A SECRET TO DIE FOR by Cynthia Hickey

Tony Thayer's dying words to his wife, Darcie, were to find the package he hid. Darcie promised herself she'd never return home, but now she must in order to find the package. There are others who are looking for the package too and they are willing to kill to get it. Darcie takes a job as a nanny for York Wardell, a widower and best-selling author. That way she'll be able to stay hidden while looking for what Tony hid. York Wardell hires Darcie because nannys are hard to come by and he needs someone to care for the children so he can meet his writing deadlines. He doesn't expect to be attracted to her but he sees how good she is with his kids. After his wife's unfaithfulness, a relationship is the last thing he wants. But when danger threatens his family he realizes there is a lot more to Darcie than meets the eye. He finds himself wanting to not only protect his family but Darcie as well. Trust doesn't come easy for either one of them because they've both been hurt. Fighting a common enemy though, causes them to stand as a united front. In the midst of such turmoil and danger, will they learn to trust the only one who can truly help them?

I thoroughly enjoyed A Secret to Die For. It was non-stop action the whole way through and there were several surprise turns along the way. I really liked Darcie. She was spunky (and sassy) but as you read the story you find out why she's that way. York was a really neat guy. I liked the way he handled Darcie. There interaction together was both fun and tender. I smiled at the way he 'encouraged' her to read the Bible! One character that was really enjoyable was York's housekeeper. She just made me smile. I liked the ending but I really wished there would have been more to it. Other than that, it was a great story. If you enjoy an edge-of-your-seat suspense with an extra helping of surprises, a side of romance and topped with a message of faith, then check out A Secret to Die For. Set some time aside though, it's a tough one to put down!
File Size: 436 KB
Print Length: 195 pages
ASIN: B008ACDMG4
*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

SMALL TOWN TREASURE by Dora Hiers

Emily Mannerson had a miserable childhood and couldn't wait to get out of Journey Creek where everyone knew her background. But that meant leaving Matthew Westerly behind. She's now a busy attorney but returns home to Journey Creek to care for Sophie, her adopted mom. When Emily is involved in a car accident, it's Fire captain Matthew Westerly who comes to her rescue. They were high-school sweethearts until Emily left. Now that she's returned, Matthew is determined to win her back. Everyone has things they treasure. Will Matthew and Emily trust the Lord enough to let Him show them the treasure He has for them?

Dora Hiers once again hits the 'romantic' spot with Small Town Treasure! I loved getting to know Emily and Matthew. There were lots of yummy moments between them that I thoroughly enjoyed! Emily really showed the reader that how we perceive things may not always be how it really is. Matthew showed us the importance of trusting the Lord and His timing. Although this was a short story (41 pages), it felt very complete, except that I didn't want it to end! If you're looking for a great romantic fix, complete with fireworks, then stop by Journey Creek and experience a Small Town Treasure!
File Size: 116 KB
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group-White Rose Publishing (June 20, 2012)
ASIN: B008DKOOQ0

*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

TIDEWATER INN (The Hope Beach Series) by Colleen Coble

Libby Holladay and her business partner (and friend) Nicole, love doing historical renovation. Libby is thrilled when she finds she's inherited a wonderful old hotel (Tidewater Inn) on the shores of Hope Island. She also finds out she has some family she never knew about. Then there is the good-looking Coast Guard Lieutenant, Alec Bourne, whom she finds herself very attracted to. She'd like to keep and renovate the Inn, but it doesn't take long to realize how much money it will actually take to renovate the Inn. Money she doesn't have. She's not sure why a father she never knew would will her the Inn without any funds to fix it up. The bother and sister she didn't know she had, are angry at her because they think she's trying to steal what should be rightfully theirs. To make matters worse, Nicole is kidnapped while Libby watches on video cam and now they think she's responsible. Even Alec seems to doubt her innocence. What else can go wrong? Oh, you'd be surprised! But when all is said and done, can God truly work all things together for good?

Tidewater Inn is an excellent romantic suspense and one that is difficult to put down once you pick it up. There were several unexpected turns and a few gasps along the way. The characters were true-to-life with all their faults. To me, that's realistic. While I was reading I truly felt like I was on Hope Island and was able to experience the beauty of the Island with Libby. I thought the author did a great job of getting the message across, that our behavior definitely makes a difference in other peoples lives. As we see with Libby, that's not always an easy thing to do, but God didn't call us to 'easy' now did He? That was a good reminder to me, that we need to be careful of the things we say and do. One thing I absolutely loved (and I know all Colleen Coble fans will too) is the surprise appearance of some beloved characters. That put the story over-the-top for me! I encourage you to read the book to find out who they are!!! If you are in the mood for a tropical vacation, I highly recommend you visit Hope Island. Do be careful though, you may run into some rough waters! Great Job, Colleen!
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 17, 2012)
ASIN: B007D1TNYS

*I received this complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

A LOVE FOR DELICIOUS by Cynthia Hickey

Delicious (Delly) Williams has only been married a short time when she finds herself widowed. She is now responsible for raising the five children that belonged to her husband. Before he died, he gave her instructions to take the land deed and the children to his brother Zeke so they wouldn't be left alone and unprotected. Most especially from a man named Ira Bodine! When she finds Zeke he's about to take a wagon train west. He asks to marry her as a way of keeping her safe but she refuses. The last thing she wants is another husband. Zeke is somewhat relieved because the last thing he wants is to lose another wife on the trail. The trek west is fraught with danger and hardships. The things they face will push them to the very limits of their faith and human endurance. Will Zeke and Delly make it to the trails end and perhaps find an unexpected love along the way? Or will they meet the same fate of so many that have gone before them?

Oh my, what an amazing story! I loved the cover and the title, so I knew I had to give it try. I'm so glad I did. This story is an absolute page-turner from beginning to end! There was something happening on just about every page. You truly feel like you're on the journey west. All the characters were larger than life and fully fleshed out. You really got to know them and face every hardship with them, and let me tell you, there was a lot of hardship! I fell in love with Zeke. He's one of those guys that just makes you want to be in trouble so he can come rescue you! Delly was someone I really admired. She was full of spunk and grit but she also had a heart full of love. There were times though, I found myself saying, "Delly, what are doing?", when she would do something Zeke told her not to, which then got her into trouble. But she usually had a good reason (at least in her mind). I loved the interaction between Zeke and Delly and though there weren't many kisses, the romantic tension was excellent! As a reader, you find yourself rooting for them all the way through. I also appreciated the spiritual truths that were so naturally brought to light in the story. You'll have to read it to find out what they are. If you're interested in traveling west, I definitely recommend you travel with Zeke and Delly in A Love for Delicious. I look forward to reading some of this author's other works.
File Size: 341 KB
Print Length: 196 pages
ASIN: B00817P4ZK

WOUNDED FAITH by Mary Manners

Kylie Jordan has struggled emotionally ever since her sister was killed by a drunk driver. Because of that, she leads a support group at New Hope Church, in hopes that she will help others while helping herself as well. Mason Bennett is dealing with grief. His brothers recklessness not only caused his own death but the death of an innocent person as well. In Mason's desire to deal with his loss he joins the support group. Kylie and Mason take an immediate liking to one another and find themselves growing closer. Unknowingly their lives are tied together and when the reason why comes to light, will it be the thing that draws them closer or drives them apart forever.

Let me start by saying that the cover of Wounded Faith drew me in and made me want to see what was inside. Though this was a very short story (only about 29 pages) it really had a lot of emotion to it. The characters were relateable people dealing with difficult situations. I enjoyed the interaction between Kylie and Mason. It made me wish it was a longer story to be able to enjoy their company a little more. If you're looking for a good afternoon read, Wounded Faith may be just what you're looking for.
File Size: 112 KB
Print Length: 29 pages
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group (White Rose Publishing) (May 10, 2012)
ASIN: B00824MNSI

WISH YOU WERE HERE by Beth K. Vogt

Allison Denman is about to marry Seth Rayner, the guy she's been dating for the past 6 years. So how come nothing feels right? She didn't want a big wedding and she hates her frothy dress and now a week before the the wedding she finds herself sharing a kiss with Seth's brother, Daniel. How could she do such a thing? Seth is predictable and safe and to Alli that's comfortable. So why does Alli find herself so drawn to Daniel? Why are the postcards he's sent to her from his carefree traveling so appealing? Allison is not sure how to resolve this whole out-of-control, Rayner brothers mess, but her best friend keeps encouraging her to trust the Lord with her future and stop trying to control everything herself. Will she take her friends advice and release her tight control on life and let God do His work? And with whom will she find her happily ever after?

WOW! When I first looked at this book I thought it sounded like a really cute story. I mean the bride kissing the groom's brother got me right away. And it is a cute story with lots of great humor (which I loved) but it really is so much more than that. This author skillfully tackled some pretty tough subjects like, pornography, cutting, anger and what happens when a parent favors one child over another. How you're raised is very much a part of who you are and how you see the world. But the author also carefully points out, that we don't have to figure everything out, the God who created us can take care of that. We just need to listen to His voice. I really loved getting to know all the larger-than-life characters. Seth was a likeable guy, if you did things his way. Daniel was my kind of hero. Tough yet gentle and understanding. You could definitely see why Allison was so drawn to him. I appreciated Alli's friend Maggie who stuck by her and loved her but was also honest with her. We all need a true friend like that. And who wouldn't like Alli's aunt Nita. What a very loving lady. The Llamas were a great addition to the story, and to me, they almost feel human. One thing I really enjoyed was the postcards from Daniel at the heading of each chapter. It really added something special and tied in very nicely with the ending. Wish You Were Here is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you close the book. It would make a great Hallmark movie! Well done Beth Vogt!!! I am looking forward to what comes next!
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451659865
ISBN-13: 978-1451659863
File Size: 1716 KB
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
ASIN: B005C6GDSK
*I received this complimentary copy from Howard Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

LIGHTS AND SHADOWS by Bonnie Blythe

Julia Wilcox's life is not exactly going as planned. The dreams of being a wife and mother were shattered when she lost her husband and her faith. Pouring herself into her work seems to give her some measure of happiness. Now she's being forced to take time off after a bad car accident. She's staying with Brian & Sara (her brother and sister-in-law whom we met in Restorations) at their B & B. Marc Dorin is a college photography teacher/freelance photographer/author who makes weekend getaways to the B & B and is good friends with Brian. Marc and Julia's first meeting is certainly, shall we say, interesting? Soon though, they find themselves very attracted to each other and perhaps heading toward love. Will Julia once again put her heart on the line only to have it broken? Will Marc discover there is much more to Julia then meets the eye? Will these two learn there are lights and shadows in any relationship?

Bonnie Blythe once again offers up another great romantic read! One that will carry you away to beautiful Buell Creek, Oregon. There you'll meet Julia and Marc who are really great characters. They are easy to get to know and sometimes very stubborn! One thing I really liked about Lights and Shadows was that Brian and Sara (from Restorations) were very much a part of the story. That really made it fun and for that reason I would encourage you to read Restorations first (though it isn't necessary for understanding the storyline). The author did a wonderful job of showing that genuine contentment and joy are found only in the Lord. That's a great message especially in today's world. If you're looking for a great romantic read with easy-to-like characters, set in a beautiful setting then I totally recommend Lights and Shadows. It's book 2 in the Oregon in Love series. (Restorations, Lights and Shadows, Milagro for Miranda). Great job Bonnie!
File Size: 423 KB
Print Length: 236 pages
ASIN: B007XOP1M8
*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Don't forget to check out Bonnie's other books on her website. http://www.bonnieblythe.com