WHITE CHRISTMAS by Tanya Stowe

Tessa Conway is a political watch dog who plans to spend Christmas in White, Arizona on her grandparents ranch. She loves the town and all the traditions. Chad Fletcher has lived in the public eye and had a very public break-up with his fiance. He decides to go spend Christmas with his Aunt Nell in White, Arizona. Tessa and Chad hit it off right away. As they spend time together they seem to be of like-mindedness but then Chad decides to align himself with a company that has a questionable reputation. Tessa's not sure Chad is the man she thought he was and decides to end their relationship. Will Chad choose to do the right thing no matter the cost?

I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to White, Arizona. I got caught up in their 12 days of Christmas celebration which was really neat. It made me want to go and live there and be a part. Chad and Tessa are both very likeable characters as well as all their families. The story has a easy pace to it. No major conflicts, just a nice, curl-up-on-the-couch-with-a-cup-of-cocoa kind of read. I recommend you enjoy a White Christmas! (no shoveling required)!
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 195 KB
Publisher: Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing) (November 29, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B006G5EH2K

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE by Linda S. Glaz

Aleni Callan lost her faith when she lost her husband in Afghanistan. All she concentrates on now is her nursing job at the hospital, raising her son Ty and missing her husband. Brice Taylor was a soldier in Afghanistan who came home and wrote a bestselling book about his war story. He meets Aleni when he participates in the Polar Bear Plunge and suffers from hypothermia and a concussion. Aleni can't understand why someone would deliberately put their life in jeopardy like that. She is bitter and closed-hearted but the Lord has a way of using people and circumstances. Could He possibly be using her son, Ty and her sweet mother-in-law to help her see her need to love again especially when she begins to see that Brice is really not who she thought he was.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Polar Bear Plunge. The cover intrigued me as well as the story line. I LOVED the characters in this story. I found myself laughing, sighing and smiling. Ty will win your heart for sure and the dogs are so much fun. The dialog was snappy and the issues dealt with were very realistic. You could easily relate to Aleni. She judged Brice, I'm sure, much the way we would have. Brice is a total gem. He was a swoon-worthy hero!!!! Megan, Aleni's mother-in-law, is an absolute sweetheart. There is no way you can walk away from this story with hypothermia because it definitely warms you heart!!! I appreciated the reminder that God knows just what we need and when we need it and sometimes delivers it where and when we least expect it. So don't be left out in the cold, take the Polar Bear Plunge, it's guaranteed to warm you up!!!
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 193 KB
Publisher: Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing) (November 29, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B006G40ZZE

SAVANNA'S GIFT by Camille Eide

Savanna Holt returns to the ski lodge where she once worked when she drives a friends daughter there to be with her grandparents over Christmas. Seeing the lodge reminds her not only of one special Christmas but it also reminds her of the biggest mistake she's ever made, leaving Luke Nelson. She's surprised to find he's not only still there but is now the manager of the lodge. When a blizzard delays her departure she sees it as God giving her an opportunity to clear the air and show Luke how much she's changed. Luke, however, isn't really interested in a relationship with a woman who once put her career ahead of her love for him. But the pull of love can be strong. Luke begins to see how Savanna has changed. So what will happen when Savanna gets the job opportunity she's been waiting for?

What a GREAT little story! You will fall in love with the characters and the Evergreen Ridge Resort. The story has such an easy flow and yet has the depth of a longer story. Very heart-warming. I thought that for such a small story the characters were larger than life. The conflict between Luke and Savanna was handled in a realistic way and their reactions were so true to life. You'll also love the toe-curling kisses. I really appreciated the lodge's Christmas tradition. I thought it was really neat. You'll just have to read the story to find out what it is. If you're looking for a good Christmas read with lots of depth and a great message then I recommend Savanna's Gift.
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 167 KB
Publisher: Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing) (November 29, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B006G3YF6K

THE LAST CHRISTMAS CARD by Laura Briggs

Samantha Sowerman is a missionary who's returned home until she gets her paperwork ready to go to Brazil. One day in the mail she receives a letter addressed to someone who used to live there but the postmark is over 60 years old. She feels compelled to find it's rightful owner. She steams open the inside to see if there is any helpful information. She finds a tender and heartfelt message from a soldier to his sweetheart. She decides the best place to start would be the military base. Sergeant Ty Lars is a soldier sent home from the war because of an injury that caused him to now work behind a desk. He is lonely and bitter, not really having a purpose in life anymore. When Samantha enlists Ty's help in the finding the owner of the card they know they will need a Christmas miracle to do that. Could it be that they just might find their own Christmas miracle along the way?

What an enjoyable story! I've not read anything by this author before but the storyline sounded very intriguing. Boy I'm sure glad I gave it try. It's a story that's very easy to read and keeps you turning pages to find out how it all turns out. It reads very much like a Christmas movie you might find on Hallmark this time of year. Though it was a short story (about 77 pages) it felt liked a full-length one to me. It didn't seem hurried at all. I really liked the lead couple. Samantha was an upbeat gal whose faith made a difference in the life of a brooding soldier named Ty. It just made me reflect that we have an impact on people and we need to always be conscience of that in light of how we behave. Some of the parts in this story were so touching to me I found myself getting the Kleenex. If you're looking for a good holiday read, I would recommend you pick up The Last Christmas Card. I'm sure glad I did!
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 428 KB
Print Length: 77 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B005JKR7H0

THE IRISH HEALER by Nancy Herriman

Rachel Dunne is a healer like her mother. But then she's accused of murder when a child dies while in her care. Because of the scandal she is forced to leave Ireland and her beloved family. She vows never be in charge of someone sick again. She no longer trusts her ability to heal and her faith in God is shattered. Her cousin secures her a position in London with Dr. James Edmunds. Having seen too many deaths and having his own faith crisis he commits to giving up his practice and moving to the country. When a cholera epidemic sweeps through London and visits the doctor's house, both Rachel and James will be challenged to face their greatest fears and perhaps learn what true faith really means.

This was a wonderful story and very easy to read. It really pulls you in from the beginning and holds your attention to the very end. I felt the characters were very well drawn and the author's description of the time period made me feel as if I was right there. The relationship between Rachel and James seemed very natural and you could definitely feel the spark. Rachel was a pretty amazing character. So full of inner strength yet she felt so lacking. I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Mainprice and how her faith was so natural. The way she encouraged Rachel was inspiring to me. You get a picture of how devastating cholera was whether rich or poor and even doctors were brought down by the dreaded disease. It makes me thankful I didn't have live in that time. Those who like Julie Klassen are sure to enjoy The Irish Healer. I sure did! A thank you goes to Worthly Publishing for providing this ARC through Netgalley for my review.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing (April 3, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1936034786
ISBN-13: 978-1936034789

KILL SHOT by Anne Patrick

Kory Wagner is a former combat medic who survived three tours in Iraq. Now she's home for good and wondering what her future holds. Right now that future includes trying to stay alive. Someone killed her sister and the PI she hired to investigate her sisters death. She's next on the list and comes very close to taking a bullet. Sheriff Sean Harding is called in from vacation when the body of a PI is found dead in a warehouse that's owned by Kory. She manages to escape the Sheriff's whole search party. Sean finds her backpack and a scrapbook that gives him a little more insight into who Kory really is. Kory has a hard time trusting but her gut tells her Sean is a good man. Can they find the killer before he gets his target?

Kill Shot is an excellent start to the Wounded Heroes Series and I for one can't wait for the next installment! Anne once again works her magic in blending just the right amount of humor, suspense and romance to keep you glued to the end. The characters were very well drawn and full of life. As always Anne gives us a strong, capable yet sensitive heroine. Kory is very easy to like! Anne also keeps you guessing until the end who's responsible for the killings. Sean is the perfect kind of hero. Confident and strong enough to handle a strong female. I loved the secondary characters! One of which was Kory's dog, Zinger and the other was her best friend, Digger, from the Army. I actually liked her whole Army unit. You could easily see why they were close knit. The subject of PTSD was realistically addressed as well as the roll faith has in a persons life. You realize how much of an impact having a loving church family can have on a persons life. It's a great reminder that as believers we are God's hands and arms to those who struggle. Anne Patrick is one of my favorite authors. If you haven't read one of her books I highly recommend you pick one up. If you are an Anne Patrick fan, Kill Shot is one you won't want to miss!! A thank you goes to the author for this complimentary copy for my review.
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61252-102-2
Release Date: November 15, 2011

A LASTING IMPRESSION by Tamera Alexander

Claire Laurent loves to paint but she doesn't like doing what her father and uncle insist she do. Paint forgeries of famous paintings. When a robbery occurs at her father's gallery her uncle sends her to Nashville. Then fleeing some unwelcome advances from the man her uncle sent her to, she finds herself sleeping in a church. Claire overhears a couple of women talking about a job opportunity. When the women leave she thinks she's alone until Sutton Monroe makes himself known. A very handsome and intimidating attorney. She interviews at Belmont Mansion for the job as Mrs. Acklen's personal liaison but soon realizes that Sutton Monroe is her personal attorney and close friend. Sutton has his own problems going on with his family's land and his father's reputation. Claire is both challenged and inspired by Sutton as well as Mrs. Acklen. Sutton is intrigued by Claire's sweet yet feisty personality. Claire knows that at some point she must be honest about her past but when she does it may cost her everything she holds dear!

A Lasting Impression was a charming tale loaded with lots of great characters that were well drawn and had lots of depth to them. You hit the ground running in the beginning of the story but I must admit that toward the middle it seemed a little slow. The last half of the book however was WONDERFUL! I have to say that Sutton and Claire will remain some of my favorite characters. There was a chemistry between them that was tangible. Mrs. Acklen was a wise woman. One thing she said to Claire was so good. She said, "Oftentimes, through the years, Miss Laurent...I've pondered how much is provided for us by God's goodness. So many sources of enjoyment, and how thankful we should be. We should not expect to have all the blessings of life and none of it's trials. It would make this world too delightful a dwelling place, and I fear we would nerve care to leave it." That's good advice for each of us. The story had a nice blend of humorous moments, serious moments, touching moments and tense moments. I was pretty sure that I knew how it would end but the journey in getting there was very rewarding. Tamera Alexander is known for her wonderful rugged western stories but I must say I'm confident she'll make A Lasting Impression with her Belmont Mansion Novel. I'm looking forward to the next installment!!! A thank you goes to Bethany House and LibraryThing for providing this complimentary copy for my review!
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (November 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0764206222
ISBN-13: 978-0764206221

LOVE ON THE LINE by Deeanne Gist

Georgie Gail is a switchboard operator in the little town of Brenham. She loves her job, being independent and most especially birds. She's perfectly happy. That is until they send a new troubleman to her station. Luke Palmer is a Texas Ranger who is trying to bring Frank Comer and his gang to justice. When a train robbery occurs in Brenham, Luke is sent there undercover as the new troubleman. Georgie is very distracted by the handsome Luke Palmer and Luke finds Georgie is much more than he bargained for. The attraction between is definitely strong! But trouble is brewing and Luke knows that Georgie could end up in the middle of it. Will he be able to catch the Comer Gang and protect Georgie or will one come at the expense of the other?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I don't think I've read anything before on the subject of a switchboard operator so that was quite interesting. Even the job of a troubleman. I thought the story was well paced except I must say it waned just a little for me with all the 'bird parts' on the hats and the Audubon stuff but after that it was great! There was a real chemistry between Luke and Georgie and lots of good toe curling kisses! Luke is tough as nails on the outside but tenderhearted on the inside and Georgie is full of sass and grit. Together they make this a really fun story. I must say too that you'll want to be sure and read the authors note at the end. To me it made the story even better. If you're looking for a fun story with a bit of a sizzle then I recommend you try Love on the Line! A thank goes to Bethany House for providing this complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0764204092
ISBN-13: 978-0764204098

DEEP COVER by Sandra Orchard

Rick Gray is an undercover cop. Maintaining his cover has meant allowing the woman he loves to think the worst of him, then allowing her to walk away for her own protection. Ginny Bryson has a hard time with trust. She takes a job working as a PR person for her uncle. Rick hires on with Ginny's uncle to gather evidence against him because he was responsible for setting the fire that killed his partner and friend. Imagine Ginny's surprise when she shows up on the job site and sees Rick. Only now he's Duke. Rick finally convinces her that he's there for a fresh start but things continue to come up that make her think Rick hasn't really changed at all. Will he be able to protect Ginny, take down her uncle and tell her who he really is before it's too late?

This was a story that I enjoyed and certainly kept me turning pages. It had a some unexpected twists and turns which is always fun. Rick was a really great hero. Your heart really went out to him. It caused me to think about the real-life undercover cops who probably deal with the same type issues. It's gotta be tough. Ginny kinda bugged me a little bit with her attitude. I suppose that in her position I might feel the same way but it just seemed she always thought the worst of Rick even though 'what she thought he was' and 'how he behaved' were polar opposites. There were times when it was hard for me to understand why Rick would want to be with someone who thought so little of him. But that makes for good drama. I really liked the supporting characters, Kim and Zach. They added an extra spark to the story. Sandra Orchard is a new author to me but I look forward to reading her future works. Deep Cover is book one in the Undercover Cops Series. A thank you goes to Harlequin who provided this complimentary copy for my review through Netgalley.
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (September 6, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0373444591
ISBN-13: 978-0373444595