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 | Mar 2, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am so happy that I had the chance to read and review this wonderful book; however my review of “Holding the Fort” is later than I had planned due to unexpected complications with a family member’s health. I always look forward to every new release from Regina Jennings because I can count on reading a story filled with history, faith, romance, and just plain fun. “Holding the Fort” was no exception.
This book had so many laugh-out-loud moments for me. I especially liked one scene near the beginning where Major Daniel Adams just had to see for himself if he could perform a certain trick on horseback for which a young soldier had recently been disciplined. His results were less than stellar and the outcome was not at all funny. Both Daniel and Louisa Bell were awesome characters who had me rooting for them from the very beginning. Daniel’s daughters and Louisa’s brother added special touches to the story.
I cannot think of even one thing I disliked about “Holding the Fort” unless it was the fact that I reached the end much too quickly. If you are a lover of historical romance and haven’t tried one of Jennings’ books, please do yourself a big favor and pick up a copy of this book today. I can almost guarantee you will want to read more of her books. I certainly look forward to her next release.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With Miss Bell as the Teacher, Everyone’s Bound to Learn an Interesting Lesson
Dance hall singer Louisa Bell has always lived one step from destitution. When she loses her job at the Cat-Eye Saloon, she has nowhere else to go but to her brother, a cavalry soldier stationed in Indian Territory. But he’s run afoul of his commanding officer. Unsure what she can do to help him and desperate for a job, she doesn’t protest when she’s mistaken for a governess at the fort. How hard can teaching really be?
Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno, especially raising two adolescent daughters alone. If this new governess doesn’t work out, his mother-in-law insists she’ll raise the girls herself–far away from the fort. Miss Bell bears little resemblance to Daniel’s notion of a governess–they’re not supposed to be so blamed pretty–but he finds himself turning a blind eye to her unconventional methods. Louisa has never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough to help her brother and to secure the respectable future she’s sought for so long?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.
by admin | Jan 9, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Heather Blanton has become a new favorite author of mine because of her down-to-earth western romances that have just the right amount of mystery and suspense and are often sprinkled with witty dialogue and situations that keep me laughing. In no way does that detract from her great stories and romance.
“Mail Order Deception” has a brilliant plot of mistaken identities. Reporter Ellie Blair accepts an assignment in which she must pose as a mail order bride, hoping to make a name for herself. Little does she know that her “husband” is not who he claims to be either. Despite their suspicions, Ellie and Jim West find themselves more and more attracted to each other but will true love win when all their secrets are revealed?
This was such a fun book with plenty of action, danger, humor, and romance to keep me turning those pages. I loved Jim and Ellie’s characters and their determination to see justice done. Even though as an avid reader, I pretty much knew how things would turn out, Blanton managed to keep me wondering a few times along the way.
If you have not read any books by Heather Blanton, do yourself a favor and try one or three. “Mail Order Deception” might just be a good place to start.
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:
Secret identities lead to stolen hearts. Can love survive the truth? Intrepid reporter Ellie Blair wants a story–the one story–that will make her name bigger than Nellie Bly’s. She’ll do anything to get it. Lie, masquerade as someone else … even walk away from a man she could love. Treasury Agent Jim West has to break the back of the Irish Mob and will do anything to make it happen–lie, masquerade as someone else, even sacrifice his heart to see justice done. Blinded by ambition, these two stumble into each other on a Wyoming ranch…so what will it take for them to see past the masks they’re wearing and discover true love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A former journalist, Heather is an avid researcher and skillfully weaves truth in among fictional story lines. She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw’s note in her hand. You can learn more about her and her work at https://ladiesindefiance.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/heatherfreyblanton. Sign up for Heather’s email newsletter to receive the latest book release updates, as well as info about contests and giveaways (https://ladiesindefiance.com/).
Heather is the independent bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the Romance in the Rockies series, which has sold over 40,000 copies. Intrigued by the concept of three good sisters stranded in a lawless Colorado mining town, a few notable Hollywood producers have requested the script for her first book in that series, A Lady in Defiance. Heather’s writing is gritty and realistic. In fact, her books have been compared to AMC’s Hell on Wheels series, as well as the legendary Francine Rivers book, Redeeming Love.
She writes Westerns because she grew up on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne movies. Her most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to her father, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester!
She can be reached several different ways:
Author Heather Blanton
https://www.facebook.com/authorheatherblanton/?ref=hl
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfblanton/
Christian Westerns is the genre that lets her write about strong pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Romance is always a strong element in her stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God, and a perfect reflection of how he loves His children: sacrificially and lavishly. Heather’s stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but she hopes they are heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense.
“I believe Christian fiction should be messy and gritty, because the human condition is … and God loves us anyway.” — Heather Blanton
by admin | Nov 6, 2017 | Books, Historical, New Mexico, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Like the old saying, this book started off with a bang – in fact with several of them! Explosions set at the Boden’s mining company leave several miners dead and adds another attack against their family to a growing list. Cole Boden and his siblings may be a bit closer to figuring out who wants the entire family dead but questions still remain.
Although there are touches of Connealy’s trademark humor in “Too Far Down”, I found the entire series to be somewhat more serious than previous ones. That did not hinder my enjoyment one little bit though. The author’s mastery of words and wonderful imagination are very evident throughout the story and I personally love the growing mystery and suspense that were present in this series. Plenty of action and danger keep things jumping and my pages turning. It was fun witnessing the interaction between Cole and longtime family friend Melanie Blake, knowing that she was Cole’s designated love interest yet wondering how in the world the pair would actually figure that out.
As always, a perfectly entertaining tale from one of the premiere western romance authors. I cannot wait to see where Mary Connealy takes her readers next.
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:
When an explosion kills men and damages the CR Mining Company, the Bodens realize their troubles are not behind them as they thought. Shadowy forces are still working against them.
Cole Boden finds himself caught between missing his time back East and all that New Mexico offers. Sure he fights with his siblings now and then, but he does care for them. He enjoys running the mine and, when he’s honest, he admits that Melanie Blake captures his interest in a way no other woman ever has.
Melanie has been a friend to the Bodens forever. A cowgirl who is more comfortable with horses and lassos than people, she never expected to find herself falling for someone. Particularly for refined Cole Boden, a Harvard graduate who may not stay long at the ranch. She’s determined, however, to help the Bodens finally put an end to the danger that’s threatened all of them. But will putting herself in harm’s way be more dangerous than anyone expected?
Read an Excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy…with cowboys.
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series, Trouble in Texas Series, Wild at Heart Series, and Cimarron Legacy Series. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie’s Daughters Trilogy. And several novella collections including; Calico & Cowboy Romance Collection, Hearts Entwined, A Bride for All Seasons, Four Weddings and a Kiss, A Match Made in Texas and many more books.
Mary is married to her very own romantic cowboy hero and has four grown daughters and a small bevy of spectacular grandchildren.
by admin | Jun 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Cinderella Texas” is a contemporary western romance with an unexpected twist. Imagine if you will an extremely wealthy Texas ranching family who have decided to forego all the modern trappings of electricity, cell phones, television, etc. except for what is required for business – and that at a different location than their home. Then imagine a 100% citified young woman accepting a job as teacher to two young children of the rancher but doesn’t realize how they live until she arrives at the ranch. Uh-huh, makes a pretty interesting scenario, doesn’t it.
Needless to say, the scene was obviously set for some humor, especially when heroine Alyson seemed to be somewhat accident prone. Of course a little romance would also be expected. Rancher Quatro Greene was pretty appealing despite his somewhat antiquated living conditions and he found Alyson equally attractive. This always entertaining novel was laced with conversations about faith which led Alyson and Quatro to greater understanding of each other.
I particularly liked that each of them was willing to not only listen to the other but to learn from each other as well. As a result, positive changes were made by both without compromising their beliefs.
“Cinderella Texas” is a fun book with plenty of “meat” to chew on. I recommend it to those who enjoy westerns but also for those looking for something a little different.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Opposites attract. Or do they? Alyson Spencer hoped to teach school in her beloved Dallas and didn’t particularly like cowboys or a rural lifestyle. The last thing she expected to do was accept a teaching job homeschooling the children of widower, Robert Lee Greene IV, called Quatro, a handsome rancher and one of the richest men in Texas. Sparks fly when daily life on his cattle ranch is not what a city-girl like Alyson expected. She is unwilling to admit that a mutual attraction has developed between her and Quatro and plans to quit her job. How can they find love and a lasting marriage when their goals in life are so different?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Molly Noble Bull, Christian novelist, might be called a Genre Jumper because she enjoys writing everything from Christian romances to adventure stories to humor to books and stories for children to scary Gothic novels to western romances to non-fiction, and she is a wife, mother, grandmother and former elementary and early childhood teacher. A native Texan, she is also a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville.Molly has a Texas cattle ranch background, and When the Cowboy Rides Away, her historical western with a touch of romance, won the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian Western category. Other of Molly’s westerns include Love Inspired’s The Winter Pearl and Brides And Blessings and also, The Rogue’s Daughter–first published by Zondervan.
Molly’s father and maternal grandfather were ranch managers, making them real Texas cowboys, and she spent part of her growing up years on a 60,000 acre cattle ranch. She and her husband have three grown sons and six grandchildren, and all three of their sons are involved in ranching in Texas today.
www.mollynoblebull.com
http://writersrest.blogspot.com
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by admin | May 28, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am a bit tardy in submitting my review due to a lightning strike that took out my home phone line and my internet connection along with it. I was told it could be nearly a week before it would be repaired but surprisingly the internet suddenly began to work again. So here I am, taking advantage of a small miracle and my post is only twelve hours or so late rather than several days.
Kari Trumbo is a new-to-me author but I tend to enjoy most western novels so I agreed to review “A Ruby Glows”. Apparently this book is one of a series but I had no problem jumping right into the story. For the most part the story flowed fairly well. Aspects that seemed to annoy some other reviewers didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I felt that the plot was unique and I liked the two primary characters enough to want to know how their story would end. The unobtrusive addition of a strong message of faith was also a plus.
I appreciated that the romance did not overwhelm the plot but developed slowly and naturally between Ruby and Beau. Beau’s determination that he was not the marrying kind kept him oblivious to his attraction to Ruby even though it was pretty obvious to everyone else. Ruby was pretty hard on herself because of her past so that added some difficulties to the relationship also. As expected everything works out toward the end but as is often the case, it seemed to be tied up in a neat little package much too quickly. Nevertheless, “A Ruby Glows” was a satisfying read and I am definitely interested in reading more of this author’s books when I can find the time.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Ruby’s heart froze as she threw her dead husband over the cliff. When Beau walks into her life, one glance has her running from her past. He couldn’t want someone like her. It should be easy to avoid his quiet charm.If he can convince her she’s a prize, not prey, he might have a chance. Beau’s captivated when Ruby scrambles from him whenever he gets too close. Her sweetness is an allure he can’t fight. Can Beau convince Ruby she is beloved?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kari Trumbo is an inspirational romance author, blogger and proud home schooling mother to four great kids. She interacts often on reader groups on Facebook and volunteers at the local library when needed. When she isn’t writing, she is obsessively reading and expanding her skills as a wordsmith. Kari lives in her great-grandfather’s remodeled 1890-built home in central Minnesota with her husband, children, cats, and one hungry wood stove.
GUEST POST FROM KARI TRUMBO:
Greetings! I hope this isn’t your first introduction to Cutter’s Creek, but if it is, let me explain a bit about it. Cutter’s Creek is a series written by myself and three other Christian authors. Though there are numbers on each book, you don’t have to read them in order to get into the series, in fact, since each author writes in their own time period it might be somewhat confusing. Especially if you like a consecutive story. However, they are all stand-alone books and can be read in any order. If you like to read them in date order, you’ll want to read Kit Morgan’s books first, then Vivi Holt, Annie Boone, and finally mine, that will put them roughly in time order.
The Cutter’s Creek series has been a huge blessing to me. I’ve gotten to write with some wonderful authors and learned so much about writing a series together. So, out of my Cutter’s Creek books, why did I choose Ruby over Lily, Ivy, or Carol…well, I hate to play favorites, but Ruby is my favorite. She’s quiet, and her strength is surprising. She has a big trial, and some hurt to work through, but when you find the right person to help you through it, that’s a gift more precious than anything.
I hope you love Ruby as much as I do. Blessings, Kari
BLOG STOPS:
May 18: Blogging With Carol
May 19: Back Porch Reads
May 20: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 21: Just the Write Escape
May 22: A Reader’s Brain
May 23: A Bakers Perspective
May 24: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
May 25: Moments Dipped in Ink
May 26: Connie’s History Classroom
May 26: A Greater Yes
May 27: Carpe Diem
May 27: Karen Sue Hadley
May 28: Daysong Reflections
May 29: Bibliophile Reviews
May 29: Bigreadersite
May 30: Captive Dreams Window
May 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 31: Mary Hake
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away signed print copies of A Lily Blooms, A Penny Shines, and A Ruby Glows!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b3de
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