Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy

Overview: Saddle Up for a Wildly Fun Ride in Mary Connealy's Latest

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in
the process?

ISBN-13: 9780764211805 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication date: 10/06/2015 | Series: Wild at Heart, #3

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I love Mary Connealy. Her books never fail to inspire me, make me laugh, and keep me on the edge of my seat. Fire & Ice is no exception. It's always interesting to me to go back in time to homesteading and the hardships and challenges of it. Mary Connealy always does an excellent job of describing life on the range. You can tell she does an extreme amount of research for her stories. She also does an excellent job of keeping the story engaging and exciting.  From the very beginning, I was caught up in the story of Bailey and Gage.

Bailey is a tough woman who has endured unspeakable horrors of war and came out on top. In a way, I can relate to her fears and sorrows based on her experiences. Gage is your typical Western male, with the exception of his past. I loved that Mary Connealy gave each of these characters such a unique past. Their troubles and heartaches were different from anything I've read before, and I appreciated the story so much more for it. I always love how the author weaves the love story into her plots. She excels at making you aware of the main characters attraction, without detracting from the plot. It developed, almost, without the reader noticing. 

The message of the story centers on trust. I know, after you read the story you might think I'm crazy, but I have a reason for my choice. Bailey lived through unspeakable horrors. Understandably, her fears drive her to a life of isolation. When she decides to give up that isolation by agreeing to Gage's crazy proposal, she is terrified. Her fears drive her to the point where she doesn't trust anyone, including herself. Gage is just the person to help Bailey, in my opinion. His past allows him to reach out to her in a way no one else could. That's God. Near the end of the story, after Bailey opens up to Gage, he makes a bold statement that really struck me: "..What good does it do to torture yourself by wondering what you should have done? It's over. All that's left now is forgiveness. Have you asked God to forgive you?"

"Yes, a thousand times. But the weight is as bad as it ever was.."

"That's not God refusing to forgive you, honey...it's you refusing to forgive yourself. God's done His part; now you have to do yours."

How many times do we withhold forgiveness from ourselves, even after we ask God to forgive us? Doesn't that drive our trust and fears? What a powerful message!

Overall, if you're looking for a "wild ride" of a story, this is the one for you.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through the Bethany House blogging 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.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | My Blog | My Website

A New Year | A New Focus | A New Me

Hello blogging friends. It's been a while..and it's time for some confessions. I stopped reading for about 2 months. I just lost my joy in it and I couldn't figure out why. I loved to read. I loved to learn more about an author, a character, a family, and the Lord through the lessons my favorite authors taught their characters. So what happened?

I. GOT. OVERWHELMED. There are SO many books I wanted to read. Every time I got an email from a publisher or author, I felt like I needed to sign up immediately to read that book. It got to the point that I was reading all review books, and none of the books on my bookshelf that I had bought myself, and I just got burnt out. My natural response to being overwhelmed is to shut down. [It's a horrible response, I know. I'm working on it...] I also got a promotion at work. That really cut out a lot of my reading time. I got overwhelmed because I couldn't find enough time in the day to read all the books I had signed on to read.

My reading resolution is simple: I want to get back into reading for simply the love of reading. That doesn't mean I won't request review books anymore. That just means that I will simply not request or accept every opportunity that comes my way to review books. I'll read what I want to read, without the pressure. Of course, I'll still post reviews, even if the book didn't come my way from a publisher or author. It also means I will take my time reading a book. I am not going to speed read anymore. I want to enjoy what I'm reading and I want you to know it!

I also want to try to incorporate more of the things I love into my blog. I mean, the name of my blog is called "Faith * Love * Books" and all I normally end up posting is "books." I feel like there is so much more to my life than that. I recently found a love for card making and Bible Journaling. I am going on a mission trip in March to Belize that I'm really looking forward to and we need prayers and financial support. I would love to share those loves with you! I haven't figured out quite yet what that's going to look like, so stay tuned!

I'm also asking for prayers.  My "theme verse" for the year is about letting go of that anxiety and letting God handle them. It's hard. It's a daily battle. Blogging and reading brought me a lot of comfort last year and I would love to get back to that. Interacting with my blogging and reading friends helped me a lot. Spending time in God's word and writing down my prayers helped a lot too. But when I say I shut down from being overwhelmed, I literally shut down. I didn't do any of the things I loved anymore. I'm ashamed to admit it to you all, and more ashamed that I let it happen to myself. I'm working on getting my joy back. Will you help me?

Thank you for waiting patiently for me, my friends. God Bless! (Oh, and I'm reading a book for the first time in months and I'm so excited about it!)

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick

Overview: Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

ISBN-13: 9780800722326 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group | Publication date: 09/01/2015

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: This is the first book I've read in a long time. I was in a little bit of a reading slump, and then I had a lot going on in my personal life. I just didn't have time to read. I think this book is going to be the gateway for me to get back into reading. I really enjoyed the story. It's written like the pages of a diary from Eliza's point of view. At times, I was a little confused as to what was going on, but I think it's because the first half of the story was read in little bits and pieces at a time by me. To fully enjoy the beauty of this narrative, I think I would have had to read bigger chunks at a time.

The descriptions of the trials, tribulations, and memories Eliza has to deal with and the land, homes, and settings were phenomenal. I could empathize greatly with the women in this story. I really didn't care for the men. I thought Eliza could have done better in her choice of husband, but he gained my respect by the end. The story mainly focuses on Eliza and her growth as a Christ follower. I really enjoyed following her journey from the trials she faced at a young age to womanhood. It was inspiring!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Jane Kirkpatrick weaves a story of overcoming past trials to face present times in an amazing way, with God at the center.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Reads blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Reviewers and readers alike acclaim Jane's work as unique in a world of storytellers. “Kirkpatrick's books enfold the reader. They whisper "let me tell you about a woman who…. They find a secret place in each of us and bring it gently to the surface.” The Statesman Journal, Salem Oregon. Moving from being a rancher, writer and rattlesnake fighter to full time writer has produced 29 books from bestselling and award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick. She has 24 novels and five non-fiction titles to her credit. Creating stories from the lives of actual historical women or events, Jane's focus is on telling stories that inspire. “I like helping people from the distant past step from their generation into our own to teach us and touch us with their lives.” Jane lives with her husband Jerry and two dogs near Bend in Central Oregon. Her works have sold over a million copies, been translated into foreign languages, won literary awards such as the Wrangler, WILLA Literary and Carol as well as being a New York Times bestseller. A mental health professional, she's a lively presenter who has spoken about the power of story throughout the world. Enjoy receiving her Story Sparks newsletter by signing up at http://www.jkbooks.com/.

Connect with Jane: Facebook | Blogger | Twitter

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry

Imagine being held captive for seventy years without aging a day, only to escape into modern-day 2015. Meet WWII hero Roger Greene in Rick Barry’s The Methuselah Project. Katherine Mueller—crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle—offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?

My Review: This was such an interesting book. I have never read anything like it. Can you imagine never aging? Can you imagine being held in captivity for your entire existence? I truly felt for Roger. His captivity was lonely and boring, and I could feel those emotions through the words the author penned. The author laid out the story very well, and it was easy to follow. I do wish we could have heard more about Katherine's thoughts and actions, but I understand why the author didn't expound a great deal on her for more than half the book. Roger is the main focus: from the beginning to the end, the author does an excellent job of keeping you engrossed in the story of Roger's life. Overall, I really enjoyed this excellent story!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the Litfuse blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

Landing Page:

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/the-methuselah-project-by-rick-barry

{MORE ABOUT THE METHUSELAH PROJECT}

The Methuselah Project(Kregel, September 2015)

Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed—until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success—but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America—just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015—and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller—crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle—offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT RICK BARRY}

Rick Barry is the author of “Gunner’s Run,” another World War II novel, “Kiriath’s Quest,” and more than 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times. Rick lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Find out more about Rick at http://rickcbarry.com.

Weekend Wrap Up (Oct. 9) | Friday Memes

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

The past few weeks, I have been in a reading slump. I just couldn't muster up the energy to pick up a book and that made me sad. I think I've over come it and I'm slowly getting back on track!

What I've Read: 

 

Reviews Posted: 

Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstrong

What I'm Currently Reading: 

 

What I am so behind on reading, it's not funny!:

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question: What's your favorite "Halloween" snack to munch on while you're reading?

My Answer: I don't really have a favorite "Halloween" snack. I just like to snack! 

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"Sitting in his cockpit, Captain Roger Greene scanned the heavens. He searched left to right, overhead, below and behind. No sign of enemy aircraft. Just formation after formation of B-17s droning along below, plus his own umbrella of Thunderbolts providing escort cover." - The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry

My Thoughts: As I've gotten a little farther into this book, I realize the beginning is just as intriguing as the story is turning out to be. I was drawn to the book by the description, and it's proven a good choice so far!

Top Ten Tuesday: Your Bookish Quit List

For future Top Ten Tuesday topics & info on how to participate, click here!

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This Week's Topic: Ten bookish things i want to quit or have quit, specifically books we had to dnf (which I assume means "do not finish"). I try to avoid books that I know I will not finish, or not finishing a book once I start it at all costs. I hate to leave something un-done. There has only been one time that I have absolutely not been able to finish a book.

The description of this book sounded so exciting. Mystery, Intrigue, Secrets - what could possibly go wrong? I found this book the exact opposite of exciting. I'm not sure why. It just wasn't for me.

There have been a few books, since then, that I haven't wanted to finish, but was obligated to because they were for review. I am trying to be more selective with my review books, as a result.

What about you? Are there any books you've added to your "do not finish" list?

Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstrong

Overview: The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn't know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it's not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player--whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field--they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

With the flair that has made her Last Chance books a favorite among readers of contemporary fiction, Cathleen Armstrong draws on the passion Americans have for the traditions of small-town high school football.

ISBN-13: 9780800726478 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 09/15/2015 | Series: A Place to Call Home Series, #4
Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: Last Chance Hero took me back to my good ol' high school days. Football games, traditions, and all of the in between. I loved coming back to Last Chance and catching up with characters from other stories. Cathleen Armstrong has a way of making me feel right at home in Last Chance. Like I could walk into the Dip n' Dine and chat with Juanita, or walk down the street and visit with Sarah, Elizabeth Cooley, and Kaitlyn and Olivia.

While I enjoyed the setting and the folks in the town, I didn't connect well with either of the main characters in this story. I found Dr. Jessica MacLeod to be kind of "high and mighty" in the beginning, and only slightly better towards the end. Andy Ryan seemed like a genuinely good guy, but the development for his character just wasn't there. I felt like the whole situation with his dad was just kind of thrown in at the last minute. Their romance was a little lacking as well. I just couldn't picture them together at all.

I also think Jess' sudden belief in God was a little shallow. There was no real transformation that I could see. The point of the story was about God's plan for your life. While I didn't really feel that was portrayed through either of the main characters, Kaitlyn makes a good point in her conversation with Jess that I feel I need to share: "..I have no idea why I got the results I did. It certainly wasn't because I deserved it. It was just part of the plan God has for my life. And if the results would have come back the way I was afraid they might, well, that would have been part of God's plan for my life too. Not as punishment, or judgement, but as a natural consequence of my actions. and he would have had a plan for my life that included that too. And you know what? It would have been a good plan." So many times as Christians we think bad things happen because God is punishing us. That is not at all the case. Bad things happen, not as punishment, but as a part of God's bigger plan and picture for our life.

Overall, while I enjoyed coming back to Last Chance and while the author does a good job of making me feel at home there, I didn't connect well with the main characters. It kind of took away from the story for me, but I still enjoyed it.

*I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Reads blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Cathleen Armstrong is the author of Welcome to Last Chance, winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction in 2009 and the first volume in the series “A Place to Call Home.” She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi, but her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. Contact Cathleen:

Event inquiries: info@cathleenarmstrong.com

Media and review copy requests: RBarnett@BakerPublishingGroup.com

Reader Inquiries: Cathleen@cathleenarmstrong.com

Social media links: Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

All other inquiries: info@cathleenarmstrong.com