Next Level Thinking by Joel Osteen

Anyone who has ever read one of Pastor Joel Osteen's books should know that they are in for an inspiring journey with heartfelt stories from his life.

Back Cover Copy:

It starts in you THINKING. 

Nothing will change until you make up your mind that you are not going to accept mediocrity. Why don't you take the limitations off yourself?

You have so much potential. Break out of that box and try something new...

You are not limited by your education, by how you were raised, or by your current situation.

God has destined you to rise higher.

He's destined you to go to the NEXT LEVEL.

My Thoughts:

Next Level Thinking touched my heart in so many ways. I like to flag my books with items that touch me and that I want to remember. Well, I probably have close to fifty flags in this book and to be honest, I didn't start flagging until I was halfway through the book. This book is to help the reader to achieve a successful and abundant life. Below is a list of the ten powerful thoughts that serve as the chapter titles.

• Be a Barrier Breaker
• You Are Fully Loaded
• The Odds Are for You
• Move Up to the Next Level
• Recognize Your Value
• Live with the Boldness of a Son
• Kow You Are Loved
• Approve Yourself
• Get the Contaminants Out
• Remove the Shame

Pastor Osteen writes in such a way that I feel like I'm sitting across a desk from him and he is talking to me one-on-one. It's phenomenal when an author pulls me into their book as if we were in the same room together. I truly appreciate this as I glean more from books that make me feel this way.

I would like to thank Faith Words for my copy of Next Level Thinking.  I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Burden of Proof by DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills newest novel, Burden of Proof, is another wonderful romantic FBI suspense novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Back Cover Copy:

REELING FROM A NEGOTIATION GONE WRONG, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child's safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl's father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she's dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.

As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job...or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved Burden of Proof by DiAnn Mills. It is a fast-paced, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat roller-coaster ride that will have your heart pounding from the first few words, "Eerie feelings are rarely something to ignore,..."

The characters of FBI Special Agent April Ramos and Jason Snyder are unlikely candidates for a love connection but Ms. Mills has created a heart within Special Agent Ramos that allows her to see beyond what appears to be true to actually see the real truth. Well, done Ms. Mills.

I would highly suggest Burden of Proof to anyone who enjoys reading a good, clean romantic suspense novel. I guarantee you will be held captive from the first page through the last page.

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

I would like to thank the author, DiAnn Mills, for my copy of Buren of Proof. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon's newest book, Hidden Peril, is the second book in her "Men of Valor" series and oh, what a wonderful sequel it is. The first book in the series is Dangerous Illusions. While Hidden Peril is a sequel, it can definitely be read as a standalone book.

 Back Cover copy:

As teenagers, Kristin Dane and her two best friends took a vow to make the world a better place. Twenty years later, she's fulfilling that pledge through her fair trade shop that features products from around the world. All is well until one by one, people connected to the shop begin dying.

Detective Luke Carter, new to the St. Louis PD, wants to know why. Before he can answer that question, however, the FBI weighs in and Kristin suddenly finds herself in the middle of international intrigue--and in the sights of the ruthless mastermind behind an ingenious and deadly, scheme. Can this cold-blooded killer be stopped before more people die...including Kristin?

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoy any book with Irene Hannon's name on it. It doesn't matter whether it's a sweet love story or a romantic suspense novel she does extremely well in both genres. However, I have to admit I enjoy romantic suspense novels more.

Anyone reading my reviews will know that I am a huge fan of characterization and Irene Hannon is truly gifted in this area. I thoroughly enjoyed the "meet cute" (when two characters destined to become a romantic couple, meet for the first time) for Kristen Dane and Detective Luke Carter. Some might think that meeting at a wedding reception is cliche, however, I absolutely loved it. Both characters are strong and well fleshed out. I guarantee you will fall in love with both of them.

Hidden Peril is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, page-turner that will keep you reading long into the night. I highly suggest this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense.

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

I would like to thank Net Galley and Revell Publishing for my e-copy of Hidden Peril.  I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Christmas with the Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe

From the Back Cover:

Home for the holidays

A second chance at love 

on Big Heart Ranch

Former Navy SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots--and the woman he couldn't have. Back to visit his brother's widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled past...and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all--love?

My Thoughts:

The third book in the Big Heart Ranch series by Tina Radcliffe was an absolute joy to read. While it is the third in the series it reads just fine as a stand-alone and to be honest it is my favorite so far. Of course, that could be because it is set during Christmas, there are adorable twin girls, and then there is six-year-old Dub Harris who appeared in the first book, Claiming Her Cowboy who makes a return visit. I fell in love with him then and almost squealed when he made a brief appearance in this book. In fact, he appears on page 188. Emma is sad and Dub comes in and asks his Aunt Emma if she is okay, when Emma lets him know how she is feeling he goes over to her and puts his arms around her to give her a big hug and Emma says, "Aw, thanks so much sweetie, Dub hugs are the best." With that, he asks her "Do you want me to pray for you?" Oh my, my heart squeezed. It was so precious. Ms. Radcliffe does a great job in creating characters but her kids are so very cute and sweet they can't help but steal your heart.

The main characters, Emma Maxwell Norman and Zach Norman have a past and Zach is the half-brother of her deceased husband. They both have past hurts that they are trying to overcome. I loved watching how they grew closer as the story progressed.

If you love the Love Inspired romantic fiction line of books and you love cowboys, kids and Christmas, I guarantee you will love Christmas with the Cowboy. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good clean read and it is currently on the shelves.

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Christmas with the Cowboy. 

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

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Christmas with the Cowboy. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

At Home in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne

From the Back Cover:

The right place an mend your heart.

Ruth Logan Herne, the bestselling author of 

Welcome to Wishing Bridge, invites readers back to 

the small town where big dreams come true.

After surviving the streets of South Philly, Thea Anastas never thought she'd wind up working in rural New York. But a call from a friend in need convinced the nurse practitioner to make the trip. Now her temporary position is making a difference in Wishing Bridge--though Thea can't afford to make a difference, to fill a gaping hole in the sweet, small town. After all, the current medical practice is being dissolved in three months, and bigger opportunities are luring her away...

Her partner, Dr. Ethan Brandenburg, has his own struggles: caring for his orphaned niece and nephew and holding firm to his decision to leave Wishing Bridge for a prestigious job in Chicago. Though Thea's no-nonsense advice in the office has been good for business, her compassion in Ethan's personal life has been good for his heart. But how can he offer a commitment to a woman when they're both about to say goodbye?

Wishing Bridge may be surrounded by forests and farms, but Thea is starting to realize that friendships and family form its heart--and that what she wants in life and love may be right in front of her eyes.

My Thoughts:

This book is the second book in Ruth Logan Herne's "Wishing Bridge" series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. I can honestly say that while I loved the first book in the series, I loved At Home in Wishing Bridge even more. I think it is because I felt more connected to Thea who worked in the medical field. But I also had a soft spot in my heart for Dr. Ethan Brandenburg because of how he was caring for his niece and nephew. Ms. Herne created such realistic characters that pulled at my heartstrings. Both Thea and Ethan came from difficult backgrounds and had a lot of scars they needed to overcome. But in Ruth Logan Herne fashion they overcame difficulties and rose above their pasts to bring them into a promising future.

If you enjoy reading sweet small-town romance novels, I would highly suggest you pick up a copy of At Home in Wishing Bridge. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

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

I would like to thank the author for my copy of At Home in Wishing Bridge. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Secret to Die For by Lisa HarrisI

What would you do if you found out someone you knew had just been murdered and that the murderer is now chasing you for what they believe your friend left you. That is the basis of Lisa Harris's newest book, A Secret to Die For.

Back Cover:

PSYCHOLOGISt GRACE CALLAHAN HAS NO IDEA THAT SHE HAS A SECRET-- 

AND A TARGET ON HER BACK.

 When one of her clients is murdered, Grace quickly realizes that computer security specialist Stephen Shaw wasn't suffering from paranoia. What she doesn't know is that someone believes Shaw gave her a vital piece of information before he died--and they are ready to silence her at any cost. Her only hope may be an old friend, Detective Nate Quinn, who has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed his partner and left him dealing with PTSD.

My Thoughts:

Lisa Harris knows how to create fast-paced romantic thrillers filled with twists, turns, and sweet romance. Her newest novel, A Secret to Die For is action-packed and gives the reader some close to heart-stopping drama that draws the reader in and carries you through to the very last page.

As a big fan of characterization, I am always drawn to books written by Lisa Harris as her characters are so life-like that you feel like you know them or someone just like them. Psychologist, Grace Callahan, is well sculpted and believable and Detective Nate Quinn is that and quite 'hunky'. I enjoyed their interaction together and hated to say goodbye to them in the end.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and found myself sitting on the edge of my seat more than once. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading fast-paced romantic thrillers.

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

I would like to thank the publisher, Revell Books for my copy of A Secret to Die For. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson

Back Cover:

Wendy couldn't believe she was standing here discussing toilets with a perfect stranger. Not that he was perfect--although he was rather attractive. But he was obviously enjoying her discomfort a bit too much.

He eased the bulky box from the shelf and onto the floor, leaning it against his leg. "So . . . you're new in town?"

"Not exactly." She watched as he easily picked up the container. Was he trying to be friendly or actually hitting on her?
When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. Her twelve-year-old son Jackson sees it as an exciting new start in a life that has grown rather gray without his father.

Before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. Wendy and Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to fix the place up before Christmas. But the charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on Wendy. She knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea--and a fresh start--is hard to resist.

My Thoughts:

I am a big fan of Christmas stories and if they have Melody Carlson's name on the cover I am even more of a fan. I patiently wait every year for Ms. Carlson's Christmas offering and I am never disappointed. Her book for this year is A Christmas by the Sea and it is a sweet love story of a widow and her young son.

I love good characterization and Ms. Carlson has created characters that the reader can truly care for and root for them. Wendy Harper and her son Jackson will warm your hearts and pull you into their story. Now, Caleb Colton is swoon-worthy in my opinion and I found myself hoping things might work out with Wendy and Caleb.

A Christmas by the Sea is a delightful story of love, hope, and memories of days gone by. The scenes presented in the story made me want to pack up and take a trip to a seaside cottage so I could go hunting for shells and cuddle up by the fireplace at night.

I would highly recommend A Christmas by the Sea to anyone who enjoys a feel-good story set during the Christmas season. I guarantee your heart will be touched by the love between this young widow and her young son.

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

I would like to thank the publisher, Revell Books for my copy of this book. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Empowered Bible Study and Study Guide by Pam Palagyi

From the Back Cover:

God is on the move!

We live in an hour where God is transforming people, families, and entire nations at an accelerated pace. He is calling out for us to join him in an unprecedented flow of power and anointing. 

Empowered is the second book in the Foundation of Faith series. It is a comprehensive, guide for outreach and personal ministry. The book explains the Biblical foundations that will increase your understanding and strengthen your faith in this area.

Within its pages, you will find practical steps to help in these areas:

• Hearing the Voice of God Through the Gifts of the Spirit 
• Leading Others to Salvation
• Praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
• Healing Prayer
• Deliverance
• Releasing the Blessing of God

Get ready to move beyond the ordinary and into the extraordinary! God is waiting for you to take part in this historic surge of his power. It's time to activate your faith and be empowered for ministry!

My Thoughts:

I had the privilege to meet author Pam Palagyi at a conference in South Carolina earlier this year. She presented me with her Bible study, Empowered along with a study guide to go along with it. The one thing she stressed to me is that this Bible study and study guide are geared to the new believer. However, I found it quite enlightening for believers no matter what stage they are at in their walk with God. In fact, I wish I had received a Bible study like this when I was a new Christian.

I believe this Bible study and study guide would be a great tool in growing in a closer walk with God. It teaches the Christian how to hear God's voice, lead others to salvation and explains the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and how to receive it. It also explains how we can offer prayers for healing over people in need of healing. 

The size of both the Bible study and study guide are about 4" by 6" and the compact size makes them easy to tuck into your Bible, purse or pocket. I truly believe this is a study that every Christian should grab hold of and embrace as a tool to grow in their walk with the Lord.

I would like to thank the author, Pam Palagyi, for my complimentary copies of the Bible study and study guide. I received my copies with no expectation of giving a positive review.

I am happy to give this Bible study and study guide 5 Stars and I would highly recommend it to every Christian looking for a closer walk with God.

Smiles & Blessings,

ESTABLISHED Seeking God's Plan for Spiritual Growth by Pam Palagyi

From the Back Cover:

Are you living the abundant life?

God created a perfect world.

He planned for us to live a dynamic and fulfilled life within that realm. If your present lifestyle falls short of God's intentions, then it is time to revisit his original design!

In Established: Seeking God's Plan for Spiritual Growth,  author Pam Palagyi reveals the blueprint for successful living. God provided five key components in the Garden of Eden for positive spiritual growth.

Established lays a firm foundation and answers questions like...

Who am I?
How do I relate to God?
Do I have a destiny, a God-directed plan for my life? 
How can I overcome the obstacles I face on a daily basis?
                                                       
Join fellow spiritual travelers as they go back to the Garden of Eden and discover God's original design.

Sometimes we need to go backward in order to find a way forward! 

My Thoughts:

I had the privilege to meet author Pam Palagyi at a conference in South Carolina earlier this year. She presented me with her Bible study, Established along with a study guide to go along with it. The one thing she stressed to me is that this Bible study and study guide are geared to the new believer. However, I found it quite enlightening for believers no matter what stage they are at in their walk with God.

I truly love the size of the books which are about 4" by 6" which makes them easy to tuck into your Bible or maybe a purse of pocket. This makes it easy to keep them handy, especially win soul winning. How great it would be if you lead someone to Christ, offer them a Bible along with this Bible study and study guide. This would be an excellent start to a new believer's walk with God.

I would highly recommend this Bible study and study guide to any believer who wants to grow closer in their walk with the Lord.

I would like to thank Pam Palagyi for my copy of Established and the study guide. I received both complimentary copies with no expectation of a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Secret of Lasting Forgiveness by Bruce Wilkinson with Mark E. Strong

Back Cover:

God made your heart for love, joy, peace, and wholeness. So why isn't that our normal experience? Why do so many of us feel inner turmoil? Could the problem be unforgiveness? Pastors estimate 90 percent of their congregations struggle with it. Do you? If so, get ready to be set free!

     Through the teachings of Jesus, The Secret of Lasting Forgiveness reveals the link between our suffering and our unforgiveness. But it also shows how to forgive--for real and forever. Our story doesn't have to end with the pain of our wounds. Whatever happened to us happened. But the God who made our hearts has shown a way through the wounds, back to the life and love that we were made for--a path to lasting peace.

Enjoy this video about the book.

My Thoughts:

I truly love it when God surprises me. Have you ever been in need of something but you didn't know what it was, then all of a sudden a "God thing" happens and you find it was just what you needed? Well, that is exactly what happened to me and the "God thing" that happened was an email from Bring It On! Communications asking me if I would be interested in reading and reviewing The Secret of Lasting Forgiveness How to Find Peace By Forgiving Others And Yourself. This book is life-changing, to say the least. 

In reading this book, the authors take you through how unforgiveness torments us until we can truly forgive. They lead you step-by-step in how to forgive others and then how to forgive ourselves. I must admit, for the sake of my review, I just read through the book but I fully intend to go back now and take each step that is outlined to freeing myself of unforgiveness. 

The book is laced with stories of people who found themselves tormented in one way or another and needed to forgive others as well as themselves. We are shown how God wants all His children to forgive everyone for everything no matter what it is. 

This book is a very easy book to read and believe me if you make it all the way through you will find yourself a very changed person feeling free, maybe for the first time in your life. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. In fact, we have purchased several copies for our church members to read, do and pass on.

This is definitely worth 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Kati Viscaino with Bring It On Communications for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. I received a complimentary copy with no expectation for a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Called to Protect by Lynette Eason

FROM THE BACK COVER

SHE'LL HAE TO DRAW ON ALL OF HER RESOURCES TO CRACK THE CASE--AND GUARD HER HEART.

After being dumped by her fiance, Chloe St. John has decided that the only male she likes is her K-9 German shepherd partner, Hank. But being over the whole romance thing has perks--like giving full attention to her job. Attention she's definitely going to need because a case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.
     Deputy US Marshall Blake MacCallum is in a race against the clock to rescue his kidnapped daughter when Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man. But can she trust him? And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?
     Buckle in. This fast and furious ride will have your heart pumping from the very start.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am a huge fan of Lynette Eason so I just had to read her newest book, Called to Protect, which is the second book in her "Blue Justice" series. While it is second in a series it reads quite well as a stand-alone book.

While the subject matter of Called to Protect is detestable to me, unfortunately, it is something that is all too real in today's world. The subject matter is human trafficking and I must say that Ms. Eason deals well with the subject matter and created some very detestable characters. 

The series centers around the St. John family who are all involved with the law in some way. This book highlights Officer Chloe St. John and her K-9 partner Hank, as well as, Deputy US Marshall Blake McCallum. Both have a loved one that has been abducted as part of a local trafficking ring causing them to eventually work together to bring the traffickers to justice. I will say that this story is extremely fast-paced and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Both Chloe and Blake have issues in their past that cause them both to have issues in the area of trusting others. Can they overcome their trust issues to push forward and have a relationship with each other? Will they be able to break the trafficking ring? Those answers you will find between the covers of this extremely well-written book. If you love a good suspense novel with a little romance this is definitely a book you should pick up.

On a 5-Star Scale -  5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of Called to Protect. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks

Back Cover:

An artist hiding from an escaped killer uncovers one of World War II's most dangerous secrets--a secret that desperate men will do anything to keep hidden.

After the murder of her twin sister, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak, Alaska, to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she's an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man's memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again-and back in the killer's crosshairs.

The deathbed confessions of an Alaskan hunter have Murphy drawing the five bodies he discovered on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago. But what investigators find has them mystified. Evidence suggests that the bodies were deliberately destroyed, and what they uncover in an abandoned Quonset hut from World War II only brings more questions.

As one by one the investigators who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much darker at stake. What happened on this island during the war? And who is willing to kill to keep its secrets buried?

My Thoughts:

When I read my first suspense novel by Carrie Stuart Parks, I fell in love with her writing. I was truly excited when I received her newest novel, Formula of Deception. This is a stand-alone novel that knocked my socks off.

Since I am a big fan of characterization, I tend to scrutinize the characters a little more than the plot line. Miss Parks does a great job of creating strong believable characters in this novel. But the location is also a strong character as well.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book is the historical ties to World War II. The mystery began during that period of time and carried through to the present. It will definitely keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The ending was truly a shocker for me. I love it when I think I know what is going on, only to be proved I am wrong. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspenseful mystery.

On a 5 star-scale - 4.5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Book Look Bloggers for my complimentary copy of Formula of Deception. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Her Cowboy Reunion by Ruth Logan Herne

A new life...an old love. 

Can she risk loving him again in 

Shepherd's Crossing?

With her family in disgrace, Lizzie Fitzgerald never imagined she'd end up at an Idaho ranch. Fortunately, she's working with horses she loves--even if it means dealing with her old sweetheart Heath Caufield. The widowed father of an adorable boy, Heath hasn't forgiven Lizzie for their past. But even a stubborn cowboy can't stop the heart's ability to forgive...or love again.

MY THOUGHTS:

I love a feel-good story, especially when small children and animals are involved. So it was very easy for me to fall in love with Ruth Logan Herne's newest Love Inspired novel, Her Cowboy Reunion. This is the first book in her "Shepherd's Crossing" series which just released this month.

It is obvious the author has been around children a lot as she writes their characters so well and their speech is all so real. I really love that about her work.

Her Cowboy Reunion is about reuniting with past loves, forgiveness of others, and forgiveness of oneself. It is also about getting past the anger of the past in order to make room for joy in the future. I loved how the author allowed us to be part of the process.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read feel-good stories. I guarantee you will fall in love with a little cowboy dude named Zeke.

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

I would like to thank the author Ruth Logan Herne for the complimentary copy. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan

SHE'S THE ONLY WITNESS TO A BRUTAL CRIME. NOW SHE CAN'T OUTRUN THE TARGET ON HER BACK.

PROSECUTOR SOPHIE DAWSON has taken a new role at the Fulton County DA's office, and her first case involves a local bank employee who may be cheating customers. She's determined to bring justice to those who've lost their savings...but her life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang.

With her life at risk, friends and family convince her that she needs protection, and private security guard Cooper Knight is hired as a bodyguard. But as threats escalate, neither Cooper nor Sophie knows whom they can trust.

Unwilling to back down on either case, Sophie pursues the truth at any cost. But her bank litigation gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from taking the stand. With all sides closing in, steadfast Cooper is the only man she can lean on. But drawing close may be the distraction that costs both of their lives.

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh, how I love a good suspense novel! Rachel Dylan's newest book in her "Atlanta Justice" series has everything I love in a good suspense novel... tense moments, sitting on the edge of my seat and jaw-dropping moments when everything is revealed. Lone Witness is the second book in the series, following behind Ms. Dylan's debut novel, Deadly Proof, but while it is the second in the series it can be read as a stand-alone.

I am a big fan of characterization...good characterization. Ms. Dylan has created strong and believable characters in prosecutor Sophie Dawson and private security guard Cooper Knight. They both are carrying past "baggage" and fight the growing feelings that are happening between them. I loved the tension Ms. Dylan created between the two.

While the bad guys were known pretty much from the beginning, you were still left with questions regarding who did what and why they did it. In the end, I experienced a jaw-dropping moment when something out of the blue was revealed. I loved it.

If you love a good legal suspense novel, I guarantee you will love Lone Witness. I highly recommend it.

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

I received a complimentary copy of Lone Witness from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley

TWO UNSOLVED MURDERS SEVENTEEN YEARS APART ARE ABOUT TO GET PERSONAL...

It's Elvis Week in Memphis, and homesick detective Rachel Sloan isn't sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered soon after the photo was taken--she's forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two unsolved cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic's home be tied to his obsession with finding his friend's killer?

When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four?

My Thoughts:

First I want to say I am a big fan of Patricia Bradley. From the moment I read her debut novel, I was hooked. I could hardly wait for her newest release, Justice Betrayed, the third book in her "Memphis Cold Case" series. The first two books in the series, Justice Delayed and Justice Buried are definitely worth the read but you do not need to read them in sequence as they read just fine as stand-alone stories.

Ms. Bradley has a talent for creating strong believable characters that snap to life right on the written page. Rachel Sloane, her heroine of this story, is a homicide detective in Memphis that came to life and held my attention throughout the book. The male lead, Lieutenant Broone Callahan, who has a romantic past with Rachel, proved to be a great compliment to Rachel's character. Sparks flew every time they shared the page with each other.

If I were to have anything negative to say about this book I would probably have to read it numerous more times to find something as I loved this book just as it is and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a suspenseful clean mystery.

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

I received a complimentary copy of Justice Betrayed from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Road to Magnolia Glen by Pam Hillman

1792, NATCHEZ TRACE, MS

Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O'Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It's time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three half-Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he can not abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.

Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers it's not a marriage of convenience her brother-in-law arranged, but a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.

Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother's care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.

My Thoughts:

The Road to Magnolia Glen is the second book in Pam Hillman's "A Natchez Trace" series. The first book centers on Connor O'Shea. In this book, the reader is introduced to Connor's brother Quinn. Quinn head to America just as Connor had in the first book. During the journey, he meets an Irish lass, Kiera Young.  Sparks fly during their journey making me quickly turn the pages to see what was in store for this couple.

This is a wonderful historical novel with romance and mystery mixed in along the way. It grabs you from the beginning and pulls you along at a quick pace making you want to continue turning the pages faster and faster until you reach the 'sigh-worthy' ending.

Highly recommended! 5 Stars!!!!!

I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from the author and was under obligation to leave a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Falling for the Cowgirl by Tina Radcliffe

Back Cover:

She won the job...

Can he win her heart?

Hiring Amanda "AJ" McAlester as his assistant at the Big Heart Ranch isn't foreman Travis Maxwell's first choice--but his sisters insist she's perfect for the job. And AJH's determined to prove she's just as qualified as any man. But with money on the line, AJ and her innovative ideas could put him at risk of losing everything...

including his heart.

My Thoughts:

I fell in love with Big Heart Ranch when I read the first book, Claiming Her Cowboy, in Tina Radcliffe's "Big Heart Ranch" series. I could hardly wait for book two, Falling for the Cowgirl, and I wasn't disappointed.

Big Heart Ranch is in need of an assistant foreman to help owner/foreman, Travis Maxwell in running the ranch. Travis is a conventional rancher wanting to hire a cowboy but his two sisters, who are also owners, insist that applicant A.J. McAlester is just right for the job, so much to Travis's dismay, his new foreman is A.J. who just happens to be a woman.

A.J. was raised on a ranch and has worked on many other ranches but due to the fact she is a woman she has never been taken seriously. This has made it very difficult for her to prove herself. She is bright, ranch savvy, bull-headed, independent, and spunky. Travis believes in the "old school" way of men running the ranch and is quite bull-headed about it. However, when things begin to happen around the ranch A.J. proves she is the right person for the job. It was fun to watch the layers of both characters fall away and reveal their true hearts.

Ms. Radcliffe has written a heartwarming story that had me laughing, crying, and cheering the characters on. I am anxiously awaiting book three in the series.

Highly recommended! 5 Stars!!!!!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,