SABOTAGED by Dani Pettrey

Kirra Jacobs grew up with Reef McKenna.  She's always kind of liked him but knew he was trouble.  Reef has now returned home a changed man and works for the SAR (with Kirra), but Kirra has trouble believing he's really changed.  When Kirra's uncle disappears from the Iditarod race, she fears he's in trouble.  Reef catches her sneaking out to search for her uncle on her own and demands to go with her.  Reef wants to protect her but he's also very attracted to her.  Kirra has a hard time trusting men and especially one with Reef's history, but she finds herself strongly attracted to him.  They're shocked to find out that Kirra's cousin has been kidnapped and that's only the beginning.  To save his daughter, Kirra's uncle must do something that would be devastating to Alaska and hurt lots of people.  They must find Kirra's cousin before her uncle reaches Nome.  The whole McKenna family will join in the search, to not only find Kirra's cousin, but the mysterious men behind what could be the worst disaster in Alaskan history.

This was a great conclusion to a great series.  My goodness, from beginning to end your attention is constantly held through the entire story.  We first met Reef in Shattered (book 2) and in Sabotaged we see how knowing the Lord has made a difference in his life.  His new found faith makes a difference in Kirra's life as well and it's fun to watch their 'romance' bloom.  This is a fast paced story that keeps you on your toes with a good balance of action, suspense and Romance.  It's fun having the whole family involved and was great to catch up with all of them.  I appreciated that there was an epilogue to finish everything out but I was sad that this was the last book in the series.  Although you could technically read this as a stand alone, I recommend reading them in order for a richer reading experience.  Each story is independent but is progressive as a series.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this Alaskan adventure and would definitely recommend it to anyone.  So grab your favorite hot drink, sit down in your cozy chair and head for Yancy.  Be sure to tell the McKenna's I said, "Hi".

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

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

HER COWBOY HERO by Carolyne Aarsen

Tanner Fortier is trying hard to lay the past to rest.  To do that he feels he must win the rodeo championship for his late brother using his saddle.  Only thing is, it's in bad need of repair.  He knows the one person who can repair it is at Refuge Ranch.  That's also where the one girl he's ever loved resides.  She broke his heart when she broke their engagement.  Keira Bannister has always loved Tanner but she's never shared with him the truth of why she broke their engagement.  A snowstorm keeps Tanner at Refuge Ranch longer than expected and he and Keira realize that their feelings for each other are still very strong.  When the truth is revealed will it ruin their chance for a future together or will it be an opportunity to finally put the past to rest.

 

First let me say that the cover is what drew me to this story, but I have to tell you that the story was really good.  It's an easy read yet filled with lots of romance and angst.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Tanner and Keira.  Tanner was such a good man and I really liked how he handled things.  Keira was a sweet gal with lots of spunk but she was also dealing with a load of hurt.   I love how the author so skillfully brought to life Isaiah 43:18,  "forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."  Her Cowboy Hero so beautifully illustrates that verse.  I enjoyed my visit to Refuge Ranch and look forward to returning there again real soon.

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

For more information about this book or other books by Carolyne Aarsen I recommend you visit her website at carolyneaarsen.com

THE WISHING SEASON by Denise Hunter

PJ McKinley has a dream of opening her own restaurant with a Bed and Breakfast. That is as much her dream as proving to her family that she's capable of doing it. Cole Evans is a contractor who wants to help foster kids. Being one himself, he wants to give those turning eighteen a solid footing before being sent out on their own. When a long time resident of Chapel Springs decides to donate her family's home to a worthy cause (one that will benefit the Chapel Springs community) both PJ and Cole enter the contest. Since both are worthy causes, the house's owner decides to give each of them a chance to shine. They must live in the house together, for one year, on different floors, and see how their ideas pan out. After the year is complete, the owner will decide who gets the house. Each wants to win the house, but as the day to day routine sets in they find themselves deeply attracted to one another and even helping each other out. Before too long, they both realize there's more than the house at stake in this friendly competition, their hearts are on the line as well.

The Wishing Season is an excellent story. I've read all the Chapel Springs stories so far and have loved them all, but I think this one is my favorite. Starting with the unusual way that PJ and Cole meet, to the electric energy that sparked between PJ and Cole. PJ was someone who was strong yet unsure. She so desperately wanted to prove herself to her family. Cole was someone who grew up with a lot of grief and guilt. Yet his love and care came shining through. I love the way the author, through the voice of Mrs. McKinley, encourages us to trust God even when we don't understand why things happen they way they do. It's always a great reminder. You could read this as a stand alone and enjoy it, but I would recommend reading the the previous books first, "A Barefoot Summer", "Dancing with Fireflies", to really enjoy the background and family dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Chapel Springs and I'm sure you will too. Now I'm looking forward to "Married 'til Monday" due out June 2015.

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

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