A CONVENIENT CHRISTMAS WEDDING by Regina Scott

Nora Underhill has been under her brother's thumb since their parents died.  Not wanting to continue to be a servant to him and his wife, she makes a bold proposition to Simon Wallin.  If he would marry her, in name only, to get her out of her brothers house, she would give him some prime farmland that she inherited.  Simon Wallin doesn't need or want a wife but his family does need the land.  After much contemplation he agrees to the deal.  Both Nora and Simon think that life as they know it won't change; she'll continue to sew in town and he'll live on his land.  But circumstances arise that force Nora to head for the Wallin Farm with Simon.  As they work together, along side Simon's family, they discover new things about each other that they admire.  But just as life seems to becoming somewhat normal, trouble lands on their doorstep.

This was a terrific story that keeps you entertained and turning pages.  I loved getting to know Nora.  I thought she had a good head on her shoulders as well as a tender heart.  Her faith made a difference in her life as well as Simon's. Simon was a tortured hero but I really liked him.  He was reasonable and kind to Nora. The Wallin family had great dynamics and there are a couple of them highlighted in previous stories which I now want to go back and read.  And though this book in a series I didn't feel lost not having read the other two.  It also takes place around Christmas but you can enjoy it anytime.  I love marriage of convenience stories and A Convenient Christmas Wedding is no exception.  This is my first book by Regina Scott but it will not be my last.

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

A couple favorite quotes:

"But marriage is about more than enlarging one's holdings, no matter the need," Catherine protested.  "It is about two people becoming one, in goals, in values, in love."

Nora could only smile in answer.  She knew the Lord would care for her - He always had.

For more information about this book or other books by Regina Scott, I encourage you to check out her website at http://www.reginascott.com.

SHIELDING HIS CHRISTMAS WITNESS by Laura Scott

Kari Danville witnessed a bank robbery and murder and is now under protective custody until she can testify in court.  She finds herself running for her life when someone breaks into the safe house where she's staying.  Marc Callahan is an FBI agent who's assigned to protect Kari.  With the safe house now compromised, he suspects someone in law enforcement might be involved.  Knowing he can't ask for help from his colleagues, he calls upon his brothers for help.  He's determined not to lose another witness.  Especially Kari, who is slowly cracking the armor around his heart.  Kari knows that Marc would never be interested in someone like her, someone pregnant with another mans child.  But life and death situations have a way helping you sift through what's really important.

What a terrific start to Laura Scott's newest series; Callahan Confidential.  The suspense starts on the first page and continues to the very last.  I loved being introduced to the Callahan family.  The way they interact with each other is awesome.  Our lead couple had issues but I like that they encourage each other.  There is some great chemistry between them.  You feel the tension building both in the story and with our lead couple which keeps you reading long past your bedtime.  This story has great balance of mystery, action, suspense and of course, romance.  There is a conclusion to this story but there is also an underlying mystery concerning their father which I imagine may carry through the series. Just a hunch.  There is a faith element but it feels very natural not just thrown in.  Though this takes place around Christmas it can be enjoyed anytime, especially if you love a fast-paced story.  Now I am really looking forward to 'The Only Witness' which will be Miles Callahan's story.  I just love those brothers!

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

A few favorite quotes:

Two people working together and loving one another is the only way to make a marriage work.

"Thanks for coming," Marc said, opening the door for Miles and Mitch to enter.  "No biggie," Mitch said with a shrug.  "You'd do the same for us." He would, and was thankful for the Callahan legacy of family that their parents had instilled within them.

Marc's embrace made a mockery of the intimacy she'd shared with Vince.  Making her wish all over again that she hadn't allowed him to sway her from her beliefs.

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

WILD MONTANA SKIES by Susan May Warren

Kacey Fairing, a search and rescue helicopter pilot, returns home to Mercy Falls, Montana on leave from the military to spend time with her daughter, Audrey.   While on leave she takes a job as the pilot for Peak Rescue.  What she doesn't know is Ben is home too.  Ben King is a big name in country music now but it wasn't always that way. He grew up in Mercy Falls and now finds himself back home to help his dad recover from an accident and manage Peak Rescue.  Ben and Kacey have a deep connection that time hasn't been able to erase.  Now that they're working together, their long buried feelings begin to bubble to the surface.  Will they set aside mistakes and misunderstandings of the past to perhaps forge a future neither of them anticipated?

This was a great start to a new series.  I loved getting the know the folks of Mercy Falls.  The author brings you into the story and doesn't let you go until you've turned the last page.  I appreciated the fact that the people are realistic and flawed just like we are but there are also some great encouraging nuggets of truth sprinkled along the way.  I loved the secondary story going on between Sierra and Ian which I think might carry over into the next book.  There is also a mystery going on concerning Ian's niece which remains open-ended.  This story however, had a very satisfying conclusion.  I now look forward to 'Rescue Me', the next book in the series and I have put the prequel, "If Ever I Would Leave You" on my reading list.  If you love stories about life, love and second chances, along with a some hold-your-breath moments then I would totally recommend a trip to Mercy Falls to experience for yourself the Wild Montana Skies!

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

A few favorite quotes:

"See, God can fix even the worst disasters, make something new and whole out of them."

But in fact, having faith is the bravest thing we can do.  It's the unwavering confidence that God loves us.  That although we can't see the road ahead, we can see God.  A God we know, a God that loves us - so much that he won't give up on us.  Won't let us get lost even when we think we are.  Real faith takes everything you have- throwing your life, your heart, everything you are with complete abandon into the embrace of God."

And maybe that's his MO - using the debris of our mistakes to show us how he can save us, rescue us from our dark places.  We just have to have that crazy faith that he'll do it, despite our mistakes, our fears, even our pride."

For more information about this book or other books by Susan May Warren I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.susanmaywarren.com