A Peek Into Spring in the Mountains

Becoming the Talbot Sisters Review

 About the Book

Twin sisters Waverly and Charlie Talbot have drifted far apart as they pursue opposite dreams of stardom and service to the poor. On an astonishing journey across Central Europe, they must come together to face their fears, find their courage and fight for what they love.

Celebrity chef Waverly Ross has built a successful career with her home-entertaining show Simply Perfect. Yet she and her husband, Andrew, have never been able to realize the true desire of Waverly’s heart: to become a mother. Meanwhile Waverly’s twin sister, Charlie Talbot, buries her bitter disappointment and shattered idealism beneath a life spent serving others as an international aid worked in Budapest, Hungary.

When the beloved aunt who raised them passes away, Waverly and Charlie come together in their grief after living years on separate continents. Struck by a fierce desire to bridge the distance between them, Charlie offers Waverly and her husband the selfless gift of surrogacy.

But soon the sisters find they are each in danger of losing their jobs, seemingly putting their dreams on hold once again. When Waverly shows up unannounced in Budapest with a plan to rescue Simply Perfect, the sisters embark on an adventure across Central Europe that could save them both from occupational hazards. Though the twins haven’t had to rely on each other since childhood, an unforeseen dangerous turn in their journey across Europe forces them to stand together to save their careers, the baby, and each other.

My Thoughts

This book started off with me totally engrossed in the story line. I loved the cooking show aspect and the traveling part of other sister. I think the characters were pretty strong I just really struggled with the second half of the book. The story line takes a turn that I didn't love. There were a few things thrown in that I didn't think were necessary and took away from the book. Once again, this publisher (Christian publisher) toes the line on what I would call general fiction. I understand that it simply says fiction and that is the category. BUT if it is published under a Christian publisher it should hold to those values in every way. Aside from that this just wasn't my favorite book. Some things I loved, some things just weren't for me. 

"Thanks to the publisher for giving me a free copy. All opinions are my own." 

The Accidental Guardian Tour With JustRead Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Accidental Guardian

Series: High Sierra Sweethearts, Book 1

Author: Mary Connealy

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: April 3, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance / Western

+To Read: Goodreads 

She's the Only Witness to a Wagon Train Attack. Keeping Her Safe, Though, Means His World Is about to be Turned Upside Down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

PURCHASE A COPY*

Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes

The next book in the series, THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR 
will be released later this year in October, 2018!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo courtesy of
Ginger Murray Photography

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

CONNECT WITH MARY: website,  facebook,  twitter,  instagram

You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols

GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win: 

• The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
• The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)

(US/Canada Mailing Addresses Only) Full terms & conditions noted on Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
For the full tour schedule for more giveaway entries, head to JustRead's Launch Page HERE (or click on the Tour Banner below).

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

My Thoughts

I have read multiple books by Mary Connealy and I was thrilled to see the covers of this new series. These are by far the best covers for her books so far and I hope the publisher continues in that direction! While this book was very predictable there were some great characters that really pulled the story together. The start of the book starts with a bang and I really liked Trace. It is always fun to see some kids in a story and also a situation when people are thrown together and have to figure out how to survive together. I look forward to the next book in the series! 

"Thanks to Bethany House and Just Read Tours for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own."

Storm Front Book Review

 

 About the Book

A tornado has destroyed a small Minnesota community and among the missing are not only a group of students but PEAK Rescue team leader Chet King. Ty Remington will stop at nothing to rescue his mentor, not even when the girl he loved--and lost--walks back into his life. But Brette needs his help more than he knows, despite her stubborn determination to push him away. And when he gets a second chance, loving her just might cost him more than he can imagine.

A blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers, Brette Arnold didn't expect her adventures to land her in the same place as Ty, the guy who she walked--no, ran--from over a year ago. She had her reasons--good ones. The kind that tell her that falling for him again would only lead to heartache. But Ty isn't the kind of man to give up--not on the missing students, or on her.

Life and love hang in the balance in Susan May Warren's breathless story of holding on to hope during a deadly summer of storms. (Goodreads)

 Learn more!

My Thoughts

Susan May Warren continues on in this fun series full of adventure! The characters stories continue, so I do recommend starting with book one! I'll be honest in saying this wasn't my favorite book in the series for a few reasons. I hate anything that has to do with a tornado. It doesn't excite me, it makes me want to hide in the basement. But it does make for some excitement in a story. Also, the love story in this particular book wasn't my favorite that she has written. That being said, I still loved "catching up" with all of the characters and being left with another cliff hanger ending. Susan is a wonderful author and person (I met her last year and had a hard time keeping it together without freaking out in excitement). So if you haven't read any of her books, you really should!! 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own."

 

The Theory of Happily Ever After Review

 

 About the Book

According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious science, as serious as Maggie takes herself. But science can't always account for life's anomalies--for instance, why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge.

Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie's friends book her as a speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she's qualified to teach others about happiness when she can't muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can't ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart.

Filled with memorable characters, snappy dialogue, and touching romance, Kristin Billerbeck's The Theory of Happily Ever After shows that the search for happiness may be futile--because sometimes happiness is already out there searching for you. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Having read Kristin Billerbeck's writing before this book, I sort of knew what to expect with this story line. I'll be honest in saying it fell short of her typical enjoyable stories. I love humor in books but this story was so difficult for me to get into and care about the main characters. The flow didn't really go anywhere and by the end of the book I was just plain disappointed. Now Kristin can write some great moments and some hilarious situations but it is difficult for me to get humor when I don't care much for the main characters. That being said I will continue to read Kristin's books this story just fell flat for me.  

"Thanks to Revell for giving me this book for free. All opinions are my own."

 

The Hidden Side Review

 

 About the Book

New York, 2016
Natalie Abbott offers answers for hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But she struggles to connect with her teenagers, with her daughter in an unhealthy relationship and her son uncommunicative and isolated. When one member of the family commits an unspeakable act, Natalie is forced to uncover who she truly is under the façade of her radio persona.

New York, 1776
Mercy Howard is shocked when her fiancé, Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When she’s asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, she sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly harder as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.

Mercy’s journals comfort Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and shame, wondering how deep God’s mercy extends. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Wow. This book. As I started flipping pages I realized how much this book was not what I was expecting, it was better! This is a dual timeline, which I love! The modern day story line was the one I really got into, though both are good. This story takes you right into the middle of the mess of a school shooting and the family of the shooter. Holy goodness this was a difficult read! I had really never thought about how the family must feel if their own child was the shooter. This was dealt with so well and it really made me think. I finished this book a few days ago and it is still sticking with me. This book could also bring up interesting conversation. I loved how the characters grew and while it wasn't an easy read it was well worth it. The historical aspect was difficult for me to love so that makes me give this book a four star rating. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for free. All opinions are my own."

Things I Never Told You Review

 

 About the Book

It's been ten years since Payton Thatcher's twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine--as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm's length.

But with her middle sister Jillian's engagement, Payton's party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian's plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

This is such a great book on so many levels. The writing is superb and the many characters add so much depth. There is a lot going on in this book, but it is so well written that it flows nicely. I loved the dynamic between the sisters and the whole family. I love books with family and a family with issues at that. I really could go on but I so enjoyed this book. I am eager to read the next in the series and if you haven't read any books by Beth Vogt you MUST! 


"I received this book from Tyndale Publishers for free. All opinions are my own."

Honeysuckle Dreams Review

 

 About the Book

After Brady Collins’ ex-wife dies, he receives devastating news—his nine-month-old son Sam isn’t his son at all. And Sam’s wealthy maternal grandparents want custody of the child. Brady knows he’s in for the fight of his life. But regardless of what any blood test says, Sam is his son, and Brady will go to any lengths to keep him.

Brady’s attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiance.

Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and after a happy accident she’s finally offered her dream job. But if the truth comes out about her arrangement with Brady, she may miss the chance of a lifetime and stand in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.

As Brady and Hope make sacrifices to help each other in their times of need, they risk uncovering a truth neither of them expects to find. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I so enjoyed this book! I read it in an evening and while this isn't a terribly long book, it had just the right amount of everything to make it a solid read. The only slight thing I had issues with, as I have with other Hunter books, is the focus on physical beauty and appearance. I understand this is a romance story, but truly this part is overdone and for some reason it just bothers me. This book has such a great story line relevant to many issues people have. I loved the radio host career that Hope has, such a great addition and unique! The love story is so very well written dealing with personal struggles and really getting the heart of a marriage starting with friendship. This is one of Denise Hunter's best novels in my opinion.  Five stars.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."

Treacherous Trails Review Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Title: Treacherous Trails
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspy Romanctic Suspense
Release Date: March, 2018
Falsely accused…
Can she escape the real killer?
In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, April 12

Lighthouse Academy, April 12

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 12

Daysong Reflections, April 13

Karen Sue Hadley, April 13

Janices book reviews, April 13

Book by Book, April 14

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 14

History, Mystery & Faith, April 15

C Jane Read, April 15

The Power of Words, April 15

To Everything a Season, April 16

Among the Reads, April 16

Genesis 5020, April 16

A Baker’s Perspective, April 17

Two Points of Interest, April 17

Carpe Diem, April 18

Cafinated Reads, April 18

Maureen’s Musings, April 19

Simple Harvest Reads, April 19 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, April 20

Have A Wonderful Day, April 20

Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting, April 21

proud to be an autism mom, April 21

Bibliophile Reviews, April 22

A Greater Yes, April 22

Texas Book-aholic, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Artistic Nobody, April 23 (Spotlight)

Kat’s Corner Books, April 24

Red Headed Book Lady, April 24

Bigreadersite, April 24

margaret kazmierczak, April 25 (Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, April 25

Remembrancy, April 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46

 My Thoughts

 This is the second book by Dana I have read and I am really impressed with her writing! I loved this book! The setting feels like home to me and the characters are just very well written. I love the adventure and mystery and while some parts were slightly predictable, other parts had me biting my nails! I love Owen and his story. I think the romance was well written and the characters really grew. If you haven't read a book by Dana Mentink I highly recommend!! 

Five stars!

"I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own."

My Favorite Amish Stories

So I will be the first to admit that Amish stories are not my go to books to read. Many times I feel like the stories are all the same. That being said, I have read some EXCELLENT Amish books. If you are looking for something a little unique in the Amish genre check these out!

This whole series is well very written.

This is one of the first Amish books I read by recommendation of a dear friend who has since passed away.

This was just a wonderful book for any time of year!

Katie Ganshert did an excellent job writing out of her comfort zone!

This isn't Christian Fiction just an FYI but it is SO good.

This book drew me right in!

This is probably my all time favorite Amish story written by a classic story teller.

This series is popular for a reason, it really is very good.

This book is non-fiction and it will humble you and stick with you long after you read it. I still think of it often. Read it.

God Bless You and Good Night Review

 

About the Book

This sweet book will make sure your little one falls to sleep feeling secure and loved.

Bedtime Bibles and storybooks are evergreen classics that sell through year after year. Seasoned brands and new names alike are seeing surging sales in this felt-need genre as parents are looking for comforting books with Bible stories, verses, and prayers to settle kids down to sleep.

In "God Bless You and Good Night," sleepy little ones are reminded of God's blessings and how much they are loved. The delightful rhyming story takes readers through several scenes of snuggly animals who are getting ready for bed. These sweet, sometimes silly rhymes and adorable art are sure to make "God Bless You and Good Night" a favorite part of the bedtime ritual for parents and children. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

The cover of this book is what caught my eye, I am all about the giraffes right now and this book is adorable. The illustrations are so fun and the overall theme covers all of the things you do at night to get kids ready for bed. I think this is a perfect bedtime book, though I wish it was a board book, as the cover won't last long in the hands of a child. Otherwise super cute book and I can't wait to share with the littles!

Five stars. 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions are my own."