Category: Christian Romance

The Joy of Falling

By Lindsay Harrel

MY THOUGHTS

A book that has so much emotion…and has my mind spinning. Books that make me think about life,and how a God wants us to live it…books that make me introspective are usually the five star reads for me. This gets those stars because I’m going to be thinking about this one for a while! 

The three main characters are really well done. The book goes back and forth between the two sisters-in-law’s point-of-view. I really liked that because it gives an insight into two people both experiencing the loss of a husband, but even they do not understand each other as they walk through the emotions of it.

The plot is an interesting one, and I loved running back when I could. The place is unique, and I enjoyed that. For me,though, it was the characters that kept me turning the pages. 

The shared mother-in-law was a source and pretty much the source for the faith theme.There were some great quotes from her that really make the reader think about their standing before God and how we think about Him.

So in the end with my connections felt to the characters…and the faith thread that brought a lot of thought about God, His ways, and learning from them, this book makes my forever shelves.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The House at the End of the Moor

By Michelle Griep


MY THOUGHTS

Another fantastic novel by this author! 

I really enjoyed this book…one of the best parts is that it is so different from the other reads I’ve had of late. The suspense and mystery is well done with several twists and turns. The plot and storyline keep the reader turning the pages.

I also really liked the characters. Part of it is light hearted and funny…the Michelle Griep that you see in Out of the Frying Pan comes out in this read to make some wonderfully fun moments. There is also a lot of sadness and reality in this read as well. The characters aren’t perfect…but so perfectly written.

This book also puts forth a strong and wonderful faith message which is lacking in much of Christian Fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed it in this read, and it is well woven into the storyline and characters.

This is a terrific story…one which has a spot on my forever shelves!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Out of the Embers

By Amanda Cabot

MY THOUGHTS

This was an enjoyable prairie type story with suspense on the side. I really fell in love with the characters, especially Polly. Evelyn is a wonderful heroine with flaws, but with a heart full of love. The story has a wonderful plot with a surprise near the end. The suspense really adds to the appeal of the sweet story.

It’s a wonderful plot line, though pretty predictable, the story is hard to put down. I enjoyed getting to know the main male character,Wyatt as well as a host of terrific secondary characters in the town.

This was another one with a nice faith theme woven through the story…a story of hope and forgiveness. The main characters had rough childhoods, but the circumstances were used to create strong and stubborn personalities. Ones that knew how to survive. People that knew their life stories were written by God.

I look forward to getting to know Mesquite Springs and it’s citizens better as the series progresses.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Runaway Bride

By Jody Hedlund

MY THOUGHTS

What another terrific read by Jody Hedlund. I knew nothing about the bride ships until her first book. I had to wonder what would make a woman do something that seemed so drastic…England to Canada. Not only do they plan on marrying someone they don’t know yet, but they are in a totally new country across many miles of seas.
Ms. Hedlund does a great job of answering those questions by using probable situations. I really enjoyed the main characters in this book…their faults and all. The struggling of class really wasn’t important in Canada…but that was how these women were reared.

Love the quotes from the pastor that enter Peter’s mind as he lives his life after Christ changed his heart which changed his actions. The faith theme in this book is a good one. The theme of loving all of God’s children is terrific as well. I want to point out this is an adult read, at least in my opinion. If you think you have someone young in mind for it, I do recommend reading it yourself first. It’s a terrific story, but not all stories were meant for all ages. The carefulness that Peter shows in the relationship is terrific, and that is what true love is!

The continuing story of Mercy from the first book was a special treat. I enjoyed hearing about the other characters as well.

The story has terrific and realistic characters, a wonderful plot, and a natural and well woven hope and faith thread. I really enjoy historical fiction as I learn much that I never learned from a history book. I even read an article by a Canadian that mentioned she had no idea of several facts in Canadian history that happened right in her own backyard until she read historical fiction.

I am so eagerly anticipating the rest of this series! It’s history come to life.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Their Ranch Reunion

Mindy Obenhaus

BOOK BLURB

Single mom Carly Wagner is surprised to learn she’ll have to share ownership of the home she’s inherited with her first love–and first heartbreak–Andrew Stephens. The man who fled their tiny Western town is back and standing in the way of her dreams to expand her B and B. Now a successful businessman, Andrew has eight weeks to buy Carly out. But Carly’s too stubborn to persuade–and too beautiful to ignore. When fire ravages her inn and she and her daughter move in to their shared property, Andrew’s in over his head. Time is running out and Andrew must decide: leave and chase another deal…or stay and chase Carly’s heart.

MY THOUGHTS

I don’t always enjoy short reads…or romance reads. This book however was enjoyable. I liked the characters ( I’ll admit the little girl in this book stole my heart…so precious!), the plot was Hallmark type but still enjoyable, and the story was quite well done.

This was my first book by this author…and probably not my last. Really thought the book was sweet and well written. 

There are quite a few brothers on this ranch so maybe each brother will get his story. I liked the dad, too.

I received this book from the publisher through Just Read Publicity Tours. All opinions are my own.

The Piper’s Pursuit

Melanie Dickerson

Book Synopsis

A plague of rats. A giant beast outside the village walls. A host of missing children. And one young woman determined to save her people.

MY REVIEW

Once again, this author puts forth a fascinating YA novel. Though the plot is strong, I really felt that this book was character driven. Seeing Steffan change and grow is a pleasure in this book. He takes a very common route of rebellion against his parents which didn’t turn out too well, but his story is a fascinating one. The reader really comes to like him in this story, and the growth of his character and willingness to admit his faults adds a lot to the story.

Katrina is no damsel in distress, but she can’t conquer the evil alone. Her story adds much to the novel, and the reader definitely cheers for her as she strives to help her people.

Melanie Dickerson writes some fabulous young adult novels that are intriguing and fascinating. They may be just the books to get the younger readers in your home to begin a wonderful journey in the pages of a novel.

I received this book from the publisher.All opinions are my own.

Forever Hidden

by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse

BOOK BLURB

For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant’s dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather’s health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he’s quickly offered a job–and a path to more if he wants it.

Havyn’s plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters’ musical talent at a local roadhouse. They’re an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it’s too late?

MY THOUGHTS

Forever Hidden is a sweet yet heart wrenching story of three girls who are sisters. Three incredibly talented and opinionated girls. The characters are definitely what draw the reader in to the pages. They are incredibly well developed, and they each have their own wonderful personalities with flaws to which readers can relate.

The setting of a dairy farm is well done. We have goats that we milk and use that milk to make cheese so I really enjoyed that part of the story. We use to have seventy chickens or so, but honestly I can’t say I was overly fond of them. We hope to get some in the spring, and their mention throughout the story makes me eager to get maybe six. I have never been able to raise chickens for eating either.

Just as in life, there are surprises, tests of faith, forgiveness, and hope. The faith theme is strong in this book, and I greatly appreciated the Godly truths woven in the story. This book gave me the feel of a prairie romance with a bit more realism and Alaska( which obviously isn’t a prairie!) .

I’m eagerly awaiting the next read in this series.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

End Game

by Rachel Dylan

MY THOUGHTS


This book is quite a ride so hang on to your seat!

It’s got a great plot that keeps the reader engaged to the last page. There are a lot of characters in this book, but the author did a great job of giving just enough suspense to be engaged…but not so much that you end up totally lost at the end. Yes, that has happened before. The never ending twists and turns are fascinating, and they also make sense. The plot seems a plausible one.

The characters are relatable and well developed. They don’t get lost in the suspense and drama of the read. I really loved that about this book. The romance was there, but well done not overdone.

I really enjoyed this book by Rachel Dylan. She has become an author I want to follow and must read. If you love mystery and suspense grab a copy of End Game…grab the book and take the ride! 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

Collateral Damage

by Lynette Eason

BOOK BLURB

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others–but her days of helping military personnel are over. She’s got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she’s not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way–terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn’t there–but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can’t take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he’s not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack–and that her secrets go even deeper than his own–Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and will have your heart working overtime.

MY THOUGHTS

An intense fast paced read through most of the pages, lots occurs from Afghanistan to Tajikistan to the US. The suspense is held well through most of the book. Everyone from cops, to military, to eventually the FBI is involved in this one.

The characters are quite well done, and I really liked the main characters in this book. Though at times they seemed to act out of character, especially Brooke. They were military, though, so that isn’t perhaps unusual. The plot itself didn’t seem very realistic, and that was really the only negative to the fast paced romantic suspense. For me, the romance wasn’t too much so the ratio that is so frequently discussed about romantic suspense-well, this was just about as perfect as you can get for me.

I really liked how the author wove the faith thread into the book. In a fast paced suspense read that isn’t always easy. It was incredibly well done.

This was a great read that I would definitely recommend to all the suspense fans out there.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

An Uncommon Woman

by Laura Frantz

MY THOUGHTS

I look forward to this authors books every year. They are always a special treasure of a well woven storytelling. This one is no different.

The setting is set so incredibly well done that the reader is taken along on the adventure of those who long ago set off to a new frontier to establish homes, communities, and towns. There was so much danger in that- whether it be seen or unseen-they risked their lives to live differently, to experience a new place, and to put down roots in their own land.

This is the story of a young woman…a sister to five brothers, a niece, a daughter, and a friend. Each relationship is special and each relationship adds another layer to a story well told. A love story that’s so much like any other, yet it has its own difficulties. A friendship that withstands so much sadness and loss. A family that rejoices over successes and grieves over loss.

In short, this story is what makes up life. Our homes, our dreams, our hopes, most of all- our love for our fellow human beings and the building of our lives intertwined with their lives.

So take a journey back in time…to the new frontier filled with dangers of Indians, disease, and the unknown pitfalls that lie ahead. It’s a terrific novel that I recommend…as I do all of Laura Frantz’s stories.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.