Love Finds You in Last Chance, California by Miralee Ferrell

Overview: It's 1889 and Alexia Travers is alone in the world. Her father has died unexpectedly, leaving her burdened with a heavily mortgaged horse ranch. Marrying one of the town’s all-too-willing bachelors would offer an easy solution, but Alex has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dons men’s clothing and rides the range, determined to make the ranch a success on her own. Help arrives when Justin Phillips, an acquaintance of her father’s, comes to Last Chance with his young son. Justin’s and Alex’s combined effort to save the ranch quickly turns into a fierce competition between cowboy and tomboy. But when disaster threatens Travers Ranch, they must work together to save someone they both love. Can these two independent people learn to depend on God—and on each other?

ISBN-13 :9781934770399 | Publisher: Summerside Press

Publication date: 02/15/2008 | Series: Love Finds You Series

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My Review: I really enjoy Miralee Ferrell. I have never read a book by her that I didn't enjoy. This book is no exception. The story captivated me from page one and didn't let me go until the very end. There was a surprising twist that even I didn't see coming! Justin and Alexia's interaction was tension filled. Sweet Toby provided the perfect relief to the suspense and tension. His little boy antics filled my heart! 

The best part of the story was the message. I love how Miralee takes a deep, meaning filled message and integrates it seamlessly into a story. Both Justin and Alex had to learn to let go of their bitterness, anger, and mistrust in order to gain all that the Lord has for them. That's certainly easier said that done and Miralee does a great job of expressing that in each of her characters.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a great edition to the Love Finds You series and I look forward to reading more fantastic books by this fantastic author.

About the Author: Miralee Ferrell is a speaker, accredited counselor, and multi-published, award winning, best-selling author of contemporary and historical romance novels. She enjoys horseback riding, gardening, and family gatherings around their eleven-acre property in Washington State. Miralee has had nine books release with a traditional publisher, and Blowing on Dandelions, her first book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series made the ECPA Best Seller list in 2014. A family friendly, Christian movie production company is also considering one of her Love Finds You novels as a TV movie.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/miralee | Miralee Ferrell's Fan Page

Twitter: www.twitter.com/MiraleeFerrell

Love Finds You in Sunflower, Kansas by Pamela Tracy

Overview: Will Annie find treasure in her field of sunflowers? Annie Jamison is the sister who keeps the peace. So when her mother goes missing, Annie’s the one sent to retrieve her. There’s one problem. It seems the town Willa Jamison (willingly) ran off to—Sunflower, Kansas— doesn’t exist. Sure, it’s on the map, but when Annie drives there, she finds herself in the middle of a field. Of sunflowers. In nearby Bonner Springs, Kansas, Annie finds her errant mother…and Joe Kelly, a handsome veterinarian who thinks Annie is part of a team of con artists out to swindle his father. It takes some time, but eventually, Joe’s working with Annie instead of against her to bring their wacky parents to their senses. When this unlikely team turns into an unlikely couple, Annie no longer wants to leave her field of sunflowers. She wants happily-ever-after with Joe Kelly. But when evidence of the con resurfaces, will Joe have enough faith in Annie to recognize the truth?

ISBN-13: 9781609365943 | Publisher: Ideals Publications
Publication date: 5/1/2012 | Pages: 320

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My Review: This is definitely a feel good, sweet novel. While there wasn't a lot of action, the story moved along at a nice speed. The characters were sweet, quirky, and well developed. I loved Annie's character. I felt like I could relate to her because I'm a "fixer" too. Joe Kelly rubbed me the wrong way sometimes. His attitude and brusqueness at the beginning of the story set me on edge, but I warmed up to him. I loved Joe and Annie's parents. They add a lot of humor to the story. The message of the story is, essentially, about change. Both characters have to allow God to work in their lives so they can accept the changes that are happening around them. Sometimes, change is for the best. We just have to let God take the lead. Overall, this was a sweet story and a great addition to the Love Finds You series.

About the Author: Pamela Tracy is a USA Today award-winning author who lives with her husband (He claims to be the inspiration for most of her heroes) and son (He claims to be the interference for most of her writing time.) She was raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and started writing at a very young age (a series of romances, all with David Cassidy as the hero. Sometimes Bobby Sherman would interfere). Then, while earning a BA in Journalism at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, she picked up the pen again only this time, it was an electric typewriter on which she wrote a very bad science fiction novel.) First published in 1999 , Pamela has since published more than twenty books. Her suspense novels have garnered her an American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol award and a RITA finalist. You can find out more about Pamela by visiting her website: http://pamelatracy.com

Love Finds You in Deadwood South Dakota by Tracey Cross

Overview: Can love survive in the roughest town in the West? Jane Albright is newly widowed, with one child to care for and another on the way. When she learns that she is at risk of losing the family home and freighting business to greedy moneylender Franklin Lloyd, she has no choice but to brandish a bullwhip and haul freight all the way to Deadwood, South Dakota. Franklin agrees to give Jane six months to pay the note, and it’ll take every ounce of grit she has to secure her children’s future. Franklin admires the strong and beautiful woman - but how can he help her when he is her greatest enemy?

ISBN-13: 9781609360573

Publisher: Guideposts

Publication date: 3/21/2011

Series: Love Finds You Series

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My Review: This was a great story... until the end. Don't get me wrong, I loved the plot. It was riveting and engaging. I was rooting for Franklin the entire story. The ending, however, seemed very anti-climatic to me. I won't give away any details or spoilers, The setting in Deadwood was well described. I can imagine walking through the rough and tumble town, passing the drunken miners, and can feel how Jane might have felt walking through the town.

The characters, especially Franklin, seemed fairly simple to figure out. Jane's stubbornness got her into a situation she almost couldn't escape from. I understand her need to repay the debts her deceased husband left her, but at what cost to herself? Franklin's character, in my opinion, didn't grow or change at all. He was a good man from beginning to end, and there are still things about him I don't understand.

The message of the story was about trust. Trust in the Lord, hold out hope even when you don't see the light at the end of the tunnel because God knows what he's doing. Franklin and Jane both had to learn that lesson the hard way.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I will look for more books by this author.

About the Author: Tracey Bateman lives in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks which provide much of her inspiration for the books she writes. She has approximately one million books in print. Tracey loves to hear from readers you can find her on facebook or use the contact form below to send her an email.

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson

Overview: s the rest of the nation is embroiled in the Civil War, the Amana Colonies have remained at peace—until now. Amalie Wiese arrives in the newly built village of Amana in 1863 only to find that her fiancé, Friedrich, has left to fight for the Union army.

Amalie fears for his safety even as she struggles with his decision to abandon the colony's peace-loving beliefs. She hopes that working alongside Friedrich's best friend will provide some comfort, but instead of offering support, Matthias is abrupt and cold. When Matthias himself leaves for the battlefront to deliver supplies to the soldiers, war wages inside Amalie. Who will claim victory for her heart?

ISBN-13: 9781609361358
Publisher: Ideals Publications
Publication date: 6/1/2011
Series: Love Finds You Series
Pages: 320

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My Review: When I first started this story, I was a little....well....nervous as to how I would like it. It starts of kind of slow, but right around the middle of the novel, it picks up the pace and doesn't relent until the end. The events of the story are heart-wrenching for this peaceful community, and for me. I almost cried several times towards the end. It has a happy ending, which I am thankful for, and nothing felt forced or rushed. The description of the Inspirationalists community gave me a better understanding of their ways and customs. I envy their sense of community and selflessness.

The characters are complex and well-written. I loved that the novel encompassed Friedrich, Matthias, and Amelie's points of view. It provided more depth to the story, as well as the characters. Reading Friedrich's point of view from the front line of battle almost places you back in time during the Civil War and the horrors our soldiers on both sides had to face. Reading Matthias' struggle to keep his thoughts and actions towards his best friend's fiancé made me sympathetic toward his otherwise cold demeanor. Reading Amelie's background with her parents and separation from her fiancé for three years had me rooting for her after tragedy strikes and she is left to pick up the pieces.

The author really drives home one main point, in my opinion. God speaks to everyone in different ways. It is not our job to judge others or understand what God has called them to do. We are called to support, uplift, and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter the decisions they make. Our path will be made clear, when God is ready for us to know it.

Overall, I enjoyed visiting the Amana Kolonie and look forward to reading more by Melanie Dobson.

About the Author: MELANIE DOBSON is the author of 5 novels including Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and has a background in publicity and journalism. She grew up in a small Ohio town but now lives with her husband and two daughters in Oregon. Read more at www.melaniedobson.com.

Love Finds You in Sugar Creek, Ohio by Serena Miller

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

ISBN-13: 9781609360023
Publisher: Ideals Publications
Publication date: 8/1/2010
Series:Love Finds You Series
Pages: 320

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My Review: This is the first book I've ready by Serena Miller and it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's a unique story, in and of itself, because it is written around the Amish community, but the main characters are not Amish. This put a unique perspective on the Amish faith and lifestyle and kept the story interesting.

Rachel Troyer is a fantastic woman. I absolutely love her from the moment I meet her. She is strong and courageous with just enough doubt in herself to make her more human. She is beautiful without realizing it, loyal, kind, and strong in her faith. Joe Matthews - Micah Mattais - is haunted by recent events in his life. He is trying to be strong for his son, and his humility and dedication to do what is best for his son is endearing. Rachel's aunts make for a phenomenal cast of secondary characters that add a great amount of depth to the story.

The message of the story, clearly written at the beginning of the book, is expertly written into the story. We, as Christians, are to treat each other with respect, be helpful, not judgmental, and love one another as Christ loves the church."Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

Overall, this was a fantastic story and I will certainly keep Serena Miller on my "to-read" author list!

I also can't wait to see the movie that was inspired by this book!

About the Author:  I live only a few miles from a flourishing Amish community and am blessed to count many Old Order Amish as friends. Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio is a natural outgrowth of my on-going fascination with these valiant, flawed people who struggle to live their lives according to their interpretation of the Bible. Once, when I apologized for asking so many questions while researching this book, an Amish father told me that I could ask anything I wanted. “Nothing is forbidden,” he said. He told me that he wanted my book to be accurate. I was thrilled when his family read it and gave me their enthusiastic nod of approval.

Our family, however, also lived for many years in Michigan. My father, a sawyer, told me stories he had heard from old timber men who had cut the fabled giant pine in the Saginaw Valley. Visiting museums and reading about the years directly after the Civil War, when Michigan became the lumber capitol of the world, became a hobby. I was delighted when Revell Publishing allowed me to revisit that era by writing The Measure Of Katie Calloway.

There are many other books on their way—both Amish and historical. Please know that each one is a labor of love from me to you.

 To God be all the glory, forever.
Serena

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