A Cowboy for Keeps - A Review

Series: Colorado Cowboys Book 1

Author: Jody Hedlund

Title: A Cowboy for Keeps

Published: Bethany House, January 2021

Format: ebook, paper

About the book:

Greta Nilsson agreed to be a mail-order bride in the west in order to save her ailing sister’s life. Well her trip couldn’t have gone more wrong. First, the stage is held up by bandits. Then once she arrives in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns that her betrothed is dead. Now homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta’s worse off then when she started. Wyatt McQuaid is a rancher struggling to get his spread up and running. He’s in town only for the purchase of some cattle. When the mayor of Fairplay agrees to invest in his ranch if he’ll marry Greta, Wyatt’s mind is torn. But seeing that she’s a woman alone in a rough town, Wyatt agrees. But will this marriage of convenience become something lasting?

My Thoughts:

I don’t know of another author as versatile as Jody Hedlund! She’s got several historical fiction novels, some true historicals, young adult fantasy novels, and soon a time-travel series. And she ventures into the westerns with this new series. True, this is much shorter than some of her others, but I found it to be delightful. I started it late one night, and then much to my chagrin, finished it a few hours later, in the early morning, no less. I loved Wyatt and Greta, Astrid, and Wyatt’s hired hand Judd. I am really looking forward to the next in the series.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to help promote while providing my thoughts and opinions. I was not required to like the book, only to share my opinions.

Recommended to fans of: Jody Hedlund, Mary Connealy, Karen Whitmeyer, cowboys

Rating: 5 stars

End Game - A Review

Published: January 2020, Bethany House

Series: Capital Intrigue Book 1

Author: Rachel Dylan

Title: End Game

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About the book:

One murder is one thing. A second with the same MO is something else. Especially when the second murder is of a Navy SEAL. Now both NCIS and the FBI are working together to catch a killer before the body count rises. FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must follow the evidence even though they feel that the accused isn’t guilty. As they untangle the evidence and connect the victims, they discover a conspiracy and a cover up leading to top areas of government. When they get too close, will they make it out alive?

My thoughts:

I’m a huge fan of NCIS. This was a cross between NCIS and FBI Most Wanted. I was kept turning pages all the way through the end. I’m looking forward to the other books in this series.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to assist in promoting this book. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of NCIS, FBI Most Wanted, Dee Henderson, Irene Hannon, Lisa Harris

Rating: 4 stars

Number of Love - A Review

Published - June 2019, Bethany House
Series - Codebreakers Book 1
Author - Roseanna M. White
Title - Number of Love
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the Book:
Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

My Thoughts: 
When I met Margot in one of the author's other books, I never dreamed that she'd get her own book. Here she is all grown up and she gets her own book! Watching Margot come into her own as a major character, was a delight. I loved how her mind worked. The connections she made were amazing. I can't say what it was about him, but I honestly didn't care much for Drake. I truly don't know why. He was a fun character, there was just something that I personally didn't care for. 

 I am looking forward to the next one in the series. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion about it. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion about it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of WWI, Jody Hedlund, Roseanna M White

Rating - 4 stars

Whose Waves These Are - A Review

Published - April 2019, Bethany House
Author - Amanda Dykes
Title - Whose Waves These Are
Format - ebook, paper
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About the Book:
In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss's humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the tiny, coastal Maine town, and he sets his calloused hands to work, but the building halts when tragedy strikes.

Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when she learns her Great-Uncle Robert, the man who became her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is now the one in need of help. What she didn't anticipate was finding a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Long-ago memories of stone ruins on a nearby island trigger her curiosity, igniting a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

She joins forces with the handsome and mysterious harbor postman, and all her hopes of mending the decades-old chasm in her family seem to point back to the ruins. But with Robert failing fast, her search for answers battles against time, a foe as relentless as the ever-crashing waves upon the sea.  

My Thoughts:
This was a beautiful book. I've never read anything by this author before, and if I'm not mistaken, this is her debut novel. The two timelines are seamlessly woven together to make a story that I couldn't put down. I loved Annie's search answers and the story behind the rocks. I also loved how it was so much more than I expected when those answers were found. 

This is a book that tells of grief and hope. It tells of forgiveness and love. 

After reading this book, I found myself dwelling on it a bit longer. I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to help promote it. I was not required to like the book, only to give my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and my opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Kristy Cambron, Rachel Hauck

Rating - 5 stars

Reluctant Bride - A Review

Published - June 2019, Bethany House
Series - Bride Ships Book 1
Author - Jody Hedlund
Title - A Reluctant Bride
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the book:
Mercy Wilkins is poor. She is one of the oldest children in her family, and in order to keep her parents from sending one of the little boys to the docks, she agrees to leave home. She doesn't want to go to the workhouses, so when she hears of an opportunity to take a ship to British Columbia, she signs up. She doesn't realize that she's going to be part of a group of women who are to be brides for the settlers. Ship surgeon, Joseph Colville, is a titled peer of the realm. He doesn't have to work for a living. But he's not ready to take on all of the duties his title requires. As the ship's surgeon, the health and welfare of the crew and passengers, including the sixty brides, fall to his care. When he takes Mercy on as his assistant, both must fight the attraction they have for each other. Will they take a chance on love or not?

My Thoughts:
I don't know how Jody Hedlund does it, but each book seems to get better and better. I loved both Mercy and Joseph. I loved how their characters developed and the perceptions the had changed over the course of the book. I also loved the way that the history of the ships was portrayed. I've read other mail-order-bride type books in the past and enjoyed them. I think that this is the first one I've read where the brides aren't coming to America but to Canada, and by ship instead of wagon train or train.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to help promote it. I was not required to like the book, only to give an honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, historical fiction, Laura Frantz

Rating - 4 stars

Between Two Shores - A Review

Published - February 2019, Bethany House
Author - Jocelyn Green
Title - Between Two Shores
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the Book:
The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval finds it is easier to remain neutral in a world that is tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the fray against her wishes when her British ex-
fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel asks her to help him escape, claiming he has information that could help end the war. 

Peace appeals to Catherine, but helping the man who broke her heart does not. She delays . . . until attempts on Samuel's life convince her he's in mortal danger. Against her better judgment she helps him flee by river, using knowledge of the landscape to creep ever closer to freedom. Their time together rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and danger seems to hound their every mile. She's risked becoming a traitor by choosing a side, but will the decision cost her even more than she anticipated?

My Thoughts:
I've read a couple of books by Jocelyn Green and I'm always amazed by the depths of the books. The settings just seem to spring to life. This one was no exception. Honestly, I wasn't in the mood to read something deep when I received it. But, I was soon drawn into the author's world. I was remind a lot of Laura Frantz's books while reading it because of how beautifully written it was. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my thoughts and opinions. I was not asked to like the book, only to give an honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Laura Frantz, Jody Hedlund

Rating - 4 stars

Sweet on You Blog Tour #SweetonYouTour &#BHPFiction

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sweet on You

(Bradford Sisters #3)

By Becky Wade

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?

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Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

• Tote bag highlighting Britt’s chocolate shop, Sweet Art
• Paperback copy of Sweet on You
• $100 Visa gift card
• 1 pound box of See’s chocolate truffles
• Set of chocolate scented soap
• Box of colored pencils
• “Tattoo” coloring book

Enter on Becky's website HERE

My Review: This book was absolutely adorable! I loved the bit of mystery that it had in it. I also loved Zander and Britt. This book was a fast read, though it had a slight slow start. But watching Britt create all of her chocolates made me wish I could go to her chocolate shop. Watching Zander and Britt grow from book one through this one was fun too. I felt that I knew them better because they'd had three books to develop their stories. 
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Sweet on Your Blog Tour. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Becky Wade, Janice Thompson, Irene Hannon, Contemporary Christian Romance
Rating - 4 stars

Curse of Misty Wayfair - A Review

Published - January 2019, Bethany House
Author - Jaime Jo Wright
Title - The Curse of Misty Wayfair
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death. A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother--who is battling dementia--compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns--and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life. As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?


My thoughts:
I've read one other book by Jaime Jo Wright before, and I found this one to be much better. I was drawn into the story immediately. It did help I was home sick with nothing else to do but read. I've read several time shift novels (that's what books with multiple timelines are called currently) before, but usually there's not a mystery element in those books. This one, though, there is.

I really enjoyed not only the mystery element to the story, but seeing how the timelines related to each other. I also enjoyed the characters. I thought that they were really well developed.

Having enjoyed this book, I may just have to read some of the author's other books including a reread of the one that didn't really impress me.

I received this book from the publisher in order to share my thoughts and opinions. I was not required to like the book, only to give an honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of mysteries, time split novels

Rating 4 stars

Searching for You - A Review

Published December 2018, Bethany House

Series- Orphan Train book 3

Author - Jody Hedlund

Title- Searching for You

Format- ebook, paper

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I loved this conclusion to the Orphan Train series! I loved seeing how Sophie struggled and how she overcame her obstacles.

This series has probably been one of my favorite series that Jody Hedlund has written. Her books always have depth to them.

I received a copy from the publisher in order to help promote it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 5 stars.

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, Karen Witemeyer, orphan trains

Mark of the Raven - A Review

Published - November 2018, Bethany House
Series - Ravenwood Saga Book 1
Author - Morgan L. Busse
Title - Mark of the Raven
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person's dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.

As she discovers her family's dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family's legacy--a legacy that supports her people--or seeking the true reason behind her family's gift.

Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?

My Thoughts:
This book intrigued me. I enjoy fantasy and wanted to try this one. I'll admit, I was hooked. Hooked to the point that I stayed up late many nights. Selene and Damien are interesting characters. I want to know more. I liked them both, but I really want more. I want to know more about the different gifts that the houses have. I want to find out what will happen next.

I guess that you can say I'm anxious for the next book.

I received a copy from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

Recommended to fans of fantasy. 

Rating - 4 stars

Shelter of the Most High - A Review

Published - October 2018, Bethany House
Series - Cities of Refuge Book 2
Author - Connilyn Cossette
Title - Shelter of the Most High
Format - ebook, paper
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About the Book:
The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?

My Thoughts:
Biblical fiction is a genre I don't read a lot of. I enjoy it, but in moderation. I've read one of Connilyn Cossette's before and enjoyed it, so I thought why not. 

This one was slow moving at first. I did enjoy it. It just took me a while to get into it. I'm not very familiar with the period in Bible history that this one is set in, but the way that the author describes things makes me feel as if I was there. She writes in vivid detail. I would like to read the next one in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to share my honest opinion of it. I was not required to like the book, only to give an opinion. My thoughts are my own.

Recommended to fans of Bible fiction, Mesu Andrews, Angela Hunt

Rating - 4 stars

Christmas Heirloom

Published - September 2018, Bethany House
Authors - Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Becky Wade
Title - Christmas Heirloom
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

My thoughts:
Having a book that follows generations is always fun. I've read things by these authors before, and I've loved them. Seeing them come together to do a holiday novella collection was rather fun. It's hard to pick a favorite one since I really enjoyed all four of them. This collection contains one set in the mid 1800's, post Civil War, 1950's, and present day, so there is truly something for everyone.

I received a copy from the publisher on behalf of one of the authors in order to share my thoughts and opinions. I was not required to like the book, only give an honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

Rating - 4 stars

Cost of Betrayal - A Review

Published - Bethany House, September 2018
Authors - Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason
Title - The Cost of Betrayal
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the book:
In Dee Henderson's novella "Betrayed," Janelle Roberts is freed--thanks to people she doesn't know--after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal.

In Dani Pettrey's "Deadly Isle," Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on betrayal before they become the next victims?

In Lynette Eason's "Code of Ethics," trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John saves the life of Detective Isaac Martinez. After a betrayal leads to him getting shot and then attacked while in recovery, Isaac is now a key witness determined to testify. But someone is intent on silencing him--and those around him--forever. Together, Ruthie and Isaac go on the run, desperate to escape the killers hunting him. 

My Thoughts:
Dee Henderson's Betrayed - This one had an intriguing premise to it. And I enjoyed catching up with Paul and Ann. But I felt that there was something missing. The story didn't feel finished. Rating - 3 stars

Dani Pettrey's Deadly Isle - This was by far my favorite of the collection. I loved Teni and Callen. I loved how they interacted with each other. This one kept me reading. Rating - 5 stars

Lynette Eason's Code of Ethics - This one was a delight to read. I'm already familiar with the St. John family, so getting to know Ruthie better was fun. I didn't expect the twists and turns this one took. Rating - 4 stars.

Overall thoughts on the book:
These are three talented authors. They know how to keep their readers guessing. I always know that I'm in for a good read with these authors. Overall, I enjoyed the book quite a lot.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher on behalf of one of the authors to help with the promotion of it. 

Overall book rating - 4 stars

Dead Drift A Review

Published - Bethany House, July 2018

Series - Chesapeake Valor Book 4
Author - Dani Pettrey
Title - Dead Drift
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target's latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster. 

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next mark?

My Thoughts:
This book was filled with action from the first page. I actually enjoyed the secondary story line better than the main one.

Having built up the characters and their relationships through the previous books, this one didn't jaha to flesh out the secondary characters much. But getting to know Luke and Kate as more than secondary characters was a delight. I loved their chemistry.

I enjoyed this book immensely.

I received a copy from the publisher on behalf of the author to assist in promoting it. I was not required to like the book only give an honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Lynette Eason

Rating 4 stars

Defense of Honor - A Review

Published - June 2018, Bethany House
Series - Haven Manor Book 1
Author - Kristi Ann Hunter
Title - A Defense of Honor
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Katherine "Kit"FitzGilbert left the London society with its gossip and judgement over a decade ago. She lives a secluded life in the country. Business returns her to London where she finds her way into a ballroom and a chance meeting with Graham, Lord Wharton. Graham is intrigued by the woman hiding behind a plant. When one of his close friends asks for his help in locating his missing sister, Graham doesn't hesitate. What he thought was a chance encounter with the lovely Kit becomes much more as he soon finds himself deeply involved in Kit's life. Graham suspects that she knows more about his friend's sister's disappearance than she is letting on.

My thoughts:
This book wasn't nearly as light as some of the author's other books. Yet I was captivated with it. I loved the characters in this book from Graham and Kit to the people they encounter. I'll admit that this book was a little slower than the others the author has written, but this book was really good. I truly enjoyed it.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion about it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, Julie Klassen, Jane Austen

Rating - 5 stars

Lone Witness - A Review

Published- May 2018, Bethany House
Series - Atlanta Justice Book 1
Author - Rachel Dylan
Title - Lone Witness
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
When prosecutor Sophie Dawson is the lone witness to a gang-related double homicide, her world is turned upside down. Private security guard Cooper Knight is hired to protect Sophie from the gang, but she's more concerned about prosecuting her latest case than the threat to her life. Sophie wants to stand for what's right, but can Cooper keep her safe?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this one so much more than the first one! It starts off with a bang and kept me going all the way through the end. 

I really enjoyed Sophie. I loved getting to know her. I loved to see how she was determined to fight for justice. When things got tough, she didn't back down.

There is a lot of supporting characters that I'd love to see more of. I know that the third book will probably focus on Sophie's friend Mia. 

I received a copy from the publisher for free in order to share my thoughts and opinions. I was not required to like the book. 

Recommended to fans of legal thrillers, romantic suspense

Rating - 4 stars

More Than Meets the Eye - A Review

Published - Bethany House, June 2018
Author - Karen Witemeyer
Title - More Than Meets the Eye
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the book:
Seeking justice against the man who destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront the person responsible. But his quest is derailed when, instead of a hardened criminal, he finds an ordinary man with a sister named Evangeline--an unusual beauty with mismatched eyes and a sweet spirit that he finds utterly captivating.


My Thoughts:
This was super cute. I loved Evangeline and her positive outlook. I also loved her brothers. And Logan. Let's just say that he has a lot of issues to work through, but I love how he works through them. 

I'm hoping for a story about Zach. 

I received a copy from the author to help promote. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 4 stars

Accidental Guardian - A Review

Published - April 2018, Bethany House
Series - High Sierra Sweethearts Book 1
Author - Mary Connealy
Title - The Accidental Guardian
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he'd finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He'd 
hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong. Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 


My Thoughts:

This was good. It didn't have me giggling like some of her others. And I didn't quite connect with the characters the way that I did in some of her previous books, but I still enjoyed it. It was a pretty quick read overall. 

I'm looking forward to the second one.

I received a copy from the publisher to review. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion, which I have done. 

Recommended to fans of Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 4 stars

Together Forever - A Review

Published - May 2018, Bethany House
Series - Orphan Train Book 2
Author - Jody Hedlund
Title - Together Forever
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the book:
Marianne Neumann has one goal in life: to find her lost younger sister, Sophie. When Marianne takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York, she not only hopes to give children a better life but seeks to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train. Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children--firm but tender and funny. Underneath his handsome charm, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. As the two team up placing orphans amid small railroad towns in Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. I loved a more in depth look at the Orphan Trains. I remember loving the Joan Lowery Nixon books called the Orphan Train Quartet. This book reminded me of that series. 

I admit that I didn't care much for Marianne in the first book. She grew on me here. I loved Drew. He was so fun. I'm looking forward to reading Sophie's story when it comes out.

Other tidbits I found fascinating included the House of Refuge and the Newsboys Lodging House. I had always thought that those existed only in Newsies, one of my all time favorite musicals. It was interesting to see that those two places truly did exist in NYC beyond just in Newsies. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher on behalf of the author in order to help promote. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, historical fiction, Karen Witemeyer

Rating - 4 stars

Falling For You - A Review

Published - May 2018, Bethany House
Series - Bradford Sisters Romance Book 2
Author - Becky Wade
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

My Thoughts:
This book was so much fun! I loved both Willow and Corbin! I also loved the mystery of finding Josephine. I can't wait for the next one.

I love how Becky's stories are fun, usually light-hearted, and have a happy ending. But this one also had some heavy topics that were covered in a gentle way.

I received a copy from the publisher on behalf of the author to help promote. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 4 stars