Fatal Trauma by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

I have quickly learned that when I pick up a book with Dr. Richard Mabry's name on the cover, I'm going to be in for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, can't put it down read. His newest book, Fatal Trauma, in my humble opinion, is his best.

Fatal Trauma begins when a gunman enters the ER  holding Nurse Kelly Atkinson at gunpoint as she pushes the gunman's brother into the ER in a wheelchair. The first thing Dr. Mark Baker thinks about is how to escape the area without being drawn into the situation. Unfortunately, the gunman notices Mark and asks if he is the doctor. This begins one of the most heart pounding book beginnings that I have read in a long time.  

The gunman is part of the Zeta drug cartel and by the end of the evening two of the cartel's members are dead and revenge is just around the corner. When the drug cartel begins their reign of retaliation, people are stalked, murdered, malpractice lawsuits are threatened and the twists and turns takes the reader on a wild trip in this wonderful new medical drama.

I have read all of Dr. Mabry's novels and I find with each book his talent for the craft of writing has grown. His characters seem real enough to walk off the page and into your world. I found that in Fatal Trauma I was rooting for Dr. Mark Baker as he reminded me of a doctor I once worked with in the operating room. 

If you are a fan of medical suspense novels, then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Fatal Trauma. I guarantee you that it will be well worth your time. With drug cartels, murders, stalking, false accusation, and a little romance it will keep you so entertained that you will lose track of time.

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for my copy of Fatal Trauma. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Heart's Obsession by Colleen Coble

For all of you who enjoy reading books by Colleen Coble you must pick up copies of her books in the Journey of the Heart series. The first book, A Heart's Disguise (read my review here) was released in March and was an excellent book. Please keep in mind that this is a continuity series which means that book two, A Heart's Obsession, picks up where the first left off and so on. There will be a total of six books in the series and they were originally published as two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise. Both books have been out of print for almost ten years.

A Heart's Obsession picks up where the first book left off. Lieutenant Rand Campbell says goodbye to his family and Sarah and moves on to his next post at Fort Laramie in Wyoming. In the last book, he asked Sarah to go with him but with her father near death she tells him she can't. So Rand leaves and shortly after arriving at Fort Laramie he, along with some other troops, is sent to escort Major DuBois, his wife and daughter to the fort. When he meets Jessica DuBois he feels something about her reminds him of Sarah.

Back in Wabash, Sarah's father passes away. A few days after the funeral her best friend Amelia marries Rand's brother Jacob and they are due to set out for Fort Laramie as Jacob has also been assigned there. Sarah asks if she and Joel can join them on their journey so she can reunite with Rand. However, Sarah's brother Wade is convinced that he is responsible for her and therefore tells her she is to marry Ben Croftner. When she tells him "no" he locks her in her room. The next day she convinces her brother that she now sees things his way but once he leaves, she and her younger brother Joel sneak out and go over to Jacob and Amelia's and soon find themselves on a rough journey traveling across five states in order to reach Wyoming. 

When they finally arrive Sarah can hardly wait to find Rand. But when she finally sees him he is with Jessica who she soon learns is engaged to Rand. While Sarah's heart is breaking she decides Rand's happiness is more important than anything. Not really knowing what she should do, she begins teaching the area Sioux children how to read and speak English. 

I could go on and on but then it would spoil the entire book for you. Just know that Ben Croftner hasn't given up and Jessica hasn't begun. I can't say anymore at this time.

I really enjoyed this book and can hardly wait to read book three, A Heart's Danger, which is due out in May. I would highly recommend picking up all the books in this series if you are a Colleen Coble fan or if you are a fan of historical fiction.

I only have one minor issue that I found with the series so far, in book one, the first page states it is October 1865 and in book two it states it is September 22, 1865. A minor detail to say the least. 

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of A Heart's Obsession which I received for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

When I read Rachel Hauck's newest book How to Catch a Prince, I fell in love with the story, her character's and her writing. I can't say enough about this delightful angelic book.

Corina Del Rey is an American heiress, who, five and a half years prior to the start of the story, found herself married to Prince Stephen of Brighton. Due to a tragic occurrence during the war in Afghanistan that left Corina's twin brother dead, the Prince pushes her away. She goes back home to Georgia to mourn with her family.

The marriage, which had been kept secret, was thought to be unofficial as they never thought the Archbishop had filed paperwork regarding the marriage. When the Archbishop retired, his replacement found the secret document and filed it with the King's Office. The King confronts his brother Stephan and it is decided he must go to Corina and get her to sign annulment papers. This begins a whirlwind roller coaster ride of ups and downs, highs and lows and an angelic intervention.

I haven't read many books by Ms. Hauck but I truly want to go back now and read her first two books in "The Royal Wedding Series". Once Upon a Prince and Princess Ever After. I truly enjoyed How to Catch a Prince and I imagine the first two books are just as wonderful.

Corina and Prince Stephen were on a journey towards truth, forgiveness, and unforgotten love. With the help of some angelic assistance they take a journey that the reader will find thoroughly enjoyable.

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

I would highly recommend How to Catch a Prince to anyone who enjoys a good clean contemporary book.

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan for my copy of How to Catch a Prince. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado

What if you could reach out and ask God just one question and receive a direct answer from Him? That is the miracle that happened at the Higher Grounds Cafe. 

Chelsea Chambers, is the estranged wife of a former NFL superstar and the owner of the Higher Grounds Cafe. The cafe is old-fashioned and in dire need of a makeover. Unfortunately, her mother who willed the cafe to her carried a lot of debt and Chelsea soon finds her soon to be ex-husband has squandered her nest egg away. 

Realizing she needs help in running the cafe she decides to higher Manny, a man who seems a little different but she soon finds he is an answer to her prayers. Along with Manny comes another answer to prayer, the God Blog. When an internet router is installed at the cafe she soon finds that people are flocking to the cafe to ask God their one question. 

I absolutely loved this book. There were times I laughed and times I cried but the main thing I found is that the book spoke to me and mad me think. What if there was a God Blog that was answered directly by God? Then I thought, there already is a way to talk to God and get answers, it's called prayer.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good quick read. 

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble's work holds a special place in my heart. When I heard an interview with Colleen several years ago, I went to the library and started reading her books voraciously. I haven't stopped since. I was ecstatic to hear that her publisher was going to re-release her first published series, "Journey of the Heart". The first book in the series is A Heart's Disguise and I absolutely loved it.

A Heart's Disguise is the story of Sara Montgomery and Rand Campbell and is set in Wabash, Indiana in October 1865. The Civil War has ended and Sara has been mourning the loss of her one true love, Rand Campbell for over five months. Her father has been told he doesn't have long to live and it is his wish that his daughter Sara be married before he dies.

Ben Croftner has had his eyes on Sara for some time and is trying to convince her to marry him. Sara doesn't love Ben but she loves her family and wants to make them happy. Will she say 'yes' to Ben? Or will she stay true Rand? Is Rand truly dead or was his notice of death false? The answers are all within this wonderful little book.

The series is to be issued over a period of six months. A Heart's Disguise will be issued in March and then each month there after another book in the series will be released. I can hardly wait for book two, A Heart's Obsession to be released. 

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys clean historical fiction and especially fans of Colleen Coble. The book is a really quick read as it is only 90 pages long. But it is well worth your time.

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my review copy. I received my copy for free so that I could read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

Betting on Hope is the first book in Debra Clopton's new series "A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance". I have read a couple of Ms. Clopton's novellas in the past, but this is the first full length novel I have read by this wonderful author but it won't be the last.

The heroine, Maggie Hope, is an introverted advice columnist and city girl. When her friend, Amanda Jones, comes down with the flu, Maggie has to fill in for her in conducting an interview with champion horse trainer, Tru Monahan in his hometown of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maggie wasn't comfortable being in front of people as it brought back bad memories. But she does go to Wishing Springs to conduct the interview because if she doesn't she may lose her advice column.

Tru Monahan, is a handsome cowboy and a smooth talker. During the on-air interview, Maggie tries to convey that she would never be caught dead on a horse but Tru tells her he can teach anyone to ride. But then an on-air bet is extended and Tru is given two months to teach Maggie to overcome her fear of horses and to learn to ride. Will Maggie and Tru be able to work together? Will Tru be able to help Maggie through her fears? You'll find these questions answered within the pages of this wonderful book.

Wishing Springs is a small town packed full of colorful characters that have a tendency to poke their noses into other people's lives. I loved all the characters and look forward to getting to know some of them better in future books of the series.

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

I would highly recommend Betting on Hope to anyone who loves a clean contemporary read.

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

Smiles & Blessings,

  

A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble's work holds a special place in my heart. When I heard an interview with Colleen several years ago, I went to the library and started reading her books voraciously. I haven't stopped since. I was ecstatic to hear that her publisher was going to re-release her first published series, "Journey of the Heart". The first book in the series is A Heart's Disguise and I absolutely loved it.

A Heart's Disguise is the story of Sara Montgomery and Rand Campbell and is set in Wabash, Indiana in October 1865. The Civil War has ended and Sara has been mourning the loss of her one true love, Rand Campbell for over five months. Her father has been told he doesn't have long to live and it is his wish that his daughter Sara be married before he dies.

Ben Croftner has had his eyes on Sara for some time and is trying to convince her to marry him. Sara doesn't love Ben but she loves her family and wants to make them happy. Will she say 'yes' to Ben? Or will she stay true Rand? Is Rand truly dead or was his notice of death false? The answers are all within this wonderful little book.

The series is to be issued over a period of six months. A Heart's Disguise will be issued in March and then each month there after another book in the series will be released. I can hardly wait for book two, A Heart's Obsession to be released. 

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys clean historical fiction and especially fans of Colleen Coble. The book is a really quick read as it is only 90 pages long. But it is well worth your time.

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my review copy. I received my copy for free so that I could read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman & Sarah Sundin

I truly love reading stories set during WWII, especially if they are written by Sarah Sundin, Cara Putman or Tricia Goyer. These wonderful writers of historical romance have joined together to write three wonderful stories tied together by family and love.

I really enjoyed the way the book was set up and that the titles are all song titles. The Prologue is titled, "Winter Wonderland" and was written by Sarah Sundin. The first story is "White Christmas" by Cara Putman, followed by "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Sarah Sundin and then "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Tricia Goyer. The Epilogue is titled "Let it Snow, Let it Snow" by Cara Putman.

Where Treetops Glisten yields three stories surrounding the Turner family of Lafayette, Indiana. Let's start with Cara Putman's "White Christmas". This was the story of Abigail Turner and Jackson Lucas. Abigail is a student at Purdue and works a part-time job at Glatz Candy. When she encounters Jackson she feels he needs a friend and finds herself trying to help him with a family issue. This particular story had a little mystery to it and was a story set in the homefront in the early days of the war.

The second story, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is the story of Pete Turner, Grace Kessler and her precocious daughter, Linnie. Pete is a Lieutenant and pilot in the Army Air Corps and is home on leave when he encounters Linnie. This story was my favorite of the three mainly because I absolutely fell in love with Linnie. Sarah Sundin created her so well that she stepped off the page, took my hand and invited me into her world. This story was absolutely charming and was also set on the homefront.

The third story, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is the only story that was actually set on the war front. It is the story of the youngest Turner daughter, Meredith, or Merry, as her family and friends call her. She is a combat nurse stationed near the front lines in the Netherlands when her story begins. She had been in love while she was going to nursing school and found herself betrayed by a young man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with but one day he disappeared leaving signs behind that he wasn't who she thought he was. 

All three authors have similar voices and at times I had to check to see who had written the portion I was reading. In my opinion, they are all excellent authors and I always look forward to their newest books and I keep their books on my 'keeper' shelf.

The characters in Where Treetops Glisten seem so real and the settings make you feel right at home. I will say that Cara Putman tied all three stories up quite nicely in the Epilogue and I must admit, as I finished the last few words I let out a big sigh. I hated to see the book end.

I would highly recommend When Treetops Glisten to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction set during WWII and books set during Christmas. To be honest, I believe if you love good fiction in any genre you'll love this book.

On a 5 - Star Scale - 15 HUGE Stars!!!!!  Yes, I said 15, after all there are three authors and I'm giving 5 Stars to each of them. 

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and WaterBrook Press for my review copy of When Treetops Glisten. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

Tried & True by Mary Connealy

When you pick up a book by Mary Connealy, you pretty much know what to expect, a good clean read filled with humor, love and excitement with a few cowboys thrown in the mix. Her newest book fits that description to a T.  Tried & True  is the first book in her Wild at Heart series.

This first book in the series is about Kylie Wilde, the youngest of the sisters and Aaron Masterson, the local land agent. Sparks fly between these two from the first moment they meet. I couldn't help but fall in love with these two masterfully created characters.

Ms. Connealy has a talent for creating humor within her stories and let me tell you, a giggle slipped out a few times as I read this wonderful book. I also found myself on the edge of my seat when some 'surprises' presented themselves.

I have to say that one of the things I enjoyed the most about Tried & True is the wonderful cast of characters. Ms. Connealy has created a cast that makes the reader eager to read the rest of their stories. 

Tried & True is a well paced story that entertains the reader from start to finish. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading clean, fun, historical novels.

On a 5-Star scale = *****

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for my copy of Tried & True. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Before Amen by Max Lucado

Max Lucado's newest book, Before Amen, The Power of a Simple Prayer,  is a "how to" book about prayer. For anyone who has ever wondered how to approach God in prayer or just simply how to pray, this book is for you.

The book is small consisting of nine simple to read chapters.

1. The Pocket Prayer
2. Father...Daddy
3. You Are Good
4. I Need Help
5. Heal Me
6. Forgive Me
7. They Need Help
8. Thank You
9. In Jesus' Name, Amen

I loved the way Mr. Lucado started chapter one, "Hello my name is Max. I'm a recovering prayer wimp. I doze off when I pray. My thoughts zig, then zag, then zig again." I could have made that same statement entering 'Cindy' for Max. Let's be honest, I'm sure some of you out there start prying at bedtime and the next thing you know you are waking up and never said 'amen'. Or you're in church and the pastor is leading prayer and your mind zig's to what to fix for lunch or where you plan to go after church. I'm sure most of us have been there before. If you find this to be true for yourself, this book is for you.

Mr. Lucado shares about the different types of prayer and how we should pray during the times that are the hardest. In the first chapter, he shares with the reader his "Pocket-size Prayer". This prayer is easy to remember and should help the person who feels they don't know how to pray get started.

So many times I have heard people say, 'I don't know how to pray'. Believe me there are many people in the world that feel that way. Mr. Lucado explains, "God will teach you to pray." He also goes on to tell the reader, "Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child". 

I enjoy Max Lucado's writing. It is simple for the reader to understand. In fact, it's like he is sitting across the room talking with you. His explanations are clear and easily understood.

I would highly recommend Before Amen to anyone who wants a clear picture of praying. I truly enjoyed this book.

On a 5-Star scale - *****

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my advanced reader's copy of Before Amen. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

I have become a big fan of Susan May Warren and her "Christiansen Family" series.  I just finished the third book in the series, When I Fall in Love, and I loved it! The first book, Take a Chance on Me, is on my Kindle waiting to be read, and the second book in the series is It Had to Be You (read my review here). There are quite a few family members so I'm sure we will be presented with several more books in the series in the future.

When I Fall in Love is the story of Grace Christiansen, a natural chef, and Maxwell Sharpe, a hockey player for the St. Paul Blue Ox. Grace is a homebody who would rather live with her parents and make magnificent meals while waiting to be accepted into culinary school and Max is a man who has a secret and chooses to stay to himself so he doesn't have to divulge it.

This is a story of hope, faith, trust and forgiveness. The characters seemed as real as everyday people and as each one graced the pages of this wonderful book they reached out their hands and drew the reader into the story. The plot was very much character driven.

The subplot is about Raina Beaumont and two of the Christiansen men, Owen, a man with a wounded past and his brother Casper, who is searching for his future. If I had to guess, these characters just might be the subject of a future novel in this series.

I truly love books that are clean reads but I must say that something happened in the early part of the book that made me think about closing the book and not continuing. But because it was written by Ms. Warren I thought she deserved for me to continue on to see what she made of it. I am so glad I didn't close the book as I would have missed out on so very, very much. There are lessons to be learned within the cover of When I Fall in Love and I hope you all pick up a copy and enjoy the read.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance novel.  You'll be whisked away from Minnesota to Hawaii and back again and I am sure you will enjoy the journey.

On a 5-star scale = 5 HUGE stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Tyndale House Publishers for my review copy of When I Fall in Love. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

I have discovered a new voice in Kristy Cambron. Her debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, is a wonderful contemporary story blended into a historical novel. Both stories are captivating and Ms. Cambron did an awesome job of blending the two stories together.

The book begins with the contemporary story which follows the journey of Manhattan art dealer Sera James and William Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul, in their pursuit of securing a portrait of Adele Von Bron, a violinist known as Austria's Sweetheart during the 1940's. The portrait was painted during WWII behind the walls of Auschwitz-Birkenau. After the prisoners were liberated, a lot of the art that had been hidden from the Germans was recovered and the portrait of Adele was one of those pieces. Williams grandfather had duplicated the piece and when William heard that Sera was looking for the original piece of art he sent his copy to her gallery in New York. They decide to work together to find the original portrait. Sera's reason is personal and William needs to find it to save his family's business.

The historical portion of the novel is about Adele Von Bron and Vladimir Nicolai. They both have a heart for helping the Jewish people escape from the soldiers of the Third Reich. Unfortunately, during one such attempt, things happen that lead to them being discovered and arrested. What was really sad is that Adele's father was a high ranking officer in the Third Reich and he let them take her away to what was termed a re-education camp. Instead she ended up in Auschwitz-Birkenau and because of her talent with the violin, she was allowed to play in the camp orchestra. An older woman in the camp, Omara, took Adele under her wing and became like a mother to her. She is also the artist of Adele's portrait.

As I'm sure most people are aware, the prisoner camps ran by the Nazis during WWII were nothing more than death camps. If they thought a prisoner was weak, they killed them. It is where Jewish people and other people who the Nazis thought of as enemies of the Nazi state were exterminated or used as slave labor. It was an atrocity to all mankind. In her book, Ms. Cambron takes the reader behind the walls of Auschwitz-Berkenau as if she had actually been there during that time. The reality of her story was phenomenal.

The Butterfly and the Violin is a story of hope, love and in time forgiveness. The characters walk across the pages with such authenticity that I found myself 'googling' them to see if they really existed. Ms. Cambron has a lyrical voice that powerfully drives her story home. I look forward to the next book in her "A Hidden Masterpiece" series, A Sparrow in Terezin, which will release in April, 2015.

So, will Adele survive Auschwitz-Birkenau? What happened to Vladimir? Was the painting of Adele found and why did it mean so much to Sera and William. All these questions are answered within this masterfully created story. I would HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy of The Butterfly and the Violin, especially if you love to read good historical Christian novels. 

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 GIGANTIC stars!!!!! I can't say enough about this book. The best I have read this year!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of The Butterfly and the Violin. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Seagrass Pier by Colleen Coble

As an avid fan of Colleen Coble, I could hardly wait to read her newest release Seagrass Pier. This book is the third in the Hope Beach series. The first in the series is Tidewater Inn (read my review here) and the second is Rosemary Cottage (read my review here). Both were excellent books to read. I must admit that Seagrass Pier is excellent as well.

The story of Seagrass Pier takes place at Hope Beach in North Carolina and is the story of Elin Summerall who works in organ procurements and FBI agent Marc Everton.  Elin and Marc had known each other in the past and what Marc doesn't know is that he is the father of Elin's daughter, four year old Josie.

Elin had to have a heart transplant due to a life-threatening virus and now she is experiencing dreams and vision's of the woman who's heart is now hers. This woman was brutally murdered and because an article was done on how Elin is remembering bits and pieces of her donor's life, Elin's life is now in jeopardy.  

Elin has moved out to Seagrass Pier with Josie and her mother Ruby. Her mother is suffering from early onset Alzheimer Disease and this makes things a little more difficult for Elin to cope with in her life. She finally tells Marc that he is Josie's father and although he is furious at first he soon finds himself enjoying being Josie's daddy and getting closer to Elin.

Packed with twists and turns that take the reader on a fast paced suspenseful ride, Seagrass Pier is probably my favorite book in Ms. Coble's "A Hope Beach Novel" series. She has a knack for creating strong-willed, believable characters that once they pull you in, they never let go. Not even after you turn that last page.

I would highly recommend Seagrass Pier to anyone who enjoys a good clean suspenseful read. Ms. Coble always delivers well plotted and captivating novels that allows the reader to escape into a fast paced suspenseful world.  This book reads as a stand-alone book but characters from the previous books are mentioned or have bit parts in this book. Go out an pick up a copy. I guarantee you, you will not be dissatisfied

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my Advanced Reader's Copy of Seagrass Pier. I received my copy fo free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.. 

Smiles & Blessings,