Book review: Snowflake Bride by Jillian Hart

Book Description:
Grateful when she's hired as the Davises' maid, Ruby Ballard vows to help save her family's farm. There's just one problem: the boss's handsome son, Lorenzo. He makes her forget family duty, forget her lowly place, even forget her friends who are in love with him! But his love is a gift that could never be hers—not even for Christmas. 

Lorenzo knows Ruby is the only woman he could marry. Yet the quiet beauty refuses his courtship. As the holidays approach, he will make both their wishes come true, when he claims her at last as his snowflake bride.

My Review:
I loved this story. Ruby is a strong girl trying to help her family who have fallen on hard times and are struggling to hold on to the farm. Lorenzo is the son of a wealthy farmer who is sweet on Ruby. I love Rubys spirit and the way gets a job with Lorenzos family and works as hard as she can. She may not have much but she does the best she can. I love how she cares for her friends and puts them first over her own feelings. There is a rich girl in the book who has been in the others as well who is nasty. There were times I wanted to hit her cos of her cruel taunts. I hope she will have a change of heart by the end of this series. The story deals with hope, love and family loyalty as well as acceptance. This is one of my top ten reads for the year.

Book Review: Bandit's Hope by Marcia Gruver

Product Description. 

Stream on down to Mississippi, the setting of Marcia Gruver’s second book in the breathtaking Backwoods Bride series. Reddick “Tiller” McRae is tired of the outlaw life, even more so when he falls for a respectable innkeeper’s daughter. Will he face the gallows before he can win her hallowed heart? Maria Bell is tired of waiting for God to bring her a husband and protector. Taking matters of the law and love into her own hands, she sets a trap to catch a thief and a husband. What will she do when she finds out they are one and the same?

My Review:

I got this book from Netgalley to read. It was the final state I needed to complete my 50 state challenge for 2011. I really enjoy the story. I haven't read the first book in series but it didn't affect the story. This can be read alone without feeling you are wondering what has happened. Maria is a strong women who has some issues to deal with, one being saving the inn  and praying for a husband to help protect her. Tiller is tired of being an outlaw and happens across the inn and helps out. There are other interesting twists which add to the story. This book deals with forgiveness, misconceptions, acceptance. A good read. 

Book Review Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Product description:
When chieftain heir Gavin MacKenzie is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh, he discovers a hidden village of outcasts who have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena---a comely lass who captures Gavin's heart. But will her deadly past---along with a treacherous enemy---sabotage their future?



Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the second book by Jennifer and another great read. We go back to Scotland and this time Gavin MacKenzie is the hero. He has been hired to restore a Castle and meets Serena. We learn in chapter one Serena was born with an infliction that causes some to see her less than what she is. We see a village of other people with different disabilities which makes them outcasts but a more loyal group you will never find. I love how the story shows just cos you are different doesn't make you less of a human. There was also danger in the village as strange events started to happen which threatened the residents. A really good story. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Book Review Mail order Christmas Brides by Jillian Hart and Janet Tronstand

Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart

"Please be my ma for Christmas." Felicity Sawyer can't resist little Gertie's heartfelt letter. Tate Winters seeks a bride for Gertie's sake, not his own. But as his reserve thaws before Felicity's sunny optimism, this new family learns that togetherness is the best way to celebrate the season.

Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad

Eleanor McBride's outgrown her dreams of romance—but not her wishes for motherhood. Wedding Sergeant Adam Martin will give her a daughter to cherish. Yet it's not just shy, sweet Hannah who's captured her affections. And Eleanor's arrival in Dry Creek could be the start of a journey to true love.…

My Review:

Thanks to Jillian for my copy of this book I won it from the Love Inspired Harvest Festival. This is a great read. I had read a couple of books that didn't grab me and I felt I was waiting for something to happen and the book felt slow but this book was not like that. Right from the first page I was hooked. 

Her Christmas Family has Felicity coming on train to be Gertie's mother. Tate needs a mother for Gertie so is willing to marry Felicity but wonders why someone so pretty could want to be a mail order Bride. The book deals with misconception when Tate assumes Felicity is from a well to do family and couldn't possibly want to marry him. Gertie falls for Felicity and they bond straight away. I loved the story and the characters. Jillian delivers another good read.

Christmas Stars was another great book by Janet. Again I was drawn into the story from page one I felt for Eleanor but she handles herself well. Again we have a your daughter to cherish. This time Hannah is recovering from an accident and need extra love. She is adorable as well. Adam loves his daughter and will do anything for her. Add a grandmother who knows best and you have some interesting drama. I loved this story as well . A wonderful Christmas book.

CFBA tour Lost Melody by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lost Melody Zondervan (October 25, 2011) by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.

Virginia Smith is the author of more than a dozen Christian novels and over fifty articles and short stories. Her books have been named finalists in the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Award, and ACFW's Carol Award.

A Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church, Ginny's messages are always well-received by a variety of audiences in conferences, retreats and churches across the country. When she isn't writing or speaking, Ginny and her husband, Ted, enjoy exploring the extremes of nature – snow skiing in the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, motorcycle riding on the curvy roads in central Kentucky, and scuba diving in the warm waters of Mexico and the Caribbean.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The beautiful piano sitting in the corner of Jill King's apartment begs to be played. For over a year, it has sat untouched, ever since a terrible accident shattered Jill's ambition of becoming a concert pianist. The ragged scar on her left hand is a cruel and constant reminder of the death of her dream. But another dream is about to come to life---an unexpected, horrifying dream that will present Jill with a responsibility she never wanted. And choices she never wanted to make. Hundreds of lives depend on Jill's willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.

If you would like to read a chapter excerpt of Lost Melody, go HERE.

Book Review:
This is a really good book. The book starts with an accident that affects Jill's ambition of becoming a concert pianist. She finds it hard to even look at the piano as it reminds her of what shes lost. Greg is her boyfriend who wants to regenerate the area to bring in more tourists. Jill has a dream that she cant shake and feels she has to do something but it could cost her her boyfriend, reputation and her future. I love the way this book came together. The last half of the book I just wanted to know what would happen next and couldn't wait to see what did happen. Its a strong story of what happens when one woman acts on the dream. It was interesting seeing the communities responses and many were predictable and I believe its what would happen if you heard the same thing in your own town. There is also a chance to go to the website after you finish the book to read the alternate ending and comment on which you like best. This is a good read and its eye opening about how we deal with things we dont understand.

Book Review Building a Family by Lyn Cote

Product Description:
Lawyer Eleanor Washburn defends wayward teenagers and supervises volunteers for Habitat for Humanity without missing a beat. But she is unnerved by fascinating single dad Pete Beck-especially since his chaotic life includes a little girl wishing for a mother. Sweet Cassie has Eleanor yearning for what's been missing from her lonely existence. Soon, both dad and daughter are chipping away at Eleanor's defenses. Can she find the courage to risk losing her heart to this ready-made family?


Book Review:
Thanks to Lyn for my copy of this book. This is the final of the New Friends Street series which has three habitat for humanity house being built for three deserving families. In this book we see Eleanor who is the co-ordinator of the project and Single dad Pete. Pete has two children with one being the sweet Cassie who has taken a huge shine to Eleanor. She stirs up the yearning Eleanor has to be a mother. Eleanor has some issues due to her mother which we see play out in this book and also Pete has issues with Lawyers. The way Cassie worms her way into a persons heart is so cute. This is a good book and at the same time highlights the good Habitat for Humanity does for people who need house. A good read that I didn't want to put down and I would love to see more in this series. 

Book Review Special Mission by Debby Mayne

Book Description:
Kim thought David was her knight in shining armor. But can she compete with the blinding passion he has for his military career?


Brian and Kim have been best friends since childhood, but as he watches her romance fall apart, Brian finds his own heart changing. How can he continue to comfort and support her only as a friend when he longs to love her fully instead?


All three must examine the true meaning of loyalty, of friendship, and of love—and whether being “honorable” means being false to oneself.


My Review:
This is another book I picked up recently on my trip to Adelaide. It was also one of the states that was causing me trouble to find. Kim and Brian have been friends since they were children and have a special connection. When Brians wedding falls apart Kim is there to help him. Kim is engaged to David who seems to be putting his military career first. He asks them both to look after each other while he's away. I found David to be quite selfish in many ways but he didn't seem to realise he was which was interesting. Brian can see it and it frustrates him. Kim is also sensing things are not quite right. I enjoyed the friendship Kim and David have and watching the story develop was fun. The book deals with holding back emotions and not saying things we should. It also shows that by not being honest with our feelings we can sometimes deny ourselves something beautiful and end up making a mistake that may cause other issues. 
A good read.

Book Review Back to Resolution by Rose Dee

Book Description:
Bay Anders is lost. She enjoys every privilege a wealthy upbringing affords, but the void in her soul refuses to be filled. Her mother's dying revelation drives Bay to the brink of self destruction, before a move to Australia changes everything. She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father's disappearance. The only person who can help her is a strong, self-assured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal.
Flynn McKenna is hiding from the world. A past filled with mistakes drove him to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. But the arrival of a woman he cannot avoid shatters his solitary existence. As the search for Bay's father unites them, can he resist his desire for her? 


My Review:
I was sent this book by the author to read and review. I am so glad I had a chance to read this book. Its Rose's debut novel and a very good read. The story is about Bay Anders who is looking for something, her mother has died and finds her father is alive after being told he died after she was born. The journey takes her to Queensland and finds her father loves on a island of the North Queensland coast. Here she meets Flynn who works for her father but keeps to himself. She also fines her father is missing. The story talks about Bays journey from a life of privilege to a remote island and how she adjusts to what life throws at her. Bay is much stronger and down to earth woman than most give her credit for. While searching for her father she learns more about her life and what matters most. This book deals with several issues including finding yourself, forgiveness, perceptions to name a few. This is a good book that I didn't want to put down and am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. I actually told the author I didn't want to say goodbye to the charters and she told me there will be another book.

Book Review Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Gooddard

Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Goddard
HS 893
978-1-60260-756-9
Romance


Vance never expected this.

Vance Young inherits a missile launch site - a relic from the cold war buried beneath the plains of North Dakota - from his great-uncle, a man he never knew. An astronomy fanatic, Vance needs free access to the night skies, so he doesn't consider staying in the underground dwelling until he meets Andi Nielsen, the woman responsible for remodeling it into a lavish home.

Upon meeting Vance, Andi may have gotten her second chance to discover what her grandfather hid inside the old missile base decades before when he served as a missileer. Is she prepared to detonate her growing feelings for the new owner in order to find the hidden treasure? And when Vance remotely discovers a cybercrime involving his classified software, can he solve the crime and keep the woman he loves safe?

Have you ever inherited something fascinating with a historical background?


My Review: I finished this book last night and did enjoy it. I bought it recently in Adelaide and choose to read it as I needed to still read a book set in North Dakota for the year. Vance is a young man who works with computers and feels women are turned of because he's a geek where as Andi is working for herself after having to leave college but feels no one will want her cos she doesn't have a college education. Both have there issues to deal with especially insecurity. Andi is also looking after a younger sister. What I found interesting is the fact about the missile launch sites and how they were turning it into a home underground. Vance has a few issues with the lack of windows and I am sure I would too. There is also the mystery of what Andi's grandfather has hidden. A good read.

Book Review Maggie's journey by Lena Nelson Dooley

Book description
Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she's adopted. The spoiled daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed by her real parents and by the ones who raised her. But mystery surrounds her new discovery, and when Maggie uncovers another family secret, she loses all sense of identity. Leaving her home in Seattle, Washington, Maggie strikes out to find her destiny. Will Charles Stanton, who's been in love with her for years, be able to help her discover who she really is?


My Review:
I was sent this book as part of the CFBA tour the end of last month but it was delayed and I only received it last week. I had been looking forward to this story and I wasn't disappointed. Maggie's Journey is the first of the series and is about Margaret who has just found out she is adopted. She feels betrayed by both her real parents and her adoptive parents. She doesn't know why its a secret and she wants to find out who she really is. She and an aunt and a family friend Charles make a trip to her Grandmother in Arkansas. I did feel for Maggie as her mother seems to find fault in everything Maggie does and can't seem to show love. There were times I really didn't like her mother but I am glad Lena shows us into her mothers mind. Her time traveling to and in Arkansas was a changing time in more ways than one. A good start to the series and I can't to read then next book to see what happens.

Book review Fireman Dad by Betsy St Amant

Back of the Book

"Mommy, I Want To Be A Fireman."

Widowed mother Marissa Hawthorne's little boy wants to be like his new hero—firefighter Jacob Greene. But Marissa and her son lost too much to the profession of firefighting already. She can't possibly let either of them get close to the man, no matter how noble he is. Especially because her own father is Jacob's boss. But when Jacob hires her to plan a special birthday party for his niece, Marissa soon learns that Jacob is a hero in many ways. And that taking risks for love is what life and faith are truly about.


My Review: 
I was lucky to win tis book recently online. I like this story as it shows how fear can dominate a person. Marissa first husband was a fireman who died in the line of duty and she can't bear the thought of getting close to another fireman. Jacob has is own issues but he loves her little who just happens to want to be a fireman. They are thrown together organising a birthday party for Jacobs niece. The story is interesting as it deals with the different fears both have and how they overcome them. I enjoyed the story and the way Betsy wrote it and explained the reason for the different fears.

Book Review Protection for Hire by Camy Tang

Product Detail:
First she served as a mob enforcer. Then she found Christ in prison. Now, Tessa Lancaster is protecting an heiress whose spouse seeks to kill her. In this action-packed read, Tessa and a handsome Southern lawyer discover the reality of being made new in Christ.

Description: 
Tessa Lancaster’s skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo’s Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, three months after her release, Tessa’s abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. But there’s a problem or two … or three …. There’s Elizabeth’s abusive husband whose relentless pursuit goes deeper than mere vengeance. There’s Uncle Teruo, who doesn’t understand why Tessa’s new faith as a Christian prevents her from returning to the yakuza. And then there’s Elizabeth’s lawyer, Charles Britton, who Tessa doesn’t know is the one who ensured that she did maximum time behind bars. Now Tessa and Charles must work together in order to protect their client, while new truths emerge and circumstances spiral to a deadly fever pitch. Factor in both Tessa’s and Charles’s families and you’ve got some wild dynamics—and an action-packed, romantic read as Tessa and Charles discover the reality of being made new in Christ.


Book Review:
I was able to read this book via Netgalley. I found this to be a great read. I didn't want to put it down. Tessa  is out of prison and use to be a mob enforcer for her uncle in the Japanese Mafia. all she wants is to live her life like Christ would wish away from the mafia. Charles is a lawyer who knows more about her and her trial than she realises and isn't convinced she has changed. Enter Elizabeth St Amant who wants her to be her bodyguard. What I love about the novel is the fact the story is different and it was interesting hearing about the Japanese Mafia. I also loved Tessa's story of trying to change but still keeping her spirit and skills. I have to admit I did like seeing how she could defend herself and those close to her. We also see the interaction between Tessa, her mother, Sister and niece. Charles Mother is also a character who I would love to know. The action is well written. This book deals with second chances, forgiveness, acceptance. For myself I think this is Camy's best book so far and defiantly in my top ten for the year.

Book Review A Home for Christmas by Robin Lee Hatcher and Mary Connealy

Product Description:
The Sweetest Gift by Mary Connealy

Seattle, Washington 1899
A spinster with a master's degree who is a world traveler, librarian by day and concert pianist by night, marries a Nebraska rancher with an eighth grade education. Their worlds are so far apart that each is afraid to admit their marriage of convenience is turning into a love match.

When Christmas draws near Adelaide must decide if she can give up her hopes of owning a beautiful piano so her husband can have the stallion he needs for his ranch. And Graham may need to risk his perfect brood mare to show his love for his wife by buying her the Christmas gift of her dreams.


A Christmas Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Idaho 1892
Ten-year-old Annie Gerrard, stuck in a wheelchair since falling from the barn loft, hopes for a beautiful angel to go atop the Christmas tree, but God’s answer to her prayer is completely unexpected.

Annie’s widower father, Mick, hated to ask his in-laws for help, but he had no other choice. He never imagined they would send his wife’s stepsister, Jennifer Whitmore, to care for his daughter. Nor did he foresee the love she would bring into their home. Did he and Annie dare hope that Jennifer might choose to stay?


My Review:
The Sweetest Gift,
This is such a delightful story and its based on a true story of Mary's Grand parents. Adelaide I a only child, educated and a spinster who loves playing the piano. Graham is a farmer from Nebraska who just happened to be married to her best friend. The story is a delightful story and perfect for Christmas. As the story unfolds we see what love can come unexpectedly. The side characters are shall I say interesting, very opinionated and like to have their say. This is a truely delightful story.


A Christmas Angel
Another delightful story. I loved Annie she's such a sweet girl. Seeing an angel in the catalogue is what she wants for Christmas only she wants an angel to help her family. Her father Mick would love to buy her one but money is tight after her accident. He as to ask his inlaws for help and Jennifer comes to help. He is worried she will be like her step sister and she is worried he still loves his wife although she died a couple years back. The way the story unfolds is also delightful and I just couldn't put the book down even though my eyes were wanting to close. I didn't want either story to end.

You can get a copy of this book at Amazon for 99cents at present by following this link.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064DQTJS/ref=r_ea_s_t 
Its a great Christmas read.

Book Review Turnabout's Fair Play by Kaye Dacus

Book Description:
Acclaimed author Kaye Dacus will provide you with hours of humor, romance, and inspirational reading with book 3 of The Matchmakers series. When Maureen O’Connor begins scheming to match her grandson Jamie with Flannery McNeill, the last thing she has in mind is a romance of her own. But when Jamie turns the tables and conspires with Flannery to bring Maureen and Flannery’s grandfather Kirby together, everyone’s best laid plans seem to go awry. Is Maureen willing to start a new relationship at this stage of her life? Will Jamie ever drop his veneer of self-sufficiency and succumb to true love?


My Review:
This is the third book in the series and this books we the Grandmothers at it again in there match making. 
This time we see Flannery's grandmother conspiring to set her up with Jamie. What is interesting is that Maureen starts to fall for Jamie's grandfather. This is where the books gets interesting. Seeing the Grandparents and also the grand children both conspiring to get the other couple together. We also see how sometimes first impressions are not always right. Flannery has made up her mind just what Jamie is and how he doesn't fit in her world but she gets to see another side which makes her question her Ideas. There are other things we find out as we read the book which I would love to talk about but I dont want to give anything away. I enjoyed this book and the whole series. Each books has dealt with different issues that I have been able to identify with in some way. Book one about singles and singles ministry, book two I could identify with helping care for an older relative and this last book I can  identify with Jamie and some of the decisions he has to make.

Book Review: Under a Maui Moon by Robin Jones Gunn

Book Description:
Carissa doesn't know who she is anymore. She and her husband, Richard, are recent empty nesters; Richard is spending more and more time at work counseling his volatile clients and less time at home with his wife; his clients are starting to show up at the house at night causing Carissa to feel scared in her own home; and to top it all off, Carissa's boss informs her that she's been "let go." She wonders where God is in all of this since He doesn't seem to be around to protect her - and she's already stopped trusting her husband. In the midst of her world tilting off center, she's offered time at a hideaway on Maui. Hiding seems like the best way to respond to life's overload, and the thought of being alone sounds like just the right balm to soothe her wounded heart. The languid Hawaiian sun, white beaches, and warm-hearted people bring respite, but meeting handsome Kai causes Carissa to toy with the idea of being romantically involved with him. Then, under a Maui moon, she looks to God for guidance and hope for the future. That's when she discovers His hand still is on her life, and that love is closer than she ever realized.


My Review:
I love Robins books and had really wanted this book. I finally got it on the kindle and read it in 2 days. I really loved the story. Having been to Hawaii in January and having a day trip to Maui it made the book all the better. Some of the areas that are mentioned I went to or near and could picture where Carissa was. The story is well written with the issues Carissa and Richard are having then being retrenched and needing time out. Carissa heads for Maui and things don't happen as she expected from the drive from the airport, to the cottage shes staying in to the people she meets. I love how different experiences helped her to re-evaluated part of her life. What I love how Carissa came to decisions and realisations through some of the experiences on the Island. We also hear about some of the beauty of the Island with the Volcano, Waterfalls, and beaches. There are comments Robin makes in the book about the beauty of the place being almost to hard to believe. I fully understood what she meant as I have had the same feeling. Wonderful read. 

Book Review Bye Bye Bertie by Nancy Mehl

Bye Bye Bertie by Nancy Mehl


Ivy Towers is working hard to get Miss Bitty s Bygone Bookstore on its feet in Winter Break, Kansas, when she discovers a map hidden inside an old music box. Could the map lead her to the Lost Gambler s Gold? The legend of the ill-fated 1860s gambler had circulated among residents for as long as Ivy can remember. But when Ivy follows the directions to where X marks the spot, what she digs up uncovers a mystery that leads to more than she ever imagined. Lives will be changed, old secrets revealed, and Ivy will learn that lost treasure can sometimes turn out to be much more valuable than a chest full of gold.




My Review:
This is the second book in the Ivy Towers Mysteries. I loved the first book and this is no different. I joined up to the Heartsong presents Mystery club and have quite a few books still to read. I am trying to read a book from each state when I remembered this book is from Kansas and I needed to read a book from there so choose this one. I think Ivy has a wonderful job working in a bookstore and enjoying working with books. She comes across a map that she thinks could lead her to the Lost Gamber's Gold. Ivy digs up a mystery and here the fun starts. We also see her parents come to town and see how her Mother thinks she is wasting her life in the small town and its interesting seeing why she feels this. I loved the story and seeing the way the characters develop. A great read.

Book Review White Roses by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

White Roses
HS #902

Pastor Grayson Sterling loves his wife. But Sara was killed two years ago. Grayson knows that the continuing depth of his grief is not healthy. Desperate, he convinces his church to hire Mark Welch as associate pastor to relieve some of his load. When Adrea Welch arrives at church with her brother, Grayson cannot deny his attraction to her. For years, florist Adrea Welch has been arranging white roses for Sara Sterling. Now those flowers are carried to the cemetery by a grieving husband. How can Adrea be so attracted to a man still devoted to his dead wife?

Pastor Grayson Sterling loves his wife.

The problem is, Sara was killed by a hit-and-run driver two years ago. Grayson knows he needs to move on, that the continuing depth of his grief is not healthy for him or his young son. Desperate, he convinces his church to hire Mark Welch as associate pastor to relieve him of some of his load. When Adrea Welch arrives at his church with her brother, Grayson cannot deny his attraction to her.

For years, florist Adrea Welch has been artfully arranging white roses for Sara Sterling. Now those flowers are carried to the cemetery by a faithful, grieving husband. How can Adrea be so attracted to a man still devoted to his dead wife? When secrets from Adrea’s past collide with their budding relationship, both she and Grayson must learn to lean on God’s abiding wisdom.


My Review:
This is yet another book I bought in the city. This is a book I couldn't put down and wanted to keep reading. I love the story. Grayson is still grieving his wife's death and Sara has her own issues she is dealing with. I love how their paths seem cross in different ways. Seeing the story unfold with both having to deal with different issues. One dealing with grief and one with guilt. Throw into the mix a little boy and a couple of pets lead to some interesting situations. This is a touching story.

Book Review In Search of a Dream by Pamela Griffin

In Search of a Dream by Pamela Griffin

Heartsong Presents #908

Historical Romance

ISBN 978-1-60260-881-8

From the Back Cover:

 

Clemmie Needs To Let Go.

After three years with no contact from him, Clemmie Lyons needs to put her dream of marrying Joel Litton behind her. To make the transition easier, Clemmie leaves Lyons’ Refuge with all its memories of Joel and visits a friend for the summer. But nothing prepares her for the moment she discovers Joel living nearby, trying to hide a terrible secret from all who knew him.

Joel is consumed with guilt and is sure God can never forgive him. He can’t let the Lyons family learn what has happened and be disappointed in and ashamed of him. But when Clemmie reenters his life and insists that God isn’t through with him, Joel finds himself strangely tempted to hope again.

Will these two friends find a way to make their dreams reality, or will guilt over the past ultimately drive them apart?

My Review:

Another book I bought in the city and loved the story. Clemmie has gone to visit a friend for summer and finds the boy she has loved since she was a child is living in the same area but he doesn't want anyone knowing where he is. Its hard to say to much without giving parts of the story away but I did like how Pamela handled the story. The book deals with forgiving oneself, accepting God's forgiveness, guilt and courage. Another really good read.

Book Review Love's Winding Path by Lauralee Bliss

Love's Winding Path by Lauralee Bliss

HP 890
ISBN 978-160260-707-1
CONTEMPORARY

Red rocks. River rafting. Freedom!

From the back cover:

After years of impatient living and working on his parents’ peanut farm, Dan has finally escaped. Life as a river guide in Moab, Utah, is as far from peanut farming in Virginia as a man can get, and Dan revels in the newness of this life. An awesome job, a cool car, a place of his own—and a gorgeous girl.

Gorgeous or not, Jo has no intention of dating Dan. He’s just a bit too sure of himself, and he shows no interest in God. He’s also got issues to deal with, although, so does she. . . . But as long as Dan avoids God, Jo will avoid Dan. At least, that’s the plan.

When life in Moab takes some unexpected twists and turns, Dan must face who he really is. Maybe all that God stuff is true. But will he let go and believe, or continue to tough it out alone?

My Review:

Another book I bought while in the city and loved the story. I haven't been rafting but I loved reading about the formations in the area and the rafting experiences. Dan is sick of living and working on his families peanut farm and wants to be a rafting guide. Jo is already in Moab working with her cousins rafting business. Watching the story unfold with all the twists and turns was interesting. This book deals with unresolved issues which both need to work through. Another good book.

Book Review: The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch

The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch

HP #887
ISBN 978-1-60260-700-2
HISTORICAL

Noah just wants to start over.
Captain Noah Kennebrae can no longer deal with the shame and guilt from the wreck of his ship. So he changes his name and takes a job as assistant lighthouse keeper on Sutton Island, heedless of the marriage contract his grandfather has arranged for him. No woman in her right mind would want to marry him now, anyway.

Desperate to escape the calculating grasp of her father and his cronies, Anastasia Michaels leaves her home to take the unlikely job of housekeeper on a remote island. Knowing how terrified of water she is, surely her father would never think to look for her there.

But neither Nick nor Annie considered that God’s hand might be at work in their lives. When they each take things into their own hands, He must work a miracle to bring them back to His original plan.

My Review:

This is one of the books I bought in the City this week and read it on the bus trip home yesterday. I really enjoyed the story. It was different from many books I have read. They story has both the Hero and Heroine running from a situation. Both end up working on a remote Island, Noah working as an assistant lighthouse keeper and Anastasia as a house keeper. It was interesting watching what would happen and how the situation changes them. Its interesting seeing how others try to control both Noah and Anastasia and how they become stronger because of it. 

The remote setting is an interesting and learning more about lighthouses is interesting also. A good read.