Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

Overview: Lies and secrets can spoil a woman's good name.

A half-Portuguese fisherman's daughter doesn't stand a chance with Warren Brentwood, the heir of the local lumber empire, no matter how striking she is. In an effort to better her life, Espy takes a job at the local professor's home. He begins to tutor her and the rumors begin to fly.

After months working together on the church fundraiser, Espy and Warren share a passionate kiss. But Warren still believes the worst of her and she flees for the city as her childhood hero falls short of her ideal. Alone and penniless, she is taken in by a missionary and his wife before she is forced to sleep in a doorway. With nothing left but her faith she must discover the purpose God has laid out for her.

She longs to return home freed from the lies that surrounded her parting. But will anyone-particularly Warren-believe in her innocence?

ISBN-13: 9780802406279
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Publication date: 7/24/2012
Pages: 352

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: As the back of the book implies, lies and secrets can truly spoil a woman's good name. This story is about a woman who, in the face of disgrace, finds herself and her God. Ruth Axtell does an excellent job telling Espy and Warren's story. Her historical accuracy about how society was during that time period lent the story a deeper air.

I loved Espy's character. She is one of those people who is just genuinely happy, despite the circumstances. I admire that in her, and even when she was faced with difficulties, she kept her head up. Warren lends a new depth to the typical "male heir" character. Throughout the story, you can really see him struggle with what he was "born" to do and what the Lord is calling him to do. The emotions of each character were raw, which made the story more heartfelt.

Both characters had to learn to come to know the Lord on a whole new level. Espy struggled to escape the harshness and stigma of society. Yet, when she turned to the Lord for help, she found newness and cleanliness were with her all along. Warren's struggle to overcome what was expected of him and TRULY understand what God had in mind for him was inspiring.

Overall, I loved this book. If you're looking for a deep, heartfelt book about overcoming obstacles to find the grace and love of God, this is it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Moody Publisher Blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About the Author:
I discovered I enjoyed writing when my seventh-grade English teacher assigned our class to finish a story that began with one sentence, a “once upon a time” premise. My version ended up being a romance, and what amazed me most was when someone turned to me after my story was read aloud and told me how much she liked it.

I then went on to write a spy thriller—complete with my own illustrations—and knew I wanted to be a writer.

There were many detours along the way as I pursued more realistic goals. I studied comparative literature at Smith College, where I received a Bachelor’s degree; I spent my junior year in Paris; taught English and lived as an au pair in the Canary Islands; and worked in international development in Miami, Florida. It was there I met my future husband, a Dutchman from Suriname, who took me to the Netherlands to live for six years.

In Holland I began my life as a stay-at-home mom. For the first time in my life I was able to seriously pursue my dream of writing full-length historicals. During my six years there, I completed three manuscripts. The second one gained recognition when it was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest in 1994.

We moved back to the U.S., to the down east coast of Maine to a small village where I had spent childhood summers.

Maine has been a place of discovery—from discerning the varying faces of the sea and likening them to the color of my current hero or heroine’s eyes, to observing the changing seasons and the wonders of a flower or leaf or icicle, to simply learning how to say, “yes, Lord,” when I hear His still, small voice.

Connect with Ruth: Newsletter | Email | Facebook | Blog

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

Cowgirl Trail by Susan Paige Davis

Cowgirl Trail is the fifth 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's been a great series so far, and I look forward to reading the rest!

Overview:

A young woman determined to save the family ranch

A devastating loss

An answer to prayer as shots are fired

Maggie Porter returns to the Rocking P Ranch. The sanatorium was not able to save her mother and now her father's health is failing. When the cowboys walk off the job leaving no one to drive the cattle to market, head ranch hand, Alex Bright, cannot convince the men to stay. How could Alex let this happen?

Maggie is desperate to save the ranch. To everyone's surprise, she turns to the town's women for help. The cowgirls must herd, rope, and drive the cattle to market. With only two days left, outlaws charge the small band in an effort to start a stampede. The cattle begin to scatter. Will they lose everything? Where will their help come from?

Doubt meets hope, and fear gives way to faith in the Morgan family.

My Review: I loved this book! Susan Paige Davis executed the story phenomenally. I have never read another book with this concept, and it was fun and exciting to follow the cowgirls on the trail! The author chose to focus more on the story than scenery, which I appreciated because the story was so captivating. In a man's world, can a group of twelve women make it? I was cheering for Maggie from the beginning.

The characters in the story were easy to relate to. Maggie Porter is a strong, spunky, independent woman who is still in touch with her emotions and feelings. That's a refreshing thing in a woman character. Alex Bright feels torn between his loyalty to Maggie's father and herself, and the men that he was chosen to lead. He knows he can't choose both. What a hard decision!

The message of the story was simple, yet understated. Sometimes, even when we can't see the outcome, we have to rely on God and rejoice in our current circumstances. Have you ever been in a situation that you've had a hard time rejoicing? I know I have. That is God molding and making you in the refiner's fire!

Overall, this was a short, sweet story and I recommend it to anyone who wants to read about cowgirls leading a cattle drive!

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

More fun! with links:

• Learn more about the Texas Trails Series 
• Meet Susan Paige Davis
• Purchase Cowgirl Trail: B&N | Amazon | CBD 
• See my reviews on the rest of the Texas Trials series:
• Lone Star Trail 
• Captive Trail 
• Long Trail Home 
• A Ranger's Trail

A Ranger's Trail by Darlene Franklin

A Ranger's Trail is the fourth 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's been a great series so far, and I look forward to reading the rest!

Overview: A widow vows to seek vengeance | A Texas Ranger swears to uphold the law | A blood feud splits Mason County in half

When Leta Denning's husband is murdered at the beginning of the Mason County War, she wants one thing: revenge. Buck Morgan, a Texas Ranger called in to investigate, has ties to a German family involved in Denning's death.

Buck's ability to remain impartial and bring the murderer to justice has Leta anxious. As she struggles to keep her ranch afloat, Buck offers to help - all the while searching for the truth.  A tentative trail emerges ... one forged by respect and bound by vengeance and forgiveness.

Doubt meets faith, and fear gives way to faith in the Morgan family.

My Review:  I really enjoyed this book. This is my second book by Darlene Franklin, so I had few expectations for this book. Of course, I wanted it to be as enjoyable as the rest of the series, and I was not disappointed on that account. The first chapter of the book pulls you in. The action is not fast paced, but it's fast enough to keep you interested. The Mason County War reflects the society at the time, and unfortunately, the society of today (to an extent). 

The main characters, and even the secondary characters are pretty well developed throughout the story. Leta Denning's journey from revenge to trusting God's vengeance is natural and Buck Morgan's character undergoes a similar journey. The secondary characters, Andy and Henry, take a more dramatic journey towards the end of the book. Stella is a character I would love to read more about and hope to catch up with her in a later book!

My only complaint is the romance aspect of the book. I agree that Leta and Buck are a good match. However, their romance seemed kind of down played. I almost couldn't detect the point that Buck stopped viewing Leta as a widow that God commands his people to provide for and care for, to someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

Over all, the book was very enjoyable and I would recommend it to all my reading friends!

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

More fun! with links:

• Learn more about the Texas Trails Series 
• Meet Darlene Franklin 
• Purchase A Ranger's Trail: B&N | Amazon | CBD 
• See my reviews on the rest of the Texas Trials series:
• Lone Star Trail 
• Captive Trail 
• Long Trail Home 

Long Trail Home by Vickie McDonough

Hello everyone! I hope this day finds you well. I am fighting off a cold, so I didn't do much this weekend. That means I had time to read! :) Long Trail Home is the third 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's been a great series so far, and I look forward to reading the rest!

Overview: Long Trail Home is part of a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.  Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

When Riley Morgan returns home after fighting in the War Between the States, he is excited to see his parents and fiance again. But he soon learns that his parents are gone and the woman he loved is married.

Riley takes a job at the Wilcox School for the blind just to get by. He keeps his heart closed off but a pretty blind woman, Annie, threatens to steal it.

Through painful circumstances, Riley and Annie learn that the loving and sovereign hand of God cannot be thwarted.

My Review: I thought this book was great! Raleigh (aka Riley) Morgan returns from war after 4 years to find his ranch in shambles, his parents dead, and his fiance married. With painful memories from before and during the war haunting him, he needs to find something to do to keep him busy. Annie Sheffield has lived at the Wilcox School for the Blind since coming to Waco seven years earlier, after her father's abandonment. It's the only home she's ever had. However, she has had to deceive everyone in order to stay there. When her and Riley meet, sparks fly. Can they overcome their pasts and accept the future God has for them?

The plot moved pretty quickly. There were no parts that I found lagging. Riley is coming to grips with what has happened over the past four years and learning to trust God again. Annie is fighting to keep the only home she's ever known and learning that the God she's heard about can forgive her for anything she's done. The author did a great job of keeping the story interesting and the romance between Annie and Riley intriguing.

The author also did a great job at weaving the message throughout the book. Doubt and fear must be overcome in order to experience true peace in any Christian's life. It's a lesson that many of us, including myself, still need to learn and experience daily. Overall, this was a really great book and I look foreward to reading the rest of the books in the series!

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

More fun! with links:

• Learn more about the Texas Trails Series
• Find out more about Vickie McDonough
• Purchase this book: B&N - Amazon - CBD

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

It's Monday! What better way to get over the Monday doldrums than to read a book review by me! :p
I had a very busy weekend, so I didn't get to read like I wanted to. However, once I picked this book up, I had to finish it! I was up WAYYYY to late last night! Captive Trail is the second book in the Texas Trails: A Morgan Family Series and I just loved it! So, let me tell you about it:

Overview: Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family's teepee. The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted. She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses.

On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station. They come across Taabe who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.

With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu's identity. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas. Through Taabe and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations.

My Review: This book was captivating.  I've never read a book on this subject and I think the author did a wonderful job of capturing the emotions and depth of the issues the characters had to face! Taabe Waipu remembers the live she was taken from. She remembers that her place is not with the Comanche people with whom she resides, but she doesn't remember anything else.  I loved her character. I felt like I was watching her struggle to remember the old way of life. I felt her joy and frustration at learning "white man ways" again. Susan Page Davis did an excellent job on Taabe's character. Ned Bright was a simple man. I liked him because he wasn't trying to be tough or macho. He was just a normal guy who falls in love with a girl. He was certainly protective and "manly," but I think he more closely represents real life men.

The story was fantastic. Again, I've never read a story with this subject before and as also stated previously, Susan Page Davis did a fantastic job of capturing the depth of emotions and issues these characters had to face. While the story was predictable (in that I knew Taabe and Ned would be together), it was very enjoyable. There were facets of the story that I absolutely loved, like Ned's devotion and dedication to Taabe and her best interests. The interaction with the Comanche at the end kept me rooted to my seat with my eyes reading and furiously scanning the pages!

The message of the book was to trust in God to take care of you and all your needs. I wished this theme was communicated more clearly in the book, but that's what I got out of the story. Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would definitely read it again!

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

More fun! with links:

• Learn more about the Texas Trails: A Morgan Family Series
• Read my review of Lone Star Trail by Darlene Franklin, book 1 in this series.
• Meet Susan Page Davis
• Buy it!: B&N*Amazon*Christianbook.com*BAM!

Lone Star Trail by Darlene Franklin

Hello everyone! I hope you have had a blessed Sunday. I know I have! It was good to go and worship the Lord this morning. I even finished a book this weekend! Lone Star Trail is book one of the Texas Trails: A Morgan Family Series. This series was written by a collaboration of authors and if they are as good as this one was, I can't wait to read them!

Overview: Judson (Jud) Morgan's father died for Texas' freedom during the war for independence. So when the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas (the Verein) attempts to colonize a New Germany in his country, he takes a stand against them.

After Wande Fleischers' fiancé marries someone else, the young fraulein determines to make a new life for herself in Texas. With the help of Jud's sister Marion, Wande learns English and becomes a trusted friend to the entire Morgan family.

As much as Jud dislikes the immigrant invasion, he can't help admiring Wande's character. She is sweet and cheerful as she serves the Lord and all those around her. Can the rancher put aside his prejudice to forge a new future? Through Jud and Wande, we learn the powerful lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation among a diverse community of believers.

My Review: This is a wonderful book. It is the first book I've read by Darlene Franklin, so I didn't know what to expect. I was not disappointed. Jud Morgan is your typical man. He is strong, smart, and stubborn to a fault. He is prejudice against outsiders and doesn't welcome change very easily. That is, until he meets Wande and her family. Wande is an excellent role model for women. She is a happy, strong, and independent woman. The character development in the story was excellent. I felt like I got to know both of the main characters, as well as the secondary characters in the book.

The story is sweet. Jud and Wande meet. Jud, who is completely against the German people settling in his Texas, wants nothing to do with her at first. Wande is the same. She does not want to be around someone who so easily dismisses her people. They are brought together through a series of events and become friends. Then, of course, as the story progresses, they become so much more! The romance of the two is sweet and simple. It is not over the top or overdone. The story line is interesting and the book was very easy to follow.

The message is this: trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean on Him in hard times. I stated at the beginning of this review that Wande is a great role model for women because this is exactly what she does. Even through all of the trials she faces, she turns to the Lord for comfort and keeps going, even when the going gets tough. There is an old hymn that is referenced several times in this book that sums up the message quite nicely: A Mighty Fortress is Our God. Overall, I am so glad I picked this book to read and can't wait to get the next one!

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

More fun! with links:

• Learn more about the Texas Trails: A Morgan Family Series
• Meet Darlene Franklin
• Buy it: B&N*Amazon*Christianbook.com
• Listen to A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Shades of Mercy by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira

Happy Saturday everybody! I have had an excellent day so far. We had our third annual "Run with the Cows" 5K, 10K, Fun Run/Walk fundraiser for New Sterling A.R.P Church's missions. I did not run the 5 or 10K, but had a great time walking with my sister, my soon-to-be cousin (in law?) and their babies! It was nice to come home, relax, and read a great book.

Overview: It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.

 When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.

My Review: I am so glad I read this book. Mercy is a naive fifteen year old girl who you can't help but love. She is smart, passionate, tough, and caring all rolled into one. Mick is tough, determined, and has been through more than any 15 year old boy should have to go through in his short life. It makes him seem kind of jaded, except when he's with Mercy. Their love has to remain hidden because Mercy is white and Mick is a Maliseet Indian. I loved all the characters in this book. Mercy, Mick, Mother, Mr. Pop (so cute!), and all of the workers and secondary characters. They were very well written and developed.

The year is 1954. Race issues are just beginning to surface and fester with the passing of Brown vs. Board of Education. Mick and Mercy are just two teenagers, in love, trying to find their place in their dramatically changing world. This is a sweet story, with dark, hard issues. I love how this book was written! Most books focus on the negative of the circumstances surrounding racial relationships. This book, in my opinion, took a different approach. It gave me hope that one day, everything would work out for Mick and Mercy. When dealing with hate, disillusionment, and other deep seeded issues, books can tend to take on a very dark tone. These authors did a great job of finding the light in the dark.

Overall, I thought this was a quick, easy read. I understood the title about halfway into the story. As the book states: "That's where the grace--where all those shades of mercy show up in life," when you realize your mistakes, ask for forgiveness and try to live like Jesus wants as much as possible. I would recommend this to everyone!

More fun! with links:

• Learn more about Anita Lustrea
• Learn more about Caryn Rivadeneira
• Read the first chapter of Shades of Mercy
• Buy it here: B&N * Amazon * Christianbook.com

**I received this complimentary copy of Shades of Mercy from River North Fiction from Moody Publishers. I was not required to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.**