JOURNEY'S EDGE by Dora Hiers

McKinley Frasier is in trouble. While performing a routine audit she finds things just don't add up. Now someone wants her dead before she turns in that report. Renner Crossman is a U.S. Marshal who has made a lot of mistakes. The biggest was walking away from Kinney. Now Renner is a believer and a changed man. He wants Kinney to know that and to apologize for past mistakes. That's when he finds out someone's after her and has tried to take her daughter from school. Kinney knows she can trust Renner to keep her and her daughter (Tessa) safe but she's not sure she can trust him with her heart once again?

Journey's Edge not only has a great cover but it's also an excellent, well-written tale that is loaded with ALL the things that make a story GREAT! Loveable characters, snappy dialog, lots of romantic tension (loved all the interaction between Renner and Kinney), and some suspense-filled moments. I couldn't put it down! It also had a twist I did not see coming, which I really liked! I think the author did a wonderful job of showing the reader that becoming a Christian doesn't mean you don't have problems or somehow your past disappears, but you can be forgiven and move forward as a changed person. It does take effort though and we see that effort and those struggles clearly with Renner! That's realistic and something we can all relate to! I enjoyed getting a peak into the lives of Trey and Chelsea and meeting some of Renner's other law enforcement buddies. One of which will be in the next installment. Can't wait to read Journey's Embrace! Journey's Edge is book 2 in the Marshals of Journey Creek Series and one you won't want to miss! I HIGHLY recommend it! Great job Dora! A thank you goes to the author for providing this complimentary copy for my review.
Publisher: White Rose Publishing (March 30, 2012)
ISBN: 978-1-61116-157-1
Page Count: 246
Series Name: Marshals Of Journey Creek

TRAPPED by Carol Ann Erhardt

Summer Grant's life changed when the bus she was driving is involved in an accident that kills a student. She flees after receiving threatening phone calls and even a break-in from, Michael, the grieving father. When she reaches the small town of Havens Creek, she has an accident with Jake Taylor, who happens to be Chief of Police. Now she has a broken leg and no car. When Jake discovers she has no family to call he insists she stay with his sister and niece in their mountain home. Though Summer doesn't trust cops, she decides that it might be a good way to recover and stay hidden. Jake is duty driven but also has a tender heart. He knows Summer is hiding something and he is determined to find out what it is. Jake and Summer have a strong attraction to each other. Is there a possibility of a future for them or will the act of one man take that away?

I thoroughly enjoyed Trapped! It kept me turning pages from beginning to end with it's delightful characters and zippy dialog. Jake and Summer were characters that felt living and breathing to me. I liked the way that Jake was with Summer. Actually the whole dynamics between Jake, his sister, his niece and Summer was just a real pleasure to read. I admired Summer for her strength. She had been through a lot yet didn't seem hard. The tender moments between Summer and Jake were my favorite and I loved their first kiss! Very romantic!!! There is a faith element to the story but I would consider it light. You will find all the animals Jake rescues very loveable. The suspense builds throughout the story as you wait for Michael to make his move. I have to say I couldn't hit the page turner fast enough. This is the first book in the Havens Creek Series and I'm looking forward to the next installment. I fell in love with the town and it's people. On your reading map, Havens Creek would be a great place to stop. I wouldn't mind getting 'Trapped' there!
Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (November 24, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1467954969
ISBN-13: 978-1467954969
File Size: 367 KB
ASIN: B0066AEZX6

ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN by Trinity Hart

Hope Pearson's life was turned upside-down when she over heard her fiance say 'she's worth more to me dead than alive'. Devastated and having just lost her father, she heads for the Circle C ranch (which her father left her as an inheritance) to gain a new perspective and fresh start. When she's just about there her brakes fail causing her car to slide off the road into a gully. Caleb McBryde is an ex Texas Ranger who hears the crash and comes to her aid. Though her brake lines don't appear to be cut, the whole accident doesn't appear to be an accident at all. Then other subtle attempts are made on Hope's life. It's clear someone doesn't want her around but she doesn't know why or exactly who it might be.

An Accident Waiting to Happen was a really great romantic suspense. I wasn't sure what to expect but the cover was very attractive and anything with a Texas Ranger (ex or not) is one I'm willing to try. Boy am I glad I did! The story hits the ground running from page one and doesn't let you go until the end. I fell in love with Caleb. He had all the things I like in a hero. Not perfect but strong, gentle, patient, loving and one of great faith. I loved the way he was with Hope. I also loved Caleb's brother Noah, and would love to see a story about him. The issues that Hope and Caleb faced and the way they worked through them was very believable. It was a well paced story with lots of interaction between the lead couple, which I really like. If you enjoy the writings of Anne Patrick or Irene Hannon then I'm sure you'll enjoy Accident Waiting to Happen. I sure did! Looking forward to other offerings by this author!
File Size: 374 KB
Print Length: 189 pages
Publisher: Inspired Romance Novels (September 6, 2011)
ASIN: B005LQ8XXO

LOVE ON THE RANGE by Jessica Nelson

Gracelyn Riley's parents send her off to her uncle's ranch in Oregon when influenza hits Boston hard. Being an independent thinker and wanting to make her own way, she sees this as an opportunity to track down the illusive "Striker", get an interview and make a name for herself as a journalist. What she doesn't count on is falling for Trevor Cruz and the Oregon territory. Trevor works closely with her uncle and causes feelings to stir in her as never before. Trevor thinks Gracelyn needs to be a little less chatty, especially about God and "Striker". Despite that, Gracelyn tugs at his heart like no one else ever has. Keeping his identity a secret is paramount so a future with her cannot be. But Gracelyn is loaded with determination and won't stop until she's found "Striker".

This was a very good and interesting read. The setting is in 1918 so you have a story with a mix of horses and cars along with telephones and indoor plumbing which I found quite interesting. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters. I especially liked Trevor. He was rough and rugged but had a tenderness to him. Gracie was a full-of-life lady who came from high society but loved the freedom that Oregon brought. She was definitely a non-conformist but also tried to stay true to what the Lord required of her. It was her faith that made a difference in Trevor's life. One thing that stood out was that we can't blame God for the things people do. A very good point. Unfortunately people do. Love on the Range has some action, some suspense and a thoroughly enjoyable ending. You also learn a little about the origin of the FBI. A thank you goes to Harlequin who provided me with this complimentary copy through Netgalley for my review.
File Size: 480 KB
ISBN-10: 0373829140
ISBN-13: 978-0373829149
Print Length: 286 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals (April 1, 2012)

TAKING CHANCES by Tara Manderino

Abie Halloway is a PR person who puts herself totally into her work. In trying to obtain her goal for a higher position, she sets her sights on getting Tyler Davidson (a country singer) to perform live at a small gala she's in charge of. Tyler Davidson has his reasons for not accepting small engagements but Abie is relentless. Tyler's heart is in the ranch he owns where troubled children can come for a two week stay. Now, because of Abie, he's in danger of loosing that ranch. There is an attraction between them. So will this be the event that draws them closer or will it sever it for good?

I'll start by saying that I really like the cover of Taking Chances. That's what originally drew me to want to read the book. The story was enjoyable and easy to read. I really liked Tyler and felt like he was fully developed. Abie, however, was not a character that was particularly endearing to me. I did like her more toward the end but unfortunately never really seemed to connect with her. The ending was cute but I felt like it was wrapped up a little too quickly. I did enjoy seeing the ranch, meeting the kids and seeing the impact it made in their lives. It was interesting to learn about Tyler's background and what motivated him to do what he did. There was an underlying message of faith and reliance upon the Lord, which I always appreciate. Overall it was good story. If your looking for a light and easy read, Taking Chances just might fill the bill.
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 366 KB
Publisher: Smashwords (June 8, 2011)
Paperback: 198 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (September 12, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1463638000
ISBN-13: 978-1463638009

DEVOTION by Marianne Evans

About:
Temptation enters a marriage not just in a lightning strike, but in the unwitting surrender, piece by piece, of a precious relationship.

Kellen Rossiter is a music agent representing A-list clients from coast to coast. Years ago, his heart led him from Los Angeles to Nashville, and his wife, Juliet. There he’s focused on Christian recording artists, his bride and a faith life that never wavered.
Juliet Rossiter is his most enthusiastic supporter. She’s eager to raise a family with Kellen and shares her talents with their faith community at Trinity Christian Church. Above it all, she tends to the life of the man she’s loved since the moment they met.
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to unravel in the face of an unexpected and powerful temptation?
How does the lifelong decision to love stand the test of finding a way back when its foundation has been rocked—when human frailty and the pull of the forbidden has dealt its blow to a relationship built on the most committed sense of love—and devotion?

My Review:
WOW!!! Marianne Evans has crafted an outstanding, beautifully written and compelling tale of love, loss and second chances. Devotion opens a window to see what can happen when you become complacent in your marriage. It shows the effects of not listening to God's still small voice. It spells out clearly that sin does not just effect the one committing it. One verse that kept coming to mind while I was reading was Proverbs 23:7 'whatsoever a man thinks in his heart, so he is'. Don't entertain inappropriate thoughts! That's why the Bible is clear about guarding our hearts because out of it flows the issues of life. I absolutely LOVED this story for what it represented. It's a warning to those dancing too close to the flames of sinful thoughts and where it can lead but it's also a hope for those who have gotten burned by those flames. Betrayal is not an easy fix and I think the struggles we see Kellen and Juliet go through were accurately represented. Devotion is more than just a story, it's life-changing fiction and one I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND! It's just what today's world needs to hear. Fantastic job Marianne! A thank you goes to the author for providing this ARC for my review. (This title is due out October 15, 2012).

For more information:
http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/devotion-softcover

BE SURE TO WATCH THE AMAZING DEVOTION TRAILER.

CALLING ME HOME by CaSondra Poulsen

Tom Mitchell and his friend are out surfing when they find Samantha Richards unconscious on the beach. She'd been badly beaten. Tom's sister, Taya, is Samantha's best friend and fellow culinary student, but Samantha doesn't remember any of that when she finally wakes-up in the hospital. Tom's protective nature kicks in but that quickly turns toward feelings of love as he watches over her. When she leaves the hospital she stays with Tom and Taya to recover. Tom's upset that no one in Samantha's family has cared enough to make contact with her. When Samantha's brother, Brian, finally does show up, he and Tom have it out, literally! Brian and Tom don't like each other much but Taya and Brian quickly connect. Not only is Brian handsome but he's a decorated military soldier and can hold his own with her brother. As the four try to sort through their feelings and emotions they are hit with bad news. Friendship and love will be pushed to the limit, will it survive or will it crumble?

This was a very intriguing story and I found myself flipping pages very quickly to see what was going to happen. I must admit that in the beginning I really didn't care much for Tom, but it didn't take long for him to worm his way into my heart. I really felt like the author allowed the reader to see the characters in a real way. You know, the good with the bad. Calling Me Home had a little mystery and a little suspense but was mostly relationship driven, which I happen to really like. There was a couple unexpected twists, which I thought, really enhanced the story. This was really two stories in one and it shifted between the two very smoothly. Although there was a conclusion, the ending left me wanting more, so I was delighted to find there will be a sequel called Finding Home. I can't wait to catch up with these families again. If you enjoy an intriguing story with interesting characters that keeps you turning pages, I recommend you give Calling Me Home a try.
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 708 KB
Publisher: Ballad Publishing (September 17, 2011)
Paperback: 258 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (September 18, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1463535325
ISBN-13: 978-1463535322

DAWN COMES EARLY by Margaret Brownley

After a dime novel she'd written was banned, Kate Tenney finds herself on the way to the Arizona Territory to answer an ad to become heiress to a large cattle ranch. Eleanor Walker wants someone who will make the ranch their life and promise to not only learn ranching, but also never to marry. For Kate, that is not a problem. She doesn't trust men at all since all the ones she's known have walk out of her life. She's not at all acquainted with the hard work ranching requires but she is determined to make it happen. Luke Adams comes to Kate's rescue the first day she's in town. He shows her kindness and is not at all like any man she's met before. He makes her feel things she's never felt before. Kinda like the 'toe curling' feelings she wrote about in her novels. So which will she choose? The Last Chance Ranch or Luke Adams?

You can always expect a fun adventure when you pick up a Margaret Brownley book. Dawn Comes Early is no exception. Kate and Luke are really fun to get to know. The way Kate learned ranching was not only funny but seemed very natural. I thoroughly enjoyed Luke's aunts. They were a hoot and had me laughing out loud more than once, especially toward the end. One character I particularly appreciated was Ruckus. He had such great faith and wisdom. It wasn't just what he said but the way he said it. He provided Kate with many teachable moments that we as readers could also relate to. The ending was cute and there is a hint as to the next installment. Also, the author gives you a little 'dime novel' history, at the end, which was fun. If you enjoy a good western romp then I recommend Dawn Comes Early! A thank you goes to Booksneeze for providing this complimentary copy for my review.
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 13, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1595549684
ISBN-13: 978-1595549686