Fascinating! 'An Uncommon Woman' - by Laura Frantz

About the book:

Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical eighteenth-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical eighteenth-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the Seven Years' War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, who disappeared from the settlement years earlier.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when circumstances force Clay's hand--and heart--the stage is set for one very private and one very public reckoning.

My review:

This was such a fascinating time period to learn about and I enjoyed the love story between Tessa and Clay.  I can't imagine the stress and fear of living in 1770's West Virginia where you're caught in the middle of settlers and Indians fighting over land, among other things.  Settlers were either being killed and scalped or taken captive left and right, it seemed.  It was fascinating seeing what it would have been like to be returned after years of captivity, when you probably don't even remember your family and are so used to Indian ways, and for the people who aren't sure what to make of you.  This story really portrayed the emotion and showed what the day-to-day life would have been like for a woman.  Tessa was truly a woman to be reckoned with, capable of anything and incredibly tough.  She also had a strong faith and often prayed while going about her chores.  I also admired how she found the good or the beautiful in her circumstances, even while going through some pretty hard things.  I enjoyed her banter with Clay.  There were also some sweet romantic moments.  Clay struggled a bit more with faith as he felt stuck between two worlds, the Lenape Indians who raised him and the Quaker relatives he's returned to years later.  He also feared falling in love as the people he loved were taken from him.  There was suspense and action as attacks kept happening far and near.  I would highly recommend this story if you like historical fiction.

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Laura Frantz

   Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. Learn more at...
   

   Continue reading about Laura Frantz 

Amazing! 'The Way of the Brave' - Global Search and Rescue 1 - by Susan May Warren

About the book:

Haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong, former pararescue jumper Orion Starr has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team. But he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali in Alaska.

Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from her guilt. The former CIA profiler and psychiatrist green-lighted an operation against the Taliban that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life to the most dangerous of heroes--the man she nearly killed.

Orion and Jenny will have to put their wounds behind them to save their friends . . . and their hearts.

My review:

I don't know how Susan May Warren does it!  This was another amazing book!  Orion was another wonderful hero that Susan writes so well.  He can't help rescuing people, from a robbery on a train to confronting the mountain he hates to rescue the woman he loves, even after he thought she didn't care about him.  He'd lost so many people in his life and struggled to believe that God could be trusted.  Jenny also struggled, believing she didn't deserve forgiveness for the huge mistake she'd made.  Jenny was pretty amazing, too, from CIA profiler to mountain climber, though I was a little frustrated that she waited so long to tell Orion the truth.  For being a psychiatrist, she really lived in denial about things.  I also loved that we get the start of another love story, this one between Aria and Jake.  Except Aria is the good Christian girl who always does the right thing and Jake is pretty much a bad boy who doesn't know why his interest in Aria feels different than the other girls he's known.  There were some great romantic moments for both couples and it will be interesting to see what happens next for Jake and Aria after the way it ended in this book.  I loved Ham and the Biblical wisdom he imparted to Orion.  He'd been through a lot himself but still had such faith in God.  I'm excited to read his story next!  I had to read under a blanket as the descriptions of icy Denali were making me cold, it felt that real.  It was fascinating learning more about mountain climbing in extreme conditions and the amazing shape you need to be in and the expertise you need just to survive!  Even then, things can go wrong and there were so many suspenseful moments!  I loved that characters from her other series' show up.  Susan's one of my favorite authors and this is another reason why.  I highly recommend this book!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Susan May Warren

   Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over 65 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous...
   

   Continue reading about Susan May Warren 

Very Enjoyable! 'Above the Fold' - by Rachel Scott McDaniel

About the book:

After losing the love of her life to a big city journalism job, Elissa Tillman pours herself into the suffragette movement and her secretarial work helping keep her father’s Pittsburgh newspaper afloat.

Cole Parker returns to the steel city with the phantom failures of his past nipping his heels. All he asks of the future is a second chance with the woman he once spurned.

The murder of a millionaire offers the perfect chance for Elissa to prove to her father and the world that she’s a serious journalist. But there’s a catch—she has to compete for the story. Against none other than Cole Parker, the very man who shattered her heart.

My review:

I really enjoyed this historical mystery set in the 1920s!  I loved the time period and learning more about the suffragette movement and Prohibition.   Elissa was a wonderful character, tough to try to make it in a man's world of journalism and fighting for equality for women, yet trying so hard to be perfect because of past bullying she'd dealt with and because of Cole's rejection that she'd almost made herself into a different person.  She kept feeling like she wasn't enough, which is something I think so many women struggle with, myself included.  I liked seeing her come to terms with that and find her true worth in God.  She was rejected by Cole before and didn't want to put herself in that position again, which was very understandable.  She really struggled with that throughout the book.  She cared a lot about people and getting to the truth.  I loved that she loved books, especially Jane Austen!  I liked learning about Cole's redemption as he had made it big in New York but then crashed and burned.  He had then turned to God and was depending on Him and His grace to make it through his struggles.  The mystery was interesting and there were some exciting action scenes!  I liked the hints of humor and there were some great romantic moments.  I highly recommend this intriguing story!

I received an ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Who Wants to Date a Billionaire? - by Laura Burton

About the book:

Two people with hidden agendas. One fake marriage. Zero time left and everything to lose. 

Emily Stewart is a daring business owner in New York. Keeping up with appearances has hit her finances hard and a promising phone call turns into a troubling dilemma. If she has any hope of saving her match-making business, she needs to find a husband.
Enter Billionaire David Marks, an architect with a problem of his own. He lied to his family and now needs to find "the one" before Grandmother Marks' big party.
Emily knows an opportunity when she sees one and offers a deal to solve their problems.
But when the line between reality and make-believe starts to blur, Emily has to find out just how far she's willing to go to reach her goal.
And David will have to make a choice that could lose him everything. 

The Devil Wears Prada meets Hitch in this light romantic comedy.
No on page sex, swearing or violence. HEA. No animals are harmed in this book.

My review:

Well, I guess I didn't read the description closely enough.  I also thought this book would be cleaner than it was.  It wasn't detailed but making out while being handsy isn't something I consider clean.  I didn't like that they were both lying to each other.  It was hard for me to like Emily as she seemed to only care about herself and especially treated her assistant badly.  She seemed to change some near the end but it went on too long.  She was also a workaholic.  David seemed like a sweet guy who never even had a girlfriend and cared a lot about his grandmother, father and the family business.  I wished for someone better for him than Emily and couldn't figure out what he saw in her, other than her looks.  There was a bit of a twist at the end to the plan that was surprising.  I listened to the audiobook at 2x the speed as it otherwise seemed too slow.  I didn't find enough to like about this story so I can't recommend it.

I received the Audible audio from StoryOrigin.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Fun, Wonderful Romance! 'The Dating Charade' - by Melissa Ferguson

About the book:

Just when you think you’ve met your match . . . the charade begins.

Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.
But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.
No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

My review:

This was such a fun story!  I loved that Cassie was an independent woman with a dating escape plan.  She was such a wonderful character, so caring about the teens she worked with and a fun, competitive person.  I loved Jett, too, I mean who doesn't love a firefighter?!  Plus how down to earth he was and how much he cared about the people he helped at his job and about his sister and her kids.  There were a lot of funny, laugh-out-loud moments in this story and some wonderful quirky characters, including some funny antics by Jett's brood.  I loved that they both wanted the other to love the kids for themselves and not just put up with them.  There were a couple moments where they each lied about something and while I understood why they did it, it still bothered me.  There were some cute romantic moments and a little bit of action.  This story also dealt with some hard things but in a lighter way as Cassie dealt with kids who were in foster care and the girls she took in were abandoned while Jett's sister had a drug problem.  They both attended church so there was a faith element to the story.  I highly recommend this wonderful romantic comedy!

I received this ebook from Thomas Nelson Publishers.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Free for Kindle!

Free for kindle!

Amazon



Free for kindle!

Amazon

Who Wants to Love a Billionaire? - Billionaires in New York 1 - by Laura Burton

About the book:

Julie does not love being the center of attention.
She makes dresses for those who do.
But when Emily, her matchmaking friend begs for a favor,
Julie can't say no.
It was supposed to be just one date.
She never expected to kiss the guy.
Then fall head over heels for him.


When threats start rolling in it becomes clear,
Someone will do whatever it takes to break them apart.
Now she’s in too deep and walking away isn’t an option.


But with the paparazzi and drama involved, Julie can not help but wonder,
Who wants to love a Billionaire?


Hollywood producer Harry Jackson is not an alpha male. 
He’s goofy, sensitive and will move mountains to make everyone happy.
In fact, he requires a whole team of people to keep him from being robbed blind.
Sometimes he even needs saving from his love of bad puns.


But when an enemy threatens to jeopardize his chance at love,
it’s time to step up and fight.
He’s terrified.

But the thought of losing Julie scares him more.

My review:

This story had some amusing moments; Harry said some funny and awkward things sometimes.  That was probably my favorite part of the book.  Otherwise, it seemed pretty corny how Harry and Julie talked or viewed each other.  Which, I know it's a love story and I do like some cheese but this felt a little over the top.  I also didn't like that they seemed to jump right into the physical, making out in the car with their hands all over each other.  It didn't get more detailed than that but I don't consider this a clean read.  Laura Burton's author bio said she writes in keeping with Christian values but I would disagree about this book.  They also "fall in love" extremely fast, way too fast.  There's some action scenes and suspense as Harry's being threatened.  I liked that Julie knew some self-defense but Harry needed to stand up for himself more.  I had to listen to this audio at 1 1/2 speeds as 1 was way too slow.  Overall, I can't recommend this book as there just wasn't enough to redeem it for me.

I received this Audible audio from StoryOrigin.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Waiting on the Billionaire - by Jenna Brandt

About the book:

Sometimes, love is found in the least expected place with the least expected person.

Bryce Montgomery is Manahattan Magazine’s #1 most eligible bachelor—but he’s not thrilled about it. He was talked into doing an interview by a self-serving friend and ended up at the top of the list, drawing all sorts of unwanted attention. Jaded by a failed engagement, all he wants to do is focus on growing his business, Titan Enterprises, but when he has a chance encounter with a woman at a restaurant, he is instantly intrigued by her.

Lana Collins moved to New York to pursue her dreams of being an actor, but it sure doesn’t pay the bills. To support herself, she waits tables at The Spot, a posh restaurant on the upper westside of Manhattan. She is taken by surprise when she accidentally bumps into a handsome stranger while headed to work. Come to find out, he’s a billionaire, but she’s not interested and pushes him out of her mind. That is, until a couple days later when he ends up being seated in her section and he turns out to be her boss.

Though Bryce and Lana are from completely different worlds, their connection is undeniable. Despite his friends, her job, and their pasts, can they find a way to make a relationship work?

From international bestselling author, Jenna Brandt, enjoy a clean billionaire romance filled with epic romantic moments, faith-inspiring characters, lots of laughs, and even a few twists.

My review:

This was a sweet love story about Lana, a Christian who feels she was called to act, and Bryce, a billionaire who wants to be loved for himself, not his money.  I didn't realize there was a romance sub-genre about billionaires and when I saw this clean, Christian audiobook available, I decided to give one a try.  I liked both Lana and Bryce but Bryce's friend was a jerk and I couldn't figure out why he would still hang around him.  Lana challenged him and didn't fall all over herself just because he was rich.  He even started going to church again and I liked seeing the influence she had on him.  There was a good spiritual message about putting God first and we hear her pastor speak more than once.  There's a bit of a love triangle as Bryce's ex shows up and tries to interfere in their romance and even some danger.  The narrator was fine; I listened to this at 1 1/2 speed as it felt too slow at the normal one.  The dialogue was a bit formal.  If you like romance, especially with billionaires, you might want to check it out.

I received this Audible audio from StoryOrigin.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Wonderful Romance! 'Love You, Truly' - by Susan L. Tuttle

About the book:

Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.

After her fiancé dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.

As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged. Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, worth both of their hearts.

My review:

This was such a wonderful romance!  I'm not into watching dating shows and totally agree with Harlow that they're so fake and who wants to date a guy who's dating all of these other women and making out with them besides!  However, I loved that Harlow was different than the other women on the show and that Blake recognized that.  As he was drawn more to her he pulled away from the other women and really grew tired of how they acted and how the show was manipulated.  I loved Harlow's strong faith and enjoyed seeing Blake start to question his lack of faith and see the journey he was on, especially with the help of his friends, who were wonderful.  I felt for Harlow living in the shadow of her sister's illness, not living life to the fullest so as to not hurt Mae and feeling like she wasn't special or chosen.  The faith message was wonderful, that God chooses you and loves you more than you can imagine and that you can't do anything to earn it.  I liked exploring Europe with Harlow and seeing all of the great pictures she took.  It was so cool how she wanted to take meaningful pictures and make it a ministry.  They were both great characters and I really liked both of them.  Their banter was fun and romance electric and I appreciated that Harlow didn't want to kiss him and become just another conquest.  Their love story ended up being so wonderful!  Ill definitely be looking for more books by Susan Tuttle!  I highly recommend this story if you like romance!

I received an ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Very Enjoyable! 'The Bridge to Belle Island' - by Julie Klassen

About the book:

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon Ben finds himself falling for the main suspect--a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But is he a fool to believe her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle Wilder feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory?

When a second person dies and the evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know whom to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on Belle Island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

My review:

This was a very enjoyable book with a great mystery and a sweet romance!  I loved learning more about investigations during this time period in England.  I also loved the eerie feel of the story, especially as Isabelle dreamt of the murder and it's unclear why she knew details.  You also don't know who to trust; everyone seemed to have a motive!  I really enjoyed trying to figure out who the murderer was.  Benjamin had a strong faith; I loved that he talked about praying instead of worrying, as Isabelle tended to do.  It was definitely a great reminder for me!  Isabelle struggled with trusting God since she had lost most of her family and also dealt with anxiety, even panic attacks when faced with leaving the island.  It was nice to see a heroine who wasn't so perfect.  Benjamin also struggled with feeling like a disappointment to his father for not going into the family business and had felt distant from him for years.  He was sweet and chivalrous and wanted to trust Isabelle but didn't want to get duped again.  The romance was sweet and there was some exciting action.  I highly recommend this book if you like Regency, mystery or romance!

I received an ebook from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   © Farrow Media

   Julie Klassen

   Julie Klassen (www.julieklassen.com) loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of...
   

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Another Winner! 'On Wings of Devotion' - The Codebreakers 2 - by Roseanna M. White

 

 Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 
Title: On Wings of Devotion
Series: The Codebreakers #2
Author: Roseanna M. White
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 7, 2020

Against Every Warning, She's Drawn Ever Closer to the Man Known as "Black Heart" 


All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.

As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed "Black Heart," she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing--and some of her own to do as well.

With Camden's court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope--and to each other--if they want to survive.


PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christianbook 
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My review:

This book was incredibly wonderful; I loved it just as much as the first in the series!  Arabelle was such a wonderful character, so generous and caring even in the face of betrayal.  She had such a strong faith and prayed for people she knew and didn't know while also asking God how she could help someone and listening for an answer or nudge about what she should do.  She also struggled with feeling rejected because of her father being gone for most of her life, her mother dying young and just feeling like she lacked that sense of security.  She was also tall, "gangly" and plain and figured no man would be interested in her for herself, only for her money.  Camden was a fascinating character, a gentleman who knew right from wrong but hadn't been living like he does until his squadron dies and he blames himself.  He was reckless and impulsive yet fiercely loyal to his men and his family.  He had changed since the incident and now knew what they had been doing was wrong but yet he was still running from God rather than facing his sins.  I enjoyed seeing his journey to faith and redemption.  He also cared about Arabelle and the position he put her in, though he tried not to.  It was sweet seeing these two fall for each other as they both tried to talk themselves out of it, neither one feeling worthy of love.  I enjoyed their banter and I loved the talk about codes and deciphering them.  It was fascinating to see the enemy's point of view and watching both sides try to outwit the other, wondering what was going to happen next!  I also loved seeing characters from the first book, especially De Wilde!  The writing was wonderful.  I can't recommend this book enough!

I received this book from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.                                                                                                                                                 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.


CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a On Wings of Devotion inspired prize pack including:

 a Recreation RFC Pilot Wings pin, a mini globe, Cadbury Chocolate, Caddie the Cocker Spaniel (handmade by Roseanna), and One Seat and Tea Package for an Online Tea Party Book Club with Roseanna (Winner's choice of scheduled dates. Includes treats, loose-leaf tea, and book club goodies. A $25 value! For more information, visit http://www.roseannamwhite.com/tea-party-book-club/.)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 7, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 14, 2020. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Very Interesting! 'Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns About Heaven' - by Ace Collins

About the book:

Behind every song is a story . . .
In times of doubt, fear, and loss, we turn to the songs and hymns that remind us that this world is not all there is--that what awaits us as followers of Jesus is a heavenly kingdom. Songs like "Face to Face," "Amazing Grace," "Victory in Jesus," and "I'll Fly Away" were written amid circumstances of great personal pain in the lives of the songwriters. In sharing their stories, we can find even more comfort in our own circumstances.

Award-winning author Ace Collins offers this collection of thirty inspiring true stories that provide hope for this world and insight into the next, painting a picture of eternal life filled with joy, peace, and happy reunions. Perfect for music lovers, pastors, hospice workers, counselors, and all of us who have lost someone we loved.

My review:

This book had such wonderful true stories of overcoming and encouragement!  It was fascinating to learn about what some of these songwriters went through and how they came up with the songs that have survived so many years and been loved by so many.  Some of the chapters had the full song lyrics listed and others did not.  I found myself googling to hear them and watched many famous people sing them, like Rosemary Clooney or Elvis, while others featured a choir, unknown singer or just the music.  This read like a devotional, with a Bible verse starting out each chapter and applications for your life along with the true story about how someone's faith helped them overcome.  I also learned so much about the history of music, along with the history of our country, slavery, the Depression, etc.  I highly recommend this book if you like music, hymns or stories about overcoming!

I received this book from Baker Books.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Ace Collins

   Ace Collins is the Christy Award-winning author of more than 80 books that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. He has written novels, biographies, and children's books, as well as books on history, culture, and faith, and has been the featured speaker at...
   

   Continue reading about Ace Collins