by admin | Jul 2, 2014 | Books, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
I personally cannot resist Mary Connealy’s westerns that are infused with a huge dose of humor. The third entry in her Trouble in Texas series, “Stuck Together” focuses on Vince Yates and Tina Cahill, the younger sister of one of his fellow “regulators”. Although Tina is about the last unmarried gal in the small town of Broken Wheel, Vince makes a valiant attempt to resist her charms. For one thing, Tina is fixated on the hopeless task of shutting down the town’s saloon. Besides, Vince is not about to marry and take a chance on passing down the family curse to another generation.
Anyone who has read even one of Mary’s books can guess pretty quickly where this story is going to end up. Meanwhile they can also expect plenty of action, danger and suspense, lots of laughs, a bit of soul searching, and of course a romance filled with misunderstandings.
Tina is a typical Connealy heroine. She is far from perfect but has a good heart, a strong faith, and lots of courage and spunk. Lawyer/sheriff Vince makes a very fine hero. It goes without saying that he is tough and courageous but he is also loyal and has a tender heart. He is a stand-up kind of guy who doesn’t shirk his responsibilities – even when they are dropped unexpectedly into his lap.
Pick up a copy of “Stuck Together” and prepare yourself for a merry adventure with Vince, his friends, and their gals. I don’t think you will be sorry.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a lawman who values order gets stuck with a feisty crusader who likes to stir things up, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!
Now that she’s settled in town, Tina Cahill is determined to get Broken Wheel’s saloon closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention.
Vince Yates earned the nickname “Invincible Vince” because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn’t know he had show up in Broken Wheel without warning. His father is still a schemer. His mother is showing signs of dementia. And his surprise sister quickly falls for one of Vince’s best friends. Vince suddenly has a lot of people depending on him, and Tina doesn’t approve of how he’s handling any of them.
With nearly every other man in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with strong-willed Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her crazy causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he’s got one more surprise coming his way: Tina’s picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger.
Read an excerpt from “Stuck Together” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Jul 1, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Revealing” was a fine conclusion to an excellent Amish series. It has been fun following members of the Schrock family and their friends and neighbors through good times and bad. The story continues with characters from the previous books. Several relationships seem to be in jeopardy due to misunderstandings and continued stress from the aftermath of the Schrock Investments failure. Naomi King has a big secret she’s keeping to herself and the guilt has her eating antacids like candy. An unexpected visitor to the Schrock home threatens to turn her world upside down. A distant relative staying with the “sisters” is supposedly looking into his genealogical background but could he be up to no good? And what about the new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill? How will she figure into the story?
I enjoyed reading this last book in the series and thought that the author tied up all the loose ends admirably. I loved visiting with Rose and Galen, Bethany and Jimmy again. And Mim as Mrs. Miracle is so much fun. So many questions were answered with a few surprises along the way. Justice was served and once again it was evident that God is in charge.
I do hope that Suzanne will feature Mim in a book of her own sometime soon. I’d love to read about her as she discovers a love of her own.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Love does extraordinary things to people . . .
In a single, impulsive act, Naomi King chooses to follow her heart into unfamiliar territory, jeopardizing all that she holds dear. If anyone finds out what she’s up to, she’s in for trouble. But when it comes to Tobe Schrock, Naomi believes it’s worth it.
But it all comes crashing down when a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with an unexpected delivery for Tobe. Add a guest at the inn with a curious talent and a genealogist who is more interested in modern-day Schrocks than in old family trees, and evidence starts to mount that points to something sinister at work. Or someone.
In this riveting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and romance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
by admin | Jul 1, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As usual Susan May Warren’s latest novel kept me totally enthralled from the beginning to the end. Featuring Grace, the Christiansen sister who is a homebody and who tends to view life from the sidelines. A surprise gift of a trip to Hawaii and her new friend Max Sharpe are the beginnings of major changes to her formerly safe existence. Pro hockey star Max shares Grace’s love of cooking and finds himself attracted to her beauty, determination, and courage but an uncertain future fuels his fear of falling in love.
Warren’s characters are both realistic and honest. Her plot is compelling and paced perfectly. The romance between Grace and Max was poignant with difficult decisions that defined the true meaning of love. Although the story was laced with Christian references, the message was gentle, encouraging, and never pushy. With a strong theme of finding out God’s plan for one’s life rather than following your own instincts, “When I Fall In Love” could be a good example for those struggling in that area.
“When I Fall In Love” also contained a side story involving her brother Casper that was not resolved to my personal satisfaction. I am hoping for a separate volume with the rest of his story in the future. I also look forward to Owen’s personal tale and hope to see him overcome his own demons.
“When I Fall In Love” totally lived up to the quality novel that I have come to expect from Susan May Warren. I highly recommend it as well as any other book in her collection.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.
Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.
Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
by admin | Jun 30, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have so enjoyed the wild and crazy antics of the leading ladies in Jen Turano’s Ladies of Distinction series and I really hate to see its end. “A Match of Wits” is the last but certainly not the least in this wonderful series. I have enjoyed reading about Zayne and Agatha in the previous books and it was great to finally get to their story even though there were indications that it would never happen.
From the very first page all the way to the final one, this book was a joy to read. Agatha was spunky and brave if a bit impetuous at times but seriously, Zayne did not have a clue. What a pair! I loved the inclusion of Matilda and the major role she played in the story. And I laughed out loud when Zayne resorted to receiving romantic advice from his precocious young niece.
With a heavy dose of humor, “A Match of Wits” was balanced with the perfect blend of danger, suspense, drama, and of course romance. It was the perfect book for a relaxing escape from the stress of everyday life, especially if one could use a laugh. I hate to see this series end but will certainly look forward to what Jen Turano has to offer her readers in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no requirement for a review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancée, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes, by hook or by crook, she’ll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.
Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home… until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha’s determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs all his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they’ll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics.
Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth–until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?
Read an excerpt from A Match of Wits HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen Turano, author of A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, and A Talent for Trouble, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
by admin | Jun 30, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
Sequel to Peterson’s “A Sensible Arrangement”, “A Moment in Time” features Alice Chesterfield, the young woman hired to work for Marty and Jake Wythe who quickly became Marty’s good friend. Alice is still being stalked by a mysterious man who may have a connection with the murder of her father so when a change in fortune for the Wythes leaves them no choice but to leave Colorado and return to Texas, Alice is eager to make the change with them.
“A Moment in Time” contains all the essential elements that make Tracie Peterson’s novels must reads for me – some conflict, a bit of mystery, a few misunderstandings, a sweet romance, interesting historical facts, and a good dose of faith. The novel is quite able to stand on its own merits but background provided in the previous installment of the Lone Star Brides series makes it all the more enjoyable. I enjoyed the continuation of Marty and Jake’s story, especially the reality that their marriage was not 100% “happy ever after” but actually had a serious disagreement or two in common to real marriages. I loved the surprises Alice had in store for her and was happy that there were good ones to balance the bad. If I had any complaint, it would be that the romance between Alice and Robert may have been just a bit too rushed and shallow.
Overall, “A Moment in Time” was enjoyable and allowed me to escape everyday modern life for a brief time to venture back in time to Colorado and Texas as I joined the lives of Alice, Robert, and the other characters. I look forward to the next book of this series.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Alice Chesterfield is a woman pursued. Having survived an attack that left her scarred and her father dead, she is never free from the fear and memories of the man who is responsible.
Texas seems to be an answer to Alice’s prayers, and when she has the opportunity to relocate to a ranch near Dallas, Robert Barnett captures her attention. Unlike any man Alice has ever known, Robert doesn’t worry about the obstacles that stand in their way–and he hardly seems to notice the scar she bears.
But there are storm clouds gathering; devastating information about her family comes to light, threatening Alice’s peaceful sanctuary. Disillusioned, Alice must learn to place her trust in God as she seeks a measure of peace for her future…and for her heart.
Read an excerpt from “A Moment in Time” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Jun 27, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingRival HeartsAbingdon Press (June 17, 2014)byTara RandelABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn’t come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!
Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.
When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.
Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Rival Hearts was a light-hearted contemporary story in which two co-workers are forced to compete to win a coveted promotion. The catch is that each must succeed at something the other excels in which presents a bit of a challenge. Molly is a talented quilter but has never been outdoorsy or athletic because of her childhood allergies. On the other hand Ben is an outdoorsman/sportsman extraordinaire. As one might imagine, things get quite entertaining as Molly attempts to learn to kayak and Ben tries his hand at a quilt.
A fun and often humorous tale, Rival Hearts held my attention throughout. The characters were well-rounded and the plot revealed a few surprises as it progressed. This novel is just the right thing for a lazy summer day when you want a book that doesn’t make you think too hard. I enjoyed Rival Hearts and would read another book by this author.
Mary Connealy is an award-winning, bestselling author known for her fun and lively historical romances. An author, teacher, and journalist, Mary lives on an eastern Nebraska ranch with her cowboy husband and has four daughters and two grandchildren. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
