Hope's Highest Mountain (Hearts of Montana Series bk 1) by Misty M. Beller series:

About Book

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she's hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

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Where to Purchase

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Paperback, 320 pages

Published October 1st 2019

       by Bethany House Publishers

ISBN 0764233467 (ISBN13: 9780764233463)

   

Author Misty M. Beller

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get her bestselling novel, The Lady and the Mountain Man, FREE here: http://bit.ly/2gvrW1a

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.

Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.I

My Thoughts

I use the word heart wrenching a lot in my reviews but this book gripped my heart like a vise at times.

When bad things happen in our lives they can be turned for the betterment of our lives if only we listen to God and take the path He leads us on especially when a person or persons are put in said path without explanation or reasoning.

This is what happens to Ingrid and Micah with astonishing occurrences. They are blessed with several people along their treacherous journey to aid and to be aided on getting the much needed vaccines to the Fort so as to save many lives from the deadly disease Smallpox.

Author Misty M. Beller is a new author for me and I am not to sure how I managed to not have read any of her numerous books. I am looking forward to putting her on my to read author list.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley / Bethany House for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

    I rated this book. 

MAIL - ORDER MISHAPS by Vickie Mcdonough, Susan Page Davis, Linda Ford, Erica Vetsch

About:

Dreams of Finding Mr. Right Go Wrong in the Old West

The Bride’s Dilemma by Susan Page Davis
Wyoming, 1883
Eve Martin arrives in Cheyenne to learn that man she came to marry is in jail, accused of a violent murder. Should she get on the next eastbound train, or has God brought her here to help save Caleb Blair’s life?

My Thoughts
Eve and Blair were looking to wed for better or worse. I felt the emotions of this couples desire to turn the worse situation into better for a happy future. Thankfully they both had faith in God and good friends. It was difficult to set the book down because I was so anxious to find out how it all played out. The author did not disappoint me it was even better than I expected.

****
Romancing the Rancher by Linda Ford
Montana, 1886
Amelia expects a safe home for herself and her niece as mail-order bride to Zach Taggerty. Only Zach has never heard of her, and the last thing he needs is more complications in his life.

My Thoughts
Loved this story! It hit home hard having gone through similar situation with my Father and then my husband due to their dementia. Heartache and feelings of hopelessness blinded this couple in search of their own needs. Thanks to this author for an amazing read.

****
The Marriage Sham by Vickie McDonough
Texas, 1888
Mail-order bride Zola Bryant is devastated. Her newlywed husband is dead. But even worse, they were never truly married because the man who wed them was an outlaw not a preacher. What will she do now that her life and reputation are in tatters?

My Thoughts
Zola needed someone to give her a break at starting over. This young woman thrilled me with her tenacity which eventually earned herself to be trusted beyond all measure.  A fun and full of mishaps. A must read. Wished it could have been longer. Author must have a great since of humor.

****

The Galway Girl by Erica Vetsch
Kansas, 1875
A mail-order mix-up sends Irish lass Maeve O’Reilly to the Swedish community of Lindsborg, Kansas. Will Kaspar Sandberg consider it a happy accident or a disaster to be rectified as soon as possible?

My Thoughts
Maeve reminds me of a firecracker, watch out there she goes. Me having four daughters had me routing for this young woman to overcome all odds.  The author built an amazing character that would give hope to many a young girls facing hard times.

Buy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Books Distributors

ISBN: 9781643520001

FICTION / Christian/Romance

Page Count: 448

RATED this book 5 STARS

DISCLOSURE: I received a free digital copy of this book from Barbour Books via Netgalley for an honest review.  I was in now way compensated for this review.

AIMING FOR LOVE, Brides of Hope Mountain Series by Mary Conn

About

When Strangers Intrude
on Three Wild Sisters' Hidden Mountain Life,
Their World Will Never Be the Same.
Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

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Paperback, 320 pages

Published October 1st 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

More Details...

ISBN 0764232584 (ISBN13: 9780764232589)               

Series Brides of Hope Mountain #1

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Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid...

Continue reading about Mary Connealy

Author Q & A Download PDF

MY THOUGHTS

This Story reminds me of the many fairy tales I read as a child, such as Jungle Book and Tarzan among others. Just imagine three sisters alone on a mountain yet resourceful of their needs and the bounty God has set before them in nature.  Yet they are secluded by choice and fearful of mankind, wild yet like the animals they imitate for survival. They are oddities in the eyes and minds of the men that find them outside the realm of the real world.

Curiosity in the changes of their world were interesting to the younger two girls but not at all by the eldest of the three. Fear for their life was strong in the mind of the eldest as she imaged the worst evils and diseases advancing upon them even though they were taught from the bible that fear was sinful and loving thy neighbor was God's commandment. 

I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series so as to envision life advance on this beautiful mountain.

     I rated this book

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley / Bethany House for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller

Paperback, 352 pages

Published April 4th 2017
by Bethany House Publishers
0764219057 (ISBN13: 978076429054)
Amazon, Barnes & Noble

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ABOUT BOOK

After a sheltered life in Pittsburgh, Hope Irvine is ready for a new adventure. When her father takes a position as a preacher in a railroad car converted into a traveling church, she's thrilled at the chance to accompany him. While accommodations in their new chapel car home are tight, Hope couldn't be happier putting her musical skills to good use and ministering to the people of West Virginia alongside her father. But when their chapel car arrives in Finch, West Virginia, they find a coal mining community that has hit hard times and is suspicious of outsiders.

Luke Hughes works for the coal mine when he can, but the struggling company doesn't always offer steady work. When Reverend Irvine and Hope arrive in town, Luke is intrigued by what the reverend can teach him--and by the lovely and kind Hope.

When Hope's desire to bring supplies and Sunday school classes to neighboring counties leads to her traveling with a flirtatious young mine manager, Luke is hard-pressed to suppress his jealousy. But when he begins to suspect the manager's motives are less than charitable, can he prove it without hurting Hope, or worse, putting her in danger?

ABOUT AUTHOR

Judith Miller is an award-winning writer whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her family make their home in Kansas.

Learn more at www.judithmccoymiller.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Hope had to beg her father to let her go with him on the Railroad Chapel Car. Reverend Irvine took everything she said into consideration. He finally gave in making sure she would adhere to the rules he set before her. It was apparent his main concern was her safety.

This would be an adventure and a great blessing for Hope.  She had a beautiful voice and a talent for teaching Sunday School to the children which was as much a draw to the children as the candy she handed out afterwards.

She also seemed to draw the attention an abundance of eligible bachelors which included Luke Hughes and then the full of himself manager of a mining company. Both of these men were in the same town making for an uncomfortble situation for Hope. She prays the Lord will lead her.

Judith Miller touches the hearts of readers in the characters she so lovingly writes about. She took me on a great adventue!

I highly reccommend this book.

I rated this book 5 STARS

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley for review. I was in no way compensated for this review is my honest opinion.

NETGALLEY

Bethany House

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection by Susan Page Davis, Susanne Dietze, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Gina Welborn

Published June 1st 2017 

by Barbour Books

448 pages

ABOUT BOOK

Seven women seek husbands to rebuild a Kansas town.

Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas’, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn’t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved?

Abigail’s Proposal by Cynthia Hickey

When her father never returned from the war, Abigail Melton stepped into his role as town mayor. The town needs men, and she needs a husband—and she has a big idea how to find both—but her first duty is to hire a sheriff. And drifter Josiah Ingram will do just fine.

The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis

Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own. 

A Clean Slate by Susanne Dietze

Schoolmarm Roberta “Birdy” Green won’t marry any of the prospective grooms flocking to town. After losing her fiancé in the war, the only love her broken heart can bear is for her students. But then she takes on a new pupil—Drew Cooper, one of the gentlemen drawn to Kansas by the advertisement for grooms.

Sunshine of My Heart by Darlene Franklin

Debbie Barker longs to bring beauty to her new home on the prairie, where her family moved after the war, and seeks a husband to help her father run the ranch. Zack Gage returned home from the war to a life in ruins—family dead and business bankrupted. He answers the mail-order husband ad to seek a fresh start. But neither Debbie nor Zeke know what they are doing when it comes to ranching. . .or love.

Come What May by Patty Smith Hall

Chardy Stevens is at the end of her rope. Between running her late father’s store and tending to her four younger brothers, she barely has time to breathe, much less look for a husband to help her. The boys scare off most of her prospects and throw Chardy together with her childhood friend Luke, a disabled veteran who seeks her happiness above his own.

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Widow Caroline Kane is the proprietor of a restaurant and inn—and responsible for her five teenaged siblings. But she has no plans of finding a mail-order groom. Britisher Barden Granville IV is on a “cowboy holiday” when he finds himself flat broke in Kansas.  When he answers an old “help wanted” ad, Caroline misconstrues Barden is there as a potential husband. Will the beautiful and fiesty widow cause the new vicar to make Kansas his home? 

Louder than Words by Gina Welborn

After years of writing abolitionist pamphlets and chronicling soldier life during the war, J.R. Lockhart is bored and jumps at the opportunity to investigate an advertisement for husbands for an article in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Jane Ransome would like to help the charming-but-oblivious-to-life-out-West man chronicle the courtships developing in town, but she has her own husband to find—one who will fit perfectly in her picket-fenced Kansas home.

MY THOUGHTS

What an enjoyable read! These women knew the life that was handed them was too much to handle on their own with children, farms and businesses without a husband. So they create an advertisement for mail order husbands to attend auditions for potential spouses. 

I had a hard time setting this book aside. Being familiar with all of these authors it was exactly what I expected, which was to draw me into the hearts of each and every woman and man in search of a secure future. God was in attendace at these auditions and knew what was in each and every heart involved. It was definitely not an easy transition for anyone but with trust in the Lord and hard work a new future could be seen.

I highly recommend this book.

 I rated this book 5 Stars.

Disclosure:  I received a free digital copy of this book from Barbour 

Publishing via Netgalley for review. I was not compensated for for this review it is my honest opinion.

The Second Chance Brides Collection: Nine Historical Romances Offer New Hope for Love

Paperback, 448 pages 

Expected publication August 1st 2017 

by Barbour Books

ISBN1683222466 (ISBN13: 981683222460)

Series: Barbour Bride Collections

ABOUT BOOK

Meet nine women who each believe their chance for lifelong love has passed them by. From the girls who lost their beaus to war, to the wallflowers overshadowed by others, and the widows deeply hurt by their loss, the desire to love and be loved spans American history from 1777 to 1944. Experience the sweet pull of romance on each life and the blossom of faith that leads them to brighter futures.

AUTHORS

by Lauralee Bliss, Angela Breidenbach, Ramona K. Cecil, Pamela Griffin, Grace Hitchcock, Pam Hillman,Laura V. Hilton, Tiffany Amber Stockton, Liz Tolsma

MY THOUGHTS

I very much enjoyed all the books in this collection. Thanks to the outstanding authors coming together to share a wide span through history of love and circumstances for couples searching for a second chance to marry.  All along the Lord is leading. 

Barbour Publishing has become one of my favorite go to publishers for Christian historical fiction. Always feeding my appetite for a good read.

I rated this book 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Barour Pubishing via Netglley for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion. 

Egypt's Sister by Angela Hunt, The Silent Years, Bk 1

Paperback
Expected publication: July 4th 2017 
by Bethany House
ISBN 0764219324
(ISBN13: 9780764219320)
Series: The Silent Years #1

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, CBD


ABOUT BOOK

Five decades before the birth of Christ, Chava, daughter of the royal tutor, grows up with Urbi, a princess in Alexandria's royal palace. When Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra, Chava vows to be a faithful friend no matter what--but after she and Cleopatra have an argument, she finds herself imprisoned and sold into slavery. 

Torn from her family, her community, and her elevated place in Alexandrian society, Chava finds herself cast off and alone in Rome. Forced to learn difficult lessons, she struggles to trust a promise HaShem has given her. After experiencing the best and worst of Roman society, Chava must choose between love and honor, between her own desires and God's will for her life.

ABOUT AUTHOR
Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

Behind the Scenes of Shoba Sadler's CHILD OF DUST

Today we'll sit down to chat with Shoba Sadler, author of the contemporary title Child of Dust. Shoba will take us behind the scenes of her unique new novel and give us a glimpse into her writing.

Shoba, why did you choose to write this type of novel?
Social status and cultural barriers makes for great conflict. Child of Dust is like a modern-day classic of Romeo and Juliet only instead of opposing families, these lovers, Kim and Bryan have cultural and social barriers to contend with.

Kim, the rich and spoilt socialite who loses her money is taken under the wing of her reluctant chauffeur, Bryan, who has his own struggles to deal with. They find love under the most unexpected circumstances.

Can you tell us why you started with an Asian setting for your first two novels?
I was founder of Agape Christian magazine in Malaysia. I also freelanced for the leading English, secular newspaper in Malaysia, The Star. My feature stories forThe Star were several page write-ups with gorgeous photos. Many of my stories were selected by the features editor to be cover stories as well.

As I interviewed people all over the world for Agape, I saw God moving powerfully in Asia and yet there were so few stories coming from there especially in the Christian romance genre.

In Asia, Christianity is seen very much as a Western culture. Yet so many Asians have had powerful encounters with Jesus Christ. Then there is the struggle to validate their faith in the midst of culture, tradition, loss of identity, social stigma and so on.

There alone you have so much material for backdrop, tension, drama, conflict and final resolution.

An example of what I mean can be seen in my short story Finding Enlightenment that was awarded second place at faithwriters.com;. It can be read here:http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level3-previous.php?id=54362

Talk a little about your unique setting.

When I read novels I am drawn to the backdrop and setting. A great description of the setting subtly woven into the story is what makes the difference between being a narrator who takes a person on a journey through his "telling" and a facilitator who steps out of the way altogether to allow the reader to explore the journey on his own. The writer should aim to be the facilitator and not the narrator.

There is nothing like a great setting to make the reader feel like they are there with the characters. It is like the difference between watching a 2D and 3D movie.

Unfortunately, many formulaic romance novels that are churned out in quick production-line succession fails to capture this allure of setting because it takes research and time. It is also not easy to write setting discreetly in the background and that is the only way to write it. Otherwise it will seem like reading lecture notes instead of a story.

I read one review of a multi-cultural romance set in an Asian country where the reviewer said she felt like she was reading a tour company's brochure and that is the wrong emotion to invoke.

So another reason I wrote Child of Dust was to give romance readers a chance to explore unique settings and backdrops not normally experienced by a reader in the current trend of romance novels available out there.

We'd love to hear a little about the historical background for your novel. Will you talk about that?
The main character, Bryan, Kim's chauffeur has been deeply affected by the Vietnam war in the sense that he is the illegitimate child of an American GI and a Vietnamese woman. This historical background sets a different dimension to the story and adds intrigue and authenticity.

Who would you say is the audience for this novel?

Child of Dust is an appealing read for anyone. As I have also written for the secular press, I am able to write in a manner that appeals to all walks of life both Christian and non-Christian. I have had non-Christians tell me they were so engrossed in the story that they didn't not notice the message of the gospel woven into the story. Yet that message is undoubtedly there.

I am an inspirational writer and everyone loves a good inspirational story just as they love watching a Hallmark movie.

What readers have to say about the novel:
"Make sure when getting ready to read Child of Dust that you don't have anything else planned for the day, you won't be able to put this book down. I could go on and on about this book. Highly and strongly recommend it. Is it possible to give a book 10 stars?" --- Debra Dunson, reviewer at The Edgier Christian Fiction Fan

"I found the writing of this story to be close to excellent.... I found this book to be one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. It was interesting, the story kept moving along, and I learned a lot as I read this story. I found myself intrigued with the constant difficulties faced by the protagonists and their stories were presented so much more like real life stories than any other book I have read in a long, long time." --- Marina, Community Writer, California

"This novel has a consistent rhythm, adding surprise after surprise, twisting our emotions at each new difficulty Kim faces. I couldn't put this book down, waiting to see if any or all the ends would be tired up. I would actually like to see the novel transcend into a movie. An amazing read." --- Brices Mice Christian Book Reviews


About Child of Dust: 

Beautiful but spoilt Vietnamese socialite, Cao Kim Lye, learns of her parents shocking death from the dashing Amerasian family chauffeur, Bryan Nguyen.

Kim steps out of a world of crystal and chandelier to enter the dust and chaos of working-class Hanoi. She finds herself living under the roof of a shop cum living quarters with Bryan and his adoptive family.

Ever conscious of the privileged class, Kim struggles against the emotional ties she forms towards Bryan, the reluctant saviour, who considers her an unnecessary hitch to his already complicated life.

He still bears the scars of abandonment by his mother and his American GI father when U.S. troops pulled out of Vietnam.

Eventually Bryan and Kim's powerful attraction to each other begins to break down the wall between them.

About the author: 
Shoba Sadler has been a journalist for 20 years and founder of Agape magazine in Malaysia. She is a versatile inspirational author that likes to write in multiple genres. She has pioneered a new genre in Christian multi-cultural writing with her novel Child of Dust and her many award-winning short stories can be read here http://shobasadler.com/?page_id=250

Her passion for writing is matched only by her passion for cooking with farm fresh produce. She lives a healthy lifestyle on a farm with her husband, Kevin, a talented musician, who also loves to surf and ski. They grow their own vegetables and fruits and share their home with a multitude of animals and wildlife. They are passionate about buying directly from local farmers who practice organic farming.

Cott Blog Alliace

It's common knowledge that authors find their muse in many different places, but one author found her muse while teaching Sunday school.

Author Barbara M. Britton recently was featured on the Books of the Month TV program. Today we host the episode, now available online, on demand, courtesy of Preach the Word Worldwide TV Network. Learn how teaching Sunday school to children helped to spur Barbara's story ideas for her now-popular Biblical fiction series "Tribes of Israel."




(if you can't see the video, click here to visit the Preach the Word Worldwide Network TV station page.) 


Purchase Providence: Hannah's Journey today
Pre-order Building Benjamin: Naomi's Journey 

October November Clash Champion!

 Congratulations to Kara Isaac, with 

 Can't Help Falling

  

 

 Buy on Amazon
 Buy on Barnes and Noble


 A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.

 Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.

 Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.

 When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.

 What Voters Had to Say:

 These authors are all a blessing! Please keep writing...You encourage us all!

 The cover alone makes me want to read the book, which sounds like a wonderful read. :)

 Loved Can't Help Falling. More please! :)

 Keep writing, Kara! Love your books!

 Kara Isaac, I have just discovered your books and love them. Keep it up! 

 I loved Kara Isaac's first book, Close to You, so am really looking forward to reading Can't Help Falling. I enjoy her style of writing. I recommended Close to You to my book club, so hopefully we'll be reading and discussing it sometime in 2017.

 I have read, and enjoyed, Can't Help Falling. As far as the covers, I have to vote for this one because what little you see of the guy's face, it looks like my son!!

 I won Kara Isaac's Can't Help Falling on a Facebook giveaway and was wonderfully surprised at how much I loved this book! The cover is amazing and it really catches the eye!

 Kara has a zany unique writing style that combines substance with heartfelt laughter

 I'm not familiar with some of these authors but really like some of them!  Keep up the good work!

 Kara Isaac, you have such a gift bringing comedy, romance, and meaning to your stories. I love them!!

 Wish I could have picked two books here, because Can't Help Falling caught me just by the description. I'll be looking for this one!
 

 About the Author:

 

 

 Kara Isaac lives in Wellington, New Zealand. When she's not working her day job as a public servant, chasing around a ninja preschooler and his feisty toddler sister, she spends her time writing horribly bad first drafts and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in New Zealand. Her debut romantic comedy, Close To You, released April 2016. Her sophomore novel, Can't Help Falling, releases in October 2016 and is an RT Reviews Top Pick. She loves to connect with readers on GoodReads, Twitter, Facebook and through her website.

Mattie's Pledge, Journey to Pleasant Prairie, Bk 2, by Jan Drexler

About Book

When she feels the pull of both home and the horizon, which will she choose?

Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.

Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?

Tender, poignant, and gentle, Mattie's Pledge offers you a glimpse into Amish life in the 1840s--and into the yearning heart of a character you'll not soon forget.

ISBN 9780800726577

Publisher: Revell Publishers

Journey to Pleasant Prairie Series

Pub. Date: Sep 2016

pages 384

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indie Bookstore

About Author

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband of thirty-four years and their two active dogs. She is the author of several novels, including Hannah's Choice.

Goodreads Author Page


My Thoughts

Mattie Schrock is always ready to move further westward to see the image she has created in her head as the her perfect destiny. Her father is moving the family to Indiana to meetup with other families with the desire to maintain their Amish faith.  They will be with friends like Mattie's dearest friend from her youth Jacob Yoder.

After joining Mattie's family and friends Jacob wishes more for him and Mattie which leads to a pledge she makes to not leave her family and Jacob.  But the pull is so strong to leave, especially after meeting a handsome sweet talking Englisher. 

Can Mattie keep her pledge?

I found Mattie to be very naïve of man.  In her case she needed to step back and look at the full picture but she was blinded by scenery. 

Thanks goodness for Godly men and their built in protectiveness of their family and friends.  God is the main character for these young people he knows the path they are to follow but Mattie was not always listening or chose to ignore HIM.

The story was not without hardship or adventure on their trek westward.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Revell/Netgalley for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

My Enemy My Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes

About Book

The sea has always been Deirdre MacKenzie’s home, and the crew of her father’s Baltimore clipper is the only family she loves. She’s happier wearing breeches and climbing the rigging of the Maid of Alexandria than donning a dress and learning to curtsey. But, when the War of 1812 erupts, the ship is captured by a British privateer . With her father, the captain, dead, Deirdre sees her crew herded into the hold as prisoners-of-war. Their fate is the notorious Dartmoor prison in England. Her fate as a noncombatant prisoner is uncertain, but the one thing she knows—she must find a way to free her crew.

Kieran Ashford has caused his family one too many scandals. On his way to exile in America, he is waylaid by the declaration of war and a chance to turn privateer and make his own fortune. But he regrets his actions as soon as the rich prize is secured. Kieran figures his best chance at redeeming himself in the eyes of his family is to offer Deidre the protection of his name in marriage. He has no idea that secrets from his parents’ past and Deirdre’s determination to free her crew are on a disastrous collision course.

Love and loyalty clash, as Kieran begins to win Deirdre’s heart despite her plot to betray him and his family. While Kieran works to mend the relationship with his family, he begins to love his bride in spite of what lies between them.

Available in Paperback, Ebook, and Audible CD at Amazon.com and Digital Download at Audible.com.

Publisher: Waterfall Press

Published: November 15, 2016
ISBN-10: 1503937631
ISBN-13: 978-1503937635

About Laurie Alice Eakes

“Eakes has a charming way of making her novels come to life without being over the top,” writes Romantic times of bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes. Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself stories, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author, with a degree in English and French from Asbury University and a master’s degree in writing fiction from Seton Hill University contributing to her career path. Now she has nearly two dozen books in print.

After enough moves in the past five years to make U-Haul’s stock rise, she now lives in Houston, Texas, where she and her husband are exploring their new neighborhood. Although they haven’t been blessed with children—yet--they have sundry lovable dogs and cats. If the carpet is relatively free of animal fur, then she is either frustrated with the current manuscript, or brainstorming another, the only two times she genuinely enjoys housework.

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieAEakes

Read excerpts from her books at: http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com
Website: http://lauriealiceeakes.com/ 


My Thoughts

Deirdre MacKenzie may be a female but she prefers life in the rigging and sails of her father's Baltimore Clipper.  Her love is the sea and at times she can be as unpredictable as the very seas she sails.  Her father can no more tame Deidre than he can the roaring of the sea.  The crew admires her tenacity and would give their very lives to protect her.  Even though she disguises herself as a young boy not all are fooled by the disguise.

Kieran Ashford is not on good terms with his father and decides to purchase a ship when the War of  1812 explodes his world. Instead of going to America he becomes a British privateer.  The first ship he comes upon is none other than the Baltimore clipper, which he takes over without a fight but the Captain succumbed to a natural death before Kieran and his men even boarded the clipper.  He will have to take his prisoners to Dartmoor prison in England.  There does seem to be a problem when he comes upon a sailor that is most definitely not a man but a beautiful young woman and the daughter of the deceased captain.  He can not risk damaging her reputation so he must take steps to make sure she is protected, especially from his so called dark past.

I have not read a swashbuckler in a long time.  This was fun, full of adventure, romance,deception and much more.  I love Deirdre's character so high spirited and undoubtable tom boyish to the highest degree.  She does not want to trust herself or Kieran if it means turning her back on her crew, they are her family first and foremost. You would think Kieran would be a scoundrel but in this story Deidre seems to hold that title very well. 

Makes me want to go sailing on a schooner but I will skip the pirates. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Waterfall Press/NetGalley for an honest review.

I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Christmas At Dove Creek by Scarlett Dunn

About Book

With snow on the prairie and the stars heralding new hope, it’s the season for the lost to find their way home–and love to unite solitary hearts…

She rides like an angel and she’s a crack shot. And Lily Starr is determined to shepherd a helpless group of outcasts from Missouri to Wyoming by Christmas–including a pregnant woman whose blessed event is drawing near. So encountering handsome Thorpe Turlow along the dangerous trail is a welcome unexpected gift, for he’s as formidable as he is reserved. Besides, understanding this gentle, secretly wounded man is another challenge Lily isn’t about to resist…

After the heartbreak he’s found, Thorpe just wants to retreat to his peaceful Dove Creek ranch. But he’s never met anyone as resourceful and straightforward as Lily. Somehow, she’s reigniting his faith and giving him the courage to trust again. And if they survive the arduous trip ahead, he’ll do whatever it takes to give her a lifetime of joy and love…

ISBN: 9781420142235
Publish Date: 10/25/2016
  by Zebra Publishers

	Amazon, B&N, BAM, IndieBound, Target, Walmart, Hudson Booksellers GOODREAD GIVEAWAY expires Dec. 10, 2017

About Author

SCARLETT DUNN is an author of historical inspirational romance novels. She has always loved the history of the American West, and the men and women brave enough to accept the challenge to venture to the untamed territories. Once Scarlett ended her entrepreneurial pursuits, she decided it was time to write the stories she always knew she would write. Her interest in history led her to write novels set in the old west.

Her novels feature regular people with flaws, but they also have the strength to face the challenges of the time, and come out stronger. It is important to her for her characters to have imperfections, like all people, and they make many mistakes along the way. As she writes, she is always reminded of her favorite biblical character: King David. He was a man with many, many flaws, yet he was described as a man after God’s own heart. Like King David, Scarlett’s heroes have good hearts with a desire to do what is right, but sometimes do the wrong thing as they are trying to figure out this thing called life. In the end, they are better men, and have won the hearts of the right women.

Scarlett lives in Kentucky, the bluegrass land of beautiful horses. An avid animal lover, she is surrounded by various four-legged creatures

Her website:  www.scarlettdunn.com , Facebook Page

My Thoughts

Thorpe Turlow is headed on a long ride back to his Ranch in Wyoming.  His luck is about to run out when he is rescued from a confrontation with a group of Indians on his tail.  He finds himself in the camp of several women and one lone man. This rag tag group is traveling from Missouri to Wyoming praying to arrive by Christmas.  Thorpe decides to joined the group due to the fact that the journey is dangerous and he can not see how their leader, crack shot Lily Starr thinks she can be their sole protector.

The journey brings additional oddballs to their group such as an outlaw wanted for murder and the Sheriff whom arrested the said outlaw.  This makes Thorpe and Lily uneasy having the outlaw travel with them.  One of the women is pregnant and due to deliver in December this is why they must be at the end of the journey before the baby comes.

Lily and Thorpe can not deny the spark growing between them.  But they can not give in to that spark due to both of their lack of trust in the opposite sex.   They keep hitting a wall in their trek to Wyoming.  They knew from the beginning it would be hard but not as hard as what they have had to face. there for no time for sparkin.

Will they make it to Wyoming unscathed?  Is there a rainbow at the end of their trail?  The good Lord only knows.  He will lead and protect them if they trust and believe in Him.

Lily is one tough little lady. Maybe she can find someone to care for her instead of her feeling like she is the only one that can get the job done.  Trust!

You will not want to put this book down. It is  fast, furious, full of adventure and danger at every turn of the page.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Kensington/Zebra Books via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review it is my honest opinion.