by admin | Oct 5, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Once a street kid herself, Livy O’Brien has a heart for the growing number of children who roam the streets of Chestnut, Illinois. She works in a home for children but is unable to convince them all to live there so she does what she can to provide food, clothing, and blankets for them. A growing number of crimes in town are attributed to the boys but Livy is not convinced of their guilt. To complicate matters, Livy fins herself irresistibly attracted to the town deputy Jake Russell but fears his reaction if he learns about her past.
A well paced plot and realistic characters are just a couple of things that made “Stealing Jake” a memorable read for me. I loved Livy and Jake and the dialogue between them. With lots of drama, action, and danger as well as a bit of humor and a sweet romance, this book was a page-turner. Hillman included a strong Christian message but I personally did not feel that it was detrimental to her story. In fact, that was one thing I liked about it.
I actually find it difficult to pinpoint just why I loved this book so much but I also loved “Claiming Mariah”. I will make it a point to be on the lookout for new ones by Pam Hillman in the future. I hope there will be one soon.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Livy O’Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-Fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she’s helping to run an orphanage. Now she’ll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself. Sheriff’s deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy – literally while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town – as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off – Jake doesn’t have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can’t seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn’t willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of. www.pamhillman.com
by admin | Oct 5, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFirefly SummerRedbud Press (June 23, 2015)byKathleen Y’BarboABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.
A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots (read about their real-life romance here!). Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.
Learn more about Kathleen and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A new cowboy romance from award-winning author Kathleen Y’Barbo.
Trey’s biggest challenge isn’t performing surgery…it’s restoring Sessa’s heart!
Artist Sessa Chambers may never recover from losing her prodigal son. Even as she grieves the tragic decisions that led to his death, and left her with a toddler to raise, she’s asked to work on her dream project—restoring carousel horses for the Smithsonian. But she can’t do it on her own…
Dr. Trey Brown can’t pick up a scalpel again. Yes, he acted in self-defense, but the events of that awful night haunt him. He was trained to save lives, not take them. When he goes to the young man’s widowed mother to apologize, she’s not at all what he expected. For one thing, she’s not as alone as he thought—not with the fearsome ladies of the Pies, Books, and Jesus Book Club in her corner. For another, she’s beautiful, and being in her presence is more jolting than any eight-second bronco ride from his former rodeo days. Before he knows it, she’s captured his heart as easily as they capture the fireflies gracing Sessa’s Texas ranch.
How can they overcome their past to embrace a future together?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Firefly Summer, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Because I have enjoyed other novels by Kathleen Y’Barbo so much, I purchased an ebook copy when “Firefly Summer” was first available. I liked it so much that I was thrilled when offered a paperback for review. This book is a keeper and I am so happy to have a copy for my book shelves.
“Firefly Summer” is a contemporary romance with a Texas setting (one of my favorites) but this book is about so much more than just romance. A story about a woman who has suffered so much pain and loss in her life, this book deals with some difficult situations that would try most people’s faith. What happens when the past collides with the present and what does a woman do when she falls in love with the man responsible for her son’s death?
Strong characters inhabit the pages of “Firefly Summer” and the story is one that stayed with me for awhile. Both poignant and hopeful, it is a story of love and forgiveness for self as well as for others. I cannot recommend this novel enough. The gorgeous cover is just a taste of the wonders inside.
by admin | Aug 25, 2015 | Books, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
“The Cactus Creek Challenge” was a fun read from the beginning to the very end. What could be more fun than two men and two women exchanging jobs for a month as part of their town’s annual challenge? And to have to swap jobs with the man you love who still thinks of you as a kid sister? Well Cassie Bucknell has a lot to prove to Ben Wilder and she does not intend to give up easily.
It was so entertaining to see Ben trying to teach Cassie’s students, Cassie’s efforts to prove herself as sheriff, brawny Carl’s attempts to run the bakery, and frail-looking Jenny’s struggles to keep the livery going. As you can imagine, this book was filled with humorous incidents as each character attempted to perform jobs that were totally unsuitable for them. With a bit of suspense mixed in and not one but two romances in the works, “The Cactus Creek Challenge” was well nigh perfect. Here’s hoping this author has another fun-filled installment in the works.
A copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing Review Crew.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.
by admin | Aug 23, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Counting on a Cowboy” is both fun and poignant. The perfect follow-up to the previous “Betting on Hope”, it not only included a brand new romance between Monahan brother Bo and Abby Knightly, but the continuing story lines involving side characters add even more interest.
After visiting and falling in love with Wishing Springs, Texas with Hope in the first book, it is no wonder that Abby chose the cozy little town as a place to start over. Still grieving over major loss in her life, Abby has no desire to even think about another man but when Bo finds himself with a challenge he cannot handle alone, Abby’s resistance is poor.
With bigger-than-life characters who are also believable, “Counting on a Cowboy” is a story of healing, forgiveness, and love. I reached the end of this wonderful tale much too quickly and cannot wait for the next installment to find out what lucky lady will make confirmed bachelor Jarrod change his mind.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.
Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.
Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.
This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
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.
A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don’t miss Debra Clopton’s Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on
Debra’s blog.
by admin | Jun 22, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Series, Western
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time fan of Collen Coble’s novels, I have enjoyed the chance to read this revised and republished edition of her very first books. Although not these books do not have the detailed and carefully crafted plots of her later books, it is quite easy to find early glimpses of the talent that has made Coble a favorite of so many readers.
The fourth installment of Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series, A Heart’s Betrayal, begins the story of Emmie Croftner, a recently widowed young wife who receives even more heart-breaking news. With nowhere else to go, Emmie agrees to travel to Fort Laramie, Wyoming to help her friend Sarah who is expecting her first child.
Emmie’s story continues the tale of drama, danger, suspense, and romance in the wilderness setting of Fort Laramie. The characters from earlier installments continue to make appearances in this volume also.
I will admit that I am a somewhat impatient reader and have found it difficult to read this series one book per month. Those who are similarly impatient will be happy to know that the entire series can also be purchased in one volume.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier, but her secret could drive them apart.
When Emmie Croftner answered the door to her late husband’s home, she discovered an awful truth: her deceased husband was a bigamist. And what’s more, the home she thought she inherited never belonged to her at all.
Suddenly displaced, powerless, and ashamed, Emmie can’t stay in Wabash, Indiana. She makes a hopeful start for Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning. But when she arrives, she discovers she’s pregnant—and without a husband. The new start she’d hoped for slips from her fingers.
But then she meets Isaac Liddle, a handsome soldier with a kind heart. When he begins to court her, Emmie wonders whether she could ever really be his—and whether she dares to tell him she is carrying another man’s baby.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Colleen Coble’s Melt into Summer Giveaway and ‘A Heart’s Betrayal’ Blog Tour
Melt into summer with a new giveaway from Colleen: four books (books one–four in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and a box of chocolates to pair with your new books!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of A Heart’s Betrayal
- A box of Colleen’s favorite chocolate truffles from DeBrand Fine Chocolates
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
- A copy of A Heart’s Danger
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 30th. Winner will be announced July 1st on Colleen’s website.
by admin | May 20, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Western
MY REVIEW:
Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series continues in “A Heart’s Danger” with more plots and plans, escalating tension with the Sioux, threats and danger from an old enemy, and of course a touch of romance. The story line in the first three volumes of this six book series seems to reach a conclusion in “A Heart’s Danger” where major revelations and romance are wrapped up nicely by the end.
Thus far I have enjoyed reading these short books that have been revised and re-released from Cobles first two novels. My only complaint is that I have to wait an entire month to read the next installment. I have to confess that I can be a very impatient reader. Nonetheless, these brief novels are a welcome break from some of the longer and more serious novels I have on my review list. It is easy to see Coble’s talent in her early work and how far she has come since then.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the brink of war with the Sioux, Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves.
Christmas is coming, and the air at Fort Laramie has turned cold . . . but relations with the Sioux have turned colder. As tensions between soldiers and natives approach a tipping point, a trap has been set for Rand Campbell.
Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns.
Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.
Will Rand fall victim to the conspiracy and go through with his wedding? Or will he declare his love for Sarah and make good on the promises that brought her into the rugged western territories?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Colleen Coble’s Perfect Pairing Giveaway and Blog Tour
Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves—but will the risk be worth it? Find out in book three, A Heart’s Danger, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series.
Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns. Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.
Enter to win the perfect pairing giveaway: three books (books one–three in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and coffee to pair with your new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of A Heart’s Danger
- A pound of Colleen’s favorite coffee, Captain Davy’s Coffee Roaster Costa Rican
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 1st on Colleen’s website.
