7.23.2016

Fatal Vendetta by Sharon Dunn ~ Review

Fatal VendettaLucie's Review:

Elizabeth Kramer is a news reporter in her hometown of Badger, Montana. The thorn in her side is Zachary Beck, who runs a news blog, and always seems to beat her to the scene of the crime.

Zach picks up on some mysterious behavior and witnesses Elizabeth's abduction, will be be able to put all his skills to use to save her before it's too late?

I like how Zach is there for Elizabeth when she needs him and is more than willing to help her find out who is behind it all. I liked how it brings Zach and Elizabeth together on the same side, and they find in each other someone that they can each trust.

Elizabeth is a strong woman with a passion for reporting the truth, and she doesn't let the fact that she's working for a small town paper keep her from doing her best.

Zach was probably my favorite, he has his own past to deal with, and he goes out of his way to help people. He has a great sense of humor, and insists on teasingly calling Elizabeth, "Betsy."

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end with intense tension and suspense, and I couldn't put it down! Non-stop action and well developed characters that make you want to cheer for them teh whole way through!




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."

Wolf Creek Wife by Penny Richards ~ Review

Wolf Creek Wife (Wolf Creek #5)Lucie's Review:

Blythe Granville finds her world turned upside down, when her unwitting marriage to a married man, who runs off with her inheritance, leaves her on the outs with society. She accepts the position as the Wolf Creek schoolteacher. When she comes upon sawmill owner, Will Slade lying on the ground, feverish and unconscious, she brings him in just before the storm hits and nurses him back to health.

Blythe nurses him through the night, doing damage to her already tarnished reputation, and putting her new job at risk.

Will has had his share of heartbreak, and he doesn't want a repeat of his disastrous first marriage. Despite the pressure from the townspeople, he stands firm in his refusal to marry Blythe. Will Blythe and Will let their unfortunate meeting keep them from giving love a chance?

I really liked Blythe and how she handles the various challenging situations that she finds herself facing, with grace and dignity. Her mother proudly stands by her side, through all of it, supporting her and encouraging her along the way.

Blythe and Will are two people who take marriage very seriously and even more so after both of their past disappointments. And I liked their common respect for marriage the commitment to make it work. And the more that they spend time together, they realize how different it is from what they had experienced in the past. And they both turn to God to help them make things work. There is great dialogue between Blythe and Will, as they slowly start to trust one another.

Overall, a wonderful read, I loved Blythe from the very beginning, and cheered for her throughout, and Will slowly won my trust. I loved coming back to Wolf Creek and revisiting old friends.



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."

7.18.2016

Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

Forever Safe (Beacons of Hope, #4)My Review:

The only daughter of a wealthy businessman, and heiress to a vast fortune, Victoria Cole has lived a charmed life, and is preparing to complete the fairy tale by marrying Nathaniel a kind young with a family fortune of his own. But as the wedding draws closer, Victoria finds her life being threatened by malicious hi-jinks. So her father hires renown bodyguard, Tom Cushman to keep her safe. But as danger nears, they are forced to take drastic measures to keep Victoria safe, and she must trust Tom completely, marrying him temporarily for convenience and moving out to the coast where his parents keep a lighthouse, until the danger is past.

Will Victoria be able to face her fears and let go of the insecurities that haunt her?

The Cross of Hope comes full circle with the story of Victoria Cole, daughter of Isabelle and Henry from the very first novella in this fantastic series.

Victoria has always traveled in high society, keeping up with the latest fashions, and attending various parties, but when it comes to marriage she has never made it down the aisle in either of her previous attempts. Though pampered, and used to a privileged life, Victoria has a big heart for others, and is willing to give living at the lighthouse a try.

Tom Cushman has protected many clients in the past, even royalty, but none as young and enchanting as Victoria Cole. But when an old friend asks him as a favor to take the job, he can't refuse. Tom is an honorable man, stealthy, and observant, who is skilled at his job, and is ready to take every precaution in order to keep Victoria safe.

This was a fast moving read, and I could scarce put it down, the plot was well done, and every page tingled with tension. The chemistry between Victoria and Tom was strong, and their relationship grew throughout the storyline. I really liked how Victoria learned to live at the lighthouse, and found that she didn't need all the things that she had before to be happy. And Tom's parents were incorrigible!

Overall, a well crafted story that I loved beginning to end, I loved the suspense and romantic tension. Victoria grows and in a way it is a coming of age, because she learns to stand up and fight for who she loves. An utterly fantastic conclusion to the Beacons of Hope Series, I would highly recommend it!




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."

7.17.2016

To Love a Stranger by Colleen Coble ~ Review

To Love a StrangerLucie's Review:

Jasper Mendenhall has been corresponding with a woman from Boston for the last six months, so he marries Bessie by proxy and sends for her to join him in Wyoming.

Bessie is shocked to find that her sister Lenore has been writing to a soldier using Bessie's name, and has even married Bessie to him by proxy. With an open heart and mind, Bessie heads out west to take a chance on loving a stranger.

I liked Bessie from the start, she is very level-headed, and doesn't overreact to what her sister did, she asks to see the letters and prays about her decision. I liked her can-do attitude and determined spirit, and she relies on faith her faith to get her through.

Jasper is shocked when he meets Bessie, she is not what he had expected, but he agrees to continue on and get to know each other. I liked how he let Bessie keep baby Ruthie, and soon finds himself wrapped around her tiny finger. As time passes Jasper learns to appreciate Bessie, and her determined spirit, along with her willingness to work hard.  He is a man of faith, and suggests that they begin reading the Bible together to learn about love from its Creator.

I loved the development of their relationship through their words and actions, they build trust and find an understanding. My heart went out to Bessie immediately, and she was my favorite character throughout, though Jasper did row on me as he proved to be a strong, dependable, and faithful man.

Overall, a fantastic book with a great plot, and great cast of characters, I liked the realistic setting that showed the struggles of fort living and the struggles that many women faced. Highly 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 California Gold Rush Romance Collection by Amanda Barratt, Angela Bell, Anne Greene, Linda Farmer Harris, Cynthia Hickey, Pam Hillman, Jennifer Rogers Spinola, Diane Christner, Jamie Jo Wright ~ Review

The California Gold Rush Romance Collection: 9 Stories of Finding Treasures Worth More than GoldLucie's Review:

Nine women are swept up into the gold rush, some following their fathers, some sent for, and some choose the gold fields.

Lorena Quinn goes to the gold fields in search of a story, but finds so much more, and discovers a side of herself that she never knew before in The Price of Love.

The Best Man in Brookside finds Sophia fighting to save the local fair, making new friends along the way, never complaining.

I really admired Ming, and her determination in The Golden Cross. Ming follows her uncle from China to the goldfields, and they find hope as they learn to live their faith in America.

I liked the men of faith too, like Rafe Riley in The Marriage Broker and the Mortician,being a mortician is not the dream job for Rafe, but it gives him an opportunity to offer comfort and share the gospel with the miners. He's happy to help Eve when she is stranded in Eureka, and they form an unlikely friendship.

I liked Jackson in A Sketch of Gold. He captures images of the goldfields for the the papers back east. He get's a job following Roy McIlroy and his "son" but it doesn't him long to figure out that the job is slightly different from the one he thought he was signing on for.

I liked the way that Jack treated Thalia in Gold Haven Heiress. He has recently made big changes in his life, and wants to bring that new life into the ghost town of Gold Haven. But the town is not as uninhabited as he thought...

The Lye Water Bride has Jo Bass on the heels of a mystery when she finds discrepancies in her papers at the bank, and around the a strange comes to town asking a lot of questions.

One of my favorites is Love is a Puzzle, Shanyn's father goes missing, she works together with Nick, another member of the surveying team to find her father, and put together the pieces of the clues that her father left for her to find him.

Civilizing Clementine was a humorous and entertaining read. Clementine's father hires the Featherstone sisters to turn his daughter into a lady, but Clementine is determined to thwart them at every turn, but they are very resourceful and recruit the help of Samuel a reporter, and friend of her father to help her practice.

Overall, a wonderful read that shows the many various aspects of the gold fields, and the people who risked it all for the chance at a better life.



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."

7.13.2016

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer ~ Reveiw


No Other Will Do
Lucie's Review:
Emma Chandler is an enterprising young woman, a banker who has created a safe space for women where they can receive a hand up and not a hand out in Harper's Station, Texas, where any woman is welcome...but most men are not.

When her town is threatened, by an unknown foe, seeming to want to drive them out, Emma knows just the man for the job. Malachi Shaw, is Emma's childhood friend. He is a hardworking, intelligent, and capable man, who respects what Emma and her aunts have built.

As sparks fly between the reunited friends, will they be able to find  who is behind the threats in Harper's Station?

I loved Emma's aunts, Henry and Bertie. Henry is a straight-talking woman, who says it like it is, and wears bloomers. While Bertie is soft spoken and tenderhearted. They both raised Emma after her parents died, and they support Emma's big dreams.

Emma is a natural leader, and has a compassionate heart, she knows all the ladies in town and is more concerned for their safety than for her pocketbook. I admired her strength and determination to not go down without a fight.

I loved the camaraderie between the women, and how they band together to uplift and support each other, with resilience.

I really liked the relationship between Malachi and Emma, they were childhood friends, and haven't seen each other for 10 years, until Emma brings him to Harper's Station. Malachi and Emma work together well, and are both inspired by the other to be a better person.

Overall, this is a fat paced read filled with action, mystery, colorful characters, faith, and humor. Malachi is a gallant hero, and Emma is a brave heroine with a plan, who won't let the cowboy ride away. There was so much to love about this book from the wonderful sense of community and fantastic women that made up Harper's Station, to the splendid chemistry between Mal and Emma. This was a read that I couldn't out down, riveting from the first, and even more so after Malachi stepped onto the scene. A thoroughly enjoyable 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."

7.10.2016

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar ~ Review

Land of SilenceMy Review:

Elianna suffers from soul crushing guilt after the accidental death of her brother while he was in her care. She works hard to earn her father's favor by working in his shop, and creating new designs, turning her father's business into an even more prosperous one, with the help of her betrothed, Ethan, and friend Viriato.

But nothing is enough to please her father, Elianna struggles to keep up with the demands of running a textile shop, but when events unspiral beyond her control, with heartbreak, sorrow, and illness, will Elianna have the faith to turn to the One who can look past her pain and forgive her past?

Elianna is a compelling woman from page one, carrying the heavy load of guilt from a situation beyond her control. The one thing she wants always far from her reach, first the love of her father, then her betrothed. My heart went out to her, yet through it all she bore her burden gracefully trying her hardest to yet think of others. I liked how Elianna sought God, and even though she bore the weight of her pain and illness, she still found joy in God's word.

I loved that through it all Elianna had true friends that stood by her through thick and thin, and some unlikely ones like Titus and Claudia. I liked the kinship that she had with her sister, Johanna, and how Viriato was always there for her, helping her find solutions to many of her predicaments. Ethan was honorable and a strong man, willing to wait and fight for the woman he loved.

Ms. Afshar does an amazing job of bringing to life the time before Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and how difficult it was to navigate society, especially for Jewish women, during that time. I was blown away by this book and swept into a world with a very different culture and society from my own, I loved how she brought the setting to life, along with the full cast of well drawn characters. A memorable read, and excellently done!



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."

Stand-In Rancher Daddy by Renee Ryan ~ Review

Stand-In Rancher Daddy (Lone Star Cowboy League: The Founding Years #1)
Lucie's Review:

CJ Thorn is shocked when his brother skips out, leaving his twin daughters in CJ's custody. He doesn't know much about taking care of children, be he is determined to take care of them with the help of their mother's friend, Molly.

Molly Carson Langley is widowed and never had any children, yet she drives out to the Triple-T Ranch to help take care of her friend's children, Anna and Sarah.

It's up to Molly and CJ to take care of the two girls, will they be able to beat the odds and give the girls the family they deserve?

I love CJ's devotion to his nieces, he loves them dearly, but there are moments when he is clearly in over his head. They lovingly refer to him as "Unca Corny." He's a man of faith and integrity, I liked how he is also a good member of the community, and concerned neighbor, he loves the girls dearly and wants to do his best by them.

Molly helps by watching them during the day while CJ works and becomes very attached to the girls, but a secret in her past prevents her from dreaming of being a permanent member of their family.

I really liked the dialog and interaction between CJ and Molly, though they have known each other for years, they've never worked so closely together before, and I liked their determination to care for the girls.

Overall, a fantastic read, I loved the idea of jumping back in time to the founding of the Lone Star Cowboy League, with many familiar families. Anna and Sarah were so cute, and I liked the added element of a mystery to solve. A book I thoroughly enjoyed!


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."

7.05.2016

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson ~ Review

A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides, #2)Lucie's Review:

Phoebe Von Bergen is excited at the opportunity to travel with her father to America. She tries hard to smooth the ruffled feathers that her father leaves in his wake, with his expectation of preferential treatment and harsh words.

Phoebe's father is interested in investing in the sapphires mined in Helena, Montana. There they meet Ian and young Kenny. Ian facets gems, cutting them so that they catch the light to their best advantage. He also cares for the son of his mother's friend, Kenny, helping out where he can because Kenny doesn't have a father in his life.

Phoebe has found a promise of new life in Montana, but her father plans to return to Germany, will she have the courage to fight for her new beliefs?

I liked Phoebe and how she is not like her father, she is curious about Christianity as her father forbids any sort of religion. But she is curious about the faith that her late mother held dear. I liked how she matured over the course of the book learning the chart her own path, and making new friends.

There is a lot going on in this book, but it takes a while to get there, with a slow start, but after that it picks up from the middle to the conclusion. I really like Elizabeth and Kenny, who befriend Phoebe and are not afraid to reach out to her, and talk about their faith. A great book that is so much more than a romance.


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."

Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley ~ Review

Silence in the Dark (Logan Point, #4)Astor's Review:

Bailey Adams left Logan's Point to go to the mission field, breaking off her engagement to Danny Maxwell. Now she's on her way back to the States, with one of her students, Maria, but what started out as a simple trip suddenly has Bailey and her young charge running for their lives.

She enlists the help of Danny, but as the web grows ever tighter, she wonders if she will be able to keep those dear to her safe.

A fast paced read, fraught with tension that has me glued to the pages and hanging on for dear life. Engaging from the very first, it makes for a read that you don't want to put down.

Bailey has a big heart and hates confrontation, which is perhaps why she's always running away from her problems. But facing her fears may be just what she needs to come to terms with her mistakes.

Danny never stopped loving Bailey, even after she left him to go to Mexico. He is more than willing to help protect Bailey, even if it means his own life.

Maria is just adorable, and creates many bright and adorable moments throughout the tension filled read.

Overall, a wonderful edge of your seat read, that has non-stop action, and you won't want to put it down! A well plotted read that had me guessing throughout, an excellent addition to the 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."

7.04.2016

King's Folly by Jill Williamson ~ Review

King's Folly (The Kinsman Chronicles, #1)My Review:

Hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes plague the five kingdoms, growing and groaning with increasing frequency, and the kingdoms rumble with unrest.

In Armania three princes vie for their father's throne. Wilek wishes to end his father's cruel practice of human sacrifice, but when he is taken captive by the Magon he is forced to fight for not only his crown, but his life. Trevyn dodges through the webs of conspiracy at court, destined for the priesthood, Trevyn spends his days translating the Book of Arman, and running the rooftops with his backman Hinck. Trevyn finds himself maneuvering through the foils of court life, while trying to reveal the dark secrets of his elder brother, Janek, finding an unlikely confident in Mielle, handmaiden to his brother, Wilek's betrothed.

Charlon longs for safety and belonging, having just escaped a life of abuse she seeks refuge with the Magonians, welcoming their spells and their coaxings to become a mantic--one who consorts with spirits.

Kal goes in search of the meaning behind the mysterious rune left in the wake of a cruel murder, but his search leads him instead to a blind prophetess and her guide cat, a mysterious boy who defies the laws of nature, and hired exiles sent to bring about the rescue of his prince.

As the earth crumbles and shatters beneath them, will they heed the prophecies of the true prophet before it is too late?

Originally released as three e-books, comes the first installment in The Kinsmen Chronicles. Told through many characters, amazingly I didn't have too much trouble keeping track of them all, and there were many! A tightly woven storyline that had me rushing back to its pages whenever I had a spare moment, I couldn't put it down, as I came to care for one character they were thrown into peril, and I was introduced to yet another that captured my sympathies. Excellent pacing and storytelling, the names may sound familiar-ish as this is prequel of sorts to Ms. Williamson's much acclaimed Blood of Kings Trilogy, though the connections are not yet easy to connect beyond the Hadar name.

A well built beginning to a new saga, that left me wanting more, I dreaded the ending, yet raced on towards it, needing to know what would happen next, yet dreading that I might not get the answers that I desired. I was completely drawn into the story, not knowing from one moment to another who should be trusted and who I should cheer for.

I admired Trevyn, though often underestimated by those around him, the son of the King's unloved wife, he is full of fire, and knows his own mind. I liked his discerning mind, and that he weighed the things presented to him to consider, as well as his sense of adventure, and how he treated those around him as equals.

I can't wait to read more about Kal and Onika, and also to learn the significance of Grayson's abilities.

For much of the book I wasn't quite sure what to make of Wilek, which you will likely understand as you read this book, and perhaps that is what makes him one of the most interesting characters as he showed a well done complex growth throughout the novel.

One thing I will mention is that this book has a more adult tone to it, due to the immorality common in the courts of Armania, nothing is graphically detailed or played out explicitly, but it is there nonetheless, and I would advise this book for adults or older, mature teens.

Overall, a masterful read with a well built storyline, and many complex characters, full of adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat. There is so much going on, between the multiple interwoven stories and characters, and  I can't wait to read the rest of the series!



Thank you Ms. Williamson for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an honest review!

7.03.2016

In a Killer's Sights by Sandra Robbins ~ Review

In a Killer's Sights (Smoky Mountain Secrets, #1)
Lucie's Review:

Non-stop action from the very beginning, when Gwen Anderson inadvertently witnesses someone discarding a body in the Tennessee River, and becomes the killer's next target.

Dean Harwell happens upon a woman being threatened, so he steps in to intervene and is shocked to find that the woman he is trying to save is his ex-wife, Gwen.

A lot has changed for both of them since their parting, Gwen is in the mountains to scope out the scenery for an upcoming documentary, while Dean is back home to help his grandfather run the family dude ranch, after overcoming demons of his own.

I liked Dean, he's changed a lot, and overcome is addiction with God, AA, and his best friend, Ben. He has been praying for the right time to show Gwen that he's changed, even though he vowed never to go seeking her out.

Gwen agrees to let Dean help her, though she wonders if he has really changed. I liked Gwen, she is a strong woman who has made many hard choices, and even though she thinks that she has come to terms with what happened she finds that there might be more to their story still to be written.

Overall, a strong story of second chances. I liked that man that Dean has become since the divorce, he's taken responsibility for his life and learned to take his problems to God. A fast-paced read, full of intensity and emotion, and fully satisfying read that I couldn't put down!

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."

7.01.2016

The Berenstain Bears' Caring and Sharing Treasury by Jan and Mike Berenstain ~ Review

The Berenstain Bears' Caring and Sharing TreasuryMy Review:

The Berenstain Bears learn about planning for the future, caring for others. being a good friend, and watching their tongues.

5 stories in one volume, bound in a study hardcover edition, this book contains five titles from the Living Lights Collection.

I learned to read reading the Berenstain Bears so their books will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am so glad that new stories are being written to share with the next generation.

Wholesome, and geared towards younger readers, this specific collection focuses on serving others and what we we can do to be good friends, good neighbors, and good citizens.

Overall, a delightful collection of wonderful and wholesome children's stories, that I'd highly recommend to young readers.

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."