The Bracelet by Dorothy Love ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A mysterious bracelet, and a mystery that threatens Celia's reputation and her very life.

Celia is a very intelligent and involved young woman, who can talk business and politics with her father, and also lends her time helping at the orphanage.

Sutton MacKay has loved Celia since he was a boy, he works with his father in the shipping business, and is constantly concerned for what possible oncoming war could mean for the future.

A full cast of characters bring this tale to life. I especially liked Celia's father, who is very kind. And Mrs. Maguire who has a wonderfully colorful and distinctively Irish way of putting things.

There was great interaction between Sutton and Celia, but it was brief, and at time rather far between, as Sutton was always rushing off somewhere. And then he left for 2 yrs.

The setting was great, and there many wonderful characters. I loved how Celia decided to look for answers, and didn't stand idly by.

Overall a book that had so many great elements, though I will admit that something about it just didn't hook me as much as I thought it would have, so it was a bit slow going for me personally. Great for lovers of mystery.

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."

Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ginger Winters has overcome a lot, surviving a fire and suffering severe burns as a child. She still is self conscience about the scars, yet she finds joy in working as a hairdresser making others feel beautiful.

Tom, Ginger's highschool friend is back in town to plant a church, and he runs into her when he needs a haircut for an upcoming wedding.

Will Ginger ever realize that she too can be a beautiful bride?

A touching tale of faith and finding love, that I loved to the very core. There was mystery, and sweet romance, and characters that captured my heart. I don't want to spoil any of the wonderful reveals. A wonderfully constructed story, with great dialogue and interaction between the characters.

Overall, definitely a book that I would 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."

Under the Lawman's Protection by Laura Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When deputy sheriff Isaac Morrison receives a call from an old friend, he responds immediately making protecting Leah Nichols and her five year old son his top priority.

Leah's brother has gone missing, and he fears that Leah and her son may have become targets.

Will Isaac be able to protect the small family that has captured his heart?

I'll probably be the first to admit that this is isn't my typical genre, but this book caught my attention and didn't let go. I loved the characters, and especially how Isaac bonded with Leah's son, Ben. Leah's nursing skills definitely come in handy during all of this.

Action packed and riveting to the end, this book came together well, as they searched for answers and tried to keep Leah and Ben safe.

Overall, a fantastic read that I would happily 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."

Cowboy Seeks a Bride by Louise M. Gouge ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Rand Northam has matured a lot in the last few years, taking on greater responsibilities with the ranch and he is ready to settle down. So Rand lets his parents send for a mail order bride for him, from back east.

Marybeth O'Brien met Rand's sister years ago when they attended the same finishing school together. She longs to reconnect with her estranged brother who left so many years ago to escape their abusive father. Last she heard he was in Colorado looking for gold, so when the Northam's ask her to consider marrying their son, she accepts.

I loved how welcoming many in the town are to her, and how Rand gave Marybeth her space to decide and walked her home from work everyday while taking the time to get to know her. He was respectful of her, above all. He even helps her search for her brother.

I loved the connection between Marybeth and Rand, and how there where plenty of humorous moments.

Overall, a great read, with two main characters that I really liked, throughout. Definitely a book that I'd 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 Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

I loved every moment of this book! From beginning to end I was engaged.

Abigail Foster is a practical young woman, who loves her family. So when they fall on hard times she offers up her dowry and her chance at finding a husband so that her sister can take her season and her family can survive. But still they must sell their home.
But them they are given an offer that they cannot refuse from a generous and anonymous benefactor, who wants to lease Pembrooke Park to them at a reduced rate, and in return they will fix it up.
Not only that, but Abigail begins to receive mysterious letters, along with pages from a diary from the past.
Will Abigail uncover the mystery and find out the true reason that they have been invited to Pembrooke Park?

A spellbinding read that I couldn't put down. Filled with mystery, in a detailed setting filled with many wonderful characters. I really liked Mac Chapman, the caretaker of Pembrooke and how even though he has a gruff exterior, he has a heart of gold. His son is a passionate young preacher who truly cares for his congregation and makes his sermons easy to comprehend.

I loved how this book came together, with all the pieces coming together, I especially liked how Abigail grew in her faith through it all. I loved how Abigail was a relatable character, and she struggled with jealously of her beautiful magnetic sister.

Overall, a wonderful read that I was loathe to put down. I loved the friendship between William and Abigail, and how their dialogue brought them closer together. There were so many pieces and I loved how it all came together in the end. Amazing 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."

Petticoat Detective by Margaret Brownley ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Jennifer Layne is on the trail of the Gunnysack Bandit, as a Pinkerton detective being in disguise is nothing new for her. But going undercover as a bordello worker is something entirely new. But just when Jennifer thinks she may have a lead, her one source is killed.
Ex Texas Ranger Tom Colton is one of her main suspects, and he in turn is determined to clear not only his name but that of his brother.

A well written book with many interweaving mysteries, and fantastic characters. I really liked Tom from the beginning because he always treated Jennifer with respect even when he thought that she was a lady of the night. He is a good man.

I loved how Jennifer trusted God, and reached out to the other girls at the bordello. She is sharp and always on the lookout for clues even when they don't add up.

I loved how the book progressed with a steady collection of clues and the growing friendship between Jennifer and Tom. There were plenty of moments of humor that brought a smile to my face.

Overall, a fun read with great characters thrown together in this adventure packed western mystery. Definitely one I'd 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."

Updates & Merry Christmas!

Hello there! I know I haven't been blogging a whole a lot recently, and part of that is due to finals and boards coming up this Tuesday. I've been keeping busy and making plans for some great Christmas break fun. I am hoping to be able to post many of the reviews from books I or my mother have read recently when my schedule clears up a bit. You can bet your boots that I'm definitely counting down the days till break! 

So what have I been doing? Well, just this week I finished up with this semesters clinicals and took an exam and one final. I'm studying for my last final on Tuesday and my board exam. I've been really enjoying reading Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky and that's a review you should keep your eyes out for, I'd been meaning to get it out sooner, but then I just got busy. We are preparing for Christmas time at AWANA, making gifts for leaders and the kids. As a reward for finishing up with finals I am going with some friends to see the last Hobbit movie at the midnight showing. Then later that day, I will be making cookies with some friends to give to some people who will be spending Christmas in prison. So I will definitely be keeping busy! I'm still working twice a week at the Cracker Barrel. 

So over the next few days you will probably not be seeing too much of me, as I should actually be studying right now instead of typing this brief post...

Have a Merry Christmas!

Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Ten years ago John and Hope parted ways after their wedding, because of a change of heart. But what they don't know is that they are still married...
For ten years Hope and John have been living separate lives, not knowing that that they were still married.
But when John come home to Harmony, could a second chance at love be in store?

A tale that works well in the novella format. I loved John aunt, who is such a sweet lady, wanting to open her home to host weddings in the month of December.

Overall it was a sweet story, but I didn't really agree with all the choices that Hope made. It was a fast paced story, with great interaction between the characters. A sweet romance of second chances in time for Christmas :)




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."

Her Cowboy Hero by Carolyne Aarsen ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 


Keira and her father, Monty, work on their ranch, fixing saddles and making beautiful things from leather.
When Tanner, Keira's ex comes with his saddle to be repaired, Monty welcomes him with open arms. It's been six years since they broke up, but since then somethings changed, something that Keira has told no one, not even her parents.
Will her secret keep them from a second chance at love?

Tanner is a good man haunted by the death of his brother and still hurt that his father left the family ranch to Tanner's stepmother and her son, David.

The interaction between Keira and Tanner was great, as they got to know each other again. I loved how they both weren't perfect Christians, they were human and flawed,yet all the more real for it all.

Overall, a well written story filled with great characters and plenty of tension. But a story of hope and inspiration, and second chances.





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 Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Laura Woodfield used to help her father at the brickworks before the war tore everything apart. Now that her father is dead, and her mother wants to sell, Laura is determined to make sure that it goes to someone worthy, and she is willing to help them make the business work.
Ewan McKay's uncle is the one who is buying the brickworks from the Woodfields, and he wants to make sure that they are treated fairly. Ewan knows about running a brickyard but he doesn't have the money to buy the one from the  Woodfields. Ewan's uncle is not a man known for following through with his promises, and Ewan doesn't want to see Laura hurt.

Will Ewan and Laura find their way in the ever changing way of life after the war?

Laura is a wonderful young woman with a big heart. Her mother wants the best for her, and thinks that she has Laura's best interests at heart.
I really liked Ewan and how he was hardworking, and really just wanted to live the American dream of working hard and prospering.

Overall, a well researched read, filled with history and drama.


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."