A DECEMBER BRIDE by Denise Hunter

Layla O'Reilly is about to attend the wedding of her ex-fiance and her cousin.  When her date cancels due to sickness Layla is wondering what to do.  She runs into Seth Murphy, who was her ex-fiance's best friend.  They decide to go together since neither of them have a date.  Circumstances arise at the reception that cause Seth to announce he and Layla are engaged.  Though it's not true, she gains an opportunity because of it, to win a contract with a major client regarding her home-staging business.  Layla is willing to keep up the deception until she gets the contract.  Seth has secretly loved Layla from afar and is hoping he can convince Layla within the next few weeks to make it real.

This was a cute and quick read although I must admit that I really didn't like Layla very much through most of the story.  You could understand her feelings but I just didn't really connect with her until close to the end.  Seth was such a great guy.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him and I loved the way he was with Layla.  His influence made a difference in Layla's life.  Some may say the plot is a bit far fetched but that's what makes it a fun get-away.  I will say that Denise Hunter has a real gift for writing romantic stories with good romantic tension, which I love.   It makes me want to go back an read Barefoot Summer.

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

File Size: 1827 KB
Print Length: 94 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (November 26, 2013)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
ASIN: B00D0YSW5S

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

SAFE BY THE MARSHAL'S SIDE by Shirlee McCoy

Annie Delacorte's husband was killed and the people responsible now want to keep Annie from testifying against them. Annie and her child go into the witness protection program to keep them safe until the trial. U.S. marshal Hunter Davis is assigned to protect Annie while in the program. He's a pretty straight-forward, by-the-book kinda guy, who never becomes emotionally involved with a case. Annie is different though. No matter how he hard he tries to remain aloof he's drawn to her and her daughter. Annie feels drawn to Hunter as well but knows to him, she's just a job. After the trial, will they go there separate ways or will she remain Safe by the Marshal's Side?

I always enjoy Shirlee McCoy's books and this is no exception. Learning what it would be like to be in the witness protection program was interesting. I'm sure it would be extremely difficult and I think the author did a good job of showing those emotions. Annie was a strong woman for all that happened to her. Her daughter, Sophia, was really cute. Hunter was a great guy who had a tender heart. He was also good at his job. Though this was not an edge of your seat type story, there was some suspense and a mystery that remains open ended, leaving room for the other books in the Witness Protection series. There was some romance but I would say it's on the light side. One thing I really appreciated about Annie was the realization that though she was alone (because of being in the Witness Protection Program) she really wasn't because the Lord had never left her. He was watching over her and her daughter. Overall Safe by the Marshal's Side is a good start to the Witness Protection series.

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

Series: Love Inspired SuspenseWitness Protectio
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 7, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0373445784
ISBN-13: 978-0373445783

For more information about this book or Shirlee McCoy's other books, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.shirleemccoy.com/

CHRISTMAS CALLING by Colleen L. Reece and Birdie L. Etchison

Christmas Calling is two Christmas Novellas
In 'Christmas Challenge' by Colleen L. Reece, Valerie Shannon O'Shea answers a newspaper ad that challenges a woman to live as a pioneer woman would have in the late 1880s. She travels to Montana to live out the challenge in a one room schoolhouse for one year. But that's also where she grew up and where her father was convicted of a crime he didn't commit and died in prison. It was also where she left her first love, Locke Stuart, behind. It was his father who was the judge that sent her father to prison. Will she live out her challenge, clear her father's name and perhaps run into Locke and remember that through it all the Lord is in control?
 
In 'Christmas Snow' by Birdie L. Etchison, Janie Montgomery is anxious to spend Christmas with her aunt in Spokane. On the way she finds herself in a ditch due to the snow. Greg Kincade is an EMT who comes to Janie's rescue and pulls her out of the ditch. He also gives her his card. That card comes in handy when she found herself in a ditch for a second time. Greg rescues her again and takes her to her aunt's house. Together they help Janie's aunt and Greg's brother decorate there houses. They also decorate the room of a special lady in Greg's life. Was it by chance the snow storm hit and Janie ended up in the ditch? Was it chance that Greg happened to come by at the right time? Or was the Lord orchestrating something as the beautiful as the freshly fallen snow?

Both of these stories are easy-to-read, heartwarming tales that just make you feel good. The characters in each story were fun to get to know and of course they centered around Christmas. Though they are short, the endings leave you completely satisfied. If you enjoy reading Christmas themed stories and are looking for a short Christmas book fix, you might just hear 'Christmas Calling' you!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Lovely Romance Press in exchange for an honest review*

Print Length: 165 pages
Publisher: www.lovelyromancepress.com, Lovely Romance Press (December 4, 2013)
ASIN: B00FQ7AMGY

For information on this book or other book by this publisher I recommend you visit Lovely Romance Press at http://www.lovelychristianromance.com/

TRUST OF THE HEART by E.A. West

Josh Teague is still haunted by memories from his time in Iraq. He's worked through a lot of things and is able to be a stable influence to his friends who are also vets. His desire is to find the girl God meant for him so he can love and share his life as well as the memories with her. He thinks Leann Robak just might be that person. But if he's honest with her about his moods and memories, will she stay with him? Leann Robak has abandonment issues because her father left when she was young and now her mother announced that she will be in Europe for Christmas. Josh invites Leann to spend Christmas with his family. She's excited but can tell he's holding something back. Can Josh trust Leann with his memories and can Leann trust Josh not to abandon her?

I really loved this story. We met Josh Teague in Battlefield of the Heart and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him better. What a great guy! You couldn't help but love him. Leann was such a loving person despite her insecurities. The author does a great job of allowing the reader to listen to each of their thoughts without taking away from their personal interaction and dialog together. I absolutely loved the Teague family. What loving folks they are, who just enjoy being together. It was fun to spend Christmas with them. The message that the Lord is always with us and working all things together for good was encouraging. Though I liked the ending, I really would have liked an Epilogue. I love relationship-driven stories and especially like lots of interaction between the lead couple. Battlefield of the Heart and Trust of the Heart both have that. I have really come to love the folks in these stories and am hoping that the author will have more in this series. I would love to see it continue!

File Size: 478 KB
Print Length: 218 pages
Publisher: Astraea Press (November 25, 2013)
ASIN: B00GX0QXKW

To find out more about this book or other books by E.A. West, I encourage you to visit her website at http://eawest.mcphitty.com/

CHRISTMAS COVER-UP by Lynette Eason

Detective Katie Randall has been trying to find her sister, Lucy, ever since she was kidnapped fourteen years ago. It's caused a break in the relationship with her mother and no matter what Katie does she just can win back her mother's love. She finally hires 'Finding the Lost' to help her. Jordan Grey is an FBI agent that works for Finding the Lost. He's assigned to Katie's case. The problem? Jordan's parents blame Katie for the death of Jordan's brother. Jordan knows it's not Katie's fault and would like to pursue a relationship with her but doesn't want to hurt his parents. As Katie and Jordan begin to piece together the truth of what happened life becomes very dangerous, maybe even deadly.

Christmas Cover-Up was a great romantic suspense. It's definitely a page-turner and is everything you expect to find from this author. It was not really clear just who it was until right near the end and that is always a plus for me. I thought I knew who it was but I was wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed Jordan and Katie's relationship. Both had problems they were dealing with and issues that were not easily solved. There was also great chemistry between them too. The author does a wonderful job showing that love is a gift, you can't earn it, just like you can't earn a gift. That's how God's love is toward us. Great message. This is the second book in the Family Reunions series but you can read it as a stand alone, although you'll find folks here from the previous story. Although this story takes place around Christmas it's not really a 'Christmasy' story, so you can read it any time. If you're looking for a great story to go along with the comfy chair and peppermint mocha latte, Christmas Cover-Up is a great choice.

Series: Love Inspired SuspenseFamily Reunions
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (December 3, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0373445741
ISBN-13: 978-0373445745

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

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

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Linda Baten Johnson

Elizabeth Carson would love to have a loving husband and family but feels her height, lack of beauty and quick tongue scares off every suitor. Then she receives a letter from her sister asking her to come to Texas to help her when the baby arrives and also hints that she may have found the perfect man for Elizabeth. That gave her hope that maybe the Lord did have someone for her. Jesse Lovett is sent by her sister and husband to gather some supplies as well as escort Elizabeth back to Texas. Trouble is, Jesse and Elizabeth get off to a bad start. They can't seem to get along. Jesse's not sure how Elizabeth will handle the trip, but when the need arises she surprises him and earns his respect. Will Texas hold the promise of a bright future? Will she find that special someone the Lord meant for her?

This was a very quick read but also very enjoyable. I enjoyed the banter between Jesse and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a very relatable person. Especially if you've ever felt like you just didn't measure up to the standard of beauty. Jesse was a neat fella. I enjoyed how he handled things. Life on the plains was pretty rough and I think the author gives you a good feel for that. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending but was sad to see the last page. If you're looking for a quick feel-good kind of story then you may want go ahead and pick this one up to see if Elizabeth gets Her Christmas Cowboy!  Happy trails...

*This complimentary copy was provided by Lovely Romance Press in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 118 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 12, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1484074998
ISBN-13: 978-1484074992

 For information on this book or other book by this publisher I recommend you visit Lovely Romance Press at http://www.lovelychristianromance.com/

PERFECTLY MATCHED by Maggie Brendan

Anna Olsen becomes a mail-order bride and heads to Denver to meet her husband to be. She's only corresponded with Edward Parker a few times but hopes to form a great relationship with him in time. Edward is a clock maker and jeweler but more than that he is a perfectionist. Anna is very much a free spirit who would rather be with friends or rescuing hurt and abandon animals rather than doing chores. On their wedding day Edward handed Anna a list of her responsibilities around the house. Edward had a list too but what did his say? Can two very different people discover they're Perfectly Matched or will their differences pull them a part for good?
 

What a great mail-order bride story.  One of the things that I most appreciated about it was the relationship between Edward and Anna. The author did a fantastic job bringing out all the feelings and emotions of a newly married couple in a realistic way. After all, what do you find most on a newly married couples mind? If you've ever been married you know the answer to that question.  Edward and Anna were two really great people to get to know. It was fun watching them discover how very different they were and how those differences affected everyday life. I also admired how each of them sought to please the Lord in all they did. I enjoyed all the secondary characters, all of which were loaded with personality. I will say, that though this is the third book in The Blue Willow Brides Series, I didn't feel lost at all not having read the first two books. Through Anna's interest in helping animals the reader learns, along with Anna, some history about the ASPCA, which was interesting. If you enjoy an easy flowing story with lively characters (including the animals), lots of romantic tension (all very well done) then I highly recommend Perfectly Matched!

Series: The Blue Willow Brides (Book 3)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0800734645
ISBN-13: 978-0800734640

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

For more information about this book or Maggie Brendan's other books I encourage you to visit her website at http://maggiebrendan.blogspot.com/

SAVED BY GRACE by Amy A. Corron

Adam Pearson is on his way home after ten long years in prison. He's not sure returning to his hometown is the best idea but he would like the opportunity to show his mother, and the town, that God really can change a person; even someone like him. Dr. Grace Ellerton has just earned her doctorate in psychology when her best friend, Jillian, suggests they take an adventurous vacation. While traveling, they run across Adam walking along the road and ask if he'd like a ride. He reluctantly accepts, and they take him home. Jillian and Grace decide to stay in the area for the summer and rent a cottage. That's where Grace learns about the ranch that wants to help troubled kids. They need a psychologist and Grace realizes that God brought her here. Adam is trying hard to keep his foot on the narrow path and 'let his light shine' but it isn't long before trouble arises that puts Adam under suspicion. Grace wants to believe in Adam's innocence but she has trust issues. Adam warns Grace that one of the boys she's trying to help is not safe and admonishes her to be cautious. Can Adam protect Grace? Can Grace keep Adam from going to prison again? Most importantly, can they learn to trust God through even their darkest moments?

WOW! What a powerful story! I could not put it down. I was so happy to see this author writing again and when I realized this was part of the Northwoods Adventures Series, I knew I had to read it right away. Adam Pearson is a teen you meet in book one (Emma's Promise) of the series. He's one that you strongly dislike because of what he does to Emma. Can God really change a cold, black, angry heart? We easily say that He can, but do we really believe it? How do we then accept the return of that person into our midst? That's really what 'Saved by Grace' explores. I thought the author did a fantastic job of bringing to light all the feelings and emotions that would surround that type of situation, from both Adam's perspective as well as those around him. Emma has been a favorite character of mine and in this story she shines bright once again; living out what she says she believes. We should all strive to be like Emma. Grace was an honest and genuine person; you could see why Adam was drawn to her. I have to say, one character I was really disappointed in was Nate Sweeney, a local police officer. You also meet him in Emma's Promise and he appears throughout the series. I always liked Nate but here I found him to be harsh and quick to judge, especially for someone who says he's a Christian. Then again, can't we also be that way? If you're looking for a great story with living, breathing characters and a powerful message of hope, then I highly recommend Saved by Grace. Actually, I recommend the whole series (Emma's Promise, Penny from Heaven, Help Me, Rhonda, Winning Becca and Saved by Grace). This author has an easy writing style that will draw you into the story and hold you there until the very end. Great job Amy!!!

For more information on this book and other books by this author, I recommend you visit her website at https://amyacorron.wordpress.com/

STONE OF DESTINY by Mary L. Ball

Taylor Harrison pours everything into Mugful's Beverage Company, where she works as CEO. When Granny Kay has a bad fall she asks Taylor to return home to oversee some house renovations as well as search for a treasured family heirloom; the sapphire ring that has been missing for fifty years. Knowing it means a lot to Granny Kay, she reluctantly decides to cash-in her unused vacation time to come help. Brent Roberts is in charge of the renovations and when he and Taylor first meet, well, things get off to a bad start. But Brent's kind and gentle ways get Taylor's attention. The more they see each other, the more comfortable they become. Brent would like a relationship with Taylor and though Taylor is interested, she is only focused on getting things completed for Granny Kay and getting back to her life and her job. Finding the ring, however, just might change everything.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Stone of Destiny. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, except I have to admit that I didn't really like Taylor very much at first. She did grow on me though as the story went along. Brent was a terrific guy. A gentleman who expressed kindness is a tangible way and knew how to wait on the Lord. I loved Granny Kay. Everyone needs someone like her in their life. She always tried to point Taylor to the Lord. The relationship between Brent and Taylor is tender but definitely had some tension to it. The idea of finding what's important in life was well done. The Lord uses different things to get a persons attention and you see that done in Taylor's life. If you like hunting for a lost ring, renovating an old house and finding out what's really important in life, then you would enjoy Stone of Destiny.

Paperback: 210 pages
Publisher: Prism Book Group (September 6, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1940099153
ISBN-13: 978-1940099156

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