A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

Once again Regina Jennings has written an entertaining tale filled with well developed characters. A Most Inconvenient Marriage opens with Abigail Stuart caring for a dying soldier by the the name of Jeremiah Calhoun.
He asks Abigail to marry him and go to his farm and care for his sickly sister. Abigail agrees to marry him and proceeds to his mountain farm. To her dismay , most of the stock is gone and her sister in law is a very bitter woman. Then to make matters worse, Jeremiah Calhoun comes home, wounded in body and spirit, but he is not the man she married.
The story line of A most Inconvenient Marriage is very good,I found myself engrossed in the story and lost sleep because I had to find out what happened. Every one of Regina's books is better than the one before!
I was given this book by the author in return for my honest opinion.

Mark Of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta is the second book in her Victorian trilogy. It takes up where Born Of Persuasion ended, with Julia Elliston moving in with the man who claims to be her father, Roy Pierson. Julia Pierson, as she is now known, is the Emerald Heiress, a woman who stands to inherit a massive fortune. Her father must come up with an explanation for where she has been for her formative years, and also prepare her for Victorian Society including a presentation at Court.
Mark Of Distinction is filled with plot twists and is reminiscent of Charlotte Bronte's writings. I am anxiously waiting for The Price Of Privilege so that I can finally find out who Julia Elliston Pierson is and who she will finally marry.

The Bound Heart : The Everstone Chronicles, book 2 by Dawn Crandall

I have just finished reading The Bound Heart, book 2 in the Everstone  Chronicles by Dawn Crandall. I stand in awe at the growth I have seen in Mrs. Crandalls's writing. Lawry and Meredyth are well developed and engaging. The addition of Wynn just added charm to the story. Lawry, loves Merit as he calls her, with all his heart. I almost felt as though his character's love for Merit, represents Christ's love for us. He is willing to love and forgive her no matter what. If I had to give this book a theme, I would say redemption is the word that comes to mind. Now that is not to say this book is 'preachy', far from it. The story is that Meredyth feels bound to marry Vance Everstone, even though he has been in Europe for many years. Lawry has been out west setting up an orphanage. Lawry comes home to Bar Harbor and begins to gently woo Meredyth. All seems settled when Vance sends word that he has married a French woman. This book is full of romance and sigh worthy kisses, but also has strife and heartache. Join Lawry and Meredyth for the turn of the century New England social season!
I loved Lawry and Meredyth's story and eagerly await the 3rd book in the Everstone Chronicles...A Captive Impostor due out February 2 2015.
I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Simple Hope by Rosalind Lauer

Rachel King is so grateful that she and James were among the survivors of a van accident. But James is bitter that he didn't walk away, and perhaps never would walk again. How can he care for his families orchards or for a wife. So he decides to set Rachel free. Rachel is not willing to release James from his promise to marry he, in fact she is sure they can live in town and she will support them with her paintings, and never have to milk a cow again, an added bonus. Now James dad is refusing to allow him to receive the treatment he needs, because it would involve spending more time with the English. Add in an Englisher runaway hiding out in James orchard and you have a wonderful good read.
A Simple Hope is book 2 in Rosalind Lauer's Lancaster Crossover novels. It is really nice to also have a chance to visit with old friends from her Seasons of Lancaster trilogy. I find Lauer's books to be entertaining and thoroughly engrossing. I am eagerly awaiting A Simple Charity due out October 28.

Wonderful Lonesome

Olivia Newport tells the story of Abigail Weaver and Willem Peters in Wonderful Lonesome. Based on an actual Colorado Amish settlement in the early 1900s, Wonderful Lonesome is quite different than most of the Amish fiction in the market today. I would say it is more like Dale Cramer's Daughter' Of Caleb Bender trilogy than Lewis' or Brunstetter's works.
Abbie is a single woman who does the housekeeping and baking for the widowers and bachelors in her small community. With only 12 households and no minister the community must decide how to proceed. Should they continue to look for a minister? Should they disband and go back east? Or should they surrender their beliefs and join the Mennonite church? To complicate matters the county is experiencing a serious drought. Each family will have to decide what "Gotte's wille" is for them. Willem would like for Abby to marry him, but she will not join with him in exploring the Mennonite faith.
This book makes one think about what is most important, faith, family or community. The decisions each family makes affect all of the other's lives. I believe anyone interested in the Amish or in Historical fiction would enjoy this book.
 I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to offer a favorable review.

Daughter Of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

I loved Carrie Turansky's Daughter Of Highland Hall. Set in Edwardian England,it is the story of Miss Katherine Ramsey's Debut to society.With her Aunt as sponsor, she will begin by being presented at court and then join the  social gatherings with all the cream of society, hopefully ending the season with the prize, a proposal of marriage to one who will someday have a title and wealth.
Jon Foster is the son of a medical missionary. He has plans to finish his medical training and return to India to take the place of his father. Jon's sister is engaged to Katherine's guardian, William Ramsey. When Jon finds himself temporarily homeless, he joins the Ramsey's household.
The Daughter Of Highland Hall will take you from the halls of Buckingham Palace to the streets of London's lower East End. I found the characters to be delightful and the story line thoroughly enjoyable. Fans of Upstairs Downstairs and Downtown Abbey will surely love this book. I found myself reading slowly , enjoying each page, not wanting the story to end. I am delighted to see that there will be a third book, A Refuge at Highland Hall due out October 2015.
I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to give a favorable review and was not compensated for my review.

The Secrets Of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen

Lois Leveen's novel The Secret's Of Mary Bowser sheds light on a little known area of history. Based on the true story of Mary Bowser, a freed slave who voluntarily returned to the south to spy for Abraham Lincoln. She was a brilliant woman who could remember everything she heard or read.  Although not much is known about Mary Bowser,  Leveen has written an informative and captivating book.I enjoyed reading Mary's story.

A Bride In Store by Melissa Jagears is a delightful story with both humor and drama running neck and neck throughout the story. Eliza Cantrell has left her controlling fiance and lazy brother in order to live her dream of owning a store. The fact that she must be a mail order bride is a minor factor. Leaving a week early, her train is robbed and she is left penniless and scarred.And the final straw...her intended groom is missing, leaving her to run his store with the assistance of the kindest man she has ever met.
Melissa Jagears has written an entertaining story that manages to ask some hard questions...what will you sacrifice for your dreams, both Eliza and Will Stanton, her fiances partner have worthy dreams, but must learn to ask G-d for His will not theirs. This is the second book I have read by Melissa Jagears, and I look forward to reading more of her tales.
I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to give a favorable review.

A Bride For Keeps by Melissa Jagears

Melissa Jagears' A Bride for Keeps tells the story of mail order bride Julia Lockwood and her intended groom Everett Cline. Everett's first three attempts at getting a mail order bride have resulted in disaster, so he vows to live alone. His neighbor Rachel Stanton is lonely and encourages Julia to come west and be Everett's bride.
 Both Everett and Julia carry deep wounds from their past, how can they overcome all of their misgivings and find love.
 A Bride For Keeps is a lively tale filled with humor and sadness. I loved meeting all the people of Salt Flats Kansas. They are a very realistic group of people and I look forward to continuing their tale in A Bride In Store.

A Simple Faith by Rosalind Lauer

A Simple Faith by Rosalind Lauer is a welcome trip back to Halfway Pennsylvania. We were first welcomed to Halfway and the King family in a Simple Winter. Although the King family makes a cameo this story features nursing student Haley Donovan and psychologist Dylan Monroe. On her way home from the hospital Haley witness an accident between an SUV and a van full of Amish. Elsie Lapp and Ruben Zook were passengers on the van. A Simple Faith is the story of how Englishers and Amish deal with the aftermath of the accident.
Rosalind Lauer brings to life the people of Halfway and draws one into their lives. The people are very real and I found myself laughing and crying along with them. I love the vivid descriptions of each persons trauma, whether physical or mental and the revelation of unrelated trauma in other people. I am looking forward to reading A Simple Hope, the next book in the Lancaster Crossroads saga.

For Such A Time by Kate Breslin

Kate Breslin's For Such A Time is a "modern" retelling of the story of Esther from the Bible. Stella (Hadassah) is rescued from the firing squad at Dachau, by SS Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt.He believes her to be an Aryan mistakenly branded as a Jew. He takes her to be his private secretary. Meanwhile, her uncle Morty who raised her is in the Jewish ghetto run by Aric. To complicate matters, Captain Herman (Haman) has lost his position as commander of the ghetto and the right to live in the big house to Aric.
I cannot say I enjoyed this book, due to the subject matter (the Holocaust). But I could not put it down. The story is very engaging and draws one along. I hope that Kate Breslin continues to write as I believe her to be a gifted storyteller.

Added on august 9, 2015
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First let me state I am of Jewish decent. I read this book with an open mind as Kate Breslin was a new author to me. I believe this story to be plausible as there were many Germans forced into the Nazi ranks. Some were just mindlessly following which still goes on today. One just has to look at our Nation's view on abortion, and the whole Planned Parenthood atrocity. And I know this will anger many, but a Jew who
accepts Christ is not abandoning their Faith, but embracing Yeshua Ha Mashiach, their Messiah. Please stop bashing Kate Breslin, if you do not like the book, don't read it. There are many books I don't care for or find offensive, I simply ignore them. Kate writes a very good story.
Just my 2 cents worth.

For all of the nay-sayers, For Such A Time is not beyond the realm of possibility: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3193520/Read-real-life-story-Auschwitz-prisoner-Helena-Citronova-falling-love-SS-guard-Franz-Wunsch-amid-controversy-Kate-Breslin-novel-Time.html

Born Of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

I have to say Born Of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta is one of the most suspenseful books I have read in quite a while. I was never sure which character was telling the truth, and to be honest, at times I really did not like any of the characters. The story line is strong and full of twists and turns that draw you along like a path through a Victorian maze. 17 year old Julia Elliston arrives at her friend Elizabeth's home a bitter, selfish, but yet naive, orphan. She travels by coach, without a maid or any of the trappings a young gentle woman should have. She plans to wed Edward, the younger son of a local Lord to whom she is secretly betrothed. But Edward has become a vicar and Julia is a staunch atheist. Soon Julia aligns herself with the notorious Lady Foxmore, an elderly Lady who lives as she pleases. Julia longs for independence in an era when women were property.
I enjoyed reading Born Of Persuasion and eagerly await Mark Of Distiction, the second novel in what will be a trilogy.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe #NYMBeachBabe”

I recently received Beach Babe Texturizing Shampoo and Beach Babe Texturizing conditioner from @influenster.com as a complimentary testing sample. I love the product. I have fine straight hair and Beach Babe Texturizing products actually give me volume and style! I give this product my highest recommendation!

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Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

Nicole Renard must provide a son in law and heir for her father and is shipping business.She has a family treasure, Lafitte the pirates dagger as her dowry. Unfortunately the Jenkin family claims the dagger as their own and will stop at nothing to get it back. With her father ill, Nicole flees Galveston for New Orleans to search for a husband.
Darius Thornton, heir to a large shipping company, has retreated to a Texas plantation to study boilers following a boiler explosion on a Riverboat he was traveling on.
Can these two discover what they need in each other before another disaster occurs?
Full Steam Ahead is a thoroughly entertaining novel by Karen Witemeyer. She has a wonderful way of weaving a story with romance, some humor and faith. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to sit back and relax with a good tale.

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall

Dawn Crandall's debut novel The Hesitant Heiress had a slow start, but soon became quite engrossing. Amaryllis and Nathan are an interesting couple. He spends his time trying to attract the attention of Amaryllis, the one woman who wants nothing to do with him. This story takes place during the social season in the late 1800's. Everyone is trying to make the most advantageous match in order to secure their fortunes. It is hard to tell if anyone is marrying for love or just to preserve their inheritance. I grew quite attached to the characters and look forward to book 2 The Bound Heart. I believe that we will be hearing much more from Dawn Crandall!

I was given this novel by the author in exchange for my honest opinion,but I was not required to give a favorable review.

Lynne Gentry's novel, The Healer Of Carthage, is one of the freshest stories I have read this year. Lisbeth is a first year , overworked medical student. he switches patients at the request of her fiance with tragic results. At the same time she receives a letter from her archeologist father, demanding she come to him at the site where her mother disappeared many years ago. Fearing for her father's sanity , she drops everything and joins him at the Cave Of The Swimmers. What happens next is a fantastic story that will drag you in and cause the loss of sleep. I found myself stealing whatever time I could in order to find out what happens next.
Gentry's descriptions bring ancient Carthage to life, I could all but smell the horrid conditions she describes. She carefully weaves history and fiction to keep her readers enthralled. My only problem is that the book ended and now I must wait until next year to continue the adventure!

Captured By Love

Captured By Love is an excellent read. I love historical fiction and Jody Hedlund has done a wonderful job of capturing the feel of life on Michilimackinac Island during the War of 1812.She has based the story on actual events, but has added romance in the form of a love triangle. Jody is very good at drawing a person into the emotions of the characters.I found myself having a difficult time choosing if Angelique should follow her promise or her heart. To complicate matters the two men involved are brothers...so the other will always be a part of her life. Jody has also managed to share her Christian faith, without being 'preachy'. I love Jody's writings and cannot wait for her next book.

I was given this book by the author for my honest opinion.

The Auschwitz Escape

The Auschwitz Escape by Joel Rosenberg grabs your attention from the first page and continues to hold it until the end. Mr. Rosenberg dramatically tells the story of the men and women of Auschwitz and how a few managed to escape to let the world know what was happening in the death camps of Hitler's Germany. Based on the Auschwitz Protocol,written by actual escapees, he has successfully blended the facts into a fast paced novel that draws one in and is sure to cause lack of sleep as you must find out what happens next.I also enjoyed the mild romance that runs through the book. Although the subject matter is unpleasant, I recommend this book as a must read.

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

The Dancing Master is a Regency novel told from the male POV. Alec Valcourt , a Dancing and fencing master, suddenly finds himself as the head of his small family. Having lost the family dancing academy in London,he moves his mother and sister to his uncle's home in Devonshire. His hopes of starting a new academy are dashed  by the local gentry, who withhold their patronage from anyone who dances. To complicate matters the daughter of the woman who forbids dancing wishes to learn.
The Dancing Master is full of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed reading this book,even though I enjoyed Julie Klassen's other books more.

The Sisters Weiss by Naomi Ragen

Naomi Ragen is one of my favorite novels. I enjoy her views of Hassidic Jewish life. The Sisters Weiss is a story of two Hassid sisters who live a very structured and sheltered life. but now are faced with choices. They must make choices they can live with no matter what anyone else says. Many secrets are uncovered along the way. So sit back and another world.

A Place In His Heart

Rebecca DeMarino has done a wonderful job writing A Place In His Heart. She researched her family's history and found the intriguing story of Barnabas and Mary Horton. She has successfully filled in the blanks and created a story that rings with truth.I found myself reading slowly, savoring the story of a headstrong, but courageous young Mary as she pursues the future she desires. As the story progresses,I enjoyed watching Mary mature. This is a story that will stick with you as a tale of the first settlers of our country.
I also enjoyed Mary and Barnabas' journey of faith, their desire to put G-d's will before their own. I would recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction and eagerly await book two. in the Southhold Chronicles.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Undetected by Dee Henderson

Dee Henderson is one of my all time favorite authors, so any book she writes is automatically on my TBR list. I eagerly awaited Undetected and while I liked the book , I did not love it. Undetected is about Gina Gray, a genius sonar scientist and Mark Bishop, submarine commander and brother of Bryce Bishop from Unspoken.
I loved their romance, but feel the story lacked Dee's usual suspense. She seems to be going in a new direction with her books. If the book had been by a new author I think I would have enjoyed it more. I will probably read it again without the expectation of suspense and thereby enjoy the characters.
I believe once I get used to Dee's new style, I will look forward to reading her books with just as much anticipation as always.
 My advice is to read Undetected with an open mind.

Princess Ever After

Just because you are a grown up,it doesn't mean you have to give up Fairy Tales. I loved Princess Ever After. Regina Beswick, former CPA has found her dream job of restoring vintage cars. She has great friends and is thoroughly enjoying life. Then along comes Tanner Burkhardt to ruin it all by saying she is really a royal princess. What's a girl supposed to do?
 I have to admit I still love fairy tales and Rachel Haucks Princess Ever After is sure to become a classic. It Has romance and intrigue, sprinkled with humor. It will definatly be going on my keeper shelf.

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey has done it again. Silenced book four in her Alaskan Courage series has all of the Mckenna's back home planning weddings. Although Kaydon longs for a love of her own, she fears reaching out to anyone. Jake longs for Kaydon, but ghosts from his past leave him doubting that he can once again find love. Can a dead body lead to romance?
I love Dani's writing style. She creates characters that seem to be real and every book is a visit with old friends. Don't start this book unless you have a serious chunk of time to devote to it, because once you start reading you will be engrossed in another world. I love the descriptions of a very different lifestyle, although I live in a remote area of Northern MN, I am not the outdoorsy type. I love reading about the McKenna's outdoor life. I look forward to Dani's next book which is due out February 1, 2014.
I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Turning by Davis Bunn...A review

The Turning by Davis Bunn is one of the most thought provoking books that I have read in a long time. It is the story of five people who heard G-d's voice and obeyed. They did not stop to count the cost, they simply obeyed. I found myself wondering how I would react in this situation. I would hope and pray that I would do the same. 
The Turning is a very well written book that draws you in. I did not want to put it down. I believe that this is a good book to read just because of the questions it brings up. It would be very interesting to read this with a group because I believe it would bring about a fascinating discussion.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

Love in The Balance by Regina Jennings

Molly Lovelace is a spoiled young lady. She is used to having fine clothes and being Ladylike. Her parents have raised her to make a wealthy match to support the family. but Molly has fallen love with Baily, the young cousin of Weston Garner, Molly's previous object of affection. But Baily does not meet her parents standards, so they force her to keep company with Mr. Fenton , the bank owner. After being thrown over by Mr. Fenton, Molly must marry , or go home to her parents.

Regina Jennings has written a fun story dealing with two people who want the best for one another. I love the realism of the characters. I look forward to reading more of Regina's stories.

I was given this book by the author for my honest reveiw.

Caught In The Middle by Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings has done it again. I love the way she brings her characters to life. Ann and Nick are very real with good points and bad. I love the way they spar with one another. Ann is a strong survivor , able to roll with the punches. I love the fact that Regina gave her a story of her own. I feel that Ann fits well with the other two ladies, Rosa and Molly. it also wonderful how Regina weaves faith in her stories without being preachy. She has a real gift for storytelling and I look forward to her future writings.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Lydia's Hope, a review

         Lydia's Hope is the first book in Marta Perry's new trilogy, The Lost Sisters Of Pleasant valley. Lydia Beachy has always known she was adopted by her aunt and uncle at the age of five, but has no memory of her birth parents who died in the accident that stole her memory. Now her great aunt is ill and talking about Lydia's mother and the other girls. What other girls?
            Great aunt Sara has opened a box of questions that must be answered. This is Lydia's story as she searches for her missing sisters. But does she have the right to disturb their lives?
            Meanwhile Lydia's husband Adam is going through a tough time himself. He lost his job and there are few prospects for a new one.
           I really enjoyed Lydia's Hope and cannot wait for Susannah's Dream, book two.
           

Review of A Broken Kind Of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

                Ivy Clark is 24 and her professional life is over. She has been a fashion model since she was 14,and is basically a shell of a woman. Abandoned by her father, used by her uncle, an agent, and desired by men, Ivy has no idea what love is.

      

                      Davis Knight former fashion photographer and Ivy’s step cousin works as a church maintenance man ever since the accident. G-d has forgiven him, but he has yet to forgive himself. He is going to do this one last photo shoot and then pack away his cameras forever.

                 Can G-d heal these Two broken people? They need to work together to do a fashion shoot for Ivy’s step mom, who owns a bridal shop, but  first they need to trust G-d and discover His plan for their lives. Only G-d’s redeeming love can save them from their self imposed prisons.

         

                       I usually don’t like books located in the south, but found myself quite engrossed in the story. Ivy and Davis were a very realistic couple and their problems seemed to be real. This is the first book I have read by Katie Ganshert and I will be looking for more!

I was given this book by the author for review purposes, but the opinions are entirely my own.

Review of Created by T. J. Boekhoff

   Created is a debut novel by T. J. Boekhoff. I really like her style of writing , and the questions that her book invokes. Is it possible to be a Christian and believe in evolution? That is the question that Travis Perego must answer. He has been a committed athiest all of his life only  accepting Christ after the death of his beloved sister. Now he must decide if evolution and Christianity can coexist or are they mutually exclusive. Travis is a paleontologist  and this decision will affect his job.
     T. J. Boekoff has written a very interesting, thought provoking and suspenseful story that takes one from the halls of a University to the jungles of Costa Rico. Created is very engaging with love, murder and adventure.I look forward to reading future books by this author.
      I was given this book by the author for review purposes. The opinion is my own.
   

Review of Redeeming Grace by George McVey

Times of testing come to everyone, and now it is Grace and Nathan Ryder's time. Nathan's parents have arrived in Redemption. David Ryder begins questioning everything about Nathan's life. How can Nathan be a Pastor, U.S.Marshal and a gunslinger? David also questions Nathan's choice in a wife, Grace. But there are secrets in David's life also.
To complicate matters Strawberry Fields wants to face Nathan and prove who is the better gunslinger. Big Bertha, a woman with connections to Nathan's family in the past arrives in town to set up a Brothel. The Deacons want answers. How much more can Nathan handle?
I love George McVey's tales of Redemption and recommend them to anyone who wants to read good clean westerns.

Review of The Quilted Heart, by Mona Hodgson

You loved Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson...Now read how these folks came to form the Boon's Lick Wagon Train. Previously published as three ebooks, The Quilted Heart is now available in print for the first time. Meet the ladies that stayed behind as well as the folks who decide to seek their fortune in the west. There is happiness and sorrow, as the women in these books move through the seasons of their lives.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters from Prairie Song better. I loved seeing the hand of G-d working in their lives...even when they are unsure of their beliefs. Most have come through some very traumatic times and are slowly moving on to a new season in their lives. This story shows how G-d will bring us through the tough times.
I was given The Quilted Heart by the author in exchange for my honest review.

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Review of Redeeming Love by Sophie Dawson and George McVey

Redeeming Love by Sophie Dawson and George McVey was just as good as Redeeming Reputation, Redeeming Trail and Redeeming Grace. I did notice the slightly softer story line with the addition of Sophie Dawson's storytelling. This added a nice touch. Nathan is still the Preacher, unsure of his calling. The other characters are also present,Grace, Cindy and Tim, along with a whole town of new folks.
In Redeeming Love we learn more about Nathan's family and background.I hope to see future collaborations between Sophie and George, their style of writing compliments each other and produced a smooth enjoyable story.
While I was given this book by the author for review purposes, the opinions are my own.

Review of Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Stranded, the third book in Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series reunites Darcy St. James with the McKenna family of Yancy Alaska. Do yourself a favor and don't start reading Stranded until you have a few hours of free time...you won't want to put it down!

Darcy is an investigative journalist , who has been covering extreme sports for the last few years. After a call from her former partner Abbey, Darcy joins the crew of the cruise ship Bering. Her job is to photogragh all of the excursions, for publicity.
Last frontier Adventures, the Mckenna family business has been hired to run the excursions. Now Abbey is missing, apparently fallen overboard, and Gage Mckenna is on the Bering as excursion director, Will he blow Darcy's cover before she can find Abbey?

This is a very well written story, with plenty of plot twists and adventure.The Mckenna family is almost as fascinating as Dee Henderson's O'Malley family. Stranded also follows the developing romance of Gage and Darcy, with another Mckenna family member finally becoming aware of a co-workers good points. I have to admit I lost some sleep over this book, and can't wait for the installment, of the Mckenna's.

I was given a copy of this book by the author for review purposes. This is my honest opinion of Stranded.

Review of Emerald Fire by Hallee Bridgeman

I really enjoyed reading Emerald fire. It was a little confusing in the beginning with multiple times, but once I got into the book I thought it was good. Emerald Fire continues the story of three sisters that began in Sapphire Ice and Greater Than Rubies. Robin and Tony are happily married, but Tony's friend Barry is having marital troubles, and even worse has begun to doubt G-d.

Maxine the middle sister cannot trust men. After the first few dates, when a man might want a kiss, she ends the relationship. Now she and Barry are friends and buddies. They enjoy football games and just hanging out while Barry's wife socializes. An unexpected tragedy brings everything to a head.

Hallee Bridgman has done a good job of keeping a person guessing as to what is going to happen next. Once you get into this book you will have a hard time putting it down.I look forward to reading Topaz Heat, the final book in the series.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest review

Review of The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson's The Healer's Apprentice reads like a beloved Fairy tale. You have Rose, a woodcutters Daughter, being trained to a job above her normal station in life. You have two brothers,princes, who both desire her, but she is beneath their notice. Assorted townspeople add to the drama, and of course you have the evil one.( It would not be a fairy tale without one)
I really enjoyed Melanie's portrayal of medieval life. I believe she kept her story historically accurate but did not sacrifice the story. I love the way she brought the authority of Jesus Christ into the novel and did not in any way diminish his power.
I would recommend this book to all young ladies as an alternative to most of the books being written for the YA market.

Review of Mattie's Unspoken Vow by Margo Hanson

It was wonderful to visit once again with the Newly family and their friends in Margo Hansen's 'Mattie's Unspoken Vow'. In this the 5th and final book in the Newly wed series Abel Newly the youngest son of Sky and Russ newly comes home from medical school. he is full of plans to marry Delphinia and bring her to Sand Creek. He doesn't count on finding Mattie frozen to the ground. Sometimes G-d changes our plans.
I enjoyed this book very much...read it over the course of 2 evenings and was sad when i finished as this was the last book about the Newly Family. I feel as though I have come to know these people and would love to go visit.
This series will definately go on my keeper shelf so that I can occasionaly visit Sand Creek.

My review of Mona Hodgson's Prairie Song
I have been a fan of Mona Hodgson since I read her Cripple Creek series. She does a wonderful job of developing characters into friends that you don't want to say goodbye too. Her new series, Hearts Seeking Home, has it's own share of delightful characters.
I started reading book 1, Prairie Song expecting a tale of people heading west on a wagon train. I assumed I would be reading of the usual trials and illnesses that were the unfortunate reality of travel west. But I found so much more. This is a story of secrets, everyone has secrets, reasons not to be close to anyone, reasons to head west and leave their lives behind.
Along with the drama of secrets, Mona also created several romances.Among the 48 people traveling together are people of various ethnic groups, several of whom cannot speak English. Slowly all of these people blend into a loose family of sorts. With 5 months of traveling 15 to 20 miles a day they must all learn to depend upon one another. As they let down their guard with one another, they must also open their hearts and share their secrets.
I can sincerely recommend Prairie Song as an enjoyable trip into another time and am looking forward to my next visit in book 2

Topaz Heat, by Hallee Bridgeman

href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14059115-topaz-heat" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Topaz Heat (The Jewel Trilogy #3)" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1372899720m/14059115.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14059115-topaz-heat">Topaz Heat</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815249.Hallee_Bridgeman">Hallee Bridgeman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/705439888">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Sarah, the youngest sister in Hallee Bridgman's Jewels trilogy, is a spoiled young woman. A nurse in the OB ward of a large Boston Hospital, Sarah is happy. she cannot remember her abusive life before age 9. her sisters were not so fortunate.<br>Derrick, a product of the streets of Boston, was rescued by Sarah's brother-in-law Tony. Tony educated and trained Derrick to be the fine, Christian man he is now. But all Sarah can see is the hoodlum he was. Derrick adores Sarah, but spends his time tormenting her to avoid the pain of her rejection.<br>Now through a series of events, they are thrown together, what happens next makes for a wonderful story.<br><br>I love Hallee Bridgeman's stories and I hope she continues to write contemporary, Christian stories. Her stories are so real, I can hear the character's voices in my head.<br>I was given this book by the author for my honest opinion.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7216887-kristine-morgan">View all my reviews</a>TopazHeat