Without Warning by Lynette Eason

My book review of Lynette Eason's latest book, Without Warning of the Elite Guardians series.

I should know by now that I will NOT be disappointed with a book by Ms. Eason. I enjoy every book she writes! I am really looking forward to the third book in this series. I like her strong heroines and even stronger heroes. I like that these ladies are in an unusual career for women, even in this modern age. Although they are bodyguards they still maintain their feminine side. It is so refreshing to find an author who can convey that type of character. Their men are also strong masculine types without being neanderthals. :) So if you have never read a book by Lynette Eason pick up the first book in this series of Elite Guardians and get yourself hooked! I give this book a 5 star rating!!



Until next time... JenT

The Chase

I entered a giveaway a couple of weeks ago and then forgot about it.  Ha!  I won!  Wow.  I almost missed the email saying I had won.  I'm so glad my husband decided to figure out how to get into my old email account that I had thought was lost to me forever.  He forwarded the email to me and I contacted the author.  I soon received this book in the mail.  Autographed and everything!  To say the least, I was so excited!!

This book has been on my "to-get" list for quite a while.  It has many of my favorite elements in it; it's suspense, it has a touch of romance, it's set in Texas :).  Let me tell you a little about it.

Kariss Walker is a TV reporter turned women's fiction author turned suspense author.  As a TV reporter in Houston years ago, she had reported on a case that continues to haunt her; a little girl discovered dead.  The girl was never identified and the case was now an FBI cold case.  Kariss decides to write a book about it and enlists the help of local FBI agent Tigo Harris to learn more on FBI procedure.  In tagging along with Tigo and his partner she becomes involved in their current case; illegal gun-running into Mexico.  The clues point to what just may be a connection between the two cases.  The gang they are trying to catch is mercilessly brutal and the danger mounts for both of them. 

What more can you want in a suspense book?  I must say I was pleasantly surprised that the element of romance was so low in this book.  Kariss and Tigo are still just friends at the end of the book, but a second book is coming out that features these two characters again.  So it makes me wonder - will their relationship step up a notch?  DiAnn Mills' second book in this series; Crime Scene: Houston, is titled The Survivor and it has just been put on my "to-get" list.

If you want to read this exciting Christian Suspense book just follow either of these two links; Amazon.com or CBD.  You can also check out DiAnn Mills' website to see about her other books.

This review is totally my own idea and I am not being paid by the author or publisher or anyone else. 


Until next time...

JenT

Vanished

 As a busy homeschooling mom with 11 children, I have to limit my reading for pleasure time.  Some of that time is used to read self-improvement books, so that narrows down my reading time for fiction even more.  Since that has happened I have become more and more picky about what I read.  My favorite genre is Christian Fiction Suspense.  I've always loved a good mystery and I'm a Christian.

Irene Hannon has quickly become one of my favorite authors in this genre.  Her latest book, Vanished, is just as good as her previous works.  She develops both characters and plot to be believable.  Her details are amazing.  I know a lot of research must go into each book.  Vanished opens with a dark and stormy night.  lol  But it's not the corny story you see on Peanuts.  The heroine, Moira, hits someone on a lonely back road, but her victim vanished.  A Good Samaritan who stopped to help her has also vanished.  Now she has the task of making the police believe her story.  When they don't find any clues and her dreams are tormented by the victim's terrified face, Moira decides to take her case to private investigator, Cal Burke.
Cal has his own demons to face, but decides that this case is worth taking.
The book takes them through their own soul-searching journeys while they hunt for the two people she saw that night.
In Vanished, you know who the antagonist is, but the hard work of gathering evidence is what makes the book suspenseful.  Will they gather enough in time, or will they become victims also?

I highly recommend this book and others by Irene Hannon.  You can purchase Vanished here.
Vanished - ***** 5 stars!

Until next time...

 JenT

Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson (book review)

 I received an Advanced Reader Copy to read and review.  It was not a problem, I assure you. :)



When it comes to suspense, Dee Henderson is my favorite author.  Her books are very well written.  She has just the right amount of romance without taking away from the suspense element.  Her build up is great.  She doesn't give it all away in the first 3 chapters, but lets the suspense hang and slowly feeds you a tidbit at a time.  Full Disclosure is all Dee Henderson.  I love the fact that she has pulled in characters from her other books.  This is a totally stand alone read, but it makes you want to read her other books.  If you have already read them, it's a delight to see the characters you already know put in an appearance.  Ann Silver is someone I would like to have for a friend.  And Paul Falcon is so right for her.  They are both such strong people, but each has their own personal vulnerabilities.  They complement each other very well and are able to support the other one's strengths and help overcome the weaknesses.  Their personalities are just right for this story.  There is a lot of patience required in the case and they both have it in abundance.  That patience spills over into their relationship which is also an area it is needed.  I can't say more without giving away the whole book.  It is definitely a book worth investing in.  I highly recommend it to all Dee Henderson fans, and anyone who loves a good story.

This book is not an overly romantic book, but it does have romance in it.  It is very conservative in taste and I absolutely loved it.

You can wait until October 2 to buy it in the stores, or you can pre-order it now through several online bookstores; www.christianbook.com and www.amazon.com are a couple you can pre-order it through.

Enjoy!


Until next time... JenT

Book Review - The Husband Tree

Oh. My. Goodness.

I love this book!

I just finished The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy. She is fast becoming one of my very favorite authors. Remember the reviews I wrote on her last book? If not, read it here.

The Husband Tree is book two in her Montana Marriages series.

She writes about Belle Tanner, who you meet in book one, Montana Rose. Belle has been through 3 husbands and has totally sworn off men. She has four daughters to raise and a ranch to run and so far has done it all without one bit of help from any man; especially her deadbeat late husbands.

When she discovers she has more cattle than she thought she had, she knows she needs to sell some to survive the winter. That means a cattle drive. And that means more help than just her daughters. She hires Silas Harden and that starts a journey she didn't plan to take.

Silas is more than she bargained for. He actually works! And he cares for her and her girls. The six of them start off on the drive and on the way pick up 3 more good men looking for a bit of work. In order to protect "his" girls, Silas pretends to be Belle's husband. But it turns out to be kind of nice.

Belle is starting to change her mind about another husband, and for once her girls agree. Does she want to make this pretend marriage a real one? Is Silas as really as good as he seems? What happens when they make it back to the ranch?

To find out you have to read this book. Really! The only sad thing is...it's not going to be released until Jan 1st, 2010. BUT WAIT - you can pre-order it through Christian Book Distributors online. Just go to my CBD search engine, type in Mary Connealy or The Husband Tree and you should be able to find it.

If I was rating this book on a star basis, with 5 being the top...I would give this book a 5 but definitely!

So put this book on your to-be-read list and go pre-order today! You'll be glad you did!


Until next time...

Book Reviews - 2 of Mary Connealy's latest books

Mary Connealy is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.


Montana Rose
released 7-1-09

Fire up your love of romance with Montana Rose, where Cassie Griffin, a seemingly spoiled pregnant woman, is widowed one day and wedded the next. Marrying handyman Red Dawson seems the only alternative to Cassie’s being hitched to a brutal rancher. But can this “China doll” bear exchanging smooth silk for coarse calico? Red was reluctant to be yoked to an unbeliever, but sometimes a man has no choice. Will Red change Cassie’s heart by changing her name? Wade Sawyer is obsessed with saving Cassie from a marriage of convenience. How far will he go make her his own?

This book is just as good as any other that Mary Connealy has written. The beginning is kind of confusing. The dead husband doesn't sound so bad at first. But as the story goes on you find out just how controlling he was. In a bad way. The mistakes that Cassie makes trying to be a good wife had me rolling. And by the time she's having the baby...I could hardly catch my breath from laughing so much. You'll love this book. Cassie learns so much about how a man is supposed to treat a wife. And she is truly blessed in her second husband. Red is a true gentleman and is very patient in teaching Cassie what she needs to know about ranch living. Even when she bungles it so often. You'll love this couple as they fall in love and strive to work together on their sudden marriage. As an added bonus, Mary has included a side plot on a wife who has made some poor choices in her life. I hope Mary writes her a better story in the future. She is a great character who needs her own story. (Mary, if you read this, take note).



Cowboy Christmas
release date 9-1-09

Singer Annette Talbot used her voice to spread the Gospel with a group of traveling missionaries. When the new leaders want her to dress provocatively and give up singing her beloved hymns, Annie escapes--but finds herself a wanted woman, accused of theft. Rancher Elijah Walker can never forgive his fiance for the death of his father. When the secretive Annie comes to stay at the Walker ranch, he could once again lose his heart to someone who could hurt him. As Christmas approaches, can Annie and Elijah put distrust aside, allow God to heal their hearts, and find the joy that the season--and true love--brings?

Another great book by Mary Connealy. This book starts off with a bang and leaves you wanting to read straight through. I think I did, as a matter of fact. The excitement that starts with the characters separately, continues once they meet. When danger comes looking for Annie again, Elijah is torn between wanting to help her and tempted to believe the worst. But truth prevails in the end and they are free to pursue their feelings. This book isn't due out until September, but look for it in your local bookstore or find my CBD search engine on the right and pre-order it.
In fact, if you haven't already, you need to order any or all of her books. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

If you are already a fan, go to Mary's blog and drop her a comment. She'll surely appreciate it. :)

With these two books behind me, I'm looking forward to what Mary writes next.


Until next time...

Book Reviews - Kids Bible Dictionary and Menu For Romance

A couple of books for your summer reading. One for the kids and one for mom. I heartily recommend them both.

Kids' Bible Dictionary

by: Jean Fischer

This is a very helpful dictionary for younger readers. The pictures are interesting and the information is concise. It is not long and drawn out and keeps their attention. With each entry there are Bible verses so that the child can look up more information on the subject. I would recommend this dictionary. You can find it at CBD. Just use the search engine on the sidebar and it will take you right to it.

Menu For Romance
Brides of Bonneterre Book 2
by Kaye Dacus

Cater to your craving for fabulous fictional fare with Menu for Romance, where a party planner finds herself torn between the collegian and the cook. When chef Major O’Hara leaves Meredith Guidry’s family’s company to start a catering firm of his own, her life has suddenly turned upside down. Does this mean the end of any future relationship between them? When an old college flame comes back into her life, begging Meredith to join him in psychological research in Annapolis, Meredith wonders if that’s what God is calling her to do. But can she bear leaving friends, family, and Major behind?

If you read Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus, then you've already met Major and Meredith. Their story is told with just as much detail, humor, and realism as Anne and George's. I already had an idea of how Kaye wrote and looked forward to this second installment in the Brides of Bonterre. I wasn't disappointed. I also look forward to the next book in this series. Menu For Romance released July 1st, so you can find your copy at your local bookstore or from CBD. I personnally recommend CBD and that you use the search engine located on my sidebar. For your convenience.

Until next time...

Mary Connealy book giveaway!

Nosy in Nebraska by Mary Connealy

I really, really like this book. I don't know what to say about it except that I was enthralled, entranced, and totally entertained. I love the characters, the story line, the outcome. It's a mystery, or actually a series of 3 mysteries, set in a small town in Nebraska. The town is full of eccentric, lovable people and a mascot. A dead mascot. A dead, field mouse mascot. Are you interested yet? How about a lady so terrified of mice she leaps into a handsome carpenter's arms. A librarian who is worried more about a long dead mouse than a recently dead man. And an anthropologist who can trip on her pants' leg while simply turning around. Then there's the lady who sells inedible pies, the one who informs everyone of their personal hygiene errors, and the one who has appointed herself bodyguard to the mouse mascot. Like I said, eccentric. I'd love to move to this town. If it were real. Which it's not. But I digress.

I could go on and on, but I've got a better idea.

One of you, my readers, will have the chance to know exactly what I'm talking about. That's right. I'm going to give away a copy of Mary's book. BTW, I won a copy from her website, and I am absolutely not going to give away that copy. Hey - she signed it for me, ok? Seriously, I will personally buy you your very own copy and send it to you. To know more about this book and its author go to her site here.

Here's how to get entries for the giveaway.

1 - leave a comment telling me your all time favorite mystery, or if you don't read mysteries, your favorite book

2 - leave a comment about books and/or reading in general

3 - leave a comment telling me if you follow my blog

So that's a total of 3 possible entries. Not very imaginative I know, but hey, I'm kind of new at this.

Now fire away with the comments and let's get this book on its way to a winner! The giveaway will be open until Wednesday noon Eastern Daylight Time.

Until next time...

Book Review - Love in a Diet by Wendy Jeub

I mentioned this book in an earlier post. I had already decided to review it today, but I also had someone ask about it.


This is not your typical diet book. For one thing, it's small. You're not bogged down with all kinds of statistics, diet myths, and menus. For another, Wendy Jeub is an average, American woman. (Or not so average if you consider that she's had 15 children). And the amazing thing is that she weighs the same now as she did at 18! How!? Well, read this book and you'll find out. How did she lose so much weight eating chocolate every day and not giving up her coffee? If you really want to know, go here and get the book. It's actually cheaper if you order it off their website.

When I got the book last week, I sat down and started reading it. She tells you not to jump right into a diet, but to make a journal of what you eat for a week. That way, you can evaluate what is going into your body. So, I'm on day 4 of the journal. No, I'm not going to tell you what I've been eating. Sheesh, people. ;)

Anyway, it's also not a diet per se, but more of a way of changing how you eat and what you eat. Oh, and a handful of walnuts really does curb the appetite. Really. I tried it.

So, I heartily recommend this book. It's short, sweet, and to the point. Plus, if you order now, you get a sample of their second cookbook that will be coming out shortly.


Until next time...

Book Review - Help! I'm Being Intimidated by the Proverbs 31 Woman!

This book cover and title:








has been updated to this (with devotional and study material added):
















Regardless, it's a good book. A really good book. It speaks the truth and is rotflol funny. (For those of you who don't know, that was rolling-on-the-floor-laughing-out-loud). Seriously, I love a book that makes me laugh out loud. And this was it. But you know what? It actually helped me. Now that is a bonus.

This is the first book I've read by Nancy Kennedy, but I sincerely hope it won't be the last. I've already got my eyes on a couple of other books by her that I'd really like to read.

Now how many of us are also intimidated by that Proverbs 31 woman? The way that chapter reads you'd think she did all of that in one day. Whew! I don't know about you, but I'm always exhausted after reading that particular chapter. Just thinking of all the things I do that don't measure up makes me - I don't know - depressed? Well, Mrs. Kennedy has taken that chapter and broken it down for us. Each chapter of her book talks about a verse of Proverbs 31 and shows us how we CAN be that woman. It just might not be in a way we originally think. We don't have to go plant cotton, pick it, spin it, weave it, and then sew it. But what about looking for the best bargains to fit our budget?

And to help one of you out (and entertain in the bargain)...

That's right! I'm giving it away! Not my copy. Are you kidding?! That book's a keeper. I might need to re-read it someday. No, you'll get your very own copy, brand-new from me. Here's how:

Leave me a comment telling me what verse in Proverbs 31 you believe is the hardest for you to achieve. Which characteristic of that woman, do you find personally challenging to you? To get it started I'll tell you mine.

Proverbs 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

Yep, that's right. I would much rather sleep in than get up. Definitely a night owl over here. In fact, it's just been in the last year that I've risen to the challenge of getting up with an alarm. (pun intended) It's been hard, but I'm trying. That's not the only one I need to work on, but I figure to keep it short. No need to go over the whole chapter. :)

So leave me a comment by midnight tomorrow night (that's Wednesday) with your particularly challenging verse. I will draw randomly and announce the winner Thursday. Also, let me know which one you would rather have. The original or the one with devotional and study material added.


Until next time...

Book Review - Beloved Counterfeit

Beloved Counterfeit
Fairweather Keys book 3
by Kathleen Y'Barbo

A sweeping love story begs one woman's confession, one man's forgiveness. When the less-than-reputable Ruby O'Shea washes up on the shores of Fairweather Key, she's determined to bury her past and make a new life for herself and her three nieces. But doing so will entail secrecy and deception. Is that any way to start anew? When Micah Tate, a wrecker, widower, and soon-to-be preacher, falls for Ruby, it seems a wedding is certain and her past unimportant. But as Ruby's secrets are uncovered, Micah finds himself falling short of the grace of forgiveness. Will Micah abandon the heart that God has won? Or will he stand by his woman against all odds?

Well, I got to read the next book in Kathleen Y'Barbo's series, Fairweather Keys. It was just as good as the second book. It starts with a bit of background on Ruby O'Shea, so that you can understand a little of where she's been in her life. She had a really rough start. You can sympathize with her when she starts having trouble with her present life. She is a new Christian and struggles with leaving her old life behind. If that isn't difficult enough, she has three neices to protect and raise, and Micah Tate seems to want to court her. For what reason, she can't fathom. Micah has his own demons to deal with; a sense of guilt for past mistakes, a sense of failure in the most basic area a man feels he needs to succeed. He, too, struggles with living a new life in Christ. They both have accepted the forgiveness of the Lord, but have to learn to forgive themselves and forget the old sins. Due to circumstances, they find they have to marry. Partly a marraige of convenience and partly a marraige of attraction, but they try to find a way to make it work. When trouble from the past comes knocking at their door, it seems life is against them. They have difficulty in getting past this rather large bump in the road. Their faith in God and each other is put to the test and tried in the fire of life. Where do they go from here? Will they help each other or fall apart in the trial?

You can order Beloved Counterfeit, and the other books in the series, from CBD right now. Go to the search engine on the right and type in the title of the book or the author. It will bring you to the page you need to order it. It is very reasonable priced.

Until next time...

Book Review - Beloved Captive

Beloved Captive
Fairweather Keys: book 2
by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Risk, romance, and redemption in the Florida keys. Emilie Gayarre grew up in luxury, but when she left it all to help save two friends, she discovered her life was a lie. There is a stigma attached to her birth that could steal any hope for a happy future. She is content living in relative obscurity until the handsome young naval commander, Caleb Spencer, comes to her Florida key. Caleb is seeking to redeem for the shadows in his family past, but they continue to haunt his naval career. When he meets Emilie, there is no denying the attraction, but if her mixed race heritage is found out, even greater things than his career are at risk.

If you like danger, romance, suspense, and action this is the book for you. (Pirates play a major part in this story).

What I found interesting in this book is that the hero and heroine don't even meet until almost half-way through the book. The parts leading up to that is setting the background for each character. You get to understand them in a whole new way before you even read about them knowing each other.

Caleb is torn between his love of the sea and a feeling of obligation to his late father's wishes. He finally learns the meaning of the verse, "...and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) He is set free of his obligation and follows what he believes is what he should do with his life.

Emilie's parentage is discovered in the beginning of the book and it bothers her throughout the rest of the story. She feels guilty over things not under her control and finally learns that she was put in her position for a reason.

When Caleb learns of Emilie's true heritage it doesn't bother him at all. He has had to contend with his own feelings from his mother's side of the family. Once he had made peace with that, finding out about Emilie didn't affect him.

And, of course, along with all the inner conflicts going on and the struggle of their relationship, there is an outside force to reckon with. A pirate with revenge on his mind. They thought after the sentence was carried out that they wouldn't have to worry about him anymore, but he escaped and came to find them.

It all comes to a happy ending of course, but the journey is fun to read about. I've read a few other books by Kathleen Y'Barbo and I'm happy to say that I would love to read more. She develops her characters and brings them to life in a way I haven't seen before. I enjoy the sometimes exotic settings where her stories take place. Who wouldn't love to be in the Florida Keys in the spring?

If you would like to get this book, or the other books in the series, just go to my christianbook.com search engine on the right and type in the title of the book or the author's name.

Until next time...

Book Review - Stand-In Groom

Stand-In Groom
Brides of Bonneterre Book 1
by Kaye Dacus

When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and her career on this engaging Englishman? George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiance when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?

I really enjoyed this book. In fact, if I had had the time I would not have stopped reading it for anything. It is a book I could have easily read in one sitting. But being a busy mom of 9, I have to squeeze in my reading time whenever I can. I definitely look forward to reading more books by Ms. Dacus. The characters were very realistic. Anne isn't some petite, pencil-thin, never-has-to-diet heroine. She has issues with an ex-fiance. She has fears. And that makes her more likable. In my personal opinion, a good author makes you want to be the heroine. Or if not actually be her, then do what she does. Seriously, for a while there, I wanted to go out and be a wedding planner. She makes it sound so fun! And George. Well, any man who can croon like Dean Martin...and that's all I'm going to say on that subject. I can just imagine his accent. That's how well Ms. Dacus wrote his character. I can clearly hear in my head what he sounds like, just by what is written. He is sooo British. He's not perfect, though. He has his own faults. He is loyal to his employer and it eventually causes trouble between Anne and him. It makes the reader really torn on who to root for. You can see both sides of the story and understand why the characters do what they do. I think this is a very well-written book and I am anxiously awaiting the rest of the series.

If you would like to pick up a copy of your own, use the search engine on the right sidebar. It will take you directly to the page on CBD's website.

Until next time...

Book Review - A Cousin's Promise

A Cousin's Promise by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Indiana Cousins: book 1

When a horrific accident cripples Wayne Lambright, he finds it difficult enough to take care of himself, much less Loraine Miller, his future bride. Will he sacrifice his happiness to give her a better life? Having already been jilted once, Loraine is terrified of yet another rejection. But does she love Wayne enough to marry him, for better or worse? When her old boyfriend Jake Beechy returns from exploring the English world, he hopes Loraine will give him another chance. Will she renew their love or wed Wayne as promised? How will God work to give Loraine the desires of her heart?

I enjoyed this book more than I have previous books by Ms. Brunstetter. She seems to have gone down a different path than most writers of the Amish people. She has put her characters in a situation that can be felt by anyone. It isn't a tragedy that is confined to the Amish people. Anyone could have a car accident and face the difficulties that Wayne and Loraine face. It is a credit to Ms. Brunstetter that she can place people who live in a bygone era, into a modern day occurance and still have them come out the victors. Ms. Brunstetter has produced another well-written book. I look forward to more in this series.

To purchase this book or other books by Wanda E. Brunstetter, use the Christian Book Distributors search engine located on the sidebar. Just type in the book title or her name and it should take you to the book or her books on the CBD website.

Until next time...

Book Review - The Reluctant Cowgirl

The Reluctcant Cowgirl by Christine Lynxwiler
The McCord Sisters Book One

Actress Crystal McCord gave up the closness of her big family in order to make a name for herself on the New York City stage. But when life in the Big Apple turns sour, she follows a country road back to her parents' Arkansas ranch. The last thing she expects to find in cowboy country is a new leading man. Still, she can't help but imagine handsome rancher Jeremy Buchanan in the role. Unfortunately, Jeremy's been burned by Crystal's type before. Or has he? Every time he thinks he knows her, the multi-faceted woman surprises him. Will the reluctant pair allow their hearts to guide them, or will their common stubborn pride keep them miles apart?

What can I say? I've read Ms. Lynxwiler's books before and like them. That is part of the reason I chose this one. And...I like it. Easy enough to say. What did I like about it? Probably a lot of it had to do with the fact that I like just about anything to do with cowboys/cowgirls/country life. I like the friends-turn-boyfriend/girlfriend angle. I like the during-the-hard-times-you-lean-on-God story line. This book had all three. As an added bonus, the heroine has brothers and sisters, and it's book one. And that means...you guessed it...more books! Yay!

This story is about faithfulness, forgiveness, family, and friends. (Did I just alliterate? Comes from living with a former Bible college graduate.) Anyway...

Crystal McCord and her twin dreamed of being on Broadway. When her twin is killed in a car wreck their senior year of high school, Crystal goes alone. For almost 7 years she worked hard to make it, but only had supporting roles in off-Broadway productions. Her current play closes at the same time her family needs help on the ranch so she goes back to visit. Her intentions of going right back to The Big Apple change when she is the only one able to stay and help.

Crystal has to face that maybe her dream isn't what she thought it was. When she re-discovers the faithfulness of God, she is able to recognize that fact.

Neighbor Jeremy Buchanan has his own troubles, but sacrifices his time to help out, also. His ex-wife has taken their daughter and he can't find her. When his situation looks like it is taking a turn for the worse, he has to learn about trust and forgiveness.

Crystal and Jeremy become friends and she helps him look for his daughter. Things seem to be going well, until Crystal has a call to try out for a part, a lead part, on Broadway. Will she stay or go? I can't tell you, you have to read for yourself. :) I will tell you this: I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

To purchase this book, look on my sidebar for the search engine from CBD. Type in the title and it should take you right to it.

Until next time...

Book Review - Chasing Charity

Chasing Charity by Marcia Gruver

Publication date: 4-1-09

When, in full view of family and friends, Charity Bloom's fiance leaves her stranded at the altar, she is humiliated. How will this raven-haired beauty recover? When roughneck Buddy Pierce finds oil on Charity's land, he hopes to free the Blooms from their povery-stricken state. But will Buddy find the real treasure lies in Charity herself? Ruing the day he jilted Charity, Daniel Clark is determined to regain her heart. But can he remove the three things that stand in his way--a manipulative mama, a spurned lover, and the stranger knee-deep in black oil?

Let me tell you, I haven't enjoyed a book so much in a long time. I think I read it in two sittings. (Thankfully Sunday was our lazy day and I had time to do it).

I'm pretty sure I haven't read anything by this author. She is definitely one to watch for. This book, Chasing Charity is actually book 2 in a series, but you don't have to read the first one. This is a stand-alone book. And, boy, does it have the strength to stand. The characters are...well, some of them are real characters if you know what I mean. Charity is a likable heroine; she cares for her mother and tries to protect her from the oilmen. Charity does not welcome them to her town, especially when they relocate her widowed mother and her, to drill for oil in their backyard. The only person willing to take them in is the mother of her former best friend, Emily Dane (the one for which her fiance left her at the altar). I liked the relationship between Mother Dane and Mrs. Bloom. They were true friends. Mrs. Bloom was a little colorful, not the average middle-aged mother. Most folks in town avoided her, tolerated her, or talked about her, calling her crazy. She wasn't crazy, but it gives the story a little bit of pep. Buddy Pierce is the boy you want to take home to mother. He's a good Christian boy; he even still blushes. He takes care of Charity when she determines to strike out on her own and even does it in a way to make it acceptable. I like the fact that their relationship is pretty much platonic. I guess I like the stories where the hero and heroine are friends before they fall in love. When the conflict comes, the story goes back and forth between the different characters in such a way that you keep reading and don't want to put the book down. You just have to find out what happens. (That's what happened to me). I was disappointed in how Buddy gave up so easily at one point, but as I kept reading I realized it had to happen that way to make the plot flow smoothly. I won't spoil the ending for you, I'll close by saying that if you like Christian Historical romances, this is the book for you. It's not a heavy read but it has enough substance to make you think. I think it's perfect for spring - light, but not fluffy.

Available 4-1-09, you can pre-order it here.

Until next time...

Book review - The Wisdom of Solomon

Wanda E. Brunstetter has outdone herself this time. I've read many of her books and this is the best one so far. If you've heard of Ms. Brunstetter, you're probably thinking of her Christian fiction romances about Amish young people. This book is also about Amish, but it is a children's book. I read this aloud to my children and we all enjoyed it. The main character is a boy named Solomon Lapp. The book is a collection of short stories about him and his family. In each story Solomon or a brother or sister learn a valuable lesson taught from the Bible. The lesson is woven into the fabric of the story line very well. My favorite one was actually the first one. Solomon is a pretty smart boy and his siblings and friends come to him for advice on varied problems. His advice is a little off and...well, you'll just have to get the book and read it for yourself. Honestly, I really enjoyed this book and couldn't find a thing wrong with it. In fact, I would encourage Ms. Brunstetter to continue to write more stories in this line. This book will definitely be on our bookshelf.

Book Review: Gingham Mountain

I just finished a book and thought I'd share my thoughts about it. If you haven't read the Lassoed in Texas series by Mary Connealy you've missed out on some laughs. Books one and two, Petticoat Ranch and Calico Canyon were good. So when I saw Gingham Mountain in Sam's Club the other day, I had to pick it up. (Plus it was a good deal for $6.97). The book is about an orphaned young man, Grant, who takes in the "leftover" orphans on the orphan train at the end of the line. The story starts when a young lady new to town disagrees with what he is doing. He persists in taking on two more orphans and she decides to make sure they are well cared for. She suspects he is taking them for hard labor on his ranch. Hannah, the young woman had a difficult background having been an orphan herself and adopted by a cruel man. She ran away and ended up in the same town as Grant. The book is interspersed with misunderstandings on both parts, some rather humorous. Characters from Calico Canyon show up from time to time. However this book can be read without reading the other two first. I liked Gingham Mountain, but (you know there had to be a 'but'), something seemed to be missing. Maybe it was just me. Mrs. Connealy developed the characters really well. She laid out a good description of their background and their thoughts were clear. The humor she had in the first two books in the series was still going strong. I also really like the plot. However, in my opinion, the hero and heroine should have had a little more contact. They seem to fall in love pretty quickly considering the conflicts they had. You may not agree with me, but I never could stand the books where the hero and heroine fought the first 90% of the book and then in the last chapter they are suddenly in love. Overall the book was good. I liked the facts about the orphan train and the way the children have a major part in the book, not added in as afterthoughts. Even though I was somewhat dissatisfied with the romance part of it, I would like to see more books in this series. So if you are looking for some light humor and romance this spring, stop by your local bookstore and pick up any of these three books by Mary Connealy. Or visit here. Thank you for reading. Until next time...