Heart of an Agent by Tracey J. Lyons ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Former Pinkerton Agent Lily Handland is ready for retirement and a more settled life, she jumps at the chance to leave behind her hectic life, and invest in Great Camp a beautiful escape that is about to be foreclosed on. Great Camp is a place in the Adirondack Mountains where city folk go to enjoy the great outdoors and a simpler pace of life.

The Murphy Camp was thriving until 2 years ago when Owen Murphy lost his wife, losing himself in grief. Lily falls in love with the camp, and offers Owen a partnership where they will work together to restore the camp, Owen reluctantly agrees after urging from his banker.

Lily is excited about her new life, and sets right to work cleaning and making a list of repairs, responding to years of mail. Lily has no experience running a business, but she is organized, determined, and enthusiastic. Lily has a secret from her past that she wants to stay hidden, because she doesn't know if Owen would understand.

The Caddiebacks welcome Lily, they have faithfully worked at the camp, and are supportive of Lily's ideas to revive the place. I loved Mrs. Caddieback's cheer and strong faith.

I loved it when Owen started to come out of his self-imposed isolation and get excited about the camp again. He is very handy, and able to help make many of the repairs himself. He is a kind, capable, and hardworking man, and he becomes more likable as he shows his true colors. I like how he wants to get to know Lily better, and is himself abe to be more and more open with her.

Great dialog helps to grow their relationship, I like how Lily's faith helps Owen to re-examine his own. Quick start, great pace, and Mrs. Caddieback is just the most adorable lady ever. Highly enjoyable read with great characters, filled with hope.




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."

Hearts Entwined by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Love Knot

Claire came to Texas as a mail-order bride, but didn't end up getting married. She now lives in Harper's Station as a midwife, and sending home money to the her family. When her sister asks her to meet the train, because she is sending her something she is shocked to receive...her nephew?

Pieter van Duran agrees to accompany his infant nephew, Liam, to Harper's Station in order to deliver him to his aunt. Pieter has dreams of starting a dairy farm, and winning back the only woman he ever cared for.

Sparks fly between Claire and Pieter from the moment he steps off of the train. She's a fiery red-head with an Irish accent, and a way with words. While Pieter is a stoic Dutchman of few words, though meaningful and to the point.

Pieter is a man with a mission, he is humble and determined, he wants to be a part of Liam's life no matter what happens, and relishes this opportunity to prove himself. I love how Pieter's family is close to Claire's, and how they are both strong believers.

An engaging read, with fantastic characters that quickly captured my heart. Great dialog and touches of humor, but a story that also packs an emotional punch. My favorite of the collection.

Tangled Ties That Bind

If you are familiar with the Kincaid Clan then you will appreciate this story even more, Seth and Callie's son, Connor, returns home and finds that he is in for more than a few surprises.

Maggie is all grown up and after Connor left, she found the courage to follows her own interests, and she is currently training to be a doctor. She's committed to her education, and won't let his return get in the way of her dream.

Full of action, humor, and great dialog that grows theirs relationship. I love how Maggie and Connor are reunited and reconnect.

Bound and Determined

Camels don't like horses, and neither to cowhands. Private Bradley Willis has been assigned to escort the camels with their owner, and his beautiful daughter.

Bradley is more than a little shocked when he discovers his assignment, but he is a man bound by his word and he comes to respect the Captain, and admire Ambrosia during their trek.

An enjoyable adventure with a great ending!

Tied and True


Marianne and Calvin have known each other for a long time, but her family is wealthy and Calvin is not, so he is afraid to make a move. But that doesn't stop Marianne, she is a caring and compassionate young woman, who treats everyone around her with dignity. She doesn't care what others think, and I admired her strong spirit.

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."

Night Stalker by Shirlee McCoy ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When a serial killer turns his attention to Charlotte Murray after she foils an abduction, FBI Agent Adam Whitfield, a criminal profiler, is unofficially on the case as Charlotte is his ex-wife.

Can they stay one step ahead of the killer?

I like Charlotte Murray, she has been through a lot, her son drowned, and her husband left and divorced her. She still feels her loss, but she is active in church and teaches math at the community college. She also trained her big, curly ball of fur, Clover, to be a therapy dog.

Since the divorce Adam has become a Christian, and he regrets how he treated Charlotte, he is determined to keep her safe. He takes the initiative to talk to her and tell her things that he should have told her a long time ago. He doesn't give up and is willing to do what it takes to keep her safe.

Heartfelt, action-packed, and full of suspense, it was nearly impossible to put down. There were many twists along the way, and I love how Adam and Charlotte get a second chance. Great touches of humor, and a lovable ball of fur make this book memorable and add warmth. 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."

Accidental Family by Lisa Bingham ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When twin babies are left on  Pastor Charles Wanlass's doorstep, he vows to protect them and give them a home. Mail-order bride, Willow Granger comes to talk to Charles, and sees the twins, instantly recognizing them as the children of her friend Jenny. But when a crowd shows up asking about the babies, they both claim the twins as their own, leading them to fabricate a story of being married in England months ago. But the mine owner insists that they remarry, leading Willow and Charles into a marriage of convenience.

Willow goes along with the marriage for the sake of the children, she hasn't spoken to Charles, but has heard him preach and has heard good things about him in the community. She is timid and shy at first, but as they try to solve Jenny's disappearance and care for the twins so sees his kindness.

When strange footprints begins appearing outside Willow and the children's window, Charles is concerned for their safety. Charles enlists the help of two men to help him keep them safe. Smalls is a large mute, while Creakle is small and very talkative, they become great babysitters with humorous results.

I loved how the community wants to help with the twins, even though they suspect the truth.

Charles is good with the twins, and he admires Willow's determination, industriousness, and tender heart. He is a good listener, and is a man of his word.

This is a great book, engaging, with great interaction, mystery, a great community of side characters, with a lot going on, and a satisfying ending. Highly enjoyable!

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."

God Made the World written and illustrated by Sarah Jean Collins ~ Review

My Review:

A lovely board book based on the first chapters of Genesis, both written and illustrated by Sarah Jean Collins. This book is well written, with a eloquent and timeless prose that tells the story of creation in a way that children will understand and adults will enjoy when reading to their young one.

The illustrations pop with color and geometric shapes, showing the world in the stages of creation. I love how this book goes beyond just be a cute book, the verses have an elegance to them that makes this book memorable in how it draws from scripture with it's deceptively simple sounding verses.

back cover 

Overall a wonderful board book, full of bright colors, that tells the story of creation with beautiful evocative language that is great for all ages. Highly recommend this book!


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 Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Mary Elizabeth Chapman doesn't want to go to the New World, but when her father takes the opportunity to reserve passage on the Mayflower, it is decided. Mary Elizabeth must care for her young brother, as their mother has passed.

Mary Elizabeth, is fearful of what awaits them in the New World, but her dear friend Dorothy, encourages her to see it as an adventure.

William is a "stranger" and a carpenter by trade. He grew up on the streets until he was taken in by a kindly mentor. He is befriended by John Alden who lives his faith as a Separatist and shows William what a life of fait looks like.

I like how both Mary Elizabeth and her brother, David, grow up a lot on the voyage, taking care of the sick passengers. This story is full of history and does a grew job of bringing to life the plight and dream of the Separatists, and the struggles that they faced before and after landing on Plymouth. This book also highlights many great historical figures and their faith.

William is curious about the Separatists, and is respectful yet inquisitive. I like how he and Mary Elizabeth are brought together by their trials, serving others alongside each other.

Great attention to detail, rich in history , and inspiring historical characters that bring the plight of the Separatists to life, bringing to life the courage of those who through their faith were led to voyage to a new land.

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."

Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky ~ Review

My Review:

Isabella Grayson is a wealthy socialite with a passion for journalism, and an aspiring writer. She longs to prove her worth as a writer for the Daily Mail. Bella is inspired to write about the daring aerial feats of the daring men vying to be the first to fly across the English Channel.

James Drake is a pilot with a dream of making a name for himself in air travel, along his mentor and professor. He has a mysterious past that makes him question his identity, and he is determined to reach for his dreams and uncover the secret of his parentage.

A bit slow to start, but well researched this book tells of how air travel revolutionized travel and warfare at the turn of the century. Isabella is a charming, yet headstrong woman, quick thinking, and who knows how to get what she wants. She wants more than to be wealthy and to marry advantageously. She wants to follow her passion for writing, and be free to make her own choices. Yet she is respectful of her parents, even when she does things differently than they deem seemly.

James is a clever young man, he has worked to build his plane, and knows the intricacies of flying his aircraft. He has always wondered about the circumstances of his birth, and after finding a letter in an old hatbox, his longing for truth is renewed. I like his relationship with Martha and the Professor, who treat him as a son.

Overall, an enjoyable read about an exciting time period with the excitement of industrialization and flight, as well as the Edwardian rules of money and society. Great for fans of Downton Abbey's time period.

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 Family for Easter by Lee Tobin McClain ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
When a fire damages Eduardo Degado's home, leaving the widowed landscaper and his 2 children with nowhere to go, Fiona Farmington offers to affordably rent him her carriage house. Her four children are friends with Eduardo's kids, and all the children are thrilled with the arrangement.

Can Fiona and Eduardo overcome a world of differences and find love?

Eduardo helps Fiona with the garden she is putting in, he is a good father to his children, but regrets not being more present for his late wife during her cancer battle. He is a great father to his children.

Fiona is my favorite character, she's been through a lot, but holds firm to her faith. Se struggles with her body image, and the condescending things that her mother told her. But she is surrounded by wonderful friends who encourage her.

Eduardo and Fiona get to know each other working in the garden, he is a bit intimidated by her money, though she inherited it, and lives modestly. Their kids love each other, and I loved their adventures. Eduardo and Fiona have similar values and regrets about their pasts.

This is a great story of second chances and family, filled with humorous moments, and great 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."

Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
FBI Critical Incident Response Team, The White Knights are called in to recover some stolen military technology, self-steering bullets that would make a novice gunman a deadly sniper. Taking the lead on the case is former Marine Scout Sniper, Agent Rick Cannon, who is pleased to be returning to his old stomping grounds in Atlanta.

PTSD Psychologist Dr. Olivia Dobbs is swept into the case when one of her patients is murdered by one of the self-steering bullets right before her eyes. Now she's the only witness in a murder of a top secret case, yet she never saw the killer's face.

Can Rick keep Olivia safe against high tech killers?

Rick takes Olivia, Diann, who is Olivia's sister, and Diana's children to stay with his parents, in their well protected mansion. Olivia senses the strain between Rick and his mother, but he doesn't want her help with personal things.

Rick is constantly alert, and very driven, he is determined to sift through every clue to find the culprit. He likes to keep to himself, and doesn't enjoy talking about himself, which is why he is irked that Olivia wants him to share more about himself.

Olivia is my favorite. She lives her faith, and counsels people thusly. She is committed to her patients, but wants to help with the case as much as she can. Slowly but surely Olivia get's Rick to open up to her, he's everything that she's not looking for, yet they work well together.

A fast-paced race against time full of action and surprises, with a suspense filled and climatic ending. Great characters and dialog, I was happy to read about the White Knights again and look forward to more of their adventures in the future. 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."

An Unexpected Amish Romance by Patricia Davids ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Mark Bowman is learning the furniture trade from his uncle while in Bowman's Crossing. Mark has everything all planned out, he will return home and marry the daughter of his future business partner, when his training is done. But his intended back home wants out of the deal.

When Helen Zook's sister marries the man that Helen had intentions towards, Helen decides to go and stay with her aunt in Bowman's Crossing. Her mischievous aunt get's her a job working for Mark.

Will Helen and Mark be able move past their hurt and see a second chance in each other?

Aunt Charlotte is a different duck, she lives alone with her pet racoon, Juliet, and dog, Clyde. Sometimes Charlotte gets mixed up to hilarious results, and Clyde takes a distinct liking to Mark.

Even though Mark and Helen get off to a rough start, they find that they enjoy working with each other. She tries to help him win back his once intended, and be a good friend to him. Helen comes to appreciate her aunt's different ways, and her strong faith.

I really enjoyed this book, it was surprisingly fun and filled with humor. I loved Aunt Charlotte! I love the way the dialog really brings Helen and Mark's relationship to life, and how Mark and Helen grow in their faith. A wonderful 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."