THE COWBOY LAWMAN by Brenda Minton

Mia Cooper's life took a drastic turn when her DEA partner was killed in the line of duty and Mia's arm is badly injured. She returns home to Dawson to recover and find out who she is without her job. Slade McKennon is a Dawson Sheriff who plans to keep his eye on Mia and make sure she's safe. Mia and Slade grew up together so things should be easy between them. But Slade is now a widow raising a son on his own and Mia was his wife's best friend. When long buried emotions begin to surface neither are sure exactly what to do about them. But one things for sure they both have a love for his son. Will Mia finally find what she's looking for? Can Slade see Mia as something other than his wife's best friend and his best friends sister?

I just love going to Dawson. It is so much fun to see all the familiar faces. The Cowboy Lawman is Mia's story. She was adopted into the Cooper family and has an independent streak a mile wide. I think her struggle of having to have people help her and the emotion of a possible job loss definitely rang true. Especially because Mia's identity was her job. Slade was another one who could easily be a Cooper. Strong yet tender, you could see why he was best friends with them. I also felt like the whole aspect of 'friends' to 'something more' was done really well. It had to feel awkward to Slade and Mia and as a reader looking on, you understood why. You'll find a bit of suspense and as always, the Cooper family humor. It is always a joy seeing Granny Myrna. She is just a gem. I think this story brought the Romans 8:28 verse to life. 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose'. I encourage you to head on down to Dawson. Be prepared though, it's the kind of place that, when you leave, begs you to come back!

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

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (March 19, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0373878052
ISBN-13: 978-0373878055

For more information on this book as well as other book by Brenda Minton I encourage you to visit her website. http://www.brendaminton.net/

BETRAYAL by Anne Patrick

Drew Presley was on active duty when his wife was killed.  He leaves the military to return home to Dauphine Island to care for his son and try to find out what happened to Nora.  No one seems to know.  The folks on the island are very close and protective of each other but could one of them be a killer?  Trudy Walsh was best friends with Nora is teacher to Nora and Drew's son, Reed.  Trudy is attracted to Drew but is confused about her feelings.  Jack Diamond has always been the man she's loved.  Drew suspects Jack might have something to do with Nora's death.  Trudy's convinced Jack would never do such a thing.  But Trudy and Drew will discover the island holds secrets they never expected to find.  Secrets that someone is willing to kill for.

Anne Patrick is a favorite author of mine and Betrayal is a great addition to her Wounded Heroes Series!  You'll take a ride on a ferry, tour a lighthouse, eat at a local pizzeria and even scuba dive!  I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Dauphine Island and meeting all the locals.  They're warm and loving people who are really more like a family.  I loved getting to know Drew 'Boomer' Presley.  He's a wonderful hero.  Trudy is one of those people you just feel at home with.  She's uplifting and refreshing and knew just how to handle Drew and his son.  The chemistry between them was great!   I loved how Trudy reminded the reader of Psalm 139.  "On the hardest days or in my roughest hours I remembered God has promised that He not only knew everything that would happen to me, but that He would be there for me for every second of every day of my life, whether I realize it or not."  That's comforting!  I especially liked trying to figure out who was behind everything but you don't really find out until the end.  Speaking of the ending, well...you don't want to miss that!  Betrayal can be read as a stand alone, but there are characters that appear from the previous stories so I recommend reading them in order.  Besides, you'll definitely want to read Kill Shot and Trespasses.  Looking forward to next installment due out November 2013!

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

File Size: 407 KB
Print Length: 218 pages
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. (February 10, 2013)

Books 1 and 2 in the Wounded Heroes Series

 




For further information on this book as well as Anne Patrick's others books, I encourage you to visit her website http://www.annepatrickbooks.com/

THE BULL RIDER'S BABY by Brenda Minton

The last thing Keeton West ever expected was his ex-wife to come by and drop off a baby he didn't even know existed. Now what? He can handle riding even the meanest bull but what will he do with a baby? He returns home to Dawson to fix up his old family homestead. It's hard returning with the memories of one tragic night that changed a lot of lives. Especially his and Sophie Cooper's. He wants little Lucy to have a home and family but Keeton needs help. Sophie helps Keeton with Lucy but she's finding her heart is getting involved. Sophie is stubborn and independent. She won't allow her carefully built walls to come down, especially for another bull rider. Keeton finds his feelings for Sophie haven't changed at all. Can Sophie and Keeton put the past aside to find a unexpected future?

This was another good addition to the Cooper Creek Series. I must say that I absolutely feel in love with Keeton. He easily fit in with the other Cooper men, even though he's not! He was strong yet tender and it was fun to watch him with little Lucy. I had a little trouble liking Sophie. She didn't really feel like a warm person to me. But, that would be characteristic of someone who has put walls around their heart. They're emotionally distant. This story also has a little mystery to it as well as a little suspense, which was fun. You really feel apart of the town of Dawson while you're reading and even when you finish you'll find your mind wandering back there. It's like going home to visit with old friends! Looking forward to more!

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (April 17, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0373877420
ISBN-13: 978-0373877423

THE COWBOY'S HOLIDAY BLESSING by Brenda Minton

Jackson Cooper has changed his ways and is living a quiet life these days. That all changes when his neighbor, Madeline Patton, shows up one morning on his doorstep with Jade Baker. Jade claims Jackson is her father and though he knows it can't be true, he's not going to turn the kid out in the cold. He talks Madeline in letting Jade stay at her house until they can find her mother. Madeline understands having a messed up childhood and has sympathy for Jade but she also needs to be careful to guard her heart against the very charming Jackson Cooper. She knows his charm has the power to hurt her. Can two very guarded people and one energetic teenager open their hearts to receive the greatest Christmas gift ever?

What a wonderful start to the Cooper Creek Series! This is Jackson Cooper's story and let me tell you, what a charmer he is!!! I loved the way he handled the whole situation with Madeline and Jade. He was funny and sweet with the kind of strength that makes a girl feel protected. Madeline was someone who was strong but her strength was a shield against hurt. I loved watching these two trying to work together for the sake of Jade without involving their hearts! I laughed, I cringed and I sighed. I have to say, I absolutely loved the ending! Now, I'm anxious to get back to Dawson!

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (November 15, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0373877129
ISBN-13: 978-0373877126

THE COWBOY'S HEALING WAYS by Brenda Minton

Laura White lost custody of her daughter after being wrongfully convicted of a drug crime. All she wants to do is get her daughter back and make a life with her. But before she can do that she needs a job and a home. She decides to seek help from an aunt in Dawson. On her way there she almost runs into to Myrna Cooper with her car. Myrna takes her straight to Dr. Jesse Cooper, her grandson. When learning her story, Jesse hires her as housekeeper for his ranch and wants to help her get her daughter back permanently. The attraction is strong but Laura doesn't trust easily and Jesse is planning a year long trip to the mission field. The Lord knows the plans He has for them. Will they figure out what they are?

Another wonderful installment in the Cooper Creek Series. I just LOVE the Cooper family!!! I love watching how all the Cooper's interact with each other and tease each other but they are as loyal as they come. I got to know Jesse when I read The Rancher's Secret Wife and was anxious to hear his story. He's such a neat guy who has a great deal of inner strength. Jesse is a planner though who lives by his plan. But he didn't plan on Laura or her daughter. Sometimes the Lord has to remind us that though we plan our ways, it's He who directs our steps. Laura was a great leading lady. She's strong yet finds leaning on Jesse is something she could easily get used to. One character I just love is Myrna. She's a tough and spunky but very sweet lady who looks out for all her grandchildren! There is also a little suspense involved with Laura's stepbrother, which was great! I'm looking forward to my next trip to Dawson to hang out with the Coopers! Would ya like to join me?

File Size: 334 KB
ASIN: B009YLXX5A
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 22, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0373877943
ISBN-13: 978-0373877942