by admin | Oct 9, 2019 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I have read quite a few of Mary Connealy’s books over the past several years and always enjoy them. I know I can usually depend on her giving me a few hours reading pleasure with her western historical romances laced with her wonderful sense of humor. Her books may not be deep or particularly thought provoking all the time but that’s not what I’m looking for when I pick up one of her books. Connealy is one of my go-to’s when I am in the mood for pure entertainment and a cowboy or two in the mix is welcomed.
Aiming For Love is the author’s latest offering and the first book in Brides of Hope Mountain series. The series features the three Nordegren sisters who have lived alone atop a Colorado mountain since the deaths of their parents and grandparents. Each young woman is skilled in taking care of themselves in the wilderness and have been taught to avoid the outside world. Everything changes for them the day the Warden family shows up on their mountain and find themselves in need of shelter and medical help. From that point the story gets more and more interesting as the wild sisters are forced to interact with the strangers from the valley below.
Vivid descriptions of Colorado scenery and appealing characters combine with a plot that moves right along at a good pace to offer a tale that should satisfy many readers, especially if they are prepared to wait to learn more about how things will develop for certain characters. It is obvious that both other sisters, Ilsa and Ursula will be featured in their own books now that Josephine and David’s story has been told, but there are at least two men I hope to learn more about in the other books of this series – particularly Mitch and the mysterious hired gun. Great start to what promises to be a good series!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a Division of Baker Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Strangers Intrude
on Three Wild Sisters’ Hidden Mountain Life,
Their World Will Never Be the Same.
Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.
David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
by admin | Sep 5, 2019 | Books, Colorado, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion, it is an indication of a pretty good book when a character elicits strong reactions from me as a reader. Mikayla Gordon did just that to me. While I could empathize with her unexpected medical emergency, her reactions seemed a bit over-the-top to me, especially the sneaky methods she used to collect DNA samples of her family. Then her refusal to listen to explanations was also somewhat disturbing. So, although I definitely did not always agree with this character, I did find her story intriguing and was encouraged by the spiritual growth that was revealed as it progressed.
When Mountains Sing is a fun to read tale of family secrets, forgiveness, spiritual growth, and reconciliation with a touch of romance. I enjoyed the background setting in the mountains of Colorado with its vivid descriptions, especially Dawson’s version of how the mountains sing. Overall this is an excellent book and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. I am sure other readers will enjoy it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When the truth cost her everything, she thought there was nothing left to lose.
Mikayla Gordon loves nothing more than sleeping under the stars, reeling in the “big one,” and long hikes in the wilderness. A medical crisis reveals a 30-year-old secret that turns everything she’s known and believed upside down, unraveling her dreams and her identity.
In search of answers, she follows a trail from Minnesota to Colorado and discovers more unwelcome secrets even as she falls in love with the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and a wilderness camp leader who shares the greatest secret of all.
Knowing her life can never go back to what it was, she must make decisions that will impact far more than just her future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of The Chain of Lakes series, including Shattered Image, Dance of Grace, and The Color of Truth. Her stories reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, and a proud mom, and doting grandma.
by admin | Apr 18, 2017 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Romance, Western
Now, get ALL THREE of the bestselling Defiance books in ONE collection, along with a BONUS, never-before-published prequel novella, The Lost Chapters.
Three beautiful, Christian sisters, ranging in ages and life experiences, find themselves stranded in the lawless mining town of Defiance, Colorado. But God is moving everything into place–planning for something good to come from their individual heartbreaks. Naomi, Rebecca, and Hannah have futures bright with hope–even if they can’t see it at first.
A Lady in Defiance
Charles McIntyre owns everything and everyone in Defiance. Still, he is intrigued enough by the sisters to allow them to open a hotel in his town, especially since he views feisty middle sister Naomi as his next conquest. Naomi, angry with God for widowing her, wants no part of Defiance or the saloon-owning, prostitute-keeping Mr. McIntyre. But the Lord may have other plans.
Hearts in Defiance
McIntyre built Defiance practically with his bare hands … and without any remorse for the lives he destroyed along the way. Then a glimpse of true love, both earthly and heavenly, changed him. The question is, how much? His wife is a beautiful, decent woman. She says she loves McIntyre, that God does, too, and the past is behind them now. But McIntyre struggles to believe he’s worth saving … worth loving. Unfortunately, the temptations in Defiance only reinforce his doubts. Eventually, old enemies and old weaknesses will come calling…
A Promise in Defiance
When McIntyre founded Defiance, he was more than happy to rule in hell rather than serve in heaven. But things have changed. Now, he has faith, a new wife…and a ten-year-old half-breed son. Logan Tillane carries a Bible in his hand, wears a gun on his hip, and fights for lost souls any way he can. Newly arrived in Defiance, though, he has trouble telling the saints from the sinners. When a scandalous madam flings open the doors to a raunchy saloon, these two good men will fight their personal demons to the death. Unfortunately, only one will survive.
The Lost Chapters – A Novella
In this prequel novella, set in North Carolina, meet Naomi’s first husband, her childhood sweetheart. He is faced with trying to hold the family together before a scandal and a greedy rich man can tear it apart.
And what was it like for sixteen-year-old Hannah to deal with the shame of carrying a bastard child? Rumors are swirling. Did the father of the baby abandon them of his own accord, or was he forced to leave by a family bent on protecting a grand ambition?
Rich with gritty drama and historical detail, these tales are told by real, flawed women who fight for love and faith in a godless frontier town. The Ladies of Defiance.
Pick up your set of all three books plus the bonus Lost Chapters HERE while it is only $0.99!
MY REVIEW:
I have previously read “A Lady in Defiance” and possibly one or both of the other full-length books in this series. I have read so many books over the past several years that sometimes my memory fails me. I do have copies of all three on my Kindle and actually just sprang for the new boxed set. I just noticed that I never reviewed “A Lady in Defiance” so I need to remedy that oversight in the near future (even if I have to read it again to do so).
I did just read the Lost Chapters and thoroughly enjoyed learning the background of the three sisters and how they found themselves in Defiance. It is a short, quick read but I liked how it set the stage for the rest of the series.
If you are a fan of historical western romance, this is a series you will want to check out.
by admin | Nov 27, 2016 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Healing of the Heart” was a warm yet sometimes poignant story with a fairly unique plot. Ruby McCoy was a young woman who carried a load of secrets and undeserved guilt on her shoulders as she and her mother moved from one town to another – trying to atone for the sins of her deceased father. Yet no matter how much money she spent and how much good she did, Ruby could never overcome the belief that if people knew her identity they would hate her. When Ruby moved to Fairplay, she immediately met Sheriff Rex Truett and was immediately attracted to him. Rex knew that Ruby was hiding something but little did he know just how close to home her secrets would hit.
A story of love and forgiveness, “Healing of the Heart” was a book that was both enjoyable and encouraging. I was drawn to several of the characters, especially the two children who added a special touch to the story. It was gratifying to watch the positive spiritual growth in Rex and Ruby but especially in Ruby’s mother who seemed to be a different person entirely by the end of the story. The well-paced plot had just the right blend of drama, danger, and romance with a few humorous touches along the way. After reading “Healing of the Heart” I am now wanting to read the other books of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
When Ruby McCoy and her mother arrive in Fairplay and promptly move into the biggest mansion around, they are the talk of the town. But while Mrs. McCoy worries about ribbons, trunks, and wallpaper, Ruby rolls up her sleeves. Since the hanging of her notorious gangster father five years ago, Ruby, hiding under an assumed name, is on a mission to right her father’s wrongs. She is determined to spend every penny of her inherited “blood money” helping those who paid the price for her father’s crimes. But she didn’t plan on falling in love.
Sheriff Rex Truett doesn’t trust Ruby and doesn’t care who knows it. The keeper of Fairplay’s law and order makes it his business to find out why a stranger—especially a beautiful, rich, female stranger—would set up businesses, donate to schools, hire workmen to rebuild houses, and provide access to the best medical care. But when a cholera epidemic sweeps through the city, he is forced to reconsider.
Will Ruby have the courage to tell Rex her family secret? And will love or justice win in Rex’s heart?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A prolific writer, Loree Lough has 108 books, 68 short stories, and more than 2,500 articles in print. Her novels have earned dozens of industry and Reader’s Choice awards. A frequent guest speaker for writers’ organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, corporations, and college and high school writing programs, Loree and her husband, Larry, divide their time between a home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains.
Her books have over 3700 ratings on Goodreads with the first two books in The Secrets of Sterling Street series, Currency of the Heartand Guardians of the Heart receiving multiple four and five star reviews on book review and retail sites.
BLOG STOPS:
November 22: Bibliophile Reviews
November 22: Jeanette’s Thoughts
November 23: Neverending Stories
November 23: Lane Hill House
November 24: Reviewing Novels Online
November 24: Christian Bookaholic
November 25: Christian Author: A.M. Heath
November 25: Redeemed Hope Dweller
November 26: A Simple Life, really?!
November 26: Moments Dipped in Ink
November 27: inklings and notions
November 27: Splashes of Joy
November 28: Ashley’s Bookshelf
November 28: Daysong Reflections
November 29: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
November 29: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
November 30: Bigreadersite
November 30: Singing Librarian Books
December 1: Pause for Tales
December 1: Smiling Book Reviews
December 2: A Greater Yes
December 2: Genesis 5020
December 3: Reader’s cozy corner
December 4: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
December 4: Karen Sue Hadley
December 5: A Baker’s Perspective
December 5: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
In honor of her tour, Loree is giving away her books: Secrets on Sterling Street series, Prevailing Love (3 in 1), Pricilla Hires a Husband, Lone Wolf, and Emma’s Orphans, a KJVER Study Bible, and an Abba pillar candle in a wicker basket! Click the link below to enter; be sure to comment on this post to claim your nine bonus entries for this giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/a81c
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by admin | Oct 5, 2015 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Guardians of the Heart” was one of those books I didn’t want to put down once I started reading it. I liked the characters of Nell and Asa so much that I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen.
Nell had lost all of her family and was alone in the world but she was so generous and caring toward others, sometimes to the point of sacrifice. Asa was also a caring person but he has things that happened in his past that makes him think he will never be worthy – especially of a nice girl like Nell. But that doesn’t stop him from loving her and although he cannot accept it, Nell loves him too.
Well, life has a way of turning the tables on us and our best laid plans don’t always work out. That is exactly what happened to Asa and Nell which made both of them face things from their past they had avoided. A few surprises along the way make for some interesting reading. Isn’t it funny how God always seems to know what is best for us even better than we do?
“Guardians of the Heart” is a very good historical romance set in early Denver, Colorado. I would definitely recommend it.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nell Holstrom wanted no part of her grandfather’s barren gold mine that had taken the lives of her mother, father, and younger brother; even if there may still be hidden wealth inside. Instead, she went to Denver and took a job as housekeeper at the old Stone Hill Inn. Asa Stone was barely more than a boy when his father dragged him and his brothers to fight with Colonel John Chivington. But Asa refused to participate in the raid on the peaceful Cheyenne and Arapahoe; and when the smoke cleared, his father and brother lay among the slaughtered.
Besieged by guilt, Asa wandered the West for years before returning to Denver to rebuild the old inn he’d inherited. Together, Nell and Asa work hard to restore Stone Hill. But when disaster hits the inn, Asa retreats into despair and Nell is forced to return to her family’s mine. Asa faces the hard fact: He’ll never be the man Nell deserves. Can he overcome the dark secrets of his past? And will Nell still love him when she learns the truth?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Once upon a time, best–selling author Loree Lough literally sang for her supper, performing before packed audiences throughout the Midwest. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6–string to croon a tune or two for her grandkids or to sing at weddings or funerals, but she mostly just writes. Over the years, her stories have earned hundreds of industry and Readers’ Choice awards and 4– and 5–star reviews. Loree has nearly five million copies of her books in circulation, and in March 2014, she added her hundredth published book to the shelves. She has written fiction and nonfiction for kids and adults (2,500–plus articles and 68 short stories), and four of her novels have been optioned for movies. To date, there are almost 66,000 letters in her “Reader Mail” file, and she has answered every one, personally. (A carton of books is on its way to Corinna P. of San Antonio, Texas, for writing the 65,999th letter. Corinna said she plans to donate the books to her local library!) Loree loves sharing learned–the–hard–way lessons about the craft and the industry, and her comedic approach to teaching makes her a favorite (and frequent) guest of writers’ organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, and college and high school writing programs in the U.S. and abroad. A writer who believes in “giving back,” Loree dedicates a portion of her income to Soldiers’ Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and several other worthwhile organizations (see the “Giving Back” tab at her Web site, http://www.loreelough.com, for a complete list). She splits her time between a tiny home in the Baltimore suburbs and an even tinier cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, where she continues to perfect her Critter Tracks Identification skills. She shares her life with her real–life hero, Larry, who rarely complains, even when she adds yet another item to her vast collection of “wolf stuff.”
