Trouble in Store - A Review

When Melanie Ross is fired from her position as a governess, she cuts her losses in the city and heads to Arizona, where she hopes to find the mercantile she inherited from her cousin. Yet, things aren't as she expected once she arrives. Caleb Nelson is positive that he inherited the mercantile from his uncle, and he's not to thrilled to find this beauty insisting she should run the store. Caleb comes up with a fool-proof plan - get Melanie married off! As more and more would be suitors walk through their doors, Caleb grows more unhappy with each one. Could it be that he has fallen for Melanie? Plus there's the danger that seems to targeted at the two of them. Will they work together?

As I got into the story, I found that I really liked Melanie's character. Her ideas for the store brought in more business, but it took her being patient with Caleb to really see the results. The bit of mystery in the story as well, kept me entertained. True, the story dragged at times,  but overall, it was a very good book.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free in exchange for a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Lori Copeland, Karen Witemeyer, Elizabeth Camden

Rating - 4 stars

Love In Disguise - A Review

Ellie Moore finds herself down to her last pennies and out of a job. In desperation, she seeks a job with the Pinkerton Agency. The only reason they hire her is because of her acting ability. When things quickly go wrong on her first assignment, Ellie's only course of action is to rely on her acting skills and play the roles of both elderly widow and her beautiful, vivacious niece. Steven Pierce is one of the mine owners who have asked the Pinkertons to come and investigate into the silver robberies the owners have been facing. He didn't expect to find a friend in Lavinia or fall for her beautiful niece, Jessie. When the thieves come after both Lavinia and Jessie, Ellie finds herself depending on Steven. What will happen to their budding love when she's got the case wrapped up? Or will she decide that it's time to take on the role she was born to play - that of herself?

This is the first book I've read by Carol Cox. I found that it started out a little slow, but then as the story moved along, it became quite entertaining. I really liked seeing how Ellie managed both roles. But in the process of that, she also found out who she really was and the importance of integrity. I also really liked how Steven was a man who wanted justice done. He'd also protect the people who managed to put themselves in danger. Overall, this was a really pretty good book.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes a light-hearted mystery, Mary Connealy fans, and those looking for adventure in the Wild West.

Rating - 4 stars