A Soldier’s Family
By Cheryl Wyatt
ISBN 978-0-373-87474-3
Love Inspired
Contemporary Romance
Wings of Refuge - Book 2
On A Crash Course With Love
She was the woman of pararescue jumper Manny Pena's dreams. But he'd stuck his foot in his mouth the last time he met Celia Munoz. Now, grounded after a parachuting accident, he was desperate to make amends with the beautiful widow.
But Celia wasn't having it. The last thing she needed was another man with a dangerous job--even if he had given his life to God. Yet Manny's growing commitment to her and her troubled son began to convince her that perhaps she should take her own leap of faith.
I loved Cheryl's first book, A SOLDIER'S PROMISE, but this one was even better. The snappy dialogue, the Latino characters, the strong attraction both the hero and heroine fought for differing reasons. Adding to that was a young man hurting from the loss of his father. And his mother couldn't recognize he was growing up.
The way Cheryl wove all the elements together kept me turning pages, even late at night when I should have already been in bed. Way to go! Bring on the next one in the series. How long do we have to wait?
Hidden in the Wall
By Valerie Hansen
ISBN 978-0-373-44274-4
Love Inspired Suspense
Contemporary Romance
Reunion Revelations - Book 1
Murder At Magnolia College
A young woman's skeleton was found buried on the campus grounds. Contractor Trevor Whittaker couldn't get the cold-case murder out of his mind. Who was the woman? Why was she killed? And did his lovely boss's father, a wealthy, secretive benefactor of the college, have anything to do with it?
Family and friends warned Alumni Director Stephanie Kessler to stay away from her new employee. They said Trevor was still the same bad boy he'd been ten years ago, but Stephanie wasn't the same mousy girl. So, this time, they both had something to prove.
I love books by Valerie Hansen. This one is no exception. She creates strong characters, and her dialogue is witty and believable. The suspense kept me turning pages. Unfortunately, this is the first book in a series, so I'll have to wait for the rest of them to watch the complete story unfold. At least, the romance developed in a satisfying way. Of course, the next book will have a different hero and heroine.
Return to Baragula
By Mary Hawkins
ISBN 978-0-980-45231-0
Ark House
Contemporary Fiction
Emily Parker's actions as a teenager not only impacted her own life but the lives of many others. Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only to discover the man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the community's respected doctor.
While Emily's faith is now severely weakened by all that has happened, Matthew's life has completely turned around since he committed his life to Christ. His personal relationship with God is tested when he discovers how his behavior when a non-believer hurt so many, especially Emily, and feels responsible for her hardness of heart toward the Lord.
Disease attacks the community while danger from another source threatens Emily and her family. Through it all, will Matthew's and Emily's faith be strong enough to forgive each other and put the past behind them?
Years ago, I became fascinated with Australia, reading everything I could find about that continent nation. Eventually, a missionary friend introduced me to Lucy Walker novel. I scoured the used bookstores and collected quite a collection, which I read with interest.
Later after my first book was published, I found Mary Hawkins. The same publisher also published several books from her. I've loved them all.
RETURN TO BARAGULA is her best book yet. As a reader, I was taken into the very hearts and souls of the characters. I have to admit that I stayed up far too late last night because the story wouldn't let me go.
I'm glad to know this is the first book in a series. Bring on the next one soon, please.
Promises, Promises
By Amber Miller
ISBN 978-1-59789-939-0
Heartsong Presents
Romance
Pennsylvania Historical series - Book 1
Has God Forsaken Raelene?
Raelene Strattford knows God has promised never to leave or forsake her. But after the catastrophic deaths of her parents, she doesn't believe it. What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice?
Gustaf Hanssen has admired Raelene form afar for a while, but his poor attempt at courting her in the past has made him unwelcome in her life. When Gustaf promises Raelene's dying fahter that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined.
To keep his word must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?
This debut novel by Amber Miller is a good read. The story contains the flavor of the early 1700s in our emerging country. I especially liked the emphasis on the importance of keeping promises lived out in the lives of the characters in this novel.
Better Than Gold
By Laurie Alice Eakes
ISBN 978-1-60260-048-5
Heartsong Presents
Historical Romance
Iowa Brides series - Book 3
Lily Is Tired Of Her One-horse Town.
Lily Reese can't wait to escape Browning City, Iowa. She's sure she'll be happier in the big city, if only she can save enough money to get there.
But then Ben Purcell rides into town, threatening not only Lily's place of residence and growing sense of family, but her safety and peace of mind as well. And Ben has every intention of sticking around and becoming a small-town guy. How can Lily even consider the feelings he evokes in her?
Romors of a long-lost cache of gold bring danger swirling around them, but Lily and Ben find themselves on a quest for something more. Will releasing their plans and desires bring heartache or a reward they had never imagined?
My review is colored by the fact that I wrote the first book in this series, A DAUGHTER'S QUEST. Lisa Harris followed that with TARA'S GOLD. Laurie Alice's book is a fitting end to this series built around a lost shipment of government gold.
I love the characters. Lily is spunky and Ben a strong, godly man. Their differences of opinion bring a spark to their conversations. This book will keep readers turning pages. There are enough plot twists to keep them guessing until the very end. A very good writing job, Laurie Alice.
I highly recommend this book.
Wedding Bell Blues
By Linda Windsor
ISBN 978-0-06-117137-6
Avon Inspire
Contemporary Romance
Not even a big budget can help Alex make her sister's wedding the event of the year. The usually calm and collected Alex is rattled when the man who walked out on her sixteen years ago to pursue a rock-and-roll career returns to be the best man. In desperation, she calls on her three best friends to help pull off the shindig, and keep her away from the devastatingly handsome Josh. Tomboy Ellen, shy Jan, and vivacious Sue Ann join forces to keep Alex on track. But fate won't be stopped in this small seaside town. Alex finds it as impossible to avoid Josh as it is to deny that he's a changed man. Is it too late for their love? Only faith, family, and best friends will tell.
I have always loved Linda Windsor's books, so it's a wonder that I hadn't read this one before now. Blame it on recovery from a damaged knee and book deadlines that let this book get lost in the shuffle. I won't let that happen with the next one.
Linda puts enough sizzle between Alex and Josh to spark a forest fire. A fire that has to be banked until their differences can be worked out. Add to that, distrust from within the family and from an outsider who is trying to ruin the family. Linda takes us deep inside her characters where their love and faith are tested to the limits. The emotional and spiritual depth plays well in contrast to the witty, funny writing style.
If you haven't read this book, get a copy right away.
Death on a Deadline
By Christine Lynxwiler, Jan Reynolds, Sandy Gaskin
ISBN 978-1-59789-481-4
Heartsong Presents Mysteries
Contemporary Cozy Mystery
Sleuthing Sisters Mystery - Book 1
Headline News--
Jenna Stafford's nephew is accused of killing his boss, the newspaper editor. But stop the presses! Jenna recruits her sister, Carly, and they go undercover to get the scoop on the murder. Will the next headline proclaim JENNA AND CARLY EXPOSE KILLER? Or will the sleuthing sisters end up featured subjects in tomorrow's obit column?
This team of authors who are sisters in real life get the job done in an excellent manner. The slightly quirky characters lead a merry chase through the book, with Jenna finding proof--one by one--that almost everyone in town, except the Chief of Police, is the murderer.
I enjoyed the journey through this mystery, and there were plenty of surprises to keep me turning the pages. If you like cozy mysteries, you'll love this book. If you've never tried one, this would be a good intro into the genre.
A lady of Hidden Intent
By Tracie Peterson
ISBN 978-0-7642-0472-2
Bethany House
Historical Fiction
Ladies of Liberty
A life of privilege becomes only a distant memory when Catherine Newbury's father is falsely imprisoned and she is whisked away from her home in England to America. Forced to disguise her past and create a completely new life, Catherine takes on a servant's last name and carves out a tenuous future for herself as a seamstress. Soon her dress designs are sought throughout Philadelphia.
When the dashing Carter Danby accompanies his mother and sister for a design consultation, Catherine suddenly encounters her past face-to-face. Is Carter's avid interest in her genuine. . .or does he, as she suspects, recognize her as a young lady he met while touring England? She cannot deny the attraction, but admitting her true identity may jeopardize her father's only hope for freedom. Will Catherine be forced to sacrifice her dreams of love?
When I received a post from one of my fans comparing my writing favorably with that of Tracie Peterson and Lauraine Snelling, I counted it as high praise. Tracie has long been one of my favorite authors. When a readers pick up one of her books, they can be assured of a very good read.
A LADY OF HIDDEN INTENT is no exception. Well-developed characters, interesting settings with the rich texture of the era, whatever time period she writes about. Details that pull the reader into the heart of the story. All of these and more shine from this book.
I highly recommend it.
Missing Persons
By Shirlee McCoy
ISBN 978-0-373-44278-2
Love Inspired Suspense
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Reunion Revelations - Book 2
Secrets surface when old friends--and foes--get together.
Leave While You Still Can
The warning had been spray-painted on Lauren Owens's walls. And whoever had vandalized her house meant business. But Lauren coulnd't--wouldn't--leave the Magnolia College campus. Not when she'd finally found her way back to Seth Chartrand, the single father who'd broken her heart years ago. And not when the cold-case murder everyone was talking about remained scarily unsolved--including the young woman's identity. Because lauren had a sinking feeling she knew exactly who the victim was. . .
This suspense series contains a satisfying story in each book, with a sinister mystery pulling the reader toward the next book.
I've loved every Shirlee McCoy book I've read. Her style is easy to read, but contains a punch necessary to this type of suspense. I love her characters and the premise of this book's story. She keeps the reader guessing about the identity of the person who is trying to get Lauren to leave town. And just enough hints from the larger mystery.
Don’t Look Back
By Margaret Daley
ISBN 978-0-373-44282-9
Love Inspired Suspense
Contemporary Romance
Reunion Revelations: Secrets surface when old friends--and foes--get together (Book 3)
Clues to a Killer
Who, What, Where, when, and why. Those were the questions journalism professor Jameson King lived by. But the murder of his protege, a young newspaper reporter, remained a mystery. One that Jameson--and the reporter's grief-striken sister--vowed to solve. But working with Cassie Winters wasn't easy. A former student ten years his junior, the stunning redhead was too young, too full of life, for a man like him. A man with a secret concerning her brother. . .a secret that might tear them apart forever.
Margaret Daley is one of my favorite Love Inspired authors. She always delivers a very good read whether it is just a straight romance or romantic suspense. She was a good choice to be a part of the Reunion Revelations team. Her story fit seamlessly into the series.
With intriguing characters and a strong storyline, this book pulls the reader into the heart of the suspense for this individual story and overall mystery as well.
In His Sights
By Carol Steward
ISBN 978-0-373-44286-7
Love Inspired Suspense
Contemporary Romance
Reunion Revelations: Secrets surface when old friends--and foes--get together. (Book 4)
She Was Being Watched
All eyes were on Dee Owens--including a killer's. The publicist's job was to assure the Magnolia College community that the campus was safe. . .despite two murders. But someone was watching Dee too closely, following her, making anonymous phone calls in a voice that sounded eerily familiar. And every time she turned around, there was her boss, handsome Brazilian Edgar Ortiz. He insisted on protecting her. And now it wasn't just fear sending those chills racing up her spine. . .
I loved this book. Who wouldn't like a handsome Latin hero? His brooding presence in the lives of his sister and Dee Owens kept the book simmering on many levels. Dark nights and people hiding the shadows increased the suspense. You'll want to read this whole series.
A Face in the Shadows
By Lenora Worth
Steeple Hill Suspense
ISBN 978-0-373-44290-4
Contemporary
Reunion Revelations: Secrets surface when old friends--and foes--get together. (Book 5)
Did He Kill Josie Skerritt?
Everyone--including the police--suspected Parker Buchannan of the ten-year-old murder. But Kate Brooks knew the brooding loner couldn't have done it. He was her young son's hero, and Kate had fallen hard for the reclusive author. Town gossips demanded Parker explain the incriminating exidence found with his initials on it. But Parker couldn't. Kate knew proving his innocence would take all their faith--and fast thinking--combined. Because the real killer was setting them up for a double murder--their own.
Lenora Worth really knows how to craft a story the reader has a hard time putting down. This one is no exception. Dark secrets, shaky faith, unfulfilled love and more. The characters leap from the page into the heart of the reader. Another masterful job, Lenora.
Now bring on the last book in the series. I must know how the mystery ends.
The Bride Wore Overalls
By Debra Ullrick
ISBN 978-1-60260-031-7
Heartsong Presents
Contemporary Romance
Can Bitter Rivals Come To Love Each Other?
Fighting deep prejudice against her femininity, her choice of vehicle, and ever her heritage, Camara Cole is determined to win the mud-bog racing championship this year. Her biggest competition seems also to be her worst enemy.
Chase Lamar has been racing mud-boggers as long as Camara, and he grudgingly admits she's the best driver-mechanic he knows. Their rivalry has been long and bitter. But Chase is a new Christian. As he begins to change, he finds his relationship with Camara changing, too.
When Camara's vehicle is sabotaged, she naturally blames Chase, despite a growing attraction. Chase must prove his innocence, but evidence points his way. When the smoke clears and the truth is known, will each be able to extend forgiveness, maybe even love?
This is a debut novel for author Debra Ullrick, and a very good one. Dealing with a subject matter that I've never seen in any of the books I've read, it drew me to learn all I could about the subject from the story.
I loved Debra's characters, and the conflict was very real between them. Her attention to detail kept the story interesting. I recommend this book.
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