Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce ~ 4 stars

Amy Inspired

Bethany Pierce

Bethany House

About the book:

With rejections piling up, she could use just a little inspiration...

Amy Gallagher, aspiring writer, has an unabashed obsession with words. She gave up a steady, albeit unexciting, job to pursue a life of writing. However, two years and one master's degree later, she finds herself almost exactly right back where she started. Discouraged by the growing pile of rejections from publishers and afraid that she has settled, Amy knows something has to change.

Then she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. Amy finds herself struggling to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as she tries to cope with the feeling that her friends and family are moving on without her. When the unexpected begins pouring in, Amy doubts the love and fulfillment she seeks will ever come her way. Forced to take a close look at who she has become, the state of her faith, and her aspirations for her life, she must make a choice: play it safe yet again or finally find the courage to follow her dreams.

My review:
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was fresh and original, and, though not my normal taste, I really liked it. I could relate to Amy on many points, and looked forward to seeing her grow throughout the book. However, although her character did grow, it was very subtle and in some instances I didn’t feel she had a strong conclusion. It was more like a small piece of a person’s life than a changed character by the end of the book. She still had a lot of growing to do, and I felt like there wasn’t a solid resolution to some of her questions about her faith.

The writing was very frank, and I liked the tell-it-like-it-is approach she took to things. (However on some issues, I know this will make people uncomfortable, especially younger readers.) The book had what I call an “open” ending. It leaves the reader with the option of imagining the specifics of the ending, rather than tying up all the loose ends itself. I think readers who tend to like chick-lit type books will find this story best to their liking.

Thanks to Bethany House for my review copy of this book!

Hatteras Girl by Alice Wisler ~ 3 stars

Hatteras Girl

Alice Wisler

Bethany House

About the book:

Fall in love with Alice J. Wisler's charming characters in this delightful story set in the beach communities of North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

My review:
Well, I hate to give an unfavorable review, but I will be honest regarding my thoughts on this book.

There were some things I liked about the book. The setting. The dream Jackie had of one day owning the Bailey House. But, the things that I didn’t like seemed a little louder than the things I did.

*The rest of this review will have some spoilers, so beware* I found the dialogue in some places to be unbelievable. (Such as when she confronts Davis at the Grille.) If I was having an argument and someone was speaking that way to me, I would think they were mentally unstable. It was very random dialogue.

Also, Jackie didn’t seem to have any spiritual growth throughout the book. There were moments early on where she asked questions regarding God and why He let certain things happen, and I never felt like she was resolved with any of it.

Finally, the book broke one of my pet peeves. That is when there is more romance (and focus on the relationship) between a heroine (or hero) and the person they don’t end up with than there is with the person that they do end up with. That bothers me, but I know it doesn’t for everyone.

There were a couple other things too, but I don’t want to go on forever on the book’s issues. I think there will be some people who enjoy this book, but, sadly, I wasn’t one of them.

Thanks to Bethany house for my review copy of this book.

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!

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr ~ 3 stars

Love's First Bloom

Delia Parr

Bethany House Publishing

About the book:

She must conceal her past, her identity. What hope can there be for love?

Life changes drastically for Ruth Livingstone the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her under an assumed name to a small village in New Jersey. There she dutifully awaits his acquittal, certain that her father, Reverend Livingstone, soon will be cleared of the outrageous accusations against him.

When tragic events transpire, Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River—a place where she can find a measure of peace amid her growing heartache. It is also here that she meets Jake Spencer, a man who both frustrates and intrigues her. Fearful of the newspapermen intent on tracking her down and unsure of whom to trust, Ruth knows she must carefully maintain her identity as Widow Malloy. But as love begins to slowly bloom, can the tenuous affection growing between Ruth and Jake withstand the secrets that separate them?

My review:
I’m giving this 3 stars, not because I disliked the book, but because I didn’t really enjoy it. The writing was interesting, but I wasn’t wowed by it. However, I couldn’t really find anything to fault it for, either. (Except for a couple of places where a character’s name would be misspelled into a different name.) It just wasn’t my cup of tea. I liked the characters and setting, but the story didn’t keep me engaged. I wasn’t flipping through the pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next. I’m sure that there will be people who love this book, but it just wasn’t for me. I hope that others who read it find it more to their liking than I did.

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

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.

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller ~ 4 stars

Somewhere to Belong

Judith Miller

Daughters of Amana series #1

Bethany House

About the book:

Journey inside the picturesque villages of the Amana Colonies, 1877

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

My review:
I really enjoyed this book. But, in my opinion, the writing was good, not great. I just wasn’t wowed by it. It IS a good book, and I loved the characters and seeing them grow and change. I also really liked the message or theme of secrets. I liked how the author portrayed how secrets can potentially destroy relationships and how wonderful it feels to just get everything out in the open. I would recommend this, just not highly.

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

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr ~ 4 stars

Hearts Awakening

Delia Parr

Bethany House Publishing

About the book:

Two people in desperate circumstances. One unlikely proposal.

Life has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either. She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper.

Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young... so handsome.

Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so... plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?

My review:
Hearts Awakening is a book that made me cry, scoot to the edge of my seat, growl in frustration, and, in the end, sigh. Ellie is the kind of woman that I try to be like: patient, forgiving, insightful, kind even when she doesn’t feel like it, and she puts others first. She isn’t naturally this way. She just tries her best because she knows it’s the right thing to do. Her determination to keep on loving Jackson, even when he sorely did not deserve it, emulates true love. She encouraged him to be better, by example and by word. The book itself was easy for me to get caught up in, but it was a little lacking in romance between the characters, in my opinion. All in all, I would recommend it.
Thanks to Bethany House for the reviewer copy of this book.

Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols ~ 5 stars

Not a Sparrow Falls

Linda Nichols

Bethany House Publishers

About the book:

Two Desperate People--

One With All the Answers... One With None

Mary Bridget Washburn is tired of running, tired of being haunted by the empty shell her life has become. How in the world did the little girl she once was become a woman on the wrong side of the law?

Determined to make a new start, she escapes to the quaint city of Alexandria, Virginia, where she takes on her mother's identity and finds sanctuary in the shadow of a decades-old church. But a little girl's plea proves to be her undoing, and the reverend•well, someone's got to open his eyes before disaster comes calling.

Can Mary Bridget and her tainted past stay hidden long enough for her to bring hope to a family falling apart?

My review:
This is one of the most touching books I’ve read in a long time. I very much enjoyed reading it. In a few places it seemed a little slow, but it would quickly pick back up. This book is not a romantic one, but there is a romance. The thing that I liked so much about this book was that it deals with a lot of important issues. It was interesting to read about Alasdair and how he got so caught up in something he didn’t even want in the first place. Isn’t it interesting how once we have something we begin to believe it is ours no matter what, even if we don’t want it?!? We get all defensive and possessive when we think someone is going to take away something of “ours”. That is just one of the many things I loved about this book. I would definitely recommend this, I just wish it was a little more on the romantic side.

Thanks to Bethany House for the reviewer copy of this book.

Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand ~ 4 stars

Beguiled

Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

Bethany House Publishers

About the book:

In the shadows of Charleston, someone is watching her...

Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.

Reporter Logan Woods is covering the break-ins with the hope of publishing them as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything.

As danger draws ever closer, Logan must choose: Chase the girl, the story, or plunge into the shadows after the villain who threatens everything?

My review:
This book definitely has a style that is different from Dee’s normal writing, but that is to be expected since it was co-written. The suspense element was good and the plot ended in a way that I never saw coming. I had guessed one part of the “Robin Hood” thief very early on, but was surprised at how the whole story intertwined with other character’s personal stories. I didn’t connect with this book as well as with Dee’s other books, but I still really liked it. And if Dee and Mark ever write another book together then I will definitely be reading that one too.

Thanks to Bethany House for the reviewer copy of this book.