12.27.2015

Calico Spy by Margaret Brownley ~ Review

The Calico Spy (Undercover Ladies #3)Lucie's Review:

Katie  is a Pinkerton Detective, undercover as a Harvey Girl, in order to unravel the mystery of who is behind the recent murder of two Harvey Girls. She is intelligent, observant, and quick on her feet. But Sheriff Branch Whitman, doesn't like the thought of a woman Pinkerton, nosing in on his investigation.

Will they be able to come together in order to solve the murders, before someone else get's killed?

Full of action and adventure, this is a fast paced read full of humor and also great interactions. I like how both Branch and Katie find themselves tested, and forced to rely on their strong faith.

Branch is a Sheriff and a father, two jobs that he takes very seriously, especially after his wife died.

Overall, this is a very well done entertaining read, with a lot going on and multiple characters, and clues that keep you guessing the whole way through. Great for fans of Western Romance, and like a book to keep one on their toes and also bring a smile to the face :)




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12.24.2015

An Amish Year by Beth Wiseman ~ Review

An Amish Year: Four Amish NovellasLucie's Review:


Four lovely stories by Beth Wiseman.

Rosemary and Paul get a second chance at love, when Paul refuses to give up on her, and continues to respectfully pursue her. And is there to help when her family needs it most.

Jonas has loved Irma Rose since the first time that he saw her, but she thinks his ways are too wild for her. But God uses his out of the box thinking for good, could it perhaps bring them back together?

Patchwork Perfect, was my favorite story of the four. Miriam used to babysit for the young people of the community and she still stays in touch with most of the kids. Eli and Grace's father is a widower looking for a wife, and everyone knows it, leading to some hilarious situations.

The last story is a touching Christmas tale of Katherine a widow with four children, and James Zook shows up out of the blue helping them heal and entertaining them with crazy tall tales.

Overall, a fantastic collection. The stories are not related, though each happens in a different part of the year in a different season. A wonderful read, with great touching stories, of love and friendship.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12.23.2015

Hostage Run by Andrew Klavan ~ Review

Hostage Run (Mindwar, #2)My Review:



Rick Dial is back in the second installment of the Mindwar Trilogy he returns to the realm, on a life threatening mission to bring down Kurodar,
and save Mariel and Favian. But Rick isn't the only one in danger, his whole family is, and anyone associated with him--like his friend Molly, who is taken by Kurodar's thugs. Will Rick be able to thwart Kurodar and save the ones dear to him, before time runs out?

The action-packed, non-stop follow up to Mindwar, picks up pretty much right after the previous book, making it very important to read the first book as much of this book is built on assuming knowledge of the previous events. Though it does recount a few things in passing, making it easy to dive right into if it's been a while since reading the first book.

Rick is weakened by his last foray into the Realm, but it has never been so important that he return, as the walls that separate the realm from reality are crumbling, and Kurodar sets his sights on the real world.

A terrific read, that reads as an essential part of the saga, and not like a filler at all, which is so often the case with second books. I loved Rick Dial, as he is a young man, who is brave and heroic, yet he struggles with his own temptations. He's admirable, yet also relate-ably human.

Overall, a terrific addition to the series, sure to thrill and entertain. Riveting to the last, Mr. Klavan's excellent world building skills bring the story to life, with his wonderful grasp of blending fantasy and reality.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12.18.2015

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck ~ Review

The Wedding ChapelLucie's Review:

Jimmy Westbrook has loved Colette since high school. he built her a wedding chapel before he got drafted, but when he returned she was gone. Jimmy became a football coach mentoring many of the young boys in Heart's Bend, including Jack. But now Jimmy is facing pressure to sell the land that the chapel sits on.

Jack and Taylor had a whirlwind romance,  that leaves Taylor doubting if they can weather the storms their marriage faces.

The chapel is a well kept secret by many of the townspeople, and but when Taylor comes to photograph the chapel, and convince Jimmy to keep  the chapel.

Will they find the second chances that they are looking for?

A twisting tale, that comes in pieces, with fragments from the past and present, woven together and  made complete. it takes a while for the pieces to come together, and so for me it took a while for it all to connect and for me to care for the characters.

Overall, a story told through the years of forgiveness and second chances. I don't think I liked it quite as much as I liked her series about the Royals but it was a good read, though hard at times, and a slow start. Worthwhile in the end though.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Deadly Christmas Secrets by Shirlee McCoy ~ Review

Deadly Christmas Secrets (Mission: Rescue #4)Lucie's Review:

Harper Shelby doesn't want to be found, but Logan Fitzgerald isn't who she thinks he is, a member of HEART he is there to do everything in his power to protect her. After losing her job after a series of bad publicity following her sister's murder, she now lives outside a small town, making and selling homemade pottery.

When she finds out that there might be a possibility that her niece is alive, Harper makes new plans of her own forcing Logan to change the plans that he had made for he safety. Harper is forced to trust Logan, as they work together to find out who is after her, and what really happened to Amelia.

There is plenty of great interaction, as Logan and Harper get to know each other and learn to rely more on their common faith in God to help them find the truth. I loved how even though the situation was grave, they were still able to find moments of light, and moments to smile.

A fast paced book that was hard to put down, with a lot going on and plenty of surprises. Fantastic read from beginning to end!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Sentimental Journey Romance Collection by Cathy Marie Hake, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Dianna Crawford, Joan Croston, Eileen Kelly Hake, Sally Laity, DiAnn Mills, Janelle Burnham Schneider, Lynette Sowell ~ Review

A Sentimental Journey Romance Collection: 9 Love Stories from the Memorable 1940s
Lucie's Review:

Tales of love set during WWII.

Some of the stories are stand alone, and some read like a series, like four of the stories that follow rag dolls and their journeys. It all begins when Paul Kincaid asks Rosemary to make him some dolls, and he uses them to carry valuables to help the Jewish children. And throughout the war, they bring people together, while bringing hope to the children.

There are stories of others who bravely risk their lives for others, following their faith, and trusting God for their safety. In Of Immeasurable Worth Paul Austin is dedicated to saving the treasures of Europe, he befriends a book shop owner and his daughter, taking a rare Bible to America.

A variety of stories, spanning both sides of the Atlantic, full of love, hope, and courage. I loved all of the stories, but didn't want to spoil them for you, thus the brief review :) An inspiring read.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12.12.2015

Amish Homecoming by Jo Ann Brown ~ Review

Amish HomecomingLucie's Review:

Leah comes home at last, bringing her young niece, Mandy, with her. Leah has been the only mother that Mandy has known, ever since Leah's twin brother's disabling accident shortly after Mandy's birth, and his wife left them.

Leah never meant to leave the Amish, but when her brother left he ricked her into coming with him, and she stayed because Johnny and Mandy needed her.  She wrote her family every week, but the letters always came back unopened.

Ezra and Leah where childhood friends, and she could always depend on him when she and her brother had a falling out. But by the time that he realized that he wanted more than friendship with her, she was gone. Now that she's back, will he get a second shot at winning her heart?

Leah struggles to be at home back among the Amish, she has always kept the plain ways, but now that she is back her father refuses to talk to her, and Mandy longs for Philadelphia where her best friend lives.

I love how Leah's parents both welcome Mandy and shower her with love. And Shep is a great addition to the family, a service dog to Johnny, but also very protective of Mandy.

Ezra's brothers are very nice, and encouraging, fixing up is courting buggy and telling him to use it!

A fantastic book with great relationship building dialog, that shows the multiple emotions at play. Wonderful book about second chances and fresh starts, forgiveness, and repairing relationships. Definitely recommend :)



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection by Mary Connealy, Angela Bell, Angela Breidenbach, Rebecca Jepson, Amy Lillard, Gina Welborn, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Rose Ross Zediker, and Lisa Cox Carter

The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection: 9 Historical Romances Begin After Saying "I Do"Lucie's Review:

Fun, fast-paced, and exciting, this is a terrific collection that I enjoyed every minute of!

The Substitute Bride is a poignant read, about Gwen Bradbury, who has always felt like an ugly ducking next to her sister, so she agrees to her mother's scheme to marry her to Lord Carlyle, instead of her pretty sister. Lord Carlyle doesn't find out about the switch until after the wedding, so he is understandably upset, so he leaves her alone at his estate, where she spends much of her time reading. But when a tree crashes into the library, they find themselves working together to save the books, and finally getting to know their spouse.

It was a fantastic story of Gwen and Carlyle, as they get to know each other, and Gwen begins to see herself as Carlyle begins to view her. I loved Gwen, and her personal journey throughout the course of this book.

Hattie and the Sheriff of Hitching Post, MT end up spending more time than they expected together when they find themselves lock together in a jail cell, in Mule Dazed. Plenty of humor, and surprises in this delightful read.

In The Sweetwater Bride Tanner Harden discovers the secret valley that Debba McClain has made her home since her father's death. She has gentled all the animals including the long horn bull. Tanner takes her home to his parents, and the bull follows them. A fun read, with great characters.

I liked the strong heroines, like in Bridal Whispers, A Highbrow Hoodwink, and Not So Pretty Penny, they are brave and sacrifice a lot, taking chances and trusting God.

And the men are pretty brave too, stepping up to help a lady in need of a little help, in stories like The Colorado Coincidence, and Railroaded into Love. Through everything Molly held fast to her faith, and becomes the perfect partner for Noah's ministry.

Two sides of a feuding clans find love in All's Fair. When a Davies and Kent get in a fight and face jail time unless the two families are joined by marriage, Jackson volunteers to marry Coral. And she is set on keeping her vows.

Overall, a well done, fantastic collection, with everything you could hope for in a western romance pretty much covered. Definitely recommend!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12.11.2015

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray ~ Review


Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery #3)

Lucie's Review:

Lydia Bancroft finds her escape through her job as librarian, there she can forget about the daunting details of her life. After her father's death, her mother has been trying to wrangle her into marrying a rich man, who is not the kindest of men.

Sebastian Marks is a self made many who educated himself by reading every book he could get his hands on, he's had to make his own way from a young age, and now does well for himself running The Silver Grotto, a gambling den. He doesn't have a library card, but he comes to the library often, reading for a time then going about his way.

Lydia and Sebastian become unlikely friends, neither of them having ever truly had a friend before.

This is an interesting read with a lot of promise, but unfortunately I personally wasn't a fan of the bad language, drinking, gambling, and adult themes. Sebastian isn't a hero to be admired in my eyes, he doesn't seem to ever see that what he does isn't fair business, and Lydia doesn't seem to mind what his money can do for her until later on. I didn't feel that the characters grew very much as people and that most of their relationship seemed to be kind of inferred, and not shown through direct interactions, like it was mostly developed through thoughts in their heads.

One of the things I liked best about this book was Bridget and Vincent, and how they met and get to know each other.

Overall, a difficult review to write, because I really thought that I would like this book, as I have enjoyed other books by this author in the past, and I really wanted to hold out some hope and love it in the end. But I just didn't feel like I could ever really support the characters or appreciate the choices that they made. The writing style was engaging and swift, with great tension.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book: 

Whispers in the Reading Room (Zondervan, November 2015)

Lydia's job at the library is her world---until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World's Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn't merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks-the man so many people fear-is actually everything her heart believes him to be.


Purchase a copy: 
http://bit.ly/1lujxr6

About the author: 

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.

Connect with Shelley: websiteTwitterFacebook

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem by Lori Copeland ~ Review

Beautiful Star of BethlehemLucie's Review:

A meandering Christmas story going from Christmas to Christmas, each of which feels the same for Arlene who lost her memory in a plane crash, that also killed her husband, Jack.

Her children come to visit her every year at the nursing home, and she has trouble recognizing them. She remembers that her first grandchild was born right before the accident, but she doesn't connect her with the little girl that visits her every Christmas.

Though bitter sweet, this is a heartwarming tale of friendship and family at Christmastime.  I loved how her family still visited her, and how she was able to help her children, even though she didn't remember everything, she was still able to give them advice. Her friends at the nursing home accepted her for who she was, and admitted that they don't remember everything either. A bittersweet Christmas novella.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12.05.2015

Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh ~ Review

Keeping Christmas
My Review: 

For Judith and Stan this is the first Christmas alone, without the children or grandchildren around. And without them around it's hard for Judith to get excited about the rituals that make Christmas for them. One of her most treasured traditions is decorating the tree with the lovingly crafted homemade "ugly" Christmas Ornaments.

Will Judith and Stan have a Merry Christmas after all?

This is a sweet heartwarming read about an older retirement age couple who are in the predicament of being alone for Christmas, with their children miles and miles away.

I loved how Stan tried to help Judith, and even though he didn't completely understand at first. And also I really liked Judith's friend Bev, and how she tried to cheer up Judith.

Stan is a very loving husband, and even though it was hard for him to understand at first he loved her and showed her true love.

Overall, this was a simple and sweet read, a nice read, but also predictable. A very nice story about the importance of family at Christmas time.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12.03.2015

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki ~ Review

The Sparkle Box
Review:

A sweet and heartwarming tale of a little boy who learns that it is better to give than to receive at Christmastime.

A lovely book, with a great message of celebrating Jesus' birth by giving the glory to Him, rather than focusing on what we can get out of Christmas.
I loved how Sam's family wanted to teach him to care for others and to glorify God.

The illustrations are lovely, and I loved that it came with its own sparkle box so that you can start the tradition in your own home. A lovely story to read as a family and to share with others.

A well written novel with a timeless message, and charming illustrations that tell the story of  Sam and his parents who have a sparkle box and fill it every Christmas, and open it on Christmas. Find out the secret of the Sparkle Box along with young Sam, and start the tradition of the sparkle box in your own home, (this book comes with a sparkle box just for you and your family).


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12.02.2015

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky ~ Review

A Refuge at Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides #3)
My Review:

Penny Ramsey is a great help to her sister Kate, who is pregnant with her first child, and also foster mother along with her husband Jon to eight somewhat rambunctious children. But with the outbreak of war, the men are being called away to serve their country, and for safety the family returns to Highland Hall, the home of William and Julia.

When Jon brings his pilot friend Alex Goodwin home for a visit, Penny befriends him and they begin a correspondence.

In the midst of the tragedy of war, will Penny be able to help Alex regain his hope?

I love how compassionate and supportive Penny is of her family, taking on the large responsibility of helping Kate and her husband care for their eight adopted children. I loved how she welcomed Alex, and quickly befriended him, encouraging him in dark times, and never once shying away from being a true friend to those that mattered most to her.

Julia and William are raising Donald and Millie, but long for a child born of their shared love, but after many heartbreaks they struggle to hope.

Alex is a brave young man, who values life and fights to protect the ones that he loves. He is courageous and gutsy in the face of danger, he took pride in his responsibility.

A wonderful conclusion to a great series, it's sad to know this is the last one as I enjoyed getting to know so many of the Foster/Ramsey family, but it was good to catch up with them again in this book.
This is a terrific read with admirable characters, of substance and courage. Filled with action and faith, this is a book that makes you want to cheer for Alex and Penny. I definitely recommend the whole series!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."