Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

 

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off, I'm really loving the cover on this book! You'll read more about this dress!

Secondly, I'm a huge fan of Karen Witemeyer! I love her writing style and the way she incorporates the Word into her stories. These are my favorite types of books to read!

Crockett Archer is on his way to audition for the open pulpit job when a band of train robbers stops the train. They only want one thing...the preacher man. Crockett realizes his plans are all messed up now but when he learns that he was abducted because the leader's daughter wanted a preacher? Well, things might end up working out ok.

Joanna Robbins has been praying for a preacher for quite some time. Their little local church hasn't had a preacher in awhile. Joanna is also hoping to fulfill a promise she made to her mom. A promise to get her dad to see the love of the Lord and how He could help Silas out through life.

The Lord works in mysterious ways sometimes, and often in ways that aren't the way a mortal human plans. Joanna, Crockett, and Silas learn this in a variety of ways in this story of love, redemption, and correction.

This is a very clean romance with a spiritual message. Bible verses are spread throughout. I highly recommend this great read!!

View all my reviews

Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott

 

Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.75 stars

I am really enjoying this series and am hoping that there will be more books to enjoy! This author is making her way to my favorites list also. I enjoy her writing style and the stories that she weaves.

This book could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend you starting at the beginning of the series to get the full story on how Shadow Defense came to be.

This story started off just a tad slow for me but that was short-lived. I soon found myself lost in the story and read this all in one setting. There is a lot of action and suspense with a little bit of romance thrown in. You'll find yourself loving a character then hating them the next page. This book does discuss some difficult issues so use caution if this would bother you.

A great read that goes by quickly!

View all my reviews

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah

 

Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great adventure awaits when Craig and Linda get to explore the maze and free Princess Sheona. Of course, their parents aren't happy about their previous adventures but feel like it's safe to let them go diving since they are nowhere near Nessie.

This book is geared more towards emerging readers and is a chapter book. I love that this author writes across a span of age groups for kids. Her stories are very engaging and full of adventure. There are oftentimes scientific angles to the stories as well!

View all my reviews

Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman

 

Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.75 stars

I was hooked from the prologue of this book but it quickly vanished and I found myself wondering when this story would end. I love a great mystery book and I love music so I was questioning what I was missing when this story just stalled out for me.

This story is set in 1976, the day after Christmas. There were several things, which the author discusses in the appendix of the book, that just didn't fit within the time frame. These really threw me off while reading this and took away from the book for me. While an author has the right to defect from historical accuracy, I personally felt like it took away from the story.

I also felt like parts of this story dragged on forever and several things felt like they were on repeat for me. I realize my review is unpopular opinion, as several people really enjoyed this story. I felt like it could have been 100 pages shorter and still accomplished the same outcome.

One thing I did like about this story is that I agree with the conclusion that True North came to in the end. It was the right thing to do considering all the circumstances.

Please don't take my review as the best, as previously mentioned, my review is not of the popular opinion. It's an enjoyable story but it took me much longer to read this one than most books in this genre take me. I had a hard time staying engaged in the story but did read it to completion.

View all my reviews

Critical Care (Chase Care Series Book 6) by R.L. Dunn

 

Critical Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm a fan of R.L. Dunn so when I saw an opportunity to pick this book up, I couldn't pass on it. I thought it might be a general romance novel, which it is a romantic novel, but oh so much more! I also love medical themed books and this one did not disappoint. Many would be possibly turned off by the use of big medical terms but not this girl! I dove right in!

My initial first impression of the first few chapters is that it was a cheesy romance novel. The terms of endearment used between Tim and Willow were a bit over the top in my opinion. I almost spit out my drink a couple of times at the cheesiness of it all. However, the story took a quick turn from strictly romantic to being full of suspense. I couldn't read it fast enough to know all the twists and turns. There were quite a few plot twists, which engaged me even further into the book. A couple I saw coming but not all of them.

I have not read the previous 5 books in this series. This can be read as a standalone. However, I'm very intrigued by this Chase Care organization, as well as being a fan of this author, so I'll be going back and reading the other books in this series.

If you love a psychologically twisted plot full of medical procedures and jargon, this one will not disappoint!

View all my reviews

Protective Custody by Lynette Eason

 

Protective Custody by Lynette Eason
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great suspenseful mystery with a small amount of romance scattered throughout.

Carly Masterson is a US Marshall who has been assigned a new duty station. She isn't thrilled when she sees that she is responsible for guarding Judge Nick Floyd. He let a murderer go who then in turn murdered Carly's partner. Can she keep her personal feelings for Nick out of this assignment?

I figured out pretty quick who the main person involved in all the activity was going to be. There were not so subtle clues throughout that led me to that conclusion. It didn't stop me from reading the book though, as I wanted to see how it all played out.

Overall, an enjoyable read!

View all my reviews

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

 

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thursday is madly in love with her husband Seth. They've been through so much together and she loves the time that she gets to spend with him, which is mostly on Thursdays. One thing that is unique about their relationship is that Seth has two other wives, Monday and Tuesday. Thursday is his legal wife though. They have a rule that the identities of the other wives should never be discussed or investigated. One day though, something triggers Thursday to find out who Monday really is. That day changes everything.

While reading this book, I couldn't figure out who the crazy was. I finally decided it must be me because of how quickly things kept changing! I wasn't completely surprised by the ending as I was starting to have inklings about halfway through but there were a few nuggets that still caught me off guard. I enjoyed this book and it will probably be one I think about for quite some time. I read this on the recommendation of my sister and I'm so glad I borrowed it on the Libby app from my local library!

View all my reviews

Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes

 

Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super cute book that talks about being brave. Hay faces some perils along the way to a birthday party but together with his friends, they make it safely.

This would be a great book to sit and read with a youngster facing a difficult situation. It can be used to help them face the situation more bravely.

The illustrations in this book are very well done as well. They are very vibrant and engaging!

View all my reviews

Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom

 

Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carrie has found more items in Grandma's closet. This time they are wands, or so she thinks. Carrie soon finds out that these are not wands at all but Magic Wanda's. They are very different but very cool and Carrie can't wait to see what else she can find in the closet!

Super cute book that would make a great bedtime story! I am a huge fan of this author and recommend her books to be on every library shelf, whether public or private!

View all my reviews

Dancing Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series) by Debra Parmley

 

Dancing Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Suki eyes Frank....Frank eyes Suki. It's an instant attraction and when Frank rescues a favorite earring of Suki's, their fate is sealed. Almost permanently and pretty quickly. Shots are fired and Frank is pushing Suki towards the basement door. Suki injures her foot (not a good thing for anyone but especially a dancer!) and Frank has to carry her.

During her recouperation time, Frank is pretty bossy. He does work for Al Capone after all, and is used to having things go his way. Frank doesn't want Suki going anywhere, talking to anyone, and most definitely not walking on her foot. Suki isn't about to be told what to do by another, especially a man. Will she ever be free of his rules to be the person she is or did she sell her soul to the highest bidder?

This was an enjoyable book and was a pretty fast read for me. I am anxiously awaiting the next book as this storyline has me intrigued!



View all my reviews

Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes

 

Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seal Gray is playing with his beach ball when he loses control of it. Several things transpire from that and Gray finds himself in a situation where he's lying about the ball being his. This book focuses on telling the truth and preserving friendships.

The illustrations in this book are very colorful and attractive. Be sure to show anyone you are reading this to the pictures. If a young reader is reading to you, use that as a teachable moment about items in the pictures, as well as the story itself.

View all my reviews

Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman

 

Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun little read that starts off at a wedding with the attendants being cats. What a cute idea! Janie is horrified to see someone in the crowd at the wedding that she was hoping she'd never see again. Apparently a few others felt the same way! Soon we learn that the "mystery man" is found murdered on the floor of Janie's shop.

Not one to shy away from a good mystery, Christy and her cats Milton and Pearl report for duty. They know Janie is innocent as they were all together during the time of the incident. Micah also pitches in to help in between his shifts as an ER doc. Together, they will find a way to solve this mystery, but what other mysteries will pop up in the process?

These cats are SPOILT!!! They are the stars of this book series and have a big role to play. They are also the characters in Christy's book series that she writes and sells in her bookstore. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. This was my first time reading her work!

View all my reviews

Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young

 

Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Marcy is called in to help out her friend Justine as a costume designer for an upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" when Justine is called away to other duties. Marcy shows up and the director comes across as very brash and condescending after Marcy was told that he was a big teddy bear and very sweet. First impressions matter! As Marcy is attending rehearsals to gather the needed information to fit everyone for costumes, she suddenly finds herself reading lines for the female star of the show. The actress casted for this part has never shown up for any rehearsals and no one knows where she is or if she's ok. Marcy fits in great with the cast and soon finds herself not only as the costume designer but also as a lead actress.

There are some very strange occurrences in the costume loft. Weird flashes of lights, sounds of chains rattling, and bats just to name a few things. Marcy is able to see auras and along with her friend, Tess, they are able to see into the supernatural world. Marcy and Tess "meet" Ellen, the original female lead from 50 years ago who mysteriously died during the production of the show. Can Marcy and Tess figure out this mystery and put Ellen to rest?

This book is very enjoyable, as was the first book in this series. This book can be read as a stand alone but why would you want to miss out on all the fun of vintage dresses and historical sightings? I'm hoping there will be more stories in this series to come!

View all my reviews

The Curse of Jean Lafitte (The Big Easy Collection) by Mary Walsh

 

The Curse of Jean Lafitte by Mary Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a super fun read on a lazy afternoon! I couldn't put it down!

The first thing that I love about this book is all the recommendations that the author gives out for someone visiting New Orleans. I've never been there before and not sure I'll ever go but if I do, I have a good start on places to visit. I also love hearing about the research that she put into this book! I feel as if I was there, on the streets along with Juliette and Jean.

There is humor (a lot of it actually), paranormal activity, swashbuckling action, mystery and more in this story. I found myself laughing at a lot of Jean's actions and I figure if it'd been me, I'd have wanted to hang out with him after getting to know him a little bit better.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to others that may follow!

View all my reviews

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran

 

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's VERY rare that I read a non-fiction book and this is the first audiobook that I've made it through. Two big accomplishments right there and it didn't take me 12 weeks to do it.

This book has some great ideas, but several of them have been presented in other books before. Also, the ideas are repeated a little too often for my liking. I know that repetition is essential but this was a little overkill at times.

The basic premise is to treat 12 weeks as a year so you have more to celebrate and more to work towards. It's a mindset shift based on the idea that having year long goals are often unattainable but making those goals shorter and more specific, you're more likely to be successful in 12 weeks.

There are some aspects that I will definitely implement in life so this book isn't a total loss for me. I wouldn't invest money in any of their online resources or buy a copy of the book to keep on my shelf.

View all my reviews

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 

Coming March 2024!!

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This beautifully written book is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story with a western twist.

The Three Cedars Ranch is hosting a ball, or rather Eli Dearing is hosting the ball, in the hopes of wrangling a husband for his daughter Samantha. She's not happy about it because she just returned home from her schooling in Boston and she doesn't need or want Daddy's help in finding a man. In her time away, Sam has become rather prim and proper but also has a wild side to her.

Clint Dearing is the younger brother of Samantha and he's just now starting to learn the ins and outs of running a ranch. It's a lot of work but he's learning a lot and super happy to have his sister home.

Asher Ellis is a ranch hand at the Bar 7 Ranch but he comes home to take care of Momma Bess and his younger siblings. When he learns that Eli Dearing has evicted his family from their home, Asher sets out to find out why. He dares to enter the ball to find the study and the paperwork he needs to confront Mr. Dearing about putting his family in dire straits. When Mr. Dearing enters the study and hears something, Asher has no choice but to jump out the window.

A pursuit takes place and Clint finds himself in the pond and he can't swim. Sam is screaming for help and Asher jumps in to save Clint. He leaves behind a clue to his identity but that could come back to haunt him eventually.

This is a clean romance novel that is full of adventure, family secrets, traitors, and lots of good cooking! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to many more from author!

View all my reviews