by admin | May 16, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed books by Mary Connealy. Her quirky sense of humor always brightens my day. In “The Accidental Guardian”, the first book in the author’s latest series, the humor is still there but has taken a more subtle tone in my opinion. I sense a change of direction in her writing that includes characters with even more depth than before.
I particularly enjoyed reading about Trace and learning how his experiences and loss as a young teen shaped him into the man he had become – a man full of compassion and a determination to protect others from the heartache he had suffered. I also liked Deborah who was the perfect match for Trace. It was fun watching their relationship develop as Trace learned how to cope with both women and children for the first time.
Steady plot with enough action, danger, humor, and romance to hold my attention. As always the author has managed to blend in a message of faith and encouragement for her readers. I highly recommend “The Accidental Guardian” and look forward to “The Reluctant Warrior” to learn what happens next in the lives of these characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: The Accidental Guardian
Series: High Sierra Sweethearts, Book 1
Author: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance / Western
+To Read: Goodreads
She’s the Only Witness to a Wagon Train Attack. Keeping Her Safe, Though, Means His World Is about to be Turned Upside Down.
When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he’s finally carved out a home and started a herd–while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He’d hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.
Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling–yet enticing.
Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter–but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.
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The next book in the series, THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR
will be released later this year in October, 2018!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy 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.
- The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
- The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)
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by admin | May 14, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
For the most part I enjoyed “The Theory of Happily Ever After”. It was well written with plenty of humor and romance and ended quite satisfactorily. I believe it is probably a mark of a good author when the reader can identify with the characters well enough to get annoyed or frustrated with them. I pretty much stayed frustrated with Maggie throughout much of her story and there were times when I wondered why those other gals were even her friends because sometimes they did not seem at all supportive of her. I was happy to learn that they really did care about Maggie and had her best interests at heart.
Despite my constant frustration with her, I did love Maggie complete with her clumsiness and tendency to keep her foot in her mouth. Sam was the perfect hero even if Maggie was much too slow to recognize it. And Brent, shallow as he may have seemed at times, turned out to be an all right guy too. At times the plot seemed to move a bit slowly but the occasional slapstick moments got it moving along again.
“The Theory of Happily Ever After” is a fun book with some excellent food for thought woven throughout the narrative. Not my favorite book by this author but worth the time nevertheless.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious–serious science, that is. But science can’t always account for life’s anomalies, like why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge.
Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie’s friends book her as a speaker on a “New Year, New You” cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she’s qualified to teach others about happiness when she can’t muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can’t ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart.
Filled with unforgettable characters, snappy dialogue, and touching romance, The Theory of Happily Ever After shows that the search for happiness may be futile–because sometimes happiness is already out there searching for you.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristin Billerbeck is the bestselling, award-winning author of several novels, including What a Girl Wants, Perfectly Dateless, and Perfectly Invisible. A Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year, Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. She lives with her family in Northern California.
by admin | Apr 24, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
In “Storm Surge”, the third volume of Christy Barritt’s Lantern Beach Mysteries series, heroine Cassidy Livingston is still hiding out, hoping to keep her identity secret until she can testify in an important trial. It’s not as easy as it seems because things keep happening in the quiet little island town and Cassidy just cannot keep herself from getting involved. She has also found herself more than attracted to her next door neighbor Ty Chambers and although she feels guilty about not revealing her secrets, she fears for his safety if she does. Brief glimpses of Cassidy’s history reveal just how dangerous the people looking for her can be.
“Storm Surge” is another fast-paced mystery with touches of Barritt’s trademark humor scattered throughout. An eclectic cast of characters interact with Cassidy and Ty which helps keep things quite interesting. I actually like the slow development of the relationship between Cassidy and Ty but also look forward to the day she can reveal everything to him. A mysterious boat washed onshore is another irresistible case for Cassidy and once again she finds herself in danger as she locates and attempts to help those who arrived on the boat.
Don’t let the romance and humor fool you for one minute. Barritt is a pro at writing nail-biting suspense and this series definitely has its hooks in me. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A storm is brewing hundreds of miles away, but its effects are devastating even from afar. Laid-back and light: that’s Cassidy Livingston’s new motto. But when a makeshift boat with a bloody cloth inside washes ashore near her oceanfront home, her detective instincts shift into gear . . . again. Seeking clues isn’t the only thing on her mind-romance is heating up with next-door neighbor and former Navy SEAL Ty Chambers as well. Her heart wants the love and stability she’s longed for her entire life. But her hidden identity only leads to a tidal wave of turbulence. As more answers emerge about the boat, the danger around her rises, creating a treacherous swell that threatens to reveal her past. Can Cassidy mind her own business, or will the storm surge of violence and corruption that has washed ashore on Lantern Beach leave her life in wreckage?
Purchase a copy of Storm Surge HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt loves stories and has been writing them for as long as she can remember. When she’s not working on books, Christy writes articles for various publications. She’s also a frequent speaker at various writers groups, women’s luncheons and church events. She’s married to Scott, a teacher. They have two sons, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha. For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.
by admin | Apr 20, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Oregon, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Thus far I have loved all the novels in Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. It is so easy to picture the area in my mind and each of the characters seem to come to life within the pages of her books. My daughter and her husband have spent the past three or so years living in Oregon, part of that time in a small coastal town near where imaginary Hope Harbor would be. I am quite certain that if I were to visit them I would immediately begin searching for Hope Harbor and especially Charley’s taco stand.
As always, the plot not only contains a sweet, developing romance, but also has a life lesson or two for its readers. I enjoy seeing how characters’ lives are changed through the wisdom and caring actions of other characters. Charley (and the seagulls) would especially be missed if left out. As far as I’m concerned, Hannon could continue the Hope Harbor series indefinitely as long as she remembers that Charley is an essential character to each and every story.
I did like both primary characters Ben and Marci and enjoyed watching their relationship grow and seeing how God worked in their lives to help them overcome wounds from the past. It was also encouraging to witness the miraculous changes in the couple next door to Ben. Other than that, I will urge you to grab a copy of “Pelican Point” for yourself as soon as possible. I really don’t think you will regret your visit to the enchanting town of Hope Harbor.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the midst of life’s storms, unexpected love is a beacon of hope.
A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.
Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home–and she’s determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.
Sparks fly as the two go head-to-head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. Can Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?
Come home to Hope Harbor…
where hearts heal–and love blooms
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, including Dangerous Illusions, as well as the Men of Valor, Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. Each of her suspense novels have been ECPA/CBA bestsellers. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Michelle Griep quickly became one of my favorite authors after I read “Brentwood’s Ward”. Since that time, I have read several others and my admiration of her writing continues to grow. I am somewhat tardy in posting my review of “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” but it is not because of any deficiency in the book. My own life produced a few complications that for one reason or another prevented me from sitting down at my keyboard and recording my thoughts.
As much as I loved “Brentwood’s Ward” I may love “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” even more. This novel contains such an eclectic variety of characters that added to my reading enjoyment. I am not sure a single one of them could possibly be omitted without damaging the story. Somehow the author manages to write a story that is suspenseful yet also contains both humorous and romantic scenes, all of which are tied together with an inspirational thread of faith. Of course a strong hero and heroine are essential to a good story and both Alexander Moore and Johanna more than meet those requirements. The story is also filled with many wonderful quotes that I wish I had taken the time to write down.
There is little else I can say without giving away a spoiler or two. I do highly recommend this book and any other novel by Michelle Griep. They all hold space on my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown
Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.
All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.
Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com
by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The second book in Jennifer Delamere’s London Beginnings series, “The Heart’s Appeal” features sister Julia Bernay, a nurse determined to go to medical school and become a doctor. On scene at an accident, Julia saves the life of a young barrister and later seeks his help with Latin so she can pass entrance exams. Theirs is an unusual relationship for many reasons including what could be a huge conflict of interest that could destroy Michael’s career. Both Julia and Michael are focused on achieving their dreams but will love get in their way?
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Heart’s Appeal”. For several chapters I was convinced I preferred the first book of the series “The Captain’s Daughter” but after reading the entire book, I decided it was equally as good. I certainly look forward to the third installment and hope it will be released soon.
The characters were well rounded and included several strong supporting ones. I enjoyed reading about the obstacles faced by Julia and Daniel and the ways they managed to overcome them. It was also inspiring to see a change of heart in some of the characters and in one case, reconciliation.
“The Heart’s Appeal” is an excellent read and I recommend it to all historical fiction lovers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
London, 1881
He Never Expected to See Her Again. Then She Appeared with a Most Unexpected Request. . . .
Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future.
Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.
