LOVE HELD CAPTIVE by Shelley Shepard Gray

Major Ethan Kelley and Captain Devin Monroe are each tryin to put their lives in order since the war ended.  Ethan Kelly is haunted by the memory of the woman (with the cut on her face) whose house they raided during the war and can’t seem to rid himself of the guilt.  Miss Lizbeth Barclay is working as a maid in her sister’s hotel.  When a guest makes unwanted advances toward Lizbeth, she ducks into Ethan’s room to quickly escape, not knowing the room was occupied by a guest.  Ethan recognizes the face that’s haunted his dreams and wants to help her.  Devin Monroe struggles through each day as a worn-torn solider until his path crosses that of Julianne VanFleet.  He’s drawn to her like no one before.  But when she tells him what she’s done to survive the war he has a difficult time accepting it.  Ethan and Devin both discover that their former colonel, Daniel Bushnell is behind the pain caused to both Julianne and Lizbeth.  Knowing what they must do, they decide to call in their close friends and former comrades to help find him and seek justice for the things he’s done.

This was a very good story.  One that held my interest from start to finish.  Love Held Captive was Ethan Kelly and Devin Monroe’s story.  We meet them in the previous books in the series but here you get a closer look at them.  This is the third story in the Lone Star Hero’s Love Story series, but it’s definitely my favorite.  Each book tells the history of these ‘band of brothers’ by flashbacks of their time of imprisonment together.  This book didn’t have quite so many of those flashbacks and I think that’s why I enjoyed it more.  I love the way this group of men always bands together to help each other out no matter what.  That kind of friendship and loyalty is something I thoroughly enjoy reading about.  Everyone longs to have those types of friends.  You get a glimpse into the suffering that went on and the sacrifices made during the war and also the aftermath of it.  My only wish is that there would have been an epilogue, especially since it was the end of the series.  I felt that the end was a bit flat.  That begin said,  I would still recommend this book as well as the whole series.  This author writes believable characters that crawl into your heart and stay with you long after you close the book.

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

A few favorite moments

“I’m just, I don’t know, thinking about how two such unlikely people became enamored with each other.  It’s curious, don’t you think?  I never understand how and when the Lord chooses to bring people together.”  “That’s why we have God.  We trust in him so we don’t have to try to understand such things ourselves.”

“What does your guilt have to do with her?”  “Everything.  If I made things right, I might be able to find absolution too.”  Devin sighed.  “Ethan.  That isn’t how it all works.  God grants absolution.  God will help you find solace.”

He should probably go inside…Maybe even open the book he’d purchased on a whim the last time he visited the mercantile.  It was a rag highlighting the escapades of the notorious outlaw Scout Proffitt.

If you want more information on this book or other books by Shelley Gray, I recommend you visit her website at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/ 

BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE by Denise Hunter

Zoe Collins vowed never to return to Copper Creek again or have anything to do with the man who broke her heart.  All that changes when she unexpectedly inherits her Granny’s peach farm.  She loved Granny but there is no way she can keep the orchard.  She returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle to sell the orchard and be on their way.  Everyone is shocked because they believe running is orchard is something she’s meant to do.  Being back there again begins to stir up long buried memories, both painful and good.  Cruz Huntley has never stopped loving Zoe even with all that happened between them.  But she was the little sister of his best friend Brady, so it was not a good situation.  Now they’re all grown up but so much stands between them.  The more they find themselves together working on the orchard the more old feelings begin to rise to the surface.  When Zoe makes a decision that Kyle isn’t happy with his true colors are revealed and Cruz is there to help.  Will Zoe and Cruz get a second chance at love or will it be ruined when Zoe reveals a truth she’s kept hidden?

Another outstanding story by Denise Hunter.  I appreciate the way this author always pens true-to-life characters complete with flaws.  After-all, we’ve all got them.  Blue Ride Sunrise is an honest look at returning home and trying to fix wrongs.  The book deals with pre-marital sex, secret pregnancy and abuse.  But as always, it is handled with truth and grace.  It shows the feelings and ramifications of decisions made.  You’ll find yourself caught up in the drama all the while getting to know the town and people; some of whom you’ve met before in the first book, Sweet Briar Cottage.  To me, the faith element was well done.  Good Christian people fail, make bad decisions and fall into sin but hope is always on the horizon.  You learn the history between Zoe and Cruz throughout the story as flashbacks which were well done and easy to follow.  So the story, though full of drama, is an encouraging one and one I would recommend.  You could read this as a stand alone but there is some history you would miss reading them out of order.  I am now looking forward to Honeysuckle Dreams.

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

Some favorite moments:

Cruz had been coming around for a couple years, hanging out with her brother.  He was so handsome, with his beautiful skin and guarded brown eyes.  Just looking at him put butterflies in her stomach.

“I can’t believe how far I’ve fallen.  I’ve completely lost my way, Hope.”  “Well, lucky for you, God specializes in recovery of the lost.”

“I need you,” she whispered… “I need you too, me leona.”  Her gaze raked over his face.  “What does that mean?”  Heat suffused his neck at the admission.  “My lioness.” Her mouth turned up just before he brushed her lips in a slow, sweet kiss.

If you’re interested in this book or other books by this author, I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.denisehunterbooks.com