DEFENDING THE DUCHESS by Rachelle McCalla

Julia Miller goes to Lydia to spend time with her sister who is queen there. One day she decides to go out unguarded and ends up being attacked. Linus Murati is a royal guardsman whose assigned to watch over Julia. He finds her and saves her life. But it wasn't just a random attack. It seems that trouble has followed Julia from her home in the states. But who is after Julia and why? As Linus and Julia begin gathering clues as to who it might be behind the attempts on her life, they begin to realize that seeds of love may be sprouting between them. But nothing can come of it because of Linus's past. Or can it?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had danger, suspense and, of course, romance. I liked that the story involved royalty. That was neat. I might mention that this is part of a series and though I followed the story fine, I feel it would have been better had I read the previous stories. There are things that happened previously that I'm sure would have enhanced this installment had I read them. It was fun getting to know Julia and Linus. Julia had a lot of spunk but she was reasonable. I like that in a heroine. Linus was a great guy who related well to Julia. His steadfast faith had an impact on her. You don't know until the end who was behind everything which for me is a plus. When you get the book, be sure to read about the author at the very front. That is as enjoyable as the story!

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (March 5, 2013)
ISBN-10: 037344530X
ISBN-13: 978-0373445301

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

SEARCH AND RESCUE by Marianne Evans

Jennifer Foster's life isn't what she thought it'd be. She's given up a lot to help her father with her troubled mother. She pours herself into her customers at Sal's Diner. She loves visiting the folks who come there and they love her friendly and affectionate smile she serves up to each and every one. Ryan Douglass, along with his partner, stop into Sal's for their lunch break. The two police officers get seated in Jennifer's section. Ryan and Jennifer share an immediate connection. (I loved their initial meeting!) When a robbery occurs, Ryan takes control of the situation, then takes care of Jennifer. He feels drawn to care for her and protect her. But Jennifer knows they have no future with all the problems in her life. And once Ryan knows about her family he'll run the other way. Ryan has his own family issues. Ones he learned to deal with by God's grace. Will Jennifer learn from Ryan that all things are possible with God, or will her pride get in the way?

This was truly an upbeat story with an emotional punch. I loved visiting Sal's Place! What a warm and friendly place to be. I could smell Sal's wonderful cooking and hear the hustle bustle of the restaurant. Although Ryan is a policeman and sworn to uphold the law, he will definitely 'steal' your heart! What a great guy. Jennifer was such a sweet lady and had such tender heart. Each of their situations is emotionally challenging but you see how different each one deals with those challenges. Does it make a difference to rely on the Lord for strength and help? Can you find peace in difficult times? You'll find out when you read Search & Rescue. If you like loveable characters, then I recommend you drop by Sal's Place for a heapin' helpin' of love and romance served up with a side of faith and topped with bits of humor and sass! You'll be glad you did.

This is the first book in the Sal's Place series and is due out February 8.

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

 For information on this book as well as other books by Marianne Evans, I recommend you visit the author's website:   http://www.marianneevans.com/

LEGALLY WED by Patty Froese

Ten years ago Lisa Young and Rich McConaughey got married with dreams for a happily-ever-after. Then problems arose and parents got involved and they ended up divorced (or so they thought). Rich left town while Lisa stayed. Now Rich has come home to inform Lisa that technically they are still married. Rich finds his feelings for Lisa haven't changed at all. But his parents sure have. His mom is trying to look younger and his dad has gone off with his secretary. Lisa's feelings for Rich are still strong but she knows his family will never accept her. She also struggles with running the family hardware store. She appreciates the confidence her father has in her, but she hates it. She harbors a dream that will probably never come true. Will Rich and Lisa sign the divorce papers and move on or will the Lord show them that He just might have something else in mind for them?

Legally Wed was a great story with an unusual twist. I found it interesting that Rich and Lisa thought they were divorced for ten years and when Rich returns home to finalize the divorce is when the story really begins. You immediately feel the chemistry between Rich and Lisa when he shows up at her hardware store. Along with Rich and Lisa, you have Rich's parents (Mildred and Mike) who are having marriage problems as well. I like the way the author shows you that even a marriage of over thirty years can have major problems. Marriage is something precious you need to care for and protect. Otherwise it can be damaged or even lost. One thing I did have a difficult time with was Mildred's emotions toward Mike's behavior. It seemed a little understated for what was going on. But I also have to remember that everyone reacts differently to things. Emotions are very tricky. One thing I really enjoyed was the way Lisa's dad dealt with Mildred. It was very cute. You have to read the story to understand. So, how does it all work out? Grab your copy of Legally Wed and find out!

File Size: 366 KB
Print Length: 181 pages
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. (November 20, 2012)
ASIN: B00AAQHF98

CATCH A FALLING STAR by Beth K. Vogt

Kendall Haynes is a successful family doctor most especially helping kids with severe allergies. But at thirty-six she thought she would have not only her career but a husband and kids as well. Her life isn't turning out like the fairy-tales her grandmother used to read her. She knows God has a plan for her but she just can't figure out what that is. She's growing tired of the 'wish-I-may-wish-I-might' dreams. Griffin Walker is an Air Force pilot whose been grounded because of health. On top of that, he finds himself guardian of his teenage brother, Ian, because of the death of their parents. Griffin is overwhelmed with all that's going on in his life. To make matters worse, Griffin finds himself intrigued by the good Dr. Kendall. She's strong yet tenderhearted and different from any other woman he's ever known. But he sure isn't looking for love. He's planning on remaining single. Will Griffin and Kendall both learn that they may plan their way, but the Lord directs their steps.

What do you do when your life isn't what you thought it would be? The author does a wonderful job of exploring that question in Catch a Falling Star. The title and the cover are great and perfectly depict the essence of the story. You are drawn into this delightful tale from the very first page and it holds you there until you find out how it ends. And I've got to tell you, it had an ending that I absolutely adored! You'll meet lots of great characters who will stay with you long after you close the book. I thoroughly enjoy Beth Vogt's writing style. It's clean and fresh like a springtime morning. I appreciated the reminder that sometimes we need to let go of what 'we' want to see what 'God' has for us. That's not always easy. So, grab a cup of coffee, have a seat on the back porch and Catch a Falling Star! You'll be glad you did!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Howard Book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (May 7, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1451660278
ISBN-13: 978-1451660272

SAFE IN HIS ARMS by Colleen Coble

Margaret O'Brien grew up a rancher's daughter and can handle the hard work as good as any man. She learned to love the land because she's sure no man would ever want her. She's not dainty and pretty like other women. Her father wants more for Margaret than working herself from dawn to dust. So to help out, he hires Daniel Cutler as foreman. She doesn't want a foreman and isn't convinced Daniel can do the work. Then she overhears a conversation that leads her to believe Daniel's part of a gang of bank robbers. He tells her he's not involved but she knows there are things he's not telling her. But how can a bank robber talk so confidently about his faith in God and treat her with such kindness? When tragedy strikes will Margaret be able to not only trust God but trust the man who still raises her suspicions but one she's also coming to love?

I thoroughly enjoyed Safe in His Arms. I remember getting to know Margaret in Blue Moon Promise and was excited to hear her story. Margaret is not your typical leading lady. She doesn't feel very womanly or attractive but instead very awkward. If you have ever felt self-conscience about something then you can easily relate to Margaret. Daniel was the perfect leading man. I loved the way he encouraged Margaret but I also liked that her strength didn't intimidate him. The chemistry between them was terrific. I loved it! The story is filled with twists and turns, danger, suspense and of course romance. One thing I really liked was that Nate and Lucy (from Blue Moon Promise) are very much a part of the story. I also loved how the author lets the reader know that God made each of us different and beautiful and He loves us as we are, warts and all! Beauty is much more than your outward appearance. This is book 2 in the Under Texas Stars Series. You can read it as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading Blue Moon Promise first. So hurry on down to Texas. Danger may be lurking, but don't worry you'll be Safe in His Arms!

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

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 29, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1595549145
ISBN-13: 978-1595549143

LESSER ANGELS by Ken Hensley

After Rita and Sandifer Ferguson's mother passes away they begin to sort through her things in preparation of selling her home. They are shocked to find an old envelope in the back of the closet containing a Certificate of Divorce. Rita and Sandifer are complete opposites about pretty much everything, but they do agree on a couple of things. One, neither of them knew about their mother's previous marriage and two, they both want to find their mom's first husband. As they search for information they gain much more than just the knowledge of family they didn't know they had.

Lesser Angels is subtitled, 'Finding What You Didn't Know Was Lost' and I think that's a great summation of the story. It begins with the death of Pauline (Rita and Sandifer's mother) and continues with flashbacks to the WWII era where Pauline tells her story. You also learn through further flashbacks, the stories of several other key people and how they all fit together. Rita and Sandifer share reflective moments with the readers and we see just how profound those reflective moments can be in their lives. The story brings to light the reality of people. I was reminded that we all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. But I was also reminded that the Lord is always working in our lives. Sometimes through those lesser angels. Though this is a very poignant story, it does have lots of tongue-in-cheek type humor which I thoroughly enjoyed. I must say I particularly liked the way it ended though an epilog would have been great. Lesser Angels is a fiction story with its root of truth from the authors own experience. So... how well do you know your parents?

Paperback: 214 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 25, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1481058010
ISBN-13: 978-1481058018

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

SHATTERED by Dani Pettrey

Piper McKenna is thrilled that her wayward brother Reef has returned home, until she sees him covered in blood. A girl in the snowboarding competition has been killed and two other snowboarders see Reef with her and the murder weapon. They assume he's guilty. Reef swears he's innocent and though the evidence against him is overwhelming, Piper believes he's telling the truth. Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKenna family and is heartbroken when he has to arrest Reef. He vows to find the truth but he also knows from personal experience that those close to you can deceive you. Piper, Landon and the rest of the McKenna's get frustrated as the sheriff seems more interested in pushing the case ahead then finding out the truth. Landon risks his career to not only help Piper but to protect her as well. Their close friendship seems to be changing into something much deeper. Slowly they push ahead gathering clue after clue. But it's very clear someone doesn't want them to find the truth.

This well-written thriller is making my favorites list! I thoroughly enjoyed Piper and Landon in Submerged so I was very anxious to read Shattered. I absolutely loved it! First let me say that the dynamics of the whole McKenna family was amazing. It was so much fun! They're a close-knit family and the way they interact with each other just draws you in. Piper and Landon are an excellent leading couple. The chemistry between them was 'ooh la la'! I loved their bantering which was both funny and touching. I enjoyed watching them get right to the edge of expressing their feelings. It caused me to hold my breath! I must say, you'll find lots of great bantering and chemistry between all the characters. That, for me, is what sent it to my favorites list! I liked the message that people can change through the transforming power of Christ! Even the greatest of sinners. We're also reminded that being a Christian doesn't make our journey easy, in fact, it probably won't be, but you can have the confidence that it will be filled with purpose and at it's end an eternal paradise. That's hope! This was one of those stories that you just don't want to end, but what a great ending it was! I HIGHLY recommend Shattered! I will be tappin' my toes waiting to see which McKenna will be next! I can't wait! Great job, Dani Pettrey!

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0764209833
ISBN-13: 978-0764209833

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

For more information about Dani Pettrey and her books, I encourage you to visit her website:  http://www.danipettrey.com/

Here's some fun info about Landon and Piper taken from the author's website!