His Holiday Prayer by Tina Radcliffe

I love reading a good love story and Tina Radcliffe's newest book His Holiday Prayer was even better than expected. This book is the third offering in her "Hearts of Oklahoma" series and in my opinion, it is her best. The series follows the lives of the Rainboldt siblings in the town of Rebel, Oklahoma.

His Holiday Prayer is Tucker Rainbolt's story. He is a widower raising twin daughters and owns Rebel Vet and Rescue along with his partner Jenna Harper. He has decided he needs a change of scenery for himself and his daughters so he accepts a job in Texas.

Jenna tends to lien to being the shy quiet type and has always let Tucker be the voice of their business but once she learns Tucker is leaving she decides she needs to start taking over the business now before he leaves. As she starts stepping out, she blossoms, and people start taking notice. Even Tucker.

I loved seeing Tucker's and Jenna's feeling move from friendship into something beautiful.

Since it is a series, the reader is reacquainted with Tucker's brothers Mitch and Reece along with their families. Also, the fourth book in this series will be the brothers' sister Kate's story. I can hardly wait. Now, even though it is a series, this book can be read as a standalone book. I highly recommend reading Tucker and Jenna's story...especially if you love animals and Christmas.

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

I would like to thank the author, Tina Radcliffe, for my copy of His Holiday Prayer. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Healing the Cowboy's Heart by Ruth Logan Herne

If you love horses, kids and romance you should definitely enjoy Ruth Logan Herne's newest Love Inspired book, Healing the Cowboy's Heart which comes out in July 2019.

The lead character, veterinarian Charlotte Fitzgerald is an extremely strong character honed by her past. The male lead, Isaiah Woods is a rancher, breeder of Appaloosa horses and the guardian for his niece and nephew. Isaiah is also a strong character battling issues of his past. When these two characters meet magic happens. I loved their interactions and I absolutely fell in love with JJ and Liam, Isaiah's niece and nephew.

To be honest, I found myself shedding tears several times. Especially when the love of Rising, a family dog, was conveyed so well through the tears of little Liam. I won't say more because I don't hand out spoilers. However, when you pick up the book please see the top of page 88. You just may shed a few tears too.

Once again, if you love romance, horses, kids, and stories of forgiveness you'll love this book.

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

I would like to thank Ruth Logan Herne for my copy of Healing the Cowboy's Heart. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,


Back Cover:

A perfect match...or sworn enemies?

Only time will tell at

Shepard's Crossing.

Horse breeder Isaiah Woods can't believe his only ally in helping a neglected mare is the descendant of his family's bitter enemy--veterinarian Charlotte Fitzgerald. Despite the feud, Charlotte risks everything to save the horse. But as she falls for Isaiah--and the orphaned niece and nephew in his care--the mare isn't the only one who needs saving.

Her Last Chance Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe

She came seeking family...

Will she find love 

at Big Heart Ranch?

When pregnant single mother Hannah Vincent shows up professing to be the half sister of the Maxwells of Big Heart Ranch, horse trainer Tripp Walker is wary. Wounded before, he doesn't trust easily. If only Hannah and her feisty five-year-old daughter weren't so impossible to resist. Now, despite his doubts, joining this little family is quickly becoming the cautious cowboy's greatest wish.

My Thoughts:

The author of Her Last Chance Cowboy, Tina Radcliffe, definitely saved the best for last. in her "Big Heart Ranch" series. This is the fourth and final book in the series. This is Tripp Walker's story and I loved it!

Tripp's story was definitely worth the wait. He appeared in the other books and we saw just enough to know that his story needed to be told. It was obvious he had been hurt in the past because the walls were built solid around his heart. Solid until a pregnant Hannah Vincent and her adorable daughter, Clementine, came on the seen. She was filled with a spirit that when she met Tripp the sparks flew. These two characters challenged each other and it was pure delight to see their story unfold.

As for the rest of the family and friends of Big Heart Ranch, I loved them all. I truly hate to see this series end but I know it must. Though I would love a story sometime in the future with Dub and Clementine as a grown-up couple living and working at Big Heart Ranch. 

I  would highly recommend this book of second chances to anyone who loves a good story that tugs at your heartstrings.

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

I would like to thank the author, Tina Radcliffe, for my copy of Her Last Chance 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,

A Cowboy in Shepherd's Crossing by Ruth Logan Herne

From bachelor to daddy...

Shepherd's Crossing is

full of surprises

Cowboy bachelor Jace Middleton was ready to leave Shepherd's Crossing for good--until he learns his family's unspoken secrets. Now Jace finds himself not only caring for his twin baby nieces, but working with beautiful, strong-willed designer Melonie Fitzgerald to renovate his grandmother's run-down estate. Love wasn't part of the plan...but Jace soon finds himself wishing Melonie could become part of his unexpected family.

My Thoughts:

"Sleep stole up on her like a summer sunset. Nothing hurried about it. And when she finally closed her eyes one last time--and the bottle went lax in her mouth--he stared at the absolute miracle he held in his arms." (Page 64)

This is just a small moment in this wonderful book where Ms. Herne brings the story to life to the reader. I saw it. I felt it. And I loved it. Ms. Herne has created another wonderful story in her Shepherd's Crossing series. A book that the reader can step into and become one with.

The hero, Jace Middleton, has his life turned upside down at the same time he meets the heroine, Melonie Fitzgerald. Who, by the way, has had a shake-up in her life as well. I must say these two characters had sparks flying throughout their story. These two special people come from definite cultures and Ms. Herne paints their relationship beautifully. 

I have to say that besides the two wonderful twins that showed up in Jace's life, I loved Gilda. She was a curmudgeon that was trying to make things right. I truly believe that what happened in Jace's distant past was a loving thing that Gilda had a part in. I don't want to hand out a spoiler so you'll have to read this wonderful book to find out just who Gilda is.

If I were to say anything negative about this book, it would be to say that I really wish that they had included the twins on the cover with Jace and Melonie. But in my mind's eye, I see them there.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a feel-good story.

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

I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my copy of A Cowboy in Shepherd's Crossing.  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,

Pelican Point by Irene Hannon

Being a fan of Irene Hannon's work led me to want to read the fourth book in her "Hope Harbor" series. I must admit, I read the first book in the series and loved it but I have yet to read book two and three in the series. I plan to rectify that very soon.

This story belongs to Dr. Ben Garrison. An Army doctor who has returned to Hope Harbor to bury his beloved grandfather Skip. Little did he know coming back to Hope Harbor would be the start of a new page in his life. He has just mustered out of the Army and upon arriving in Hope Harbor he finds he inherited the town's lighthouse that pretty much no one in the town wanted except for his grandfather. Ben's hope is to sell the lighthouse, but will he be successful?

The female lead in this story is newspaper owner, Marci Weber. She has lived in Hope Harbor for two years and she knew Ben's grandfather quite well. When she and Ben first meet it was not under the best of circumstances and they clashed, especially since Marci called the police on Ben claiming he was trespassing. They also have different opinions about what to do with the lighthouse which in time brings them closer together.

This book moves at a rather fast pace and I was totally drawn into the humor and the love for Skip, the lighthouse, and the town.

Pelican Point is filled with wonderful characters who will steal your heart as you go on this wonderful journey with them. Also, Charley, who owns the local Fish Taco stand is once again in this book. He was in the first book as well and I would love to have one of his tacos. But of course they only exist within the pages of Hope Harbor novels.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for my copy of Pelican Point. I received my complimentary copy to read with no expectation of giving a positive or negative review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Their Surprise Daddy by Ruth Logan Herne

To read a book with the name Ruth Logan Herne on it is pure delight for me. From her contemporary love stories to her cowboy stories, this author always delivers a book that is filled with tender moments, learning experiences and sweet love. Also, a few little ones may be tucked into the cast of characters which always brings more warmth and love to the story.

Her newest book for Love Inspired is Their Surprise Daddy. It is the third book in her "Grace Haven" series, and while it can be read as a standalone book, I know you will want to get the two previous books, An Unexpected Groom and Her Unexpected Family. The books tell the stories of the Gallagher sisters. In this third book in the series we meet Rory Gallagher, a small town girl with a big heart for disadvantaged kids. I guarantee you will fall in love with her as soon as you meet her.

Cruz Maldonado did not win me over for at least a few pages. Here is a man who has made his mark and money in Manhattan and now he finds himself back in his hometown tending to an issue that requires him to become one of the caretakers to his cousins two young children. I must admit I was holding my breath for awhile in the hopes of loving his character. I didn't have to wait long until I was envisioning his character as good looking Antonio Cupo (who plays in a lot of Hallmark movies) and his personality and tenderness for his two young charges melted my heart.

The author knows how to create a wonderful small town atmosphere where everyone knows everybody in town and are protective of their own. Her towns make you want to visit them and maybe hang out for awhile. Which of course, you can do, by picking up a copy of this wonderful book. I highly recommend it!

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

I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my copy of Their Surprise Daddy I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

Wild Montana Skies is the first book in Susan May Warren's new series "Montana Rescue". If this book is any indication the entire series will be a must read. 

Back Cover Blurb:

The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Fall, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend rthe summer working as the new lead piolt of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.

But her mistakes aren't so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.

Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn't realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart.

Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song?

My Thoughts

Set in the beautiful state of Montana, Susan May Warren's book, Wild Montana Skies, will capture the reader and take them on an adventurous wild ride into mountain terrain while riding along with the search and rescue team. This book will leave you breathless as you journey with the cast of characters.

Kacey and Ben were in love during their youth but due to unfortunate circumstances they both went their separate ways. Ben to Nashville to become a country music sensation and Kacey to serve in the military in Afghanistan. Both of these characters have strong wills and find it hard to forgive at first. Through misunderstandings on both sides, they have a lot of stuff to muddle through before they can find the truth and move on.

This story is filled with people who need to forgive and trust again. I enjoyed how the author let us see each character develop their forgiveness and trust through their faith in God.

If you love inspirational romantic suspense, I guarantee you will love Wild Montana Skies. 

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

I would like to thank Revell for my copy of Wild Montana Skies. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

To Love a Stranger by Colleen Coble

I am an avid fan of Colleen Coble's work. When I was given the opportunity to read a book from her early works as an author I jumped at the chance. To Love a Stranger was previously published prior to me having ever read any of her work. I love it when publishers bring out books that are out of print, dust them off, and package them in pretty new covers.

Book Blurb from the Back

Traveling to a rugged country to meet her new husband for the first time, Bessie wonders, Can love truly conquer fear?

Bessie Randall is shocked to discover that, thanks to her sister's meddling, she is married by proxy to Jasper Mendenhall, a man she's never met. Believing she has no choice but to honor the marriage, Bessie travels from Boston to Jasper's military quarters in Fort Bridger, Utah Territory.

Jasper Mendenhall is equally shocked when he meets his wife at the stagecoach and realizes she is not the beauty from the picture he holds. But Jasper has orders to move to Arizona Territory, and he has no choice but to take Bessie with him.

Bessie and Jasper's mutual distrust is hard enough, but snakebites, Apache raids, and food shortages present even ore challenges as they head to the Southwest. A story of quiet commitment despite the odds, To Love a Stranger explores how love can grow in the most difficult land.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. It was simple yet it touched on so many feelings that it pulled me into the story and I felt like I was right there in Indian territory. I could smell the dust, hear the war cry of the Indians, feel the uncertainty Bessie and Jasper both felt of their situation. Ms. Coble has a true gift of creating characters that can draw the reader into their world and through that the reader is blessed.

I loved the spunk of Bessie and I cried when she cried about Ruthie (you'll have to read the book to find out who Ruthie is and what made Bessie cry). While most would think she was a frail young woman she proved that to be a false belief. She was strong when it counted. I loved her character.

As for Jasper, who doesn't love a man in uniform who chooses to do what is right even though his heart tells him otherwise. I truly loved his character as well. He has a sensitive side that is slowly revealed and I must say, there were times when I cried over him as well.

This is a wonderful book which let me see why I fell in love with Colleen Coble's writing. I would highly suggest this book to anyone wanting a good clean romance to read.

On a 5-Star scale = 4 1/2 Stars.

I would like to thank BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for my copy of To Love a Stranger. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.


Smiles & Blessings,

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

When I am looking for a book to read, I am usually drawn first to the cover even before looking at the book title or author's name. Looking at the cover of Victoria Bylin's newest book, Someone Like You won me over at first glance. Isn't the cover absolutely beautiful?

Someone Like You is a story of second chances between Julia Dare and Zeke Monroe. It is a story that shows what can happen when we let go of our past and problems and allow God to come in and take full control of all areas of our lives.

This is a story of love, forgiveness, family and faith. The characters were well developed and they handle their life issues in a realistic manner. I must say some of the characters were more enjoyable than others, especially the character of Ladybug, who just happened to be a goat. I must say she was quite entertaining.

Ms. Bylin took us on an emotional journey through the lives of Julia and Zeke as they faced love, forgiveness and fighting their self-doubt. Her characters played their parts well and had this reader believing they were real.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this wonderful book, especially if you enjoy a good romantic read regarding second chances or if you are like me and just love the cover. 

On a 5 Star Scale - 4.5 Stars!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for my copy of Someone Like You. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

When I saw the cover of Robin Lee Hatcher's newest book, Keeper of the Stars, I couldn't help but want to read it. First, the cover art is enticing and second, the title is the same as one of my favorites songs by country singer Tracy Byrd. Once I started reading I realized the song and book title were not a coincidence.

Keeper of the Stars is the third book in Ms. Hatcher's "Kings Meadow Romance" series, but while it is the third book it can be read as a standalone book. I must admit I haven't read the first two books in the series yet but didn't feel like I was missing anything.

This book is a story that deals with grief, remembrance, forgiveness and healing. It is the story of a young woman and her father who live in Kings Meadow, Idaho and for the most part are just moving through life carrying their grief baggage with them. You see, twelve years prior to where the story begins, Penny Cartwright, her brother Brad and her father Rodney, lost their mother and wife to pneumonia. All three had a hard time dealing with the loss but somehow pulled through. It is now twelve years later and Penny and her father are now trying to get over the loss of Brad who has died in a tragic car accident. Unfortunately, Penny blames Brad's boss, country singer wannabe, Trevor Reynolds for Brad''s death. Afterall, if Trevor hadn't hired Brad as his drummer, Brad might still be alive.

What I truly enjoyed about this book is the way Ms. Hatcher did flashback chapters from Brad's point of view so the reader was able to see him for who he was and how God had chosen him to be used to touch the lives of so many people.  She also allowed each character to show their grief and anger in such a realistic way that the reader can't help but feel it too.

Trevor comes to Kings Meadow at the request of Brad and is met with anger and contempt from Penny but is met with a caring warmth from Penny's dad. In time, God's hand is seen in the reason Brad requested Trevor to go to his home in Kings Meadow. This was a beautifully told story that showed how grief can be healed and forgiveness can be a gift.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good family love story. On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity for my copy of Keeper of the Stars. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Moment in Time by Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. When I had the opportunity to read and review A Moment in Time, her second book in her "Lone Star Brides" series I jumped at the chance. The first book in the series is A Sensible Arrangement (read my review here) and I loved it. But I must say, A Moment in Time was just as good. 

For those of you who read the first book, you'll remember that Martha Dandridge, known as Marty, left her home state of Texas to be a mail order bride to Jacob Wythe, known as Jake. Jake's dream was to leave his job as a banker and move back to his home state of Texas and get a ranch. Well, in A Moment in Time, the reader meets up with these two wonderful characters once again. The bank is closing its doors and Jake leaves Marty and Alice, their former maid, and now friend, to move back to Texas to find some work ranching. Once he can afford to send for them he will.

Marty doesn't want to go back to Texas because she lost her first husband when a Texas Longhorn gored him. She and Alice move into the orphanage to help take care of the children. All the while, Mr. Smith, a nefarious person is after Alice as he thinks she has something that he wants. In time, Marty's sister and brother-in-law give money to Jake to send to Marty and Alice for train passage to Texas.

In the first book, Alice and her father were attacked by Mr. Smith. Her father died and she was badly scarred on her face. She feels no man would want to marry her because she was disfigured. But enter, Marty's nephew, Robert Barnett who quickly captures her heart as she captures his. There are several things that tend to keep Alice from allowing Robert to get close. Through it all she comes to terms with her past, learns how to forgive and finally places her trust in the Lord. 

Ms. Peterson has created characters that have quirks and mannerisms that captured my heart. They are believable and have stayed with me even after turning the last page. I can hardly wait for book three, A Matter of Heart which comes out in October 2014.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of A Moment in Time if you enjoy reading good clean historical romance novels. This is a keeper!

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

I would like to thank Bethany House for my review copy of A Moment in Time. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

When given the opportunity to read and review Silenced by Dani Pettrey, I jumped at the chance. Silenced is the fourth book in Ms. Pettrey's "Alaskan Courage" series. The first book in the series is Submerged, the second in the series is Shattered (read my review here) and the third book in the series is Stranded (read my review here). Hi haven't read the first book in the series yet but I will very soon. While each book can be read as a stand alone book, I would highly recommend reading them all in order. I absolutely love this series and the McKenna family.

This book is Jake and Kayden's story and while they appreared in the other books, this book has given the fans of this series what we've all been waiting for.  Smile.

Ms. Pettrey has created a wonderful, suspenseful story that kep me guessing up until all was revealed. Her characters are masterfully created leaving the reader thinking about them long after they read the final page and close the cover. 

I can hardly wait for Spring 2015 when Sabotaged releases. If I had to guess, I would say this will be Reef McKenna's story. If his pairing with Kirra in Silenced is any sign of things to come, Ms. Pettrey will have another winner on her hands.

I would highly recommend Silenced to anyone who enjoys a good Christian suspense novel.

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

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers for my copy of Silenced. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter

I absolutely loved Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter. Not just part of it but everything about it. From the characters to the setting I loved it. Okay, with that out of the way, Dancing with Fireflies is Denise Hunter's second book in her Chapel Springs Romance series. I must admit I have yet to read the first book in the series, Barefoot Summer, but I do plan on reading it in the near future.

After suffering a tragic event, Jade McKinley comes home to Chapel Springs, Indiana, harboring a secret that will not remain a secret for long. She had hoped to make a life for herself somewhere other than Chapel Springs but finding herself pregnant, alone, and broke she decides to go home.

Daniel Dawson is the mayor of Chapel Springs and has been a lifetime friend of Jade's family. In fact he has been considered an honorary member of the family for years. When Jade arrives home, she turns to him for help and in so doing she reveals that she is pregnant. Daniel does whatever he can to help her because, unbeknownst to Jade, Daniel has been in love with her for years.

Ms. Hunter has masterfully created a story that will touch you deep down in your heart. In this story of faith, hope, love and forgiveness, the characters jump off the pages and pull the reader into their story. You feel their love, their pain and you want to grab them by the shoulders and tell them to open their eyes. But in the end they do, with no help from the reader. 

As mentioned above, I loved this book.  I loved the images Ms. Hunter painted in my mind throughout the book, especially seeing a little girl 'dancing with fireflies'. I totally fell in love with the characters of Jade and Daniel. They were so well written that they became real to me. I can hardly wait for book three in the series, The Wishing Season (releases Winter 2014).

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publishing and Thomas Nelson for my review copy of Dancing with Fireflies. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

CFBA - Dating, Dining, and Desperation by Melody Carlson

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Dating, Dining, and Desperation

B&H Books (March 1, 2014)

by

Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column.

But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.

My Thoughts:

Having previously read Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel, the first book in Melody Carlson's "Dear Daphne" series, I jumped at the chance to read the second book in the series, Dating, Dining, and Desperation. I loved it just as much as the first book in the series. However, I was discouraged early on that Daphne would find someone other than Jake to aid her in fulfilling her inheritance requirements, but I must say as I read the last page and closed the cover I let out a big sigh. Ms. Carlson didn't disappoint me, although the story isn't over and things can change.  Will Daphne and Jake live happily ever after or will someone else appear on the scene to steal Ms. Daphne's heart. Stay tuned as I'm sure Ms. Carlson has more twists and turns going on in Daphne's life and we can only find out what happens when the next book is released. In fact, the next book in the series, Home, Hearth, and Holidays, will come out as an ebook very soon. Followed by the fourth and final book (in ebook format) in which Ms. Carlson promises us a wedding. 

I would highly recommend Dating, Dining, and Deperation, to anyone who loves to read good clean fiction and loves to read purely for enjoyment.

I would like to thank Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and B & H Books for my review copy of Dating, Dining, and Desperation. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma - my review

Snow on the Tulips is a richly woven story of love, trust, faith and courage set in the Netherlands during the last days of World War II.  Ms. Tolsma has created a masterful historical novel that pulls the reader in from the very first page. Her story was so well crafted that I could see the countryside, the war torn town, the German's banging on doors. She opened up this story and invited the reader in to experience the pain and suffering of her characters.

The heroine of the story, Cornelia de Vries was widowed when the German's took her husband away from her on their wedding night and killed him. At the time of the story, four years have passed but she still finds herself grieving over his death. She has been hiding her twenty year old brother, Johan, within her cottage so he won't be hauled off by the Germans. But Johan is bored staying indoors all the time.  He wants to do something to save his country. After hearing gun shots and knowing the Germans had probably executed some men Johan wants to get a closer look.  He sneaks out at night and soon finds himself face to face with a Dutch Resistance operative, Gerritt Laninga (although Gerritt doesn't give Johan his true name). Gerritt was one of the men the German's had executed but Gerritt survived.  Johan takes Gerritt back to Cornelia's so they can tend to his wounds. Cornelia isn't happy with her brother for sneaking out but she is really unhappy that he brought home one of the executed men. Afterall, when the German's came back to take the bodies away they would begin a search for the missing body.

This book held me captive. I found myself holding my breath each time Gerritt had to leave to help the cause. When the German's came and ransacked Cornelia's house I became angry. This book made me feel very strong emotions. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the characters and when the story came to an end I found myself celebrating along with Cornelia and Gerritt.

It was obvious that Ms. Tolsma researched her topic very well and I would highly recommend Snow on the Tulips especially if you like reading Christian Historical Fiction, set during World War II.

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publishing and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my review copy of Snow on the Tulips. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance - Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Traces of Mercy


David C. Cook (October 1, 2013)


by


Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson. 

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Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values. 


At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.


Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go 
HERE.


My Thoughts:

This book, Traces of Mercy, is the first book in "The Medallion Trilogy" by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley. It is a Christian Historical Romance set during the period after the end of the Civil War. In fact, Chapter One ends with the conclusion of the war and a big surprise. The person you think will be the hero of the book turns out to be the heroine. 

 I loved this book to the end. From the very first page I was pulled in and taken on a journey...Mercy's journey. She is injured in the first chapter and loses her memory. I found myself  rooting for her to get her memory back as I wanted to know who she really was and what her real name was. 

If there is one negative thing I have to say about this book is the way it ended.  As I kept turning pages I thought, wait a minute, I'm running out of pages and there is so much more story to tell. The ending left me hanging in a sense, just like my favorite television shows do with their final shows of the season.  I have never been a fan of "To Be Continued..."  So, will I read book two in this series? You bet! Because I just have to find out more about Mercy. 

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

I would like to thank Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and the publisher David C. Cook for my review copy.  I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,