Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Cottage by Michael Phillips






















Michael Phillips Continues His Sweeping Shetland Islands Saga
When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs. She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it. But when she arrives in the North Sea enclave, she is stunned to find that "the Cottage" is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir.

The locals could hardly be more surprised that the heir is a woman--and an American. Loni, in turn, finds the islanders quaint and a bit behind the times. Expecting David to be as provincial as the rest of his clan, she discovers that there is far more to the man than meets the eye. And there is something about the peaceful atmosphere of the place--and the character of its most prominent citizen--that soon gets under her skin.

Beneath the peaceful surface, however, change is threatening the island of Whale's Reef. David's cousin Hardy Tulloch, whose claim to the inheritance now in Loni's hands was backed by oil investors, has not been deterred in his aim to control the island. But his co-conspirators have plans of their own, plans that put Loni's very life in danger.    

My Thoughts
I had a hard time reading this book for some reason.  I have never read any of this author's books.  This is book 2 from the series and I am wondering if I have read book 1 I might have an easier time getting into this book.  The story is interesting and it took me a while to finish this book.

I got this book from Bethany House Publishers.  This is my own thought of this book.

Monday, October 3, 2016

The Wish by Beverly Lewis


















The Wish
Beverly Lewis
A Compelling Story of Friendship from the Top Author in Amish Fiction
Leona Speicher got the "sister" she'd always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County Amish farmland. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be everything a devout Plain family should be, and Leona can't help comparing Gloria's engaging young parents to her own.

Leona's cousin shows a romantic interest in Gloria around the same time as Gloria's older brother expresses his fondness for Leona--it seems likely the two young women will marry into each other's families, remaining close friends for life. Thus, Leona is shocked when the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear after being expelled from the church for reasons no one will discuss. Despite Leona's pleas, Gloria goes with them, leaving more than one broken heart behind.

When Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona after a silence of several years, Leona makes up her mind to persuade her friend to return to Lancaster County and the Amish ways. Leona's fiancé, the deacon's son, is alarmed when Leona decides to go after Gloria. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing?

My Thoughts 
I read this book in 2 days.  I couldn't put it down.  I enjoyed the friendship between Leona and Gloria.  I was heartbroken for Leona when Gloria left.  I wanted to find out what happened.  It is a story of family, friendship, finding your own way, and following it.  It is a must read!!!

I was lucky to received this book from Bethany House Publishers.  This is my own thoughts and opinion of this book.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Jesus Talked to Me Today by James Stuart Bell

Jesus Talked to Me Today by James Stuart Bell

Jesus Talked to Me Today by James Stuart Bell
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Children have a special place in Jesus' heart. He told His disciples to "Let the little children come to me," encouraged them to welcome children in His name, and said that their angels continually see the face of God. Maybe that's why children are often more receptive to miraculous experiences than adults.

This collection of awe-inspiring true stories reveals how God works in the lives of these precious little ones. Through heartwarming accounts of children who have heard Jesus speak, encountered angels, and experienced miracles, we get a glimpse of the way God cares for the most vulnerable among us. Just as Jesus told His disciples, we could all use more childlike faith, and these stories "from the mouths of babes" will encourage you to hear from the Lord in a fresh, sweet, and pure way.

My Thoughts: Nice encouraging reads with stories and testimonies from people young and old.  It gives me hope about what is really out there known or unknown.

Disclaimer: I was lucky to recieve a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my reviews.  This is my own honest thoughts and opinion of this book.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

No Way Up by Mary Connealy





















New Western Romance Series from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy
When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Badly injured, Chance demands that his will be read and its conditions be enforced immediately.

Without anyone else to serve as a witness, Heath is pressed into reading the will. If Justin, Sadie, and Cole Boden don't live and work at home for the entire year, the ranch will go to their low-down cousin Mike.

Then Heath discovers the avalanche was a murder attempt, and more danger might follow. Deeply involved with the family, Heath's desire to protect Sadie goes far beyond friendship. The danger keeps them close together, and their feelings grow until being apart is the last thing on their minds.






My Thoughts:
Over all I enjoyed the book.  It started out slow and it dragged on for me.  I wanted more details of the niece.  There was a lot of names to remember and I was confused at first.  It all finally made sense as I read on.  I have not read her books, and I am curious to read - if there is a next series.  I was fortunate to get this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review.   This is my own honest opinion of the book.

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl





















Romantic Suspense to Keep Readers Guessing Until the Last Page

Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. After a rough childhood, her teenage poor choices harmed others, leaving her with no choice but to change her life. Her entry-level writing job at a newspaper puts her in the right place at the right time to overhear office gossip about a prisoner who has information on a decades-old unsolved crime. While the other reporters write off the tip as the ravings of an angry criminal, Sophie can't ignore it because she knows the name of this prisoner from her old life.

Upon learning from the man that one of the other suspects is hiding out in the Missouri town of Sanctuary, she takes on a false identity to investigate and meets the young pastor of a local church--the very man she'd loved as a troubled teenager. As she gets closer to finding the suspect, will the truth of her own past come out before she discovers the identity of the criminal--or the very person she's seeking puts a fatal stop to her investigation?

My Thoughts:
What a page turner.  I was nervous and excited to find out what happened next.  I finished it in 2 days.  I was up most of the night, but that is ok.  I wanted to know how the story ends.  Great Read!!!
I got this book from Bethany House and this is my own opinion and review. 

A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawan Blackwell





















Much-Loved Lawana Blackwell Delivers Another Charming Victorian-Era TaleIn difficult circumstances, Charlotte Ward, once a famed stage actress, tries to restart her career--only to experience disaster. Against her better judgment, her estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother's rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village.

Charlotte is grateful to get to know Rosalind after years apart. As one who has regrets about her own romantic past, it's a joy for Charlotte to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching--and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could be more complicated than romance?

Together, mother and daughter discover that healing is best accomplished when they focus less on themselves and more on the needs of others.


My Thoughts
Delightful read.  I will certainly look for her other books.  Uplifting read.

I got this book from Bethany House to review.  This is my own opinion.


















Come With Me by Suzzane Eller






















Proverbs 31 Author Calls Women to a Revolutionary Faith
What if there was a real-life invitation to a lifetime of unexpected destinations and adventure? What if your faith was the key?

In her warm, conversational way, Proverbs 31 author Suzie Eller shows how your faith is just that. How when you take a step away from the uncertainty, the to-do list, the busy life, the worries and excuses, you take a step toward the One who promises to delight and surprise. Who brings you deeper than you ever thought possible.

Two thousand years ago, 12 men answered the call to follow a man they hardly knew--and they were changed in ways they never imagined. Today that same invitation echoes across history, beckoning you to an adventure that will spill into every aspect of your faith and life. Come with Me. Will you say yes?


My Thoughts:
What a great read.   It really digs deep in understanding and learning what it means to follow and go with Jesus.  This has been a blessing to read and that I will treasure forever.  Comforting and hopeful.

I was fortunate to get this book from Bethany House Publishers.  This is my own honest thought and opinion of this book.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Her One and Only by Becky Wade



















After ten years in the NFL, superstar Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt--none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she's determined to find Gray's stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they'll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives--and their hearts--to one another


MY THOUGHTS:




 
I enjoyed reading this book.  It had romance, suspense, mystery, funny moments, and it kept me guessing to figure out the bad guy.  This is book 4 and I didn't feel lost since I didn't read the other 3 books in this series.  I will definitely look for the other books to read over summer.  I was lucky to receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing Group.  This is my own honest review.  I also read the story about the cover.  The couple featured are real life husband and wife.  I was drawn to the couple and I could see the chemistry. 

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg



 







 
  A mystery. And a love they didn't see coming.

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she knew who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.


My thoughts:  I enjoyed reading this book.   I will certainly look for her books.  
I got this book from Bethany House Publishers.  This is my own thoughts and opinion.

Influenster Maybelline Matte and Poreless



I was excited to get this product from Influenster.   This is from Maybelline Matte and Poreless Foundation.  I received shade 222 True Beige.  I like it so far.  It is smooth, blends really nice, and a little bit goes a long way.  It is not heavy and it looks natural. 



I am pleased with this product line.  It will be added to my favorites!  Thanks Influenster!!!

This was sent to me by Influenster to try, test, and review this Fit Me Foundation.  This is my own opinion.  Everything else I used for my make up I purchased with my own money.  

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Braking For Bodies by Duffy Brown



















Evie Bloomfield puts the pedal to the metal—in the latest Cycle Path mystery from the national bestselling author of Geared for the Grave.

Moving from Los Angeles to small, picturesque Mackinac Island to work in a bike shop might seem crazy, but Evie knows it’s the best decision she’s ever made. That’s not to say she’s gotten rid of all her stress; after all, the upcoming Lilac Festival has everyone in town riding in circles.

But things really go downhill when a ferry full of tourists—including Evie’s friend Fiona’s former boss, the editor of a sleazy rag in LA—arrives on the island. No one knows why Peephole Perry came all the way to Mackinac, but things aren’t looking good for Fiona when Peep is found dead. Now Evie has to gear up and get a grip on the truth if she wants to clear her friend’s name...

 My thoughts
I really enjoyed this book.   This is the second book in  her series for A Cycle Path Mystery.  It is set in Mackinaw Island.  This book has charm, heart warming characters, and very funny!  I felt like I was in the island with Evie, biking all over town.  I could relate to her huffing and puffing.  This had me trying to guess and figure out who did it.  I was entertained reading this.  I hope there is another book coming out. 


 I was so lucky to get an advance copy of this book from Duffy Brown.   This is my own opinion and honest review.   I plan to get book one Geared for The Grave so my set will be complete for this series.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell

 

















West Point History Comes Alive in this Warmhearted Romance
Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.

Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He's kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth's mother's money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn't fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It's too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won't she?



My thoughts:
Enjoyable read, engaging characters and a great background.  I got this book from Bethany House in exchange for my review.  I will look more into her other books. 

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Amish Sweethearts by Leslie Gould



 

















Amish Sweethearts (Neighbors of Lancaster County Book 2)

by Leslie Gould 


Can These Two Friends from Opposite Worlds Find Love?

They've been best friends for years, but as high school ends, Zane Beck can't help but look at his Amish neighbor, Lila Lehman, with different eyes. Her controlling father sees only one future for Lila, though, and arranges for her to be courted by an upstanding young Amish man. When Zane sees the two together, his plans for the future crumble, and he impulsively enlists in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this book.  I know I say that a lot, but it was like visiting an old friend that I haven't talked to in a while.  I remember Zane and Lila from the first book of this series.  I got to read them grow up, learn about the world, love and family.  I hope Leslie Gould will have a part 3 of this series.  I read it in a few days and wanted to know what happens next, yet I did not want it to end also.

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my review.  This is my own personal opinion and I was not paid to give my reviews.   

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Beyond The Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know--and Mrs. Goodman, Woody's long-time housekeeper, is decisively on Woody's side--but many in town stay far away from Lillian because of her association with the Colton family.

Lillian's six-year-old charge, Jimmy, was there when his mother died, and he hasn't spoken a word since. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to tell her the truth about what happened. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

My thoughts:
I read this book in 2 days.  I could have finished it in 1.  It had my attention the moment I read the first page.  There were clues and I was hoping Woody, would put the puzzle together if Lillian didn't.  Enjoyable characters, very down to Earth and welcoming.  This book showed us the power of prayers, and how hurtful rumors and gossips can be.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers.  This is my own opinion of this book.

Friday, January 1, 2016

At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

She Sells Priceless Antiques.
He Sells Livestock by the Pound.
Is He Really the Man to Make a Bid for Her Heart?

After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.

Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count--but no mysterious painting--Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this book.  Beautifully written and it just pulls you in.

Note:
I received this book from Bethany House to review and this my own opinion.