by admin | Mar 4, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
If I had my way, Amanda Cabot’s Texas Crossroads series would continue for several more volumes. The Rainbow’s End Resort is such a special place – not only for romance but for emotional healing. How wonderful would it be to be able to escape there for awhile!
What an unexpected romance! Who would ever think to pair a scruffy loner on a motorcycle with a former concert pianist – especially a pianist with such a strong aversion to motorcycles? But somehow it worked beautifully even if both Gillian and TJ had tons of excess baggage to sort through before they could admit and act on their true feelings.
Amanda Cabot is able to capture the true essence of her characters and bring them to life for her readers. Every nuance is important and I was able to experience both joy and pain, trust and doubt, right along with Gillian and TJ. “On Lone Star Trail” is a beautiful romance with a redemptive message for us all. I truly hate to see this series come to an end.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A woman without a future. A man running from the past.
One enchanting place where broken dreams are mended.
If there’s one thing Gillian Hodge never wants to see again, it’s a man on a motorcycle. Her last encounter with one left her right hand crushed, ending her promising career as a concert pianist. Unsure about the next phase in her life, she heads to Rainbow’s End Resort for some R&R when a sudden thunderstorm causes a motorcycle to crash right in front of her.
When TJ Benjamin’s wife died, he lost more than his best friend; he lost his faith. He has spent the past year wandering the country on his motorcycle, trying not to think about the future. When he finds himself stranded with a busted bike and a reluctant rescuer, he has to wonder about God’s sense of humor.
As these broken people collide, they find that a bright future is still ahead–it just might not be the one they imagined for themselves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, Christmas Roses, At Bluebonnet Lake, and In Firefly Valley. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.
by admin | Mar 4, 2016 | Books, Historical, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
A sucker for historical romance with a western setting, I have always enjoyed novels by Maggie Brendan. As expected, I found myself escaping for a few hours to old west Montana withing the pages of “A Sweet Misfortune”.
Although this novel might never win awards for serious literature, it certainly had its strong points. From the exciting “kidnapping” scene at the beginning until the conclusion, both Rachel and John’s characters grew on me. Although Rachel was fiercely independent, she had a compassionate heart and did whatever she could to help those around her, sometimes to the disapproval of others. John was overly ambitious and focused on building a small kingdom for himself in Montana. There was no time for involvement with Rachel, even if she was his best friend’s sister – not to mention the fact that there was just something about her that captured his heart.
I enjoyed “A Sweet Misfortune” with its steady plot and intriguing characters. I found just the right blend of drama, humor, and romance to make it worth my time. I am in hopes that I will find some of the secondary characters with primary roles in future books in this series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rachel Matthews isn’t one to rely on others to take care of her. Homeless and alone, she still wants to make her own way and her own money to buy back the family ranch–even if she’s forced into the life of a dance hall girl. Horrified by her circumstances, Rachel’s brother, who is away mining for gold, sends a friend to rescue her.
Cattle baron John McIntyre is focused on acquiring as much land as possible in Montana and has little time to deal with a dance hall gal. Rachel isn’t sure she can take one more day in John’s home–especially once she discovers that he’s the one who holds ransom the key to her family’s future.
Sparks fly between this spunky, independent heroine and the ruggedly handsome hero as they navigate the snarled terrain of pride, greed, faith, and love in Maggie Brendan’s delightful series set in the Old West.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maggie Brendan is the CBA bestselling author of the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series, as well as The Trouble with Patience. Her books have received the Book Buyers Best Award from the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America and the Laurel Wreath Award. A member of the American Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, Georgia Romance Writers, and Author’s Guild, Maggie lives in Georgia.
by admin | Feb 22, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingRobinWings of Hope Publishing Group (November 15, 2015)byJulane HiebertABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julane is first of all a child of God. She is also a wife to Bob, mother to two living sons,Kip and Rob, two daughters in heaven, two wonderful daughters-in-law, Becky and Tami, and grandmother to six perfectly wonderful grands, as well as an additional three ‘other grands’. She lives with her husband in a wee cottage by a small lake nestled in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas.
Though encouraged by many to pen the story of raising two daughters with an incurable disease, she has chosen to incorporate the lessons learned into the lives of her not-too-perfect characters. Her passion is to present the promises and hope found in God’s Word in down-to-earth, everyday experiences through her stories.
Julane loves reading, decorating, junking, antiques, and chocolate! No particular order, but one would be safe to insert chocolate between all other interests.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In 1877 the Wenghold sisters inherited an overwhelming debt with their father’s passing. An uncle they’ve never met offers a solution—come help on his Kansas cattle ranch. The oldest sister, Robin, agrees to go.
Ty Morgan has suffered through a year of misery after being jilted by the town beauty a few months before their wedding. But a tornado whirls an unexpected breath of hope into his heart when he rescues Robin, his neighbor’s newly arrived niece, and a small boy who was orphaned by the storm.
Robin’s crippled leg prevents her from being a real help to Uncle John, but she seems to be exactly who Ty needs to heal his broken heart. Until his former fiancée returns and a mysterious, elusive stranger casts worry over the entire community.
A woman determined to honor her obligations, a man entangled in a long ago-made commitment, an orphaned child in need of security . . . Can God guide these three souls to peace and fulfillment together?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Robin, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I had never read a book by Julane Hiebert and was unsure what I would find when I opened the cover of “Robin”. It was not long at all before I found myself captivated by the story and finished reading it within a day.
Robin had been born with a crippled leg but that didn’t stop her from living life to its fullest. Her inner beauty and caring spirit drew others to her and they couldn’t help loving her. In fact, before the book was over she had two men wanting to marry her. I loved all the other characters, especially rancher/preacher Ty Morgan, Uncle John, Emma, and little Jacob.
With plenty of action, drama, humor, romance, and even a bit of mystery, “Robin” moved along at a good pace and also contained a strong message of faith. I thought the series title “Brides of a Feather” was clever and look forward to reading Wren and Lark’s stories.
by admin | Feb 15, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Another trip to the Four of Hearts Ranch – what could be more fun! I have so enjoyed this entire series and was so ready to read Jarrod’s own story. I was not disappointed but I am sorry it’s over. I wouldn’t mind another trip or two back to Wishing Springs.
Jarrod attempted to convince himself and everyone else that he was just too busy for romance but to tell the truth, he just hadn’t found a suitable replacement for the gal he walked away from years ago and pretty much regretted ever since. So when Cassidy returns to Wishing Springs, the only place she has ever been truly happy, after an ugly divorce, Jarrod begins to think that just maybe he might have a second chance to make things right. Unfortunately Cassidy has different ideas. She has big plans for her aunt’s farm and absolutely no plans to get involved with another man. After all, two mistakes is quite enough. Well as everyone who has ever read a romance novel knows, these two will end up together. How that happens is the rest of the story.
Clopton’s writing style is so easy to read. She makes me feel right at home with her characters so I usually just settle in and read until the book is finished and the rest of the world disappears for awhile. I was right there in Wishing Springs, Texas witnessing Jarrod’s determined pursuit of Cassidy even as she shut him down again and again. Naturally I had to cheer him on because he was just the right man for her and he kind of needed her too. They both had a bit of old baggage they needed to leave behind and just maybe they could help each other. It was fun witnessing their story as it played out.
I loved “Kissed by a Cowboy” and the chance to visit with some familiar faces from Wishing Springs. I heartily recommend it to those like me who cannot resist a book with cowboys.
Copies of this book were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity and the Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.
Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.
Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.
Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra’s goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.
Find out more about Debra at http://debraclopton.com.
by admin | Feb 3, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a novel coauthored by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse. There is so much difference in their usual styles. After reading “Beyond the Silence” I can sincerely state that these two authors work very well together. With Peterson’s long acknowledged expertise with historical novels and Woodhouse’s obvious skill at suspense, this novel kept me spellbound until its conclusion.
The characters in “Beyond the Silence” were excellent. Even the bad guy was well defined. I liked everything about Lillian – her determination, her feistiness, and zest for live, but I especially liked her ability to see people for who they really were and her acceptance of those much different from herself. Her loyalty and compassion were other positive traits I admired. Even young Jimmy’s personality came through despite his lack of conversation.
The plot was suspense filled with a coldly evil villain who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. The townspeople and local sheriff too easily believed the worst of Woody Colton which allowed this man to get away with murder and other crimes much too long. With a strong spiritual theme, the story addressed such subjects as gossip and forgiveness.
I loved “Beyond the Silence” and hope to see more books by this well-matched writing team. This book is well worth the time.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The shadows over this olive grove hide more than just the truth.
Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother’s dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn’t match the man Lillian comes to know.
Still, something dark did happen in the family’s past. Lillian’s seven-year-old charge hasn’t spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he’ll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love–or will it endanger her even more?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
Find out more about Tracie Peterson at http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse. |
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Kimberley Woodhouse is a multi-published author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she’s shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and home schools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado. |
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.”
