The King's Gold (Kingdom of Mir) by Lois Wickstrom

 

The King's Gold by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great story from Lois Wickstrom! In this story, the King's goblet is missing. He tasks Wynnie, his young advisor, to locate it. Wynnie pretty much already suspected where it was and she quickly found the goblet. Before she'd let the King have it back, she asked a series of questions and established a new relationship between the King and a thief.

This is a great story to read aloud or have read to you. Kids will love the dragon and the story!

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A Cowboy Unmatched (Archer Brothers #2.25) by Karen Witemeyer

 

A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neill Archer is looking for a way to fund his dream of a ranch and land to go with it. He starts asking around about work available in the area while at church and before he can leave, he finds a note in his Bible with an opportunity for an interview. There is a widow needing a new roof put on her house. When Neill arrives, he doesn't receive the warmest welcome and then is surprised to learn who the widow is. He's gonna fix her roof but there might be more involved than originally intended.

I LOVED this novella but I didn't want it to end when it did. It was a super fast read and I kept wanting more of this story. I have really enjoyed this series from one of my all-time favorite historical fiction authors!

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More Than Meets the Eye (Patchwork Family #1) by Karen Witemeyer

 

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great book!! It starts out with gut wrenching information about Evangeline and her family. Then things seem to smooth out and be alright. Then more drama ensues with a very sweet ending. I was all over the place with my emotions in this book. There is prejudice, there is murder, there is gambling, there is redemption, there is romance, and so much more!

I'm looking forward to reading book 2.5 in this series as I read book 2 before reading this one. Thank you, Karen Witemeyer for writing such amazing books!

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In Honor's Defense (Hanger's Horsemen #3) by Karen Witemeyer

 

In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book from my local library's online reading app. I absolutely love Karen Witemeyer books and knew this one would not disappoint! I have not read the previous books in this series but felt comfortable diving into this one. It can be read as a standalone but I have to know more about Hanger's Horsemen so you can bet I'll be going back and reading the other two, plus any to follow!

Damaris....I love her name! She's a rather unattractive woman in her mid twenties who is caring for her elderly Great Aunt when a letter comes informing her of her brother's demise. She also learns at that time that her nephew, Nathaniel, has been left in her care. Damaris packs up her life in St. Louis and moves to Texas to be with the teenage boy who's now lost both of his parents.

Luke Davenport was born a fighter and will probably fight until his last breath. He is a member of Hanger's Horsemen and has been hired by a Mr. Grimes to help investigate the case of his missing cattle.

Damaris and Luke meet under rather unfortunate circumstances (at least for Damaris!) but they form a bond that is unlike any that either of them have experienced before. There are perils, heartache, sub par food, fires, a teenage boy, books, and more that bring them together in some fairly unique circumstances. Their love for the Lord will see them through all of these circumstances though!

I loved this book and struggled to put it down. When I did have to put it down for a bit, I thought about what life might have been like in this fictional story. I love how Luke didn't focus on Damaris's physical appearance, but rather her heart. It's a very touching story that I found myself tearing up over at times. Other times I laughed, then I'd get mad. I hope there will be more stories in this series and I'm going back to catch up on the stories that I've missed! I'd love to see the wives get a series too!! (**HINT HINT**)

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Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

 

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Penelope Snow is travelling with an acting troupe as an assistant to the lead actress, Narcissa. When Penelope starts to catch on to Narcissa's evil ways, she's abruptly taken out to pasture and left to die by Narcissa's right hand henchman.

Titus Kingsley is a Texas Ranger who's reeling from the loss of his brother, Tate. He's officially taken himself off the market after a woman led to Tate's demise. That is, until he sees HER. She's twirling around in a field with not a care in the world.

The seven men of Diamond D become super protective over Titus and Penelope when life brings them together unexpectedly. Can the lot of them keep the Evil Queen (Narcissa) away and let the Prince win his girl?

I LOVED this story!! Karen Witemeyer never disappoints with her stories! There are so many levels in this book and many raw emotions that come out. This is a loose retelling of the fairy tale of Snow White but on a much deeper level. This is a story of true forgiveness, of submission, and of love. I can't wait to read more books in this series!

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Juliet's Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1) by Elsie Davis

 

Juliet's Journey to Love by Elsie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Juliet and her friends are on a journey together to spend more time outside and grow closer to the Lord. What they didn't anticipate was Juliet becoming ill and their travel plans being thwarted! When the grizzly man Jake arrives on his 4-wheeler, it's obvious very quickly to the group that he's only concerned with nursing Juliet back to health and nothing else.

Jake is the all-around bachelor grizzly bear. He's a loner in a cabin in the woods. However, he knows what needs to be done to take care of Juliet. However, he's severely annoyed by these travel companions and their prayer meetings.

Time comes for the group to get back on to their hike once Juliet heals up, but then Jake falls ill. Good thing Juliet is a nurse and knows what to do. Besides, she owes him for treating her while she was ill! She parts from the group and nurses Jake back to health. Then she learns of a job opening at a local clinic. Can she leave her secure job and family to live out her dreams?

This book is the first I've read by this author but I'm already looking into other books by this author and in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it!! It included adventure and romance, plus has a medical slant, which I love!

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Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this second book in the Heart of the Frontier series, we learn that Hope has survived the Whitman massacre. However, just because she survived doesn't mean that she doesn't carry very deep scars of the event. Hope is not sure she will ever trust anyone again, especially a man. After what she's endured, Hope doesn't seem to have a lot of hope for her future. She's living with her sister, Grace and her husband, Alex, as well as her younger sister, Mercy. Hope spends her day tending to their flock of lambs.

It's time for the trial of the Cayuse who caused the trauma that happened at the Whitman plantation. Hope is expected to testify against those who wronged her and many other women in the community but she's not sure she can do it.

There's a new guy in town named Lance who's working at the jail that's holding the Cayuse until they go to trial. Lance is about to get out of the military and he's contemplating returning home to New Orleans to start his law practice and continue to run his family's plantation. After a chance meeting with Hope, Lance isn't sure he wants to go back home. There's a lot of factors that go into this though, including his secret past that he's not sure he could share with someone.

In this novel, Tracie Peterson picks up where she left off in the first book of the series, Treasured Grace. I have not yet read this book but it's my next read as this one was so captivating. I had to download it immediately!! I have also learned that Cherished Mercy, the third book in this series, is set to release in Sept. 2017!! How exciting to read more about this family!

I really fell in love with this book pretty quickly. The story captivated my attention, even though there were a few moments that I was unclear on having not read the first book. For the most part, this is an easy read in terms of picking up pieces though. It is a bit of a heavy read learning of Hope's situation and all she endured while being captured by the Cayuse. For that reason, I would not recommend this book to tender aged readers. There are several "adult" issues faced in this book that might be difficult for a younger crowd.

I loved the story of Lance as well. The way that he handled the past issues he faced was done with much grace. I am not sure I could have been as forgiving as he was (or Hope either for that matter). The overarching theme of this book is forgiveness as well as hope. I felt I could identify with both Lance and Hope on some level and I appreciated the ways in which they handled their issues. My only real issue with this story is that the path to salvation was shortened by a few steps. I do believe that one must Hear the Word (Romans 10:17), Believe on the Word (Matthew 16:16, John 8:24, Acts 16:30-31), Repent of those sins (Luke 24:47, 2 Cor. 7:10, Acts 2:37-38), Confess their sins publicly (Matt. 16:16, Matt. 10:32-33; Romans 10:8-10; Acts 8:35-38), and be Baptized (immersed) (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Col. 2:12; Acts 22:16) for the forgiveness of sins. Then and only then do I believe, as the Bible points out, that one is saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). In this story, Lance was strongly encouraged to hear the Word, believe on the Word, and ask for forgiveness. He was not encouraged to follow through with baptism for the remission of his sins.

Many thanks to Bethany House publishers, as well as Tracie Peterson, for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The thoughts written here are my own and I was allowed to read this novel in exchange for my personal thoughts.

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The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't know if I can say enough good about this book to let you know how much I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Julie Klassen has written such a solid book in The Painter's Daughter!! This book held my attention throughout and is my new most recent favorite book!! I love how Julie pushes the edginess just a little in her characters but never to a point that a book is inappropriate for younger ages. She writes real, raw, honesty into her characters and the ones in this book are no exception!

Sophie finds herself at a moment of weakness and not really sure how to handle her situation when Wesley just up and leaves. She is a very private person, even more so with her painting. How could Wesley just up and leave for Italy without even saying goodbye? Then, Wesley's brother Stephen comes to town, looking for his brother only to find him out gallivanting around the world again. He meets Sophie and learns that Wesley has just up and left her. Stephen makes Sophie no promises other than to take care of her if she will be HIS wife. Sophie accepts and moves to Stephen's family home. When Stephen is called back into duty and his brother Wesley shows up to find "his girl" has married his brother, whatever will happen?

There are so many themes in this book that brought home some very important points. I think my favorite theme is that of forgiveness. That seems to be my life theme this year and I'm gravitating towards books that focus on this theme. Sophie needs the forgiveness of many of her friends and family members, while others are also in need of her forgiveness. The relationship that Sophie has with Stephen is so intriguing to me as well. I would say that theme would be one of endurance. So many times, people give up so easily but Sophie and Stephen weather life's storms with endurance.

Thank you, Julie, for another fabulous book! I look forward to reading many, many more!

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No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's been awhile since I've snuggled down with a Karen Witemeyer book and I have no idea why because she never disappoints!!

I loved this book and devoured it rather quickly!! Set in 1882, Emma Chandler is in charge of a women's colony in Harper's Station. She provides a safe haven for women who are in need of a fresh start. However, there is a sinister man who is doing everything he can to ruin Harper's Station and to demolish the safe haven that Emma has created. Feeling like she has no other option, Emma contacts her life-long friend, Malachi Shaw, to come and help get her colony back under control. How will the women react to having a man in their midst? How will Emma react to seeing Mal after all these years apart?

As I mentioned before, Karen Witemeyer does not disappoint!! I love her writing style and how she creates a mystery intertwined with romance!! Her characters are well developed and I feel as though I lived in Harper's Station while reading this book!

I appreciate Bethany House Publishers providing a complimentary copy of No Other Will Do in exchange for my honest review. This is one of my most favorite publishing companies and I'm honored to be able to review for them and read high quality books from authors I love!

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Heart Failure by Richard L. Mabry

Heart Failure by Richard L. Mabry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everytime I pick up a Richard Mabry book, I know I'm in for an adventure! Heart Failure did not disappoint!! I loved the fast-paced nature of this book and the story of Adam and Carrie! I can usually pick out who the culprit is before it all becomes revealed and one of the many things I love about Dr. Mabry's writing is I'm almost always wrong!! He writes with such twists and turns and then surprises you in the end. I absolutely love this about his books!

My favorite character in this story would have to be Carrie. My heart really goes out to her. She's still struggling after the tragic loss of her husband a couple of years ago. Now, Adam has come into her life and just when she is starting to feel comfortable again, her whole world is turned upside down. How is it that she goes from being a happily engaged woman to running for her life? The twists and turns she experiences in this story about gave me heart failure!

The title is very fitting for this book as well. This book is about a doctor who works in a medical practice where heart surgery is common. Carrie's husband died from complications of a heart procedure. The real story lies in the physical and spiritual implications that a heart can have on someone. How is your heart? Is it in need of a defibrillator?

I highly recommend this book and can't wait until I can get my hands on more of Dr. Mabry's writing. He is truly one of my most favored authors!

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The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog

The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sandi Rog has a way of grabbing her reader's attention right off! "David tried not to cry, tried not to breathe or make a sound as he crept along the dark street." What could be bothering David so?

As it turns out, David's parents were being abducted and punished for their belief in Yeshua. Set in Rome in AD 76, David is scrambling to try to save his parents. Not only is he unable to save his parents, he is sold into slavery. He spends many years in the household of Aloysius, being trained by the a slave named Titus. He learns many ways of fighting, as well as how to juggle and entertain his master.

David isn't the only youngster in Aloysius's palace. There are many other children, including a young girl named Alethea. Alethea befriends David, against proper social customs and they become very close friends. Alethea had come from a line of grief herself, seeing her grandfather, Aloysius, take her father's life for believing in Yeshua.

The relationship between David and Alethea is a difficult one for many reasons and the struggles they faced in their friendship bring about many emotions. I enjoyed seeing how this story played out for all the characters involved!!

There are many, many things I love about this novel!! First and foremost, the fact that the gospel can and is alive and well throughout this novel was very refreshing! My favorite scene in the book takes place between Alethea and Ace!! David is, by far, my favorite character in this book!! He reminds me of some of my favorite Biblical characters....the shepherd boy David as he faces the giants in his life, Daniel for his refusal to bend to the will of the rulers of the land, and Jacob in that he worked for many years trying to gain freedom for the one he loved.

The underlying theme of this book is forgiveness. This is something that I really struggle with at times, as I am sure some of you do as well. What I love the most about this book is that no matter the struggle, David shows true forgiveness. This book has really challenged me over these past few days to work even harder with the issues that I have been dealing with that still require some work. Forgiveness can be a difficult thing to grant someone, especially when the hurt runs very deep. The Bible does teach us to forgive and Christ gave us the ultimate example of forgiveness when he hung on that cross and DIED for our sins.

This book is one that can wrap you up and have you literally so engrossed that life around you may seem a blur! It's not a "happy feel good" book all the way through. There are dark moments, there are lighter moments, there are moments that will make you so angry you want to scream, some will make you want to laugh or cry. In the end, this book is one that you don't want to miss out on. It could very well change your life and your outlook on it.

Thank you, Sandi Rog for a very well-written book! I look forward to reading Yeshua's Bridge and Out of the Ashes soon!

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Beckon by Tom Pawlik

Beckon by Tom Pawlik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm really at a loss for words when it comes to describing this new release by Tom Pawlik. I mean this the best way possible because this book is just...amazing!!

First, the reader meets Jack, an anthropologist, on a journey to find out what happened to his dad twelve years ago. After his death, Jack was going through his father's belongings and found journals of his research about an ancient Indian tribe. Why didn't his dad ever come back? Jack sets out to find out what might have happened.

Elina Gutierrez is looking for her cousin who disappeared a few weeks ago. She is a former police officer who is searching for her cousin, wondering why he never wrote to report about the new job he acquired.

George Wilcox is searching for a cure for his wife Miriam's illness.

What lengths would you go to find and/or save the one you love?

This book is full of mystery, adventure, gruesome spider like creatures, and an interesting tribe of people. Imagine being lost in a cave that is illuminated by some form of algae to find yourself being confronted by spiders larger then Humvees and tribal people out to kill everything they see moving. Not only that, you witness a very peculiar and grotesque ceremony that these tribal members carry out.

I don't normally get scared or even have chills running through my body when watching "scary" movies or reading books. However, this one kept me up at night! Tom Pawlik has a very interesting way with his characters and I'm pleased to say that he finally got to me! :) I've been looking for a book like this for quite some time...now it just needs to be made into a movie. I would recommend Alan Rickman to play Thomas Vale for added creepiness! :)

Read this book today...but beware, it will stick with you...possibly for eternity!

Many thanks to Tyndale  for the review copy to read in exchange for my honest thoughts and feelings.

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Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig

Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to admit, when Ronie Kendig announced she was going to do a book series on military war dogs, I was afraid that I wouldn't like it. I have loved everything Ronie has written to date so why would I feel this way about this series? Well, I'm not a gigantic fan of books written about animals. I enjoy pets (I have many of them!) but I'm scared to death of dogs bigger then me!! All that being said, at this point, I believe Ronie could write an instruction manual for just about anything and I would love it!

I started this book and had a difficult time putting it down!! I don't know why I ever doubted Ronie's talent in convincing me that this was going to be a great book!!! Heath "Ghost" Daniels is a former Green Beret who acquired his military war dog (MWD), Trinity. They are asked to work for A Breed Apart, which is a training program for MWDs and their handlers. In return, they speak to troops to inspire them on the field. When an opportunity arises to go on a mission field, Heath and Trinity are all in...until the others are invited too. No one seems to trust Ghost since his accident that left him with a medical discharge and the looming diagnosis of traumatic brain injury.

Darci is an operative who is doing her best to undo a Chinese military operation. She has done many missions before and is ready for this one. However, a certain dog handler and his dog caught her eye early on during a show. The General was not happy to see her distracted so he sent her away. Only when she comes up missing do things really start to go into action.

Trinity is a beautiful dog. I'd still be scared of her but would admire her from a distance. Her job is extremely important and she misses the action that she and Ghost once enjoyed. When given the chance to get back into the field, Trinity is all in!

Trinity will capture your heart right away and will not let go until the last person is saved. I didn't realize just how important these dogs were to the military (sorry, I have a very limited scope of what our military does!). I did't realize that MWDs earned ranks along with their trainers. Trinity has a higher rank than her faithful friend Ghost. I have a much greater appreciation now of the military and the training that takes place because of what Ronie has written into her books. She is a "military brat" who extensively researches her subjects before writing on them.

My favorite aspect of this book was that Ronie incorporated another "Discarded Hero" into writing. She always maintains that these men and women in uniform are heroes. That means mountains to me!! While this is a work of fiction, Ronie has you believing that this is a real to life story. The end of the book does provide a story of someone who this is loosely based on.

Thank you, Ronie for yet another great book and for helping me to appreciate MWDs and other beautiful creatures even more!

Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book to review.

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Whole Pieces (7 Hours Series) by Ronie Kendig

Whole Pieces by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, I want to applaud Tyndall House Publishers for this series. It's unique and exciting to have a variety of authors providing bits and pieces to Thomas Constant's story!

Haytham "Hawk" Wilson is a bitter man. He is the sole survivor of an attack that took place many years ago and his time on earth is ending. Thomas Constant pays him a visit and gives him the option of living seven more hours, going back in time and reliving seven hours, or accepting reality and dying now. Hawk jumps at the opportunity to go back to that fateful day and change the outcome. How can he convey what needs to be done without sounding like a crazy man? Is it really his place to change the outcome? He knows the boy has to die to save his team and he is ready for that challenge...until he arrives there and lets his emotions get involved. What would you do with 7 hours?

I love how Ronie Kendig stuck with her traditional writing form to include military "heroes" in this story. She has a vast knowledge of military lifestyles and does an excellent job to portray thoughts and feelings that Hawk is experiencing during his 7 hours.

I highly recommend this quick, yet riveting read by an amazing author!


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Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Karen Witemeyer has done it again with a brilliant tale of shot gun weddings and good ole fashioned romance! I've yet to find a book by this author that I could just take my time and read at a leisurely pace. Ms. Witemeyer ropes readers in before a page can be turned and then saddles them down until the last word is said!

Meredith (Meri) Hayes is a young woman who is in a Cinderella state. She is at the mercy of her Aunt (wicked step-mother) Noreen and Uncle Everett after the death of her parents many years ago. When money is tight for the family, the only logical thing to do is to marry Meri off while she has her land inheritance, youth, and beauty. The only problem is, Meri is not attracted to Roy at all and just doesn't see happiness with him. She's always been "in love" with Travis Archer since that fateful day ten years earlier when she had trespassed on her land and become injured. He was just the prince that would never come though. After overhearing some information, Meri finds herself reaching out to help the Archer boys. Once again, she trespasses on their land. That decision would forever change her life.

Travis Archer and his brothers, Crockett, Neill, and Jim, have lived on their own since their parents died so many years ago. They are protectors of their land and never leave. No one is allowed on their land without finding a bullet in them. However, when a young girl becomes trapped on their land, Travis cannot help but to take care of her and take her home. Little does he know, that girl will one day return to save his land. When things get a bit heated on the property, Meri is forced to stay. Uncle Everett then lays down an ultimatum, which leads to big decisions amongst the Archers. Who's gonna marry this girl and save her reputation? What about Roy?

I absolutely had a hard time putting this book down once I started!! I've felt that way about all of Karen Witemeyer's books! The adventures the characters face make me (at times) wish I could have lived back in the 1800's! I am enamored with the dresses the women of the time wore and the descriptions were spot on. The tender romance that had to blossom and grow was also one that most girls dream of happening. Who wouldn't want to be fought over?? :)

I highly recommend this book. Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Ms. Witemeyer for providing this book for review.

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CFBA: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Short-Straw Bride Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012) by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House.



ABOUT THE BOOK

 No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

if you would like to read the first chapter of Short-Straw Bride, go HERE.

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

Wildflowers from Winter: A Novel by Katie Ganshert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When you read this book, you'll be surprised to find out that this is Katie Ganshert's freshman novel! Bethany Quinn is a very well established architect who has everything going for her. She loves her life in Chicago and is ready to settle down with Dominic. However, she receives a life altering phone call from her mother who she hasn't seen in years. The trip back home is eventful from the beginning. Bethany is left with a lot of decisions to make about life, love, and property. Can she overcome the demons of her past and create a better life for herself and others along the way?

I really liked this book from the beginning. The story line is very clear with characters who could be your next door neighbors (or even your own family members). Bethany reminded me a lot of myself in many ways and I really connected with her quickly. However, I think my favorite character in this book is Evan. He has so much to offer and so few people see his real worth. Maybe it's just because I like the rancher/farmer type! :)

This is a book anyone who enjoys Christian fiction is sure to enjoy! I was excited to see that Robin's (Bethany's best friend) story (Wishing on Willows) will continue in the next book. She sure has a story that I want to know more about.

Fair warning to tender hearted readers like myself...you will need a box (or two!) of tissue handy. I bawled several times reading this book! I wonder how authors can write scenes and not tear up too (or maybe they do!?!?).

I look forward to reading more of Katie's work!! Many thanks to Katie and WaterBrook Press for the review copy to read!

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Review: Legacy Road by Graham Garrison

Legacy Road by Graham Garrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's only Graham Garrison's second book but you'd better prepare to hold your seat until you are finished with this one! I had the hardest time putting this one down! I first became aware of Mr. Garrison in December of 2010 when I read Hero's Tribute. I read it in six hours and this one was pretty much the same.

My favorite line in this book is on the first page!! “"A fork" Really?" were her first words, in a slightly raspy, completely Southern voice. "What kind of self-respecting man eats his ribs with a fork?"” ~Emmy

Legacy Road is a continuation of Wes's story. He's still dealing with all the emotions of delivering Michael's eulogy and now trying to settle down with the love of his life. There's a slight problem though...Emmy's going away for awhile. She's also got a huge secret that she hasn't shared with Wes yet.

Michael is consumed with his graduate studies and is being somewhat forced to spend more time with his dad because of it. Then, he learns of his mother's illness and it just seems that nothing will ever be the same again. Learning where his love is going for a year does not help matters either. It's not until he gathers up letters from a relative and starts to see historical connections that his life changes even more drastically. What lesson(s) is/are his professor trying to get him to see? Where will his relationship with Emmy be in a few days/months/years? How will he deal with the news his parents drop on him?

When Mr. Garrison asked me to review this book, I was ecstatic! I thoroughly enjoyed Hero's Tribute and this book wasn't a disappointment either. My ONLY request is that Mr. Garrison pick this story up where it ended and continue it!! His writing is clear and concise and you feel a part of the story. His characters are believable and have normal, everyday issues. I also enjoy learning more history of Georgia by reading his books. I have lived here for eleven years and still do not know a whole lot about Georgia and the historical events that took place. I hope to visit Allatoona sometime and see settings mentioned in this book.

If you enjoy a great story without a lot of fluff, this book is for you! It would be a great book for a teenager to read, but I do recommend reading Hero's Tribute first in order to get the full picture.

Many thanks to Mr. Garrison for providing a copy of this fantastic novel for me to read on my Kindle Fire!

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Oath of Office by Michael Palmer

Oath of Office by Michael Palmer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was intense from the start! The best thing about this book (for me, anyway) was that I was teaching on GMOs while reading this book! I was able to recommend this book to a group of teenagers. I'm always grateful to be able to do that. :)



The President takes an Oath to protect the citizens of the country for which he/she is in charge of for the period of time that they have been elected. What happens when you don't know what's going on in your country? What is someone tries to tell you and you choose to ignore them (even when it's your own spouse?) Could you live with yourself if you were President and you were inadvertently signing off on policies that could damage your people?



Lou has had some issues in his life but he has been able to control them with the help of his sponsor. Now, he wants to help others. When one of his mentees goes on a rampage and kills seven people in his office, Lou is feeling a bit responsible for finding out what's going on. He just doesn't see the end result coming. Who would have thought that a combination of chemicals and corn would cause someone to go beserk? Even more so, the strange events at the cafe have Lou wondering what's going on. Once Lou meets the local misfit and sees his bug collection, things begin to fall into place.



I highly recommend this book. I have always enjoyed reading Michael Palmer's works and this one tops them all. As a reader, you may want to know that there is strong language and murder scene descriptions in this book. Palmer has a way of wrapping around the reader's brain early on and engrossing them in tales of medical and scientific wonder. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Palmer's work. I have a few older books of his to catch up on! :)



Many thanks to Michael Palmer for providing the book for review!



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CFBA: Missing by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Missing Avon Inspire; Original edition (March 20, 2012) by Shelley Shepard Gray



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.



Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.



Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.



When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.



Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page





ABOUT THE BOOK

In the first book in her new Secrets of Crittenden County series, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country



Perry Borntrager had been missing from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, for months when his body was discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. Everyone had assumed Perry left Crittenden on his own, seduced by the wider world he discovered during his rumspringa, but now the truth has thrown this once-peaceful town into chaos. The first death from mysterious circumstances in Crittenden in more than two decades has invited the scrutiny of the outside world: a police detective arrives to help their local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englisher Walker Anderson.



Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare to open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Missing, go HERE.