the world to marry such a popular guy like Mark. She looked forward to a happy marriage. Instead she found herself five years later escaping with only her daughter, Pyper, and the clothes on her back. Tyler Brock was shy as a teen but now as an adult he's a charismatic, well-know Christian Music artist singing out about his faith. When he returns to Woodland for a benefit concert he meets up with Amy again. She's amazed at the man he's turned out to be. The attraction is still present for both of them but with all that Amy and Pyper have been through Amy's afraid to open her heart again. Can Tyler's strong faith and unfailing love win over the two most important girls in his life?
In Hearts Key, Marianne Evans once again delivers a wonderful, heartfelt story that I thoroughly enjoy reading! She creates the greatest characters! You just love meeting them and getting to know them. I loved how Tyler related to Amy and her daughter. Speaking of Pyper, she will absolutely win your heart! Such a sweet little girl. As I was reading I was reminded that God loves us and forgives us even with all the mistakes we make. He takes our miserable failures and uses them for our good and for His glory. That's a great reminder because, lets face it, we all make mistakes that we deeply regret. I think for that reason, Amy is very relateable character. Tyler was an awesome guy! He had an impact on people (most especially on Amy and Pyper) because of his steadfast faith. It makes you want to be that way. I would highly recommend you pick up Hearts Key. It's a delightful and uplifting story. This is Book 4 in the Woodland Series and though you can read it as a stand alone, I suggest reading them in order. Hearts Crossing, Hearts Surrender, Hearts Communion and Hearts Key. A thank you goes to the author for sending a complimentary copy for my review. Wonderful job Marianne!!! Paperback: 254 pages Publisher: White Rose Publishing (November 4, 2011) ISBN-10: 1611160901 ISBN-13: 978-1611160901
When I review a book I always try to post the trailer at the end of the review, if available. I reviewed Accused as an ARC a couple months back and the trailer wasn't then available. It's an excellent book and I really liked the trailer so thought I would post it.
Jeremy "JB" Edwards is part of a loving and very close-knit family. That's what his hearts desire is for himself, to have a loving wife and kids of his own someday. A family to pass down the wonderful loving heritage he's been given. Monica Kittelski pours her heart, soul and energy into the children who attend her daycare center, Sunny Horizons. She does this because she knows her infertility will never allow her to have a family of her own. When Jeremy and Monica meet it's instant attraction. They seem to be perfect together. After all they both want a loving family of their own. But what happens when Jeremy finds out that Monica can't fulfill his dream nor hers? When that reality comes to the surface, will turn away from each other or embrace the possibility that God's got a specific plan just for them?
You can always count on an emotionally engaging story when you pick up a Marianne Evans book. Her characters draw you in and you feel so a part of the story that your life, while you're reading, becomes a part of theirs. One thing that I really liked and appreciated was that she kept the characters from the first books involved in this story as well. I love that! I think the emotions of infertility were done in a realistic way. You truly felt the longing of Monica's heart! Jeremy was not only a great guy but a great example of living out your faith. As I was reading a couple things came to mind. One is that God's ways are not our ways. If you trust in Him he'll give you the desires of your heart but it may not be in the way you think. Two, I'm reminded that God works all things together for good! Hearts Communion is a beautiful story that you won't want to miss. It's the 3rd book in the Woodlands series. Although you can read this as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the books in order..Hearts Crossing, Hearts Surrender then Hearts Communion. Great job Marianne! A thank you goes to the author for providing a complimentary copy for my review. Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: White Rose Publishing (August 26, 2011) ISBN-10: 1611160863 ISBN-13: 978-1611160864
I'm a mom to three grown boys, two daughters-in-love, a wife of 34 years to a great guy. I love coffee and reading and reviewing books. I am what you might call a "bookaholic". (Even more than that...a Kindleholic!) I also love to shop the thrift stores for interesting treasures! I appreciate the authors I know and love but I also like finding new authors and making new author friends.
Please feel free to contact me if you have a question, a comment or are interested in having me review a book for you. (I review Inspirational/Christian Fiction).
love2stitch @ hotmail . com or love2readnovels @ yahoo . com
(remember to remove the spaces)
I do not get paid or receive any monetary compensation for any posts or reviews on this blog. The books I review are either given to me by the publisher, the author, purchased by me, won in contests, borrowed from a friend or the library. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
.JPG)
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