Waiting for Morning ~ The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series #2, by Margaret Brownley

About Book

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed of.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheel-chair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress--someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership--she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

If she proves to have a knack for ranching and agrees to remain single for life, the ranch can be hers. Neither stipulation worries Molly. She’s resourceful and hardworking. And she gave up dreams of marriage long ago when she dedicated her life to her brother’s well-being.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s handsome and charismatic young doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness.

But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

  Read Excerpt Here

Pages:	352 Pages
Series:	The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series #2
Published:	January 8, 2013
Publisher:	Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10:	1595549706
ISBN-13:	9781595549709

  Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD

About Margaret

Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."

It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she's written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. "I love writing about characters at different stages of faith," she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, "and I'm here to stay."

Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California.

Author's Website http://www.margaretbrownley.com/

My Thoughts

Molly Hatfield no longer have parents to help with  the care of her brother Donny.  She has it in her head that it because of her negligence that her brother is in a wheelchair unable to anything for himself.  She has to work as a saloon girl because for women of her status there is very little in ways of jobs. Dancing and singing is as far as it goes, she is a good girl.  She has had several offers at marriage but as soon as the man realizes that her brother is part of the package they are never to be heard from again.

Molly finds out about advertisement for an female heir to a cattle ranch in Cactus Patch, Arizona. The woman that owns the ranch must be desperate to want to find an heir that will agree to never marry.  Molly doesn't care what the reason is, she looks at this as a way to provide for herself and her brother and to become the owner of the ranch.  The name of the ranch gives her hope, The Last Chance Ranch.

Dr. Caleb Fairbanks keeps crossing paths with the high spirited yet beautiful Molly Hatfield. She has a big chip on her shoulder and he just might be the one to remove that chip.  The Doctor and her brother seem to enjoy each others company. Caleb thinks he can help her brother, not to walk, but to be able to care for himself taking his life back into his hands and not having to depend on his sister to do everything for him.  Caleb tries to show both of them that God can heal their souls even though it appears Donny will never walk.  

The author has created some sassy, cantankerous characters. Molly headstrong and determined, Donny somewhat spoiled in getting his way with his sister and tries to with Caleb. Let us not forget Eleanor Walker, the owner of the ranch, she could not have run the ranch all those years any better than if she had been born a man.  No one knows that better than her beau who proposes to her at least once a year, just to be turned down.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson/Booksneeze for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

THE BACHELOR FARMERS by Brenda Sorrels ~ Presented by Lightning Books Promotions

About Book

The Bachelor Farmers is a story about two Norwegian brothers who learn the meaning of love from a most unlikely source. Hans and Jon, the youngest of four immigrant brothers have just inherited land from their recently deceased father. They set out to develop the land, thus perpetuating the family dream of success in America. When Jon learns that the husband of Mahal, a beautiful half-breed Ojibwa woman has been injured on their property and cannot work, Jon hires her and brings her home. Under the eye of his disapproving brother, Jon finds himself falling in love, but when a terrible blizzard blows into town without warning, the three of them must deal with the consequences, and Mahal is forced to make a decision that reshapes their lives in profound and unimaginable ways. The Bachelor Farmers takes us into a world where true meaning and healing are found in the complexity of human relationships and dreams of a better life fuel a family's drive for success.

• ISBN-13: 9781105424427
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Publication date: 2/24/2012
• Pages: 174

Where to buy: 

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

About Author

Brenda Sorrels grew up in Fargo, N.D. and attended Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y. She's worked as an editor at Mademoiselle Magazine and in promotion with the National Media Department of The Fox Broadcasting Company. She now lives in Dallas with her family, including small dog, Charlotte - and spends summers writing in Connecticut.

My mother was the youngest of 15 children and when I was a small girl I used to visit her hometown, Halliday, in the western part of N.D. I had two bachelor farmer uncles who used to ride horseback to the white Lutheran church on Sundays! There was an Indian reservation nearby and I remember many stories surrounding the the Native Americans. The stories were mixed - involving their customs, the pow-wows, the drinking and bar fights! Later one of these uncles lived with a Native American woman who cared for him until he died. The inspiration for my writing comes from these experiences and the unending stories of childhood!

Website: http://www.brendasorrels.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaSorrels 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brendasorrelsao 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13530490-the-bachelor-farmers 

My Thoughts

Hans and Jon after many years of being separated from their parents and other two siblings finally make the journey to America to join their Norwegian family on the farm.  The farm has been a great success and their father has continued to buy up more land which will provide well for the four brothers and their families now and in the future.   

Both of their parents fall ill and die leaving their sons with their own land and homes.  The father has provided above and beyond for his sons.  The now grown men, Hans and Jon are still single but the other two brothers are married with children.  

Hans and Jon are definitely living the bachelor's life.  They do their own housekeeping and cooking on top of all the chores on the farm and the paper work for the farm.  When Jon is at their logging camp he notices, Mahal, a young beautiful green eyed Indian woman.  She works as a cook at the camp.  But she has just been told her help is no longer needed.  She needs the job because she is supporting her husband ever since he way seriously injured in a logging accident on Jon and Hans property.   Jon was told by his friend that her husband is abusive towards her leaving visual marks.  Jon feels responsible for her since it was on his property that her husband was injured.   Jon and Hans had been thinking of hiring a cook so he offers Mahal to come live on the farm and cook for the two brothers.  Jon knows it is not appropriate for a married woman to live with two single men but he is so enamored  he ignores propriety and hire her anyway.  Mahal can tell that Jon is attracted to her but she needs the job and will just have to stay to herself and pretend to not notice.  

Hans is not happy with the new cook and let's it known.  Will this be too much for the two bachelors having a beautiful young woman living in the same house with them?   Can Mahal keep them at bay?

The author has written a historical fiction about immigrants farmers that succeed in American.  Love is abound and not easy to ignore.  

The story was slow going in the first half of the book.  There is one chapter in the book that does have sexual content but it was not offensive to my sensitivity.   I found Jon's love for Mahal sweet but beings she was married he knew he should not be acting on his feelings.   

I recommend this book.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy from the author/Lightning Book Promotions for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my honest opinion.

A Whisper In The Jungle ~ A Lion in America #1, by Robert Mwangi ~ Giveaway

About Book

Deep in the African jungle where even the bravest are afraid to venture, lies a truth that will propel James through his improbable American journey, if he can come out alive.  James a village boy in Africa receives a scholarship to go and study in America and he becomes the envy of the whole village. His girlfriend Janny is however skeptical of what a long distance relationship can do to love. But when Janny vanishes from the village, James and his dog Simba plunge into the belligerent forest at the risk of his life and his American dream.  Love transcends all. ‘A Whisper in the Jungle’ is a suspense story full of love, humor and adventure, where the answer to love’s dilemma lies with a perfect kiss at the top of the Empire Building in New York City .

Read Excerpt Here

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

You tube video:  Here is a taste of the 

music I grew up listening to in Africa.

About Robert

I was born under the hills of Mt. Kenya and no, the lions didn’t roar at my birth. In a post colonial Africa, my mum ventured into Nairobi City in search of a living and it was here that I was introduced into a 21st century Africa. See, while my parents diligently tried to teach me African customs and traditions, I learned a whole lot more about the western world through watching the 14 inch black and white TV and through reading western authors like Enid Blyton and Alfred Hitchcock. I represent the beating heart of a new Africa . 

Many years later when I came to America on a soccer scholarship, it’s those childhood stories that resonated with me that I write about. I had believed in them as a kid, I believe in them now as an adult. I write because it makes me happy. Charles Dickens says that a writer who is natural has fulfilled the rules of art. 

When I came to America , Americans asked me why I had an English name. I had never thought about this before. They asked me how come I speak English so swell and for the first time in my life I questioned my own identity.

This is my story http://www.robert-mwangi.com/blog-journey-with-me-and-your-fav-song-below/shakira-1-9-2013/

GIVEAWAY 

Provided by  the Author

Win a Paperback Copy of 

A Whisper In The Jungle

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Ends February 27, 2013

Winner announced on Feb. 28, 2013

My Thoughts of A Whisper In The Jungle

There are places in the African jungle that no one dares to go.  Unware of what or who is hiding in the shadows James has been taught to keep his distance of the shadows in the jungle beyond his village.  This does not stop him from enjoying his time with his dog Simba, his friends and his older brother. Sometimes they will venture out to go hunting.  

Janny a young girl in his village takes time to talk and visit with James. As they mature they find they have much in common and their friendship grows into love.  When it is time for James to go off to boarding school Janny wonders what this move will do to their relationship.   

James has done very well in school and has become a valuable player on his soccer team, each year getting better and better.  Then he is offered a scholarship to go to America but when he returns home to celebrate Janny has gone missing along with some other children from their village.  James refused to wait for help and plunges into the shadowy depths of the jungle to find Janny.  

What has happened to those missing and what will become of James?  Will he be throwing his future away or is it his future he is going after?

The author writes an intriguing story of mystery, suspense, adventure, romance and even humor. I have never read a book about modern day Africa so this was an adventure for me as well.  Robert Mwa ngi definitely caught my attention and held it until the very end of the book.  You will never guess what happens!  The last part of the book sure surprised me as I am sure it will you also. The author seems like an intelligent, talented and delightful fun loving young man and I love his energy!

I highly recommend this book for middle grade, young adult and adult.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

The Emperor's Conspiracy, A Novel by Michelle Diener ~ Giveaway

About Book

From nineteenth-century London’s elegant ballrooms to its darkest slums, a spirited young woman and a nobleman investigating for the Crown unmask a plot by Napoleon to bleed England of its gold.

Chance led to Charlotte Raven’s transformation from chimney sweep to wealthy, educated noblewoman, but she still walks a delicate tightrope between two worlds, unable to turn her back on the ruthless crime lord who was once her childhood protector.

When Lord Edward Durnham is tapped to solve the mystery of England’s rapidly disappearing gold, his search leads him to the stews of London, and Charlotte becomes his intriguing guide to the city’s dark, forbidding underworld. But as her involvement brings Charlotte to the attention of men who have no qualms about who they hurt, and as Edward forges a grudging alliance with the dangerous ghosts of Charlotte’s former life, she faces a choice: to continue living in limbo, or to close the door on the past and risk her heart and her happiness on an unpredictable future.

• ISBN-13: 9781451684438
• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Publication date: 11/27/2012
• Pages: 317
• Product dimensions: 5.40 (w) x 8.04 (h) x 0.87 (d)

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

About Michelle

Michelle Diener writes historical fiction. Her Susanna Horenbout and John Parker series starts with IN A TREACHEROUS COURT. Set in the court of Henry VIII, it features the real historical figures of artist Susanna Horenbout and Henry’s Keeper of the Palace of Westminster and Yeoman of the King’s Robes, John Parker. It was followed by KEEPER OF THE KING'S SECRETS, also featuring Susanna Horenbout and John Parker, and DANGEROUS SANCTUARY, a short story with the same characters, set between the two books, is currently available as an ebook only.

A new historical novel, set during the Napoleonic Wars in London in 1811, THE EMPEROR'S CONSPIRACY was released on November 27th, 2012.

Michelle also contributed a short paranormal story to the ENTANGLED Anthology entitled BREAKING OUT. All the proceeds of the sale of ENTANGLED go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Michelle was born in London, grew up in South Africa, and now lives in Australia with her husband and two children.

Author's website: http://www.michellediener.com

GIVEAWAY ~ U.S. residents only

Provided by  the Author

Win a Paperback Copy of 

The Emperor's Conspiracy

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Ends February 26, 2013

Winner announced on Feb. 27, 2013

My Thoughts

What were the odds for a beautiful child dumped in the slums of London to fend for herself? If not for a young boy of streets taking Charlotte Raven under his wings she would not have survived.  She disguised herself as a boy and worked as a chimney sweep.  The options for little girls was even worse than that of a boy chimney sweep.  She would have permanent scars from the work. One day as she is cleaning a chimney she becomes stuck in the chimney her only  alternative was to go further up the chimney and come out in another apartment.  What happens next will expose her as being a girl into the hands of a child molester.  She manages to escape the horrible man and get back up the chimney and into the apartment of an angel.  This angel becomes her guardian and gives her a life that is only for the rich elite of London. Charlotte never turned her back on the people that were there for her while living in the slums. They remained an important part of her life. 

 Charlotte turns into a beautiful woman of influential society attending parties and being sought out by potential suitors.  While attending a party she over hears a conversation from the very man that tried to molest her as a child.  He is planning to have the children of her hostess to come stay at his home.  She feels she must warn the woman. In an attempt to protect the children from this evil man the mother agrees to leave her home with the children and stay with her brother Lord Edward Durnham or with Charlotte. 

Now not only is Charlotte in danger but so is Lord Edward.  Something is not right, it seems Lord Edward's brother-in-law has gotten into something very shady and has put everyone in danger. Who is the villain behind all of this 
chaos?

The author has written a nail biting novel with mystery, suspense and romance.  A who done it that will no doubt surprise the reader. There is also a reconciliation of ones past in order to follow God's will.   

Charlotte's character is a headstrong and fearless woman not to be messed with.  Lord Edward reminds me of the saying, "his bark is bigger than his bite".  Which is an attitude he acquired from an unhappy childhood of emotional abuse.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I won a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review.  This is my hones opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Woman of Clay by Linda Caddick ~ GIVEAWAY

About Book

Young, wild and wilful, Shushana's burning quest for fulfilment entices her down a slippery byway of self-deception, passion and turmoil.

Escaping her father's oppressive rule, she travels the ancient paths of Judea to Galilee during the time when a controversial young rabbi is making his own way around this remarkable land. But in striving to find her life, she stands to lose it.

Forced to reap the consequences of her choices, she faces the final test - her will or God’s will? Only self-denial and sacrifice can lead her towards the home she is so desperately seeking - a home in another’s heart and a home in heaven.


Paperback: 290 pages

• Publisher: CreateSpace  
• Published: December 24, 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 148123305X
• ISBN-13: 978-1481233057

About Linda Caddick

LINDA CADDICK spent her childhood alternating between boarding school and running barefoot on her family farm in Zimbabwe. Strongly attracted to Cape Town, South Africa, she went to live there at the first opportunity. Her writing skills were developed during many years of producing descriptive editorial for a restaurant publication. After almost 20 years of city life, her dream of living in the country was realized when she and her husband, together with their two small children, bought a run-down caravan park on a small-holding in the Cape wine lands and turned it into a popular resort for church and family outings.

Linda's passion is for writing inspirational novels which subtly illustrate the truth of the gospel through true-to-life characters and stories that will appeal to all. She is currently working on the sequel to Woman of Clay.

Author's website: www.lindacaddick.com

Interview with Linda Caddick

Q. What books most influenced your writing?

A. Three very different books come to mind, though I have not thought about this before: Cider with Rosy by Laurie Lee - for his beautiful lyrical writing, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - for her powerful characters, and Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier - for her amazing ability to give readers the experience of living inside someone else’s skin.

Q. What type of books do you like to write and why?

A. Inspirational Christian Fiction. Bible truth can be powerfully illustrated and clarified through stories people can relate to. Biblical fiction, particularly, has the ability to translate people of Bible times into living, breathing characters, whose daily lives we can enter into and experience, and in my novel, Woman of Clay, I wanted to present Jesus as the real, flesh-and-blood man who shared our humanity. I want to write books that will also appeal to those who, though reluctant to pick up a Bible, can discover the truth of the gospel in story form, which will provoke thought. Since I am always looking for books that inspire, give hope, and are spiritually and emotionally uplifting, that is the kind of book I wish to write. And what would life be without a touch of romance thrown in?

Q. Do you have to travel much concerning your books?

A. So far the only travelling has been to visit Israel and walk the 65km “Jesus Trail” as part of the research for “Woman of Clay”.

Q. Does your family and friends inspire any of your book’s characters or plots?

A. No particular person inspired the characters, but inevitably they are a composite of many people, myself included. It was as though the characters took on a life of their own and I got to know them as I went along.

Q. Do you consider yourself a born writer?

A. Yes, in that writing is something I always knew I would do. We are all born with different gifts, which usually line up with our desire to use them. Whether we develop our gifts into skills though is another matter entirely.

Q. Just for fun! What do you like to eat and drink while you are writing?

A. I get so completely absorbed in writing that I don’t think of eating or drinking anything (except water). However, if it’s close to supper time, I may well enjoy a glass of wine.

GIVEAWAY ~ U.S. residents only

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WOMAN OF CLAY

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Winner announced on Feb. 26th, 2013

My Thoughts

Shushana is sixteen and very aware of the role of a woman.  The man is to be obeyed without question.  She just has to much stirring inside her like a storm ready to let loose.  Her father has told a young man by the Raphael that he can take Shushana as his wife. This should not have been a surprise because they have been best friends since they were small children.  But Shushana rebelled and refused to marry Raphael because she thought of him more like a brother.

Her parents sent her away to her help with household duties for her cousin and aunt in hopes that Shana would mature some and change her mind about the marriage. But who knew she had a major crush on her married cousin.  These feelings will end up changing her life forever.

She seeks out the rabbi, the one that calls himself the Messiah.  She wants to see him and hear with her own ears what he is telling everyone.

She comes to the realization that she must loose herself in order to find herself.  Will Shana follow her will or God's will? 

This story warmed my heart and gave me the feeling of being right there with Shana when she saw the Messiah for the first time.  The author wrote her interpretation of events from the bible!  Even though it was her fictional account it also had some historical biblical facts.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Lovelier Than Daylight ~ The Saddler's Legacy ~ Book 3, by Rosslyn Elliot

About Book

Susanna is a lady of principles who values family above all. Johann seems to represent all she despises . . . but appearances can be deceiving.

In 1875, Susanna Hanby is headed off to college in Westerville, Ohio, when she discovers her sister Rachel and Rachel’s children have disappeared. Susanna suspects that Rachel’s alcoholic husband knows more than he’s saying and she vows to uncover the truth.

Johann Giere is heir to a successful German-American brewery in Columbus, but longs for a career in journalism in New York City. When Johann signs on as the supplier for a new saloon in Westerville, his and Susanna’s paths cross and sparks fly. A fiery temperance crusader, Susanna despises Johann’s profession, but she cannot deny the attraction.

ISBN-13: 9781595547873
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication date: 11/6/2012
Series: Saddler's Legacy Series , #3
Pages: 360
Product dimensions: 5.50 (w) x 8.30 (h) x 0.90 (d)
Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Rosslyn

As the child of a career military man, Rosslyn Elliott lived in four states and two foreign countries before she graduated from high school. She attended Yale University, where she earned her BA in English and Theater Studies. After five years working first in corporate New York City, then as a schoolteacher, she entered the Ph.D. program at Emory University and finished her dissertation in 2006.

Her study of American literature spurred her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She has won awards for both her fiction and non-fiction writing, including the 2011 Laurel Award and the 2011 Lime Award for Fairer than Morning and the 2006 Lore Metzger Prize for her dissertation. Fairer than Morning was selected as one of Lifeway Fiction's Ten Favorite Reads for 2011.

Rosslyn lives with her husband and daughter in the southern United States, where they enjoy working with horses and pampering their dogs.

Her fiction is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books and Such Literary Agency.

For more about Rosslyn, visit her website: http://rosslynelliott.com

My Thoughts

In book three of The Saddler's Legacy series Susanna Hanby stops in to visit her sister. But her sister Rachel and Rachel's children are are are no where to be found.  Rachel's drunkard husband said that Rachel had be unfaithful to him and that she gave her children to an orphanage.  Susanna did not believe her sister would do such things.  Rachel was a good mother and loved her children even during the harshest of times.  

Susanna was on a quest to first find the children and then to find their mother.  She may even have to put off her life long dream of going to college in order to care for the children.  She is living with her grandparents and hopes they will be able to help her in finding and caring for the children.  

Johann Giere is the heir to his family's brewery but he would much rather be a newspaper journalist.  One day he meets Susanna and her grandfather on the train and when Susanna found out his family owned a brewery she was ready to take his head off.  She felt it was because of people like him that turned her brother-in-law to drink and therefore causing her sister to be missing and the children being thrown into an orphanage.  Nothing would sway her opinion differently!

The author brings The Saddler's Legacy ahead to the third generation of Handby's.  She creates Susanna as a headstrong woman moving into a new era fighting for the civil  rights of women and children. There is a mystery to solve and a quest to conquer.   Susanna's dragon to kill in this case is alcohol in any fashion.  She blames it for all her families problems.  The author came up with a lot of trickery that goes on in the characters attempt to get custody of the children.  She puts her heroine in perilous situations while searching for the sister.  But of course there must be a hero to come to her rescue or shall we say for Susanna's sensibility, her sidekick.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I won a copy of this book in a giveaway on Lena Nelson Dooley's website.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.