Hello all! Thank you for patiently waiting for my next book review. I know it's been a while (over a month!!) but I was busy with school, which apparently is more important that leisure reading. :p
Tomorrow's Garden is the third and final installment in Amanda Cabot's Texas Dreams series. Here we meet Miss Harriet Kirk and her brothers and sisters. We also revisit Lawrence Wood, former Texas Ranger and new mayor and sheriff of Ladreville.
Miss Harriet Kirk is going to be Ladreville's new teacher. She is also the sole caretaker for her brothers and sisters after her parents death. She has an extreme fear of fires (for a good reason) and an independent streak a mile wide. She is also sheltering the secret of her past life. She doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for her or her family for what they have gone through, which is why she moved to Ladreville in the first place. She is also determined to remain single, she fears she doesn't know how to love. So why does Lawrence Wood make her want to scream in frustration with his protective nature and melt into his arms with his bright, eager mind and sparring words??
Lawrence signed a 6 month contract. After that, he's leaving Ladreville. Period.... or so he thought. Harriet Kirk envokes emotions in him that he never thought he could feel. He fights them, as she does, relentlessly until events happen and they think they will never see each other again. Harriet and the people of Ladreville make him feel like he is finally home, so why is so insistant that he won't stay?
We also get a glimpse of the sweet love story between Harriet's sister, Ruth, and the new minister Sterling. I wish we could have read more into their story, but what we get to read of their romance is sweet and satisfying.
This story didn't quite capture my heart the way the other two did, but it was still a good book. I won't deny that. I'm not sure what it was missing, but for me, it was missing something. Read it for yourself and let me know what you think!!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tomorrows-garden-amanda-cabot/1100054715?ean=9780800733261
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Trouble in Store
I was excited to receive this book for free from Bethany House Publishers. The description sounded very intriguing! Mystery, danger, intrigue, romance, and all in a good, clean Christian book... it was right up my alley! I was not disappointed. Trouble in Store by Carol Cox is a fantastic book with in-depth characters and a great plot.
Melanie Ross feels like her world is breaking around her. After being abruptly fired from her position as a governess, she doesn't know what she is going to do. Then she remembers that when her only remaining relative passed away, she was offered a place to stay AND a job! So she heads out west determined to make this work. If not, what will she do??
Caleb Nelson does not need a woman telling him what to do. On top of everything else going on in his life, he just wants to focus on running HIS store, raising his son, and figuring out who keeps leaving these threatening notes for him to find. So when Melanie shows up claiming that half of the store belongs to her, Caleb is furious! He plots a way to get rid of her by marrying her off, which he reasons shouldn't be hard to do. It's the west after all, there are way more available men than there are women!
But when notes turn to break-ins and other dangers, things change. In this sweet story of healing and God's grace, we meet two characters whose lives have been beaten and broken. Reading about these two characters emotions, we can feel the despair they sometimes feel and we can rejoice with them when they finally figure out God's plan. Carol brings the characters to life by giving them real emotions. I can relate to Melanie because I know what it's like to smile when inside you're crying. I can relate to Caleb because I know what it's like to just want some consistency and normalcy after tragedy strikes.She does an excellent job of creating a message of faith and God's unfailing love, all while not being too preachy.
The message is this: God creates beauty from the ashes of your despair. Don't give up! You're sorrow will turn to joy and your heartache will turn to rejoicing in HIS time. It's a lesson we all need to learn, and reading this book might just help you do that!
This book is available for pre-order and will come available on June 1.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trouble-in-store-carol-cox/1113143887?ean=9780764209567
Melanie Ross feels like her world is breaking around her. After being abruptly fired from her position as a governess, she doesn't know what she is going to do. Then she remembers that when her only remaining relative passed away, she was offered a place to stay AND a job! So she heads out west determined to make this work. If not, what will she do??
Caleb Nelson does not need a woman telling him what to do. On top of everything else going on in his life, he just wants to focus on running HIS store, raising his son, and figuring out who keeps leaving these threatening notes for him to find. So when Melanie shows up claiming that half of the store belongs to her, Caleb is furious! He plots a way to get rid of her by marrying her off, which he reasons shouldn't be hard to do. It's the west after all, there are way more available men than there are women!
But when notes turn to break-ins and other dangers, things change. In this sweet story of healing and God's grace, we meet two characters whose lives have been beaten and broken. Reading about these two characters emotions, we can feel the despair they sometimes feel and we can rejoice with them when they finally figure out God's plan. Carol brings the characters to life by giving them real emotions. I can relate to Melanie because I know what it's like to smile when inside you're crying. I can relate to Caleb because I know what it's like to just want some consistency and normalcy after tragedy strikes.She does an excellent job of creating a message of faith and God's unfailing love, all while not being too preachy.
The message is this: God creates beauty from the ashes of your despair. Don't give up! You're sorrow will turn to joy and your heartache will turn to rejoicing in HIS time. It's a lesson we all need to learn, and reading this book might just help you do that!
This book is available for pre-order and will come available on June 1.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trouble-in-store-carol-cox/1113143887?ean=9780764209567
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Megan's Hero
Megan's Hero is the third, and final installment in the Callahan Crossing series by Sharon Gillenwater. Just like the first two, it's an excellent read! This one was a little different in the fact that one of the main characters is not a Christian in the beginning of the book. I liked that fact, because we got to see her journey to accepting Christ as her Saviour, and to me there is no greater thing than that (even though it was in a fiction book!).
Megan Smith didn't think things could get any worse, and then they did. The book opens with Megan pulling over on the side of the road, all her earthy possessions with her, in the middle of a downpour. The downpour goes from scary to frightening in minutes. With a tornado popping out of nowhere, and no time for her to run, she does the only thing she can think to do. Leave the van, lay herself down in a ditch, and pray (to whoever is out there) that she lives. Once the storm is over, Megan starts to panic some. Her van is totaled. She is pregnant with almost no money, and no where to go. What was she going to do?
Enter Will Callahan, the 32 year old Callahan bachelor. He and his family watched the tornado and after it was over, he goes to check and make sure no one was caught in the tornado. One look at Megan and Will is a goner. He is thinking about her constantly and takes up the role of "protector" in her life.
Will and Megan both have to struggle with the concept of God's amazing love and grace. Megan, however, has more to struggle with. Throughout the book we see her trying to grasp the concept of why God would save her after all she'd done in her past. I think she finally understands when she reads the last verse of Psalm 18:19, "He rescued me because he delighted in me." If she didn't understand why God would rescue her out of the muck and mire of the past, I certainly did. It brought tears to my eyes!
I love the fact that this book brings to light the challenges that a pregnant, single woman with no where to go faces. I also love the fact that it gives those women hope that there are some good men out there who are willing to accept the challenge of being with her. It shows God's mercy. This was just an excellent book, and I highly recommend it!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/megans-hero-sharon-gillenwater/1100079743?ean=9781441232496
Megan Smith didn't think things could get any worse, and then they did. The book opens with Megan pulling over on the side of the road, all her earthy possessions with her, in the middle of a downpour. The downpour goes from scary to frightening in minutes. With a tornado popping out of nowhere, and no time for her to run, she does the only thing she can think to do. Leave the van, lay herself down in a ditch, and pray (to whoever is out there) that she lives. Once the storm is over, Megan starts to panic some. Her van is totaled. She is pregnant with almost no money, and no where to go. What was she going to do?
Enter Will Callahan, the 32 year old Callahan bachelor. He and his family watched the tornado and after it was over, he goes to check and make sure no one was caught in the tornado. One look at Megan and Will is a goner. He is thinking about her constantly and takes up the role of "protector" in her life.
Will and Megan both have to struggle with the concept of God's amazing love and grace. Megan, however, has more to struggle with. Throughout the book we see her trying to grasp the concept of why God would save her after all she'd done in her past. I think she finally understands when she reads the last verse of Psalm 18:19, "He rescued me because he delighted in me." If she didn't understand why God would rescue her out of the muck and mire of the past, I certainly did. It brought tears to my eyes!
I love the fact that this book brings to light the challenges that a pregnant, single woman with no where to go faces. I also love the fact that it gives those women hope that there are some good men out there who are willing to accept the challenge of being with her. It shows God's mercy. This was just an excellent book, and I highly recommend it!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/megans-hero-sharon-gillenwater/1100079743?ean=9781441232496
Emily's Chance
Man meets woman. Man loves woman. Man marries woman. If only it were that simple...
As you all know, I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series, Jenna's Cowboy. The second book, Emily's Chance, was no different. Sharon Gillenwater created another great book with in-depth characters you can relate to. Chance and Emily have qualities that all of us have and they struggle with problems and issues, just like we do. They are likable and both are stubborn to the core (and let's face it, how many of us out there are NOT stubborn??).
Chance Callahan, a 29 year old bachelor, is ready to settle down and he knows exactly who he wants to settle down with. Problem is, she doesn't know it yet. Chance owns his own successful business building and repairing houses, while helping out at the ranch occasionally. He is a typical, good-hearted, Christian man. He's stubborn, bossy, and struggles on a daily basis with a critical and sometimes "holier-than-thou" attitude. He is just like most Christians. I'll admit that I've had a problem with having an attitude that did not stem from Christian love as it should have, just like most of you have too.
Emily Rose Denny is determined to make a big name for herself. Unfortunately, with her chosen career path, that is taking a little longer than she hoped for. Emily dreams of being a curator for a big-city museum. She wants to prove to her mother and father that she's worth something and her life was not wasted. Emily is also painted in a most human way. She has a past, and she struggles daily in her faith. Half way through the book, though we see a suttle shift in Emily's character. As the book says "her head might be determined to have a big city career, but her heart was saying that life in Callahan Crossing would bring her happiness." She struggles with the fact that God's plans might not be her plans, just like most of us do in our lives.
In the end, God's will wins out just as it should. It shows us that if we listen to our hearts, God will make his will and way clear for all of us. This was a good, sweet, romantic read just like the last one. Go, read it!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emilys-chance-sharon-gillenwater/1102623804?ean=9781441213969
As you all know, I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series, Jenna's Cowboy. The second book, Emily's Chance, was no different. Sharon Gillenwater created another great book with in-depth characters you can relate to. Chance and Emily have qualities that all of us have and they struggle with problems and issues, just like we do. They are likable and both are stubborn to the core (and let's face it, how many of us out there are NOT stubborn??).
Chance Callahan, a 29 year old bachelor, is ready to settle down and he knows exactly who he wants to settle down with. Problem is, she doesn't know it yet. Chance owns his own successful business building and repairing houses, while helping out at the ranch occasionally. He is a typical, good-hearted, Christian man. He's stubborn, bossy, and struggles on a daily basis with a critical and sometimes "holier-than-thou" attitude. He is just like most Christians. I'll admit that I've had a problem with having an attitude that did not stem from Christian love as it should have, just like most of you have too.
Emily Rose Denny is determined to make a big name for herself. Unfortunately, with her chosen career path, that is taking a little longer than she hoped for. Emily dreams of being a curator for a big-city museum. She wants to prove to her mother and father that she's worth something and her life was not wasted. Emily is also painted in a most human way. She has a past, and she struggles daily in her faith. Half way through the book, though we see a suttle shift in Emily's character. As the book says "her head might be determined to have a big city career, but her heart was saying that life in Callahan Crossing would bring her happiness." She struggles with the fact that God's plans might not be her plans, just like most of us do in our lives.
In the end, God's will wins out just as it should. It shows us that if we listen to our hearts, God will make his will and way clear for all of us. This was a good, sweet, romantic read just like the last one. Go, read it!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emilys-chance-sharon-gillenwater/1102623804?ean=9781441213969
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Jenna's Cowboy
This book intrigued me from the beginning. A lot of you may be wondering why, since it's about a soldier returning from war, and my soldier didn't get the chance to come home. Well, ever since I dealt with the "horrors" of war on the home front, I've met a lot of soldiers. Most of them were suffering. They wouldn't admit it, but they were. I also did a project at school on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and it really opened my eyes.
That being said, I read this book in about 3 days. I absolutely loved it. Sharon Gillenwater brought the characters and the issue the characters face to life in a way that made it real and believable. This book intrigued me because it was about PTSD, something I think this country needs to recognize a lot better. It didn't disappoint. The author knew her stuff and did her research on the widespread trauma that our soldiers are facing. The fact that it also portrays how God can heal your broken spirit and heart in a way that doesn't over power you is great too.
I felt I could relate to both characters, having gone through what I did. The main female character, Jenna Callahan Colby, is a beautiful mother with a broker, bruised spirit. Her husband, Jimmy Don, left her and her son. She suffered from a deep depression, which only the Lord and her son could help bring her out of. After moving back home, she never thought she would love again. I can relate to the depression and the feeling alone and helpless. When Jenna realized that there was only one person who could heal her, and that was God, I was right there with her. She has a strong faith, one which I admire greatly, and tried hard to be the mother, daughter, and woman she needed to be for those she loved.
The main male character in the book is Nate Langley, former cowboy, farmer, and Iraqi/Afghanistan war hero. He is coming home after 10 years, 2 deployments, and a severe injury in the Army to help his parents on the farm. He is also starting to noticed the signs of PTSD. I won't go in to detail about the plot of the book. Suffice it to say that the author portrays the symptoms quite well. I know because I've heard stories and witnessed it first hand in some of the soldiers I've met since my husband died. His story ends happily, while many soldiers, in real life, will not. He faces his problem and seeks what little help there is out there for him, and especially comfort from his God.
There is no action, mystery or great suspense. Just a sweet love story about healing and the power of God to make things whole. I loved this book, bought the second and third book in the series and can't wait to read them!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jennas-cowboy-sharon-gillenwater/1100376998?ean=9780800733537
That being said, I read this book in about 3 days. I absolutely loved it. Sharon Gillenwater brought the characters and the issue the characters face to life in a way that made it real and believable. This book intrigued me because it was about PTSD, something I think this country needs to recognize a lot better. It didn't disappoint. The author knew her stuff and did her research on the widespread trauma that our soldiers are facing. The fact that it also portrays how God can heal your broken spirit and heart in a way that doesn't over power you is great too.
I felt I could relate to both characters, having gone through what I did. The main female character, Jenna Callahan Colby, is a beautiful mother with a broker, bruised spirit. Her husband, Jimmy Don, left her and her son. She suffered from a deep depression, which only the Lord and her son could help bring her out of. After moving back home, she never thought she would love again. I can relate to the depression and the feeling alone and helpless. When Jenna realized that there was only one person who could heal her, and that was God, I was right there with her. She has a strong faith, one which I admire greatly, and tried hard to be the mother, daughter, and woman she needed to be for those she loved.
The main male character in the book is Nate Langley, former cowboy, farmer, and Iraqi/Afghanistan war hero. He is coming home after 10 years, 2 deployments, and a severe injury in the Army to help his parents on the farm. He is also starting to noticed the signs of PTSD. I won't go in to detail about the plot of the book. Suffice it to say that the author portrays the symptoms quite well. I know because I've heard stories and witnessed it first hand in some of the soldiers I've met since my husband died. His story ends happily, while many soldiers, in real life, will not. He faces his problem and seeks what little help there is out there for him, and especially comfort from his God.
There is no action, mystery or great suspense. Just a sweet love story about healing and the power of God to make things whole. I loved this book, bought the second and third book in the series and can't wait to read them!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jennas-cowboy-sharon-gillenwater/1100376998?ean=9780800733537
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Shattered by Dani Pettrey
Shattered
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 2
Bethany House, Jan 2013
ISBN: 9780764209833
When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.
When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 2
Bethany House, Jan 2013
ISBN: 9780764209833
When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.
When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.
Read an excerpt.
My Review: After the agonizing wait I endured for this book to come, Shattered by Dani Pettrey, did not disappoint. Dani Pettrey is an excellent writer. She makes the characters come alive. I feel like they are real (or maybe that's just my wild imagination). I get so involved with the characters and the story she tells that I don't want the book to end. This book leads us back to the side story from book one, Submerged. Piper McKenna and Deputy Landon Grainger are the main characters in this exciting story of murder, mystery, and of course, God's love.
Deputy Landon Grainger has sworn to uphold the law, see justice done, and protect those he loves. He was "adopted" into the McKenna family and has known them for years. He is strong, protective, and honest. He is also in love, and fighting it every step of the way. I don't really know how else to describe Landon, except that I would want him fighting for me and protecting me :) (haha).
Piper McKenna is the baby of the family. She is sweet, loving, and tenderhearted woman who loves adventure, and can be independent and stubborn to a fault. Her and Landon have a unique relationship, him always trying to keep her out of trouble and from harm, and her pushing him to the limits whenever possible. I love how everyone in these two books tries to shelter Piper as much as possible. Whenever something happens, the characters first reaction is "this will kill Piper" or something to that effect. It really brings to light her character and how much everyone in the community, and especially her family, loves her.
The plot starts moving from the first page! The McKenna's long lost brother, Reef, shows up covered in blood, shortly after a woman has been murdered. He is arrested as the most logical suspect, and the evidence is unreal. It's up to Piper to prove his innocence. The twists and turns of this story will keep you on the edge of your seat, while the romance and the blossoming love will make you yearn to get to the ending (because of course, it's a happy one!). The message in this book is the same as in the first. God's love is all encompassing, and when a person REALLY, TRULY submits their lives, their hearts, their whole beings to God, they can change, no matter what they've done in the past.
I read this book in three days. THREE! That's how much I loved it. I wish the next book in the series (because there HAS to be another one) was out already! I need to know what happens between Darcy and Gage, Kayden and Jake, and then Reef! READ THIS BOOK! You won't regret it, I promise! ;)
**I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers for an honest review**
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Submerged by Dani Pettrey
Submerged
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 1
ISBN-13: 9780764209826
Baker Publishing Group, 5/2012
A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.
Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.
Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 1
ISBN-13: 9780764209826
Baker Publishing Group, 5/2012
A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.
Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.
Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?
My Review: I am so excited to be reviewing this book, because I know in a few days I'll have book #2 in the series! This was an excellent book, and I read it in 2 days! Submerged by Dani Pettrey is the first book in the Alaskan Courage series. It takes us to a small town Yancey Alaska (I know, who would have thought!) :p and introduces us to a range of characters, but focuses on 2 main characters: Bailey Craig and Cole McKenna.
Cole McKenna is a search and rescue diver. He also owns an adventure tourist post in Yancey. So, when the plane carrying his friend Henry and the town's most beloved "Lady Agnes" he was immediately ready to help in the search and rescue mission. As events unfold and it becomes clear that Agnes is not going to make it, his thoughts turn to Bailey. Bailey and Cole have a past. He hasn't seen her in almost 12 years, not since she broke his heart and went on a downward spiral that absolutely killed him to watch. However, 12 years have past and he's a different man. He's determined to befriend her again.
Bailey Craig is the niece and only family of Agnes. She is devastated at the news of her aunt's passing. She doesn't, however, want to go back to Yancey. She'd spent years after all, trying to forget her life there. She returns, with the intention of only staying a week, TOPS. She doesn't want to deal with her past, and she definitely doesn't want to see Cole, the one man she ever truly loved.
This book is filled with suspense, mystery, and a sweet love story. As both characters struggle to come to terms with the past and all that happened between them, we see the underlying message of the book come to life. God loves us, and when we accept Him into our lives, we become NEW CREATURES! (Let me take a minute to shout right there, HALLELUJAH!) Old things are passed away, and we become like new. It also reminds us that when we hurt, we need to run TO God, not away from Him. He's the only one who can heal the hurt.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next one!!
About the Author: Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and her latest release, Silenced. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson. Find Dani on Facebook or Twitter.
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