Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman

Overview: When Livy O’Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-Fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she’s helping to run an orphanage. Now she’ll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff’s deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy—literally while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town—as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off—Jake doesn’t have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can’t seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn’t willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

ISBN-13: 9781496401267 | Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date: 08/01/2015 | Pages: 384

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My Review: Pam Hillman is an amazing author. I was captivated from the very beginning of this book. Livy, Jake, and Luke stole my interest from the beginning and didn't let go until the very end. I loved the plot. The plight of the street kids tugged at my heart strings. From all I've read, "street kids" and orphans were not treated very well back in those times (and you can't really say they are now), and Pam Hillman perfectly captured that fact in this nail-biting story.

Livy O'Brien is a sweet, kind-hearted, yet fiercely protective woman. I liked that about her instantly. Jake had me wavering back and forth in parts of the story. Just when I thought he understood where Livy was coming from, he would say or do something and I'd be smacking my head, thinking "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!" But in the end, it worked out just like I knew it would. Luke's story grabbed my heart. I cannot imagine what that fierce youngin had to go through. His story added depth to the overall story, where Livy and Jake's romance added the right amount of tension.

The message of the story, in my opinion, is letting go of the past. Both Livy and Jake have things in their past that hold them from embracing their future. They both learn the lesson of letting go, to let God fully in. It's a sweet, sweet message. Overall, I loved this book and I can't wait to read more by this fantastic author.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale Blogging Program in exchange for my honest review.*

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Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman

Happy Saturday everyone! My future hubby and I are going house shopping today. We are so excited about it! (Well, I am.. he does not get really excited about anything haha). I did have time to post a review for your reading pleasure, though! Enjoy :)

Overview: In light of her father’s death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father’s farm, the only home she’s ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father’s rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Frederick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.

With the ranch now under Slade’s careful eye, he will unearth more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal and murder threatens more than the well-being of the ranch, endangering the lives of those who hold it dear. With days dwindling until the rest of the Donovan clan arrive to the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed alters their futures forever.

My Review: I had no expectations going into this book, because Pam Hillman is a new author to me. I will definitely be reading more books by her! I really enjoyed this book. Once Slade established his place at the Lazy M ranch, the plot started moving. There were some parts that slowed it down a bit, but they were necessary to set up and establish the romance between Mariah and Slade. Red's parts gave us some insight into what was going on to cause the ranch to be in such dire straits. The plot, overall, was exciting and the story line was very well laid out.

The romance between Slade and Mariah was phenomenally portrayed. It was not rushed; the characters did not fall in love in two days. They had to overcome a lot of emotional baggage and the author did a great job, especially on Slade's part, at developing the characters. Slade's transition from revengeful to forgiveness seemed natural and not rushed. I really enjoyed that about the story. 

The message was expertly weaved into the entire book. It's all about forgiveness. When we don't forgive, we become bitter because we're blaming others (especially God) for things that have happened in our lives. You won't have true joy and happiness in your life until you learn to forgive others, yourself, and most importantly let God forgive you. Overall, this was a great book and I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good Christian romance.

**Thank you Tyndale Publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

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