No Way Up by Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy is an author that continuously keep my eye out for.  I instantly became a fan of hers when I first read the Kinkaid Brides Series and I have read all of her books since.  No Way Up is the first book in a new series call The Cimarron Legacy.

If you have read any of Mary Connealy's books you know that she has a witty writing style and will keep you laughing throughout the whole book.  She also knows how to write a good western love story.  I had a little bit of a hard time at first getting into the story and connecting with the characters, but once I did I was enjoying myself the rest of the way through.  There is plenty of action, love, romance and mystery and of course the humor.

One thing I like about this book and most of this authors novels is that you don't have to think.  They are easy and quick, entertaining reads.  I like to call them feel good novels.  If you are needing a book to fill your day this summer this is a good one to start with.

THE FIGHT FOR THE CIMARRON RANCH HAS JUST BEGUN!

When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, only the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid can save him.  Before leaving by train to receive treatment to save his leg and possible his life, Chance demands that Heath read the patriarch's will and see its conditions enforced immediately.  If Chance's three bickering adult children, Justin, Sadie and Cole don't live and work at the ranch for an entire year, ownership of the ranch will pass to a despised distant relative.

Before long, however, Heath discovers that the avalanche may have been intentionally set and that more danger lurks.  Finding his own future and a desired future with Sadie locked up in saving Cimarron Ranch, Heath and the Boden siblings must work together against outside forces that threaten them all.

***Thanks to Bethany House publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Honor Redeemed - A Book Review

If you read very many of my book reviews you already know that I am a huge fan of historical fiction.  It is my favorite genre to read.  Honor Redeemed by Christine Johnson met all my expectations of what a great historical fiction novel should be.  You can really tell when an author has done their "homework" and studied out a specific time period and it is very evident in this book.

One thing I enjoy is when the author includes and Author's Note sharing if there was anything true to life in the book and where they got some of the information.  This gives just a little bit more insight into the writing and preparations that went into the novel.

Honor Redeemed is the second book in the Keys of Promise series and although I did not read the first book I will definitely be going back and reading it now.

Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West.  Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future; make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life.

But when Prosperity arrives penniless in the South, she is dismayed to find David has not been eagerly awaiting their reunion.  In fact, he is married to someone else.  scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, Prosperity gains the friendship and the affection of a kind doctor.  Could he be the answer to her loneliness?  Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me a copy of Honor Redeemed in exchange for my honest review.

What Matters Most - A Book Review

Just when she can't take it anymore, Leta finally catches a break. But when things seem too good to be true they often are.

Finding her dream job went right out the window when Leta Breckenridge had to quit school to help care for her mother suffering from dementia.  When a delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta is thrilled to land a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm.  but her seemingly idea job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition organization-and that the research she's been collecting will be used against Nathan Emerson, the handsome senator she's swiftly falling in love with.

Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas.  He's already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician's wife, but he's never met anyone like Leta.  Could this feisty woman hold the key to his heart and his future?

I was a little hesitant to read What Matters Most.  It's not my normal genre. I'm not big on modern day dramas, but I am glad I took the chance on this one.  There is so much going on in the world right now, in our own lives.  We stay busy with this and that and sometimes we fail to take time for the things that matter most.  This book was a timely reminder for me to stop and take time for the people in my life that I love the most.

This book is the fourth book in the Texas Gold Collection and I have not read the other three that came before it.  It is a great stand alone book and I think it will touch the heart of anyone that reads it.

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Missing - A Book Review

Missing is the second book in The Nikki Boyd Files series.  After I read the first book, Vendetta, I was anxious for the release of the second book and I was not disappointed.  Lisa Harris is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the suspense genre.  She has a fast-paced, gripping writing style that keeps me turning pages and enthralled until the very ended.  Not to mention that I am kept guessing!  Every time I think I have it figured out, there is a new twist and turn that keeps me on my toes!

If you like suspense novels that are also inspirational this is a great series for you!  I used to stay away from suspense novels, but it is books like this that has me hooked!

Two people are missing and two people are dead.  Nikki Boyd isn't usually called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons, but when a case where there are two of each pops up, she is ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson.  When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler, and another dead body, Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons.  The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business - including Nikki.

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

To Capture Her Heart - A Book Review

To Capture Her Heart is the second book in The Southold Chronicles series.  You do not need to read the first book before this one.  It is a great stand alone book.

The book is set in the mid 1600's and Heather Flower, an Indian princess is celebrating her wedding feast, but before the actual wedding takes place her tribe is attacked.  Her groom is killed and Heather Flower and several of the Indian woman are kidnapped.  Heather Flower is tied up and left to die.  Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren rescues Heather Flower and forms a strong bond with her.

Heather Flower is dealing with her grief and her dear friends, the Hortons, are helping her out in her time of need.  Ben Horton has strong feelings for Heather Flower and hopes that they can have a relationship together, but Heather Flower's heart is leading her towards Lieutenant Buren.  She must choose between staying loyal to her friend or following her heart.

Historical romance is my favorite genre and I love when an author intertwines a fictional story with historical events.  I found it very interesting that the land in this story is what eventually became Long Island, New York!

I have to say I struggled a little in the beginning of this book.  I had a hard time getting into it, but I stuck with it and it wasn't long before I found myself thoroughly enjoying this tale!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rebecca DeMarino is the author of A Place in His Heart, book one of The Southold Chronicles, a series inspired by her ninth great-grandparents, Barnabas and Mary Horton. She inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother; a love of horses, reading, and writing from her dad; and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Rebecca lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Tom. Learn more at www.rebeccademarino.com

***This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Young and Beardless - Book Review

I love the Robertson family and John Luke has always been one of my favorites.  I've read most of the books that have come out of the Robertson family and this one is by far my favorite.  It even topped Si-cology for me!

John Luke is very humble and it shines through in his writing.  He is not afraid to share that he still has a lot to learn.  His writing style is easy to read and enjoyable.  He shares with the reader what it has been like to grow up in his crazy family and things he has learned along the way.  He is actually very witty and I enjoyed the lightheartedness of the book.

This would be a great read for any young person who is trying to discover their purpose in life.  It encourages you to pursue your dreams and embrace the gifts that God has given you.  Topics include friendship, kindness, taking chances and choosing mentors.

This book is definitely geared more towards teens and young adults.  John Luke is only 19 after all. Even though it is aimed for a younger audience I think anyone can glean from it. I am 42 years old and still enjoyed this book.

With most of the members of this family coming out with books I would definitely recommend this one above all the others!  Great job John Luke!  Love your family and love your outlook on life!

***Thanks to Booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Month of Sundays

A Month of Sundays: Striding Towards Spiritual Refreshment One Sunday at a Time by Paula Hartman is a great book that will do just as the title suggests.  It will refresh you spiritually and leave you uplifted and entertained.

This book is filled with stories from Paula Harman's life of raising children, being a wife and her spiritual journey.  She has a witty since of humor and tells her stories in a way that makes the reader feel like they are sitting right there in the kitchen sharing a cup of tea and listening to a dear friend share memories.

At the end of each chapter there are recipes that are shared.  I love the recipes!  They are normal recipes that real people can make with ingredients that are already in your pantry.

It's basically a book filled with short stories and delicious recipes.  It will leave you feeling encouraged and enlightened.  The format allows you to read a little here and there at your own convenience which is perfect for busy moms.

I would definitely recommend this book and think anyone who reads it will enjoy it!

Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

Punderdome: A Card Game for Pun Lovers

I was so excited when Punderdome came in the mail.  I had high hopes for this card game, but was quickly let down.

The game comes with a stack of white cards and a stack of green cards.  You are to grab one card from each stack and then come up with a pun.  For instance you make draw "breakfast" and "studying" or perhaps "cats" and "breaking up".  My twenty-three year old son speaks in puns all the time and he is quite witty with this and even he found it difficult to come up with puns for some of the pairings.   I found it extremely difficult and would not recommend this card game.  If you are looking for a fun party game, look elsewhere.  This one will leave you scratching your head and wondering why you wasted your money.

The only thing that I enjoyed about this game were the punny question and answers on the back of the cards.  I guess they are put there for amusement purposes only, for they had nothing to do with game play.  They are rather cheesy, but did provide a few laughs.

Examples:

What do you say when you walk by a really nice cantaloupe? "What a melon."

What family member uses the most curse words? A Cussin.

Like I said cheesy. But it was the most enjoyment I got out of the game.

***Thanks to Blogging for Books for providing me this card game in exchange for my review.

Gardening, God and Grace

There are few things that I enjoy more than gardening. There is something very rewarding about working the land, planting, caring and growing your own food. I've always thought I'd like to live off-grid, homestead my own land and be self sufficient. Since that lifestyle is out of reach for me I do what I can in the place that God has put me.

This year my garden is a tiny bit smaller than previous years. We have woods on three sides of us and a field on the other side. The field is owned by our new neighbors and they have chose to let it grow up. This has happened one other year in the nine years I have lived here and that year my garden was a waste of time and effort. Between the deer, raccoon, groundhogs and squirrels I did not get and harvest that year. Naturally I am afraid of the same happening again. I have several plans to try to avert this, but I'll talk about that more in another post.

This past Tuesday was beautiful. The temperature was in the seventies, the sun was shining and there was a cool breeze blowing. I took advantage of the day by doing some garden work. I got it all tilled and hoed, my tomatoes staked, added some Epsom salt around some plants and worked on some ways to repel wildlife.

It felt so good to be in the sunshine. At the end of the day my body was tired, but my heart was happy and my soul at ease. I always get in some extra prayer time while in the garden and spending the day talking with God is what I needed most. This past year has been challenging. I have faced some things that have been very hard. Everyone has a battle they're fighting and I'm no exception. But one thing I know... God's grace gets me through. I often wonder how people who don't have God make it. He is my rock, my firm foundation. When the world around me shakes, He is my steady. Sometimes I just need a little garden time with God to be reminded of His goodness.

The Beautiful Pretender - Book Review

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson is a beautifully written christian fairy tale.

I absolutely adored this book.  It grabbed my attention from the first chapter and kept me turning the page with eagerness all the way to the end.  Avelina was such a fun character that was easy to connect to and I loved her courage and faith!  The Margrave of Thornbeck reminded me of the beast from Beauty and the Beast, he's a gruff and grouchy man that you can't help but like.

I have only read one other book by Melanie Dickerson besides this one.  This one has me so intrigued with her fairy tale series that I will be checking out the previous book in this series.

After inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences.

***Thank you to Booklookbloggers for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.