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.

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.

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.

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.

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.