CHRISTMAS RAYNE by Joi Copeland

Rayne Adams was devastated when her fiance walked-out three years ago with no explanation. She's just now starting to recover. Although the holidays will find her alone, she decides she will make it a joyful time. While out shopping for the perfect tree for her apartment she runs into the last person she ever expected to see. Justin Thomas made the biggest mistake of his life when he walked out on Rayne. He longs to explain why he did it but Rayne isn't sure she wants to hear it. Besides, someone else is showing an interest in her. Despite her best efforts, Justin still tugs at her heart. Can Justin convince Rayne to listen to the reason he left and that he still wants a future with her? Will Rayne be able to forgive him and accept him back or will her heart be drawn in a new direction?

While looking for books I ran across this one and really liked the cover. It looked like a cute Christmas story and so I give it try. It was a very sweet story of love and second chances. The characters are likable folks and easy to get to know. I really like what Justin's uncle once told him, "Worrying about the past will keep you in bondage. And fretting about the future will stop the joy of living for today." Wise advice. Especially profound because Justin had a past. It was a good reminder that just because you're a Christian doesn't mean you don't have to deal with the consequences of past choices. But God can make beauty from the ashes. Isn't that great! One part I thoroughly enjoyed about the book was the ending! It was a lot of fun and very romantic! If you're looking for a quick, easy-to-read Christmas story then Christmas Rayne just might be in your forecast!

File Size: 245 KB
Print Length: 98 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1480212067
Publisher: www.lovelychristianromance.com (November 7, 2012)
ASIN: B00A412Y18

COUNTDOWN TO FIRST NIGHT by Jillian Hart, Margaret Daley, Brenda Minton

Winter's Heart by Jillian Hart
Shelby Craig's life isn't going very well. She heads to Snow Falls for a temporary job and hoping for a nice break for her and the kids at her grandmother's house. A flat tire brings on the help of Officer Ronan Winters. His feelings for her haven't changed in all these years. He want's to help her but it might be too high of price.

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley

Ellie Summers writes childrens books. When her illustrator retires he recommends Brody Kincaid. But Brody can't seem to get it right. When she heads to his home to talk with him in person, an unexpected snowstorm leaves her stranded at his home. She finds that the 'difficult' Brody is actually very charming and his twin girls quickly win her heart. The girls want to see Brody and Ellie together. Will the little matchmakers succeed?

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton

Jolie Godwin is an artist who will have a display at the Wildwood Lodge for First Night. She's hoping not to run into the owner, Jake Wild. There shared kiss at New Years last year is still vivid in her memory. He's really a good guy and a very devoted uncle but, because of their history, there can be no future for them. They're lives are worlds apart. But the magic of First Night can be a powerful thing.

This was an extremely enjoyable read. All three stories take place in Snow Falls around First Night or New Years celebration. The cover is as heartwarming as the stories inside. I had fun meeting all the characters and becoming involved in their lives. There was no heavy subjects to deal with or extreme drama, just a fun get-away to a beautiful lodge where you can go ice skating, enjoy hot chocolate and the company of the folks in Snow Falls. I enjoyed my visit there and I'm sure you will too as you Countdown to First Night!

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (January 2, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0373837798
ISBN-13: 978-0373837793

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

PROJECT LOVE by Bonnie Blythe

Charity Conrad is a Barista in a coffee house where her perky personality seems to bring sunshine into everyone's life, based on the fullness of the tip jar. But her perkiness masks some of the loneliness she feels inside. Daniel Tabor loves getting coffee from Charity. After a little game of 'give me your smile' he decides to get to know her better. Charity is unprepared for the feelings Daniel evokes. He loves family and wants to see Charity reconcile with her sisters. Charity knows that's impossible. About as impossible as a future with Daniel.

I thoroughly enjoyed Project Love. I was curious to find out about Charity's life and how things turned out for her. Daniel was the kind of guy any girl would wish for. I liked the way he challenged Charity (even though it made her mad). It made me think of my own husband who does the same thing and I too get mad but it's helped me to be a better person (as I think it did in Charity's case as well). I also loved Daniel's faith and the way it impacted his life and those around him. This whole series was really about reconciliation and forgiveness of three estranged sisters. The ending was completely satisfying and brought all three stories to an excellent conclusion! I so appreciated all the splashes of humor especially at the end. You could read this as a stand alone but after reading all three books in the series, I would recommend reading them in order most especially to enjoy the ending of Project Love!

For more information about this book as well as Bonnie's other books, I encourage you check out her website.  http://www.bonnieblythe.com/

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

HEARTS UNLOCKED by Beverly Nault

Stephanie Allan left home when her father made unreasonable demands on her. She's now a social worker and determined to make it on her own. She shares an apartment with her best friend but has no money for extras. The car she drives has about seen it's day. When she gets a flat tire on the way home, she is shocked when Brandon McCallister stops to help her. Then asks her out for coffee. Brandon McCallister is a celebrity and recognized wherever he goes. Stephanie is very drawn to Brandon but knows there can be nothing between them. She's heard of his reputation and besides he looks pretty friendly with Rose. Will Brandon convince Stephanie to take a chance with him or will the door to her heart remain closed?

This was a lighthearted story that made for an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day read. The characters were likable and the town of Cherryvale was a place I'd like to visit again. There were a few parts where I just didn't understand why Brandon and Stephanie couldn't ask each other what was bothering them but I guess if we're honest, you don't do that when you're first dating. The story moved at a nice pace and kept my interest. I liked the ending but I really wanted there to be bit more. I know there are other books in the Cherryvale series so perhaps we'll see more of these characters as the stories continue. I might even go the Cherryvale for Christmas and find out!

File Size: 384 KB
Print Length: 134 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615687164
ASIN: B00995PWNC

BAYWARD HEART by Bonnie Blythe

Hope Conrad runs a whale watching business. She's hoping this season will be a good and profitable one because she sure needs the money. But her hopes are dashed when Captain Eric Bandon's boat damages her boat while docking. The good captain offers a solution to help her out. One she really doesn't like, but knowing she needs the money to keep the business going, she accepts Eric's offer. Eric is drawn to Hope and he's hoping his debonair ways will win her over. Hope is attracted to Eric but he both challenges and frustrates her in almost every aspect of her life. Will Eric convince Hope of the possibility of a future together? One that could perhaps include contacting her estranged sisters?

Bayward Heart finds us peaking into the life of Hope Conrad. Hope is a strong woman (much like Faith was in Rock and a Hard Place) but she also has some deep issues that keep her from doing the things she would really like to do. I could certainly relate to that. Eric was a lot of fun and you can't help but love 'em, although sometimes he got a little carried away. I loved watching how Eric was with Hope. How he never gave up. I couldn't help but be reminded that that is how the Lord is with us. Aren't we glad He never gives up. Bayward Heart is book two in the Cascade Brides Series but could easily be read as a stand alone. If you're looking to get away for a little while, I recommend you set sail along with Hope and Eric. Maybe you'll even see a whale or two!

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

HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER by Beth Wiseman

Danielle Kent (who is not Amish) is in love with Matthew Lapp (who is Amish).  Although he's Amish, his desire has always been to go to school and live in the Englisch world.  So when Danielle finds out she's pregnant with Matthew's child she thinks he'll be happy and want to marry her.  After all, he planned to leave anyway.  Danielle is devastated when Matthew chooses to walk away.  Now what will she do?  Danielle feels so alone.  Her best friend, Levi, gives her some comfort and support but they are from two different worlds.  Levi loves being Amish and trusts God for everything and Danielle knows she can't trust God for anything.  But God knows the plans He has for them and they are ones Levi and Danielle can only imagine.

Let me start first by saying that Amish fiction is not my usual genre.  But this story sounded very intriguing to me so I decided I'd like to try it.  WOW!  I am SO glad I did!  His Love Endures Forever is an amazing story.  I got caught up in the lives of these folks from the first page and devoured it in two sittings.  I had a hard time putting it down.  And although it is the third book in A Land of Canaan series, I didn't feel lost at all.   Levi is a man that you just fall in love with.  His sweet and gentle ways are so endearing.  Danielle was a sweet girl with a troubled past who wanted only to be loved.  The way Levi was with Danielle was awesome.  To me, it was a beautiful picture of God's love toward us.  The kind of love that changes hearts and lives.  I loved the dialog between them and especially when Levi used his special name for Danielle!  So sweet.  This story is loaded with lots of family dynamics that keep you glued to the pages to see what will happen next.  The ending was great but there were a few things left open that make me think there might be another book coming.  If you've never read Amish fiction before but would like to give it a try, His Love Endures Forever is one I would highly recommend.  I will be adding 'Seek Me with All Your Heart' and 'The Wonder of Your Love' to my reading list!

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (October 2, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1595548882
ISBN-13: 978-1595548887

*This complimentary copy provided by Thomas Nelson through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

FINDING HOME by Marianne Evans

Alexa Gordon was happily engaged and planning a wedding until her fiance betrayed her. Left with frayed emotions, her friends from college, Peter Colby and his sister Vanessa, ask her to come to England. Feeling like that might be just what she needs, she books her flight. Peter and Alexa have always been treasured friends but this visit seems to bring forth emotions of more than just friendship. Peter knows she's been devastated but is determined to show her how much he truly loves and values her. But will it be enough to make her stay? And will Alexa finally figure out that home is where the heart is?

Want to get away, shop at Harrods, enjoy a high tea, and experience the sights and sounds of London? Then I highly recommend Finding Home! You'll find yourself whisked away on a wonderful vacation that you don't even have to pack for. I loved getting to know Alexa, Peter and Vanessa. Peter was amazing. I loved his intensive yet playful ways and could just imagine everything he said with that wonderful British accent. Alexa was someone that was very sweet, fun, and easy to relate to. Together they were absolute magic. Vanessa could easily be a good friend with her loving and caring ways. As I was reading the story the verse that kept coming to mind was, "A man's heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps". Sometimes what we think we want or need isn't what the Lord wants for us but it's great to remember that He directs our steps. So, are you ready to travel abroad? Finding Home is a great way to go. No tickets required!

File Size: 242 KB
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group-White Rose Publishing (November 2, 2012)
ASIN: B00A19QJHS

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

OPERATION BREATHLESS by Marianne Evans

Susanna Daniels works with troubled teens at Wellsprings of Grace.  She thought she was making a difference until one of the girls tries to frame her with false accusations.  In trying to work through her emotions, Susanna heads for the park.  That's where she runs into a handsome stranger.  Gabe Peretti, a Detroit police officer, has returned to Angel Falls to take a break from the harsh realities of being a city cop and to try to hear God's still-small-voice once again.  So where does a trip to the park, a sizzling kiss, some wayward teens and a sweet dog named Axle lead?  On an adventure that will leave you completely breathless!

Fun, uplifting, entertaining and romantic all come to mind when I think of Operation Breathless.  This story has a very lighthearted feel to it, yet it also explores the difficulties we deal with like self-doubt, cynicism and losing heart.  But I very much appreciated the author's message of fighting the good fight and keeping the faith.  Don't let circumstances defeat you.  What a great and timely message!  You'll find the characters are honest and believable and they will quickly worm their way into your heart.  And I must say that I loved the ending! (sigh)  Operation Breathless is a delightful story that will send your heart racing and leave you with a smile on your face!

Publication date: November 9, 2012
White Rose Publishing
Part 2 of the Heart's Haven Series
ISBN: 978-1-61116-216-5

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

AMY'S PROMISE by Doris Christian-Bernhardt

Amy Moss was disowned by her parents when she married David Simms, a mere commoner. Although Amy is devastated by her parents actions, she is happy to start her new life with a loving husband. They leave Virginia for a railroad job in Montana. To soon she finds herself a widow and in survival mode but she also gains some wonderful friends who help her through. Then she receives news, from her sister, of her fathers death so she returns to Virginia. Finding only more heartache and hardship, she decides to accept an offer to go live with her Aunt Catherine in Maryland, leaving her spoiled sister behind. Amy is so happy to be with Catherine, whose a wonderful Christian woman but whose heart aches to find her husband, Ivan, whom she thought died in the war. Amy promises her dying aunt that she'll find Ivan, just as they planned. She boards the Queen Mary and is headed for England when she finds herself involved with a handsome Captain, Derek Williams, and his sweet little daughter, Sarah. Derek brings her home to Ireland to meet his family and promises to take her to London to find Ivan. While in the beautiful countryside surrounding her, she finds herself falling in love again and so very thankful to God for His guiding hand and His many blessings. But will Amy's faith be strong enough to sustain her through all that lies ahead?

Through tragedy and triumph, Amy's promise is one of those stories that grabs you right from the start and doesn't let you go until the last page is turned. Set in 1937, you experience the post depression era as well as the uncertainty of an impending world war. The characters are vibrant and very well drawn. You get to know them so well, that you'll find yourself thinking about them long after you close the book. I loved how the author weaved in the message of God's love, forgiveness and His many blessings toward us. There were lots of twist and turns and so many things happening that it kept me wondering how it would all turn out. It would make a fantastic movie! If you enjoy a story you can't put down, that's full of emotion and a journey you won't soon forget, I would highly recommend Amy's Promise! Great job, Doris!

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Xulon Press (October 31, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1624195997
ISBN-13: 978-1624195990

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

THE DOCTOR'S DEFENDER by Terri Reed

Brenda Storm loves being a doctor and is very good at it. So why is someone out to kill her? After the delivery of poisoned cupcakes, the hospital assigns her a bodyguard to protect her at all times. Kyle Martin is an ex-SEAL who is prepared to give his life, if necessary, to protect Brenda. What he's unprepared for is the attraction he feels for her. Brenda doesn't quite know what to think about Kyle. He's strong, cocky and bit full of himself but she finds herself drawn to him as well. They both are courageous except when it comes to love. Will they have an opportunity to explore the possibility of their feelings or will the killer get his target?

I enjoyed The Doctor's Defender. It was the type of story that keeps you on edge the whole way through. You also don't know who it is behind the attempts until the very end, which is something I really like. The characters were interesting to get to know. I liked that Kyle was strong and intense but was also a joker. Yet it was his faith that made him really appealing. Brenda was a strong woman but not unreasonable. The chemistry between them was strong. There were a couple of questions, as a reader, I felt were unanswered but it didn't detract from the enjoyment of the story. This is the third installment in the Protection Specialists Series but I didn't feel lost having not read the previous books. If you're looking for a quick, fast-paced, suspenseful read, The Doctor's Defender just might do the trick.

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (October 2, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0373445083
ISBN-13: 978-0373445080

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

THE BREATH OF DAWN by Kristen Heitzmann

Morgan Spencer has been living in the depth of despair since his wife Jill was killed. He's been living at his brother Rick's ranch to try to heal. Rick & Noelle have helped care for his daughter, Olivia, but he realizes that he needs to slowly return to his life again. Quinn Reilly tried to do the right thing, but now she lives in fear. Her ebay store allows her to have an income while remaining anonymous. Quinn comes to Juniper Falls to check out an estate sale. While there, she encounters the infamous Morgan Spencer. She's drawn to him and his sweet little girl. But trouble is just around the corner. When Quinn starts receiving threats from the man she sent to prison, she asks Morgan for help. Solving problems is Morgan Spencer's specialty. But his solution to this problem sends them on a path they didn't expect with an outcome they couldn't anticipate.

The Breath of Dawn is a fantastic, well-written, spell-binding story! It's one that once you pick it up, not only do you not want to put it down, you simply can't! Morgan Spencer was someone that totally intrigued me in Rush of Wings and again in The Still of Night. But I love the Morgan Spencer in The Breath of Dawn. He's such an interesting and complex hero. Quinn was very easy to like. She's strong yet vulnerable which makes for a great combination. The relationship between Morgan and Quinn absolutely sizzled and you'll love watching it all unfold before your very eyes. The interaction, as well as the dialog between them, was supreme. There were lots of savory parts that caused me to go back and read them again. The suspense was great but there was also an element of 'creepy' that makes your hairs stand on end. I loved spending time with Rick and Noelle again, as they play a major roll in this story. The characters deal with tremendous heartache, loss, and disappointment but God's goodness and prevailing grace shine through, like a beacon, guiding them through their darkest moments. Though you could read this as a stand alone, I highly recommend you start the journey with Rush of Wings and move through the series. The Breath of Dawn is definitely a favorite and has a spot on my keeper shelf!

Paperback: 437 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0764210424
ISBN-13: 978-0764210426

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