Saturday, October 31, 2015

Valley of Decision - The Carthage Chronicles 3 - by Lynne Gentry

About the book:
Valley of Decision
(Howard, September 2015)

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision---leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can't---secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie's surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision brings the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion.

My review:
This was a fascinating ending to a wonderful time travel series!  Maggie is incredibly stubborn and impulsive, which got on my nerves a bit.  She was funny, though, especially when she used phrases from the future in the past.  She was also incredibly brave, as she showed over and over when she rushed headlong to save someone without thinking.  It was interesting to see how people in the past reacted to her return since for them hardly any time had passed, but for her it had been thirteen years and she looked like a woman rather than a child.  There was a bit of a love triangle as she had feelings for the man she used to torment while a new one entered the picture all while trying to not put herself in the same predicament as her mother because she plans to return home to the present with her family.  She does not want to get her heart broken by falling for someone in the past.  There were some sweet romantic moments for her and also her mother.  It was touching and romantic to see Lisbeth and Cyprian reunite after thinking they wouldn't see each other again.  Faith was a strong factor in the story, as the Christians choose to forgive their enemies and help ones who have gotten sick.  There's plenty of action as they flee from soldiers, fight for their lives and try to save Maggie's grandmother and father. It was fascinating to see what life was like in Carthage in 258 AD.  I highly recommend this book and series!

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

About the author:
Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Find Lynne online:
website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram




Murder at the Courthouse - A Hidden Springs Mystery 1 - by A. H. Gabhart

Cover Art

About the book:

Welcome to Hidden Springs
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Michael Keane's stressful days as a Columbus police officer are done. He's ready to relax into his new position as deputy sheriff in his sleepy hometown. Nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky--and that's just fine with Michael.

Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. As Michael works to solve the case, it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs.

Bringing with her a knack for creating settings you want to visit and an uncanny ability to bring characters to life, A. H. Gabhart pens a whodunit that will keep you guessing.

My review:

This was an enjoyable cozy mystery with likable characters.  Michael had a lot to deal with, from a murder to solve to nosy townspeople to trying to keep a wayward teenager on the straight and narrow.  His aunt Lindy was a strong woman of faith and direct and honest.  She had been there for him after his parents were killed when he was a teenager.  He seemed to have faith, but it was barely mentioned in the story.  The mystery was a bit slow with not really any clues to follow but it got more exciting as the story went on.  There were a few suspects and I did have a pretty good idea of who the murderer was, but there was another twist to the story I didn't see coming.  Michael had a sort-of girlfriend, but also another love interest who entered the picture.  I didn't really like how he handled that situation.  There was a little bit of romance in the story.  I'm interested to see what happens in the next one.  I would recommend it if you like cozy mysteries.

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

 The Authors

  1. Ann H. Gabhart
    © Memories by Chris

    Ann H. Gabhart

    Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and...
    Continue reading about Ann H. Gabhart 


The Imposter - The Bishop's Family 1 - by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Cover Art

About the book:

A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . .
Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.

What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed--and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real or too good to be true? She's been deceived once before, and she isn't planning on experiencing it again.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a tale of love, uncertainty, and trusting God to write your story.

My review:

I really enjoyed this story where we got to know the Stoltzfus family better after being introduced to them in The Inn at Eagle Hill series.  I really liked most of the characters, especially Katrina's father David and schoolteacher Birdy, who were also a big focus of the story.  He was such a man of integrity and faith and loved his children so much.  His faith was something to emulate, where he listened for God's voice and strove to do the right thing.  He was also widowed and there was a cute love story there.  Birdy was the sister to two brothers who were making life difficult for David;  one was the bishop and David was a minister and they didn't see eye to eye at all.  She also became the teacher to David's younger children and she had a crush on David as well.  I really liked her positive attitude, courage and faith.  There were many different viewpoints in the story, which made for an interesting read.  Katrina's brother had an especially unique view of life.  The story felt peaceful and unhurried with just enough happening to keep my interest.  There were a few surprises and it will be interesting to see where the story goes in future books.  I highly recommend this book if you like Amish stories.

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


 The Author

  1. Suzanne Woods Fisher
    © Dan Davis Photography

    Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the...

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Miracle Drug - by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

About the book:
Miracle Drug
(Abingdon, September 2015)

Overcoming these odds will take more than a miracle drug---it will take a miracle.

The infection wasn't supposed to happen, but it did. The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn't. Then Dr. Josh Pearson discovers why---his patients, including the former President of the United States, have been dosed with a different strain of the original virus, one that is universally fatal. The only chance for survival is treatment with an experimental drug, but the manufacturer might already have discarded its supply.

As if treating the President of the United States isn't stressful enough, the situation goes from bad to worse when Rachel Moore, a nurse Josh is falling in love with, falls ill. With the nation's eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.

My review:
This was an interesting, suspenseful story about a medical worst case scenario.  I liked seeing behind the scenes of the medical profession and watching Josh race against time to save his patient and his girlfriend.  One thing that bothered me was that they had been dating for a year, yet Rachel didn't know where Josh stood on faith.  That should be one of the first conversations you have!  I am glad, though, that he seemed to be getting back to it as he started praying again while he went through this incredibly stressful time.  I didn't feel like I got to really know the characters;  the focus was definitely more on the action.  I liked the varied viewpoints to the story.  There was also a hint of romance.  If you like medical suspense, you might like this one!

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

About the author:
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes "medical suspense with heart." His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers' debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and Romantic Times' Reader's Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. "Miracle Drug" is his ninth published novel. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

Find Richard online:
website, Facebook, Twitter



Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Love Everlasting - Brides of Seattle 3 - by Tracie Peterson

Cover Art

About the book:

Growing up in a Seattle bridal finishing school never prepared Abrianna Cunningham to become one of the brides, but now Wade Ackerman, who has always been the reliable boy next door, is indicating he wants to be more than friends. And even the people closest to Abrianna believe Wade is the man she should marry. So why is she having such a hard time choosing between Wade Ackerman and Priam Welby?

Watching Welby's relentless pursuit of Abrianna is making Wade's blood boil. Welby can offer her wealth and security, but what about character and integrity? Surely Abrianna can see past Welby's smooth tongue and fine clothes. Can't she?

Caught between the devil and the boy next door, either choice she makes will change Abrianna's life forever.

My review:

I liked this story, but not as much as the first two.  You definitely have to read the first two books to understand this one, as Abrianna's story starts in book one.  This book didn't really have two love stories like the first two and I missed the varied story lines.  The back cover copy is very misleading and not what the book's about.  Abrianna and Wade have confessed their feelings for each other, but Abrianna's struggling with feelings of insecurity about being a wife and mother.  Welby also threatens her loved ones if she doesn't marry him and she has to try to figure out how to save her family.  She has a hard time depending on God and realizes that some things she just can't control, which I think is a hard lesson for a lot of us.  I really liked Abrianna and Wade and was rooting for them; Welby was just a horrible man and I was wondering how Abrianna was going to get away from him.  There was one odd comment by one of her aunts that she's praying for the soul of a deceased loved one, which it didn't seem like they would have believed.  There's some cute romantic moments.  My attention did wander a bit from this story; it didn't keep my interest as well as the first two.  There are also some amusing moments.  I would recommend this book if you've read the first two and like historical fiction.

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

 The Author

  1. Tracie Peterson
    ©Lissa Barber Photography

    Tracie Peterson

    Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn...
    Continue reading about Tracie Peterson 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Falling Like Snowflakes - A Summer Harbor Novel 1 - by Denise Hunter



About the book:

When the Christmas season finds Eden in Summer Harbor, Maine, she's on the run from trouble. Romance is the last thing on her mind.
Riding in a bus in the thickly falling snow, Eden Davis wonders how it ever came to this-fleeing under cover of night with young Micah sleeping fitfully in the seat beside her. When a winter storm strands them in Summer Harbor, Maine, Eden wonders if what might have been the end could be a new beginning.
Beau Callahan is a habitual problem-solver. He's recently left his job with the sheriff's department to take over the family Christmas tree farm to save it from insolvency. But he's flummoxed. During the busiest season of the year, he's shorthanded. Then Eden shows up looking for work, and Beau believes he's been rescued. Competent, smart, and beautiful, Eden's also guarded and quiet. He soon figures out she comes with a boatload of secrets. But Beau can't seem to help himself from falling for her.

As Christmas Eve approaches, Beau discovers he'll do anything to keep Eden safe. But who's going to protect his heart from a woman who can't seem to trust again?

My review:

I really enjoyed this well-written Christmas romance! I loved the characters, especially Beau, who tries to protect and care for everyone, even a stranger.  I also really liked Eden and his girlfriend Paige.  His crabby aunt lent some humor to the story.  I liked the suspense angle and how we only got bits of what happened to Eden and her son as the story unfolded.  The romance was great!  I love how Denise writes a love story.  Faith is an important element as both Beau and Eden have a strong faith in God, as do most of the other characters. I did feel like the characters weren't as fleshed out as in some of her other books.  I also think the cover is a little suggestive for a Christian novel, though that's probably more on the publishing side of things. This is the first book in the Summer Harbor series, but the Callahan brothers were introduced in the last book of her Chapel Springs series, so it was awesome that they have their own series now.  I'm really looking forward to the next one, as Denise Hunter is one of my favorite authors.  I highly recommend this book if you like romance!

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

Check out the book here: http://store.faithgateway.com/falling-like-snowflakes

About the Author:


Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 20 books, including Dancing with Fireflies and The Convenient Groom. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are raising three boys. You can learn more about Denise through her website DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at facebook.com/authordenisehunter

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The Photograph - by Beverly Lewis

Cover Art

About the book:

He studied the picture more closely, finding it curious that the young woman looked so boldly into the camera while wearing a white prayer Kapp shaped like a heart--the characteristic head covering for the Lancaster County Old Order Amish. 
Why would a devout girl have her picture taken?


When her sister Lily disappears only months after their widowed mother's passing, Eva Esch fears she has been wooed away from the People. Yet Lily's disappearance isn't Eva's only concern: She and her sisters must relocate once their older brother takes over the family farmhouse. Then Jed Stutzman, an Amish buggy maker from Ohio, shows up in Eden Valley with a photo of a Plain young woman. Eva feels powerfully drawn to the charming stranger--but the woman in the forbidden photograph is no stranger at all. . . .

My review:

This was an interesting story with a unique idea.  I liked that Jed found this picture in a book with a lot of notes and underlined passages and ended up meeting her sister.  There was a little bit of a sweet romance.  I liked the various viewpoints, from Eva to Jed to Eva's older friend Naomi.  There was a bit of a mystery as you wonder where Lily went and why.  There's also a bit of a twist to the story.  I did feel that the story was on the slow side and not a lot happened.  I liked all of the characters with her sister Frona being the most interesting.  I'd like to see a story about her, though it seems this is a stand-alone.  There's some talk of faith and prayer.  I would recommend it if you like Amish fiction.

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



THE AUTHOR

  1. Beverly Lewis
    Photo courtesy of Gene Photography

    Beverly Lewis

    Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in eleven languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and...
    Continue reading about Beverly Lewis












Monday, October 12, 2015

The Road to Becoming - by Jenny Simmons

Cover Art

About the book:

Wake up each new day and say yes.

There is a moment in all of our lives when leaning into the unknown becomes our only viable pathway forward. This is the moment you must ask, "Do I believe the Storyteller knows better than anyone else my part in the story?" If the answer is yes, pack your bags and get ready to follow God into the unknown.

In this vulnerable, laugh-out-loud book, Jenny Simmons shares her own journey through seasons of change and lostness, dead ends and detours, and finally into the terrifying, unknown, God-designed future. The road to becoming is not easy, but it is here you'll begin to discover that new life--life abundant--is always, ever among us. Dancing on the horizon.


My review:

I liked this encouraging book from a person who's been there.  Jenny Simmons was the lead singer of Addison Road, a band I liked and I hadn't heard anything from in a while, and this book explains what happened during a couple rough years for the band which ultimately led to them deciding to move on to other things.  She has a poetic way of describing the day-to-day hardships and beauty that she experienced, especially during the transition when she didn't know what was coming next.  The book is split into sections about the dreams you have, what happens when they don't come true or end, the period when you feel lost, the period of waiting when you start to have hope again and finally becoming, when you can see a different future and different dream for yourself.  I liked the personal stories she told, from back in her childhood all the way to the present and the encouragement she gained from both people she knew and authors she admired.  She has a very personable style so you feel like you're listening to a good friend who makes you laugh. I would recommend this book for people who need some encouragement, especially if life hasn't really turned out like you planned.

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

 The Author

  1. Jenny Simmons

    Jenny Simmons

    Jenny Simmons is a dynamic storyteller and lover of people who sees God's redemptive hand at work in the world around her. She is a sought-after musician and speaker who has garnered a devoted following on her blog (www.jennysimmons.com). As the lead singer of...
    Continue reading about Jenny Simmons 

Saturday, October 10, 2015

My Heart Stood Still - Sisters of Mercy Flats 2 - by Lori Copeland


From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
My Heart Stood Still
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf

About the book:
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.


The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.

Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?

My review:
This was an amusing story with a lot of crazy shenanigans!  I liked Creed and felt bad for all the crazy situations Anne-Marie got him into.  She drove me a little crazy with her impulsiveness and irrationality.  She picked the worst times to do something and didn't think things through and I don't know how he thought she was rational!  There were some amusing moments and some romantic ones.  I liked that Anne-Marie got serious about her faith and surrendered her life to God, but there was a scene that I thought seemed misleading about faith.  While she believed that Jesus paid the price of our sin, she thought that a Native-American woman who was deathly sick would surely end up in Heaven even though it was unclear what her beliefs were and she certainly didn't treat Anne-Marie well.  This worked well as a stand-alone even though it's book two because her sisters are just mentioned, but aren't actually in the story.  I actually liked book one more, but you'd probably like this one if you enjoy historical romance.

I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author


Lori Copeland is the author of more than 100 titles, including A Kiss for Cade and Under the Summer Sky. Her beloved novel Stranded in Paradise is now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Her stories have developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance.            


Meet the author

Lori Copeland

Lori Copeland

Lori Copeland is the author of more than 100 titles, including A Kiss for Cade and Under the Summer Sky. Her beloved novel Stranded in Paradise is now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Her stories have developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with...
Read More >
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf
From bestselling author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes the inspiring sequel to Sisters of Mercy Flats.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
- See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-heart-stood-still#sthash.gn2VDgcu.dpuf

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Deadlock - an FBI: Houston novel 3 - by Diann Mills



I really enjoyed this fast-paced, action-packed story!  Special Agent Bethany Sanchez has a tough first day ahead of her.  Not only is she joining the violent crime unit of the FBI and meeting her new partner, who once arrested her brother, but she also butts heads with him over their different styles of investigation.  He operates more on hunches and his gut while Bethany is all about protocol and rules.  They have two murders to solve and Special Agent Thatcher Graves believes they're looking at a serial killer while Bethany thinks it's a copycat.  While they follow the leads in the investigation, Bethany is being harassed by texts from her criminal brother.

Thatcher and Bethany actually have a lot in common.  Bethany has a complicated relationship with her family, with a brother who suffers from a traumatic brain injury and a father who refused to put him on medication as a child.  She's watched for years as he makes bad choices and commits crimes while her parents and sister make excuses for him and give him whatever he wants.  When she's tried to intervene and won't help him by giving him money, they turn on her and she's practically estranged from them.  Thatcher also had a strained relationship with his father, who's now deceased.  They're both Christians, with Thatcher only a few weeks old and trying to turn over a new leaf.  He was a bit of  a ladies' man.  Bethany has been a Christian longer, but she's struggling with why God doesn't stop all of the evil in the world.  They're also both attracted to each other, but know getting involved would not be a good idea.

I liked a lot of aspects of this story.  The investigation was fascinating, as they interviewed witnesses and suspects and discovered pieces of the truth.  The faith aspect was more of a background element to the story and I liked how it was realistic for Thatcher to get different reactions from people as they realized something was different about him and he told them about his new found faith.  I liked the hints of romance as they started to develop feelings for each other.  It did seem a little abrupt, though, as they were attracted to each other from the start, but then suddenly can't stop thinking about the other person.  Unconditional love and forgiveness were a big part of the story  as Bethany dealt with her messy family and I liked that both of their lives weren't perfect and neither were they.  I enjoyed the action a lot, as well.  This worked fine as a stand-alone, though some characters from the previous books make an appearance.  I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a suspenseful story!

I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Check out these videos about the book:
  
 
 
 


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Monday, October 5, 2015

The Methuselah Project - by Rick Barry

About the book: The Methuselah Project (Kregel, September 2015)

Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed---until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success---but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America---just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015---and the world has become an unrecognizable place.
Katherine Mueller---crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle---offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

My review:
This was a fascinating and unique story that kept my attention the whole way through!  I loved the plot, which reminded me of the Captain America story in some ways and why I asked for the book.  I love reading about World War II and this had a unique take on the genre.  The story line went back and forth from what was happening with Roger through the years to Katherine in 2015 working her way up the organization with the help and encouragement of her uncle.  It actually took quite a while for them to meet and I would have liked to have seen them together sooner.  There's quite a bit of exciting action and a little bit of romance.  There were a few discussions about faith and it was interesting to see Roger's journey from someone who didn't think about God much to becoming a believer who depended on God and the Bible to get him through his captivity.  He was such a great character, from his chivalry and respect for morals to his humor and overall good attitude even though he was a prisoner.  I also really liked Katherine, her spunk and courage.  There were a couple of uses of a British swear word, which could have been left out. There were also a couple things I thought seemed unrealistic for the organization to have not done during his captivity and manhunt.  Overall, this was an entertaining story I think both men and women would enjoy.

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

About the author:
 
Rick Barry is the author of Gunner's Run, another World War II novel, Kiriath's Quest, and over 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times. Rick lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Connect with Rick online:
website, Twitter, Facebook