Claiming Her Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe

Her Temporary Cowboy

Attorney Jackson Harris regularly goestoe-to-toe with the world's toughest lawyer--but none of them compare to Lucy Maxwell. The feisty director of Oklahoma's Big Heart Ranchfor orphans is as stubborn as she is pretty. But Jack must stay focused; he's only thgere to ealuate the ranch's funding. Falling for Lucy and the sweet children she protects is out of the question. Though Lucy is determined to keep the ranch, she's not about to give control to a city slicker--even a devastatingly good-looking one. But as they bump heads, Jack and Lucy gradually nudge open their hearts. Could a temporarty cowboy become a permanent part of Lucy's life?

My Thoughts

I loved this book from start to finish! The characters the setting, the plot all grabbed me from the beginning and hasn't let go of me yet. Claiming Her Cowboy is the first book in Tina Radcliffe's new "Big Heart Ranch" series and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!

The main characters are Lucy Maxwell, the director of Oklahoma's Big Heart Ranch, a ranch for orphans, and Jackson Harris, a lawyer that has been appointed to the Brisbane Foundation to make a decision regarding the funding it will or will not donate to the Big Heart Ranch. When these two get together sparks fly and it is so much fun to watch the sparks and the unfolding of their relationship. But the one thing that tied it all together for me was Dub, one of the orphans. I could just picture him with his cowboy boots and Resistol straw hat on standing next to his buddy, Jack. Oh how I fell in love with this little boy and I guarantee you will too.

This book is one that will cause you to laugh and to cry. It stirred up emotions in me and made me appreciate all that I have in life. It is a book for anyone who enjoys a good clean read, especially with a hunky cowboy and his little cowboy buddy. It is a January release for Love Inspired Suspense so it is on the bookshelves right now.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my complimentary copy of Claiming Her Cowboy. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Lawman's Yuletide Baby by Ruth Logan Herne

Her Holiday Hero

Corinne Gallagher's plans for a peaceful Christmas with her kids go astray when longtime crush Gabe Cutler moves in next door. As if having the hunky state trooper in snowball-throwing  distance isn't distracting enough, Gabe suddenly has custody of an orphaned infant--and is in need of Corinne's help! She agrees, but her heart draws a line--she can't fall for another lawman. After a devastating loss, Gabe has avoided fatherhood and love. Yet filled with Corinne and the children, his new house is starting to feel like home. Will Gabe run again, or finally fulfill his secret Christmas wish for a family?

MY THOUGHTS

I love Love Inspired books set during Christmas, especially when the book also has the name Ruth Logan Herne on the cover. The Lawman's Yuletide Baby is Ms. Herne's November release from Love Inspired and I LOVED it.

The main characters are Corinne Gallagher, a widow with two young children and Gabe Cutler, a state trooper who has loved and lost as well. Gabe also is a coach in the community and Corinne's kids love him. Corinne and Gabe are both afraid of getting involved for fear of being hurt again. But their journey is worth taking as the walls are stripped down and they learn to love again. This is truly an inspirational story and I loved it. 

The characters are all quite believable and I found myself caring more and more as I turned each page. Ms. Herne has a true talent for creating believable characters and places them into a setting that makes the reader want to become a part of the story. Grace Haven is a town that anyone would love to visit. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean read!

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of The Lawman's Yuletide Baby. I received a complimentary copy with no expectations for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about her client...can they?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie's belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister--right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene's letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in the race to save Kaylene's surviving daughter, Emilie and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl--and find a future for themselves in the process?

My Thoughts:

I love suspense novels and while I haven't read many legal suspense novels I'm quickly becoming a fan. Especially after reading Cara Putman's newest release Imperfect Justice, which is her second release in her "Hidden Justice" series. I haven't had the opportunity to read the first book in the series, Beyond Justice,  but that's okay as Imperfect Justice can be read as a stand-alone novel.

With the death of Kaylene, Emilie's client and Reid's sister, a romance seems out of the question as they are both living through a tragedy. Emilie feels guilty that she couldn't do more for her client and Reid feels guilty for being so career driven that his sister didn't feel she could confide in him. I enjoyed watching this relationship develop.

Ms. Putman has created a multi-layered suspense novel with a little romance and a secondary suspense plot laced in. She had me riveted to the edge of my seat and at times I found myself holding my breath. The plot was drawn out in perfect timing and held me captive from start to finish.

Since I enjoyed this book so much, I'm anxious to read the first book in the series and can hardly wait for book three.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel. While it is a legal suspense novel, the author writes it in such a way that the reader thoroughly understands what is going on.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 1/2 Stars!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for my Advance Reader's Copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy with no expectations for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

He Holds My Hand - Experiencing God's Presence & Protection by Carol Kent

I CLING TO YOU; YOUR STRONG RIGHT HAND HOLS ME SECURELY. Psalm 63:8

CAROL KENT wrote this 365-day devotional during a time in her life when she was desperate to hear God's voice and feel His comfort. Now, she shares the encouragement she received from God.

LISTEN TO GOD'S VOICE IN SCRIPTURE. REMEMBER, HE HOLDS YOUR HAND, AND HE WON'T LET GO.

MY THOUGHTS:

He Holds My Hand is a beautiful 365-day devotional that originated out of a tragic experience in the author's life.

This devotional begins with January 1st and ends with December 31st. Each day's devotion is titled with the month and date, as well as, a title. For example for today, the title is "The Best Defense". The author has collected numerous quotations from various Christians, many names quite well known, and she has started off each day's devotion with a quote that is relevant to the title for the day. The body of the devotion reads as if God Himself is speaking to you and at the end, we are given a pertinent Bible verse. In the back of the book, there is a Scripture index which will lead you to the date(s) the Scripture can be found.

What I really like about this devotional is the way Ms. Kent wrote it as if God Himself was speaking. In her acknowledgment, she said this devotional came out of her practicing a new way of responding to God's Word. As she meditated on Scripture, she wondered if the way she conversed with God would be something that others would find helpful in their quest for renewed hope and fresh faith in their walk with God.

The only thing I would change about this devotional is I would have added a ribbon marker to keep the user's place. I chose a magnetic bookmark to use so I don't have to thumb through the pages to find the correct date.

I would highly recommend this devotional to anyone who would like to enrich their time studying the Bible.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 1/2 Stars!

I would like to thank Tyndale Momentum for my copy of He Holds my Hand. I received a complimentary copy with no expectations for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris

SIX GIRLS MISSING...
AND EVERY CLUE LEADS TO A DEAD END

     During Garrett Addison's first week on the job as a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, his team is called out to a murder scene of a young girl. She's just one in a string of disappearances with one thing in common--a Polaroid photo of each victim left behind at the crime scene.
     The FBI is pulled into the case to help, and Garrett finds himself working with Special Agent Jordan Lambert, the woman he once loved. When yet another girl dies, Garrett wonders whether he really has what it takes to be an agent. Maybe he should just walk. But while he may be done with the killer, the killer is not done with him--or Jordan.

MY THOUGHTS:

I have loved every book I have read by Lisa Harris and I could hardly wait to receive her newest suspense novel, Vanishing Point. While this is the first book in the "Nikki Boyd" series, it follows behind the three books offered in "The Nikki Boyd Files" series. For those of you who have read the Nikki Boyd Files series, you'll be glad to know that the disappearance of Nikki's sister Sarah will be solved in this novel. The question is, will she be found alive or dead? While this book is technically the 4th book in the Nikki Boyd Files series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.

I love the fact that Lisa Harris creates strong, believable characters that pull the reader into their world. In the case of Vanishing Point, the character's world is a little dark and nefarious. I was glad they were the ones who had to solve the mysteries.

This was a riveting, fast-paced suspense thriller with a small romantic thread that was just enough. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced Christian Suspense Thriller.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell Publishing for my complimentary copy of Vanishing Point. I received my copy for free with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon

     Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death--and puts Trish under police scrutiny--her world is once again thrown into turmoil.
     Detective Colin Flynn isn't certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake, or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge--and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn't just dangerous...it's deadly.
    
MY THOUGHTS:

As a huge fan of Irene Hannon, I was anxiously waiting for the release of her new book, Dangerous Illusions, the first book in her new series, "Code of Honor". As per usual, it was an excellent read filled with twists and turns along the way.

When reading a suspense novel, I enjoy trying to figure everything out before the author reveals it. I have to say Ms. Hannon totally had me fooled. Just when I knew I had it all figured out, she proved me wrong.

With strong believable and likable characters, Dangerous Illusions is a fast-paced suspense novel with romance and a Christian thread mixed in. The story was perfectly balanced with enough suspense and romance to keep me tuned in flipping pages as fast as I could.

I would highly recommend Dangerous Illusions to anyone who enjoys reading a fast-paced romantic suspense novel. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell Publishing for my copy of Dangerous Illusions. I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Welcome to Wishing Bridge

Three friends converge in a small town after one of their lives takes a wrong turn.

Kelsey is on her way to a life do-over. And it's not the first time. Abandoned by her drug-addict mother as a teen, she landed in a foster-care group home where she experienced faith and community--and met her best friends, Jazz and Theadora. The trio stuck together like sisters and vowed to make their lives mean something.

Now Kelsey's pushing thirty, and her life has taken a wrong turn. Pregnant and alone after loving the wrong man, she's on her way to making another life-changing decision when a wicked blizzard strands er outside the sleepy town of Wishing Bridge.

After being rescued from a snowbank by a handsome cop, she's embraced by the welcoming village, but she still feels upside down. Fortunately, her frantic SOS brings her besties rushing to help sort things out. They soon find that Wishing Bridge has as many secrets as Kelsey does--and she's connected to it in ways she couldn't have imagined.

My Thoughts:

Ruth Logan Herne's newest book, Welcome to Wishing Bridge is the first book in her new series and is Christmas and small-town America at it's finest.

With a cast of well developed quirky characters, the reader is drawn into the story from the opening line, "Don't do it." and is held captive in the quaint town of Wishing Bridge, a town where everyone knows everyone...or do they.

The heroine, Kelsey McCleary, had a rough childhood, with only two friends that she considers family. As the story begins, we find her in a difficult situation. Pregnant and driving in a blizzard, she winds up in a snow bank and in labor. To her rescue comes the hero of the story, Hale Jackson, former NFL star turned sheriff. He calls for help and rescues her just in time. As a side note, Hale is quite swoon-worthy.

As the story develops we see the character's flaws and realize how totally real they seem. Ms. Herne has created a cast of characters that are lovable even with all their flaws. 

Welcome to Wishing Bridge is a heartwarming novel that would make a wonderful Hallmark movie. It is full of Christmas miracles, romance, and a little mystery, as well as, a cast of characters you won't want to say goodbye to.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic novel set during Christmas.

On a 5 Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Welcome to Wishing Bridge. I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

THE WRATH IS COMING.
                 BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE--
                                                                 OR WHEN.           

     "The wrath is coming" were the final words that FBI agent Declan Grey heard the suicide bomber say. Now Declan is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after or when the threat will be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation's best clue leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw for assistance. She's sought justice for refugees and the displaced around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.
     Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor...meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. As they work together to uncover the mounting threat, the tension between them also includes a spark she can't deny--and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything more can develop, they find themselves in a race against time to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.

My thoughts:

If you have read anything by Dani Pettrey before then you know she writes fast paced clean suspense novels with some romance rolled in for good measure. Her newest book, Blind Spot, is the third book in her "Chesapeake Valor" series. The first book in the series is Cold Shot (read my review here) and the second book is Still Life (read my review here). I would highly suggest that you read them in order as there is a thread that is carried throughout the three books. I am truly enjoying the series and could hardly wait for Declan and Tanner's story.

Ms. Pettrey knows how to grab the reader from page one and engages them until the very last page. Her characters are well developed and the reader won't be able to forget them after finishing the book. They seemed so lifelike to me.

This novel touches on subject matters that could easily have been taken right out of today's headlines. Suicide bombers and terrorists. But in the story, it's right here on U.S. soil which is scary. Ms. Pettrey handled the subject quite well.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romantic suspense novel.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Bethany House for my copy of Blind Spot. I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Lone Star Christmas Rescue by Margaret Daley

IDENTITY UNKNOWN

A baby's frantic cries lead Texas Ranger Drake Jackson to an injured woman in Big Bend Park, the infant by her side. But "Kay" has no idea who she is or what happened. All she seems sure of is that she's in terrible danger. When someone comes after her--determined to snatch the child--Drake takes her and little Kaleb to his family's ranch to protect them. But with the attackers circling closer as Christmas approaches, the guarded ranger knows they won't be safe there for long. Vowing to uncover her identity and catch her attacker, Drake plans to give mother and child the holiday they deserve...safe by his side forever.

MY REVIEW:

I am a big fan of Margaret Daley's work and could hardly wait for her newest book in the "Lone Star Justice" series to be released. Her newest book is Lone Star Christmas Rescue and it was definitely a page turner. I was engaged from the first page and held captive until the last page.

The characters, "Kay" and Drake were both well developed. I imagine writing Kay's character was a challenge since she had amnesia throughout the book only gaining glimpses of her past and who she was as the story progressed. Ms. Daley did an awesome job of creating the angst of not knowing who you are and how difficult that must be on a person.

As for the heart-throb Drake, well, he definitely was the hero all the way around. He was definitely dedicated to his job but he also was dedicated to "Kay" and Kaleb. He tried hard to discover the secrets hidden within her amnesia. In so doing they were drawn closer to each other.

I truly enjoyed this story and would love to see a follow up story regarding Drake's sister Beth. I feel there must be more story to tell about her.

I would highly suggest picking up a copy of Lone Star Christmas Rescue to anyone who enjoys a good clean romantic suspense novel. It is a November release for Love Inspired Suspense.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of this book. I received it for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

KJV Know the Word Study Bible

Back of Book Jacket:

DON'T SETTLE FOR BEING A READER WHEN YOU AN BE A STUDENT OF GOD'S WORD.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of studying the Bible? The KJV Know the Word Study Bible make it easy for you to understand God's Word. By breaking down key Bible topics and the books of the Bible into bite-size portions, this Bible makes studying Scripture an approachable and rewarding experience. Readers can choose to study book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic. Whether you choose one approach or all three, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible gives you practical tools to develop a pattern of regular Bible study. Gain a deeper understanding of Scripture. Grow your relationship with God.

My Thoughts:

As mentioned above, you have three choices on how to study this Bible. If you choose book-by-book you'll find a series of notes that lead you through the main points of each book of the Bible. If you choose verse-by-verse you will find notes that will help you dig deeper into God's word. Your third choice is to study topic-by-topic. Throughout this Bible, you will find topic-by-topic studies that cover 21 theological topics that will guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thoroughly biblical understanding of each topic.

This Bible is a red-letter edition with a concordance in the back as well as colored maps. It is easy to maneuver through and I would highly suggest it to anyone who would like a good Study Bible.

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity for my copy of KJV Know the Word Study Bible. I received my copy for free in order to give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

STANDING FOR WHAT'S RIGHT COULD COST HER EVERYTHING

Tapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company's dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He's still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything--even commit murder--to keep the case from going to trial.

As danger closes in, Landon can't help but admire Kate's courage and resolve--but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?

MY THOUGHTS:

Deadly Proof is the first book in Rachel Dylan's "Atlanta Justice" series and it is the first book I have read by this talented author. But I can honestly say it definitely will not be the last, I can hardly wait for the second book in the series. Ms. Dylan pulled me into this legal thriller and kept me flipping pages long after I should have stopped for the night because I not only wanted but needed, to know what was going to happen next.

I don't always choose legal thrillers basically because the legal terms can sometimes be confusing. However, Ms. Dylan explained things in such a way it makes the reader understand without having to look the terms up. It also gives the reader an insight into the legal system and how it works.

This was a story about Big Pharma and how one corporation was more concerned with the all mighty dollar instead of caring for the people using their products. Actually, I found it a little scary to think that this actually could happen in real life. 

Ms. Dylan did an excellent job of creating tension both with the suspense and the romance. She allowed the romance thread to develop slowly and it captivated me from start to finish. I didn't feel like the author was trying to rush the romance and neither the suspense or romance overshadowed each other.

I would highly recommend Deady Proof to anyone who enjoys a good thriller laced with romance.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of Deadly Proof. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Each time I pick up a novel written by Kim Vogel Sawyer, I become more and more a fan. Her newest novel, Bringing Maggie Home, spanned two time periods and it pulled me in from the first page and didn't let me go until the end. 

This is a three-generational story in which the characters are complex and realistic which is just the way I like my characters in any book. The characters seemed to want to invite me into their story and I gladly became one with this book. The tragedy and the sadness gave way to the hope and redemption for these characters. 

There were plenty of Bible verses sprinkled throughout which fully added to the feelings the characters evoked in this reader. 

I loved the theme of the unsolved cold-case mystery and how it unfolded. Ms. Sawyer did an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged in the solving of this mystery.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books that will pull on your heartstrings and cause you to think.

On a 5-Star scale = 4 Stars!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity for my copy of Bringing Maggie Home. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Once an Heiress by Renee Ryan

Once an Heiress by Renee Ryan was a wonderful historical novel set during the Gilded Age in New York City. This is the third book in the "Gilded Promises" series which was preceded by Journey's End and A Touch of Scarlet.

I love books that have strong, well-developed characters that almost come to life on the written page. Gigi and "Fitz" are two characters that fall into this category. In fact, I almost felt like they stepped off of the page into my life and they are still with me. Well done, Ms. Ryan.

There is a conflict between these two flawed but lovable characters. Gigi feels she is beyond redemption of her past sins, but our God is a God of second chances.

The plot flowed along very nicely and took me right along for the ride. I found myself getting so lost in the story that I lost all track of time. When a book is this good, I hate to finish the last page.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romance novels. It's a story that follows the theme of the prodigal son. A story of redemption and second chances. A story to be embraced and loved.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Once an Heiress. I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.


Smiles & Blessings,

The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman

The Promise of Breeze Hill is Pam Hillman's first book in her "Natchez Trace" series. Based on this book, I would say her series will be a 'winner' for all who enjoy historical fiction

I fell in love with the characters in this book, the good and the bad. Ms. Hillman breathed life into a cast of characters from plantation owners and indentured servants, to piratous cut-throats and just plain mean folk. She did it well as I rooted for them, yelled at them and wanted to wring some of their necks.

The leading characters are Isabella, plantation owner, and Connor, indentured servant. Sparks fly between these two whenever they appear in a scene together. Connor, oh, my, my, my, what a swoon worthy character. He is definitely one of my favorite hero characters of all time. Right up there with Rhett Butler.

There are several topics that Ms. Hillman tackled within the covers of this book. Pride, commitment, jealousy and greed, just to name a few. Her characters tackled these issues and persevered, offering hope to all.

This was an extremely well-written historical novel with a Christian thread woven throughout. I would highly recommend this wonderful novel.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of The Promise of Breeze Hill. I received it for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley

I have learned that if a book has the name Patricia Bradley on it, I can be sure it will be an exciting, fast-paced suspense novel. One that will grab the reader and to let go until the final page. That is the case in Patricia Bradley's newest release, Justice Buried. It is the second novel in her "Memphis Cold Case" series. The first book in the series is Justice Delayed. 

The main characters, Kelsey Allen and Detective Brad Hollister, were extremely well developed complex characters. Kelsey is a museum curator-turned security specialist and Brad is the detective she finds herself "tied" to in trying to solve a couple of murders and thefts at the museum in which Kelsey works. These two have a history, but the question is, will they have a future?

The plot was packed with some twists and turns along with a little romance sprinkled in.  For readers who enjoy a clean, fast paced, suspense novel, this book is highly recommended.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of Justice Buried. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

I love Christmas and all that goes with it. One thing I just can't pass up is a Christmas book with Melody Carlson's name on the cover. Ms. Carlson's book this year is The Christmas Blessing and a blessing it was.

The Christmas Blessing is set on the homefront during World War II. It is the story of a young mother, Amelia Richards, and how she journies from San Diego, California to Rockford, Montana in order to introduce her son to his paternal grandparents. I loved the character of Amelia and how the reader was given a chance to know her selfless heart. I wish we could have seen more into the lives of the other characters but since it is a novella there just wasn't enough time to do so. I truly wish Ms. Carlson would lengthen this novella into a full-length novel so we could get to know the characters better.

I can say I cried and smiled throughout the story because the author pulled me in at the start and held me to the end.

I would highly recommend The Christmas Blessing to anyone who enjoys a quick holiday read. I'm sure you'll love it.

On a 5-Star scale = 4 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of The Christmas Blessing. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl

I am quickly becoming a big fan of author Nancy Mehl who writes wonderful Christian suspense novels. Her latest novel, Dark Deception, is the second novel in her Defenders of Justice series. The first in the series was Fatal Frost.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kate O'Brien's quiet life in small-town Shelter Cove, Arkansas, is shaken when her past suddenly comes roaring back to life. Four years ago, she and her twin sister were attacked by an elusive serial killer. Only Kate survived, and she's been in witness protection ever since.

When new evidence arises to suggest the convicted man wasn't the murderer, she's subpoenaed to testify in the new trial. Afraid to go back into that world, Kate only agrees if Tony DeLuca, the deputy Marshal who protected her during the original trial, escorts her to St. Louis.

Tony readily takes on the assignment; Kate's beauty and inner strength made more of an impression on him than he expected. But when Kate's safety is threatened, Tony must race against the clock to keep her alive and put this ugly case to rest before anyone else gets killed.

MY REVIEW

While this book can be read as a stand alone book, I wish I had read Fatal Frost first because many of the characters that are in Dark Deception were first introduced in Fatal Frost.

In Dark Deception, the author takes the reader into the world of serial killers and the witness protection program leaving them breathless by the time the last page is turned. Her lead characters, Kate O'Brien and Detective Tony DeLuca, are well developed and complex. I cared deeply for both of these characters and rooted for them throughout their story.

Ms. Mehl truly takes the reader on a roller coaster ride with twists and turns and keeps the reader guessing as to who the real B.E.K. (Blue Eyed Killer) is. Just when I thought I had things figured out, there was another turn of events that took me in a different direction. I loved it because it really made me engage my mind to try to figure things out. 

I would highly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel that will engage you in the chase for the killer. 

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Bethany House for my copy of Dark Deception. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin

Before I say anything else I want to state, I LOVED THIS BOOK! It is one of those books that once you start reading it you just don't want to put it down. Now with that said, I will give you the synopsis from the back of the book.

Back Cover Synopsis

     A British nurse in WWI German-occupied Brussels, Evelyn Marche spends her days at the hospital and her nights working at a cafe...or so it seems. Eve's most carefully guarded secret is that she also spends her nights carrying out dangerous missions as a spy for a Belgian resistance group.
     When a plane crashes as she's en route to a rendezvous, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to recognize the badly injured pilot as British RFC Captain Simon Forrester. She risks her life to conceal him from the Germans, but as the secrets between them grow and the danger mounts, can they still hope to make it out of Belgium alive?

My Thoughts:

This book was without a doubt the best book I have read by Kate Breslin. It begins in Belgium in 1917 in the midst of World War I. But it also goes back in time in the early part of the book. First we go back ten years when Evelyn Marche first meets Simon Forrester. The author then takes us back to 1917 and flip flops for a few chapters between 1917 and three years prior. I enjoy learning the back story in this way as we are given a chance to experience what happened instead of being told what happened.

Evelyn Marche is keeping secrets as she tries to do her best to help the Allies fight the German's any way she can. Which means she's a spy. I loved this character. She was strong willed and had spunk. She pulled me into her story from the very first and I rooted her on until the very end. Captain Simon Forrester is a character that I also loved. While he was serving in the Royal Flying Corps for Britain, he was actually from Scotland. I loved how the author put a little brogue in his dialogue from time to time.

The story is filled with secrets, pain, unforgiveness and ultimately forgiveness while unfolding a beautiful love story. A love for country, family, and friends.

It's not often that I have read works of  fiction set during the WWI and so I found this book even more enjoyable because I learned a lot about this war. Ms. Breslin obviously did extensive research and it showed.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good historical set during wartime. 

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 HUGE Stars!!!!! I loved this book!

I would like to thank the author, Kate Breslin, and Bethany House, for my copy of High as the Heavens. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Love So True by Melissa Jagears

Once again, Melissa Jagears has penned a book that tugs at your heartstrings as the heroine strives to help orphans and women of the red-light district to achieve a better life. With A Love So True, the second release in her "Teaville Moral Society", Ms. Jagears has presented a tough subject matter in a way that makes the reader want to help the characters. While this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. However, I would suggest you also read the first book in the series, A Heart Most Certain, (read my review here) as it introduces characters that also populate this book.

Back Cover:

     Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. Her boss is willing to help build a shelter for them, but only if she gains the cooperation and financial support of other local businessmen.

     

     While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day.

     Will their plans and partnership fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them, or can they trust in God's plan despite it all:

My Review:

The book takes place in the year 1908 and addresses the red-light district of Teaville, Kansas and one woman's dream of helping not only the orphans of the town, but also the broken women in the red-light district as well as their children. The main character, Evelyn Wisely makes it her mission to open up a home for these women who would like to get out of their pain-filled lives and become upstanding women, holding jobs and providing for their children. But Evelyn can't do it alone, she needs help and seeks her boss out to see if he will help.

Evelyn's boss, Nicholas, tells her that he will help but only if she can get support and financial backing of upstanding businessmen in the community. Enter the hero in the form of one David Kinsman, who is temporarily living in Teaville while he is attempting to get his father's new business back on solid ground. When he meets Evelyn, he finds himself intrigued and soon finds himself wanting to help her in her quest.

Both Evelyn and David are strong, well-defined characters that had me wrapped around their little fingers right off the bat. I loved Evelyn's heart for the "underdogs" and I especially loved how David put himself and his health in harms way to help Evelyn and the orphan son of red-light woman. The scenes written around this incident touched me deeply and were some of my favorite parts of this book.

This book is about loving without judging, forgiveness, getting over past hurts, and finding God's grace in the midst of an ugly world. It is a book that will touch your spirit and make you think about the world we live in today.

I would highly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys a good Christian Historical. Although, because of the subject matter, I don't believe it is a book for younger readers.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author, Melissa Jagears, for my complimentary copy of A Love So True. I was given the book for free in order to read it and give my honest opinion.

Smiles & Blessings,