Review: A Promise To Protect

A Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Leigh Somerall and her nine year old son, TJ have moved back to Logan Point to be near her brother, Tony. When Tony is shot, he whispers a plea to Acting Sheriff Ben Logan to protect his sister. Ben takes his request to heart but first he has to convince Leigh of the danger to her and her son. And that he has her best interest at heart even though they have been estranged ever since the end of their whirlwind romance ten years ago. But how can Ben keep an eye on Leigh if she's doing everything in her power to avoid him? And could the secret that Leigh is keeping change Ben's life forever?

I liked that Ben was ready to protect Leigh and her son in spite of the hurts from their past. And I like that Leigh was a great mom and determined to give her son the love and affirmation that she didn't feel she got from her parents. I liked how Leigh had the support of her elderly friend Sarah who is like a grandmother to her son. But for some reason I just didn't connect with this story and I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first book. It's probably not fair that I read this one after I read a book by one of my favorite suspense authors! :p Anyways, I didn't think the intrigue and suspense was all that deep.

All in all though, this is a good clean mystery that is fast paced and will surprise you with a few twists and end with a sweet romance. ;)

*Thanks to Revell and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*



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Review: Trapped (Private Justice #2)

Trapped by Irene Hannon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When librarian Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James "Dev" Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn't just dangerous--it's deadly.

Chilling and at times terrifying, Trapped is the latest thrilling read from Irene Hannon, the queen of romantic suspense. Hannon outdoes herself with this fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.

Talk about nail biting! I was on the edge of my seat and engaged in the story every chance I got. I was like, no! no! don't do that, don't go there, don't tell him that! I was listening to the audio version and several times I had to explain to my husband why I was groaning...LOL. I agree with other reviews that this was the best book of the three in this series. I felt like I was listening to an episode of Criminal Minds!

The author does a really good job in fleshing out the characters in this book. Laura and Darcy are half sisters who have grown up in different environments and are separated by an age gap. Laura stays strong throughout the book and Darcy does some growing up and changing, some of it forced upon her by her extreme circumstances. The bad guy is a complex mix of good and bad and psychotic and his story is sad. Dev and his team are willing to put their lives on the line for their client and go above and beyond to try to find and save Darcy.

All in all, this is a great book full of nail biting, edge of your seat suspense, a hero who saves the day and a behind the scenes slow romance that you'll be cheering for! :)



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Review: The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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New author Rachelle Dekker has written a YA dystopian novel that will grip your interest and keep you riveted to the end. Carrington Hale's Choosing Ceremony Day - a moment she'd spent a lifetime preparing for - ends in disaster when she is not chosen and is ripped from her family. She is sent to the edge of the city to spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. Through her haze of disbelief, horror, shame, and hurt, she knows it's her duty to follow the true way of the Authority and determines to accept her fate. As the days go by though, Carrington makes some friends whose ideas begin to rattle her beliefs. Though their ideas and beliefs contradict everything she's been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

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There was much to like about this debut novel from Rachelle Dekker.  The story grabbed my attention in the first chapter and kept me involved the whole way through.  I felt for Carrington and her brother as she is forced to leave him and her parents behind.  I cringed at the disappointment portrayed by her mother that she was not one of the chosen.  I felt her discomfort at the stark plainness of her new living quarters and the stiffness of her roomates.  I could almost smell the stench that made her queasy at her new job.   There is no doubt that this author has no problem writing a story.

The romance was gentle and sweet. The suspense was there from the beginning as you start reading pretty quickly about the person murdering the Lints. The supporting characters were well fleshed out. The ending will leave you wanting more.  All in all, this was a great debut for a new series!

*Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

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Rachelle Dekker The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair. Visit her online at www.rachelledekker.com.

Review: An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Synopsis

The first book in a new YA historical fiction series from bestselling author Jody Hedlund.

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice-if Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights-the one who appears the most guilty-had not already captured her heart.

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Summary

As we learn in the companion novella The Vow, Rosemarie is in the first bloom of womanhood and love when her world falls apart.  A plague sweeps her land and she is rushed to the convent to protect her from the disease.  When everything settles down she returns to find her father and mother, who have selflessly served their plagued kingdom, dying of the disease.  Upon their death she learns that, at her birth, her parents pledged her to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen.  Now, four years later and just one month shy of her 18th birthday, she is told that if she marries before the eve of that day, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.  She is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land.  As she struggles with this change in her everyday life, she tries to discern what choice she should make and who she should be listening to.  And as the day draws near it becomes clear that someone doesn't want her to take her rightful place as ruler.   Who can she trust and who will she give her heart to?

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Review

I enjoyed this YA medieval romance.  It was an easy read that was well written and flowed smoothly.  There was intrigue, romance, danger, honor, betrayal, suspense, and a sweet heartfelt ending.  :)  Rosemarie had great character and I admired her dedication to her people and doing what was right for them.  The shortness of the time-span that she had to choose a life mate was a little alarming but the danger at the time served to show the true worth of the people around her.

*Thanks to Zondervan and BookLook Bloggers for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

Review: Chance of Loving You by Terri Blackstock, Susan May Warren, & Candace Calvert

Chance of Loving You by Terri Blackstock

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Chance of Loving You is an anthology by three bestselling romance authors including Terri Blackstock, Susan May Warren, & Candace Calvert.

In the first novella, For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock, Blake Adcock's dreams have collapsed and all he's got to show for his dedicated hard work is a sweepstakes ticket. He has sat at the restaurant table for three hours, ordering things he doesn't want, because there is no place else he wants to go. Julie Sheffield, the struggling clothes designer who is waitressing on the side, is drawn to the man with the kind eyes... until he stiffs her on the tip by leaving her half of a sweepstakes ticket and no money.

In the second novella, The Recipe by Candace Calvert, Aimee Curran is a hospital dietary assistant who is determined to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-off to prove that she's finally found her calling. CSI photographer, Lucas Marchal, religiously visits his elderly grandmother in the hospital trying to encourage her to eat and drink to get her well. While caring for Lucas' grandmother, Aimee and Lucas get to know each other and Aimee begins to question where she belongs.

In the third novella, Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren, grad student Abigail Cushman is happy with her life as an Assistant Professor of Greek and Hebrew. Ross Springer is trying to prove his worth by raising money for the college group he mentors and leads. When Abigail and Ross end up competing in the annual Deep Haven fishing contest, they might just have a chance to put the past behind them and find the love they once had.

Out of all three of these novellas, I liked The Recipe by Candace Calvert the best. Lucas and Aimee are drawn to one another and as they fall in love they end up helping the other at critical moments in the story. In For Love of Money, Blake's actions leave much to be desired, in my opinion. If he's so broke why is he sitting in an expensive restaurant ordering food he can't pay for? I like Julie's character a whole lot better. She stands by her beliefs and manages to change Blake's life for the better. In Hook, Line & Sinker, Abigail and Ross have known each other practically all their lives. You definitely get more depth to their relationship because of this. I like that they work on their differences and come to peace with the tragedy in their past.

*Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*



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Author Terri Blackstock
Terri Blackstock's books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published in 2007, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Known for her "Up All Night Fiction," Terri has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Visit Terri Blackstock on her website www.terriblackstock.com.

Author Candace Calvert
Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse and author of the Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series. Her medical dramas offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, Candace makes her home in northern California. Please visit her Web site at www.candacecalvert.com.

Author Susan May Warren
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Review: No Place to Hide

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It's not every day you see your childhood friend and one-time crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name. But she's not the only one looking. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to save thousands of innocent lives.

Lynette Eason masterfully weaves a gripping, suspenseful story in this third book in her newest (Hidden Identity) series. Jackie gets pulled into danger when she goes to find out from Ian why he's being connected with a terrorist plot. They are forced to go on the run in order to prove Ian's innocence. As their family and friends get drawn into the danger, they struggle to stay one step ahead of everyone!

I love the way Jackie believes in Ian and how Jackie's team believes in her! I also like the slow background romance that builds between them but doesn't detract from the suspense.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust and Nowhere to Turn. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College, and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

*Thanks to Revell Reads and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Noah Mackie's life is finally back on track. He's getting the hang of this single father thing and he has a great support system with his sister living next door and the neighbors that have become like family. But when his job falls through, Noah is in for yet another unwanted detour. With his career and two spirited daughters to worry about, he doesn't have time for dating—especially not someone like Cassie Ellis, his girls' beautiful and sophisticated dance instructor, who is about as open and approachable as a brick wall.

Another winner by Rachael Anderson! I loved this book. Noah and Cassie are both reluctant to start a new relationship – Noah can’t imagine falling in love again after the death of his beloved wife and Cassie is struggling to find herself after the death of her abusive husband. With the help of matchmaking family and friends, Noah and Cassie meet and despite their fears and concerns they open up their hearts to a second chance at love and happiness.

There was so much to this story that drew me in and kept me reading. The whole favorite ice cream question/personality analysis was funny. I loved the interaction between Noah and Cassie. The chemistry between the two was sweet and romantic. I loved Noah’s connection with his two very different girls. The vacuum trick to get the girls’ hair in a ponytail was so funny but gross too! Does he not know what gets sucked up into those things?! LOL And I was so happy that throughout the book and with Noah’s encouragement, Cassie reaches out to her own family that she had been alienated from because of her late husband.

A sweet clean romance that will leave a smile on your face. I would definitely recommend this book to my family and friends.

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: The Reluctant Bachelorette

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Unknowingly Taycee is cast as the bachelorette for an online reality dating show created by her friend Jessa to raise some much needed funds for the faltering town of Shelter Springs. Taycee just wants out, especially when she discovers that Luke, her childhood crush, is back in town and will be one of the bachelors. To make matters worse, it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. And they all seem to like Luke.

Both Taycee and Luke have been pulled into this reality show against their will. As Taycee's best friend, I really couldn't believe Jessa did something of that magnitude behind her back. Taycee is pretty gracious about it and determines to make it work to help her hometown. However, Taycee is still dealing with feelings for Luke who left town (and Taycee) 10 years ago and never looked back. And Luke is pretty clueless when it comes to Taycee and can't figure out why his best friends little sister is so testy with him.

This was my least favorite of the Rachael Anderson books I've read but it was still a sweet clean romance that pulls at your heartstrings and has you rooting for Taycee and Luke.

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: The Rose of Winslow Street

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.

Oh my! The push and pull of emotions in this book just about drove me crazy...lol. The audacity of a man to break into a house that is obviously occupied, even if you have what you consider is legal ownership of the house, just blew me away. Talk about single mindedness! Although I admire his determination to provide a place for his family I didn't care for his thoughtlessness for the Sawyer's. It took me awhile to care for his character because of this hardheadedness and stubbornness. But eventually his fierce love and protection of his family and later on Libby herself changed my opinion of him. :D

The complexities of the characters are skillfully woven into the story. Mirela and Libby both have secrets that have changed their lives. Mirela's secret has practically destroyed her. Over the course of the book the strong love of her brother, Michael, allows her to heal and move on. Libby's secret has caused many difficulties in her life and yet she has learned to deal with it and has become a stronger person because of it. That strength allows her to see more of who Michael really is in spite of his brusqueness.

This book took several unexpected turns and although it dealt with some heavy issues (illiteracy, discrimination, war crimes, suicide, betrayal), you are skillfully pulled along while they learn to forgive, forget, fall in love, find their way and make a new start.



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Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: All Regency Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: All Regency Collection by Anna Elliott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I loved this Regency novella collection in the Timeless Romance Anthology series! I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed each one of these 6 short novellas.

In the first book, THE WEDDING GIFT: A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE STORY by Anna Elliott, the story opens two weeks before Elizabeth Bennet’s wedding to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is searching for the perfect wedding gift. When she obtains the gift she can't say no to, it leads to unexpected danger and the realization that the gift of love is more important than any one thing. Anna Elliott did a great job with this short follow-up to Pride and Prejudice. I'm going to have to look into her other P&P books!

In DREAM OF A GLORIOUS SEASON, a sweet novella by Sarah M. Eden, we meet Elizabeth Gillerford. Elizabeth is hopelessly in love with the man who has been destined for her older sister from birth by their respective families. But Julian is too good of a man for her mean-spirited sister and he's smart enough not to fall into her trap. When Julian discovers that Elizabeth has been denied a Season because her older sister is yet unwed, he undertakes his own stealthy measures to introduce Elizabeth to society, only to find himself falling in love with her himself. This was an enjoyable sweet short story with a perfectly sweet happy ending! :)

In the third book, THE MENDER by Carla Kelly, Thankful Winnings takes a sea voyage with her cousin in a last adventure before she settles down to marry one of her beaus. Unexpectedly they come upon the aftermath of a fierce ship battle, and Thankful is commissioned to help in the place of an injured surgeon on one of the Royal Navy ships. Adam Farnsworth, surgeon, has been at sea for years. Tired of war, but devoted to his post, it takes a resourceful lady such as Thankful to give him the hope of love and help heal his own wounds, the ones that show and the ones that don’t. I really, really liked this unexpectedly tender love story!

In BEGIN AGAIN, a novella by Josi S. Kilpack, Regina Weathers has given up on marrying for love. When the man she loved walks back into her life after fifteen years, Regina is too steaming mad to give him a chance to explain.
But Ross is determined to woo back the woman he has loved all these years. When Regina discovers a secret long since buried by her father, will the revelation be enough to thaw the coldness of her heart? Whew! This book started with a bang and I wasn't too sure I was going to like it but it redeemed itself and of course has the sweet ending that you want. :D

In Annette Lyon’s endearing story, THE AFFAIR AT WILDEMOORE, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony & Ellen Stanhope are reminded of their courtship and early years of marriage as they watch their oldest daughter flirt with a beau. The tragic death of their infant son had set them on separate courses in life and they have drifted apart. Will the reappearance of an old flame end in disaster or will the memories of their love bring reconciliation? I loved the tender emotions in this story! It's a sweet, endearing story you won't want to miss.

In the sixth and final novella, THE DUKE’S BROTHER by Heather B. Moore, Mr. Gregory Clark is having an awful day, and it only gets worse when he’s ran over by … a woman. Mabel Russell reluctantly visits her sister in London for the Season, even though she’d rather stay in the country cataloging insects and aphids. When she runs into Gregory Clark, quite literally, she’s afraid to show any interest, especially since he’s a member of the dreaded ton. But getting to know Gregory becomes an unexpected delight. This was a quirky, fun story about a heroine that is different and the man who is a perfect fit for her! A delightful way to finish the book. :)

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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