Thursday, January 30, 2014

DEVOTED MISSION by Regina Tittel


While home on furlough, missionary Emily Durham takes a summer job as a nanny to two adopted children. But it's not the happy family situation she expected. She finds herself caught not only in the middle of family problems but actual danger. Someone wants the children's father out of the picture. Dillion Brewington is asked by his brother to help look after the children as well as the new nanny. Little did he know that Emily would be such a distraction. Her lively and loving personality captivates him. As Emily and Dillion work together to figure out who is behind the attempts, their feelings begin to grow. Emily will be leaving again soon for the mission field and though it will just about kill her, she knows this is what God wants her to do, or is it?

This author has such a gift for delivering a great story with great characters, a great message, which is always grounded in Biblical truth and on top of that, great suspense. The story starts off with a punch and continues to hold your attention all the way through to see how it all turns out. I particularly appreciated the spiritual encouragement of daily putting on the armor of God to face each day fully prepared. Great advice. I admit, I was hoping we would visit with some of the other Durham family members but there was only a mention of them here and there. Devoted Mission is part of The Ozark Durham Series but could easily be read as a stand alone.

Series: The Ozark Durham Series vol. 5
Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: Hawse Pipe Ministries (December 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0988900254
ISBN-13: 978-0988900257

For more information about this book or other books by Regina Tittel, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.reginatittel.com/

Thursday, January 23, 2014

PRINCESS EVER AFTER by Rachel Hauck


Regina Beswick is just a normal southern, small-town girl or so she thinks. She left her job with a big firm to invest, with a friend, in a small business of restoring old cars. Everything in her life seems great until Tanner Burkhardt shows up. He's the Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg and is sent to tell Regina who she really is and bring her home to Hessenberg. The entail between Brighton and Hessenberg is almost up and they need Regina sworn-in as Princess or Hessenberg loses its independence from Brighton Kingdom forever. But things don't go very smoothly as someone in their midst doesn't want Regina to take the oath. Regina must decide whether she will restore old cars or restore an old nation. As Tanner and Regina work together and learn more about her ancestors, the more they discover their strong feelings for each other.

What would it be like to be going about your life and all of a sudden you discover you're a long lost princess? This story deals with that situation in a humorous and touching way. It's the second book in the Royal Weddings Series and a really fun story. In the first book you learn about Hessenberg and who the heir is. This story picks up at that point. I loved Regina. She was very down-to-earth and had a great sense of humor. So many times I found myself laughing out loud. Tanner was a great guy. So caring and understanding despite the emotional pain he was dealing with. Together they made the pages come to life. Actually, all the characters felt alive enough to walk right off the page. I love a story with living breathing characters. Along the way, you learn of Hessenberg's history through the grandmother's voice, which I thought was well done. There was a few 'divine' moments that didn't really feel realistic to me but it did add a certain magic to the story. The idea of stepping out of our comfort zone and trusting the Lord completely for direction, was well done. It's a scary thing but the Lord's way is always best. It was also great fun to see Nathaniel and Susanna again. If you enjoy a fun, take-me-away kind of story, then kick your shoes off, put your feet up and enjoy your trip to Hessenberg to meet a "Princess Ever After".

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

Series: Royal Wedding Series
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 4, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0310315506
ISBN-13: 978-0310315506

For more information about this book or other books by Rachel Hauck, I encourage you to visit her website at http://rachelhauck.com/

Monday, January 13, 2014

A MARCH BRIDE by Rachel Hauck


Susanna Truitt is about to marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. In the busyness of training to be royalty, learning her duties and the kingdom's business as well as getting to know the people, Susanna begins to have doubts about whether an ordinary Georgian girl has any right to marry a king, especially when things are not going as planned. Nathaniel's attention seems to be on everything else except her. Has he changed his mind? Now Parliament has decreed that Susanna must renounce her US citizenship before the wedding. Nathaniel loves Susanna and would do anything for her. He knows what marrying him means and all she'll be giving up for him. Susanna decides to return home to St. Simon's Island, Georgia to try to work through her niggling doubts. Nathaniel's not sure she'll ever return. After much contemplation he puts together a plan to once again win over the heart of the only woman he's ever loved.

I LOVED this very contemplative yet deeply romantic tale. We first met Susanna in 'Once Upon a Prince' and 'A March Bride' picks up where that left off. I was completely enthralled in the story and just about read it completely in one sitting. It's one of those stories that just draws you in completely and holds you there until the very end. What would it be like to marry a king? What are all the emotions surrounding that situation. It sounds like the stuff dreams are made of but is it really? You could certainly understand Susanna's reservations. What would you do if you were in her shoes? I absolutely loved Nathaniel. He was truly a prince of a king!!! There was some great spiritual wisdom tucked inside this wonderful story. You really have to read it to fully appreciate it. I hated to see it end but I must say, it's one I will definitely read again. I would love to see a story about Nathanial's brother, Colin and Susanna's sister, Avery, hint - hint!!! There was enough background given that you could enjoy this as a stand-alone but for a richer experience I would encourage you to read 'Once Upon a Prince' first. Need a quick romantic get-away? Then grab your latte, a comfortable chair and sit back, relax and enjoy the first-class trip! I know I did!

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

Publisher: Zondervan (February 25, 2014)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
ASIN: B00DL10IH0

For more information about this book or other books by Rachel Hauck, I encourage you to visit her website at http://rachelhauck.com

Sunday, January 12, 2014

MAREK'S GIFT by Anna Dynowski


Marek Moretti is an undercover agent who's somewhat of a maverick. When he's injured in a covert operation he's forced into taking time off with only the promise of a desk job to return to. He is headed for the Triple-M ranch where his half brother Micah resides to rest and recover. A private nurse name Arielle Lebreque is hired to look after Marek. She is a beautiful gal who's also a bit bossy which will help keep Marek in line. They are attracted to each other which complicates the situation. Marek is not a commitment kind of guy and Arielle wants the complete commitment package. Can God use two very different people to accomplish His work?

This is the second installment in the Moretti Men Series and once again finds us hanging out at the Triple-M. Micah and Marek are getting a little better acquainted. Marek is a 'rough' kind of guy mainly because of his work. Arielle is a nice woman who, because of a man, has very low self esteem. She feels she would never be able to have a loving relationship, especially with Marek. Marek is definitely attracted to his beautiful nurse but he can't give her what she truly longs for. Then a big black horse named Midnight Myth takes Marek for an unexpected ride. A ride he would never forget and one that would change his life forever. We learn, along with the Marek, that though we like to control things, everything works out best when we let the Lord have control. Easier said than done though! So how does it all turn out? Well, you'll just have to head on down to the Triple-M and see for yourself. Have a safe journey, y'all!

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

Series: Moretti Men Series, Vol. 2
Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: Cambridge Books (October 28, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1613862717
ISBN-13: 978-1613862711

For more information on this book or other books by Anna Dynowski, I encourage you to visit her website at http://annadynowski.com.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

THE COWBOY'S REUNITED FAMILY by Brenda Minton


Ten years ago Jana Cooper left her husband Blake and took their daughter with her. Now she's back to ask Blake for help with their daughter who is ill, but she is also hoping she can have a second chance with the only man she's ever loved. She has changed but she will have to find a way to prove to Blake that this time she's returned for good. Blake Cooper has spent the last ten years looking for his daughter and angry with Jana for leaving with only a note on the counter. Now she's back and of course he will do anything to help his daughter but how is he suppose to sort out his feelings about Jana. He definitely still has feelings for her and he's still very attracted to her but how can he ever trust her not to leave again? His heart couldn't take it!

Another excellent addition to the Cooper Creek series. This was such an endearing story, one that will keep you reading from the first page to the last. The idea of a wife leaving her husband with their child and being gone ten years was something that was hard for me to understand, but, I know we all make bad choices, some are bigger than others. I really appreciated how Blake handled it all and I loved watching Blake and Jana interact. The chemistry between them was so rich. I really liked the way they tried to deal with the situation in a loving rather than bitter type way. God can change hearts and use even messy situations for His glory. Going to Dawson and especially Cooper Creek, is always like making a trip home and seeing old friends. Angie Cooper is always cooking up a meal and the boys are always buying cattle, breaking horses or welcoming a new foal. I just love the Cooper Family. In fact all the folks in Dawson are warm and loving people. If you haven't been to Dawson yet and gotten acquainted with them, you don't know what you're missing. When you get a chance to go, be sure to stop by the Mad Cow for a slice of Vera's famous pie, and tell 'em I said hello!

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

Series: Love InspiredCooper Creek
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 21, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0373878656
ISBN-13: 978-0373878659

For more information about this book or other books by this author (she has a nice list of the books in order) I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.brendaminton.net/

Friday, January 3, 2014

BEOWULF by Ronie Kendig


Timbrel Hogan is a handler at A Breed Apart. Her partner is a bullmastiff named Beowulf who works as an explosive detection dog. Timbrel also claims Beo is the only 'boy' for her. Tony 'Candyman' Van Allen has been actively pursuing Timbrel but she just won't budge. To make masters worse, Beowulf is always growling at him. Timbrel has major trust issues when it comes to men and Tony just can't get her to understand she can trust him. While on a mission together in Afghanistan things don't go as planned. When the team comes under fire and tragedy strikes, Tony and Timbrel's lives are changed forever, and not only that, but now they must find proof that something really big is going down.

An excellent conclusion to the A Breed Apart Series. I was really looking forward to this story especially after reading Talon. The chemistry between Hogan and Timbrel really shines through in this story. They couldn't be more opposite but watching them work (or should I say argue) through lot situations was actually encouraging. You get to know Timbrel's background and can understand why she was the way she was. Tony was just a great guy; one that would be easy to trust, unless you're Timbrel! I fell in love with Beo. His personality gave me so many laughs but it was also fascinating 'watching' him work. There were so many layers to this story that you really need to read it to appreciate the complexity of it. All through the story you see God's hand at work even in the moments that break your heart. To me that's great writing! This is definitely a book that is hard to put down once you pick it up; it keeps you totally engaged and on your toes! This author consistently delivers the 'Rapid Fire Fiction' she promises in her tag line. To gain the most comprehensive reading experience, I highly recommend reading this series in order.

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

Series: A Breed Apart (Book 3)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Barbour Publishing Inc. (January 1, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1616266392
ISBN-13: 978-1616266394

For more information on this book or other books by Ronie Kendig, I encourage you to visit her website at http://roniekendig.com/



Book I've Been Reading...

Sherry's bookshelf: read

Almost Like Being in Love
Wanted: Royal Princess Miracle Bride: Royal Hearts of Mondoverde Series, Vol. 3
Her Rancher Bodyguard
Traces of Guilt
The Stronghold
Close to You
Protecting Her Daughter
The Goodbye Bride
The Rancher's First Love
Reclaiming His Past
Keeper of the Stars
Cold Shot
Mermaid Moon
Thin Ice
Buried Secrets
Murder at Black Lake
Christmas With Miss Austen
Falling Like Snowflakes
Married 'til Monday
Second Chance Hero


Sherry's favorite books »