A Conventient Christmas Wedding

A Conventient Christmas Wedding

Regina Scott

 Nora has been completely smothered and used by her brother, since her father's death. When she learns that he's moving to join her, she comes up with a crazy idea. She'll propose marriage to Simon, a man desperately in need of more property. He will gain her rights to property, and she will be finally free of her domineering brother. Simon is, at first, shocked. But the need for more land for his ever growing family wins out. Now Nora and Simon must learn how to navigate this supposed marriage of convenience.

This was such a fun, romantic story. I love historical fiction and the author did a great job of weaving history into the plot while still keeping it full of Christmas romance. The other characters in the story were rich and added to the two main characters. It made me want to read more to see if I would be able to meet them again. The author did a great job of addressing the issues the main characters had with their faith and the importance of family, especially during the holidays. Overall, this was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to reading more.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Wild Montana Skies

Wild Montana Skies

Montana Rescue

Susan May Warren

Kacey's career as a helicopter pilot in the military has been derailed by a terrible crash. She decides to come home to Mercy Falls to lick her wounds and reconnect with her daughter. She doesn't expect to run into the man who broke her heart so many years ago.

Ben, a country music star, returned home at his father's request to help manage the business while his father heals from an injury. But his father might be butting his nose where it doesn't belong, because somehow Kacey, the woman who broke his heart, is also helping.

I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of broken relationships because of misunderstanding that years and years later come together and realize that both of them viewed the break up completely different and if only they'd communicated better or been more mature. . . And that is exactly what this book is about. It took me a long time to get into the book. But once I did, the author's excellent writing captured my attention and kept me. There is a lot more to the story than just the two main characters. The plot was detailed and the characters had great dimension which added to the story and overshadowed my dislike of the romance part. Overall, definitely give this book a try, even if you share my views on that particular plot style. You won't be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. All thoughts expressed are my own.

If You Were Me

If You Were Me and Lived in Poland

Carole P. Roman

This book is part of a series designed to introduce children to how other people live in different countries. Using a mixture of illustrations and photography, the author talks about children who live in Poland and what life might be like if you were a little boy or girl who lived there. She talks about location, family, food, and fun. The difficult or unfamiliar words have a pronunciation beside them and are all included in a pronunciation guide at the back of the book.

 

My children really enjoy this series and look forward to each one. While the style of the book is laid out like a story, this is non-fiction and more informative. Children will learn quite a bit about the culture of other children around the world while having fun reading. I would recommend this book for family fun or for schools as an addition to curriculum.

 

I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Painting in the Dark

Painting in the Dark

Rachelle Burk

Esref was born blind. But in an effort to understand the world around him, he began drawing and painting. As an adult he gained recognition for his amazing skills as an artist that sighted people could see and understand. Written as an inspiration to all artists, despite circumstances or disabilities.

The illustrations are very colorful and help tell the story. The book is written for children, but has a wealth of information and I enjoyed it as well. The writing is inspiration to anyone who feels discouraged because of something that appears to be hindering them from progress. The author shared the artist's struggles as well as his triumphs and I appreciated that reality was shared instead of just a fluff story with only the positive. It actually made the story more inspirational. My children enjoyed the book and liked how the author added a real picture and more to the story at the back of the book. There were also some additional resources that we utilized to learn more about blind people and art. This would be a great book for a family or in a school setting.

I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

If You Were Me

If You Were Me and Lived in Viking Europe

Carole P. Roman

Would you like to travel back in time to the time of the Vikings? The author writes the book like a story that allows the young readers to place themselves into the time period and experience life in another place or time. The illustrations help tell the story and a large glossary at the back helps to understand the more difficult or unusual words the reader might encounter.

 Readers will love the engaging way of teaching history. The illustrations provide visual aid in helping tell the story. My children enjoyed the book and were excited to add it to their collection. This would be a good supplement to any classroom or history curriculum. I would definitely recommend getting the books in this series. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and fun they were to read while providing a wealth of information.

I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Gillians' Heart

Gillians' Heart

B.J. Bassett

Gillian is grieving her grandmother, the woman who raised her, while trying to make ends meet so she can keep her grandmother's home. She decides to take in some roommates so that she can bring the home back to it's former glory. She arranges with Dusty, a friend of a friend, to do some repair and carpentry work in exchange for rent. But Dusty isn't what he first appears to be and Gillian is worried that her heart won't survive.

This book had a YA or New Adult feel to me. The thought process for the characters often had a teenage vibe. The book has a little over 100 pages, making it more of a novella than a full length novel. The story had some twists, but generally followed the predictable path of all romance stories. This is a faith based story, but didn't really go into a lot of details and the faith element often felt lost or not complete. The book is in desperate need of editing before it can be a book that I would recommend. But I think the bones are there for a cute YA novella if some of the errors are corrected and the plot lines are firmed up.

I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

With All Due Respect

With All Due Respect

Nina Ruesner and Debbie Hitchcock

Teen and preteens are known for pushing their boundaries and our buttons. Parents often feel at their limit and wonder if they'll ever get back the sweet relationship with their children that existed before hormones raised their ugly head. The authors have experienced their own struggles with their teens and are willing to share their knowledge and insight into developing a respectful and loving relationship with your teenager. Each chapter begins with a scenario. It sums up the story with a bottom line that the author was trying to convey. A section with questions follows that allows the reader to get more insight and deeper reflection. It ends with a prayer that the parent can pray for themselves and their children. Scripture is at the beginning of every chapter and sprinkled liberally throughout.

I really liked the way the chapters were laid out. The book was interesting and kept my attention, something that is difficult to do with self-help type books. The authors used lots of stories that were relatable and also offered practical solutions and suggestions. The questions fit well with the chapter and were thought provoking. The book is divided up into 40 chapters so you can read one each day and be finished in a little over a month, or read all the way through like I did. Either way, this is definitely a book I would recommend for parents, teachers, grandparents, or anyone working with children. The authors did a great job in presenting the thought that treating someone with love and respect will go further than any yelling or demanding ever will.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

October Clash of the Titles. Vote Now!

Autumn leaves are falling from the trees, and we've raked in some great books for this month's Clash of the Titles!
Vote for your Fave!

Scroll through these releases and cast your vote for your fave.

It's a tough choice, but it's up to you to determine our Clash Champion!

Love's Faithful Promise  by Susan Anne Mason
Widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne is devoted to two things: his work with wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe. When Deirdre O’Leary, a feisty New Yorker, arrives requesting he use his skills to help her stricken mother, he has no idea how his life is about to change.
~~~~~~

Feta and Freeways by Susan M. Baganz


Nikolos Action is the lead singer of the band and doesn't realize love is right in front of him until their manager, Tia, is almost killed trying to save his life. After years of ignoring her is it too late to earn her trust...and her love?

~~~~~~ 

Dangerous Alternative by Kelli Hughett

Hollywood grip, Levi Boulter unknowingly puts himself in the crosshairs of a murder plot. Now, he'll do anything to keep the woman he loves safe, even if it means losing her forever.

~~~~~~ 

Inconceived by Sharyn Kopf

Realizing you’re a spinster is one thing; understanding what that means and how to handle it is another. And, it would seem, Jolene, Uli and Catie still have a ways to go before they truly comprehend what God is trying to show them not only in their desire to marry but in their longing to have children of their own.

~~~~~~ 

Child of Dust by Shoba Sadler

After the sudden death of her parents, Vietnamese socialite Cao Kim Lye steps out of a world of crystal and chandelier to enter the dust and chaos of working-class Hanoi when she goes to live with her Amerasian chauffeur and his adoptive family at a shop cum living quarters.

VOTE HERE!

If you have trouble viewing the entire survey, CLICK HERE to load a dedicated page to the survey.

Guide Me Home

Guide Me Home

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Rebekah feels responsible for her brother Andy's death in the cave near their home. Her parents are incredibly poor and her mother can't seem to get over her grief. When her mother expresses a wish for a proper headstone for Andy, Rebekah decides to get a job working for the owner of the caves so she can quickly earn enough money for the headstone. What she doesn't expect is to fall in love, with both the caves and one of the guests.

This story started out incredibly slow for me. I had to really force myself to keep reading. About a third of the way into the book the plot picked up pace and I was able to read the rest quickly. Once the book picked up, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. They grew both as characters and on me as the reader. The book is based on the history surrounding Mammoth Caves and I appreciated how much of it the author was able to pull in while staying true to the characters and the plot. Overall, this was a fun book to once I became invested. Since I've enjoyed other books by this author, I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.

When You Wish

When You Wish

Alexandra Ivy

Three completely different sisters must learn to navigate the path that their criminal father has put before them. He escaped prison and is on the run, leaving them with their reputations in tatters and very little chance for a good match. Each sister has her own story and her own way of dealing with the looks and rumors that surround them as they go through meeting the man of their dreams.

I love regency fiction, so I knew I'd enjoy this new-to-me author. I was right. Her stories were fun, adventuresome, and full of romance. Each sister reacts differently to her situation, but the author is able to create a harmony between the stories. The characters were well developed and the drama in the plot fit well with the romance. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood

40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood

Devotions and Coloring Book to Nourish Mom

Sarah Humphrey

Being a mother doesn't come with a set of instructions or easy directions. Often we find ourselves worn out and worn down. The author has written forty little devotionals that won't take a lot of time to read, but that will nourish the weary soul and provide comfort and encouragement. Each day also include a scripture and prayer to go with the daily thought. The devotion is on the left and the right page is a coloring page for calming relaxation and contemplative thought. The intent is to give the mother a place to unwind and relax while gaining joy to return to her mothering duties.

I love the concept of this book. There is enough space around most of the devotionals so I could add some extra thoughts and scripture. The coloring pages weren't super detailed, but were fun and had some space on some of them for additional writing. I'm a fan of adult coloring books and so the added devotionals were a definitely plus in my book. I would definitely recommend this book to all mothers and plan to purchase one for a gift as well.

I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Rails to Love Romance Collection

The Rails to Love Romance Collection

Amanda Cabot, Kim Sawyer, Diana Brandmeyer, Lisa Carter, 

Ramona Cecil, Lynn Coleman, Susanne Dietze, Connie Stevens, Liz Tolsma

Nine couples meet on or near the railroad and encounter drama, danger, and heartache. But their faith in God and each other will pull them through and bless them with a beautiful love story on the rails. Each story is written by a different author and is tied together by the theme, romance, and faith. Each author brings her writing style and her faith in God to the story to create a rich set of novellas that will be enjoyable for readers.

I enjoyed these stories. As with any collection, there are always favorites. But I liked all of them. The authors did a great job of creating tension and character depth in a short time. Several of these authors are new to me and I look forward to reading more of their books. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean romance, a bit of suspense, and a story woven together by faith. This would also make an excellent gift for the Christian fiction reader on your list.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Guest post By Janet W. Ferguson

I think of myself as a romantic comedy writer, and I’m hopeful you will laugh out loud many times as you read Blown Together. But like my first novel, Leaving Oxford, I wrote through a serious issue in my life. In that first novel, I wrote about life with an anxiety disorder. Books 2 and 3 of this series followed suit by dealing with their own tough issues while still having a good dose of Southern humor.

As I began writing Elinor’s story, the Memory Oaks assisted living portion of the story materialized. Elinor volunteered at the home for the elderly. I realized that I was writing through part of my grief of losing my sweet parents. My mother, like Miss Zula in this novel, a resident of the fictional facility, was a brilliant, sweet woman who was ravaged by the nightmare that is Alzheimer’s. My father died only two months after his wife of 60 plus years at the age of 94. He had no short-term memory most of the time like Brother Hammill in the story. But every day after he asked how old he was, he said “the good Lord’s been good to me, letting me live this long.” He also loved singing “How Great Thou Art” and eating cookies any time. Almost all the time. How I miss those great people.

I’m so glad my parents found their place in my love story of Elinor & Sam. If you’ve dealt with Alzheimer’s in your family, I feel for you. My heart breaks for you. It’s brutal. But know that God is there even in those dark times, holding you, carrying you near to his heart.

That said—and wiping a tear now—I hope you enjoy the fun story of Elinor & Sam in Blown Together. I promise I did my best to make you smile.


About the Author:
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

---

Connect with Janet

Janet's Website
Facebook
Twitter

About the Book:

When love storms in…

Wealth manager Sam Conrad is accustomed to his domineering father ordering him around, especially at the bank where they both work. But when his father demands that Sam manage the inheritance of his bossy ex-fiancée, Sam has finally had enough. He leaves in search of a new life, and attorney Big Roy Bosarge from Mobile, Alabama agrees to mentor Sam on his quest for direction. Sam didn’t expect to be thrown together with Big Roy’s eccentric and opinionated daughter.

Storm damage forces lonely romance writer Elinor Bosarge and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy, out of her Fort Morgan Beach cottage. She plans to take refuge in the boathouse on her parents’ estate, but finds the place already occupied by one of her father’s “projects.” She’s shocked her father would allow another young man onto the property after his last mentee robbed her family and broke her heart. And from the moment she meets Sam Conrad, they disagree about everything from her cat to how to best renovate a local nursing home.
​
Between her mother’s health issues and the hurricane brewing in the Gulf, Elinor feels like her life is being ripped apart. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for the man she’s determined not to trust. Sam finds himself drawn to Elinor, wanting to help her and this new family he’s grown to love. But can he overcome the barrier she’s built to keep him out? When the storm rages and the two of them are blown together, can Elinor find the faith to open her heart again?

Buy Now: 
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

---

---

Visit all the stops along the tour

The Cautious Maiden

The Cautious Maiden

The Everstone Chronicles #4

Dawn Crandall

When Violet's parents died her entire world crashed. Her brother turned the hotel into a brothel and almost ruined her reputation. The owner of a reputable hotel saved her when he gave her a job as his receptionist. But her brother succeeds in ruining that as well. Now Violet is forced into a marriage of convenience with Vance Everstone. Vance has a wild reputation, but now appears to have changed. Violet isn't sure she can trust him, but she really doesn't have a choice.

I love regency romance and this author has written a lovely story that fits well into that category. I've read the previous three books and this one is another winner. The author mixes faith, romance, suspense, drama, and great visuals to create a story that is fun to read, keeps you stuck in the book until finished, and then wanting more. Thankfully I had all four books and was able to read right through without stopping. So a word to the wise, get the first three books. While this can probably be read as a stand-alone, you'll enjoy it more if you've read the first books in the series. There are a lot of characters and it will be so much more enjoyable if you know their stories. This is one of those books that sucked me in and I didn't notice if there was anything negative, I was that engaged. Definitely a book (and series) that I'll be recommending.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

To Have and to Hold

To Have and to Hold

Betsy St. Amant, Becky Wade & Katie Ganshert

Three autumn love stories are all tied together by the fall theme, the essence of faith, love, and relationships. 

Charlotte is a single mom who hopes to find love. But the man who has caught her attention is always buying cookies from her bakery for another woman. Can Charlotte find love or will she stay single forever.

This story was sweet and romantic. The author did a great job of creating a conflict to the relationship, but tied it all up in a sweet boy at the end.

Amelia is stalking a former boyfriend when she accidentally rear ends another car. What begins as a horrible time for her morphs into love letters in the form of emails and a new love in the future.

This story wrapped humor, faith, trust, and family all together and created something that I wish could have gone on and on. It was truly a wonderful story. 

Josh and Holly broke up years ago. It was a break up that was fraught with misunderstanding and hurt. So when Josh returns to his hometown for a friend's wedding he doesn't expect to run into Holly as much as he does. But Holly is the wedding coordinator and Josh is thrust into working with her closely to help with last minute wedding details. 

This story was romantic, full of drama and angst, and focused on relationships. I loved how the author made the reader fall in love with both characters, but still feel the tension between them. She pulled it together to have a wonderfully romantic and perfect ending.

I loved this book. I enjoyed each story individually, but together they were amazing. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys clean romantic stories.

The Wedding Shop

The Wedding Shop

Rachel Hauck

Cora has inherited her great-aunt's wedding shop. She's being pursued by a farmer, Birch Good. But Cora is only interested in her boat captain and is anticipating the day her returns and makes her his bride. 

Eighty years later, the shop has gone into disrepair and is set to be bulldozed to make way for a parking lot. No one is interested in resurrecting the dilapidated building, except for retired Air Force captain Haley.  Haley is resurrecting the old shop that she and her late friend, Tammy used to play in during their childhood. She knows nothing about weddings, but the memories have a powerful hold on her heart. So despite discouragement from family, friends, and the local townspeople, she purchased the building. But the restrictions and stipulations put her under a considerable time crunch and Haley still might lose the shop that is becoming so dear to her.

This was a wonderful, whimsical, fairytale like story. Told in the style that the author is now becoming well know for, it has faith, family, and a touch of the magical. Strong friendships and flowing descriptions help bring the plot together. I loved the main characters in both stories and felt like the secondary characters helped round them out. This was another great story by this author that I really enjoyed. I can't wait for her next book.

I received this book from Smith Publicity. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Good Good Father

Good Good Father

Chris Thomlin and Pat Barrett

Tucker, a little bear, is a helper. But he can't help his friends with some of their problems. So he decides to ask the King for help. He hopes that a gift will make the King more likely to help him. But he doesn't know what would be the perfect gift to give a King who has everything. So he goes around asking his friends what the best gift would be. Each of the woodland animals sees the King as something different and give advice based on their view of Him. Each little animal views the King as a good, good King. Tucker learns that his King is not only all of the things the woodland animals view Him as, but He is also a good, good Father who loves Tucker very much.

This is a beautiful story that not only will children love, but parents as well. The illustrations are adorable and fit perfectly with the story. They help tell a tale that will show the children all about the love of their good, good, heavenly Father. The book was inspired by the song of one of the authors, Chris Thomlin. My children both loved the story and I know this will become a favorite that will be read over and over.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Witness Pursuit

Witness Pursuit

Echo Mountain #5

Hope White

 Cassie arrives at a cabin to clean and restock the towels and finds a dead woman. Upon trying to leave for help she is startled by a man who proceeds to chase her into the woods. She barely manages to get away - that time. Now there is a killer or killers after her and she can't even figure out why. When police cheif Nate takes over as her protection, Cassie feels safer. But her heart is in grave danger is she is going to spend any more time in his presence. 

The book started off with burst of suspense and drama and didn't let up the entire book. Just when you think you know the players, the author changes things up or throws in a twist. The characters fit well with the plot and with each other. I wasn't aware when I grabbed this book that it was in a series. While it would have been nice to have some of the other character's back stories, it didn't detract from the main plot and I definitely think this can be read as a stand-alone. Overall, this is an author that I intend to read, her plots are complex, her characters are fun and entertaining, and I enjoy the elements of faith that she weaves through the story.

I received this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

If You Were Me

If You Were Me and Lived in Ancient China

Carole P. Roman

This book is part of a series designed to introduce children to how other people live in different countries and during different time periods. Using a mixture of illustrations and photography, the author talks about children who lived the time of Ancient China and the Han Dynasty and what life might have been like if you were a little boy or girl who lived during that time. She talks about location, family, food, and fun. The difficult or unfamiliar words have a pronunciation beside them and are all included in a pronunciation guide at the back of the book.
 

My children really enjoy this series and look forward to each one. While the style of the book is laid out like a story, this is non-fiction and more informative. Children will learn quite a bit about the the history from the view point of other children around the world while having fun reading. I would recommend this book for family fun or for schools as an addition to curriculum.
 

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

The Unexpected Cajun Kitchen

The Unexpected Cajun Kitchen

Leigh Ann Chatagnier

Classic Cajun recipes are combined with fresh ingredients and modern twists to give the cook a wide variety of recipes that will bring the cuisine of Louisiana into the kitchen. The book begins with what the author considers staples or essentials for Cajun cooking - such as remoulade sauce and fry mix. The recipes are divided up by meal types and include Happy Hour and Small Bites as some of the categories. Each recipe is accompanied by one or more photograph. 

This cookbook was a delight to look through and use. The recipes are well laid out and the instructions are clear. I'm an amateur cook at best and feel very confident that I could easily make any of these recipes, despite some of them having a long list of directions. The recipes I did try came out really well and were delicious. The photography was spectacular and really brings out the essence of the cuisine. Overall, this is a great cookbook that I intend to use more of in the future and am considering purchasing for a gift.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Life Creative

Life Creative

Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom

Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart

This book is not only a celebration of life as a mother, but an encouragement for mothers who live for art.  The two authors have lived through the seasons of motherhood. With blogs, Pinterest, and tv shows, more and more creativity is available at our fingertips. The book is part inspiration, part stories of how mothers can embrace their creativity while in the middle of raising children.

This book has some definite pros and cons for me. The book started out with the assumption that by having children, my creativity was stifled. Since I am more creative now than I was before them, I don't agree with that premise. The pros were that the authors encouraged creativity and showed that things I wouldn't have considered as creative, as ways that we can inspire and encourage others. This book would be great for the mother who feels stifled and held back with her creativity.

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity. All thoughts are expressed are my own.

The Governess's Secret Baby

The Governess Secret Baby

Janice Preston

 

 Grace is desperate to find her daughter. Grace made a mistake when she was a young girl at school. One of her teachers helped her find a home for her infant daughter. Now that Grace has graduated, her one wish is to make sure that her daughter is safe and loved. So when she finds out that Grace's adoptive parents died she panics. She heads to the estate of Grace's newly appointed guardian to see Grace and assure herself that Grace is loved. She arrives and Nathaniel assumes she's there for the position of governess. Grace can't pass up the opportunity to spend some time with little Clara.

This was a really fun story. While the ending was predictable, it didn't detract from the story. The author did a great job of creating tension and chemistry between the two main characters. But the secondary characters also helped tell the story. The romance was sweet with a tiny bit of angst. Loved the beauty and the beast element as well. Definitely a hit in my book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Winners!

We have winners!

I've sent emails to all of the winners, but if you don't receive an email and see your name on this list let me know.

I used Rafflecopter to select the winners. Thank you so much for entering. I'll have another give-away, hopefully soon.

Sarah - Someone Like You

Mirlou - What We Find

John - Orphan Keeper

Beth-Anne - Medical Judgement

Susan - The Hearts We Mend

Stephanie - Food City

 

Lone Star Dad

Lone Star Dad

Linda Goodnight

Gena has moved back to her hometown of Gabriel's Crossing to raise her rebellious nephew, Derrick. She's hoping the country setting will help his resentment and rebellion. What she doesn't expect is to find herself living next door to Quinn. A football star who has also moved back home to nurse his wounds, both mental and physical. Quinn and Derrick hit it off with their love of football and concern for some orphan kittens. Gena had wanted to keep Quinn and Derrick as far apart as possible, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen.

This was an entertaining and sweet story. It was predictable, as are most romance stories, but the little touches of hometown, the slight twist about the sister, and the drama with Derrick all added up to make a fun story to read. The author did a great job of creating emotions and drama between the characters, but helping the romance to feel very real. I loved the authenticity of family and small town living. I liked it enough to check and see if there are stories about the other family members.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Rancher's Texas Match

The Rancher's Texas Match

Lone Star Cowboy League: Boys Ranch

Brenda Minton

 Tanner works at the boys ranch as a volunteer. Macy has her orphaned nephew staying at the ranch while he tries to deal with the death of his parents. The two meet and work together when the ranch gets the opportunity to move when someone dies and donates their ranch. But someone is sabotaging the boys ranch and safety is becoming an issue.

This story was sweet, but a bit disjointed for me. It didn't say in the description or on the cover where this book fell in the series. But there were some definitely pieces that I was missing to connect with some of the characters and the story of the ranch. The romance between the two main characters was predicable, but well done. The characters from the ranch weren't as developed as I'd expected, but maybe I was missing some pieces since I didn't read first books in the series. The book also ended with a cliff hanger so if you want to read the series, I recommend starting at the beginning.

I received this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Texas Cinderella

Texas Cinderellla

Winnie Griggs

 Cassie is loving the freedom of having a job and living in town. The drudgery of helping her father care for the family on the farm is hopefully in the past. One day, while visiting the stables, she meets Riley and his two children. But Riley is running from something and Cassie isn't sure she'll ever be able to connect with him. But a forced decision, chickenpox, and a feisty, elderly lady all play a part in helping them both get the fairy tale of their dreams.

This story had a bit of suspense mixed in with the romance. The story was set long ago, thus making this a historical story, but there weren't any historical details. I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters. The author did a great job of making the conversations entertaining without overwhelming the plot. Overall, this was a good story that made me want to check out the author's other books. 

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Captive Heart

The Captive Heart

Michelle Griep

Eleanor, a governess, escapes England when her employer makes advances. She expects to be met by a man needing a governess for his children. When the man doesn't show up, she's purchased by Samuel to become a mother for his daughter. She doesn't expect the wild man who insists on marriage, but being penniless leaves her with no other option. 

This book begins with a bang and proceeds in the same way through the rest of the plot. Intrigue, suspense, and drama dog the footsteps of the couple as they try to weed their way through cultural differences, the beginnings of love, and a fledgling faith. I enjoyed the plot and how the author wove intricate details into the story. The character development was good and the backdrop for the story was well described and brought the story to life. I enjoy historical fiction, but don't usually pick this time period. I was glad that I did and I hope to enjoy more by this author in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

When Love Arrives

When Love Arrives

Misty Willows #2

Johnnie Alexander

 Dani lost her mother in an airplane crash years ago. In the time since she's suffered at the hands of her step-father and grieved her mother. So when she finds a youtube video of a guy blaming her mother for the plane crash she is livid. Brett Somers also lost his parents in that crash and has led an wild life since then. He's a wealthy bachelor who hasn't exactly led a good life. But he recently became a Christian and is working to turn his life around. Dani meets him when stalking him outside a hospital. Brett thinks Dani is a cute girl he just happened to run into. What happens next is the story of their mix-ups and the family that stood by them through it all.

Somehow I missed that this was the 2nd book in a series I'd started earlier. So I know it can be read as a stand-alone. Although I enjoyed the first book and would recommend reading it first to get the whole story. The characters were well developed and the author did a great job of creating chemistry and tension between them. I liked how she inserted the elements of faith and showed how it can turn a life around. The book deals with forgiveness, faith, and family. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction, clean romance, and family stories.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Tangled Webs

Tangled Webs

Men of Valor #3

Irene Hannon

Finn, the youngest McGregor brother, is borrowing a friends cabin for a month to see if he can get back on track. A former Army Ranger that is now out due to injuries, he's suffering from smothering big brothers and some PTSD. When he's awakened by screams in the middle of the night, he goes into defense mode. He finds another cabin with a young woman, obviously suffering from her own tragic past. Her nightmares drove her to seek refuge in her grandparents cabin in hopes that the peace and quiet would calm her. But an Army Ranger breaking into her home in the middle of the night is not exactly calming. 

I love how this author starts out her books. The plot grabs you and sucks you in. The parts suspense, part romance novel was fast paced, but had some sweet moments as well. I loved the two characters, I felt like they fit well together. The author did a great job of portraying the effects of PTSD. The secondary characters were small town and sometimes hilarious. I also liked the inclusion of the other two brothers from the previous books. While this is in a series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. Also I was so sure I knew how it would end. But it wasn't guy rescues girl like most romances are, so I was surprised, but loved it. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book if you like suspense, clean romance, and christian elements.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake

Amy E. Reichert

Lou's dream has been to own a restaurant. Her boyfriend pushes her to open a french restaurant, instead of the one that she had in mind. He feels that it is more "the thing". Her place is doing okay, but could use some good publicity. On the day that a anonymous critic arrives to try out the restaurant, Lou finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her. The bad review is going to sink the restaurant, but Lou is torn between despair and happiness. She has found a man who seems to understand her very soul. They don't discuss their work, they just have fun and tour the city learning more and more about each other. But what will happen when Lou finds out that her new man, Al is a restaurant critic?

For some reason, the cover and description didn't grab me. Took me forever to pick up this book and get started. Thankfully my first impressions were wrong. My attention was captured during the first few pages and I stayed glued the entire book. I loved the two main characters, but the secondary characters were just as integral to the story. They added so much flair and depth. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I'm definitely adding her other books to my list.

Family Prayer

Family Prayer Made Easy

A Practical Guide For Praying Together

Teresa J. Herbic

 Parents and children are so busy, rushing from one activity to another. Rarely do they pause to spend time together in prayer. The authors have written a book to help those who need a little guidance and encouragement in the area of family prayer. The book begins with a contract for the family to sign that says they will be committed to prayer. Each chapter is written as a devotional and covers a different topic that the family can focus on during prayer. The end of the chapter has questions and thoughts for discussion followed by some prayers that can be used. It ends with some scriptures and activities that can put the prayers in action. 

I love the concept of this book. The importance of prayer within families is huge. The thoughts and stories that the author shared in the devotionals were entertaining and fit well with the theme. I especially liked the activities and thoughts to put those prayers into action. I've been praying for a long time, so the written out prayers weren't helpful for me. But I can see them being useful for a new Christian or someone who isn't comfortable with family prayer.

I received this book from Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

Hungry Henry

Hungry Henry

Marla Osborn

Henry is very tired and closes his eyes to go to sleep. When he's asleep he begins to dream. He dreams about all of his favorite breakfast foods that have turned into animals. He invites each of the animals home. But as he invites each one, he gets more and more hungry. Thankfully he woke up to find that his mom had made him a delicious breakfast.

This is a darling board book will definitely be a hit with toddlers. The pictures are illustrated using the food that is being dreamt of by Henry. Henry is a cute little drawing that is on every page somewhere among the food. The book promotes healthy food and can also be used for identifying colors or talking about dreams. The smaller size will fit perfectly in little toddler hands.

The Sheriff's Christmas Twins

The Sheriff's Christmas Twins

 Karen Kirst

Shane is the local sheriff in the small town of Gatlinburg. His two friends from his childhood are coming to visit for the holiday season. Many years ago their father took Shane in when he was abandoned as a young boy. But Shane never felt like he deserved a place in the family, so he set out as soon as he was able to make his way in the world. Now they are coming to visit and Shane isn't quite prepared for Allison. He was in love with her years ago, but knows that she deserves better. Allison knows that if Shane will only open his heart to the Savior's love, that he'll be open to her love as well. Add two twins, their aging grandparent, and a winter tree cutting adventure and Shane may never be the same.

This was a intriguing story. It wasn't typical or what I was expecting. But I definitely enjoyed it. The author did a great job of sharing the salvation story that the main character was experiencing. The romance between the two characters was sweet and made the story. I also really liked several of the secondary characters, especially the young girl and grandpa. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.