A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

Overview: After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancée, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes, by hook or by crook, she'll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.

Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home... until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha's determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs all his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they'll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics.

Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth—until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?

ISBN-13: 9780764211270
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 7/1/2014
Series:Ladies of Distinction Series , #4
Pages: 352

 My Reviews of the Ladies of Distinction Series: A Change of Fortune | A Most Peculiar Circumstance | A Talent for Trouble

My Review: I absolutely love Jen Turano. Her writing style is entertaining and fun! I have been waiting for Agatha's story since I read the first book, A Change of Fortune, and I was not disappointed. The story was swift, the action and adventure was entertaining, and the dialogue was witty! My only complaint: it ended!!

Agatha is a woman ahead of her time. She is unconventional, independent, stubborn, and someone wants her dead. Her faith is strong, even when she is unsure of the future. Zayne is a compassionate, kind man who is a little bit lost and disheartened in the beginning  of the story. Their connection was immediate, but both were slow to come to terms with their feelings, which made for highly entertaining dialogue. 

The message of the book was simple: God is always there, leading the way for you, even when you can't see Him in your circumstances. Sometimes it takes the help of others to realize this. Family and friends were placed in your life to help you along in your Christian walk, so don't take them for granted!

Overall, this was a highly satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series, and I can't wait for more of Jen Turano's stories.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

• Learn more about Jen Turano 
• Follow Jen: Facebook

End of The Trail by Vickie McDonough

End of The Trail is the sixth and final book in the Texas Trails: A Morgan Family Series. The series was written by a collaboration of three authors: Vickie McDonough, Susan Page Davis, and Darlene Franklin. It was a wonderful ride, and End of The Trail was the perfect conclusion to the series.

Overview: He enters a poker game and wins a new life

She loses the only home she has ever known

Two hostile adversaries are forced to work together

In 1896 Brooks Morgan pulls into the town of Shoofly, Texas, to take refuge from a storm. He befriends Will Langston in the local café and agrees to help him out in exchange for room and board. A high stakes poker game ends in Brooks holding the deed to Will's ranch with a promise to "take care of Keri." His joy is short-lived, for when he returns home he finds Will dead - murdered.

When Brooks finally rides to Raven Creek Ranch, he is greeted by a rifle pointed straight at his chest. The same woman who came to his rescue earlier is now ready to shoot him. This is the "Keri" he promised to take care of-Will's niece-who believes Raven Creek is her inheritance.  Keri and Brooks have only one thing in common - they both want to protect the ranch. Is this really God's plan to save Raven Creek Ranch? Or did Will stage the whole fiasco?

ISBN-13: 9780802404084
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Publication date: 5/25/2012
Series:The Texas Trail Series
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 256

Buy it: B&N | Amazon | CBD

 

My Review: I really enjoy Vickie McDonough's writing style. Her stories flow effortlessly and always leave me satisfied. This one is no different. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer! Brooks rides into the town of Shoofly during a hail storm, and the story takes off from there. There is a little bit of everything in this book. I loved that the story was fast paced, yet I still felt connected to the characters.

Brooks Morgan started out as a spoiled, angry young man. I enjoyed watching him grow into a mature man of God. His attitude changed slowly throughout the book from a man who smiled all the time to cover to pain to a man who smiled because he was actually happy and enjoying life. Keri Langston was a woman after my own heart. She is strong-willed, independent, and lonely woman. Everyone she loved has left her, giving her the feeling of abandonment. Watching her change from a lonely woman, to a woman loved by her God was exciting!

Overall, this is a satisfying conclusion to the end of the series. As the back of the book states, "Doubt meets hope, and fear gives way to faith..." in this book, and throughout the series.

 

**I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

• Learn more about the Texas Trails Series
• Find out more about Vickie McDonough
• See my reviews of the rest of the Texas Trails Series: Lone Star Trail | Captive Trail | Long Trail Home | A Ranger's Trail | Cowgirl Trail

Stuck Together by Mary Connealy

Overview: When a lawman who values order gets stuck with a feisty crusader who likes to stir things up, there's going to be trouble in Texas!
Now that she's settled in town, Tina Cahill is determined to get Broken Wheel's saloon closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention.

Vince Yates earned the nickname "Invincible Vince" because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn't know he had show up in Broken Wheel without warning. His father is still a schemer. His mother is showing signs of dementia. And his surprise sister quickly falls for one of Vince's best friends. Vince suddenly has a lot of people depending on him, and Tina doesn't approve of how he's handling any of them.

With nearly every other man in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with strong-willed Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he's ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her crazy causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he's got one more surprise coming his way: Tina's picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger.

ISBN-13: 9780764209161
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 6/3/2014
Series:Trouble in Texas , #3
Pages: 320

See my review of Swept Away and Fired Up 

Buy it: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review:  This was a fantastic book! I absolutely love Mary Connealy. Her stories are always entertaining and the dialogue is always hilarious. This story is no exception. There were several laugh out loud moments that I truly appreciated. 

I also enjoyed getting to keep up with the other characters from Swept Away and Fired Up. Luke, Ruthie, Glynna, Dare, and Jonas make excellent secondary characters that keep the story flowing swiftly. Vince and Tina are my favorite couple because it took them the longest to realize their love for each other! Their characters had to go through some pretty difficult obstacles, that I also appreciated.

The message of the story is clear: put your trust in the Lord and let go of your fear. He will not lead you where His grace won't keep you. I loved that Vince had to learn to let go of the fear of his past and future because he realized it was defining his life and his relationships. I loved that Tina had to realize that her fear of being unlovable made her who she was and it was great to see her let it go. 

Overall, this was satisfying conclusion to the Trouble in Texas series and I look forward to reading more by this incredible author!

*Thank you, Bethany House, for providing me with a free copy of this book via the Bethany House Blogger program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist.

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Summer of The Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson

I am a big fan of Tracie Peterson. While not all of her books make my favorite list, I thoroughly enjoy reading every one of them! This book was no exception. I picked this book to read because it was a group read on my Goodreads group: Christian Fiction Devourers. We have a lot of fun in this group, so if you aren't a part of it, join us today!

Overview: Leah Barringer and her brother, Jacob, have come to love the rugged Alaskan Territory they call home.

But when Jacob determines to join an arctic expedition, Leah realizes her heart yearns for more than this solitary existence.

The unexpected arrival of Jayce Kincaide, the man who spurned her ten years before, awakens feelings that Leah would much prefer to leave buried. As Jayce sets out to prove he's a changed man, Leah cannot deny the effect he once again has upon her. But the appearance of a young investigator casts a cloud over Jayce's past...and over Leah's dreams for the future.

ISBN-13: 9781585588701
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 3/1/2006
Series:Alaskan Quest Series , #1

 Buy it: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: As I stated at the beginning, I am a huge fan of Tracie Peterson. Her books are always good and entertaining. I've not read one that I haven't enjoyed. Summer of the Midnight Sun was no exception. The story is set in the beautiful and rugged Alaska. Tracie Peterson's description of the land and the ways of life of the people who lived it back then is phenomenal. She makes the setting come to life and become an integral part of the story. I could picture the land and the story taking place as I was reading, which I really enjoy!

The characters were well-written, but I feel their development was shallow. Both Leah and Jacob are strong Christian characters already, so there wasn't much development for them. Leah does grow up throughout the story and you can see her mature to her thirty years. Jacob struggles with his faith a little when he meets Helaina, but overall he kept his feet on solid ground. Jayce's development could have been so much more! At the beginning of the story, we learn that he is a new Christian. I didn't feel like he learned or grew much throughout the story. The biggest development was in Helaina. Though she hasn't come to fully except anything, she is beginning to question herself and her beliefs.

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations between Jacob and Helaina. While some might view this story as a bit preachy, I didn't. We could all follow Jacob's example of witnessing to Helaina. Forgiveness and trust are also present messages in the story. Overall, this was a good read. I would recommend it to any Tracie Peterson fan!

About the Author: Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 95 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field. 

Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. 

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell and her daughter Jennifer. 

Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father. 

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!. 

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.. 

Follow Tracie: Website | Blog | Facebook

Fired Up by Mary Connealy

I work in an inbound call center. I know I'm reading a good book when I get so caught up in the story, I jump when I get a call (the phone beeps in your ear to alert you)! That's how involved I became in this book.

Overview:  When a doctor who attracts danger falls for a cook determined to make it on her own, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to make a go of it on her own. In a town full of men, Glynna decides she can support her two children by opening a diner—never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent.

 

Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment—which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Though his doctoring business is booming due to Glynna's questionable cooking, Dare seems to encounter unexpected dangers wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And the fire. And then the shadowy figure with a knife. Can Dare survive it all long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?

ISBN-13: 9780764209154
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 9/15/2013
Series: Trouble in Texas Series , #2
Pages: 336

See my review of Swept Away 

 Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I'm so glad this book picks up with Dare and Glynna's story!! There is a lot of action in this book and the mystery of "who done it" wasn't obvious until 3/4 the way through... And even then I wasn't absolutely sure!! 

I loved Glynna's character. She was strong despite what happened in her life. She had the courage to pick herself up and keep going. Yet, she yearned for the love of a decent man and the reassurance that she was a good, honest, loving mother and woman. That's a character I can relate to. Dare Riker is an honest man, yet he can't seem to move past the fact that he isn't really a doctor. We see him fighting himself and God the whole story about it, at least half-hearted. Glynna and Dare fired each other up whenever they were together and sparks flew! 

The message was one of forgiveness. God calls us to forgive others, not for them, but for Him and ourselves. As Dare reminds Paul at the end of the story, "It does a lot of damage to carry hate around inside," and "giving up the hurt and anger would leave space in your head for something better." Connealy also reminds us that though we are Christians, "live has challenges for everyone, no matter who they are." God doesn't smooth out all the bumps, but he'll get you through it!

Overall, Mary Connealy delivers another hilarious cowboy romance with a little action and a big message!

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist.

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Swept Away by Mary Connealy

Overview: When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

ISBN-13: 9780764209147
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 3/1/2013
Series:Trouble in Texas Series , #1
Pages: 320

B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I had forgotten how funny and entertaining Mary Connealy's stories can be! This one pulled me in from the time Ruthy gets swept away in a flood and kept me hooked until the very last page.

Ruthy MacNeil is a hard working, smart, God-fearing woman who finds herself in one bad situation after another. Her attitude throughout the book reminds us that we should try to find the positive in any situation. Luke Stone is an honorable, tough man bent on revenge. As the story goes on, we find his priorities lining up better with the God he was raised to know and love.

With witty dialogue, an action packed story, and God's reminder that revenge belongs to Him, this is another fantastic story by Mary Connealy!

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist.

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Oh, I have been so slack! I had so  much going on that I am way behind on my reading! I'm desperately trying to catch up, though!!

Overview: An unlikely attraction occurs between two passengers on a steamboat journey up the Missouri River to Montana...

She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. He is a preacher living under a sense of duty and obligation to love the unlovable people in the world. She isn't letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother's death. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Reverend Samuel Beck are opposites in every way... except in how they both keep wondering if their paths will ever cross again.

My Review: The characters in this book were ok. Fannie Rousseau seems shallow and spoiled at the beginning of the book. As the story progresses, though, you see that she is just unexperienced and sheltered. Samuel Beck is your typical male lead. He is strong and handsome, sweet and protective. The side characters are almost more interesting than the main characters. Edie LeClerc Bonaparte has an interesting story. Lamar is a man who is strong in his faith and loyal to those he cares about. Edmund and Patrick are sweet characters, as well.

The story felt very disjointed to me. There were things that happened that I didn't understand the need for.  The story just didn't flow very nicely for me. The romance felt forced. I understood that Fannie and Sam were supposed to be together, but I didn't feel the attraction or *sparks* if you will. I don't know, there was just something about this story that didn't quite hold my attention.

The message is the reason I gave this story 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:1-2
That is the reason I kept reading! This message of patience and looking to God for everything in our lives is so important! It's so easy to be patient and pray when everything is good and going right, but the trying and testing of our faith (which these characters endure/ed a lot of) is when it's most important to "keep your eye on the prize."

Overall, I would recommend this book because of the wonderful message of patience and redemption.

More fun! with links:

• Visit Stephanie Grace Whitson
• Check her out: Facebook*Her Personal Blog
• Purchase the book: B&N*Amazon*CBD.com

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley

Howdy, howdy! It's been a long week, and it's only Wednesday! It's final exam week for me, so reading for pleasure is hard right now. I have managed to finish this great book, though. Dawn Comes Early is the first book in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series by Margaret Brownley. I haven't read her books in a while, but I loved the Rocky Creek Romance series, so I knew I would love these as well!

Overview: Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona territory. Must be SINGLE and prepared to remain so now and forever more. Will be given ownership of ranch. —Eleanor Walker

Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest book for a fresh start at a cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory. She hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.

But what awaits her is a much harder life. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch in 1895, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early . . . every day. But she is tenacious.

Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn’t expect to meet Luke Adams either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn’t recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.

Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.

My Review: This was such a great book. The characters were fantastic. Miss Walker is something else. I really enjoyed her character and figuring out why she is the way she is. Kate Tenney strikes me as smart, independent, and stubborn. She thinks she has life figured out. Luke Adams is the strong, silent type. Their romance was sweet. The conversations they would have together made me laugh most times, and other times I would want to shake them both for their blindness! 

The story progresses naturally. I like that the timeline is more than a week or a few days. Some authors try to cram a whole love story into a week, which isn't realistic at all. Instead, Kate and Luke converse over months and have plenty of time for feelings to develop  Kate comes to Last Chance Ranch because she feels she has no where else to go. The name of the ranch is very fitting, in her case. She is at her lowest point when she comes to Cactus Patch and can't afford to lose. Luke is content to be the town smithy and live his simple life. So he is unprepared for the feelings Kate awakens in him. Can they both figure out their own hearts before it's too late?!

If there is one thing wrong with this book, it is this: I'm not sure whether or not Kate becomes a Christian. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but the progression for Kate doesn't seem realistic to me. I don't feel she was ministered to enough throughout the story to really come to an understanding with the Lord. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a good ol' fashion cowboy read!

More fun, with links!

• Learn more about the books and Margaret here.
• Follow Margaret: Twitter*Facebook
• Find more interesting information about the West: Petticoats & Pistols
• Purchase your copy: B&N*Amazon*Christianbook.com

Good night! :)