LESSON IN LONE CREEK by Mary Manners

Nick Merrill loves being a smoke jumper, or at least he did, until he lost his best friend fighting a fire. He returns home to Lone Creek to try to get past the loss. He is soon introduced to Sawyer Landon, a school teacher, who has a heart for wayward kids. Her class had followed Nick and his fellow smoke jumpers while they were fighting a fire. Sawyer is hosting a career day at school and wants Nick to come and share about his job. Nick says no and Sawyer's not happy. Can Alex, a wayward teen, help both Nick and Sawyer see things a little different and in the process, gain something much deeper?

This is the third installment in the Lone Creek Series and, I have to say, my personal favorite so far. I really liked Nick. He just drew you to him. Sawyer was a great character and a good match for Nick. Alex won my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction he had with both Nick and Sawyer. I particularly liked how Sawyer handled those times when Alex was afraid and couldn't sleep. You'll have to read the story to find out what she did. The underlying message of trust and reliance on the Lord was clear. We don't always know why things happen the way they do but we know we can trust the Lord to carry us through it. Always a great reminder. Although Lesson in Lone Creek is the third book in the series, you could easily read it as a stand alone.

File Size: 176 KB

Print Length: 66 pages

Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group-White Rose Publishing (April 19, 2012)

Language: English

ASIN: B007VUDNGA

ZERO VISIBILITY by Sharon Dunn

Merci Carson is wanting to visit her aunt. A friend offers to give her ride since Merci's car is in need of repair. They take a short cut through the mountains when the car slides to the side of the road and then won't start. A car happens along and offers to help. Merci is apprehensive because they look rather shady. When she notices them going through her suitcase, it confirms what she thought of them. When Merci confronts one of the thieves, trouble starts. Before long Nathan McCormick, an EMT, happens along. He helps the girls but then the thieves take Merci's friend as a hostage. From then on Merci and Nathan are involved in a deadly game of cat and mouse during a terrible snowstorm with plummeting temperatures. Why are they after Merci? Nathan and Merci are drawn to each other but will they survive long enough to not only find out what the thieves are after but to explore the possibility of a future together?

Talk about a fast-paced-edge-of-your-seat-suspense! Man, from the very beginning this author has you going and she doesn't let up until the very end. It's one of those stories that totally taps-out your adrenaline . For me, a good suspense story causes me to feel anxious and I certainly felt that while reading. I was thinking, too, that this would make a great suspense movie. The characters are very likeable people. (Except the bad guys, of course)! There is an underlying message of faith, which is always appreciated by this reader. In the author's note at the end of the book, she makes a great point, that we need to have discernment when allowing people into our lives because, although some relationships are healthy, some can be very destructive. Zero Visibility is a story I would recommend you read when you have a block of time available . Oh, and don't forget to bring your winter gear, it's cold in the mountains and you never know what might happen!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

File Size: 368 KB
Print Length: 221 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0373444974
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (July 1, 2012)
ASIN: B007UNC0QW

FIRE CREEK: K.T. RANDALL BOOK ONE by Anne Patrick

Kasey Montgomery returns home to Fire Creek, Montana when she learns that her cousin, Beth, committed suicide. As Kasey looks at all the evidence, she realizes there are a lot of things that just don't make sense. The sheriff thinks it's her writers imagination and doesn't take her allegations seriously. Jimmy Little Raven has heard a lot about Kasey from Beth and feels like he already knows her. But he's even more impressed by her in person, as she displays strength and determination. Jimmy also has suspicions of foul play but doesn't have any evidence to back up his theory. Kasey tries to dig deeper and Jimmy tries to keep her out of trouble. Will they find the answers and evidence they're looking for before it's to late?

I'll start by saying that the cover totally grabbed my attention and made me long to read the story. What you'll find inside is a finely tuned romantic suspense. One that keeps you engaged from start to finish. You'll find yourself trying to figure out what happened right along with Kasey and Jimmy. Although you may guess who's behind it, you're never really sure until the end, where you see how it all played out. Kasey and Jimmy were both endearing characters. Kasey was very strong but had a sensitive heart. Jimmy Little Raven was a great guy. I loved his big smile and the way he handled things. Though Jimmy and Kasey are both believers, they struggle with the things they don't understand, just like you and me. Jimmy's son totally won my heart and I know he'll win yours too. What a cutie he was. Along with a great story, the author gives you a little taste of Native American history and folklore, which was really fun. If you're in the mood for a good romantic suspense, I highly recommend a trip to Fire Creek! Watch your step though, there have been a few 'accidents' lately!

File Size: 744 KB

Print Length: 184 pages

Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. (June 30, 2012)

ASIN: B008GI62KA

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

Here is a little excerpt for you:

Kasey rounded the corner onto the street where she’d left her car. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of Jimmy Little Raven leaning against the hood of the Firebird, his arms folded across his chest.

It took several seconds to recover from her initial shock before she walked over to her car. "What are you doing here?"

"Never mind that. What were you doing in Woodward’s office?" he demanded.

She avoided his glare, as her mind raced to come up with a logical explanation. Lying was out of the question, not that it'd do any good anyway. He had no doubt seen her through the window, explaining the noise she heard.

"Do you realize how much trouble you could get into if anyone was to find out you broke into his office?"

"No one’s going to find out... unless you rat on me. Besides, I didn’t break in, I had a key."

"You what!"

Before she could answer, her breath was yanked violently from her lungs as he lifted her up and dove, with her in his arms, onto the hood of the Firebird. The sounds of crunching metal, breaking glass and squealing tires followed. The earth seemed to rumble beneath her as their bodies rolled together onto the hard cement below.

Check out Anne Patrick's website for more information about Fire Creek and all her other books.

http://annepatrick.weebly.com/

FAITH, FIREWORKS AND FIR by Pam Andrews Hanson

David Maxwell returns to Evergreen, Michigan to try to talk his aunts (Carrie and Cora) into selling their B & B and moving to a retirement community that's close to him in Arizona. He thinks they work to hard running their bed and breakfast and helping with church activities. At their age they should be enjoying life. Carrie and Cora love what they're doing and have no intention of doing as their nephew asks. Faith Turner has lived in Evergreen all her life and is now running the year-around Christmas store for her folks. David and Faith are instantly attracted to each other but both have been hurt so they are very cautious. Besides, David is only here to convince his aunts to sell the B & B and then he'll be gone. Will David realize that caring for his aunts may mean leaving them right where they are? Will Faith and David learn to trust the Lord for their future, no matter what that might be?

This was a great, easy-to-read, up-lifting story. There was no major crisis or difficult topics to tackle, just a easy-going very enjoyable, romantic read. The cover really reflected the relaxed atmosphere of the book. I could totally see myself sitting in that chair reading Faith, Fireworks and Fir. Part of why I wanted to read this story was because some of it takes place during July 4, but you could really read it anytime of year. The characters were really fun to get to know. Especially Carrie and Cora. They were gems and to me, really inspiring! I totally enjoyed David and Faith as well. They felt like good friends by the time I finished the book. If you're looking for a quick and easy read that leaves you with a smile on your face then I recommend you pick up Faith, Fireworks and Fir.
File Size: 274 KB
Print Length: 142 pages
ASIN: B005EDNIGG