The Rails to Love Romance Collection by Amanda Cabot, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Lisa Carter, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Susanne Dietze, Connie Stevens, Liz Tolsma ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Outlaw on the Pueblo Express --Mary longs for adventure, and finds more than she bargains for when she accompanies her aunt on a train trip to Colorado, and befriends a reporter named Wyatt who comes to their aid when they run into difficulties along the way.

The Depot Bride -- Is about the building of the train depot in Cheyenne, WY. Eugenia's father hires Mason to write a book about the depot using Eugenia's pictures. They find that they work well together, but Eugenia's father has other plans for Eugenia's future, that do not include Mason.

Last Stop Cordelia -- Cordelia is a reporter who will do anything for a great story. Neil works for the railroad and is given the job of keeping Cordelia out of trouble. Sparks fly as this headstrong couple learn to work together as a team, in this delightful read.

Train to Eden-- John rushes to help after coming upon the scene of a train wreck, he finds a woman who cannot remember who she is, and brings her home to his aunt. John and his aunt work to help the mysterious woman, whom they name Eve, sharing their faith with her. Eve wants to remember, but she is afraid because the local sheriff suspects her to be a thief!

Love on the Rails -- Tilda tries to make her marriage to Jeffrey work, but they are very different people, with different expectations for their marriage of convenience. Jeffrey stays late at work,  so that the dinners that Tilda makes are ruined. They struggle to find connection in their marriage, until they realize that they have their faith in common.

Honeymoon Express--Ellen needs a way tot get to her new job as quickly as possible, but the Honeymoon Express is for couples. Nash offers her his extra ticket, when he overhears her dilemma. Mysteries abound in this fast paced adventure, that turned out to be one of my favorites!

Just for Lucy--When the couple who was to adopt a young girl named Lucy dies, it falls to the uncle, Abe, to care for the girl. Amelia is he woman who accompanied Lucy to what was to be her new home, and she offers to come and help care for the girl while Abe figures out what to do. Meanwhile Lucy and Amelia are quickly stealing his heart.

My Soul Waits--  Rosemary misses her train to Philadelphia, where she was headed to go to school to learn to be a lady. But when she misses her train, everything changes, Jeremy finds her a job cleaning the depot, and finds her a place to stay in Sweetwater, Nebraska. And she learns that it doesn't take a fancy school to become a lady.

The World's Greatest Love-- Will and Ellen work on a circus, Ellen is in charge of costuming, and Will makes sure that everything runs smoothly. But when things start going wrong, and Ellen looks guilty, even Will begins to wonder if she is to blame...

Nine novellas each of which was highly enjoyable, with strong men of faith like Nash, John, and Jeremy, women who step out in faith like Ellen and Amelia, heroes who come to the rescue like Wyatt, Will,Abe, Neil and Mason, as well as women who find their faith like Eve and Rosemary. A lovely collection that makes for a 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."

A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

It's been five years since Avery Truitt fell in love with Prince Collin, and he cut off all communication, calls, texts, and even unfriending her on facebook.

Avery and her mother come to visit Avery's sister, Susanna, and are invited to the Harvest Ball.

Collin is completely shocked to see Avery at the ball, and when the harvest bell rings, everyone assumes that he is announcing his engagement to Jordan Skye, the woman he has been escorting to all the social events. It has long been a tradition that when there will be a royal wedding on Christmas day that that prince will ring the harvest bell. So as the speculation grows, and as Christmas nears, Collin must make a choice.

I was thrilled to get the opportunity to read the lastest and last book in the Brighton Kingdom Series, I have enjoyed all the previous books in the series, and was utterly delighted to be able to return to Brighton Kingdom, though saddened that it was to be the last time. I loved revisiting other couples like Suzanna and Nathaniel, and enjoying the delightful atmosphere as everyone tries to figure out what the Harvest Bells meant when they tolled at the ball.

I thought that the morning talk show hosts, Madeline and Hyacinth, were delightful as they tried to figure out the bells, amidst friendly and hilarious banter.

I loved the interaction between Collin and Avery as they learn to trust again, in the wake of past hurts. Collin must evaluate what his honor and duty as prince mean to him, as well as what God's will for him is, and if it is the same as what his heart wants.

I love this series set in a kingdom where the ruler still loves and honors God above all things. An engaging, uplifting, romance full of faith, family, and fun just in time for Christmas! You won't want to put this modern fairy tale 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."

The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel by Mike Berenstain ~ Review

My Review:

It's Christmastime in Bear Country and the snow is beginning to fall. It's a snow day and Brother, Sister, and Honey want to make a snowman, but not just any old snowman with a corncob pipe and a stovepipe hat. Finally they settle on a snowangel, and when they are done and ready to warm up from the cold, Mama and Papa tell of the special angel and the role he played in Christ's birth and life.

A wonderful read to share with the young ones in your life on a cold snow day. I grew up reading everything Berenstain Bears', and I'm delighted that there are new stories to share with a new generation. Perfect for storytime or as a gift, this a lovely read, with enjoyably classic illustrations, and laced with timeless truth.

Timeless storytelling that you will want to share with your loved ones over and over again. I have enjoyed revisiting my favorite bear family through these new adventures, and even more than that I have enjoyed sharing their stories with my young friends. I highly recommend this wholesome 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."

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Finn McGregor as been staying in a cabin in the woods, hoping to get some rest and relaxation, but when he hears a woman's scream his Army Ranger training kicks into high gear. He rushes through the woods to the neighboring cabin and surprises a sleeping woman.

Dana Lewis is surprised to be awakened by Finn, but is relieved to learn that he was trying to help her and not harm her. And she looks forward to his return to fix the screen that he broke while mistakenly trying to help her.

Finn keeps finding excuses to come over and help Dana out, and a friendship forms as they get to know one another. But when someone vandalizes Dana's property, it becomes clear that there is more going on than they realize.

Finn is outgoing and protective, he realizes that his friendship with Dana is special and he doesn't want to mess it up. He wants her to know that he is serious, he takes her to church with him, and gives her space to work, while still coming over often to check in on her.

Dana is a book editor, she is an independent woman, with a strong faith, but she starts to wonder if she should give into the pressure to leave her home in the wake of the vandalism. Dana and Finn work together to solve the mystery and find out who is trying to scare Dana away and why.

A fast paced, action packed read, with a climatic ending that had me glued to the page. There was great chemistry between Finn and Dana, I loved it wen they were together, as well as the humor between them, as well as with Finn and his brothers. A fantastic read, full of suspense, romance, and 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."

Identity Unknown by Terri Reed ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Deputy Sheriff Audrey Martin grew up in Calico Bay, which sometimes makes it difficult for people to take her seriously at her job. But when a man who doesn't know his own name washes up on the shores of Calico Bay, it becomes clear that there is someone out there bent on finishing what they started by trying to drown him.

Audrey is determined to help this mysterious John Doe, even though she knows nothing of his past, she sticks by his side through everything.

Will they be able to stop the killer before it's too late?

I like "John" and even though he doesn't know what is going on or who he is, he  thinks of others and their safety first.

Audrey believes in "John" even when evidence seems to suggest that he may have been part of a crime, she stands by him and insists on finding the truth. She is strong and courageous, she does her job well, but always feels like she has to work harder to prove herself, except with "John."

Action packed from the very first chapter to the last, I couldn't put it down. Great characters, interaction, and an intriguing mystery, I loved twists and surprises along the way!



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 Sheriff's Christmas Twins by Karen Kirst ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Sheriff Shane Timmons has been a loner most of his life, taken in when he was fifteen by a family with a boy and girl near his age. He spent much of his younger years avoiding Allison Ashworth, because he didn't want to taint her with his dark past, but now she is coming to visit him in Gatlinburg for Christmas.

Allison comes to Gatlinburg and finds her heart captured by a set of twins who in the middle of a family feud, and their grandfather asks that Allison care for them. As Shane helps her care for the twins, they find that their childhood attraction is still very much alive. Can they give a family to these motherless twins?

Shane has always been a bit aloof, keeping to himself, even though he has made a few friends in Gatlinburg. He is a hard worker, who takes his job seriously. He's always liked Allison, but was afraid to let her get too close to him, but now that they are raising two children together, he starts to wonder if his life of solitude is really what he wants.

Allison, has a big heart for others and has had a crush on Shane since she was a young girl, she's never married because she could never find someone who measured up to her standards like Shane.

Overall, a great story of a second chance at romance in time for Christmas. A great read, engaging, with a humorous beginning, and a lot going on. I like seeing many of the people from past books, and meeting new ones as well. A lovely read, with great dialogue. 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."

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal ~ Review

My Review:

An absolutely gorgeous journal, filled with verses, prayers, and room for you to write down your devotions and notes from quiet time with God, accompanied by lovely illustrations to color.

This would make a great gift for someone who enjoys coloring and journaling, bound in a sturdy hardcover, this book makes for a great keepsake. Each illustration is accompanied by a prayer for the day and a scripture selection. This would be a great addition to devotions.

Overall. a completely lovely book, I almost didn't want to color in it because it was so pretty. So whether a gift for someone else or for yourself, this a lovely book that becomes even more so with use. Definitely a great product to keep in mind during the upcoming season.



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."

If you liked this review consider checking out these resources:

• Tyndale’s Inspire Creativity board on Pinterest has downloadable samplers and sharable coloring pages from our coloring and Bible journaling line, the Living Expressions Collection!

• Check out www.livingexpressionscollection.com for the latest news and information on our coloring and journaling products.

Lone Star Dad by Linda Goodnight ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Nurse Gena Satterfield, has become the guardian of her nephew Derrick, and she has hopes that moving home to Gabriel's Crossing, will help ease the transition to their new life. But she never knew that moving to Gabriel's Crossing would bring her face to face with the secret that her sister swore her to secrecy on before her death.

But as her neighbor Quinn Buchanon connects with her nephew, cutting through his anger and the walls that he has built around herself, she wonders how long she can keep her sister's secret.

Quinn is a former football star, but his career came to an end with an injury that took him off the field, and he hasn't played football since. But as his relationship with Derrick grows, he finds himself throwing around the ball and giving him some pointers. He helps Gena with Derrick, and finds that he likes their company more than he thought he liked being alone.

Gena is smart, capable and compassionate, everything has happened so fast and she's doing the best she can to make it all work.

Overall a great book. and Quinn changes a lot over the course of the story, realizing that it isn't what he has lost that defines him, but who is now and what he let's define him. I really liked how he connects with Derrick and help him adjust to life without his mother. A great read about second chances and new beginnings.


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 Rancher's Texas Match by Brenda Minton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Macy has been  the guardian of her nephew, Colby, since the death of his parents. But Colby has been taking the loss of his parents hard, and acting out, so Macy arranges for him to stay at the Lone Star Cowboy League Ranch. Macy gave up a good job in order to come to Haven and raise Colby, and she wonders if she is up to the task of becoming a parent to the troubled boy.

Tanner Bartstow is a busy rancher and business owner, but he still makes time to volunteer at the Ranch. He becomes even more invested with his time at the ranch when an old timer leaves his property to the boy's ranch, but there are more than a few strings attached.

Will Tanner and Macy be able to work together to give Colby a happy home?

I liked how Macy puts her nephew and what he needs first, doing her best to give him what stability she can, while trying to decide what her next move is.

Tanner connects with Colby at the ranch, and he understands some of what Colby is going through, because of what happened to him and his siblings in their childhood. He has a plan for his life, and none of those plans involve a city girl who may be heading back to the city at any time.

Chloe is Tanner's sister, she befriends Macy and tries to play matchmaker for her brother. Sometimes she struggles to get her brother to understand that she isn't a little girl any more.

Overall, a great start to a new series, with a great community of characters. I loved the dialogue between Macy and Tanner and how they grew to depend on the other and care for each other and Colby. A lovely 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."

Catching Heat by Janice Cantore ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Detective Abby Hart is ready to bring her parent's murder to justice, all she needs is the nail-in-the-coffin evidence to seal the deal. Meanwhile she and PI Luke Murphy are sent to St Luis Obispo to work on the case of a murdered college student. While there they take on a third case between a husband and wife, where they don't know which one is telling the truth.

Will Abby and Luke be able to unravel these tangled threads, and figure out their feelings for each other once and for all in the process?

A fast paced drama, brimming with suspense, and mystery, hard to put down. Luke and Abby must rely on each other more than ever before, as they struggle to find sync and trust.

I will admit that I had not read the previous books in the series, so I was a bit hesitant despite hearing such wonderful things about this series. But despite it being the third book in the series, and many of the storylines carrying over, I had no trouble at all jumping right in to the story and what was going on. This was a fantastic read for me, but I can only imagine that it is an even more satisfying read for long time fans of Abby and Luke!

Abby is very independent, perhaps too much so, running headfirst into danger. She is very good at solving crimes, with a great mind for putting all the clues together. She has so many people who care for her and have her back.

Woody is the third member of their cold case team, who brings breaks to come of the unease between Luke and Abby. I also really liked the reporter, Gunther , who jumps in to help them solve the mystery of Abby's parents.

Luke has a strong sense of duty, he has a young daughter, and he has a protective nature, yet he also admires Abby, and brings the best out in her.

Overall, a thrilling read, with so many threads and a lot going on, it was hard to put down with the compelling storyline all leading to a great climax and satisfying ending. 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."