PIRATE OF MY HEART by Jamie Carie

Lady Kendra Townsend is devastated when her father dies in an accident. Her wicked uncle Andrew is now in charge of the estate and requires that she marry the scoundrel he has chosen for her or sail to America and live with family she's never met. Knowing that God will take care of her and not wanting to marry the man her uncle chosen, America seems like her only choice. That is where she meets Captain Dorian Colburn. He's very handsome in a pirate kind of way. Captain Colburn has been burned by beautiful women before so the last thing he wants is to have to look after an English heiress. But as they journey together they find their attraction to each other growing. All is not well though for Kendra. Danger lurks ahead. Will Dorian decide this beautiful heiress is not only worth saving but risking his heart as well?

What a great adventure! This author does a wonderful job of drawing you into the story and keeping you involved until its heart-racing conclusion. I must say I am a real fan of pirate stories and when I saw the beautiful cover and the title, I knew it was a 'must read'. While this is not your typical pirate story it did have pirates in it and contained plenty of action, suspense and romance. I enjoyed the whole cast of characters. Dorian is a strong hero who is very protective of Kendra. Kendra is strong in determination. I loved watching these two interact. I also really liked Dorian's friend John. What a fun personality he had. The underlying theme of this tale was trusting and relying on the Lord. I think the author painted some great pictures of what unforgiveness and greed looks like as well as what trust and obedience looks like and the outcome of them both. If you enjoy a great historical adventure then I would definitely recommend Pirate of My Heart. A thank you goes to B&H Publishing for this complementary copy for my review.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (September 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0805448152
ISBN-13: 978-0805448153

A TEXAN'S PROMISE by Shelley Gray

Vanessa Grant has always loved Clayton Proffitt, foreman of her family's ranch, the Circle Z. When Clayton finds Vanessa crying in the barn one night he discovers that her stepfather, Price Venture, made unwelcome advances toward her and left marks on her back with his belt. Remembering the vow he made to her real father to watch over Vanessa, he packs a few things and takes her away that night. As they head West together their feelings for each other grow deeper and deeper. Price and her brother Miles are also heading west in search of them. The journey is long and difficult. Will their love and faith survive all the things they must face along the way?

A Texan's Promise is going down as one of my top favorites! A gritty and realistic tone gave this tale a real authenticity. From the first page until the hair-raising conclusion I was absolutely glued to the pages. I loved everything about this story including the cover. The characters were very well drawn and fully fleshed out. The dialog was totally awesome. The romantic tension between Clayton and Vanessa sizzled. The electricity between them was so strong it lit the room I was reading in. I loved it! One thing I thoroughly enjoyed was that there was lots of interaction between Vanessa and Clayton. Clayton was a swoon-worthy hero! I loved the way he was with Vanessa. Vanessa was a great heroine with lots of spunk but a tender heart. The author tackled the subjects of abuse, trust, forgiveness, war, honor, friendship, love and faith. I especially liked watching the growth of the characters. It really felt natural and not forced at all. God is always with us was the theme running through the story. A good reminder when we face difficult things. I highly recommend A Texan's Promise. It's truly inspiring. This is book one in The Heart of a Hero Series and you can bet I'll be watching for the next installment. Fantastic job Shelley!!! A thank you goes to Abingdon Press for this complimentary copy for my review.
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 2011)
ISBN-10: 1426714599
ISBN-13: 978-1426714597

STEALING JAKE by Pam Hillman

Livy O'Brien catches a street kid stealing the pocket watch from Deputy Jake Russell. And a handsome Deputy he is too! In an attempt to protect the boy she lifts it from him and returns it to the Deputy without either one being the wiser. She's able to do that because she is Light Finger Livy. At least she was before she became a believer. Now she's attempting to start a new life but knows that if the townsfolk knew what she really was they wouldn't be so accepting . Then break-ins and robberies begin to occur and the towns people and the deputy believe it's the street kids. Livy defends them and even begins to sway Jake's opinion. But a past has a way of catching up with a person. Can the little spark between Jake & Livy grow into a flame or will it fizzle out when Jake finds out about Livy's past?

This was a great story. I love the cover and when I saw it, it made me want to find out what was inside. I'm glad I did! The author has an easy writing style that just draws you in and holds you there. The characters were very believable and easy to relate to. Livy struggled with forgetting her past and the mistakes she'd made. I think we all can relate to that. Jake was a great lead. Strong but he had some insecurities. Don't we all. I enjoyed watching Jake and Livy interact and struggle with their growing feelings for each other as well as their faith. I liked all the secondary characters as well. I think the author did a wonderful job of weaving into the story the message of forgiveness, new beginnings and second chances. The street kids will absolutely win you over as your heart goes out to them. The story kept a steady pace but ramps up toward the end to a point that I found myself rushing though the pages. If you like historicals then you won't want to miss Stealing Jake. I look forward to more from Pam Hillman. A thank you goes to Vicky Lynch at Tyndale for providing this complimentary copy for my review.

THE INVONVENIENT MARRIAGE OF CHARLOTTE BECK by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Charlotte Beck is stubborn and definitely her own person. Protocol means nothing to her. Her father, Daniel Beck, is wanting to see her settled into a good marriage with a fine man. He thinks he's found that man in Alex Hambly. He seems to know how to handle Charlotte. Knowing that Alex's family is in need of financial help and knowing that Charlotte wants to go Wellesley College, Daniel strikes a deal with them. He'll agree to grant both what they want if they agree to marry. Alex and Charlotte agree to Daniel's terms but they strike a bargain of their own between each other. A bargain that Alex will annul their marriage as quickly as possible. Will they follow through with their bargain or will they decide that an inconvenient marriage might not be so bad?

This was a really fun story. Right from the very beginning you become involved with the characters and they keep you entertained until the very end. Charlotte was a real hoot. Her feisty ways made you just want to keep reading to find out what she would do next. Alex was the consummate hero. I loved how he handled Charlotte but also the way he stepped up to the plate in handling his family as well. There were some moments between him and Charlotte that just made me sigh! I also enjoyed the character of Daniel Beck. He knew his daughter and knew what was best for her. I liked that he wasn't fool easily. This was the third book in a series but I didn't feel lost not having read the other two. If you enjoy a lighthearted, fun, feel good, uplifting story, then I suggest you pick up The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck. It will keep you smiling. A thank you goes to the LibraryThing for providing this complimentary copy for my review.

JOURNEY'S END by Dora Hiers

Chelsea Hammond's world was turned upside down when her husband was murdered. After deciding never to love again, especially a lawman, she pours herself into creating a place where troubled teens can go. When a teen shows up in her barn, she finds out he's the son of the man who killed her husband and is suppose to testify against his father. She decides to call the sheriff. Deputy Marshal Trey Colten is assigned to protect Chelsea. He knows who she is and he knows the truth about what happened to husband. Trey wants to protect Chelsea but the feisty woman doesn't think she needs protecting. Trey and Chelsea both begin to have strong feelings for one another but Trey needs to tell Chelsea the truth and Chelsea is determined not to fall for another lawman. When danger knocks on their door it just might put things into a new perspective.

I really like the way Dora Hiers writes. This tale kept me fully engaged from beginning to end with touching moments, tense moments and several parts that just made me laugh. The whole cast of characters were very well drawn and believable. I especially liked our lead couple and enjoyed cheering them on as they worked their way through love, faith and fear. I loved the Romantic tension between Trey and Chelsea. You could just 'feel' it. If you like romantic suspense then you won't want to pass this up. I recommend Journey's End and look forward to other works by this author.

TO WIN HER HEART by Karen Witemeyer

Eden Spencer has decided she was meant to live as a spinster since the man she loved and thought to marry left her. She vows never to lose her heart again and instead has poured herself in running the library and reading to the town's children. It seems to be working for her too, until a hulk of man shows up in the town of Spencer to apply for the much needed blacksmith position. Levi Grant comes to Spencer for a new start after being released from prison for killing a man accidentally. There is an immediate spark between them and she thinks she may have finally found a honorable man. But what will happen when she learns about Levi's less than honorable past?

Another great story from Karen Witemeyer. This is the second book I've read by this author and I really like her style of writing. To Win her Heart is filled with lots of great characters. Eden was someone you really liked. She was very sweet and sincere but had a judgmental side to her. I think Eden represents most of us pretty well. Probably more than we want to admit. Levi was a really great hero. Even though he had a very tainted past, you could really see how the Lord had changed his heart. But you also saw how he still struggled with temptation. I think that was so realistically represented. Most of us can relate to that aspect as well. I loved the interaction between our two main characters. You really felt their attraction. I also enjoyed Eden's father. He brought a smile to my face. And I can't forget to mention Ornery the dog. He will steal your heart right from the start. If you like historicals you won't want to miss this one. I would definitely recommend it. A thank you goes to Bethany House for providing this complimentary copy for my review.

WHEN SPARROWS FALL by Meg Moseley

Miranda Hanford has been raising six children on her own since her husband died. Her husband was as oppressive as the church she still attends. Then Pastor Mason Chandler announces that God told him that they should all move away to a different town. He demands that Miranda sell her home and follow. She's already considered somewhat of a black sheep but she doesn't want to sell the land that had been in her husband's family and move. She's afraid to speak up though because Mason knows something he can use against her that just might get her children taken away. In an attempt to keep them safe she names her husband's brother, Jack, as legal guardian. When Miranda has an accident that lands her in the hospital, her oldest son Timothy calls Jack to come and help. It was a phone call that would change both Jack and Miranda's lives forever.

When Sparrows Fall was a wonderful debut novel. It was full of well drawn likeable characters that felt very real to me. Especially Jack. He felt like he could walk right off the page. I loved his sense of humor and how he handled Miranda and the children was brilliant. Miranda was a great character too. You really felt her struggle between keeping things status quo and the freedom Jack's lifestyle offered. I fell in love with the kids. How they relate to Jack and how he relates to them adds so much to the story. I found myself smiling a lot. I think the message is pretty clear that this type of religious situation is not healthy. We have a freedom in Christ that shouldn't be oppressive. Watching Miranda and Jack, who have opposite views, come together for the common good of the children was well done. I would definitely recommend When Sparrows Fall. Meg Moseley is an author to watch. Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing this complementary review copy.

A FAMILIAR EVIL by Anne Patrick

Jordan Russell was working for the FBI when the monster who abducted her as a child resurfaces. She quits the FBI and returns home to Thorny Creek with the idea of finally putting to rest the nightmare of those memories and finding out who he is so she can stop him. She also leaves behind her FBI husband (Sam) who she thinks has a thing for his lady partner. Sam Russell had made a terrible mistake and now he's lost the woman he loves. When Sam gets call from Jordan's cousin (the mayor) with a request to come to Thorny Creek to help investigate the latest victims of a serial killer, known as The Musical Strangler, he jumps at the chance. He's hoping he can help solve the case as well as win back the heart of the woman he can't live without. Jordan hasn't told Sam about her abduction. When he finds out, will he feel differently about her? Can Jordan get past her hurt and forgive Sam for his indiscretion? Above all, will they discover the true identity of the 'The Musical Strangler' before it's too late???

A Familiar Evil is one of those stories that once you start reading you just can't stop. It has all the elements I have come to love about Anne Patrick's writing. Great characters, zippy dialog and lots of red herrings all wrapped up in 'edge of your seat' suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed Sam and Jordan. The interaction between these two was electric. I liked all the secondary characters as well, especially Devin. He's only 9 but what a little charmer he is. I loved all the advice he gave Sam. I enjoyed watching Sam and Jordan work through their issues. It was done in a realistic and believable way. The story keeps a steady pace then ramps up to it's nail-biting conclusion. As with all of Anne's stories, she keeps you guessing on who the killer is until the end. I love that! I highly recommend A Familiar Evil but be sure to set aside a block of time...you're going to need it. It's a great story! A thank you goes to the author for providing this complimentary copy for my review.

SPRING FOR SUSANNAH by Catherine Richmond

Susannah Underhill finds herself a mail-order bride when her parents die suddenly. She agrees to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse Martin, who lives in the Dakota Territory. She thinks that Jesse will be a quiet, proper type like his brother. Imagine her surprise when her new husband is everything but quiet. He's as wild as the place he lives. But he's also loving and caring toward her in a way she's never known before. He encourages her to be strong, to speak up and teaches her about faith in God. When tragedy strikes will Susannah's love for Jesse and her new found faith carry her through a very difficult winter to find the promise of Spring?

This was a wonderful story. I found myself glued to the pages from beginning to end. There were many times throughout the story I would put my self in Susannah's shoes and think, WOW, could I have done that? The lead couple in this story were so well written. Jesse was awesome. How he handled Susannah and their whole situation was excellent. I LOVED the dialog!!!! I appreciated how the author wrote him as a realist 'man'. There was an honesty in this story that I just really liked. Susannah was a wonderful leading lady. She was timid and trying to behave proper and lady-like as she was raised but Jesse quickly pointed out that in Dakota that really doesn't do you any good! I loved watching these two work to find their balance. Life in the Territory was extremely harsh and I thought the author did a wonderful job of painting a vivid picture of the area. I felt like I was there. The spiritual thread of 'depending upon God' ran realistically through the story. I didn't feel like it was forced at all. If you enjoy historicals, this is one you won't want to miss. I am looking forward to other works by Catherine Richmond. I might make mention that I really liked the cover of the book. The woman matched what I pictured Susannah to look like. A thank you goes to Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson for providing this complimentary copy for review.