Sunday, December 30, 2018

Tell Her No Lies by Kelly Irvin

38915929


ABOUT THE BOOK

As children, Nina Fischer and her sister were plucked from foster care in Florida and brought to Texas by a wealthy uncle they’d never met after their mother went to prison for selling drugs. Now, as an adult, Nina loves her adopted father and wants to please him, but she’s chosen her own career path as a photographer and poet—choices state district court judge Geoffrey Fischer can’t appreciate. When she finds him murdered in his study on a night they’re home alone, she’s the prime suspect and has to prove her innocence or face her own prison term. Is she her mother’s daughter, after all?

The two men in her life want to help, each for their own reasons. Can she trust her on-again, off-again boyfriend, attorney Rick Zavala, whose political aspirations seem more important than Nina’s tragic loss? Can she trust her friend, photographer Aaron McClure, or will he use their friendship to break the biggest news story of his career?

While cleaning out her father’s things, Nina discovers a box of old letters and photos, revealing the secrets her father had been concealing for so long. When her biological mother makes an appearance at Geoffrey Fischer’s funeral and asks to be welcomed back into her daughters’ lives, Nina is even more determined to find the truth about her past. Following the evidence leads her on a journey of discovery about her father’s shocking masquerade as a law-abiding, family-loving Christian. Unlocking these secrets could prove deadly, but it’s the only way Nina will ever be able to trust love again.



MY REVIEW


Oh my what a bang bang and bang!!
The author has hit home in some of my feelings and yes I was even homeless for a while but God has seen me through.
I can relate to Nina in so many ways and I felt the same shock she did!!
Even tho she had a real mom to me, the person who raised you is ur real parents. I adopted and I lived my mom for it.
I stayed up late into the night to finish this book because I wanted to se what happens next!!
I think that this is Kelly's best novel yet!!
I enjoyed the mystery, plot and I especially loved how I could connect with Nina.
Alex was a great supporter. I don't think Nina could ask for a better friend than that. I wished I had a best friend that lived close by. But I've learned since not to trust people.
I know that God did it for reasons I cannot understand but I'm so glad He's always there for me, for us and most of all anyone who calls on Him
For God doesn't do is wrong it's people who do us wrong. Yes it took me awhile to understand!! But now I'm so glad I do
Nina had an amazing sister too through thick and thin. I missed out on that too while growing up
I admired Jan in many ways as well. 
I liked her almost as much as Nina.
I hope to see these two girls in more future books by Kelly Irvin
I received a copy from the publisher. In no way were compensations received. All opinions are my own 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly IrvinTell Her No Lies is Kelly Irvin's latest foray into romantic suspense. It debuts in November 2018. Kelly's newest Amish romance series, Every Amish Season, includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, and the latest release, Through the Autumn Air from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest. 

Kelly has novellas in The Amish Christmas Gift and The Amish Marketplace, both of which were also ECPA bestsellers. She is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.

Kelly has also penned two romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers. 

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.

She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have two grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.


Saturday, December 29, 2018

Who I am with you by Robin Lee Hatcher

38915884



ABOUT THE BOOK

Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.


Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination. 

When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have wronged them, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again. 

Who I Am With You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever. 



MY REVIEW

I'm giving this book 5 stars because I like the author and she almost never disappoints!!

I liked the time duo but I thought Andrew's story kind of got cut short where Jessica and Ridley's story were a tad longer. 
I wanted to wrap Jessica in my arms and tell her to take it to God and that it would work out in His time.
I liked how Ridley looked out for Jessica. Some Neighbors aren't like that anymore. 
I liked how the author wove past with present except past was too short!!
I really admired Andrew for reasons that are unexplained.
I admired his courage through the hard times and I really admired him for always keeping the faith.
This book is about forgiveness too.
Sometimes it's hard to forgive others and I'm still struggling with this everyday. 
There were some good quotes in there as well. 
I love how Robin weaves those into her story. She writes with her heart on this book.
I strongly recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and no compensation were received. All opinions are my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robin Lee HatcherRobin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling,  books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat. 



Give Away

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Saturday, November 10, 2018

The Spinster and I by Rebecca Connolly




 The Spinster and I Tour





 About the Book

 

The Spinster and I



Series: The Spinster Chronicles
Genre:  Adult, New Adult, Romance
Publisher: Phase Publishing
Publication date: November 1, 2018
Poor, unfortunate Spinster…
Prudence Westfall, spinster, has unexpectedly had the greatest misfortune of all: she has inherited a fortune, and is now an heiress. But as a Spinster, and a stammering shy one, nothing could be worse than having a bevy of suitors pay her attention. Opportunity strikes at a house party when the most unlikely person offers the perfect solution.
Camden Vale is no gentleman, and he’s not prone to saving anyone, but something about Prue changes all that. When his offer to befriend her extends beyond the house party, and his feelings extend beyond expectation, no one is more surprised than he. Except, perhaps, for the other Spinsters, and they have much to say on the subject.






MY REVIEW

 This is a new author for me. I had never heard of her until Singing librarian offered this book for review.
Wow and wow!! I can relate to so many things in this book.
Prue's mother for one. Reminds too much of my mother in law and my Dad especially with the name calling. ( That was my dad).
What Pru came in to. Everyone wanted to be my friend and they came out of the woodworks too!!
I loved the beautiful cover on the book and truth be told that is what made me want to read it.
The author has done a wonderful job in making these characters come alive. She has offered hope and love to those who crave it.
Prue is an amazing lady. She is so very much like me. There are people that I just can't stand and there are people who I just love to be around.
I admire Prue especially when I watched her bloom and grow into the person I knew she could be with God's help and some very good friends

I liked Cam too. He's sort of like me. Especially when he gets in one of his moods. I am going to claim him as my hero. If I had a brother I'd want him to be just like Cam. He kind, gentle and I can imagine him being very good looking too!

 

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly headshot


Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.




 Author Interview


 (Include the author interview below via SLB or include your own.)
1. Who are some of your favorite Regency authors? Do these authors inspire your own writing?
I love Jen Geigle Johnson, Sarah Eden, Jennifer Moore, Elizabeth Johns… And I am constantly meeting more lovely writers who love the same ears I do! I am inspired by so many authors, but in my time period and outside of it! The best inspiration of all, though, has to be Jane Austen.
2. If you could go to tea with one of your characters, who would you go with and why?
Oh, I think I would want to go to tea with Charlotte Wright. She doesn’t hold anything back, and I bet she has some fantastic stories!
3. What inspired the idea for The Spinster and I?
I had created a group of spinsters that had gotten to that point in their lives for different reasons. This particular story starred a girl who was painfully shy and wanted nothing more than to remain unnoticed by the world, and I wanted someone to notice her in a way that would actually work for her. He just so happens to be the most unlikely candidate, which makes it so deliciously fun!
4. What did you as an author take away from writing The Spinster and I?
I think the biggest thing I took away was that we need to look beneath the surface in everyone. There is so much more to a person than what we can see.
5. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about it?
My current WIP is part of the Spinster Chronicles series, and I can tell you that it is a VERY interesting pairing, and it is set at Christmas!


Giveaway

 

TSAI Giveaway

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Thursday, November 1, 2018

An Amish Midwife's Secret by Rachel J. Good

39088969


ABOUT THE BOOK

An Amish midwife and an Englisch doctor must embrace their differences to rescue a baby in need in this uplifting romance that will "capture your heart and leave you smiling" (Amy Lillard). 


Kyle Miller never planned on becoming a country doctor. But when he's offered a medical practice in his sleepy hometown, Kyle knows he must return... and face the painful past he left behind. Except the Amish community isn't quite ready for Kyle. Especially the pretty midwife who refuses to compromise her traditions with his modern medicine...


The more Leah Stoltzfus works with the handsome Englisch doctor, the more she finds herself caught between the expectations of her family and her own hopes for the future. It will take one surprising revelation and one helpless baby in need of love to show Leah and Kyle that their bond may be greater than their differences... if Leah can find the courage to follow her heart.


MY REVIEW

This book was a delight! I enjoyed it wholeheartedly and I love the author's writing style.
Her books just keep getting better and better!! 

Some secrets aren't worth keeping because in my opinion they'll just fester and fester until they eat you alive!! Leah soon finds this out!! I can relate to Leah this way. Sometimes I feel like I could just burst open so I can get them off my chest! 

Blame and guilt are another thing that I can testify to. And really the only person that you can take all this to is God. God will never tell. He can ease those burdens but you know what? I'm like Leah and Kyle that way. We sometimes feel are not good enough to take it to the Lord in prayer but sometimes you just have to!! 

I can relate to Kyle personally!! Wow!! and Wow!! My mouth fell open and my heart stopped beating for just a couple or maybe 5 minutes I was shock!! I felt that the author was talking directly to me in this touchy subjuct. Oh my it sure made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck that's for sure and certain

I'm wondering when doctors stopped making house calls? I know certain veterinarians still do it.
I do have family members still living during that time. Now, that is what I call great bedside manners!! Not many doctors today have them especially when they first get out of their medical practices. Those are the ones that I'm not sure why they're even in the medical field. 

All said, this is still a wonderful story that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen so I finished late into the night. I was very tired at work the next day but so worth the reading!!

I strongly recommend this book for people who just want a mystery, romance and just daily life all wrapped up into one!! 
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. No compensations were received





Gathering of Sisters: A year with my Old Order Mennonite Family by Darla Weaver

38811686



ABOUT THE BOOK

Once a week Darla Weaver bundles her children into the buggy, hitches up her spirited mare, and drives six miles to the farm where she grew up. There she gathers with her four sisters and their children for a day with their mother. In Gathering of Sisters, Weaver writes about her horse-and-buggy Mennonite family and the weekly women's gatherings that keep them connected. On warm days, the children play and fish and build houses of hay in the barn. In the winter, everyone stays close to the woodstove, with puzzles and games and crocheting. No matter the weather, the Tuesday get-togethers of this Old Order Mennonite family keep them grounded and centered in their love for God and for each other.

The rest of the week is full of laundry, and errands, and work that never ends. But Tuesdays are about being sisters, daughters, and mothers.

Hear straight from Amish and Mennonite people themselves as they write about their daily lives and deeply rooted faith in the Plainspoken series from Herald Press. Each book includes "A Day in the Life of the Author" and the author's answers to FAQs about the Amish and Mennonites.


MY REVIEW


I did like this book. I enjoyed being a part of a big family. Something I very much missed out on since I was an only child. I loved how Darla's big family made time for the family each week. Amish and Mennonites are know for this. I wished everyone including Englishers would make time for their families. Otherwise, why have them!! 

My family doesn't like that I took Tv away from them. I don't even have internet anymore either. Mainly because we can't afford either. On weekends is when I like to spend whatever time I have with my family. We work such odd hours. 

I especially loved that the author mentions that her horse has it's good days and bad days. They have feelings just like we do. It shows that she treats the horse as a member of the family much like we do our dogs and cats or whatever pet we have. 

My dad is one of the lucky ones who came from a big family. 
There were 8 in his family. I didn't get to know them very well because dad moved us to Kentucky. Which being an only child I thought that was the worst mistake he ever made. I didn't like it. 
I wanted to be a part of that big family. I"m almost a 100 percent Mom didn't like it either.  
My son is 5th generation of only children on my side of the family.  My husband's family isn't very big either. 

I laughed at some of the antics of the children. Especially the boys! Shame on them for doing mean stuff to the girls. 
This reminds of when we were kids and would go outside and play all day and sometimes not bothering to check in with our parents except to tell them where we are going. I sure do miss those days.
I also liked how the story was told in 1st person. My very favorite genre. I like 1st person because I feel like I am that person telling the story. I relate much better to the characters that way. 
I will go back and buy this book when I"m financially stable and reread it again.   
Thank you for a wonderful reminder of my childhood days and a great story!! 

I wish the Englishers  would take some lessons about living in the world and not of it. I think we'd all be better off.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and  no compensations were received. All opinions are my own. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darla Weaver is a homemaker, gardener, writer, and Old Order Mennonite living in the hills of southern Ohio. Her first book, Many Lighted Windows, was published in 2016, and she has written for Family Life, Ladies Journal, Young Companion, and other magazines for Amish and Old Order Mennonite groups. Before her three children were born she also taught school. Her hobbies are gardening and writing.
 

Eternity between us by Stephenia H. McGee

41142468


ABOUT THE BOOK

Two sides. Two hearts. And a gulf between them as deep and wide as eternity. 

"This tale brings a turbulent time to life with nuance and sensitivity."
JOCELYN GREEN, award-winning author of the Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War series


Virginia, 1861
After being forced to use a pistol against invaders, Evelyn Mapleton is no longer the timid girl her extended family expects. The more her aunt and cousin resent her new independence, the more Evelyn is determined she'll make her missing father proud by taking up his cause and aiding Confederate soldiers--even if she has to outmaneuver the Yankees guarding her home to do it. 

Samuel Flynn's life is consumed with two priorities: learning to become a proper guardian for the young orphans he's adopted and obtaining his physicians license. When his final testing sends him to a Federal Army field hospital, the last thing he expects is to be entranced by a mysterious woman. But when Evelyn's misguided exploits put her life in danger, will he risk everything he's worked for to save a woman he thinks is his enemy?

Based on first-hand accounts from the Civil War and with a strong romantic thread, this is a tale of faith, espionage, hope, and courage historical fiction fans won't want to miss.



MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this book as I love historical fiction. 
Stephenia has a way of writing that makes you a part of the story.
It is fast paced and you won't want to put the book down until you finish. I spent most of the night finishing because I didn't want to come back.
I loved the characters. Stephenia has a way of making them come alive and I think I'm going to have to go with Evelyn. Evelyn is a special character in herself. I think because in some ways she's a lot like me. I also admired her because she knew how to stick up for herself. Even though I didn't like the way she was treated I thought that all she went through made her a better person. People can't help their lineage. I think it's a shame we all can't get along. God made us equal in His eyes. I don't even know how hate really got started except through Satan. He's the root of all evil!! Just between you and me I thought Evelyn was pretty and down to earth. She wasn't stuck up like other people. What makes people like that? I have no idea. But I'm pretty sure God does. 
Now I like Stephen the doctor. He knew what he was about and like all human beings he had a certain weakness but he went on about his duties as was expected during that era. I considered him a hero.
You won't want to miss this wonderful novel. I highly recommend this story for all who love the Civil War era or just historical fiction. I want to read all of her other novels. I"m hooked!!
All opinions are my own and no compensations were received. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephenia H. McGee
Stephenia H. McGee is a wife, mother of two very active little boys, author, and lover of history. She currently lives in Mississippi with her husband and sons where she writes stories of faith, redemption and the deep south.



Sunday, October 14, 2018

Shadowed by a Spy by Marilyn Turk

40627741


ABOUT THE BOOK

Three seats ahead, Lexie Smithfield ponders her future as a nurse at Bellevue Hospital and wife to her fiancé Russell Thompson. A brief encounter with Cal Miller on the train leads to an unlikely friendship, and ultimately to the fearsome discovery that this handsome, kindly man is not who he appears to be. 


When Russell is given an opportunity to work overseas, Lexie reluctantly encourages him to go. But his absence leaves Lexie alone in a strange city where her path becomes increasingly darkened by her unwitting connection to the German saboteurs. As the spies lay plans to destroy American factories and bridges, it becomes clear that only two people can stop them. One is a catatonic patient at Bellevue who must be strapped to his bed and sedated. The other is Lexie herself, a young woman who longs only for the security of marriage while ministering to the war's physically and emotionally wounded. 


Can Lexie's unintended friendship with a Nazi spy thwart a terrorist attack? Or will her hopes and dreams — peace on the American homefront — become another casualty of war


MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this book!! 

Marilyn is a talented writer and one I highly recommend. She has a way of adding special surprises to make you keep turning the pages to see what is happening to our favorite characters. 
Although I am going to have to say that I like the Guided Curse much better. 
This book has a story all in itself though. 
I often wondered what times were like in World War 2. (My grandpa fought the Germans in this war so it's kind of special to me.) My the stories he could tell!! (of course they'd change with each telling)
I think I'm still going to continue to admire Russell. Russell for doing his part in the war even though he couldn't do what he wanted to do. His talents are admirable. I went to an awesome piano concert last week and Russell came to mind. How grand to hear him play like this man did. I even imagined him as Russell. I loved his personality as well. I was happy to see that the war hadn't changed it. 
Lexie is still the sweetheart she is. I felt like I wanted to strangle her sometimes though. I admired her for her ability to want to help others. She's truly an amazing person. Sometimes our parents can leave more of an impact on us more that we realize later in life. Verbal abuse is sometimes that the physical abuse. I admired Lexie for being able to work through her problems. Learning to trust God in all things is harder than we can imagine. Through Christ all things are possible. 
I would reread this book again. 
I recieved a copy of this book. No compensations were received. All opinions are my own 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marilyn Turk, award-winning author of three books, loves to discover interesting historical tidbits and let her characters experience them. A lighthouse enthusiast, she writes a popular lighthouse blog ( pathwayheart.com ), so expect to find a lighthouse in each of her books. Marilyn is also a contributing author to the Daily Guideposts devotional book. She and her husband live on the Gulf coast of Florida.

A Mist O'er the Voyageur by Naomi Musch

41582208


ABOUT THE BOOK

After her aunt's death, Métis woman Brigitte Marchal finds herself alone in Montreal. Uninterested in the convent and desperate to flee a loathsome suitor, she disguises herself as a young man to travel west by voyageurs' brigade in search of her long-absent, fur-trader father. But her inexperience and disguise don't hide her for long. 

René Dufour yields to the unwelcome position of shielding Brigitte, but he cannot hide her identity forever. Keeping her safe while meeting his North West Company obligations and honoring his family promises may prove to be more disquieting to his heart than he imagined. 

As Brigitte adjusts to the voyageur life on Lake Superior, she struggles to justify the faith she grew up in with the mysticism around her, but greater still is the conflict her heart must settle over who to trust in this rugged, unfamiliar country. 



MY REVIEW

I immediately connected with this wonderful story!! 
I enjoyed the adventure so much that I didn't want this story to end. And a grand adventure it was too!! Very well written and you could feel the characters feelings come right out of the book!! 
I felt connected because of Lake Superior. That is one of my favorite lakes!! My family and I would go there to vacation with a motel on the beach. I have a picture of me feeding the sea gulls on the beach flying over Lake Superior. 
In 2005 I wanted to take my family to Sault St. Marie but alas, we didn't go far enough North. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. 
I want to go back so bad and take my family with me. Maybe this time we'll make it far enough North. 
I loved this story too, because I could imagine myself being one of the lucky voyageurs that got to travel where the Indians tread. Imagine traveling a land where no one has but the Indians!! I think it would be nice to meet the Ojibwa. They are people just like us. God created us in His image even the Indians. 
Rene' is a wonderful character even though I'm sure he has his trials and tribulations just like everyone else did. I loved this character above all else because of his kind and caring ways. And oh my!! Such a handsome man!! I also liked Rene' because he had a very strong faith. 
Brigitte was special in her own way. I enjoyed getting to know her as well. She has quite a disposition and a gentleness when she wanted to show it. There were times when I felt like putting my arms around her to comfort her during her sad times. 
How we all want someone to love us for who God made us to be. Even I want that kind of love.
There is only one God. How everyone decided that he wasn't I'll never know. Isn't it ironic? 
A loving God that loves us all and wants us to come to Him even when we are troubled and need to talk to Him. Sometimes even when we are too stubborn and "want" to do it our own way. 
Well, all I have to say is y'all gotta read this story!! It will take you on the adventure of your lives!! 
I strongly recommend this book. She's such a talented writer!! 
I received a copy of this book. No compensations were required and all opinions are my own!! 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Naomi Dawn Musch


Naomi loves stories rich in American history, but occasionally writes in other genres as well. She pens stories from the pristine north woods, where she and her husband live as epically as God allows near their five adult children and passel of grandchildren. She has worked as an editor for a small press, a staff writer for an EPA award-winning newspaper, a ghost writer, and has published dozens of magazine and internet articles for the encouragement of homeschooling families and young writers. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Lake Superior Writers, and the Wisconsin Writers' Association. She loves engaging with others and always discovering kernels of a new story. She is available for speaking and book groups. Her newest novel is Mist O'er the Voyageur, and she anticipates re-releasing several of her back-list novels in 2019.
Connect with her through her website: http://www.naomimusch.com 
FB: Naomi Musch - Author 
Twitter: NMusch


Thursday, October 11, 2018

Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jaegers

42102743


ABOUT THE BOOK

Desperate to keep the ranch where three of her children and a husband lie buried, Annie Gephart must marry or sell. Which of the few bachelors in town would consider a surprise proposal to wed a plain widow with a rebellious daughter, a spirited boy, and unpaid taxes—without laughing in her face? 

Jacob Hendrix has never fully let go of his ranching dreams despite ending up as a small Wyoming town’s marshal. The job wouldn’t be so bad, except he’s more errand boy than lawman. When Annie proposes marriage without a single coquettish bat of an eyelash, can he commit himself to a woman he hardly knows for a choice piece of property he’d be an idiot to pass up? 

But taxes aren’t all that threaten Annie and Jacob’s plans. Cattle rustlers, crumbling friendships, and wayward children make this marriage of convenience anything but. When they lose what they’ve sacrificed everything to save, will the love of a stranger be enough? 

Romancing the Bride is the first book in the Frontier Vows Series by award-winning Christian romance author Melissa Jagears. If you like heartwarming marriage-of-convenience stories, you’ll love this sweet romance filled with endearing characters.


MY REVIEW


I enjoyed this story so much that I couldn't put the book down! 

I spent most of the day on Sunday reading just to finish it. I laughed out loud in different parts of he story. My son asked me what was so funny so I told him. I think I embarrassed him but I didn't care because we were in the privacy of our own home. But even if I were out in public I'd still laugh out loud. 
One time I was with my mom in her office and I started laughing so hard that I fell off the couch!!

If there's one thing I can't really can't stand it's a self centered person. They just take and take without appreciating anything you do for them. I think that this is one of life's hardest lessons. I always try to treat people the way I would want to be treated. 
I'm actually referring to a certain character in this book. I really wanted to teach her a lesson but it wasn't for me to do. It was her parents and God.

Her brother Spencer now I really loved him. If I were to have a brother I'd want him to be like Spencer. I wished I had half his energy!! Of course, I'm partial to boys anyway since I raised one. Although I'd love to have a sister for him. But it wasn't to happen. God's will I suppose. 

Grief has no time limit. I've probably said this a million times in my reviews but it never hurts to be reminded. There are 4 stages of grief. I don't remember all of them but denial is one I know of. 
I wanted to take Annie in my arms and tell her that it would be ok with time. And of course God's love. 
One thing though is you never get over missing that person once they are gone. I should know. I still miss my mom so much that it still hurts. One person said that I needed to get "over it" I wanted to slug them so bad. I decided not to lower myself to their standards. 
This story meant a lot to me because it offers hope, love and a chance to grow closer to God. 

Melissa writes in such a way that she made feel like a part of Annie's family. I enjoyed the sibling rivalry and realized that being raised as an only child was quite boring. I saw what I missed. So not fair!!!

Bless Jacob!! What an amazing man!! I'd love for him to be my Pa. He was so very kind and gentle. Of course there was his stern side too. I guess that's what it takes to be a cool Pa. I admired him very much. Especially his faith. It was very strong even in times of trouble. Or when things didn't go right for him.

The person I felt sorry for the most was Leah. My how I loved her personality!! I felt that she was dealt an unfair blow in life. Well, I just let you read the story. Here's where I'll end and hopefully I haven't given too much away!! I can't wait for you to enjoy this wonderful book!!

I received this book with no compensations necessary. All are my honest opinions.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Melissa Jagears
Much to her introverted self's delight, ACFW Award winner and double INSPY finalist Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave her home to be a homeschooling mother and novelist. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children and can be found online at www.melissajagears.com, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Saturday, October 6, 2018

In Times Gone By by Tracie Peterson

38502334



ABOUT THE BOOK

After getting left at the altar, Kenzie Gifford flees to San Francisco to start her life over, determined never to love again. She's made new friends and has a good job in the office of her cousin's chocolate factory. The only thorn in her side is Dr. Micah Fisher, who insists on pursuing her despite her constant rejection.

Then the Great 1906 Earthquake strikes the city, and everything changes. The devastation all around her makes Kenzie reevaluate her outlook on life--and possibly even her feelings for Micah. But then her world is rocked again when her ex-fiancE appears, full of apologies and determined to win her back. But Arthur already broke her heart once. Does she dare trust him again? The sudden arrival of a hidden danger will expose the motivations of all involved, but it could cost Kenzie her life--as well as her heart. 


MY REVIEW

I loved the setting for this book. I admire Tracie Peterson for her ability to write these wonderful stories. 
I don't think that much is written about the earthquake of San Francisco in 1906. 
Tracie writes in a way that I could imagine myself being in with the people and what they went through during that terrible time. I loved the way the people of the community came together in their time of need and helped each other. 
I think it's awful that it takes something like this to make people come together. We should always help because we never know who might need it. 9/11 is a perfect example for today's catastrophe. We as a nation came together and helped those in need. 
I'm wondering if God plans these disasters to make us wake up and realize what is going on around us? I'd like to think so. But then after everything settles down we go back to our old way of life never giving our Lord a second thought. That's terrible. 
I liked how the girls and their friends helped wherever people needed it. 
I understand how Kenzie felt. When I broke up with my ex he took everything with him including my heart. It took me a long long time to understand why he did that and it also took me long time to trust another man. 
All men are not alike my head says but, my heart is telling me opposite.
I dearly love the man I have now. He does everything for me and gets anything the family needs. 
Doctors like Micah are hard to find these days. Sometimes I think that yesterday's drs can really teach these doctors today some bedside manners. 
I give this book 5 stars with my whole heart. 
I received a copy from Netgalley and no compensation were received..




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracie PetersonTracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.







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