MY REVIEW:

I have been a fan of the novels of Mary Connealy for a number of years and each one seems to be better than the last if that is even possible. Toward the Dawn was no exception. Book two in the Western Light series, this marriage of convenience tale has more twists and turns than a mountain road and I adored every minute reading it.

Toward the Dawn features Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones who have had enough of living in isolation in the secluded, hidden valley where they have been snowed in all winter with their traveling companions. Much as they care about the others, Kat and Seb have places to go and things to do. They decide that marriage might be the sensible thing to do and together they leave the valley as soon as the snow pack melts enough to allow them to do so.

In typical Connealy fashion, the pair settle down to a peaceful life together but soon find that trouble has found them again. Will they be able to escape the dangerous men on their trail and will their marriage become more than just a convenience? What fun would it be if I told you? Grab a copy for yourself and join the adventure. Be sure to pick up volume one too if you haven’t read it. I don’t think you will be sorry if you do.

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:

Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience.

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they’ve left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they’ve built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise and The Lumber Baron’s Daughters and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at MaryConnealy.com.

MY REVIEW:

Moonlight on the Mississippi was one of those books that I wish could have lasted a bit longer. With its well developed and unique characters, unexpected plot twists, plenty of adventure and danger, an unhurried romance, and a good dose of faith, I could have kept reading for awhile.

I loved the interaction between Steamboat Captain Camilla Lockhart and lawyer Daniel Gray. They were such a contrast. Camilla was a smart and sassy young woman who had spent most of her life on the river with her father. When he died, she took over his steamboat and met Daniel when he contracted her to help his find the hidden treasure his father told him about. Their adventure together included not only the search for treasure but encounters with bootleggers, river pirates, and one disaster after another.

Did they find the treasure? I won’t tell but I did enjoy every minute of their adventure and was quite pleased by the final outcome. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy soon.

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 lost treasure, a mysterious disappearance, and a deadly family secret—but winning her heart might be the real challenge.

Steamboat Captain Camilla Lockhart discovers a handsome stranger on board with an offer he claims she can’t refuse. If he thinks she will get involved in another hopeless treasure quest, he’s lost his sunbaked mind. Not after what happened to her father. But with her boat falling apart and her crew about to starve, Mr. Gray’s unusual proposal might be her only hope.

Daniel Gray inherited a host of problems, including a clue that could unlock old family secrets and a treasure that’s long since faded to lore. His father left him with only one name—Lockhart. But when he hires the striking, yet unconventional, steamboat captain to help him navigate the treacherous waters of the Mississippi River, he never expects his heart to get tangled in the currents.

With a criminal operation’s net tightening around them, the two must battle against time to uncover a lost family treasure and solve a mysterious disappearance before the men hunting them from the shadows discover the dangerous truth.

From an award-winning author of bestselling historical fiction comes a thrilling series of River Romances.

The roaring twenties come alive in this captivating romantic adventure filled with love, deception, and high-stakes discovery. If you enjoy clean historical romance with elements of faith, you’ll be sure to love this thrilling river journey.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

Welcome to the Social + Review Blitz for You’re the Reason by Susan May Warren with Tari Faris hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Lately Susan May Warren has teamed up with other authors to produce new series based on earlier ones. You’re the Reason is a return to the town of Heritage that was featured in the series by Tari Faris, who is the coauthor. The duo has produced a heartwarming romance that includes strong family dynamics as well as enough drama and action to hold the interest of the most particular readers.

When childhood friends Grace Howell and Seth Warner reconnect, it’s not exactly a warm reunion. A misunderstanding has provided them both with the same space for her ballet practice and his gym equipment. It takes awhile for them to advance past open hostility to compromise and a renewal of their friendship.

It doesn’t help that Grace’s parents are determined to see her return to her role as featured ballerina with her company despite an injury that if not treated could end her career. Truthfully, Grace has almost forgotten why she loved ballet. Her joy is gone. Seth carries a heavy load of regrets about his past but is determined to prove that he has overcome his addiction and can be a productive member of society. His low self-esteem threatens to derail his progress. With input from wise and supportive friends, Grace and Seth learn to discern the Lord’s plan for their lives and to ignore the external and internal voices that attempt to control them.

You’re the Reason is a wonderful tale with deeply developed characters that won me over. I loved revisiting Heritage and was happy to find the hippo was still very much a part of the town’s character. This book can easily stand on its own but I would encourage anyone who has not read the previous books by Tari Faris to do so asap.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

How could she ever love the man blamed for her brother’s death? A novel of Redemption, Forgiveness, and Unrequited Love in this Home to Heritage novel.

She never intended to return to Heritage.

When an injury sidelines her, Grace Howell leaves her life as a ballerina and returns to Heritage, Michigan, to heal. Teaching dance is just a temporary gig, until she finds herself unexpectedly charmed by small-town life and her growing attachment to Seth Warner, a man from her past with a troubled history of his own.

He’s back in Heritage as a changed man.

The last place Seth thought he’d return is Heritage, but a felony record has narrowed his options, compelling him back to a community that hasn’t forgotten his transgressions. Dreams of starting a Ninja Gym give him purpose, yet it’s his entanglement with Grace—the woman he once let slip away—that ignites his desire to stay. Is this his chance at redemption and to live out the love he’s always harbored?

But can they forget the past?

When Grace’s old ballet company offers her a chance to come back, she’s faced with a heart-wrenching decision: pursue the dream she’s always known or stay with the community and man that have captured her heart, even as that love is put to the test.

But has Seth really changed?

Seth’s world is rocked by a confrontation that threatens to pull him back into the world he’s tried so hard to escape. He must fight to clear his name and protect his future with Grace, proving that his commitment to change is more than just talk.

With their happiness hanging by a thread, the decisions they make will define their fates and the heart of Heritage itself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has penned contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, rom-coms, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, she’s a USA Today, ECPA and CBA bestseller, and has received numerous starred Publisher Weekly reviews. Library Journal says, “Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance.” Susan is a nationally acclaimed writing coach, and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year. She is the founder of Novel.Academy, author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation, and a founding partner of Sunrise Media Group.

Tari Faris has been writing fiction for more than 10 years. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy, she works for My Book Therapy, manages learnhowtowriteanovel.com, and is a 2017 Genesis Award winner. She has an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary and lives in the Phoenix, Arizona, area with her husband and their three children. Although she lives in the Southwest now, she lived in a small town in Michigan for 25 years.

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MY REVIEW:

Wow! I thought Flashpoint, the first book in the Chasing Fire: Montana series was intense. The second installment, Flashover just upped the ante!

Despite their disastrous high school relationship that ended with both parties hurt, Sophie and Houston quickly found that a spark remained between them when they met up again. Sophie’s ranch where she rescued horses was in danger of wildfires in the area. Although firefighter Houston intended only to see that she evacuated quickly, a runaway horse precipitated their involvement in one dangerous situation after another, including the discovery of a dead man on her ranch. Somehow they managed to survive when all odds seemed against them and the only answer was that for some reason God had his hand on them.

Another exciting, breath-holding installment of the series, Flashover moved at a rapid pace that made it difficult to stop reading. There never seemed a good point to stop! A good dose of mystery and a developing second chance romance were bound together with a large injection of faith.

I thoroughly enjoyed Flashover despite my lifelong fear of fire. I eagerly await future installments of this excellent series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Sunrise Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY’RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

She never expected her second chance to show up…

When her special ops brother was killed, Sophie Lamb left everything—and everyone—behind to start over. Now the owner of a ranch that rescues neglected horses, they’ve become her entire life. And sure, she’s still haunted by the death of her brother, but she doesn’t have time to miss those she’s lost—including her high school crush, Houston James, who she absolutely never thinks about. Okay, almost never.

In the middle of a wildfire….

Houston James can’t catch a break. Sure, he survived a house fire, and became a youth pastor, but a recent false accusation in ministry has sent him into a summer fighting fires. The last thing he expects is to find the girl he can’t forget…

When the blazing Montana wildfire threatens her ranch, Sophie refuses to abandon her rescued animals. But the last person she expects to show up and demand her evacuation is of course, Houston James.

Then her prized stallion goes missing, and she and Houston must work together to track him down before the fire catches up to them. And when they stumble upon a shocking discovery, they are forced to work together, and confront their heartbreaking past, if they hope to survive.

In this relentless fight against external threats and the ghosts of their pasts, Houston and Sophie stand on the brink of a second chance. But the fight isn’t over when the threat she left behind finds her…now, what will her second chance at love cost her?

Don’t miss out on this gripping tale of survival and redemption in the heart-pounding second installment of the Chasing Fire: Montana series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Despite adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn’t unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her stories have won many awards, but her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family. She’s always planning a road trip with a view, yet her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea.

Connect with Megan at