The Gentleman's Quest

The Gentleman's Quest is one of the latest novellas by Camille Elliot.  You meet Honoria Dunbar on opening pages of this tale.  Honoria and her mother have been living with her uncle ever since her brother Stephen's death.  Now Honoria is feeling the pressure to leave this unfriendly environment for a new one with a man she does not love!

Suddenly Christopher Creagar appears out of nowhere.  A face from Honoria's past!  Christopher was her brother Stephen's best friend.  He has come bearing a gift.  Christopher had found a box of Stephen's in his family's barn.  This box holds a secret that only the firstborn son was privy to.  Honoria hopes this box holds a secret that will save her from a hopeless future.  Honoria sets off with Christopher in an attempt to discover what this secret is all about!

You will see danger at every turn and you wonder if Christopher and Honoria can come through this journey unscathed.  You will never guess how this situation will play out in the end!

The Spinster's Christmas

You meet Miranda Belmoore on the opening pages of Camille Elliot's latest Christmas novella, The Spinster's Christmas.  Your heart immediately goes out to Miranda as you see the humiliation she must endure as she is the penniless cousin who must rely on the benevolence of her family to survive.  As Christmastime has arrived, you soon meet some new figures who have come to join the celebration.  Miranda is especially pleased to see the arrival of Gerard Foremont, the man she lost her heart to years ago!

As you watch Miranda and Gerald become reacquainted, the scene suddenly becomes complicated when danger seems to have arrived on the scene as well!  Due to the injuries he acquired during his time in the navy, Gerald is slowed down by the cane he must use to move around.  Unfortunately, this causes Gerald to be limited in his attempts to protect Miranda from this danger!

Will Miranda and Gerald be able to discover who is behind these recent attacks in time to prevent a terrible outcome?  This is a fun mystery to follow to the conclusion!

Enjoy the ride!

One Enchanted Christmas

When you meet Maren Grant in One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg, you quickly learn that she is not only in search of some inspiration for her next book, but she is also in need of some direction in her personal life!

Remembering that Colin Renwycke, the handsome cover model for Maren's first book, had offered his family's farm as a place where she could find solace to work on her writing, Maren soon finds herself amongst the snow-covered cornfields of Iowa!  When Maren arrives at the farm, she does not find Colin, but instead his older brother, Drew!

As Maren settles into this farmhouse full of the Renwycke family, she is not only able to make progress on her novel, Maren soon gains so much more!

This tale was a bit slow-moving at first; however, once the story line got into gear, it was a fun ride to be a part off!

All is Calm

All is Calm, a Christmas novella written by Colleen Coble, takes you again to the Bluebird Ranch, where Allie and Rick have created a haven for young people in need of a shelter.  Only this time you meet a new character, Lauren Everman, who had visited the ranch as a young girl.  Now Lauren is returning as a young woman.  She came looking for a shelter for her horse, Angel, but she ends up needing a place to hide because she is wanted by the police!

What Lauren did not count on was Brendan Waddell, a former colleague of Rick's, showing up at about the same time.  Brendan is on medical leave from his intelligence position with the Special Ops.  Definitely not the type of person Lauren needs on the scene!  Little does she know that Brendan is the exact person she needs to help solve the mystery of who killed her former boss!

This is a fun tale as you follow Lauren and Brandan as they try to identify the true culprit!

The Painter's Daughter

You know when you begin reading The Painter's Daughter, the latest novel by Julie Klassen, that you are in store for a lot of action!  Captain Stephen Overtree finds himself on the hunt for his missing brother, Wesley.  Once again Wesley has run off to pursue his own dreams.  Only this time Wesley has left a young pregnant woman behind!

With Wesley nowhere to be found, Stephen decides that he must marry Sophia to protect her reputation.  Once they are married, Stephen proceeds to introduce Sophia to his family and his home at Overtree Hall.  Stephen and Sophia are barely becoming acquainted when unfortunately Stephen must leave to fulfill his responsibilities with the military.  Soon after Stephen leaves, Wesley suddenly shows up on the scene to further complicate the situation!

This book tells a tale where Sophia must decide in the end which path holds God's will for her.  The story will definitely hold your interest until you finally discover Sophia's final decision!


 I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review.

Abundant Life in Jesus: Devotions for Every Day of the Year

 






Abundant Life in Jesus by Nancy Gunthrie is a book full of encouragement with devotions for every day of the year!

Each entry starts with a bible verse, making it an easy way to focus on a scripture verse for the day.  What follows are words of encouragement, as if the words are coming from the very heart of God!

Enjoy this way to daily grow your walk with our God.  The packaging of this book is beautiful.....making it an ideal gift to give a friend!


I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review

Until the Dawn

I recently read Until the Dawn, the latest novel by Elizabeth Camden.  On the opening pages of this tale, you meet Sophie van Riijn, a young woman who has grown up along the Hudson River Valley with the freedom to make Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion outside of town, like a second home.  When the wealthy Vandermark family suddenly returns to town after sixty years away, Sophie finds her quiet, idyllic life in this beautiful place about to drastically change!

Sophie soon learns that Quentin Vandermark has returned to make plans to fulfill his grandfather's wish to have the mansion destroyed.  The mansion holds a lot of painful family memories and his grandfather wants it permanently removed.  Sophie and her father, the local mayor, are hoping for time to seek out any reason to stop this terrible action.  When Sophie is hired on as a tutor for Quentin's young son, Pieter, you see their relationship changing for the better.  Quentin slowly begins to admire Sophie for the way she sees and interacts with the world around her.  When Quentin's grandfather suddenly shows up on the scene, you have no idea what will happen next!

Will Sophie have any impact on the way that Quentin views the world or will he simply move ahead with destroying this beautiful mansion?  A lot of truths will be revealed about this family by the final pages!

The Mountain Midwife

The Mountain Midwife builds on the stories from Laurie Alice Eakes, The Midwives Series, only this latest book is written in a current day setting.  When her doorbell begins ringing in the middle of the night, Ashley Tolliver has no idea what to expect.  Ashley is the midwife for her small Appalachian community; however, she has never seen this couple, standing on her doorstep, before.  Now, Ashley must jump into action, as this young girl is about to give birth!

At about the same time several states away,  Hunter McDermott learns that the mother who raised him is actually not his birth-mother.  Suddenly Hunter does not know where he belongs!  He begins trying to track down information about his birth mother in the small mountain town where he was born.  Hunter and Ashley's paths collide when he learns that her grandmother was the midwife who delivered him all those years ago.  As Ashley begins to help Hunter discover more details about his background, she also begins to learn more about the strangers who showed up on her doorstep and then suddenly disappeared.   As both of these mysteries are slowly being solved, the feelings that seem to be developing between Hunter and Ashley may threaten her plans to move forward with her dream of becoming a doctor!

Hang on tight through this fast moving tale as some very interesting truths come to light by the end of this story!


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

 

Glimmer of Hope

Glimmer Of Hope, written by Sarah M. Eden, is a delightful read!  When Miranda Hartford returns from her daily walk to find her home at Clifton Manor overrun by servants, new and old, she suddenly discovers that a house party has been planned to take place in her home and is about to begin!

When Miranda encounters her husband, Carter, who she has not seen in over three years, she is not quite sure how to respond.  Miranda, who still has no idea why he left and never returned in the first place, has not idea why he has decided to return now! 

You will enjoy this tale as Miranda and Carter slowly begin to rediscover the reasons they initially fell in love and why they were ruthlessly separated, so soon after their marriage began!

For Elise

I recently picked up a novel written by Sarah M. Eden.  I was excited to dive into another Sarah Eden tale.  The book was entitled For Elise.  The story begins when Miles Linwood finds it necessary to stop in a small village on his way home to have his carriage repaired.  He cannot believe his eyes, when he is suddenly face-to-face with Elise, his childhood friend who disappeared years ago!

On the pages of this book, you finally learn the reasons that Elise vanished four years ago; but the story felt like it had to be dragged out inch by inch.  There was definitely a mystery to be solved and you do finally learn who the culprit is by the end of the book; however, the journey to final page was a bit laborious!

I did not find For Elise as easy to read as the previous Sarah Eden books I have read.  Pass by For Elise if you are looking for an easy read; however, if you are looking for some great reading material, check out her series,  The Jonquil Brothers.  You will not regret the time spent!

Best Hair Book Ever

Best Hair Book Ever by the Editors of Faithgirlz! and Girls' Life Mag is the place to start if you are looking for a fun gift for your young daughter or maybe granddaughter!

This book is filled with beautiful pictures, along with written descriptions on how to attain each look.  There is a lot of information on how to care for your hair as well as details about the styling.

This book is full of lots of tips on how to achieve each great style!




I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

The Lost Heiress

The Lost Heiress is the latest novel by Roseanna M. White.  This book tells the journey of Brook Eden as she travels from the sunny beaches of Monaco to the windy moors of England in hopes of locating the family she has never known!

Brook's dear childhood friend, Justin Wilden, had found a place that might be her home.  You will enjoy watching as Brook is instantly accepted by her father, the Earl of Whitby, as the daughter who was taken from him so many years ago.  You soon discover that there is another mystery to solve: Why was her mother riding recklessly across the moors the night that lead to her death?  Join this next journey as Brook seeks to find out what really happened to her mother!

As this story continues, you find that Brook's friendship with Justin has evolved into something new.  Both Justin and Brook had deeply loved each other as just friends, but will this friendship grow into something so much more?

This is a fun tale to wade through as you look for all the answers to come to light!

Rising Darkness

 
Rising Darkness, by Nancy Mehl, is the third book in her Finding Sanctuary series.  You are introduced to Sophie Wittenbauer as she is on her way to the small Mennonite town of Sanctuary.  Sophie is currently working as a writer for a St. Louis newspaper and she is following up on a tip she overheard about a decades-old crime that has never been completely solved.  Sophie feels like this is her chance to finally make a name for herself!

Sophie had been trying to leave her former Mennonite life behind, but driving into Sanctuary is bringing old memories and fears to life again.  As Sophie settles into this new life, she is posing as Emily McClure to the residents of town.  Sophie is using the story that she is searching for information about her family, who were former residents of Sanctuary.  Sophie is making good progress on identifying the names of the residents who have recently moved into the area, when she suddenly runs into a man from her past, Jonathon Wiese!  A man who she used to love!

When Jonathon realizes who Emily really is, he begins helping Sophie discover the answer to this story she has been trying to crack.  This suspense will take you down numerous roads, until you finally are able to put all the pieces together.  Will Sophie find her true place with God, as well as find the answer to this mystery?

The first two books in this series were exciting from beginning to end; however, the end to Rising Darkness was a bit disappointing to me.  I have to say, though, that all three books in this series are definitely worth the read!

 I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review.

A Refuge at Highland Hall

A Refuge at Highland Hall, by Carrie Turansky, is the final entry to her Edwardian Brides series.  Join the Ramsey family once again as they are navigating difficult circumstances.  This time it includes the beginning of World War I!!!

The tale begins in London.  Penny Ramsey has come to town to provide assistance to her sister, Kate, who not only has eight orphans to care for, but she is now pregnant as well!  Kate's husband, Dr. Jon Foster, is very busy providing his services at a London hospital, so Kate needs an extra set of hands at home.  Shortly after her arrival, Penny meets Alex Goodwin, a childhood friend of Jon's.  Alex is currently training to become a pilot in the Royal Naval Air Service.  You instantly sense something between Penny and Alex, but you wonder how anything can develop between them at a time like this!  When Alex comes by the Foster's home that evening, they are all thrown into a panic as the Germans begin dropping bombs on London in the dark of night!

As Jon quickly moves his family to the country to stay with family at Highland Hall, Alex moves forward with his training and is soon moved into the fighting in France.  As Alex and Penny begin exchanging letters, they both are hoping it will lead to something more in the future.  When Alex becomes severely injured during one of his missions, he is left in a state of hopelessness.  What will he be able to do with his life and what will he have to offer anyone?

Will Alex be able to look past his limitations to see what God wants to do with his life?  Will Penny be able to trust God and stand firm in her love for Alex?  Watch and see how this tale unfolds on the final pages!


I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review

The Wedding Chapel

The Wedding Chapel is the latest novel by Rachel Hauck.  Initially, you are introduced to Jimmy Westbrook as he is viewing a photo of his best friend's cousin, Collette Greer.  He cannot keep his eyes off her face!  Fast forward to current day where you meet Taylor Branson.  She is an up and coming photographer, who is struggling with her recent marriage to Jack Forester, a successful advertising executive.  You will not believe it when you find out how intertwined these four lives are!

Their lives are slowly brought together when Jimmy suddenly decides to put his wedding chapel up for sale.  He built this beautiful chapel years ago for his high school love, Collette, in hopes that she would return someday.  She never did!  When Taylor returns to her hometown to photograph the site, she is overwhelmed by the beauty of the chapel.  She instantly senses that Jimmy is making a mistake thinking of selling.  You soon learn that Collette is a famous actress, who has been playing a soap opera character for years and that she is also a sister to Taylor's grandmother!  These sisters had not spoken in years.  While Taylor is in town, she plans to help her sister sort through their late grandmother's belongings.  She soon learns that there is a secret hidden amongst her things, waiting to be revealed!

What will Taylor do when Jack shows up in town, further complicating the situation? When hurts and secrets from their past lives come to light, will it draw them together or push them apart?  It is interesting to see how all the details come together to reveal the truth in the end!


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

The Golden Braid

The Golden Braid is the latest novel released in Melanie Dickerson's Medieval Fairy Tale Romance series.  You meet Rapunzel on the opening pages as her mother is preparing to move them yet again, because a young man from the village has declared his undying love for Rapunzel and his wish to marry her.  Her mother has declared, in no uncertain terms, that she will never allow this to happen!

As they begin the journey to their new home in Hagenheim, Rapunzel and her mother run into some evil men who attempt to harm and rob them.  Rapunzel is surprised when Sir Gerek, a knight from Hagenheim, comes out of nowhere to their rescue.  While Sir Gerek attempts to accompany these ladies the rest of the way to Hagenheim, he experiences a freak accident on his horse that leaves him with a broken leg and a broken arm!

While Sir Gerek is recovering at a nearby monastery, Rapunzel and her mother continue their journey and safely arrive in Hagenheim.  As they settle into this new town, Rapunzel ventures back to the monastery almost daily, where Sir Gerek begins to teach her to read.  A sweet friendship begins to grow between them!  When Rapunzel's mother learns what has been going on, she threatens to drug Rapunzel and take her far, far away, if she ever finds her with Sir Gerek again!

Wait and see what happens after Rapunzel runs away to work as a servant at the castle.  Will her mother take action on her promise to take Rapunzel away?  What will happen when a mystery about Rapunzel's former life is revealed to all? 

This is a fun ride.  Hang on tight and you will be pleasantly surprised by the ending to this tale!


I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review

Whispers in the Reading Room

Whispers in the Reading Room, written by Shelley Gray, is the latest book for her The Chicago World's Fair Mystery series.  You are introduced to Lydia Bancroft on the opening pages of this tale.  She is a young woman working as a librarian at the Lincoln Lending Library in Chicago, Illinois.  Lydia loves everything about working here.   She enjoys helping the patrons of the library find the exact book they are looking for, especially a handsome gentleman who has frequented the library for the past year.  Away from the library, Lydia feels pressure to help her mother regain their place in society after the death of her father and their subsequent loss of financial standing! 

When Lydia becomes engaged to a wealthy man of high standing, she and her mother begin to feel more secure.  One afternoon, Lydia goes with her fiance to a tea at the luxurious Hartman Hotel, she is shocked when she spies the library's mystery patron across the room!  Lydia experiences a further shock when her fiance suddenly becomes enraged when she seems to know this man.  She soon learns this man's name is Sebastian Marks and that he is a well-known, wealthy man who lives on the top floor of this hotel!  When Lydia's fiance begins to physically harm her,  Sebastian steps in and comes to her rescue!

You will not believe the places Lydia will go and the things that she will see as her friendship with Sebastian grows!  This tale is a fast moving ride until you finally discover where Lydia and Sebastian end up!


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

Out Of The Ashes

Out of the Ashes is the latest book by T.K. Chapin.  This story centers around another member of fire station #9.  Kane McCormick is a young fireman who not only fights fires, but has a fiery temper that goes off when you least expect it!

When Kane learns that his mother's cancer has returned, he is not sure how to best handle the situation.  He ventures out to his mother's home to spend time with her.  Kane is shocked, when the morning after he takes his mother on a hike to the mountains that she loved, he learns that she has suddenly died!  In the midst of his grief and a drinking binge that lands him at the bottom of a ravine,  Kane finds himself on his knees, turning again to God and drawing strength from the only source he can truly count on...his heavenly Father!  Now Kane knows that he must be there for his sister and his nephew, to point them toward the only hope they can have.  As these three deal with their grief, a secret comes out of his mother's past that Kane never expected...he has an older brother that he never knew about and this brother is the lone recipient on his mother's life insurance policy!

The main question is how will Kane respond to this surprise.  Will he side with his sister, who wants to contest the will, or will he let God's spirit within him lead in another direction?

You will be surprised to discover the conclusion to this tale!


I received this book from the author, T.K. Chapin, in exchange for my unbiased review

Amongst The Flames

Amongst The Flames, by T.K. Chapin, tells the tale of Cole Taylor.  For Cole, being a firefighter is a lifestyle that he has perfected!  Cole and his team of fellow firefighters have perfected the speed and precision they need to perform their job of saving lives in the midst of out-of-control flames.  You soon learn that Cole has not been able to apply that same precision in regards to his marriage!

When constantly faced with life and death situations, you can see how easily rapport can develop between these firefighters; however, after an accident on the job leaves Cole, injured and recovering at home, he soon realizes that a deficiency exists in his relationship with his wife, Megan!

When Megan leaves home with their two young sons and proclaims that she has no plan of returning, Cole dives into panic mode.  What will he do?  When his firefighting partner, Micah, encourages Cole to reach out to God and invite Him in to help save his marriage, Cole experiences an amazing awakening in his relationship with his heavenly Father!

The only thing is, will it be in time?  Hang on to the end of this tale to discover the impact that only God can impart on those who seek Him!



I received this book from the author, T.K. Chapin, in exchange for my unbiased review

Love in the Details

Becky Wade's latest novella, Love in the Details, is a fun ride!  On the opening pages, you meet Holly, a young woman, who still lives in her hometown of Martinsburg, Texas.  As Holly is working on her career, writing YA fiction, she is interacting with friends, new and old.  When Holly's former high school boyfriend, Josh, shows up in town, Holly just wants to run and hide!

Seven years ago, Holly had broken things off with Josh, at his single mother's bequest.  Josh was ready to start college, across the country at MIT, and his mother did not want anything interfering with his focus on his degree.  Unfortunately, Holly has never gotten over him.  Now, what would she do with this man she still loves, who is a billionaire living in Paris?

Holly decides to buckle down and offer to help Josh with the planning for his best friend's wedding.  You have no idea what they will decide to do; especially, when they both find that their feelings are stronger than ever! 

Will they each just let go and let God direct their path?


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

An Endless Christmas

An Endless Christmas, the latest novella by Cynthia Ruchti, is a delightful read that will have you turning page after page.  The story begins with Micah introducing his girlfriend, Katie, to his entire family.  After Katie meets his parents, all of his aunts and uncles, his cousins and finally, his eighty-year-old grandparents, Micah suddenly asks Katie to marry him!

When Katie answers with a resounding "no", you wonder how she will survive in this new environment.  She had already committed to spending the Christmas holiday with Micah's family; however, she has no idea how they will react to her negative response to Micah's proposal.  Katie soon discovers that this family response is totally opposite to what she had experienced within her own dysfunctional family.  The entire family shows Katie unconditional love and acceptance from the start.  You soon learn that Katie's fear of being able to commit to marriage (because she has never seen it in her own family) is what is keeping her from accepting Micah's proposal!

As you watch Katie function within this new family atmosphere, you see Katie slowly change her expectations. She begins to let go of the ideas and thoughts that have her holding back.  When Micah's grandfather is suddenly whisked off to the ER, watch and see how this family responds to the crisis!

You will have a hard time waiting to reach the last page of this tale to see what God may do within Katie's heart and mind!


I received this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my unbiased review.

Fire and Ice

Fire and Ice, written by Mary Connealy, is the final book in her Wild at Heart series.  This tale opens with the eldest sister, Bailey Wilde, holding Gage Coulter at gunpoint as he tries to step foot on her ranch.  As you watch these two tussle over who has control of the land leading down to Gage's grasslands in the canyon, you will never believe that in the end they agree to become man and wife!

Gage had previously informed his mother by letter that he had gotten married.  When he learns that she is soon heading in from his father's ranch in Texas, he becomes so desperate for a wife that he promises to sign over his canyon grasslands to Bailey if she will marry him.  They are barely married in town when a stagecoach shows up carrying his mother!  As they journey toward Gage's ranch, both Gage and Bailey are injured by some unknown assailant.  Now the craziness has begun.  With Bailey in bed recovering, Gage's worst fear is realized - his mother has taken control of his house!

Will Bailey survive her controlling mother-in-law and will Gage survive with his very life?  This is an action-filled tale as both Gage and Bailey work hard to discover who is out to kill Gage!


 I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review.

A Promise Kept

A Promise Kept, written by Robin Lee Hatcher, tells two stories of love lost.  First, you are introduced to Allison Kavanagh.  She is moving to set up residence in the cabin her great-aunt Emma had left to her upon her death.  Allison is trying to put her life back together following her recent divorce.  After a twenty-plus year marriage, she has finally decided to stop enabling her former husband, Tony, in his alcoholic ways!

As Allison slowly settles into her new environment, she begins to meet people in the small town of Kings Meadow.  As she is making new friends in this new place, it also seems like she is getting to know her great-aunt Emma in a whole new way.  When Allison finds all the journals that tell the story of Emma's life, she gets a glimpse at all the joys as well as the sorrows that Emma experienced throughout her ninety years of life!

As you learn about how God held Emma fast through the loss of her husband's place in her life, you wonder where God is leading Allison in this new place she is in!

From The Start

On the opening pages of From the Start, the latest from Melissa Tagg, you find Kate Walker trying to make sense of her life.  She has been a somewhat successful scriptwriter for several years; however, deep down she wants to write something with real meaning.  When Kate learns that both her father and sister were involved in a destructive tornado, you find her heading from her current home in Chicago to her hometown of Maple Valley, Iowa.  Kate has no idea what she will find!

When Kate arrives at home, she is shocked to find her father's arm in a sling; however, the first shock she encounters is to find the best friend of her older brother, Logan, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene, sleeping in her bed!  That is more than she can take!  Before you know it, Kate has agreed to write a book about Colton Greene's life experiences.  The next surprise will be watching Kate and Colton slowly begin to fall in love with each other!

Watch closely, as both Kate and Colton begin to deal with deep hurts from their past.  It is awesome to see the kind of transformation that only God can bring to lives!

The Columbus Code

The Columbus Code is the latest novel by Mike Evans.  On the opening pages, you are introduced to John Winters.  John is a Secret Service agent, who following a raid that has left him unable to recall all the details that occurred, is currently on administrative leave.  Since this operation, John is often awakening from sleep with a racing heart and in a sense of panic!

When John's mother suddenly dies, he finds himself back in his hometown.  While he is spending some time taking care of his mother's estate, he runs across a letter she left for him.  His mother had been researching their family's genealogy.  She believed that one of their ancestors was Christopher Columbus!  She wants John to continue this search.  You will not believe what John finds and where he ends up as he journeys first to Barcelona, Spain and then to Jerusalem, before he finally ends up back in the United States at the New York Stock Exchange!

You will meet Maria Winters, his estranged daughter, when her business trip overseas becomes intertwined with the details and the characters of John's search!  Hang on to see if John and Maria's relationship will be restored!!!

At the end of this fast moving tale, you get a strong sense that a sequel will soon be following!



I received this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my unbiased review.

All Is Bright

All Is Bright is the latest novella by Colleen Coble.  This tale follows the storyline that began in her novel, Tidewater Inn, from the Hope Beach series.  At the beginning of this tale, you are re-introduced to Delilah Carter, the manager of the Tidewater Inn.  Delilah is in the process of helping her friend, Elin Summerall, prepare for her upcoming wedding. She is on the road to town to complete some last-minute wedding preparations, when she notices a large black truck about to rear-end her.  Before she knows it, Delilah and her vehicle are careening off the edge of the road, headed for the ocean!

The Hope Beach sheriff, Tom Bourne, soon learns about Delilah's near death experience.  When it becomes apparent that this situation was no accident, Tom quickly involves himself with the investigation to try to find some answers for Delilah.  As Tom looks for answers that might be related to Delilah's past, he learns about her tragic past, when both of her parents died, leaving her as an orphan at a young age!

Now, someone is clearly stalking Delilah, leaving strange messages whenever she answers the phone; however, she has no idea who it could be.  Tom begins to search for Delilah's brother, who has not been located for the past twenty years. When Tom finally reconnects with Adam Carter, he knows he has a wonderful gift to give Delilah; however, he still has no answer to the question of who her stalker is!

When the truth finally comes out, you will not believe who came out of Delilah's past intent on inflicting harm!


I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review

 

The Perfect Arrangment: An October Wedding Story

The Perfect Arrangement is the latest novella written by Katie Ganshert.  You meet Amelia Woods as she is trying to get an up-close look at her former college boyfriend's wedding.  As she is trying to keep an eye on the wedding party, she becomes distracted and rear-ends the car in front of her!

After Amelia shares her contact information with the man she rear-ended, she hightails it out of the area.  Amelia just wants to go home and hide.  As Amelia slowly moves on with her life, she begins to develops a friendship with Nate, the man she rear-ended, as they exchange e-mail  back and forth.  She soon learns that Nate's sister is the bride, who married her former college boyfriend!

What will happen when Nate suddenly learns that Amelia has been hiding this truth from him?


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

As You Are

As You Are is the third book in Sarah Eden's Jonquil brothers series.  You are introduced to Corbin Jonquil on the opening pages of this tale as he sits in church trying to pay attention to the vicar's message.  He is being totally distracted by a beautiful widow and her two young children.  He can easily interact with young Alice; however, when it comes to approaching her mother, Clara, he becomes all tongue-tied!

Corbin is caught off-guard when Clara shows up at his horse farm to ask him if he has a small job that her 7-year-old son, Edmund, could perform at his farm.  Edmund loves horses and Clara is looking for a way to give her quiet son some outdoors activity.  Corbin immediately agrees to give this young boy a try.  As Corbin begins interacting with Edmund on a daily basis, he also begins to learn a lot more about this family. 

As Clara learns to look through what appears to be arrogance to see Corbin's generous heart, she wonders if she has finally found the man who can rescue her from the violence of her past.  Hold on until the final pages to discover where Clara and Corbin end up!

A Noble Masquerade

A Noble Masquerade, the debut novel of Kristi Ann Hunter, follows the storyline she introduced in her recent novella, A Lady of Esteem.  On the opening pages, you are re-introduced to Lady Miranda Hawthorne.  She is tasked with helping her younger sister, Georgina, in her first introduction to the London society.  This is a hard task for a woman entering her fourth year in society, with no future husband in sight!!!

This is a lighthearted, fast moving tale that you will have a hard time putting down.  When you see Miranda beginning to develop feelings for her older brother's new valet, Marlow, you have no idea what will happen next!

Hang on to see Miranda's surprise when she discovers who the valet really is!  You will be surprised and excited to see the situation that Miranda finds herself in by the final pages of this tale!


I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review.

Falling Like Snowflakes

Falling Like Snowflakes is the first novel in Denise Hunter's latest series, Summer Harbor.  You are introduced to Eden Davis and her young son, Micah, on the first pages of this novel.  When her car breaks down on the outskirts of the tourist town, Summer Harbor, she has no idea where she can turn for help!

As Eden begins searching around town for a job to help her pay for her car repairs, she soon runs into Beau Callahan.  It is the beginning of the busy season at his Christmas tree farm and he is desperate to find someone to help care for his aunt, who has just broken her leg.  Eden seems like a perfect fit!

Watch and see what will bloom as Eden begins to blend in with the Callahan family.  After some time watching their interaction, you are not sure who is helping who solve the difficulties life has brought their way!



I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review

Love Without End (A King's Meadow Romance)

Love Without End, by Robin Lee Hatcher, begins the King's Meadow Romance series.  You meet Kimberly Welch when she approaches Chet Leonard at his ranch.  Kimberly has come to ask Chet to not only train a horse that had been given to her daughter, Tara, but also to teach Tara how to ride this wild horse!

Chet already has his hands full trying to keep his ranch running; however, after learning about Kimberly's struggle following her husband's recent death, he cannot say no to her!  Chet understands what it is like to experience the loss of a spouse.  Recently, his wife left him and their two teenage sons after the death of their oldest son!

This tale is fun to watch as you see both Kimberly and Chet learn to deal with all that has been given to them.  You will see how they both begin to trust God to bring them through these rough waters!

Love on a Deadline: An August Wedding Story

Love on a Deadline, written by Kathryn Springer, is the latest in the Year of Weddings novella series.  MacKenzie “Mac” Davis left her small hometown to see the world outside.  After her father experiences a heart attack, she quickly returns home to look after him.  She is able to take advantage of her journalism degree when she gets a job working at the weekly newspaper.  You will be as surprised as she is when her latest assignment brings her face-to-face with her high school crush!

Ethan Channing has come back to town to help his sister, Hollis, quietly work on planning her wedding to a famous celebrity.  This is just the type of story Mac's boss wants covered.  Mac, living next door to the Channing's "mansion" on the lake, is just the person with the ability to get an inside scoop on this story!

Mac cannot believe how much has changed will both Hollis, her high-school nemesis, and Ethan, her high school crush.  Watch and see how this tale turns out differently than Mac could have ever imagined!


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

The Sea Keeper's Daughter

The Sea Keeper's Daughter is the latest novel by Lisa Wingate.  You meet Whitney Monroe as she is heading out to North Carolina's Outer Banks in an attempt to save the Excelsior, an old hotel that is her inheritance.  This is the book for you, if you enjoying reading tales about the early history of the United States of America!

Whitney's story is set in current day; however, there are many jumps back to a story surrounding the days that her great aunt, Alice, experienced during The Great Depression.  You quickly learn that Whitney is going through her own personal struggles, while she is attempting to sort out the story and value of the Excelsior!

The beginning pages of this book were hard for me to easily read; however, during the last one hundred pages or so, I could hardly put this book down!  And boy, was it ever a great ending, full of surprises! 

Enjoy the read!


I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review

Love Takes the Cake: A September Wedding Story

Love Takes the Cake is the most recent novella by Betsy St. Amant.  You meet Charlotte, who owns the local bakery, The Dough Knot, on the opening pages.  She notices when a handsome regular enters her shop, as he seems to every Tuesday.  But this Tuesday is different.  This Tuesday his best friend enters behind him with his Bridezilla fiance!

These friends of Will's want Charlotte to provide the baked goods for their wedding; however, when the bride cannot decide which flavor she wants, they ask Will to assist with the decision needed for their big day!  As you watch Charlotte and Will manage making the needed decisions, you soon learn that they are both carrying major pain from their pasts!

This little novella is full of emotion as you see Charlotte and Will not only deal with these past hurts, but also come to terms with the reality of the feelings growing between them!

This tale is definitely worth the read!


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

 

After a Fashion

After a Fashion, by Jen Turano, is a high action tale that tells the story of Miss Harriot Peabody, a poor hat maker, making an agreement with Mr. Oliver Addleshaw, one of the wealthiest men in 1882 New York City!

Harriet's first meets Oliver when she is in the midst of a highly charged conflict with two wealthy women.  These women are acquaintances of Oliver's.  Harriet has been sent to fit one of these women with some newly purchased hats; however, the situation ends up with Harriet losing her job!  Oliver soon suggests that he hire Harriet to assist him in securing a highly sought-after financial deal with a duke.  When he next suggests that Harriet present herself as his fiance, she knows that she is in a situation that is way over her head!

Harriet gets herself in some very awkward situations while trying to fit into Oliver's world, like setting a high-end restaurant on fire!  When Harriet's aunt shows up on the scene wanting to try to blackmail some of the wealthy people that Oliver knows, you know that she will need someone to come to her rescue!

Hang on for this fun ride as you watch Harriet navigate in this world that is completely opposite to what she has known all her life!  Will Oliver protect Harriet from her aunt's vicious motives?

Hang on for a wonderful surprise at the end of this tale!

Counting on a Cowboy

The latest by Debra Clopton, Counting on a Cowboy, is a fun read.  You are introduced to Abby Knightly as she is driving down the road towards Wishing Springs, Texas.  As Abby is desperately trying to keep her eyes open and not fall asleep, she suddenly sees a huge cow and then a cowboy in the high beams of her car!

Abby crashes her car into a fence post, but she is thankful that all lives are safe.  When she meets the cowboy, Bo Monahan, she recognizes him from a TV special put on about him and his brother, Tru, by his soon-to-be sister-in-law, Maggie.  After Abby has a melt down at the sight of herself bleeding, Bo drives her to his ranch to get cleaned up.  They are both surprised to find a one-year-old child on his front porch!

As Abby begins to help Bo deal with the fact that he now has a son to raise, you quickly learn that Abby has issues of her own from the past.  And they are serious issues!  She cannot come to terms with the truth that she lost her husband and her pregnancy in a terrible car crash!

As Bo and Abby quickly are sensing feelings growing between them, will Bo be able to help Abby deal with her painful past and allow God to free her heart to love again!


I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review

Stealing Jake

The novel Stealing Jake, written by Pam Hillman, is being re-released.  This novel tells the tale of Livy O'Brien, who after leaving Chicago (where she was known as Light-Fingered Livy), is trying to leave her past behind her by relocating to a small, quiet town in Illinois! 

Livy is working hard to establish an orphanage in Chestnut, Illinois.  When she notices a boy trying to pick-pocket on the streets of town, her heart instantly goes out to this young child.  It brings back memories of her former life.  When serious robberies begin occurring in town, the homeless children seen around town are immediately accused of being responsible.  Livy knows she must prove that these children are not guilty of these acts!

As Livy is trying to locate where these children are hiding, she runs into the town deputy, Jake Russell. As Livy tries to convince Jake of the children's innocence, the situation becomes complicated when feelings begin to grow between them!

As Livy and Jake try to solve the question of who is committing these crimes, will Livy let down her guard to this man who only wants to love her?

I enjoyed reading this tale and would recommend it to anyone who likes seeing an example of how God can redeem lives and lead them to walk a path that honors and glorifies Him!

 
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest Series: A Medieval Fairy Tale

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest is the latest novel in Melanie Dickerson's series A Medieval Fairy Tale.  On the opening pages, you meet Odette Menkels as she is quietly moving through the Thornbeck forest.  She is attempting to poach deer in the Margrave's game park in order to share the meat with the homeless children!

Odette is living with her uncle, a wealthy businessman in town, and they are constantly in fear of her being caught poaching.  When Odette meets Jorgen Hartman at the Midsummer's Eve festival, she only wants to learn more about him.  She finds him very attractive and likes his manner toward her; however, when she discovers that he is the Margrave's forester, she knows she must use caution around him to avoid being caught!

As Odette and Jorgen's friendship begins to blossom into something more,  you cannot help but be nervous every time Odette takes her bow and arrow and heads into the woods.  Will Jorgen finally catch the poacher he has been seeking?  When he realizes it is Odette, will he be able to save her?

This is yet another exciting tale for young readers!


I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review

Luther and Katharina

Jody Hedlund's latest novel, Luther and Katharina,  tells the tale of Martin Luther and the woman, Katharina von Bora, who would eventually become his wife!

This tale begins with Katharina, along with a group of fellow nuns, escaping from their convent.  God had spoken to their hearts, through the truth that had been shared in the writings of Martin Luther!  After a perilous journey, they soon meet up with Martin himself at his home.  This time of the Reformation seems to be spinning things out of control as Martin attempts to find homes for these women.  As you see these women being sent one-by-one to new homes, you find Katharina to be the last one standing by Martin's side!

As a surprise to all, you see Martin Luther, the man who had vowed to never wed, marrying Katharina.  Shortly after their wedding, you see one of the men closest to Martin intent on bringing him down by threatening the very life of Katharina!

See God's hand at work keeping these believers safe and bringing His will for and through their lives to pass!


I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review

A Lady of Esteem

Take a look at A Lady of Esteem, the latest novella by Kristi Ann Hunter.  This novella is an introduction to her new series, Hawthorne House. 

Amelia Stalwood has been living in London with her governess ever since her guardian sent them into town nine years ago.  Her quiet life is about to become very lively when she is introduced to the Hawthorne family, as well as their dear friend, Anthony, the Marquis of Raeburn!

Amelia has heard the negative tales concerning Anthony's reputation.  She is not sure what to think of him or how to behave around him; however, you are not surprised when you notice that feelings are developing between them!  Time with these new friends is a fun ride for Amelia as she goes about town with them.  She is doing things she has never done before, like going to the opera and learning how to dance! 

Hang on tight to see where this tale eventually leads Amelia!

 

Faity Tale Romance Collection

Melanie Dickerson takes on the re-telling of age old tales in her Fairy Tale Romance Collection.

The Healer's Apprentice tells a new version of the story, Sleeping Beauty.  This tale opens up in the year 1386 in Hagenheim, Germany.  Rose and her friend, Hildy, are watching the parade that is welcoming home the Duke's sons.  When Lord Hamlin's eye catches sight of Rose, his face instantly softens.  You sense something exciting is going to happen!  When Rose learns that he is awaiting his bride to arrive in town, she knows she must not dream about him.  This tale will keep you guessing who Lord Hamlin's bride really is until the final pages!

The Merchant's Daughter is a recounting of The Beauty and the Beast.  This story begins in the year 1352 in Glynval, England.  Annabel must pay off her family's fine by working as an indentured service for Lord Ranulf for 3 years.  The talk in town is that he looks like a beast, with a scar running down one-side of his face!  Discover along with Annabel what type of man Lord Ranulf really is!

The Fairest Beauty retells the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  We once again return to Hagenheim Castle in Germany for this tale.  When an old woman brings word that the betrothed of Duke Wilhelm's oldest son, Valten, is in grave danger, his younger son, Gabe, decides to ride to her rescue!  Gabe must battle with the evil Duchess Ermengard to bring Sophie away to safety!

The Captive Maiden is a new depiction of the age-old story of Cinderella.  When Grisela's father died, she was only eight years old.  She was left alone with a stepmother who had no compassion for her!  Gisela seems to have no hope, working as a servant to her stepmother and her stepsisters.  When Grisela (now seventeen) visits the town square in Hagenheim,  she crosses paths with Valten, the son of a Duke Wilhelm.  Will he be the one who will rescue her? Watch and see what will develop between them!

To wrap up this book, The Princess Spy is a fresh adaption of the Frog Prince.  Duke Wilhelm and Rose's oldest daughter, Margaretha, is bound to find the man God has planned for her in this tale full of lots of conversation and adventure!  It is also great to see the connection this tale has to The Merchant's Daughter!


This book is filled with exciting tales for any young adult just venturing into the world of the written word!


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my unbiased review

The Curiosity Keeper

The Curiosity Keeper is the first book in Sarah Ladd"s newest series, The Treasures of Surrey.  Early in this tale, James Gilchrist and Camille Iverness are brought together during a search for a valuable stolen ruby!

Camille works in her father's shop in a poor section of London and this shop is where James father originally bought the Bevoy Ruby.  After the ruby is stolen from his father's home in Fellsworth, James decides to start his search for the ruby at the Curiosity shop.  When James enters the shop during an apparent burglary, he quickly exits with Camille in his arms!  Camille had been slashed by the burglar's  knife.  When Camille's father returns home to find that the shop had been robbed, he immediately throws her out of their house.  James and Camille have no choice but to leave London, hoping that Camile can start a new life in the country!

Once they arrive in Fellsworth, Camille absolutely loves this new place.  She quickly starts a new job; however, the mystery surrounding the Bevoy ruby seems to have followed them to the country.  You soon find Camille and James in a very dangerous position on the final pages of this tale!


I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review

In Good Company

In Good Company is the latest book by Jen Turano.  This book tells all about the fun-filled adventure of Millie Longfellow and Everett Mulberry, as they journey together to Newport, Rhode Island!

I have never experienced so many laughs and smiles as I did reading the beginning of this tale.  Everett is a somewhat snobbish member of high society; while Millie is a poor governess, who cannot seem to hold a job!  You will enjoy watching as Millie gets a job (at the last minute) to take care of Everett's wards for the summer.  As Millie and Everett learn to adjust to each others differences, you see a romance bubbling up between them!

You know trouble is coming for Millie from Everett's soon-to-be fiance, Caroline (who insists that life is all about herself).  Wait and see what happens between these three characters.  You know there will be fireworks!!!


I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review.

Among the Fair Magnolias

Among The Fair Magnolias is a new book containing four novellas telling tales about women during the tumultuous times of the Civil War!

First, you start off with A Heart So True by Dorothy Love.   You meet Abigail Clayton, who is caught between her father's strong wish that she marry her cousin Charles Kittridge and her own heart's desire for Dr. Wade Bennett!  Will her father's mind be changed after Charles takes a swing at Abigail?  
You will be surprised to discover which direction wins Abigail's heart in the end!

Next, you meet Savannah Darby in To Mend a Dream written by Tamera Alexandra.  When her parents and older brothers are lost during the war, Savannah has been left with her younger brother and sister to raise on her own.  When she is asked to redecorate her family home for a man from the North, it is the final straw for her!  When she meets the new owner, Aidan Bedford, she is surprisingly drawn to him. 
Will she be able to keep her real identity a secret until she can find what her father has left hidden for his family? 

In Love Beyond Limits written by Elizabeth Musser, you learn the story of Emily Derracott.  She is living in Wilkes County, Georgia, during the early days of the beatings and murders of the Ku Klux Klan!!!!!  After the Klan hangs and kills Washington, an older black man from her father's plantation, Emily cannot make sense of her world.  Will she follow after her feelings of a forbidden love for Washington's brother, Leroy,  or will she follow her parent's wishes for her to marry her childhood friend, Thomas McGinnis, who she suspects is part of the Klan?
Hang on to see where the Lord leads Emily with all the questions she has about her changing world!

Finally, you are introduced to Russell Champion in An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray.  Russell ran away from home as a seventeen year old boy.  Now, he has returned seven years later to find everything changed!  His mother is near death and Nora, the girl he still loves, has taken up with a man that Russell has a bad feeling about!   
Watch and see if Russell is able to save Nora again from a bad situation!!!


I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review