High as The Heavens by Kate Breslin

Books Description

Page-Turning Intrigue and Romance from an Up-and-Coming Historical Romance Talent
In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service. 

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

My Review

Wow, that word doesn't begin to describe what a magnificent book Kate Breslin has written. 

This historical romance takes place in 1917, WWI, Germany. Evelyn has lost her husband and is stuck in Brussels with her mother as her only surviving family. 
Something devastating happens to her and she bares the weight of that guilt on her shoulders through the years. She does what she knows how to do, nursing, and discovers she can use her job to aid in the war as a spy. Gathering intel from wounded soldiers and relaying them to a secret organization known as "La Dame Blanche." 

Three years later, as she sets out to meet a contact, she witnesses a plane crash and finds her thought-to-be dead husband instead. Her quick thinking keeps him from being shot on sight as a traitor but now she must find a way to get him out of brussels and back onto a sovereign soil without blowing her own cover, all while suspecting there is a mole within the organization she works with. 

I can't tell you how amazing this book is. I have loved Kate Breslin's book since the first novel of hers I read "A Time Such as This." With each book she's gotten better and better, and this book is by far her best work to me! It truly makes me look forward to every new work she puts out! Filled with historical pieces that feel real and realistic in it's character portrayal. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5! Highly recommend it to friends, family, and as a gift to anyone who like historical fiction, for sure!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House's Blogging Review program.

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

Book Description

A sweeping Historical Fiction Set at the Edge of the Continent
After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

My Review

Mark of the King brings historical fiction to stunning reality for it's readers. Julianne, along with a host of many more characters, weren't so utterly hopeless as I have seen when tragedy strikes in some historical fiction, but they reacted to things like real people.It hurt for sure, but they fought for a better life in the face of their sorrows. It was hard not to be drawn into the lives of these people.

Also be warned you will need a box a tissues throughout this book! I know I went through a few tissues during some chapters. 

I think my favorite theme of this book was how Christ, now matter the struggles life sends your way, has offered you a way to cope. Early settlers were met with plenty of strife, more then I knew or can imagine sometimes. So having this book has brought a lot of insight, not just historically but in my Christian growth as well.

Mark of the King is a beautifully written novel you'll have a hard time ever putting down until it's over. I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Bethany House blogging for book program.

Your Marriage Masterpiece by Al Janssen

Book Description

A Transformational Picture of Marriage.

God created marriage as a beautiful work of art that reflects his glory to the world. But our culture has undervalued and misunderstood it, causing it to lose some of its luster. Like recent restoration projects on the Sistine Chapel and the Mona Lisa, it is time to return marriage to its former glory, and the only way to do that is to take a closer look at what the artist had in mind all along.

In this newly revised and expanded book, Al Janssen takes a fresh look at the exquisite design God has for marriage and brings to light the reasons this union was intended to last a lifetime. The chapters weave real-life stories with great teaching and biblical narratives in order to paint a complete picture of all that marriage can be. Readers will examine elements such as passion, adventure, and commitment that come together to make up the colors of God's design. They will also discover new ways to reflect God's love within marriage--revealing his plan for men and women from the moment he created us.

My Review

I believe you can never be too prepared, especially when it comes to something as precious and wonderful as Marriage. I’m single so when I first saw this book I though, “I probably have to be married to read or truly understand this book.”  Oh how I was I mistaken!

            From the first page the creative narrative captured me, begging to keep turning the pages. I read nearly 100 pages in the first afternoon. I’ve thought about what marriage means, what God intended it to be, but Al Janssen wonderfully illustrates and elaborates God’s true masterpiece when he created Adam and Eve and the world. Each chapter touches on a different piece of what marriage is and the very gospel God wrote in marriage when He created it. Not only what marriage is now, about a man and woman uniting as one, but how we are betrothed, promised, to God to one day be united forever with Him. What he did to show us that promise.

            One of my favorite illustrations and something I had not realized before was when God made a covenant with Abram and walked through the blood to seal it, he walked in it alone while Abram slept. He took on the whole thing so that even when the covenant was broken Abraham or anyone after him would not have to pay the penalty. God has already planned for Christ to pay that cost. Amazing.

            The book is filled with so much insightful looks at marriage and thought provoking illustrations on how we are to be and stand united when you do decide to join with that special someone. Filled with funny stories of his childhood and his own marriage, Al Janssen does a fabulous job telling the masterpiece God has created in marriage. Even if you are single for the rest of your life this book is more than worth reading. You get more than a glimpse at how much time and purpose God has put into us and whatever relationships we have with a spouse and our Lord our and Savior.

I highly recommend this book, whether you are married, want to one day wed, or even a confirmed bachelor(ette).

 

I give this book 5 out of 5!

 

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Bethany House blogging for book program.

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin

Book Description

Gripping Sophomore Novel from a Rising Historical Romance Talent

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack. 

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.

My Review

            I couldn’t contain the enthusiasm when I first heard that Kate Breslin was coming out with another book. I squealed when I ordered it seven months later. I jumped for joy when it arrived in my mailbox (silently thanking the Lord the mailman didn’t bend it, stuffing it in my mailbox!) It’s taken me longer to around to reading it sadly, but it was more than worth the wait!

            Grace is such a wonderfully believable character. Innocent yet admirable, she sets out to do her part in the war effort as a suffragette, to support her twin brother who is fighting overseas. That’s how she meets Jack Benningham. Dressed as Pandora, Grace and her maid crash a wealthy ladies lavish Masquerade ball to handout their white feathers of cowardice.

            Jack Benningham is not what he appears. Secretly working for British intelligence, seeking to reveal the traitors to their country. However, he didn’t plan on meeting Pandora that fateful night.  As her beauty captivates him and he charms her with a gentle kiss on her hand, he becomes amused and enraptured by her boldness as she hands him a white feather. Sadly, he let her beauty distract him from the mission and in pursuit of the spy Jack is devastatingly injured. Jack must not only live without his sight, but he must learn to live by faith; a faith not by sight.

            Fit with humor, love, and faith this book is one to have on your bookshelf! You will fall in love with it as soon as you open the book and want to share with others.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Bethany House blogging for book program.

Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy

Book Description

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in 
the process?

My Review

Yes, yes, yes! Mary Connealy has concluded yet another wonderful series! 

Bailey Wilde was definitely an interesting character, I wasn't always sure what to make of her. She had layers I couldn't begin to figure out on my own. I had to read through to finally see who she was (which I guess is the point, to keep reading, right?) Bailey being the oldest of the Wilde Women, she has always looked after her two younger sisters, shielding and protecting them from their not so great, rather low life, of a father. With the war over, now she wants nothing more than to keep to herself and run her ranch, away from people, especially men. But not because she's secretly a woman, no, there's a deeper fear hiding behind the disguise! Each of the Wild Women fought in the Civil War and each one came back with their own battle scars, but scars only become scars once they've begun to heal. Otherwise, they are just open wounds. 

Gage Coulter, icy, fierce...lovely! I was not expecting to fall for this guy! In the beginning I thought he was gonna A) Be a villain. or B) Constant thorn in everyone's side. He sort of was, especially in Bailey Wilde's case! But I was not expecting to find out he's actually a really good and decent guy! A good ole' Texas man moved across the country to the mountains. All we know in the beginning is that he fled to escape fighting in the Civil War. This book explains it all! Don't worry, I won't spoil it for you. Even if you begged me to tell you I wouldn't! 

I will tell you, however, the twist I didn't see coming even a mile away! Gage tells his mother in one of his letters that he is happily married to get her off his case but now he finds out she's on her way across the country to come see him and his wife! Now he has to find one...you guessed it, Bailey Wilde! If you read the other two books you saw this coming but it was still a great surprise! Now with these two married it got that much better! It doesn't end there, now that Mama Gage is there they can't seem to get her to leave. What will Bailey do with her running and calling the shots in her new groom's life?

And like the previous two books: Tried & True, Now & Forever, there is imminent danger lurking in the mountains! Lives are in danger as someone is trying to kill Gage and stage it to look like an accident! Who is this villain? Guess you'll have to read to find out!

Discovering the meaning of love and trust, Bailey must learn to depend on someone other than herself. Not just Gage, but God!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

Everyday Grace by Jessica Thompson

Book Description

Your Grace-Filled Guide to Relationships

It's hard, sometimes, to get over that thing your husband said weeks ago; or to resolve that tension with your colleague at work; or to fix a lifelong friendship that's taken a bad turn. The biggest problem with relationships is they always seem to involve sinners--including ourselves. So how can we form strong, resilient bonds with people who, like us, are bound to mess up? 

Thankfully, it's not all on us. Through stories and biblical teaching, Jessica Thompson helps us move beyond trying to "fix" the people we interact with, and shows us a better way. Though our relationships may be marred by tension and frustration, because we are welcomed and known by Christ, they don't have to stay that way.

My Review

I wish I could go through every chapter and have a deep discussion about every subject in this book. I've only felt that way about one another author. This is the first book I've read from Jessica Thompson, but I absolutely love what she shares in this book.

Starting with a foreword by Elyse Fitzpatrick, Jessica's mother, you get a great feel for where this book is going. It's not a quick-fix, "how to" book on relationships. Instead, it's about Christ, how much he truly loves us, and how that can change our lives, especially our relationships. Extending the same grace God gave us to those around us an in our lives and relationships.

"If there's one commodity in this world that's rare, it's got to be grace. Let's face it, we all live in a quid quo world, a world in which we're taught to believe that "what goes around comes around." ⎼ Elyse Fitzpatrick.

Jessica shares stories from her and some of her friends lives to paint portraits of grace and how we all fail at relationships but because of God's unfailing love we Him to help us and love us through it, and teach us how to show love and grace to others. I found myself constantly looking to my Bible at the verses Jessica references throughout the book. It was wonderful!

This is a book every woman, and truthfully any Christian, should read and buy for their friends and family! I felt truly encouraged and inspired after reading this book! I will be reading this book again (which I don't do very often!)

I give this book a 5 out of 5! (I wish I could give it an even higher rating than that!)

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

With This Ring by K.W, M.C, R.J, & M.J

Book Description

Humorous Historical Romance Novella
Collection Offers Love and Laughs
Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives.

Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.

My Review

With this Ring?

Mary Connealy, Karen Witemyer, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears come together with a collection of novellas, mixing humor and romance with a dash of adventure. Is there any less to be expected by these four famous authors?

The Husband Maneuver

In this short story we revisit two characters from Karen Witemeyer’s book “A Worthy pursuit”. Daniel Barret, Or Dead-eye Dan affectionately known to those who have read the book, is ready to build his own place and his own business, but Marietta isn’t ready for him to go, at least not without her as his wife.

Fear and love push Marietta into action. Trying to maneuver the quiet Daniel into a marriage proposal.

Most men will probably going  “Aha” right about now, but trust me when I saw that Marietta loved Daniel, and if you thought you’d lose someone forever you might be willing to do the same thing yourself.

It was a great pleasure to see these two beloved characters once again, and to see how their story ended. I also enjoyed reading experts from the last Dead-eye Dan book at the beginning of each chapter, what a fun treat!

Her Dearly Unintended

This story is a coming of age story for our two characters Josiah Huckabee and Katie Ellen Watson. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was pleased to find Regina Jennings in her element, as always.  Josiah, a fearless young man, wants to woo Katie Ellen, but she will have nothing to do with him. A logical, crafty, young woman Katie Ellen holds onto two years of pain caused by one small moment in time with Josiah, using it as a shield against Josiah. But things don’t quite go as any of them expected, with an old man taking residence in Katie Ellen’s home, and her only source of protection from the stranger is Josiah’s.

I enjoyed seeing the barriers come down around Katie’s heart, and that it taught me that the little details shouldn’t be stressed over so much, not when it comes to the ones you love.

Runaway Bride

I have no clue how many of Mary Connealy’s books are connected in this one little short story, but by the amount of names I feel I should know in here I am guessing a lot. Carrie Halsey, sister to Audra Halsey, is on the run from the fate her father forced upon her older sibling. As in most of Mary Connealy’s books there are twists of romance, action, and suspense even in this short story. I won’t spoil this story, but for all those Connealy fans out there I am sure they will love this quick stop on there way to the next novel.

Engaging the Competition

Now, Melissa Jagears story I was a little weary of, after learning about her book “A Bride in Store” from my sister. I did expect much from this story. Gladly I was very wrong about this one.

You would never expect rivals to make a good couple, Harrison Gray thought the same. He and Charlotte used to be the best of friends, until their competiveness got in the way. Because of his impaired sight and the need to wear glasses Harrison felt he couldn’t match up to Charlotte, and even the one time he felt he could best her he realized he was trying to publicly humiliate a woman. He did not want to be known as that type of man. With their friendship over Harrison didn’t think he would have to deal with her again. God had other plans.

Charlotte ends up breaking his glasses, and to make up for it she helps him teach his school class.

An interesting and sweet story that will have you captivated from the first few pages.

The book was a joy to read, and though I found the lack of faith a little odd, I still would recommended it for many readers.  With laughter, struggle, and love abound many will find themselves lost for an hour or two in one of these novellas.

I give this book a 4 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

Together with You by Victoria Bylin

Book Description

When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall's PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny.

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

My Review

This was a wonderful story! Reading it I felt like I was reading a modern day Christian version of the Sound of Music. Come to find out that was quite intentional which just made my love for her writing grow even more! No, it was not based off of anything from the sound of music, but it held the same spirit.

A story filled with mistakes, bad decisions, growing pains, hope, love and forgiveness.


Carley, a preachers daughter who left her home to get away from a mistake she made comes to find herself as a nanny for a little girl with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) after reuniting her with her all too severe and unsmiling, yet handsome, father in the mall toy store where she worked.

Ryan has a list he wants to accomplish with his family over the summer while his ex-wife is on vacation with her new husband, but things aren't going well when he loses his daughter in the mall. Thankfully, she is returned safe and sound with Carley. When he finds she is familiar with FASD, after having just lost his last nanny, asks to hire her on the spot!

One of the things I loved about this book was reading from Penny's point of view. Rarely do I get to read and see how that character perceives and processes's the world they live in. It pulled on my heart and helped me to understand what Penny was going through then if I had just read it from Ryan or Carley.

I also loved that the story wasn't just about Ryan and Carley falling in love, it was about the whole family! Ryan's two sons played a fairly big role in this story. Carley connects with them and even and helps bring them together as a family and as individuals.

There was so much more to this book than I can put in a single review, but I couldn't put this book down when I read it and so I highly recommend it.

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

Now & Forever by Mary Connealy

Book Description

Shannon Wilde is the middle sister—and the one who loves animals. She’s established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine…until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker.

Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon’s land. Someone clearly wants her to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn’t count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad—and trying to hurt the woman he’s falling in love with set off something even he never expected. 

My Review

I picked up this book as soon as I finished Tried & True. Mary Connealy wasted no time in this amazing sequel. She hits the floor running!

Shannon Wilde is the more tender hearted of her two sisters. Being in the war wasn’t easy. Fear and guilt still haunt her dreams. It’s wounded her spirit. Now she just wants to find some peace. 

Matthew Tucker is as wild as I’ve ever seen. He cracks me up! His mountain man friends almost made me crack a rib. He’s passionate and strong and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect Shannon. He’s the perfect match for her. 

I loved getting to know his mother, Sunrise, too. She is a character I just love to read.

After Slaughter River—it’s as scary as it sounds— a more heinous threat lurks in the shadows. Mary Connealy doesn’t waste a minute is showing who this new villain identity. Hiram Stewbold, the new land agent taking over for Aaron Mastersons. I thought Nev was bad in the first book when he was stalking Kylie, but this guy is the real psychopath. I couldn’t go to sleep if the chapter ended from his point of view, I had to keep reading and leave off with Shannon and Tucker (or finish the whole book). He still makes my skin crawl. 

My absolute favorite part in the entire book was when Tucker finally managed to get Shannon to share her story of being in the war. He said something to her that hit straight home, deep enough to make me cry. 

“You’ll never shake my faith. So you don’t have to fear saying the wrong thing. I’m strong enough to listen and not be hurt by your doubts, and, Shannon,

—I’m I’m strong enough to listen, then for certain God is.

—How could you go through something like that and not have doubts? God understands that. Not talking about them…well, God still knows.”

God always wants us to come to even, even if we are in doubt of his goodness and love. 

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” 

– 1 Peter 5:7 NLT 

He doesn’t want us to runaway and hide in shame. Tucker really said it when he said, 

“There ain’t much in this life that’s a bigger waste of time than trying to hide things from God.”

Now & Forever has become a new favorite in my collection. It’s filled with excitement, romance, laughter, a tad bit of thrill, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you haven’t read the first book “Tried & True” yet, I highly suggest you get on it. I can’t wait for final book, Fire & Ice

I highly recommend this book. 

I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

Book Description

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

My Review

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1 Corinthians 3:7 NLT

      This is a love like ours.

This is the third book in Becky Wade’s Porter family series. Focusing on the last of the porter brothers, Jake. As a former Marine Jake suffers from the traumatic events that sent him home six years ago.

When we’re in pain it’s easier to shift blame onto something or someone else, even ourselves. Why do we struggle so much with this? Why must there be someone to blame for our troubles?

Now on to our next character Lyndie. A light-haired young woman, and Jake’s childhood friend, this sweet natured woman carries her own set of worries. With a younger sister completely dependent on her family to just get through the day.

The relationship between Lyndie and Jake is a strained one, and it was interesting to watch them grow in their friendship, even when Mr. Tall, dark, and brooding, did everything in his power to push Lyndie away.

So many subjects were broached in A Love like Ours from single parenting to being single, and weathering the storms life throws our way. Characters from Becky Wade’s previous two books, Undeniably Yours and Meant to Be Mine, make an appearance in the third book, along with a hint for perhaps a fourth book. A Love like Ours picks up where its predecessor lagged behind. It can also be read out of order without leaving the reader feeling like they have missed something really important

All the way around the book came out to be much better then what was first expected of it. And if you are looking for another good Texas romance with plenty of humor, horses, and real life struggles, then I recommend this book

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

Book Description

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly  never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.  

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke. 

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

My Review

I truly loved this book! The length of chapters were perfect; just short, and long, enough to keep me reading until the end!

Stories in small towns have always interested me, but the town of Banister Falls wasn't what drew me in. It was the people! A beautiful story of falling in love and learning to trust again.

Genevieve has had her heart-broken and her trust shattered. She can't stand to stay in one place. If she did, people would get to know her and that meant opportunities for someone to hurt her again. Always keeping a suitcase filled in the closet ready for a quick escape.

For her daughter, Raine, that made things hard on her. Raine felt alone, until she met Cody. Immediately catching her eye, it wasn't until her teacher paired together for a class project that she got to know him. But that wasn't the only person she became interested in. Reading Cody's answers on a questionnaire, she becomes interested in knowing God. After searching, she finds Jesus and hands her life over to him. Both Cody and Raine's relationship with the Lord bring them close.

Though this book is mostly about Dan and Genevieve, I really liked how she involved Raine and Cody's point of view's throughout the whole book.

Dan Marietta always loved Evie (Cody's mom) but he let her go when his buddy Max (Cody's dad) began pursuing her. After Max died in a fire while on duty, everyone thought Dan and Evie would get married, but Evie always kept him at arm's length. Dan is the handsome firefighter, but a gentlemen in every way! It made me wish he was real and interested in me! *wiggles eyebrows* Though you wouldn't know it, Dan has his own little suitcase, which I love that he unloaded that secret with Gin. It helped bring down more of the barrier she had surrounding her heart. And it just made Dan that much more real. 

The book was well written, I only wish their had been more! All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to you all.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of BookLookBloggers Review program.

Stuck Together #3 by Mary Connealy

Book Description



When a lawman who values order gets stuck with a feisty crusader who likes to stir things up, there's going to be trouble in Texas! 

Now that she's settled in town, Tina Cahill is determined to get Broken Wheel's saloon closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention.

With nearly every other man in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with strong-willed Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he's ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her crazy causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he's got one more surprise coming his way: Tina's picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger.

My Review

Vincent Yates, also known as Invincible Vince. He got his name because he never lets anything get to him. His friends gave him the nickname during their time in Andersonville, a civil war prison in Georgia. If there was trouble brewing, Vince was always there, on guard to stop it before it even had a chance to happen. But what’s behind that thick layer of muscle and brains? What made him so tough?

I love how the story unfolds with Vince’s family, and his mother. With her condition, it just made it heart wrenching through the rough times and heartwarming in the end.

Tina Cahill knows how to stir up a crowd! I never knew a brawl could be so hilarious and entertaining! Or that one girl could start it all! She was a wonderful addition to this series back in “Fired Up” but even better when we see her in this one. I was so glad to see this story revolve around her and Vince.

Tina has some problems, feeling like she will never fit in or be loved. Everyone has always sort of cast her aside. But she’s not one to wallow in self-pity; she’ll stand up and be on her own before she becomes someone else’s burden. But everyone has come to love Tina and couldn’t think to live without her. With her brother now courting Vince’s sister, I can’t blame Tina for feeling pushed aside, forgotten. Poor Tina doesn’t even believe Vince loves her; she’s just a pesky girl he can’t wait to get rid of. But Vince has a secret that he has vowed he will never curse another living soul with and he intends to keep it that way.

But Vince and Tina’s love isn’t the only thing hanging in the balance. The Indians and everyone in Broken Wheel teeter on the brink of War. First someone shoots at Luke and Ruthy and then again at the Indian Chief helping Luke track down the scoundrel who first shot at them! That sets the whole tribe in an uproar. If Luke and his friends can’t find the man who shot at them and been selling whiskey to the Indians there will be trouble in Texas.

Vince has to learn to let go of the things he can’t control, handing them over to the One who controls all things and trust in him. Tina has to learn that she is loved and doesn’t have to do things by herself. They’re all in it together, their stuck together.

“There are friends who destroy one another, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” ~Proverbs 18:24

It was the perfect book to end this amazing series! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House's Blogging Review program.

My Note:

I was as instantly, and quite literally, as swept away by this series as Ruthy was in the very first few chapters!

I have been so excited to share with all my friends, and my readers, about the series (I know some have already heard me tell them twice now that they need to read them!) and have found so much joy in talking about them.

My advice to you all: read them in order. Surely, they can be read from any point and still be quite enjoyable. But getting to know each character, how their stories unfold, and how they ended up where they did, in full detail, helps you to truly fall for each and every one of them. I tried reading the last book first and I just couldn’t connect to it.

However, as soon as I read the other two (I had to borrow the first two books from the library or who knows when I could have read them. But now I wish I had bought them! I still will, soon), I felt this overwhelming sense of friendship and love toward every single one of them. I was completely connected and devoted to seeing this series through. I couldn’t have felt that had I not read them in order.

Mary Connealy was smart, humorous, and downright splendid in this series, and I am highly recommending everyone to read them. I can’t wait to start reading the Kincaid Brides. I was so tripped out that the series had a seamless connection (the last book is about Luke’s sister and her husband!)

You won’t find much trouble getting hooked, as you will find it in Broken Wheel, Texas! Have fun, y’all!

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

 

Cover Description

Finding each other was only the beginning . . . 

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life.

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome and confident, and he seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to get involved with one of the locals.

Nick is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow--no dating for a year--but keeping that vow is going to be a lot more difficult now that he's met Kate Darby. . . .

My Review

This book looked really good when I read the description you see up above, but I wasn't expecting it to become one of my favorites! 

One of the first things I loved about this book was the involvement of Leona, Kates grandmother. Usually such characters get left in the background throughout the story but not this one. From the very beginning you meet Leona in her log cabin, talking to God about and wishing she could help her sweet granddaughter find and accept him into her heart as she had many years ago. That's when everything changes, Leona is in the hospital from a stroke, Kate holding on to the edge of a cliff for dear life, rescued by this handsome of a stranger named Nick. But through the rest of the book you get to hear Leona's thoughts and read the journal she is writing for Kate of her experiences with the Condors and how she came to trust in God with her life. 

Kate Darby was an inspirational character, especially for those who still have doubts or cling to our so called securities: job, finances, home, etc,. When in reality it's fear of change and trust that keeps us at arms length. It's funny, you can't really talk about this book as just one persons journey, it's really about three. Leona, Kate, and Nick. 

Nick was one of my favorite of all characters. I even loved his brother, Sam. Before Nick accepted Christ into his life he lived the life the world calls us to live but when something happens he sees differently and calls on God to change his life the way He wants him to live. He doesn't call it easy, he doesn't glam it up, but in Kate's eyes she seems him as a hero on a pedestal that can do no wrong. But he knows he is no hero and that she needs Jesus in her life before he jumps into it. He could never take the place of Jesus and he continues to see that hero gleam in Kate's eyes and that worry's him. His faith is tested as well when he has to hand Kate over to God's care when he so desperately wants to be there for Kate in a time when only God can take care of her.

Through the rest of the book you see both Kate and Nick struggle with trust, which I think is one of the main focal points in this book. Trusting God when we don't know what's going to happen or where our life is headed or with the things that are just simply out of our control. God has it under control. Until I Found You is a beautiful, heartfelt, true love story with believable characters and in-depth meaning on what it means when we choose to follow Christ. 

I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of their Blogging For Books program.