Until I Found You - by Victoria Bylin

About the book:

Finding each other was only the beginning . . .

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life.

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome and confident, and he seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to get involved with one of the locals.

Nick is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow--no dating for a year--but keeping that vow is going to be a lot more difficult now that he's met Kate Darby. . . .

My review:

I liked this story about a guy trying to do the right thing, mostly because I really liked the character of Nick.  He wasn't perfect, had made huge mistakes in his past, but was now trying to stay on the straight and narrow.  He seemed very real to me, but I couldn't get into Kate's character, maybe because I didn't feel like I had anything in common with her.  She lived in the moment, had a hard time believing there was a God, and was all about her career.  She did really love her grandmother, though, and came to take care of her, which I admired.  I could relate to Kate's struggle with trusting God and giving up control; for some reason we think we can do better ourselves!  I was disappointed in some of her choices and the story dragged on a bit for me.  I wished for more to their romance, too.  I also got a little tired of hearing about the condors; it just felt like there was too much information about them.  I liked how it was pointed out that Kate shouldn't put her hope in Nick or put him on a pedestal; she needed to hope in God and know that Nick wasn't perfect.  It was interesting learning more about her grandmother's life as she penned letters to Kate.  You might like this book if you like romance.

I received a free kindle copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Meant to Be Mine - by Becky Wade

About the book:

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

My review:

I absolutely love this book!  The characters walk right off the page, especially quirky Celia.  Their daughter is adorable and Ty's not half bad, either!  The romance is wonderful, sweet and passionate.  Their banter made me smile.  Both Ty and Celia had turned their backs on God for different reasons and it was interesting to see their journeys back.  I love the way the gospel is clearly laid out and how Celia struggles with forgiving him.  The characters are wonderfully human.  This story continues the series about the Porters started in Undeniably Yours and it was fun to see Ty's brother, Bo, Meg and the rest of the family again.  It's not necessary to read their book first, but you definitely should!  Becky Wade is one of my favorite authors and this book shows the reasons why.  Do not miss it!

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

While Love Stirs - The Gregory Sisters 2 - by Lorna Seilstad

About the book:

Take one lovely young woman.
Add two ambitious young men.
Stir . . . and stand back.
As a graduate of Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove. And she certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.

Lewis encourages Charlotte's work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.

My review:

I liked this story about opposites attracting!  There were some nice romantic moments.  I found it interesting to learn more about cooking and about Charlotte's plans to reform the hospital food.  I liked both of the men in her life, but I had a harder time with Joel because of his need for control.  Besides the focus on giving God control, I liked that a character points out the importance of prayer.  I liked Charlotte a lot more in this story because she stood up for herself and others, whereas in the first book she had a very controlling boyfriend who ran her life.  The story's well-written and had just enough happening to keep my interest.  I would recommend reading book one first because the background given helps to understand Charlotte.  I'm looking forward to book three about the third sister, Tessa, because she's quite a character!  I recommend this book if you like historical romance.

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Review of All My Belongings | Enter to win a $200 Visa Card from @CynthiaRuchti & RSVP for 6/11 LIVE Webcast Event

About the book: A new life and a new identity can't protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she's wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca's patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?

My review:   This was an incredibly beautiful book that I didn't want to see end!  I really bonded with Becca and hurt for the pain she went through.  She had such a caring way about her and I loved her dry sense of humor.  I didn't like her lying, but could understand why she did it and it does get dealt with.  Isaac, his mother, and aunt all had such a strong faith and I loved seeing Becca's grow.  It was especially nice to see a man who spent time with God, prayed with people, and was even part of an accountability group!  Becca's situation made me wonder how I would react if I were in her place; it also made me think about my own faith and the hard times I'm going through.  How does this all fit in God's plan and will I one day understand the purpose?  I also loved the theme of finding a place to belong.  There was such a feeling of peace about the book even though there were some hard things in it interspersed with some very joyful moments.  The relationship between Isaac and Becca was really something to admire and I'm glad we got to see both of their viewpoints.  One thing I found a little odd in the writing style was the way she would have a character make a comment about the action instead of describing it, so I almost didn't realize something had happened.  I didn't really mind it; it's just not something I see a lot and I made sure I paid closer attention so I wouldn't miss anything!  I definitely recommend this book to everyone!

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/x96lt

About the author: Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with "Heartbeat of the Home" radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Cynthia can be found at: website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

Cynthia Ruchti asks what it takes to overcome your past and become who you were meant to be in her latest novel, All My Belongings. Cynthia has woven a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong.

Cynthia is celebrating the release of her latest novel with a fun giveaway and a live webcast event!

 
One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card
• All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the All My Belongings LIVE webcast event on June 11th. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of All My Belongings and join Cynthia and friends on the evening of June 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

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An April Bride - A Year of Weddings Novella - by Lenora Worth

About the book:

War changes everything . . . even their love.
Bride-to-be Stella Carson can't wait to marry her longtime sweetheart Marshall Henderson. But Marshall has been away serving his country and has suffered a head wound. After being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, he has distanced himself from Stella, asking her not to visit him in a Washington, D.C., hospital. Marshall returns to Louisiana just four weeks before the wedding, but as the big day draws near, Stella wonders if the man she's loved for most of her life has become someone else.

Can true love conquer all for Stella and Marshall, even the tragedy of war?

My review:

This is an interesting short story about a situation no bride would want to be in!  I felt for both Stella and Marshall as she wonders if he still loves her and he wonders if he should go through with the wedding.  I felt like I was truly in Louisiana as the scenery was described so well; it sounds so gorgeous and really made me want to visit.  I liked the focus on prayer and trusting God through hard circumstances, but felt the issues were rehashed too often.  I also found myself a little bored with the story partly because I like romances where the couples fall in love rather than already are and sometimes it seemed a bit too cliched.  I've only read a couple of the Year of Weddings Novellas, but the two I've read were very different and each one is written by different authors.  I'm looking forward to checking out the rest!  You might want to check it out if you like romances.

This is only available as an e-book or audio book.

I received this e-book free from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Check out the e-book on CBD's site!

The Miting - by Dee Yoder

This was an interesting and very different story from other Amish stories I've read.
Seventeen-year-old Leah is part of the Old-Order Amish and starting to question the ways of her people.  Though her best friend is enjoying her rumspringen by partying, Leah just wants to understand God and why different groups of Amish are told to live in different ways.  Why is it a sin if your dress isn't a certain length or you have indoor plumbing when New-Order Amish can live this way?  Will she ever be free of all the rules?  She especially can't understand why the church doesn't do more to stop the abuse her friend is suffering.

When she starts to attend an English Bible study, her parents forbid her.  They don't want her reading a Bible because they believe the bishop needs to tell them the Word of God and interpret it for them.  They threaten to shun her even though she still hasn't been baptized into the church.  She wants to obey them, but has a yearning desire to understand the traditions and faith of her people.  She's also torn because a young man she likes has shown an interest in her.  Will she have to choose between her family and her God?

I liked how this story points out some of the problems with the Amish faith and way of life.  It's not perfect; they're people just like us who sin and make mistakes.  For the most part, they try to earn their way to heaven and I'm glad the author points that out.  I found it interesting to learn that the author is involved in ministry to the Amish and that she based this story on the lives of her former-Amish friends.  I was angry with Leah's parents and couldn't believe how naive she was sometimes to think they would react a certain way.  I also couldn't believe the lengths her family went to to get her back in line.  It was a little scary near the end!  I was disappointed in some decisions she made, though they were understandable.  I liked the clear faith message and I think people who like Amish stories might like this, but only if they're prepared to see it's not all hearts and roses.

I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.



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Review of DAISIES ARE FOREVER | Enter to win a Kindle HDX from Liz Tolsma!

About the book:

Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.

Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.

However, Ella is a nurse and refuses to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela. During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans, especially one wounded German soldier, Kurt, who has suspicions about Mitch's identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her "marriage."

Their journey to Gisela's mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella's daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.

In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.

My review:  This was an interesting story, but tough to read for all of the tragedy Gisela endures.  I can't imagine what it would be like to be trapped in this horrible situation, between the Nazis on one hand but being more afraid of the Russians, the "good guys" and the inhumane way they would treat everyone, especially women.  Gisela constantly feels guilt for not protecting her cousins and having to leave her family behind again and again.  I felt for her but was also frustrated because people make their own choices; you can't control everyone.  I got a little tired of the rehashing of her regrets. I also felt Gisela was gullible to believe an acquaintance's claim, especially since she knew this girl was trying to pull her and Mitch apart, and I was especially mad at her for an incredibly stupid choice she makes at the end of the book.  There's a lot of action as the group fled the Red Army and got shot at and bombed along the way.  There's a little bit of romance and I wished for more happiness to offset the tragedy.  I thought it seemed very real that they questioned God's existence and whether He was listening and I liked that they finally had to decide if God was in control. It was interesting to learn this story is based on two women's true experiences!  If you like historical fiction, especially about World War II from a unique perspective, you might want to check it out.

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAD3T 

About the author: 

New York Times best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of Daisies are Forever, Snow on the Tulips, and the contributing author of A Log Cabin Christmas. When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.

Connect with Liz: website, Faceobok, Twitter

Liz Tolsma's latest WWII historical fiction novel, Daisies are Forever, is getting rave reviews. 

". . . compelling and fast-paced tale about the atrocities and tremendous losses. . . ." —Library Journal

"Excellent storytelling, accurate historical reporting and gritty, persevering characters make this WWII-era novel a must-read." —CBA Retailers + Resources

Liz celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!
One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 2nd on Liz's website.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz's website on June 2nd to see if you won.

Review of Thankful by Shelley Shepard Gray | Win the first two books in the Return to Sugarcreek series!

About the book: 

Thankful, Book Two in the Return to Sugarcreek series

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.

Christina Kempf has always known that God chose Aden Reese to be her husband. As children, he was there to save her when she fell through the ice, and he's been by her side ever since. After his parents died in a car accident ten years ago, the Kempfs raised Aden as one of their own, and everyone sees Aden and Christina as brother and sister. But Christina has never given up hope that Aden will one day ask her to be his wife.

Aden always planned to court Christina. But losing his mother and father changed everything---except his love for her. Her parents generously welcomed him into their home and treated him like a son. He can't betray their kindness by admitting his feelings for the girl who is like a sister . . . yet so much more.
Pressured by her parents to court, Christina begins to accept the attentions of Sugarcreek's young men, and now, Aden must make a choice. Will he stand by and watch the love of his life slip away? Or will he risk losing the love and trust of the family he holds dear to tell Christina how he truly feels?

Thankful includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.

My review:  I really enjoyed this sweet love story!  There were some cute moments as Aden tried to deny his feelings and Christina felt sure he didn't have romantic feelings towards her.  The description on the back was a little misleading as I didn't think her parents pressured her to court but she felt it would help to forget Aden.  I liked the other two story lines, too, as an Amish couple decide to be foster parents to a baby whose mom is in prison and an English widow who owns a restaurant realizes she needs to get a life outside of work and just might find love again.  I also liked how one character was realizing everything wasn't all about her and Christina was trying to overcome her fear of the icy pond where she fell through.  One thing I found a little distracting is that sometimes a sentence didn't seem to fit or make sense to what's happening.  I loved the theme of thankfulness!  It's so easy to focus on the negative and what we don't have instead of all the blessings we do have.  I loved how this book showed characters learning to be thankful in spite of difficult circumstances.  I'm really loving this series where each book can stand alone, but you won't want to miss one!

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAcFF 

About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Connect with Shelley: website, Facebook

In Thankful, New York Times bestselling author, Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.

Enter to win the first two books in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series, Hopeful & Thankful. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio – THE MOVIE & Book Review!

Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 7:00 PM EDT on Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Visit the movie website for more information.

The story: A mysterious outsider casts a long shadow on Ohio's Amish country. Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel --- Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts' doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious.

Will she be able to uncover Joe's secrets despite her aunts' --- and her own --- growing affection for him?

My review:  This was an intriguing story that had one surprise after another!  I loved all of the characters, from protective Rachel to her wonderful aunts to Joe and his adorable son.  It had mystery, some romance and suspense all wrapped up in a story equally Amish and English.  It even had some humor as Joe learns to milk a cow and catch a horse!  I liked that the good and bad sides of the Amish life are discussed and that most of the story is told from the perspective of the tough and independent Rachel.  Faith is an important element to the story and I hope the upcoming movie does the book justice.  I'm looking forward to seeing it on June 1st on the UP channel!  I would recommend the book for people who like Amish or romance stories.

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews at Litfuse!

Get the book: http://ow.ly/vBQwd

About the author: Prior to writing novels, Serena Miller wrote for many periodicals, including Woman's World, Guideposts, Billy Graham's Decision Magazine, Reader's Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and The Detroit Free Press Magazine. She has spent many years partnering with her husband in full-time ministry and lives on a farm in southern Ohio near a thriving Amish community.

Learn more about Serena at: http://serenabmiller.com

   

Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 7:00 PM EDT on Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Visit the movie website for more information.

Serena and Guideposts will be celebrating with a Facebook viewing party! 

Join Serena and readers on Facebook while you tune in to watch Love Finds You in Sugarcreek to share your thoughts about the movie, chat with other viewers, and win fun prizes. Just use hashtag #LFYSugarcreek to join the discussion on June 1st.

Check your local listing for UpTV (http://up.viewerlink.tv) to find out when it airs in your timezone.

Excited? Help me spread the word! Just share this link and information on your social media along with the hashtag #LFYSugarcreek! Plus, we'll be tracking the hashtag and giving away Amazon & Starbucks cards to people at random who help to promote all throughout the month of May. Winners announced at the Love Finds You in Sugarcreek viewing party on June 1st.
 

"This is so exciting for Serena Miller and Guideposts! We are thrilled that Up TV has chosen Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio to make into a movie,” said Lenore Lelah Person, vice president and editorial director of Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media. “With Serena’s wonderful story and a beautiful backdrop in Ohio Amish country, fans of the story and the series will enjoy seeing it on screen. For more information read the media release.

For those who are not familiar with the Love Finds You™ series, this will be a great opportunity to introduce them to these uplifting and engaging romances." Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio is one of more than 50 releases in the popular Love Finds You™ series uniquely titled after actual American towns with unusual but intriguing names and combines travel, romance and faith in one package. The series includes both historical and contemporary releases, and each fictional story draws on compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. Mission Pictures has purchased the movie rights to the entire series and plans to produce additional films based on the series in the future.

One More Last Chance - A Place to Call Home 2 - by Cathleen Armstrong

About the book:

Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.
Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it doesn't change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.


My review:

This was an enjoyable story set in the charming town of Last Chance.  I loved getting to know new characters while revisiting others I met in her first novel.  This book works fine as a stand-alone, but there are quite a few of the same characters in both books and I wouldn't recommend missing the first one because I just loved it!  I liked Sarah's sassiness and the care Chris shows for the people in his life. I did get frustrated with Sarah and her indecisiveness over a guy.  In this book, faith was more a part of their lives and there wasn't an issue to really work through.  I did wonder why Sarah didn't discuss faith with the guy she had been seeing for a long time; it sounded like they had never discussed it and that's an important thing to have clarified!  There's some romance, but the focus is more on good friends, great food and taking care of family.  I'm excited to read the next book, due out in a year!  I would recommend it if you like small-town stories with a dash of romance.

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

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Firstborn - by Lorie Ann Grover

About the book:

Where does a firstborn girl fit in a world dominated by men? When Tiadone was born, her parents had two choices: leave their daughter outside the community to die in the wilds, or raise her as male and force her to suppress all feminine traits. Now, as the first female living as male in her village, Tiadone must prove her father didn’t make a mistake by letting her live. As her male initiation approaches, Tiadone knows every eye on the community is on her, and desperately wishes to belong and finally be accepted.---But at every step, traditional feminine gifts and traits emerge, and the bird she's been twined with is seen as a sign of the devil. Worse, as Tiadone completes her rites, she finds she is drawn to her male best friend in ways that are very much in line with the female gender. Confused and desperate, Tiadone tries to become what she must be while dealing with what she indeed has become: a young woman who may be able to stand up to her despotic rulers and uncover her real purpose in life.

My review:

This was a unique story that reminded me a little of the Hunger Games.  It was interesting learning about her world and experiencing these new circumstances with her.  Tiadone was isolated from people for much of the story and while I liked her bird, there was a lot of description of it's movements that bogged me down a little.  They were the main characters and it was a little hard to not have that dialogue back and forth instead of just one-sided.  I felt bad for her and all the hardship she had to go through, but what kept me going was the hope of a happily-ever-after.  I was a bit conflicted about the ending.  I liked part of it, but was disappointed in another part and wondered if there might be a sequel?  There was quite a bit of action and the chapters were very short, so it was easy to find places to pause.  I felt the story got a bit sensual or suggestive in a few spots and thought it went too far in one.  I did like the spiritual struggle Tiadone goes through and thought the conflict between her people's beliefs in a Creator and their captors' worship of a bird was interesting to see.  It felt like more could have been done with that in relation to her friend.  Overall, it was interesting and if you really like dystopian or science fiction, you might like it.

I received a free ARC of this book from Blink books in exchange for an honest review.

Fatal Exchange - Southern Crimes 2 - by Lisa Harris

About the book:

Desperate times create desperate people. And desperate people are dangerous . . .
Though Emily Hunt comes from a family of cops, the relatively quiet life of a high school teacher suits her just fine. She's saving up to buy a house, slowly moving forward after her brother's death, and settling into a life she loves. So the last person she wants to spend time with is Mason Taylor.

An undercover cop, Mason is enemy number one as far as her family is concerned. His involvement in the death of Emily's brother is still up in the air, and now he expects her to help him with a case. Mason has been working with one of her students, Rafael Cerda, whose brother has been kidnapped by a drug cartel. And with time running out to meet their demands, Rafael is getting desperate.

Emily will have to draw on all of her strength to handle what happens next . . .

Fatal Exchange will draw you into a complex matrix of intertwining lives, unraveling secrets, and unexpected love.

My review:

This is an incredibly suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat story I had a hard time putting down!  The action starts early in the story and does not let up.  There were a few unexpected twists that added even more suspense.  There's some romance, but I appreciated Emily's levelheadedness with not getting carried away and jumping into a relationship too soon due not only to her recent break-up but also the traumatic experiences she goes through in the story.  I liked that we get perspectives from both Emily and Mason.  This story could work on its own as it's about two different main characters from book one, but does have a story line that's continued along with some of the characters.  There's a strong faith element with not only a lot of prayer from the characters as they go through stressful situations, but also the issue of trying to forgive a parent who abandoned you. I'm enjoying this series and can't wait for the next one!

I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Lisa Harris is a Christy Award finalist and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. The author of more than twenty books, including Dangerous Passage, Harris has spent over ten years living with her family as missionaries in Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.

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One Perfect Spring - by Irene Hannon

About the book:

Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line--until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.

As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn't asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become--nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs--the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.

My review:

This is a compelling story that really kept my interest!  I loved that there were two romances going on in two different generations and the interesting complications that went with them.  This story touched on a lot of issues, from workaholism and adoption to cancer and abuse, yet managed to do so without being depressing or heavy.  Both romances were sweet and I liked how they developed.  It was also interesting seeing the different places the characters were in spiritually.  The story was paced well and ended with an intriguing twist.  I would definitely recommend this book to those who like contemporary or romantic fiction!

I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of over forty-five books, including That Certain Summer. Her romance and suspense fiction has won many awards, including two coveted RITAs, a Carol, two HOLT Medallions, a National Readers' Choice, a Daphne du Maurier, a Retailers Choice, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

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The Pelican Bride - Gulf Coast Chronicles 1 - by Beth White

About the book:

She's come to the New World to escape a perilous past. But has it followed her to these far shores?
It is 1704 when Frenchwoman Geneviève Gaillain and her sister board the frigate Pélican bound for the distant Louisiana colony. Both have promised to marry one of the rough men toiling in this strange new world in order to escape suffering in the old. Geneviève knows life won't be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of persecution for her outlawed religious beliefs.

When she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer-turned-farmer whose checkered past is shrouded in mystery, Geneviève realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. Trouble is brewing outside the fort between the French colonists and the native people surrounding them. And an even more sinister enemy may lurk within. Could the secret Geneviève harbors mean the undoing of the colony itself?

Gulf Coast native Beth White brings vividly to life the hot, sultry South in this luscious, layered tale.

My review:

This was an interesting, well-written story about an area of history I'm not familiar with.  I learned so much about what was happening in America at the time, from the political to spiritual to cultural changes taking place.  It was also interesting to learn about the Huguenots/Protestants and the Catholics and the persecutions that happened.  I loved the strong female characters from both the French and Native American cultures, along with Tristan and his brother. However, Genevieve's sister drove me nuts and was one of my least favorite characters. The story was told from multiple perspectives, which I enjoyed.  I thought the romance seemed quick and they didn't know each other very well.  The humorous banter between Tristan and Genevieve made me smile.  There was a lot of action and excitement, along with intrigue, that kept the story moving quickly.  I would recommend this book if you like historical fiction.

I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

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