BURK'S SURRENDER by Dora Hiers

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon loves his job and loves his family. He’s always been there for them but they have found love and are doing very well. Lately he’s been thinking about his own future and longing for a love like his brother and sister have found. The person that immediately comes to mind is Lacie Heatherton. She’s the Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation and has worked closely with Burk for the past ten years. Lacie however has a firm ‘no dating’ policy because of a painful past. When opportunity arises for Burk to help Lacie accompany a group of senior citizens on a weekend mountain retreat, he feels this might just be the opportunity he needs to suggest the possibility of being more than friends. Lacie knows that Burk has always been there for her, and her daughter, but will see past her strict ‘no dating’ policy to the potential of having what her heart truly longs for?

This was a great finish to the series. I loved getting a closer look at Burk Harmon and he is just a genuinely nice guy. I loved how he interacted with Lacie, her daughter and even her grandmother (who was a bit rough around the edges). The daughter was so lively and fun with all her retro sayings, she just worms her way right into your heart. Lacie had a sweet and funny personality and although I totally understood why she felt the way she did about men, I didn’t understand her reservations about Burk. She had known him for ten years and he’s always been a good friend. However, I realize that everyone handles things differently. I appreciated Burk’s strong faith and convictions and what an impact that had on those around him. That’s a good thing to remember in our own lives. People watch to see if we are who we say we are. It was great catching up with Rori and Graham as well as Beck & Savvy. I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole Harmon Heritage Series (Rori’s Healing, Beck’s Peace and Burk’s Surrender) and would highly recommend all of them!

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

Some Favorite Quotes:

“Being with a man doesn’t make you happy.” … “You’re right, sweetheart. It’s not just being with a man. The happiness should come from knowing a person, enjoying spending time with them, feeling comfortable enough to share your dreams, your worries…”

His gaze dropped to her lips, full and red, and totally kissable, which he wanted to do right now. He didn’t even care that there were fifty seniors in the room to witness their first kiss.”

“God’s love never fails. Unlike our earthly parents, He will never give up on you and no matter what you do or what you’ve done, He never considers you a failure.”

For more information about this book or other books by Dora Hiers I recommend you visit her website at dorahiers.com/.

WOLF CREEK WIDOW by Penny Richards

Meg Thomerson's life has been difficult. First because of her mother's behavior growing up and second with the abusive man she married. Now she finds herself a widow and needing help getting back on her feet. The help comes from Ace Allen (the man who made her a widow) and his mother. Ace wants to help Meg heal mostly because of guilt but also for another reason, one he's not willing pursue. Meg fears men, thanks to her husband. She finds herself jumpy and on edge when Ace is near. But his gentle and patient ways slowly teach her how a real man should treat a woman. Ace is half-breed and has always been the subject of talk, so he's stayed mostly to himself. Meg however, has gotten under his skin and makes him long for all the things he never thought he could have. He doesn't want Meg and her kids to deal with what he dealt with growing up. Does love really conquer all?

I thoroughly enjoyed Wolf Creek Widow. It was an easy going story that had a gentle pace so you just enjoyed the journey. The characters were very well drawn and fully fleshed out. Meg was someone your heart went out to. She was very sweet but life had dealt her an awful hand. Ace was a the kind of hero that you just can't get enough of. I loved the way he was with Meg and how he gently handled her. Definitely a swoon worthy guy! I also appreciated Ace's mother. She was such a wise woman who seemed to know just what to say. This was an uplifting story but it also tackled some tough subjects like abuse, racism and taking someone life. All of which were handled very well. The message that God is always with us was woven throughout but we also see that although we go through difficult, sometimes unthinkable things, that God uses those circumstances in our lives for a purpose. That to me was encouraging. My one disappointment was in how the ending was handled. To me it was such a great build-up only to end abruptly. I was really left wanting more, perhaps an epilogue or something just to make it feel more complete. Other than that, it was great story. This is book 4 in the Wolf Creek series yet I didn't feel lost. It actually made me want to read the other stories in the series because the secondary characters were very endearing. I'm a cover person and this cover really made me want to read the story.

Some favorite quotes:

"He'd begun to treat things he'd once considered burdens as opportunities to change his thinking and to grow in faith and trust in God."

"...I never forgot what my father always said about rough times. "When something bad happens to you, lad, it seems to me you've three choices." "...You can let it define you, destroy you or make you stronger."

"One of the hardest things for me is to thank God for the bad things that come my way." "How can anyone do that?" she asked, wide-eyed. "Believe me, it isn't easy," he said in a wry tone, "but I truly believe that things, good and bad, happen for a reason, and I know God sifts us, give us trials, little tests to see how loyal we really are."

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

BEYOND THE CHEROKEE TRAIL by Lisa Carter

Linden Birchfield is organizing the 180th commemoration of the Trail of Tears in the Cherokee community of Cartridge Cove.  That's where she runs into Walker Crowe.  Walker is an ex-army sniper whose ancestors hid in the Snowbird Mountains to avoid deportation.  Walker doesn't think any good will come out this commemorative festival but will only dredge up the past.  Even though they seem to be like oil and water, they have an undeniable chemistry.  Walker is strong in his faith but not really looking for love, until Linden.  Linden's past has caused her to lose faith and give up what her heart desires.  She and her Grandma find the diary of a woman who lived during that period and Linden is captivated by her story.  As the festival draws closer so do Walker and Linden.  Linden is finding solace in the Snowbird Mountains but the quiet community is disrupted when they find some don't want to festival to take place.  Will Walker and Linden discover who they are before it’s too late?

I loved this story.  It's really two stories in one.  The author alternates between the modern day story and the diary, which is the historical account of the Trail of Tears.  At first, I wasn't sure if I would like that but I found myself fascinated by both stories.  I loved getting to know all the characters in both stories but especially Sarah Jane (in the diary).  Wow.  I was reminded throughout the story of the strength of the human spirit and the faithfulness of God in the darkest of times.  There was so much emotion, especially in the last half of the book that I found myself grabbing for the tissues.  Linden was a bit frustrating to me the way she kept wallowing in her past but I know any one of us could probably be that way about something.  I loved Walker Crowe. He was one of those heroes that you just can't get enough of, you know, the swoon-worthy type!  This is one of those stories that just keeps you turning pages because you have to know what happens.  The only thing that would have made this story better for me was an epilogue.  I loved the ending but just wished it would have been carried out a little further.  The author's dedication lets you know that though the story is fiction the historical events are not.  That really elevated this book to another level.  You'll understand why it's called The Trail of Tears.  Beyond the Cherokee Trail is a story that will stay with you long after you close the book.  It's a keeper and one I would definitely recommend.

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

Some Favorite quotes:

She made a conscious effort to peel her eyes off Walker Crowe.  And Failed.  Because despite the red flannel shirt and cell phone affixed to the pocket of his blue jeans - all of which he filled out so well - there was something wild and untamed about him.  Exciting and scary, all at the same instant.

"You are all he talked about when he picked me up for our rotation at the dinner - and believe me when I tell you Walker uses words like he has to pay for each one."

"...I discovered my faith had been misplaced."  "What do you mean?"  "My faith in these mountains.  In myself.  In everything that had no power in and of itself to cleanse and heal."

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

BECK'S PEACE by Dora Hiers

Savvy McCord is a burn survivor and feels her scars make her unattractive and unworthy of love and marriage.  What else can she think when Beck Harmon, her best friend and the man she’s loved forever, takes off after only seeing part of her scarring.  He ran away and didn’t return.  Beck Harmon has spent years running and searching for peace.  Now he’s returned home a changed man and finds the connection with Savvy is still very strong.  He has a heart for burn victims and wants Savvy to help him with his idea of how to minister to them.  Savvy wants to help Beck but her feelings for him are still strong and she fears her heart will be broken again if he takes off.  Can Beck convince Savvy that he’s a changed man and that he thinks she’s beautiful inside and out?  Is Savvy willing to risk giving her heart again to the man that broke it apart all those years ago?

Wow!  Beck’s Peace is a wonderful soul-stirring story that you’ll think about long after you close the book.  This is book 2 in the Harmon Heritage series and picks up where book 1 left off.  I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to like Beck.  I mean, he took off and hasn’t had any contact with Savvy at all and you feel her heartache. But the longer you read the more you realize that those years away (and the Lord) really changed him.  I fell in love with Beck.  He was such a neat guy and so romantic.  I loved the way he handled his return and the way he was with Savvy.  The interaction and dialog between them was outstanding.  We got to know Savvy in Rori’s Healing and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how her story played out.  She is outwardly strong yet she has such a kind and tender heart.  I love the way this story encourages burn victims to remember that who they are hasn’t changed because of their scars.  In fact, we all have scars, it’s just some of us have ones you can’t see.  We are reminded that man look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.  There are lots of tender moments woven throughout but there are also some humorous moments too, right when you need them.  Beck’s Peace kept me quickly turning pages from beginning to end yet wanting to savor every moment.  I labeled it as a favorite and one I would definitely recommend.

Some Favorite Quotes:

“Why did it always take something catastrophic to make a person long for what could have been?  To make a person take stock of their blessings and realize what they’d given up or taken for granted?”

“Savanna McCord, I have been from one end of this earth to the other.  You are the most beautiful woman on the face of the planet.  Don’t you ever believe otherwise.”

For more information about this book or other books by Dora Hiers I recommend you visit her website at dorahiers.com/.