My Review - Operation Zulu Redemption

5 out of 5 stars - Definitely on my favorites list!

An INCREDIBLE series!! OPERATION ZULU REDEMPTION was fast-paced, seat-of-you-pants fiction at its best. I read the 5 installment series (I didn’t realize I could buy it as one book) in a week’s time. Granted, I had the time on my hands because my family and I had been evacuated due to the Rough Fire in California, but it served as a great distraction while my everyday life was put on hold.

Zulu is an all-female special ops team that was set up for failure. The entire series/book is the women of Zulu and their handlers trying to set the record straight. To the world and their family they are dead, but in fact, they have been given new identities and have tried to live simple lives while struggling with the memories of the tragedy that befell them. Though incredibly strong women, they struggle emotionally at the devastation that happened at their hands. Unfortunately, assassins have found out their current identities and are trying to pick them off one-by-one. The clock is running, and there are only so many people the team can turn to for help.

I can’t use enough adjectives to describe this series. Ms. Kendig is exceptional at penning intricate stories full of intrigue, with threads of romance. Her characters are so well fleshed out, you feel their emotional struggle, and want to take up their fight for them.

AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!

I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT!!

My Review - The Memory Weaver

2.5 out of 5 stars

THE MEMORY WEAVER just didn’t strike a chord with me. But, in all fairness, I assume some of the responsibility for that. When I saw an endorsement by Romantic Times, I naturally thought there would be more romance in the book. In my opinion, what little romance was there was one-sided and disheartening.

Eliza Spaulding Warren’s life was tragic with very few uplifting moments. She’s taken hostage at a young age by Indians and forced to watch a massacre, her father disowns her for a time and withholds his love, and her husband is self-centered—among other things. It is only her faith in God, her love for her children, and the loving memory of her mother that keeps Eliza going. She is definitely an encourager to those around her, but so little encouragement comes her way.

Throughout the book, excerpts of Eliza’s mother’s diary is slipped in, which was one way of giving backstory. But to me, it broke up the continuity of a story I was already struggling to grasp.

I absolutely commend the author on the amount of research she put into the story. I’m sure for true lovers of historical novels, this is a valuable asset. Unfortunately for me, it just weighed down an already slow moving story.

Again, I take responsibility for reading a book outside my genre of choice, and I did finish the book because I so wanted to see Eliza happy. Unfortunately, in the end, I just felt sad for Eliza and the life that she led. But, if you are a history fanatic, and like reading stories penned more as a memoir, you most likely will enjoy THE MEMORY WEAVER more than I did.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available September 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review - Last Chance Hero

5 out of 5 stars

LAST CHANCE HERO is book four in the A Place to Call Home series. As Ms. Armstrong introduces new characters to the small town in New Mexico, we get a chance to catch up with others characters we’ve already grown to love.

Dr. Jessica MacLeod is not only new to Last Chance, but new to small town living. Her dream has always been to have a practice in a small town, but now she’s not so sure. Ending up in a town where football is king, she has to admit to the locals she’s never seen a football game before, and really doesn’t have the desire to. Getting her practice off the ground is hard enough, but when the residents don’t want to give her a chance, she wonders if small town living is all she’s imagined it to be.

Andy Ryan was the local football hero. Now, he’s come home to Last Chance after a career in the NFL to coach the local high school team. Though he get off on the wrong foot with Jessica, he’s sure they can find their way. But when she treats one of his team players, and her advice doesn’t line up with Andy’s thinking, the strain in the relationship because hard to overlook. Andy’s not sure his and Jess’s differences are something they can overcome.

The characters of Last Chance have been a joy to get to know. And the great thing about LAST CHANCE HERO, is you get one last opportunity to catch up with the whole gang. The relationships that have formed, and the way their lives intersect with each other definitely shines a light on what small town living is all about. There’s a genuineness to the residents of Last Chance, leading to heartwarming stories. You’ll be glad you visited.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available September 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - The Mistress of Tall Acre

5 out of 5 stars

THE MISTRESS OF TALL ACRE is another moving novel from author, Laura Frantz.

Sophie Menzies is a woman from an affluent family, but finds herself being shunned because of her father’s traitorous ways. The aftermath of the American Revolution has fractured her family. Her father has fled to England, abandoning Sophie and Three Chimneys—their family plantation. Sophie waits patiently for her brother to return from the war to help her restore Three Chimneys to its former glory, but with no word of his whereabouts she begins to think the worst has happened. When her neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy returns as a widower with his young daughter, Sophie realizes all have suffered because of the war. Lily Cate Ogilvy is a delightful child who immediately bonds with Sophie. And Sophie quickly develops feelings for Lily Cate, and her father.

General Ogilvy is fighting more than a war. While mourning the death of his wife, he must secret away Lily Cate from relatives not wanting to give her up. Now, he must protect his daughter, his family home—Tall Acres, and his neighbor—Sophie Menzies from those who want to strip her of her home. When it seems the only way to safeguard his daughter’s future, and Sophie’s land holdings is to marry Sophie, Seamus proposes a business arrangement. An arrangement he has a hard time keeping strictly business. Though Sophie becomes the rightful mistress of Tall Acres, there is much she and Seamus have not shared with each other, and others that intend to do them harm.

I thoroughly enjoyed THE MISTRESS OF TALL ACRES. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Sophie, and root for Seamus that he would see not only the beautiful woman that loves his daughter fiercely, but open his eyes to things of the past. Lily Cate was written so well, I could picture her impish little smile and bright eyes. There were bits of intrigue and suspense, enough to keep the interest of those who look for a little bit more in a romance novel. But the main story of course was the mutual attraction between Sophie and Seamus, an attraction both were afraid to reveal to the other. I’ve always said I am not a fan of period pieces, but time and time again, Ms. Frantz pens such genuine characters, the timeframe no longer matters to me.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available September 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Betting on Hope

4 out of 5 stars

Though BETTING ON HOPE could be labeled a typical “opposites attract” type novel, I felt the story had a unique enough spin, making it fun and refreshing to read.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist. But when she gets roped into doing an on air interview with the incredibly handsome cowboy, Tru Monahan, she turns into quite the klutz. Sparks are evident between Maggie and Tru. And when Maggie jokingly makes a bet with Tru, she finds herself the center of an ongoing publicity stunt. She tries to back pedal, never intending to have actually made the bet, but it’s too late. The TV station and Tru’s agent feel the bet is a ratings grabber, and lands city girl, Maggie on Tru’s ranch for two months. With her advice column on the line, she goes through with the wager and slowly finds herself falling for Tru. She refuses to give into her feelings, knowing she’s not the person he thinks she is. But somehow the cowboy continues to get under her skin.

Tru Monahan has had his fair share of negative publicity, making him wary of journalist. Tru is convinced Maggie’s innocent little bet was a well thought out scheme, making the tension between them escalate. He agrees to teach her how to ride, but he has no intentions of letting Maggie worm her way into his life. But, the more time Tru spends with Maggie, the more he realizes she’s the real deal. Tru would like nothing more than to pursue her romantically, but he knows he can never be enough for Maggie. She deserves more than he can offer.

BETTING ON HOPE was a fun story with very likable characters. Both Maggie and Tru try to put a halt to their growing feelings for each other because of secrets from their pasts. But they’re only kidding themselves if they think they can keep their feelings under wraps. The other characters that round out the town of Wishing Springs are lively and colorful. And I can only assume that subsequent books in the Four of Hearts Ranch series will be about Tru’s brothers. I felt the story of Jenna was woven in well, giving Maggie a chance to reflect on her past. But the outcome seem to be a little abrupt to me.  I’m a sucker for any book with a cowboy on the cover, but Ms. Clopton definitely kept my interest with her unique story. I will definitely be looking for book two in the series.

My Review - Through Waters Deep

4 out of 5 stars

THROUGH WATERS DEEP was an enjoyable read. With a broad spectrum of characters, Sarah Sundin pens a World War II period piece filled with romance and intrigue.

Mary Stirling’s uncomplicated life is about to become anything but that.

Because of an incident in her past, Mary does everything she can to keep a low profile, and shies away from any kind of special attention. She loves her secretarial job at the Boston Navy Shipyard, and does a great job blending in. When she bumps into Jim Avery—an old high school friend—her life gets a little more complicated. She always thought Jim was special, but he only had eyes for her best friend, Quentessa. Mary and Jim begin to spend time together—time that allows Mary’s feelings for Jim to grow deeper. But since Jim shows no signs of interest in her beyond friendship, Mary decides to keep her feelings to herself. When it comes time for Jim to ship out, Mary is horrified to find out a saboteur has tampered with his ship. So she decides to use her position in the shipyard to do some sleuthing. Gathering evidence she feels could be useful, she goes to the FBI with her notes. Even though the FBI doesn’t think her notes can be of any use, Mary knows something isn’t right among the men who work at the shipyard. Along with Jim’s help, she is determined to find out who is at fault before someone gets killed. With the extra time spent with Jim, Mary decides she’s going to tip her hand and let him know how she really feels. When Quentessa makes a surprise appearance in Boston, and decides to claim Jim for herself, Mary once again keeps her feelings for Jim to herself.  

Ensign Jim Avery has always floated through life. Not one to cause waves or make grand gestures, he lets life lead him around. When he bumps into Mary Stirling, he is reminded of the only woman he’s ever really loved—Quintessa Beaumont. Though Quintessa never gave him a second glance, his infatuation for her never diminished. Putting thoughts of his high school crush aside, Jim forges a wonderful friendship with Mary. When Jim realizes what he feels for Mary is far more than friendship, he isn’t sure how he should proceed. When he receives a kiss from Mary upon shipping out, he decides his first point of business when he returns will be to tell Mary how he really feels about her. When his tour is cut short by a saboteur’s bomb, Jim can’t wait to get home and tell Mary how he feels. Shock is what he finds when none other than Quintessa Beaumont is at Mary’s apartment when he returns home. Quintessa lavishes Jim with attention—attention he does not want. He is more certain than ever that what he feels for Mary is love, but it’s obvious to him that Mary doesn’t feel the same way because of the distance she keeps.

Mary is determined to figure out who the saboteur is, while Jim is determined to let Mary know his true feelings. But they both have to act fast before time runs out.

I really enjoyed THROUGH WATERS DEEP. Though at times I thought Mary was a bit extreme in her practices of staying out of the limelight, I still liked her unassuming personality, and Jim’s carefree persona. The many secondary characters like Arch, Lillian, Quintessa, and the shipyard personnel, added real character and diversity to the story. I’m not usually one for War era novels, but this is the second book of Ms. Sundin’s I’ve read, and will continue to look for her work in the future.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available August 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My review - Hope Harbor

5 out of 5 stars

HOPE HARBOR by Irene Hannon is a departure from the romance/suspense novels I’ve come to expect from Hannon, but HOPE HARBOR is a genuine story of two people taking a second chance at love.

Tracy Campbell is focused on the family cranberry farm in the coastal town of Hope Harbor. After the tragic loss of her husband, she has no intentions of repeating her mistakes. Though she struggles to make ends meet—and is pulled in a hundred different directions—Hope Harbor still brings her the peace she desires, no matter what struggles come her way. When Tracy runs into Michael Hunter, all she sees is a self-absorbed tourist. But as their paths continue to cross, Michael strikes a chord near to her heart. She struggles to compartmentalize her feelings, not willing to be hurt again, but Michael is not a person she can keep at arm’s length.

Michael Hunter arrives in Hope Harbor wanting to feel a connection to the wife he loss. It was the trip he promised her but never followed through with. While there, he’s optimistic he can figure out the direction of his future. When he runs into Tracy Campbell—literally—the coastal winds of change begin to wash over him. There is something about Tracy that intrigues him, even though he has no intentions of getting tangled up in a relationship. But the friendship that grows between them deepens, challenging him to take a second chance.

HOPE HARBOR is a story of second chances. Both Tracy and Michael are struggling with guilt over their lost loves. Though to many, that would be the issue that solidifies their decisions not to become involved with each other, to Tracy and Michael it seems to be the common ground that draws them closer.

I really enjoyed HOPE HARBOR. It was a good departure from the romance/suspense I usually read. Miss Hannon is at her best, as usual, bringing life and depth to her characters. The secondary characters in the story round out a rich cast of players and add to the back drop of Tracy’s and Michael’s journey of discovery. Though there were no spikes in suspense or mystery, HOPE HARBOR was still a book that you won’t want to put down.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available July 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Center of Gravity

5 out of 5 stars

A BOOK THAT BREAKS BOUNDARIES!

Disclaimer: Though published by Thomas Nelson, CENTER OF GRAVITY is not what I would consider a Christian novel. Blue language is used throughout the book and could prove to be a stumbling block to more conservative readers. Also, I never got the impression any of the main characters had a relationship with God. It could’ve been in there, but it wasn’t strong enough for me to understand the character’s belief systems. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the non-traditional style of Laura McNeill.

Ava Carson’s life is being turned upside down. Though the life she’s led with her husband, Mitchell Carson, has not turned out the way she expected, nothing prepares Ava for the shocking path Mitchell takes to erase her from his life and the life of their children. The power her husband wields and the deceptions he orchestrates to paint Ava as an unfit mother, convinces her Mitchell is dangerous and she has to do something to protect their two young boys. Hiring Graham Thomas as her attorney is a step in the right direction, but when Mitchell’s behavior escalates to violent proportions, she realizes he will stop at nothing to have his way. When Ava digs into her husband’s history—hoping to find skeletons to use against him in a custody battle—she is devastated to find out everything she thought she ever knew about her husband is a lie. A lie fabricated by a very dangerous man.

CENTER OF GRAVITY is gripping. It pulls you in with a magnetism that won’t let go. I thought the unorthodox first-person writing style was going to be an obstacle for me, but it only fueled my desire to continue reading and understand the next person’s point of view. Following up on my disclaimer regarding language, I felt at times the language choices were not needed. Though I am an advocate for breaking the barriers that seem to pigeonhole some Christian writers and Christian publishing houses—and have been a vocal proponent for more realism in Christian fiction, especially where the use of language is concerned—even I felt some of the language choices were unnecessary in furthering the story along. But overall, I congratulate both Laura McNeill and Nelson Thomas for taking that bold step. Maybe it will open the door to other Christian authors like myself who don’t want to sanitize their stories just for the sake of a publishing deal.

 

My Review - To Capture Her Heart

3 out of 5 stars

TO CAPTURE HER HEART is the second in the Southold Chronicles, and though I liked it better than A PLACE IN HIS HEART, I found the story moved slowly and didn’t fully grab my attention.

Heather Flower, an Indian princess’ happiness has been cruelly ripped away by an opposing tribe. On her wedding day, her intended is killed in front of her eyes and she is kidnapped and later left to die. When Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren rescues her—and treats her with such tenderness and compassion on the long journey home—she finds herself drawn to the man, even though she is mourning the loss of her fiancé. When she is delivered into the hands of Benjamin Horton, an Englishman her people have long been friends with, she feels safe and protected. Heather knows that Ben has always felt affection for her, and her people would be pleased if she was united with him, but she is mourning the loss of her beloved and her minds continues to drift to the Dutchman that treated her with much kindness.

As time wears on, Heather finds herself torn between two men and the wishes of her family. She cares for Ben deeply and would never want to hurt his feelings or wound her relationship with his family, but her heart’s desire remains with Dirk.

TO CAPTURE HER HEART was an enjoyable read with fascinating characters, but its slow pacing, and at times, the lack of real emotion from the parties involved worked against it. Actually what I enjoyed most about this book was the new portrayal of Barnabas Horton, one of the main characters from book one. While reading A PLACE IN HIS HEART I developed a strong dislike for Barnabas, and in the end, felt like he was undeserving of Mary’s affection. Book two portrayed him as a changed man and a loving husband. In TO CAPTURE HER HEART, I felt sorry for Ben. He was a great guy who’d already missed his chance at love once before and you don’t want to see that happen again. But the chemistry between Heather Flower and Dirk was definitely their even though their scenes together were few and far between. I guess maybe in the back of my head that was one of the problems I had with the plot. Heather Flower is portrayed as being absolutely devastated by the loss of her fiancé. Then how could she have develop such a strong attraction to Dirk during those first few days of rescue? She should’ve been in shock and withdrawal, going through the motions, not falling in love. I think it would’ve been more believable if her marriage had been more along the lines as an arranged marriage so that her heart could easily be affected by her rescuer. That’s just my opinion.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available July 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - Abandoned Memories

5 out of 5 stars

ABANDONED MEMORIES follows the settlers of New Hope, a confederate colony trying to put behind their failures and short-comings as they strike out in the jungles of Brazil. But what they find is an evil far worse than they left behind.

Angeline Moore is looking for a fresh start. Forced to live a despicable life and wanted by the law, America has nothing for her. Unfortunately, another passenger on the voyage to Brazil knows exactly who she is and what she’s done. As she keeps her distance from this nemesis, she finds herself drawn to James Callaway, the colony’s preacher. Knowing she could never live up to his expectations, she keeps her feelings to herself. But, when James reveals he has feelings for her as well, Angeline doesn’t know what to do. She wants nothing more than to have a loving relationship with a man that would cherish her, but knowing how James feels about her kind, she knows once he finds out the truth about her past he will cast her aside like every other man in her life.

James Callaway feels he is a two-time failure. A doctor afraid of blood, and a preacher that has allowed immorality to taint his life, he wants for nothing more than a fresh start. He desires to be the spiritual leader of New Hope and make sure illicit women and wicked vices never infect this new colony. As his affection for Angeline Moore grows, he is convinced she is just the kind of pure-hearted woman he wants at his side as he leads the people of New Hope.

As Angeline and James, along with the other settlers struggle with their own inner demons, a supernatural evil is slowly overtaking the new colony. Infestations, floods, fires, horrible visions, and the murder of one of their own, plague New Hope. The discovery of an ancient temple and a tattered Hebrew book holds the key to the oppression that terrorizes them. They must decipher what this book is telling them if they are to take the evil captive before it can destroy them.

ABANDONED MEMORIES surprised me with the amount of supernatural/Sci-Fi influences in the story, but instead of dissecting it, I allowed myself to get immersed in the adventure because I knew MaryLu would bring the focus back to the Lord. With a large cast of characters—some who were fleshed out in books one and two in this series—there was plenty of action, angst, and heartache. With pirates, greed, and blackmail thrown into the already oppressive battles the people of New Hope had to fight, ABANDONED MEMORIES was a book that though not my normal cup of tea, I certainly couldn’t put down until I knew how the story ended. Another page-turner from Ms. Tyndall.

 

 

 

My Review - Gone Without a Trace

4 out of 5 stars

GONE WITHOUT A TRACE continues the Logan Point series and does not disappoint.

Homicide detective Livy Reynolds has had her foundation shaken. After blaming herself in the accidental shooting of a teen, then freezing up during a firefight that gets her partner shot, Livy doubts herself and loses her confidence.  At the same time that Livy is struggling with what her future holds, she meets private investigator Alex Jennings. Alex is working on a case similar to the unexplained disappearance of Livy’s cousin that happened more than two years ago. Though Livy has an instant dislike for Alex, she decides to take a leave of absence and help him out on his case, but only because of the similarities it has to her cousin’s disappearance. Livy plans to use the time away from her job to reevaluate her future. What she doesn’t plan for is the chemistry that builds between her and Alex.

Alex Jennings is trying to make his own way in the world. Though his father and grandfather are pressuring him to follow in their footsteps and become a lawyer, Alex wants to be a private detective—a job he’s good at. Solving the case of Samantha Jo Woodson’s disappearance will not only bring closure to her family, but prove to the patriarchs of his family that being a private investigator is not only challenging but rewarding. He is more than willing to have Livy Reynolds team up with him. She’s an experienced homicide detective and his attraction to her makes the partnership all the more worthwhile.

Equal parts suspense, mystery, and romance made GONE WITHOUT A TRACE an intriguing read. I enjoyed catching up with some of the previous characters from the other two books in the series, and I especially enjoyed watching the attraction between Livy and Alex build. I don’t think I completely bought off on the reason Robyn stayed away so long and why, but I was willing to put that aside and enjoy the rest of the mystery while it unfolded.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available July 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

My Review - The Reckoning

In one word - AMAZING!

5 out of 5 stars

THE RECKONING was ADVENTURE at its most adventurous and ROMANCE at its most romantic! The climax had as many swelling whitecaps and crashing waves as The Reckoning itself had to navigate. Though this book has a time traveling aspect to it—something new for Ms. Tyndall—it was a direct hit!

Morgan Shaw’s life is careening out of control. Diagnosed with cancer, being dumped by her boyfriend, and navigating a difficult relationship with her divorced parents is just the tip of the iceberg Morgan is dealing with. At a Tall Ships Festival with her friends, Morgan wants nothing more than to hide away from the world and her problems. When she seeks refuge in the belly of a replica ship of The Reckoning, Morgan awakes to find she’s been transported back in time three hundred years. Convinced her wealthy father has gone to the extreme to stage an adventurous distraction from her upcoming cancer treatments, Morgan goes along with the elaborate display. But her indifference turns to irritation, and her irritation quickly turns to anger when no one will help her put an end to this ridiculous charade. As her staged adventure continues, Morgan begins to realize even her father could not have engineered such an elaborate scheme, but the thought of her actually traveling through time is more than she can comprehend.  Soon, Morgan is swept up in the adventure and romance of being at sea with a man that is quite handsome with a personality one part chivalrous hero and two parts captivating rouge.  

Pirate Rowan Dutton, captain of The Reckoning, is on a quest to reinstate his name and his family fortune. Just as he positions himself to overtake a ship carrying great wealth, a woman he’s never seen before appears on his ship, distracting him and giving the ship he hopes to plunder enough time to slip away. Infuriated by her untimely appearance, Rowan’s anger is quickly turned to curiosity. This woman is like none he has seen before. Her clothes, her actions, her insistence that he is nothing more than an actor hired by her father, has him intrigued.  When she seems indifferent to his charm and debonair ways, he finds his curiosity of the woman has turned to infatuation. An infatuation that could lead to his death when she divulges his lucrative plan to one of his long held archenemies.

WOW!  I mean WOW! First, let me say, I do not do fantasy/Sci-Fi/time travel. It’s just not my thing. Well, once again I have been challenged to broaden my horizons by Ms. Tyndall’s writing.  THE RECKONING was an incredible journey that not only fed the adventurous spirit, but challenged the spiritual heart. It was clear to me that Ms. Tyndall’s intention in writing THE RECKONING was not just to give her readers another swashbuckling tale, but to remind them that God is there always! In all things! From tragedies to triumphs, our God is there. It is up to us to seek Him out and trust Him always. Some conservatives might question some of the spiritual aspects of her writing (make sure and read the author’s note), but her objective in pointing out the sovereignty of God rings true.

Thank you, MaryLu for another exciting escapade!

 

My Review - JUSTIFIED - book two in the Mended Heart series.

5 out of 5 stars

JUSTIFIED—book two in the Mended Heart series—has genuine characters you fall in love with and rings with authenticity.

Fawn Blaylock’s life has done a one-eighty. From rich, judgmental, daughter-of-a-pillar-of-the-community adolescent, to out-of-wedlock, pregnant, fall-from-grace college student. Fawn has always had a sharp tongue and a caustic thing to say about anyone that didn’t measure up in her eyes. Now, the subject of town gossip because of her unexpected pregnancy, Fawn begins to see the people of Trapp, Texas through different eyes. When she is kicked out the house by her affluent parents without a penny to her name, Ruthie Turner—Fawn’s longtime nemesis—befriends her. When Tyler Cruz—the baby’s father becomes violent, JohnScott—the town’s football coach—befriends her. People she has always looked at as beneath her are now the very people Fawn is relying on to help her through the most pivotal time in her life.

Even with her newfound friends encouraging her, Fawn’s confused and scared by her uncertain future. She fears for her safety when she’s with Tyler but keeps giving him chances to prove himself. But it’s the comfort, safety, and chemistry she feels when she’s with JohnScott that gives her hope, and stirs her heart. Though her future, and the future of her baby are the most important thing to Fawn, long held secrets from the past will also impact Fawn in ways she never imagined.

JUSTIFIED was the perfect follow-up to JADED. Though JUSTIFIED gives you all the information you need to follow Fawn’s story, I would definitely recommend reading JADED first so you can really appreciate the characters Ms. Denman developed in book one. Unfortunately, JUSTIFIED vividly portrays the hypocrisy that so many times taints churches today, and accurately brings to life the good and the bad of small town living. The takeaway from the Mended Heart series so far is—be slow to judge and quick to forgive, because you too will someday be in need of that forgiveness.

I look forward to JILTED, book three in the series. It should prove to be interesting since it revolves around one of the longtime residents of Trapp, Texas, instead of one of its young adults.

My Review - JADED by Varina Denman

4 out of 5 stars

JADED is a novel that not only entertains but challenges the reader in the areas of judgment, forgiveness, and grace. Though the pacing is slow the message is worth your time.

Ruthie Turner is a young woman who experiences firsthand the hurt of being excommunicated from the local church. After her father leaves town—for reasons Ruthie still doesn’t understand—she and her mother are asked to leave the church on the word of one of the elders. This sets Ruthie’s course for life and leaves her bitter and resentful towards all Christians. So, when a new pastor comes to Trapp, Texas to lead the flock that casted her aside, she turns a blind eye to his supposed interest in her. Unfortunately, her heart can’t be as easily swayed. Her feelings for Dodd Cunningham confuse and anger her. He is one of them. But the way her treats her is so different than anything she’s experienced. But knowing her mother would be devastated by such a relationship, Ruthie continues to fight her attraction for Dodd.

Dodd Cunningham is new to Trapp, Texas, and quickly gets a crash course on small town living. In a town where everyone knows everyone else’s business—and feels they have a right to weigh in on each decision he makes—Dodd tries to straddle the fence between acceptance and changing the heart of the people. His attraction for Ruthie is unique and unsettling. But when he is encouraged by the church elders to disassociate himself from the Turner family and a local ex-convict, he realizes the church has set itself up as a place of condemnation instead of a place of hope to the lost and wounded. He sets out to change public opinion at the threat of losing his position in the church.

JADED was recommended to me, so I dove in with high expectations. I might have set the bar a little too high, but I still enjoyed it and the message it gave. Ruthie is quite a pistol. I loved her candidness and her this-is-who-I-am-take-it-over-leave-it personality. Dodd was the consummate hero with his always doing the right thing for the right reasons persona. Though I thought it was a bit of a stretch that a conservative pastor would be so intrigued by someone who doesn’t share his faith or lifestyle (almost at times becoming an obsession), the pacing of the story lent to the development of his relationship with Ruthie. This story reminded me quite a bit of KEPT by Sally Bradley, and SWAY by Amy Matayo, which isn’t a bad thing because I thoroughly enjoyed both of those books, but the ‘pastor meets a woman from outside the evangelical realm’ seems to be a hot topic of late. None of these observations dampened by desire to read JUSTIFIED, the second installment in the Mended Hearts series. I will just have a better understanding of Ms. Denman’s writing style and pacing.

My Review of TAKEN by Dee Henderson

4 out of 5 stars

 

TAKEN is captivating, in a slow, methodical way.

After being held against her will for eleven years, Shannon Bliss has gained her freedom and is looking for someone to help her traverse the road from victim to survivor. Shannon carefully chooses Matthew Dane. Matthew is an ex-cop turned private investigator who has a lot of experience dealing with a kidnap victim—his own daughter. Matthew’s daughter was kidnapped when she was young, and it’s that fact that drew Shannon to Matthew. She knows he’ll be able to handle the layers she’s dealing with, and has the connections necessary to keep her safe as she turns over evidence against the people who have held her captive.

Matthew Dane is surprised to find a woman waiting for him outside his hotel room.  He is utterly shocked to find out it is kidnap victim Shannon Bliss. Shannon wants his help to acclimate to her new world, but she also needs his help to put away the people that took her eleven years ago. The more time Matthew spends with Shannon, the more surprised he is with how well she is recovering from her ordeal. Though he is waiting for her emotional dam to break, Shannon surprises him with how well she is adjusting to her freedom.

I really enjoyed TAKEN, especially since it brought back characters like Bryce and Charlotte, and Paul and Ann. The tempo of the book was slow and methodical, there were never really any highs or lows. I didn’t even necessarily feel any suspense because there wasn’t ever a time I thought Shannon was in danger. I loved the interaction between Shannon and Matthew, I just wished their relationship had progressed to the next step before the end of the book. The chemistry these two had was palatable, my favorite parts being their shared dinners and movies. It made sense for the relationship to build slowly after all that Shannon had been through, but I would’ve enjoyed a little more action.

My Review - In Firefly Valley

3 out of 5 stars

IN FIREFLY VALLEY was a refreshing story that traveled at a carefree pace.

Marissa St. George is on her way home to Depree, Texas, but not because she wants to be. After being laid off, she has no choice but to return home to the town that holds so many difficult memories. Swallowing her pride, Marissa moves in with her mother, the cook for the struggling Rainbow’s End resort, and accepts a job as business manager at the same resort. Her mother, the eternal optimist, welcomes her daughter home, and so does her best friend Lauren. Things begin to look up when Blake Kendall arrives at Rainbow’s End. Wondering if love at first sight really exists, Marissa is more than willing to explore that possibility with Blake.

But just as Marissa and Blake’s relationship takes off, the reason for Marissa’s bad childhood memories comes to light and Marissa finds out who Blake really is. Feeling betrayed and lied to, Marissa shuts off her heart from those around her and allows her anger to consume her. Blake wants nothing more than to be a permanent person in Marissa’s life but her anger reminds him of the difficult relationship he had with his grandfather and he refuses to be involved with someone who isn’t willing to let the past be the past.

IN FIREFLY VALLEY wasn’t an action-packed thriller, but it had its own special charm. Though the men in the story seemed a little too good to be true, I still enjoyed the overall story. Anger issues being one of the themes of IN FIREFLY VALLEY, Ms. Cabot reminds us all how anger can steal our joy and allow the pleasures of life to slip through our fingers if we aren’t careful.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available May 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - No Place to Hide

5 out of 5 stars

NO PLACE TO HIDE is the third installment in the Hidden Identity series by Lynette Eason. An on the run thriller, NO PLACE TO HIDE will take your breath away.

Jackie Sellers is shocked to see her onetime crush, Ian Lockwood, is in the news as a potential terrorist. Knowing there has to be some sort of mistake, she goes to Ian’s home to find out what is going on. When she gets there, she quickly realizes Ian is in a world of trouble and now she’s stepped right into the middle of it.

Not a stranger to danger, Jackie’s work as a police officer and her job with Operation Refuge gives her skills that can help Ian. But knowing who to trust is going to be the problem. Dangerous people want Ian dead. The FBI wants him caught. And Ian just wants to clear his name. Jackie must do everything she can to keep Ian safe while they discover the real reason he is being framed. When old emotions resurface between Jackie and Ian, Jackie has to channel her energy to clearing Ian’s name and must force her heart take a backseat. When Jackie and Ian discover the catastrophic plot that is going to be unleashed on an entire city, they must act fast before it’s too late.

NO PLACE TO HIDE gives you no time to catch your breath. Ian and Jackie are on the run throughout the book, and as a reader, you find yourself right alongside them as they navigate their way to the truth. The connection between Jackie and Ian is strong, and so are the connections between Jackie and Ian, and secondary characters Holly, Lucy, and Ron. I love the pace that Lynette Eason sets for her books. Though fast-paced, her novels are never short on depth.

If you’re a fan of action/suspense/romance, you won’t be disappointed by any of Lynette Eason’s books.

Book provide for review purposes.

Available May 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - The Legacy

3.5 out of 5 stars

THE LEGACY is the final installment in The Restoration series from Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley.

THE LEGACY centers on Doug Anderson, the youngest son in the Anderson Family. Doug’s life as a college student has him making choices that he knows his parents won’t appreciate. As he tries to balance two different lifestyles, his parents catch on to the fact that Doug is drifting away from not only his Christian faith but his family as well. The harder his parents try to get a read on Doug, the more Doug pushes them away. When things finally come to a head, Doug pretty much closes the door on his parents and Christina, one of his best friends. Doug soon learns going it alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. But it takes a tragedy for him to be willing to turn his life around.

I enjoyed THE LEGACY, even though I thought the pacing at times was slow. I feel a little more depth in Doug’s character would’ve made him more likable. His nonchalant attitude towards his relationship with Courtney bothered me a bit, and made Doug seem cold and unfeeling. I liked Christina’s character so I want to go back and read, THE DESIRE, to see if I can learn more about her background.

Overall, enjoyable. Just not riveting.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available April 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Buried Secrets

5 out of 5 stars

BURIED SECRETS by Irene Hannon is the first installment in the Men of Valor series. Ms. Hannon took a different approach in this romance/suspense storyline; one that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Lisa Grant is the chief of police for the small town of Carson, though that is not where she honed her detective skills.  Originating from Chicago, Lisa is a keen detective who refuses to let a twenty-four year old mystery go unsolved. With the help of county detective, Mac McGregor−a former Navy SEAL, Lisa might be able to firm up two mysteries: the death of a college student, and what’s missing in her personal life. Immediately attracted to McGregor, Lisa knows the dangers of mixing business with her personal life. Solving this crime’s importance is two-fold. Bring closure to the family involved, and see if a relationship with a certain detective is in her future.

Mac MacGregor might have started on awkward footing with Chief of Police, Grant, but that is quickly overlooked by the seasoned professional. And working on an a cold case−that has just caught fire−with the beautiful Lisa Grant has just up the ante in solving what appears to be more than just a missing persons. MacGregor left the SEALS because he realized what was missing from his life−someone to share it with. Convinced that someone is Lisa Grant gives Mac the added incentive to solve the case.

Two things that were different about BURIED SECRETS. One−we know from the beginning who the culprit is. Two−our hero and heroine don’t beat around the bush where their interest in each other is concerned. While some have said knowing who the perpetrator was took away from the suspense, I enjoyed seeing the case and evidence come together while watching the offender squirm and eventually tip their hand. I also appreciated the way our two main characters came right out and admitted their attraction for each other. So many times, in romance books, the cat and mouse game is played right until the very end. This frustrates me to no end. Instead of internalizing all the dialogue and masking their feelings, there was dialogue between the characters that−to me−legitimized their relationship.

A great start to a new series. Looking forward to book two in the series, coming out in Spring 2016.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available April 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - Sabotaged

SABOTAGED, with its unique storyline and unpredictable twists, you really had to wait until the end of the book to know the whole truth.  The only negative is knowing SABOTAGED marks the end of the series.

A Great Series Full of Action and Romance!

5 out of 5 stars

Kirra Jacobs is beside herself with worry. Her uncle−a musher in the Alaskan Iditarod race−is missing. She sets out to find him only to be shadowed by Reef McKenna, her childhood nemesis.  When Kirra and Reef find her Uncle Frank, he lets them know that Kirra’s cousin, Meg, has been kidnapped and will be killed if Frank doesn’t do exactly as they say. Kirra and Reef−along with the rest of the McKenna siblings−join forces to figure out what Frank is being forced to do and where Meg is being held. While Kirra and Reef work together to hunt down clues, Kirra realizes her feelings for Reef are no longer fueled by contempt. The attraction she feels for him confuses her, but the man she sees in Reef is far different from the adolescent she grew up with.

Reef’s transformation has been slow, and though he realizes he has true feelings for Kirra, he knows her feelings for him teeter somewhere between irritation and tolerance. But that doesn’t matter. Her family is in trouble and he intends to do everything in his power to not only help Frank and Meg, but to keep Kirra out of harm’s way.  Unfortunately, the more they uncover, the more the evidence points to a catastrophic event that endangers more than just Kirra’s family.

I absolutely LOVED the entire Alaskan Courage series.  The McKenna clan is a fiercely protective and loyal bunch, but not without their difference and their scars.  It was nice to witness the transformation in Reef−the black sheep of the family and it was great to get one more glimpse at Cole and Bailey, Piper and Landon, Gage and Darcy, and Kayden and Jake. Each of their stories was gripping, action-packed, romantic, and memorable.

A great series! A must for romance/suspense junkies.

 

 

 

 

 

My Review - Stress Test

5 out of 5 stars

CURRENCY OF THE HEART is a story of overcoming loss instead of allowing it to consume you. An enchanting story with genuine characters.

Shaina Sterling knows what it is to experience loss. On her own from an early age, she’s led a difficult life that seems to get more difficult as time goes on.  Doing all that she can to protect the reputation of her recently deceased husband, she secretly sells off the accumulation of his wealth to hide his sordid secret. But she knows it’s only a matter of time before the people of Denver discover her secret. When tragedy strikes again−leaving Shaina homeless−Sloan Remington offers her not only a place to stay, but asks for her help taking care of his housekeeper who has suffered a fall. Offering to pay her for her duties is more than she can imagine, but Sloan insists it is only fair and brings her to his ranch. Shaina knows Sloan is a man with a stellar reputation, but is about to find out what a truly fine man he is.

Sloan Remington knows all about Shaina’s woes. Unbeknownst to her, Sloan has been keeping an eye on her because of the promise he made to her dying husband. His intentions towards Shaina are pure.  He wants to keep her safe, out of harm’s way, and free from the wagging tongues of Denver’s elite. Even though his intentions are to see to Shaina’s well-being, he can’t help but think of what life would be life with a woman like Shaina by his side. But Sloan is keeping his own secrets. Secrets he is sure will change the way the people of Denver and Shaina will look at him.

Though CURRENCY OF THE HEART was predictable, it did not take away from my enjoyment. Shaina is genuine at heart, never thinking she deserves more out of life. And Sloan is the consummate hero that wants nothing else but to take care and protect Shaina. The secondary characters of Mable, Jim, Abe, Elise, and Doc, add their own storylines and flare to the book. If you like romance and the historic West, you’ll definitely enjoy CURRENCY OF THE HEART

 

My Review - Currency of the Heart

4 out of 5 stars

CURRENCY OF THE HEART is a story of overcoming loss instead of allowing it to consume you. An enchanting story with genuine characters.

Shaina Sterling knows what it is to experience loss. On her own from an early age, she’s led a difficult life that seems to get more difficult as time goes on.  Doing all that she can to protect the reputation of her recently deceased husband, she secretly sells off the accumulation of his wealth to hide his sordid secret. But she knows it’s only a matter of time before the people of Denver discover her secret. When tragedy strikes again−leaving Shaina homeless−Sloan Remington offers her not only a place to stay, but asks for her help taking care of his housekeeper who has suffered a fall. Offering to pay her for her duties is more than she can imagine, but Sloan insists it is only fair and brings her to his ranch. Shaina knows Sloan is a man with a stellar reputation, but is about to find out what a truly fine man he is.

Sloan Remington knows all about Shaina’s woes. Unbeknownst to her, Sloan has been keeping an eye on her because of the promise he made to her dying husband. His intentions towards Shaina are pure.  He wants to keep her safe, out of harm’s way, and free from the wagging tongues of Denver’s elite. Even though his intentions are to see to Shaina’s well-being, he can’t help but think of what life would be like with a woman like Shaina by his side. But Sloan is keeping his own secrets. Secrets he is sure will change the way the people of Denver and Shaina will look at him.

Though CURRENCY OF THE HEART was predictable, it did not take away from my enjoyment. Shaina is genuine at heart, never thinking she deserves more out of life. And Sloan is the consummate hero that wants nothing else but to take care and protect Shaina. The secondary characters of Mable, Jim, Abe, Elise, and Doc, add their own storylines and flare to the book. If you like romance and the historic West, you’ll definitely enjoy CURRENCY OF THE HEART

 

My Review - Somebody Like You

A Unique Storyline!

5 out of 5 star

SOMEBODY LIKE YOU is an amazing love story born out of tragedy.

After the death of her husband in Afghanistan, Haley Ames is taking one day at a time, putting one foot in front of the other, and being the strong independent woman she has always been. But when she sees her husband on her front porch, she’s sure the Army has made a mistake and she’s been blessed with a miracle. Those feelings are quickly dashed when the man standing in front of her introduces himself as Stephen, her husband’s twin brother−a brother she never even knew her husband had. Haley wants nothing to do with Stephen. Looking at him only reminds her of all she’d lost.  But Stephen isn’t going to give up that easy. He has an unexplainable need to protect Haley and help her through the changes that are coming her way. Though they both must deal with the loss of a husband and a brother, they also have the chance at a bright future if they can only look beyond the pain.

I loved this story and the way the author handle this most unorthodox story line. With Haley so in love with the memory of her husband, I wasn’t sure how she would allow herself to explore feelings for Stephen without feeling a sense of betrayal. But Ms. Vogt handled this paradox quite well. Haley is strong and self-sufficient−absolutely the kind of female character I myself (I am an author) like to create.  But she also has a soft side and emotional needs that even she doesn’t know she desires to be filled. Stephen is the epitome of silent strength. Watching his feelings grow for Haley, knowing she might never return his affections was both gut-wrenching and moving.

I can’t say much more without giving away keys to the story. I will just say that I really enjoyed SOMEBODY LIKE YOU and recommend it whole-heartedly!

My Review - Mercy's Rain

A moving story!

5 out of 5 stars

MERCY’S RAIN has to be one of the most provocative Christian books I have ever read.

Mercy Roller’s life truly is a living hell. Her father−who is also the town’s pastor−rules his household with an iron fist and his own twisted, distorted form of righteous anger. Mercy’s mother and the people of Wadalow Mountain seem unable to stand against the Pastor’s tyrannical reign, and Mercy herself desires nothing more than to feel the love of a father. But what Mercy gets instead is the deplorable actions of a wicked man, a man who is anything but a messenger of God.  When her mother kicks her out of her home, Mercy embarks on a journey that takes her to another mountain community where she is faced with people who love, accept, and care for not only Mercy’s fragile heart, but her grieving soul.

MERCY’S RAIN is not a novel for the faint of heart. Though Ms. Sproles does not rely on rough language or graphic descriptions, her imagery sets scenes that are both evocative and haunting.  You will find yourself wincing and sighing out loud, wondering how much more Mercy can endure before she is set free from the cruel and harsh behavior meted out by her father.  Mercy hates her very name because it taunts her of the one thing both her earthly and heavenly father have never extended to her. I ached for Mercy when she finally found herself surrounded by good people, but her cynical mind and distrust of any man of God would not allow her to receive unconditional acceptance.  Mercy’s journey is heart wrenching because she feels unworthy of anything good and refuses to acknowledge that God is the epitome of good.  It’s a difficult process for Mercy to shed the hate that has blackened her heart, but Isabella, Terrance, and Preacher Samuel refuse to give up on Mercy until she finds the true meaning of her very name.

Book provided for review purposes.

My Review - Love is Patient

5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed LOVE IS PATIENT. I especially enjoyed the gritty writing with which the story is told.

Melanie Brooks has sold her body for years, but now has the chance to start over. When she arrives at her ranch in Sterling Canyon, she is astounded at the gift that has been left to her. Feeling unworthy, she can’t help but think she has to work to receive what already belongs to her.  Pappy Henderson, the ranch foreman is patient and kind with Melanie. He is well aware of her past, but reminds her over and over again that nothing she’s done in life will disqualify her from the love of God.

Nicholas Henderson, Pappy’s nephew, is immediately intrigued by Melanie. She is strong and determined, and never shies away from hard work. Her womanly curves do not go unnoticed either. But, when Nicholas learns of her previous vocation, his feelings change. He will never see her as anything more than a tainted woman.

Pappy is heartbroken that his own nephew is unwilling to see past Melanie’s previous hardships. Nicholas’ treatment of Melanie only serves to reinforce her feelings of inadequacy and that she does not deserve what God wants to freely give her. But all that changes when Melanie’s past comes back to haunt her. She will do whatever is necessary to protect her new family from the unseemly people who are determined to destroy her.

A really enjoyed LOVE IS PATIENT. I appreciate and applaud any Christian author that writes a story with realism instead of sanitizing the story which only serves to insult the audience. There were a few threads in the story I felt should’ve been handled differently.  I don’t think−under any circumstance−Melanie would’ve allowed Charlotte to remain in the squalor of her past. Melanie had the means to rescue Charlotte and I don’t think she would’ve allowed herself to live in such opulence knowing what filth Charlotte was subjected to night after night. I was also waiting for Pappy to use all the imagery of what Melanie had inherited as an illustration of what God has prepared for us. We can’t work for it, we will never earn it. It is a gift−all we have to do is accept it. Other than that, I truly enjoyed LOVE IS PATIENT and would recommend it to anyone who loves the old west.

My Review - Beowulf

A Must Read Series!

5 out of 5 stars

An amazing end to an amazing series. Ronie Kendig’s writing is storytelling at its best. The only negative thing about BEOWULF is that I knew I was reading the last book in the series and I didn’t want it to end.

Timbrel Hogan is tough, single-minded, and above all else−hates men. That is, all men but her Bullmastiff, Beowulf. The explosives detecting dog is the only companion Timbrel needs−at least that is what she tells herself. Events from her past have shaded Timbrel’s outlook on life and because of that, she refuses to let her guard down where men are concerned. But her hard-as-nails, man-hater persona doesn’t deter Tony “Candyman” Van Allen.

Tony, a Green Beret, has made it his goal to win Timbrel over. Being teamed together on a few missions, Tony knows he can change Timbrel’s mind if he’s only given a chance.  Unfortunately, the walls Timbrel has erected seem impenetrable, especially since they are guarded by a behemoth of a dog that has taken a considerable disliking to Tony.

When a routine mission goes sideways, and Beowulf is blamed for a false positive, tensions mount. But Timbrel knows Beowulf was right. And her determination to prove him right gets her tangled up in a larger plot than anyone could have imagined. Even though Tony and Timbrel continue to butt heads, Timbrel’s attraction for Tony escalates. She’s just not sure if she can offer all that it takes to be that someone special in Tony’s life.  When a mission turns dire, Timbrel opens herself up to Tony, but is it too little too late?

This was a FANTASTIC series. One that I simply devoured. The characters Kendig has created are definitely your all-American hero type men, and you independent−don’t take no crap−women. The sparks that fly don’t just happen on the battlefield. Tony is very charismatic while Timbrel is quite icy. But when the two are together, they fuel a fire even they can’t control. If you like action, adventure, suspense, romance, and hold-your-breath drama, you must read the A Breed Apart series. Then follow it up with The Quiet Professional’s series. You won’t be disappointed.

 

 

My Review - The Trouble with Patience

3 out of 5 stars

THE TROUBLE WITH PATIENCE is the first installment in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series. Though the characters were likeable, the story seemed to drag at times.

Patience Cavanaugh is insecure about her looks and feels that love has passed her by. Not wanting to dwell on what she doesn’t have, Patience puts all her energies into fixing up the broken-down boardinghouse her grandmother has left her.  Patience enjoys the people of Nevada City, all but Marshal Jedidiah Jones. When she publically interferes with his handling of a criminal, the Marshal put her in her place.

Jedidiah Jones is fighting demons from his past. Once a vigilante, he is now the town Marshal doing what he can to keep Nevada City crime-free. When Patience Cavanaugh rebukes him publically he sees her as nothing more than a meddling woman.  But his feelings soon change.

As Patience and Jedidiah two-step around each other, an attraction develops between them. But they both struggle with insecurities that keep them emotionally distant. Between Patience working on her boardinghouse and Jedidiah trying to round up wrestlers, they convince themselves they are too busy for a relationship. But soon, Jedidiah takes steps towards Patience hoping to convince her they should be together.

THE TROUBLE WITH PATIENCE was a sweet story, I just didn’t feel like it had any momentum. The storyline, the interaction between characters, even the plotline, seems to move at a pace that had me skimming from page to page. The dialogue between Patience and Jedidiah sometimes seemed a bit forced and at other times out of character. Once again, I nice story, just not a captivating story.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available February 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.