10.29.2017

Christmas on the Ranch by Arlene James and Lois Richer ~ Review

Christmas on the Ranch: The Rancher's Christmas Baby\Christmas Eve Cowboy (Love Inspired)
Lucie's Review:

The Rancher's Christmas Baby
Dixon has gotten used to coming home to an empty house since his mother left when he was eighteen, so he is surprised to come home to a young woman holding a baby, and a frail older woman standing in his kitchen.

Fawn Amber quickly sets Dixon straight on a lot of things, she left her sister and her job to help her friend Jackie make amends with her son.

Jackie has a bad heart and lost her husband she wants to reconnect with Dixon in hopes that he will care for his baby sister when she is gone.

I like Fawn, she is plucky and outspoken, she challenges Dixon to try and see his mother's side of things.

I like how Dixon's heart softens towards his mother and younger sister as he get's to know them.

This is a great fast moving story with great characters, is romantic, with great touches of humor.

Christmas Eve Cowboy
Dr. Elizabeth Kendall and her daughter are enjoying the Christmas festivities of Snowflake, where they meet Brett Carlisle who is selling puppies. One of the puppies promptly falls in love with Zoey, but Elizabeth is not interested in having a puppy.

Brett helps Elizabeth and Zoey adjust to life in a small town, he is also in charge of the children's Christmas choir. Elizabeth loves music, but her ex had always been very judgmental of all of her attempts.

Brett has always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, and now he's torn, because he has been given the opportunity to leave Snowflake and make his dreams come true, just when he's found a reason to stay.

Elizabeth and Brett are both believers and they encourage each other to look past their pasts and believe in second chances. Great 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."

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan ~ Review

Deadly Proof (Atlanta Justice #1)
Lucie's Review:

Kate Sullivan is an attorney representing the families of patients who died of brain tumors caused by the drug Celix. When she is named lead counsel strange things start happening to her, she feels like she is being followed and someone slashes her tires. So she hires private investigator, Landon James, to look into the drug company after one employee tips her off that it may be bigger than just one drug.

I like that Landon takes Kate's security seriously and warns her to take precautions, as well as bringing in his friends to help him out. Landon is an ex-Army Ranger, he is haunted by what happened on his last tour, he blames himself and believes that God abandoned him.

I really didn't like Ethan, who went to law school with Kate, he is representing the pharmaceutical and is unafraid to try and use their "friendship" to his advantage.

Kate is my favorite, she believes in what she is doing and wants to help the victims that she represents. She is courageous, and refuses to back down in the face of danger. She has her own struggles, but her faith is strong. I like how she is able to keep her head in the moment when things get crazy.

Overall this was an entertaining read, with a tension filled plot, and several twists. I liked Kate and Landon, they have great interaction as they get to know each other and work towards a resolution.


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."

10.22.2017

The Second Chance Bride Collection by Lauralee Bliss, Angela Breidenbach, Ramona K. Cecil, Pamela Griffin, Pam Hillman, Laura V. Hilton, Grace Hitchcock, Tiffany Amber Stockton, Liz Tolzma ~ Review

The Second Chance Brides Collection: Nine Historical Romances Offer New Hope for Love
Lucie's Review:

I love this collection of novellas, it covers a vast amount of different time periods over the nine stories where people get a second chance at love.

Love in the Crossfire 
Gretchen cares for a man that she finds in the barn. Jacob is a scout for George Washington, as they get to know each other they find that they have a lot in common.

Fanned Embers
Lukas is a foreman at the mine, he is a hard worker of integrity. He promises to keep his men from bothering the newly widowed Juliana. She is hoping to leave as soon as she has the money to leave. But will Lukas change her mind? An action packed ending!

Daughter of Orion
Matilda signs on as a cabin boy on a whaling vessel, she shares her faith with Tom and he admires her faith, thinking her to be a young boy. However her secret cannot stay a secret forever...

The Substitute Husband and the Unexpected Bride
Cecily and Garret marry for convenience. He has a son, and she a  younger sister that she watches over. She fears that she doesn't measure up to Garret's first wife. For his part he respects her space and gives her time to warm to him. This is a really sweet story, I liked how they came to trust each other and commit to their marriage.

The Widow of St Charles Ave.
Colette wants to do more with her life than attend parties and wear pretty dresses, so she volunteers at an orphanage, and opens a school in her home, with the help of her friend Malcom. But when a flame from the past returns wanting to reignite the spark she has a choice to make.

The Prickly Pear Bride
This one was one of my favorites. Cole is looking for a good place to put down roots with a ranch of his own, and he meets a sheepherder that he can't forget. Evelyn has been watching the sheep since her grandfather broke his leg, Cole is worried about Evelyn and he does what he can to help them out, delivering supplies, which gives him time to get to know Evelyn.

Married by Mistake
Bessie wants to be married, but she doesn't like the traditional courtship rituals. Thomas really likes Bessie, but he doesn't think he will ever marry because the mistakes of his past. So his friend Archies takes it into his mind to help them out!

Love in Disguise
Anna is one of my favorite characters, she has made a life for herself in Colorado and has found a way to help the local Natives by selling their goods in her store. But when a face from her past walks through her front door, as Trevor gets to know Anna better he admires the woman that has become and her independence.

What the Heart Sees
Miriam recognizes a prisoner of war that she met before the start of WWII in Germany. Paul is a man of faith, and he works hard to prove himself. Miriam's father disapproves and wants her to marry their neighbor. But Paul and Miriam get their second chance?

I loved how all of these stories had a theme of second chances and love and faith in various situations.


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."

Amish Christmas Twins by Patricia Davids ~ Review


Amish Christmas Twins
Lucie's Review:

John Miller offers a ride to a woman and her two small girls, he is a blacksmith who restores old sleighs and is on his way to make a delivery.

Willa Lapp accepts the ride for the sake of her twins, Megan and Lucy. Willa just lost her husband and is afraid that his parents will try to take the girls away so she is headed to her grandfather's place. Willa grew up Amish, but when her parents left, they took her with them, and it's been years since she's seen her grandfather. But when her grandfather won't let them stay with them, John takes them home to his mother.

John's mother Vera is a very kind and welcoming person, she is happy to take care of Willa and the girls, and encourages them to stay. It's clear that she also may have some matchmaking in mind!

The girls are so cute, Lucy is more talkative and outgoing, and takes to John despite his gruff demeanor. Megan is more cautious and thoughtful, and she is a quick learner when John start teaching them some German words.

At first John tries to avoid Willa, but he wants to help her, and slowly but surely they become friends. He finds that he able to tease her, and loves her snappy retorts. Willa enjoys John's company and is especially taken with the way that he interacts with her daughters.

A wonderful read from beginning to end, I like how John and Willa and get to know each other, and how he helps her to confront her fears and embrace her faith. A well written and read, with great characters and adorable girls!

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."

Christmas Amnesia by Laura Scott ~ Review

Christmas Amnesia (Callahan Confidential #3)
Lucie's Review:

Maddy Callahan is an assistant district attorney, and the only girl in the Callahan Clan.

Police Officer Noah Sinclair recognizes Maddy as soon as he sees her in the hospital, when he learns that she was attacked, he vows to keep her safe. He is stunned that she doesn't remember him as he was her twin brother's partner before her brother, Matt, transferred to the K-9 unit, it turns out that she is suffering from amnesia and doesn't remember anything about the attack.

Noah thinks that the attack is connected the drug case that she was working on before that attack. Noah insists on taking her home, but when they are almost run over on the way home, they know that it is just the beginning.

I like how Noah takes charge and helps to get Maddy to a safe house, until her brother can come and help them. they talk alot and get reacquainted while laying low, as well as work on the case. Maddy wants to get to know Noah better, but he puts up walls, saying that he doesn't do relationships, and he blames himself for mistakes in the past. Noah is very passionate about putting the drug dealers away, and is good at what he does.

Even though Maddy can't remember much, even about her family, she does remember her faith, and holds fast to it throughout. Maddy feels safe with Noah, and I like how they are able to work together.

A great read, with a fast hook in the beginning, I loved coming back to the Callahans, and the camaraderie between Maddy and her brothers, and Noah too. I didn't want to put this book down, a great read, and a must read if you enjoyed the other Callahan Clan books!

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."

Mail-Order Marriage Promise by Regina Scott ~ Review

Mail-Order Marriage Promise (Frontier Bachelors #6)
Lucie's Review:

I loved revisiting Wallin Landing. Now that all the older brothers are married and the younger siblings are grown, Beth has decided to play matchmaker for her brother, John. She begins corresponding with a mail-order bride on John's behalf--without his knowledge.

But when Dottie Tyrrell arrives things don't go as well as Beth had planned. Dottie is determined to make a better life for herself and her young son, away from the city.

John wants to help Dottie, even though he doesn't want to marry her, or anyone else for that matter. He's been burned in the past, and doesn't want to think about marriage again. But he offers her a place to stay, and he moves back in with his family.

I like how John instantly takes to Peter, he enjoys holding him stories. As John and Dottie get to know each other, they find that they have more in common than he thought, they share a passion for books and literature.

I've always liked John, he is a peacemaker, and has always been more quiet, but he knows how to tell a captivating story. I love how Dottie comes to love his quiet strength, listening ear, and gentle way with her son.

This is a great read from beginning to end, I really liked John and how he is able to quietly stand out, and is comfortable in the man that he is. Dottie and John bring out the best in each other. This was a well written book with great characters and a fast moving plot. 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."

10.10.2017

Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley ~ Review

Justice Buried (Memphis Cold Case #2)
Lucie's Review:

Kelsey Allen is a vastly talented woman, and her uses her skills as a cat burgler, testing security systems for businesses. When the head of a leading security agency hires her to go undercover at a museum, she finds herself in the unique position to clear her father's name. Her father used to be a curator at the museum until he and a number of valuable pieces disappeared, naturally it was assumed that her father was the thief, but pieces are still going missing.

Will Kelsey be able to catch the thief and clear her father's name?

I thought it was funny how Kelsey's mom finds her a date to the museum fundraiser by talking to the guy's mom. Brad Holister is a police detective who is moving into the cold case division, they were acquaintances in high school, but were never close. When they find a dead body the case heats up and Brad agrees to look into her father's disappearance.

Kelsey is close to her family, she get's along well with her half sister and step father. Kelsey is incredibly talented, she can think on her feet, and is terrifically brave and caring. She isn't so sure about where she stands with her faith, but is willing to talk about it.

Brad is a great officer, and is a great compliment to Kelsey as they both bring different skills to the investigation. Brad is dedicated to his job, and is strong in his faith. I like how quickly he is willing to jump in and help Kelsey with her mission.

This is an action packed read with a lot of great character interaction. Filled with mystery, and plenty of surprises, this makes for a definite page turner! I really like how Brad and Kelsey work together to solve the mystery and find Kelsey's father. Fantastic 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."

10.09.2017

The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman ~ Review

The Promise of Breeze Hill (Natchez Trace #1)
Lucie's Review:

Connor O'Shea has indentured himself to a master builder in order to be able to bring his brothers to America from Ireland. But when his master dies, he must find a new benefactor.

Isabella Bartholomew has taken on the heft of the responsibilities at Breeze Hill Plantation after her brother's death in an accident that left her father severely injured, leaving Isabella to fight an uphill battle. She takes a chance on Connor in part because she hears of his honorable plight to bring his brothers to America.

Will Connor O'Shea be the man that she needs by her side to make her family plantation a success again?

When Isabella hear that her pregnant sister-in-law, Leah, needs her she is determined to make it home to be by her side. Connor knows that going home by the Natchez Trace is no place for a woman alone, so he borrows a horse and goes after her. Connor proves to be a protective presence, a man of action, always there to help Isabella when she needs help. He is strong in his faith, but he lets a mistake from his past color his perception of Isabella.

Isabella comes to appreciate Connor, and doesn't see him as a servant, and doesn't want him to see himself that way either. She is determined to prove that she is up to the heavy task on her shoulders, and not let her family down.

I really liked Isabella's father, he bonds quickly with Connor, who encourages him to get out and start doing more around the plantation. I also really liked William Wainwright, Isabella's brother good friend who proves to be great family friend.

This is a fascinating book about an interesting time and place in history. Both the main characters are headstrong and admirable, but they don't communicate the best with each other. It was a bit slow to start, but it sped up as it went along into an adventure full of romance and action.

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."

Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors ~ Review

Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the BeautifulMy Review:


Katie continues to tell of her experiences in Uganda with her 13 adopted daughters, the many people who have touched their lives, and how God has used it all to His glory. She shares her heartbreaks, and struggles to find something good to thankful for, learning to love fearlessly and care for people tenderly like Christ.

From beginning to end I was inspired by Katie's faith, trusting in God's timing and His will for her life and the lives of others. She shares from her heart, the things that God has shown her through her experiences, and the love that God has given her for the hurting.

Katie tells of her family's many friends and how they came into their lives sometimes for only a season, as her faith grows, and she sees her daughters grow in their faith as well. I loved reading about her caring for HIV positive friends, and how she met her husband and stepped into an intentional relationship.

Overall, an inspiring read that I had a hard time putting down, heart rending and raw at times, yet still full of hope and trust in God's plan. I loved the themes of trusting in God's perfect will, in the midst of heartache. Highly recommend for everyone!




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."

10.08.2017

The Amish Witness by Diane Burke ~ Review

The Amish Witness
Lucie's Review:

Elizabeth Lapp comes home to the Amish community that she left 7 years ago, to go and live English with her friend Hannah. But now her friend is dead and Elizabeth saw the man who killed her, and she is afraid that he will come for her too.

When Thomas King stops by Mary Lapp's farm to help her with the chores like he always does, he sees a man attacking a young woman, and to his surprise the woman is his former fiance, Elizabeth.

I like that Thomas was able to move on a make a life himself, with a wife and two children. His wife died in childbirth, and now he is a widower with two young children. And now he wants to help make Elizabeth's move back home as easy as possible, he is determined to help her stay safe.

I love the way that Elizabeth and Thomas get reacquainted, as they work together to get to the bottom of the strange things going on. Elizabeth wants to be honest with Thomas, but she is afraid to tell him about why she left their community in the first place, and keeps putting it off. Thomas is a godly man, full of faith and very protective of Elizabeth, I like how he is honest with her about his struggles too.

This is a great book filled with action and plenty of mystery and suspense.Great characters, dialog and interaction, I liked that this book also had lighter moments, where we get to see another side of Elizabeth and Thomas. A highly 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."