A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan ~ 5 stars

A Heart Divided

Kathleen Morgan

Heart of the Rockies series #1

Revell

About the book:

When fate brings them together, they must choose between family ties and love.

The Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, heir of the Wainwright holdings, Sarah realizes things have gone too far.

As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they just might be falling in love. Can they betray their families to see where this attraction leads? Or will their families betray them?


My review:
From the first page you are swept into a whirlwind romance and a loyalty testing feud. I would get so frustrated sometimes, wishing I could help the characters, both with their situation and with their choices. But, it all ends well! As the hero, Cord is the kind the makes you so angry sometimes at his stupidity, and hurt for him at others and wish you could take away the pain he has felt in his life. Yep. He’s the hurting, prideful, stupidly honorable one that melts your heart. Couldn’t resist him! The story itself goes really fast in some places and I occasionally missed the day-to-day happenings that weren’t discussed in the book. But that was minor, and didn’t really affect my opinion of the story. In all, great plot, great characters, great book! Can’t wait for the next one!


Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall ~ 5 stars

Surrender the Night

MaryLu Tyndall

Surrender to Destiny series, #2

Barbour Publishing

About the book:

A timid American farm girl at the mercy of the enemy. . .

A wounded British sailor driven into hiding. . .

Both are about to change the course of history forever.

When British soldiers invade Baltimore amid the War of 1812, Rose McGuire, alone on her family farm, is easy prey for a brutal lieutenant. In the midst of the attack, she’s saved by British 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Reed. Will she now have to heal, as well as hide, this enemy soldier?

Alex hadn’t meant to kill his superior, nor get shot in the process. Now badly wounded, he’s at the mercy of this tomboy who obviously hates him. Can he trust her or will she turn him over to the Americans?

Rose is having trouble keeping Alex hidden from her family, the townspeople, and the man intent on courting her. Will the discovery of Alex’s presence force her to accept an abhorrent proposal?

As their love blooms, trouble looms, for the British are on the move again. This time, their target is Washington DC. Will these young lovers at heart find themselves enemies at war?

My review:
Let me just say that anyone who reads this book expecting another on-ship adventure is in for a surprise! I don’t believe there is a single “water scene” from cover to cover. So, if that will bother you, you probably shouldn’t read this book. However, it did not bother me at all and I thought MaryLu did a great job keeping up the tension and sense of adventure without ever “stepping foot” on the sea.

I loved the sense of patriotism in this book! That isn’t something you experience much today, and I loved that it was imbued throughout the book. Rose was awesome and I really admired her bravery despite what she had gone through in her life. Alex was pretty much amazing, and despite bad choices he is admirably redeemed by the end of the book and a fantastic hero for Rose. (One thing I did notice was that Alex’s plot/background was EXTREMELY similar to Dominick’s in Eakes’ “Lady in the Mist.”) The theme of trusting God and overcoming your past with His help was well done and inspiring. I’d say this is a definite to-read if you like adventure, romance, and faith-filled fiction!

Thanks to MaryLu for my free review copy of this book!

Double Shot by Erynn Mangum ~ 5 stars

Double Shot

Erynn Mangum

Maya Davis series #3

Navpress

About the book:

Can coffee and chocolate make everything better? It's worth a shot.

Now that Maya Davis is engaged to her longtime friend and sweetheart, Jack, there should be no more worrying about the future, no more questioning God. Everything should be perfect, right? Actually, it’s just the opposite: Things are complicated. Where are they going to live? What kind of wedding do they want?

And when Jack is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job in Seattle, things begin to unravel even more. Can Maya trust that God is in control even when things seem to be a disastrous mess?

My review:
This was a great ending to the Maya Davis series. I have so much in common with her, and I was sorry to see her story end! I loved the theme of trusting God with every area of your life, especially those big, difficult decisions. I could easily relate to what Maya was going through. And Jack is such a sweetheart! I love him, and all of Maya’s family and friends. As usual, this was a funny, heartwarming, uplifting read, and I can’t wait for whatever Erynn comes up with next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews ~ 5 stars

Love Amid the Ashes

Mesu Andrews

Revell Publishing

About the book:

An epic story of love and forgiveness, suffering and restoration

When her beloved grandfather Isaac dies, Dinah must follow his final command: travel to Job's household to marry his son. After Job's world comes crashing down, Dinah finds herself drawn to this great man brought low. What will she risk to fight for his survival?

Mesu Andrews weaves an emotional and stirring account of Job and Dinah. Love Amid the Ashes breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.


My review:
Well, this book certainly captured my emotions! I cried so often while reading this book. It is a very touching story. (I even got really mad at Job’s friends/family when they came to see him. I was truly angry at them! LOL) The author did an amazing job of portraying the time period, family squabbles, and inner battles that the characters faced. The romance was sweet and I loved how everything turned out! The ending was just wonderful. It was all very well done. Also, this book has definitely aroused my curiosity to read more about these characters in the Bible! In my opinion, this is a great romantic Biblical fiction novel.

Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis ~ 5 stars

Invasion

Jon S. Lewis

C.H.A.O.S. series #1

Thomas Nelson

About the book:

Colt McAllister is drawn into a war against things he thought only existed in comic books.

After a car wreck takes the lives of his parents, Colt moves to Arizona to stay with his grandfather. There, an informant tells him that his parents were actually murdered because his mom, a journalist, was getting ready to write a story exposing Trident Industries.

Along with Oz and Danielle, his new comrades at Chandler High, Colt vows to uncover the truth. But the more they learn, the more bizarre reality becomes. Mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles only scratch the surface of what they discover.

Colt is recruited by a secret organization called the Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural. But the battle isn't just against an out-of-control giant corporation. A gateway to another world is opening, and the invasion has already begun.

My review:
I was pleasantly surprised with this book! It is definitely not my typical read, so I wasn’t sure what I would think, but I really enjoyed it! It was fast-paced, adventurous, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out. (Though, the fact that it’s going to be a whole YEAR before the next book comes out is kind of frustrating.) I was a little surprised at the basically non-existent faith factor in the book. I mean, it doesn’t promote secular ideals, but it doesn’t have a God-element, either. It wasn’t a big deal for me, but it might be for other people. All in all, this is a fun, interesting read, and I believe that it will go over well with fans of this genre.

Thanks to BookSneeze for my free review copy of this book.

Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes ~ 5 stars

Lady in the Mist

Laurie Alice Eakes

The Midwives series #1

Revell

About the book:

By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, why he, a British aristocrat, is on American soil working as an indentured servant.

In a time when relations between America and England rest on the edge of a knife, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths, leading them on a journey of intrigue, threats, public disgrace, and . . . love. But can Tabitha trust Dominick? Finding true love seems impossible in a world set against them.

My review:

This is a great romantic suspense, and I loved trying to work out the intricacies of the plot. The mystery about who everyone was and what their motives were was very well done. The historic details were very interesting, and I loved the “midwife” aspect of the story.

There were only two small things that weren’t to my taste. I felt like the wording could have been better in a few areas, but that was very seldom. The other thing was that at the end of the book, in the final conflict where everything comes to light, it ends in the “middle” of the scene. So you just hear about what happened from later on in the next chapter. That could have been changed in my opinion, but it wasn’t a “deal-breaker” for me. It didn’t hurt the story; I just thought it would have been improved if that were different. In all, I think this is a great book and I look forward to reading more in this series!

Available February 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ 5 stars

In Every Heartbeat

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bethany House

About the book:

Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

My review:
I enjoyed this story very much. The sweetness of the friendships, families, and blossoming love really touched me. Sawyer has a writing voice that is unique in its gentleness. That is the only word I can think of to describe the way she writes. It is a gentle, flowing voice that weaves a story around you. I love reading her books, even if the romance is not the main theme in her them.

Libby, Pete, and Bennett were excellent characters to use together. They were so similar in circumstances and occasional reactions, yet so different in their character. One thing that I wished changed was Bennett’s story. I wish more was told about his journey. This book just seemed to scratch the surface of his story, and left me wanting to know more. But, who knows, maybe he will get his own book one day. *I do want to say that this is the sequel to Sawyer’s other book, My Heart Remembers. The main characters are not the same, but they do play a large role in this book. If you are a stickler about reading things in order (like I am) you might want to check that book out first.*

Thanks to Bethany House for my free review copy of this book.

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander ~ 5 stars

Within My Heart

Tamera Alexander

Timber Ridge Reflections series #3

Bethany House Publishing

About the book:

Sometimes the greatest step of faith is taken neck-deep in fear.

Determined to fulfill her late husband's dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she's forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He's a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks....

Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand's dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient's life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd's stubborn heart.

My review:
I loved this book. The characters are great and I really connected with them. I understood their trials and wanted to help them succeed. The setting is beautiful and I could nearly see the mountains and scenery being described. The plot was great, and especially towards the end was fast-paced. I didn’t experience any times when I felt like the story lagged, or I got bored. The only thing that wasn’t great for me is that since I am a Word of Faith believer, the whole sickness side of the story was harder for me to accept. I don’t think most people will have a problem with it, though. I would recommend each book in this series, as I personally LOVE them.

Thanks to Bethany House for my free reviewer copy of this book!

A Suitor for Jenny by Margaret Brownley ~ 5 stars

A Suitor for Jenny

Margaret Brownley

Rocky Creek Romance series #2

Thomas Nelson

About the book:

Jenny Higgins is certain falling in love and finding a husband are matters of the mind. Her heart has other plans.

After their parents died, Jenny felt responsible for seeing that her two younger sisters were well taken-care of. Tipped off by an article naming Rocky Creek the town with the highest number of eligible bachelors, Jenny rolled into this Texas town with a clear objective: find suitable husbands for her two sister and then start fresh somewhere far, far away.

Jenny believe that women who fall in love at first sight often wish they'd taken a second look, so she diligently begins to follow all the rules set forth in her handy manual on how to land a husband.

But while Jenny is interviewing the less-than-promising candidates, her sisters are falling in love the old-fashioned way--with men of their choosing. And the longer Jenny stays, the more her sense of control slips away. The town isn't living up to her expectations, her sisters are rebelling against her practical choices, and soon her own heart starts to betray her, as US Marshall Rhett Armstrong stirs emotions in her that weren't part of her plan.

To relinquish her control to God and calm her restless spirit, she'll need to give her foregone conclusions about marriage, love, and faith.

My review:
From the first pages to the very last, this book cracked me up! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this author. I was (kind of) expecting another boring prairie romance, but that isn’t what I got. What I did get is a book filled with hilarious antics, lovable characters, and an excellent plot. I loved every minute. I highly recommend this book, as well as the first book in this series, A Lady like Sarah.

Thanks to BookSneeze for for review copy of this book!

Sorry it took me so long to post, guys! Ugh. Rough last few weeks!

Becoming A Woman Who Loves by Cynthia Heald ~ 5 stars

Becoming A Woman Who Loves

Cynthia Heald

Becoming a Woman of... series (Bible Studies)

NavPress

About the book:

Jesus loved unconditionally, passionately, and sacrificially. How can we possibly love as He did? And what does such love look like?

Best-selling author Cynthia Heald confirms that, yes, you can learn to love as Christ loved and that you will be richly blessed in the process. Becoming a Woman Who Loves takes you by the hand to explore the incredible nature of Christlike love. With Cynthiaa (TM)s beloved blend of candor, wisdom, and sound Bible teaching, you will discover how to be sure such beautiful love truly resides deep within your soul and how to let it flow more freely to others in your daily conversations, encounters, and thoughts.

As you become a woman who loves as Jesus loved, your life will never be the same.

My review:
This is a great study on a biblical view of loving. Cynthia filled it with great verses, quotes, and topics that really make you think about how YOU love others. I had to take it slowly so that each section could sink in.

I would recommend this to anyone. Christian, non-Christian, it doesn’t matter. This book still has practical lessons on loving others that anyone could benefit from. Check this book out! It will be worth it. :)

Annoying disclaimer: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

In All Things by Shawna K Williams ~ 5 stars

In All Things

Shawna K Williams

Sequel to No Other

Desert Breeze Publishing

About the book:

Jakob and Meri's story continues...

Meredith Louis's Hollywood career is at a point of transition. No longer under Majestic Studios control, Meri is free to broaden her appeal as an actress and finally earn the recognition she desires.

Meri and Jakob return to their hometown for the holidays where Meri hopes to reconcile with her parents after a decade of silence. But after a disastrous encounter, Meri is plunged into turmoil as old fears resurface in unexpected ways.

Jakob, already dealing with unresolved family issues of his own, is further burdened by his inability to help his wife. Can he learn to step aside and trust God's plan.Will Meri recognize what she already has?

My review:
I loved how this book continued the story from No Other (which I loved, by the way). This story addressed issues in the relationship between Meri and Jacob, but also in their personal relationship with God. I loved how this story took place somewhere completely different form the first book! In was a cool change of pace.

One thing that I noticed was a lot of the things that happened between Meri and Jacob could have been avoided if they had just talked openly and honestly with each other. Communication is something that is really important to me personally so that made the book appeal to me even more.

The things that could be improved were mainly grammar issues. (Like putting question marks where they should not be. I noticed that frequently.) But, this was an ARC, so hopefully that won’t be in the final version. :)

I loved the twists and turns of the plot, and how Shawna kept Jacob’s family involved in this book as well. In all, I loved this book. The message was great and well done. Really, guys! This message is something we all need to hear. And not just hear, but really apply in our own lives. God is our all. He is the One we turn to first. Just great!

Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater ~ 5 stars

Emily's Chance

Sharon Gillenwater

The Callahans of Texas series #2

Revell Publishing

About the book:

Emily Rose may be in the tiny West Texas town of Callahan Crossing for the moment, but it's just a rung on her ladder to success. Her work at the Callahan Crossing Historical Museum will look good on her ever-growing resume as she attempts to break into the prestigious world of a big city museum curator. Little does she know that cowboy and contractor Chance Callahan has decided that he can convince her to stay--both with the town and with him. As he helps Emily restore the town's history after a devastating fire, can he help her uncover the value of love?

My review:

I love the characters in this series! They are so real and so on fire for God. I would love to know these people in real life! Emily and Chance just warm my heart. I love how Chance pursued Emily. Sometimes, while reading a book it will annoy me because the hero won’t pursue the heroine for some reason or another, but that wasn’t the case in this book at all! I love men like Chance. Willing to stick up for their girl, protective, compassionate, hardworking… However, he is still human and has his flaws, but he was willing to listen as God was teaching him and molding him. He would also humble himself and apologize when he was wrong. Emily! I was able to connect with Emily. Some of the issues she was going through are things that I am struggling with, too. Such as relationships, restoration, and other things too.

I just really enjoyed this book and if I went on about its good qualities, it would be way too long. I’ll just say that one thing that I didn’t LOVE was how a chapter would end in the middle of a date or something, but the next scene wouldn’t pick it back up. It would go on to another day (or whatever) and then mention how the last scene ended. That only happened a few times, and it bothered me because I felt like it was a sudden cut off and the author may have missed some opportunities. But, it wasn’t a big enough deal that I didn’t like the book or anything. I just felt that it could have been even better if some scenes weren’t done that way.

Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren ~ 5 stars

Abbie Ann

Sharlene MacLaren

The Daughters of Jacob Kane series #3

Whitaker House Publishing

About the book:

Abbie Ann Kane, the youngest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is a busy woman. In addition to working at Kane's Whatnot and teaching Sunday school at the Third Street Church, she leads the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union chapter in promoting women's suffrage and Prohibition. But their campaign is not universally popular. While Abbie focuses on helping abused women, her brother-in-law, Sheriff Gabriel Devlin, investigates several threats directed at her.

For years, Noah Carson ran a successful shipworks in Connecticut, that is, until his business partner cheated him our of his share, not to mention his wife. Hoping for a fresh start, the recent divorce moves with his six-year- old son, Toby, to Sandy Shores, where he joins his uncles window business. Bur Noah's passion for shipbuilding proves hard to stifle, especially when a local businessman commissions him to construct a ship to race in the annual regatta.

When an unexpected incident virtually catapults Noah Carson into Abbie Anns life, the two feel an immediate attraction that Abbie works hard to ignore. After all, Noah is nor a committed Christian, nor does he seem committed to marriage, considering his divorced status. Still, Abbie finds herself drawn to him, and to his son. Will the independent Abbie trust the Lord and surrender to His surprising plans?

My review:

I love Sharlene’s books. I have read all of her books except one, and I have never failed to be thrilled by them! You can see her love of children in each of her books, and this was no exception. Abbie is a character that, despite her flaws, you love. Her drive to defend others and stand up for what she believed in was really inspiring. I loved her idea for the Hope House! That was great. :) Noah had been hurt by so many people and was struggling just to get by, day-by-day. I really liked him as the male lead for this book, and Abbie’s “other half.” While on the long side, (I tend to like longer books, though) I was able to read this book fairly quickly. The element of suspense in the book certainly didn’t hurt that! If you haven’t read anything by Sharlene, or just haven’t read this series yet, I suggest you move it towards the top of your To Be Read pile, because it is worth it!

The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry ~ 5 stars

The Perfect Blend

Trish Perry

The Tea Shop series #1

Harvest House

About the book:

Steph Vandergrift is in need of a job. She left everything behind to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, never imagining he would stand her up at the altar. Now, hoping just to get by until she can decide what to do next, Steph thinks she’s found the perfect position at the local tea shop.

Kendall James, one of the kindest and most eligible bachelors in the area, meets Steph and proceeds to pursue her. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her runaway fiancé returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always seemed to blend so well. Are they truly meant to be together? Maybe God has something else in mind…

My review:
This is such a sweet, heart-warming read! And I loved the witty humor, too! That was a pleasant surprise. However, just because it is sweet doesn’t mean it is fluff. I loved the messages woven into the story about acceptance, relationships, and boundaries. It was all so well done! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris ~ 5 stars

The Vigilante's Bride

Yvonne Harris

Bethany House Publishing

About the book:

Is Her Kidnapper the Only Man Who Can Keep Her Safe?

Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and abducting a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expected to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from his pa, but instead ended up rescuing a feisty copper-haired woman who was on her way to marry Sullivan's dangerous enemy.

Emily McCarthy doesn't take kindly to her so-called rescue. Still, she's hoping Providence will turn her situation for good, especially when it seems Luke Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Luke has crossed a vicious man, a powerful rancher not used to losing, and Emily is the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice.

My review:
Ah! I loved this book. It had all of my favorites! Romance, adventure, COWBOYS… ;) It had a unique plot with twists and turns that were very well done. Yvonne really did a great job with the characters. I loved Emily and Luke so much. I was actually a little worried when I started reading it. I thought it might be one of those run-of-the-mill westerns, but that was not the case! I was even surprised by the humor in the book. Now, it wasn’t by any means a comedy, but there were a few times when I laughed out loud while reading. I can’t wait to see what other books this author has coming, but for now, put this on your TBR list!

Thanks to Bethany House for my free review copy of this book.

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall ~ 5 stars

Surrender the Heart

MaryLu Tyndall

Surrender to Destiny series #1

Barbour Publishing

About the book:

A young mistrustful lady desperate to save her family. . .

A guilt driven man desperate to please his. . .

Both caught in the brink of a war that could change the course of history forever.

On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can’t receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won’t have to marry at all.

When Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah’s ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple is impressed into the British navy.

While a young lad’s prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to find a way to escape and fulfill their destinies—destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever.

My review:
This is another book to add to Tyndall’s ever growing list of fantastic books in the adventure/romance genre. This probably isn’t one of my favorites by MaryLu though, just because it lacked the spiritual warfare aspect to the story that is a unique trait of her writing. But, other than that, I thought that she did a great job with the story, characters, and everything else. If you haven’t read Tyndall’s books before, I suggest you put all her books on your TBR list. And if you are already a devoted fan, I suggest you pick this latest book up and add it to your collection of her great stories!

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson ~ 5 stars

The Healer's Apprentice

Melanie Dickerson

Zondervan

About the book:

Two Hearts. One Hope.

Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.

When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

My review:

The Healer’s Apprentice is such a great read! I honestly don’t think I can say anything bad about it. (Except that the font was too small even for me! LOL) The book itself was fabulous. The characters were realistic, the setting was wonderful, the plot was great… I loved the hints of suspense throughout the book. It really kept me turning those pages. Love, love, love, love, love. That’s really all I can say.

Melanie Dickerson is most assuredly an author that you need to read as soon as possible! I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad ~ 5 stars

Making Waves

Lorna Seilstad

Lake Manawa Summers series #1

Revell Publishing

About the book:

Sun, summer, and a scrumptious sailing instructor. What more could a girl want?

When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will spend the summer of 1895 at Lake Manawa, Iowa, she couldn't be more thrilled. It's the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews.

But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's secrets threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means hurting the family she loves?

My review:
Making Waves is a transporting read. I felt like I was AT the lake with Marguerite. (Now I want a vacation.) ;) There is a sweet, yet exciting theme in this book with the characters and setting. Marguerite definitely makes waves wherever she goes, and I like that about her. Her stubbornness sometimes gets her into trouble, but by the end of the book she is managing that pretty well. The hint of danger to the book also intrigued me and I thought the end especially was fast-paced while not being scary. I kind of wish she had ended the story a little later than she did with more resolution is certain areas, but since this is a series she might address those things in the next book. I would recommend this to someone who wants to read a book that will take them away for a little while and tell them a sweet, fun story.

Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren ~ 5 stars

Tender Vow

Sharlene MacLaren

Whitaker House

About the book:

Michigan-born brothers John and Jason Evans took a ski trip in the Rockies, but only one came home alive-John was tragically killed on a daring descent down Devil's Run, an infamously dangerous slope.

In an attempt to soothe his guilt and grief, Jason sets out to make amends with his widowed sister-in-law, Rachel, by offering to help with her two small children, doing odd jobs around her house, and trying to ease her own heavy burden of grief. A new Christian, he is bent on growing his faith and helping Rachel see her way through the fog of pain and confusion.

Left to raise her three-year-old daughter and newborn son on her own, Rachel Evans is anything but willing to become her brother-in-law's charity case, particularly since they have a history she'd rather forget. She's determined to make it on her own but soon finds that God has other plans for her-and for Jason. Can she accept the Lord's leading and still honor her late husband's memory?

My review:
Tender Vow definitely captured my emotions! I felt like I was connected to the characters, and I really was interested in their story. This is a sweet, gives-you-happy-feelings kind of book. It has a great plot, with characters that are deep and you really get to find out about them more as people than just characters. Sharlene did a great job. I can’t wait to see what she has coming next!!

Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter ~ 5 stars + Favorite

Driftwood Lane

Denise Hunter

Nantucket Love Story series #4

Thomas Nelson Publishers

About the book:

Meridith believes she is capable of weathering any storm. But she's never experienced a love powerful enough to uproot her...until now.

Meridith Ward has crafted a carefully ordered life to make up for the chaos that plagued her childhood years. But one phone call upsets all that. Within the span of several minutes, Meredith learns that the father who abandoned her is dead and she's been named the sole guardian of his other three children. She nervously heads to Nantucket to care for the siblings she's never met with plans to stay until their uncle returns from his trip before relinquishing guardianship to him.

She arrives to find the children living in Summer House, a Bed & Breakfast that's falling apart around them. Meridith wants to move on as soon as possible, but the inn will never sell in its dilapidated condition. Then an itinerant handyman, Jake, shows up with an offer she can't refuse.

Much like the powerful ocean just a short walk from her deck, Jake appeals to Meridith. But she senses he is also capable of pulling her under in a heartbeat. What if the thing she fears the most is exactly what she needs? Can she trust God with the details and relish the adventure?

My review:
Driftwood Lane is another great book by Denise Hunter. She really knows how to tell a story. This book has rich character details, and her writing draws you into the setting of Nantucket. I liked how real the book felt. It didn’t seem unbelievable despite the unusual circumstances. Denise did a great job tying in Meredith’s past experiences and showing the effect they had later on in her life. Jake is a great hero for this story and I loved how connected he was to those kids! The ending was *perfect* and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I would definitely recommend each and every book in this series.