Welcome to Wishing Bridge

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smiles & Blessings,

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

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

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

My thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smiles & Blessings,

Lone Star Christmas Rescue by Margaret Daley

IDENTITY UNKNOWN

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

MY REVIEW:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smiles & Blessings,

KJV Know the Word Study Bible

Back of Book Jacket:

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

Smiles & Blessings,

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

STANDING FOR WHAT'S RIGHT COULD COST HER EVERYTHING

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

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

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

MY THOUGHTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smiles & Blessings,

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

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

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

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

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

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

On a 5-Star scale = 4 Stars!

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

Smiles & Blessings,

Once an Heiress by Renee Ryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Smiles & Blessings,