Showing posts with label Bethany House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bethany House. Show all posts

Monday, March 22, 2021

Susan Sleeman: Hours To Kill

By Kelly Bridgewater

Just as Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh reaches the pinnacle of her cyber investigation into a firearms smuggling ring, she's attacked and left for dead. Her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan, is notified that she's at the hospital in a coma. He may have let his past military trauma ruin their short marriage, but she never gave up on their relationship, and he remains her next of kin.

Mack rushes to her bedside, where he promises to hunt down the man who attacked her. Mack failed her once when he bailed on their marriage, and he's not about to let her down again. But when she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers neither the attack nor ever being married to Mack. And when a second attempt to take her life is made, it's clear something very sinister is going on, and Mack and Addison are in for the ride of their lives.
 

 


My Thoughts:

Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman is a fast procedural story of the hunt for a stalker. From the first page, Sleeman takes readers for a ride with the suspense. The romance hints on the pages between the hero and the heroine. They had a past that took a while to come to the surface for the readers. As for the suspense, it was not a constant chase through to the end of the story. Instead, Sleeman takes readers for a ride as they watch the steps and the teamwork to solve the crime. She shows different aspects of the legal procedures and how many people it would take to solve the crime. When the story reached the climactic moment, it was definitely something different. Something readers would read in the newspaper, not in a fiction story. I enjoyed the aspect. Overall, Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman keeps the reader guessing. I believe, if readers enjoyed, CSI or any other type of shows like this, then they might enjoy Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman.

I received a complimentary copy of Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman by Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Hours to Kill 

Monday, February 22, 2021

Jocelyn Green: Shadows of the White City

 By Kelly Bridgewater

 The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have--a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears--until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.

Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose's violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.

From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?


 My Thoughts:

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is an interesting story of the Chicago World’s Fair. The characters are my favorite part. They were realistic and haunting as they worked through their struggles and the hunt to find Rose. I liked that there was hints of romance between Sophie and the guy upstairs, but it did not become the main focus of the story. It was well-written and a little sweet as they slowly fell in love with each other. The plot with the hunt for Rose and working with the musicians for the Chicago World’s fair was nicely handled. I loved seeing parts of this historical elements. One downfall to the novel: I wish there was more parts of showing what the World’s Fair did to the economy and the surrounding people. We were stuck in the little bubble of the fair and Sophie’s home. Was it good because it provided jobs? What about the people hired? There was a little bit of this included with Lottie’s family. I, personally, just wanted more. It is still a delightful novel to spend time with. I believe fans of historical fiction will enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Shadows of the White City

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Jaime Jo Wright: The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

 By Kelly Bridgewater

1928
The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.
 

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From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Jaime Jo Wright does a fabulous job at crafting a story that makes readers beg for the rest of the story in a hurry. While Wright crafts the two timelines from 1928 versus the present day, she somehow wraps the story up by the end. It makes total sense and captures my attention. I was really excited when I started to read about a serial killer that was killing innocent woman at the circus, but it seemed not to be about the killer. It was more about the people and their change. The plot is different and unique. I really liked it. But my overall complaint is that it was hushed down a lot with the mystery element. I wanted more.  Romance seemed a little downplay too. It made the plot seemed cheapen with the romantic elements. I wish they were there. I do enjoy Wright's style. Her writing is delightful to read. I love her word choices, and as an English Major, I love how she structures her sentence. It is a delight to just reread sentences for their pure beauty. Overall,  The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus may not be my most favorite book of Wright's, but I definitely have been recommending Wright's stories to everyone who enjoys a clean, safe mystery.

I received a complimentary copy of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Susan Sleeman: Minutes to Die

By Kelly Bridgewater

It's the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives. 
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From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I love a good suspense or police procedural novel. I have read a couple of Susan Sleeman's book, so I was familiar with how she writes. With Minutes to Die, the heroine is definitely a brave woman who struts across the pages of the story. Sometimes a little too much. The hero, Evan, is remarkable that he would want a woman so forceful. As for the plot, it was a terrorist plot that has been over done. It could be just be, but I'm not really interested in thrillers that have terrorist trying to destroy our country again. Too close to reality might be why. Sleeman is a wonderful storyteller who really shows how the police work and what they actually have to do to stop something as horrific as a terrorist threat from happening. I enjoyed the inside look. I enjoyed the race against the clock. I enjoyed the plot as it twisted and turned. Overall, Susan Sleeman's newest book Minutes to Die is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. I believe that fans of Janice Cantore and DiAnn Mills would enjoy this story. 

I received a complimentary copy of Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman through Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own. 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Monday, June 1, 2020

Elizabeth Camden: A Gilded Lady

By Kelly Bridgewater

Secretary to the first lady of the United States, Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of high society--but is hiding a terrible secret. Immediately suspicious of Caroline, but also attracted to her, secret service agent Nathaniel Trask must battle his growing love for her as the threat to the president rises and they face adventure, heartbreak, and danger.

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From Goodreads


My Thoughts:

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden is a delightful glance into the world of President McKinley's life. While Caroline is a secretary to his wife, Ida McKinley, it was nice to see their relationship even among the numerous struggles being a president would bring to a relationship. The plot was intriguing and fascinating. I love the Luke storyline, which took place in Cuba and Washington D.C. Camden's research shines on the pages of her stories but comes alive through the characters and settings. I enjoyed these characters, and I can't wait to see what the third book will entail. In conclusion, fans of Elizabeth Camden's writing or historical romance based loosely on true events or characters should pick up this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden through Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase A Gilded Lady

Monday, May 4, 2020

Jen Turano: Storing Up Trouble

By Kelly Bridgewater

When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

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From Goodreads


My Thoughts:

What a rip-roaring funny novel!! Jen Turano did it again with her newest novel, Storing Up Trouble. From the first chapter, she had me laughing and wondering why her heroines try to act so brave, but end up doing silly little things. From then on, Beatrix finds herself in more trouble. There is a donkey with his own mind to gloves in the store that cause Beatrix to get into some trouble. I enjoyed learning about how women workers were treated. No wonder the women were up in arms. The romance is sweet. Progressing naturally. Overall, Jen Turano's newest novel, Storing Up Trouble, is a delightful way to spend a couple of hours. I can't wait to go back and re-read all three books in this series again. Highly recommend Jen Turano to every reader!

I received a complimentary copy of Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own. 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase Storing Up Trouble

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Mary Connealy: Woman of Sunlight

By Kelly Bridgewater

After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything.

Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.

Warden is intent on helping his family reclaim their land, but doesn't realize the risks his past has brought. Dangerous men have tracked him, and rather than risk innocent lives, he's determined to end the danger. But that means a journey to the city--and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on a venture they'll never forget.


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From Goodreads


My Thoughts:

The synopsis for Mary Connealy's current series, Brides of Hope Mountain, captured my attention.  really like the covers too. Lots of bright colors and beautiful woman grace the wilderness. I throughly enjoyed Aiming for Love, the first book in this series. Jo was an unique and different style of character. Connealy does it again with Ilsa. She is not like any heroine I have ever read. And I read a lot of suspense novels. She is brave and unfamiliar with the new world outside her mountain home, but she isn't afraid to try new clothes, food, and surroundings. As for Mitch, the hero, he seemed a little off in Aiming for Love, but he redemmed himself in Woman of Sunlight. The plot moved really nicely along.I did like how Connealy paid attention and Isla's indifference to her surroundings, but kept her true nature alive throughout the novel. I liked this story too. I really can't wait to read Ursula's, the third and final sister's, story.

I received a complimentary copy of Woman of Sunlight by Mary Connealy from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Woman of Sunlight

Monday, March 9, 2020

Morgan Busse: Cry of the Raven

By Kelly Bridgewater

Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker just as the war with the Dominia Empire begins. Working with the other Great Houses, Selene and Damien use their gifts to secure the borders and save those devastated by the war. But conflict, betrayal, and hatred begin to spread between the Great Houses, destroying their unity as the empire burns a path across their lands. At the same time, Damien Maris starts to lose his ability to raise the waters, leaving the lands vulnerable to the empire's attacks.

The only one who can unite the houses and restore her husband's power is Selene Ravenwood. But it will require that she open her heart to those who have hurt her and let go of her past, despite the one who hunts her and will do anything to stop her power.

Will Selene survive? Or is she destined to fall like the dreamwalkers before her?


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From Goodreads


My Thoughts:

The thing I love the most is the cover of Cry of the Raven. It reminds me so much of a Tolkien cover. That is what I thought of the first time I saw this cover almost six months ago. Cry of the Raven is the huge climactic moment in the three book series. Lots of tension and fighting. Learning to know what is worth fighting for. Learning to trust and love others. This story was wonderfully written with enough fantasy to capture the imagination. It is nice that all three are now published because I think I should go back and read them all one after another to grasp the complete storyline. That is usually my issue when it comes to fantasy. If they aren't all available at the same time, then, as a reader, I forgot certain elements of the past stories when I return to the stories. Not that there is really anything to do about this. I know with the publishing schedules; it is hard for a publishing company to publish all three at once. Overall, Cry of the Raven is truly unique story that reminded me a lot of Tolkien's mythology. If readers enjoy Tolkien, then they might want to try Busse's stories.

I received a complimentary copy of Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Cry of the Raven

Monday, March 2, 2020

Connilyn Cossette: Like Flames in the Night

By Kelly Bridgewater

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached. Strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?


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From Goodreads


My Thoughts:

Connilyn Cossette is a master at her research. I can't imagine taking a few verses from the Bible and crafting four complete stories out of them.Cossette has done a fabulous job with her Cities of Refuge series. I adore the cover for her fourth and final novel, Like Flames in the Night. It is breathtaking. Tirzah finally gets to have her say in the story. She is a tomboy who puts her life on the line for her family. She is brave and finds love too. The story captured my attention in the beginning and the end, but the middle dragged A LOT. I had a hard time staying focused. My mind kept drifting to other things. Not what I like to happen when reading a book. While I enjoyed the other three, this addition didn't quite feel as exciting to me. Fans of Cossette, Angela Hunt, and Mesu Andrews might totally disagree with me and that is okay. Overall, I can't imagine the type of research Cossette does to create a believable story for her readers, but the plot dragged a lot of me in the middle.

I received a complimentary copy of Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Click here to purchase Like Flames in the Night

Monday, February 10, 2020

Susan Anne Mason: The Brightest of Dreams

By Kelly Bridgewater

Quinten Aspinall is determined to fulfill a promise he made to his deceased father to keep his family together. To do so, he must travel to Canada to find his younger siblings, who were sent there as indentured workers while Quinn was away at war. He is also solicited by his employer to look for the man's niece who ran off with a Canadian soldier. If Quinn can bring Julia back, he will receive his own tenant farm, enabling him to provide a home for his ailing mother and siblings.

Julia Holloway's decision to come to Toronto has been met with disaster. When her uncle's employee rescues her from a bad situation, she fears she can never repay Quinn's kindness. So when he asks her to help find his sister, she agrees. Soon after, however, Julia receives some devastating news that changes everything.

Torn between reuniting his family and protecting Julia, will Quinn have to sacrifice his chance at happiness to finally keep his promise?
  

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From Goodreads


My Thoughts:

I really enjoy how Bethany House actually put the hero on the cover of Susan Anne Mason's latest novel, The Brightest of Dreams. So many books in the Christian fiction market always has the heroine on the novel. It was nice to see a different perspective for the cover. I have read the first two books in Mason's Canadian Crossing series, and I couldn't wait to read Quinn's story. It does have a ring of familiarity to it, but I felt engrossed in the plot, and I couldn't wait to see if Quinn actually kept his promise to his father, so I stayed glued to the story. The romance was sweet and organic. I enjoyed seeing hints of the main characters in another book in this series.  loved how the story ended. It made me smile. Overall, The Brightest of Dreams is a delightful read filled with heartfelt characters who captured my imagination. I can't wait to see what Mason comes up with next.

I received a complimentary copy of The Brightest of Dreams by Susan Anne Mason from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click here to purchase The Brightest of Dreams

Monday, January 27, 2020

Roseana M. White: On Wings of Devotion

By Kelly Bridgewater

All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.

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From Goodreads
 My Thoughts:

I adore the cover for Roseanna M. White's newest novel, On Wings of Devotion. The character appears to be glancing toward something, which makes me, as the reader, wonder what it is. I enjoy the idea of the codebreakers during World War I. White does known how to craft a novel and does a wonderful job at bringing World War I world to life with her settings and characters. The problem I had was the plot. For most of the novel, nothing really happened. It was boring, and I kept wondering when the action was going to occur. I didn't really see the connection to the Codebreakers until about 2/3 of the way through the novel, then it felt like White hurried up and dropped it in. I didn't more action to make this a realistic Codebreakers novel. Overall, I have enjoyed a number of White's novels, but for some reason, the Codebreakers aren't honestly capturing my attention. If you enjoyed the first book, then you might totally disagree with me and that's okay. I pray you enjoy this novel too.

I received a complimentary copy of On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own. 

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase On Wings of Devotion



Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Rachel Dylan: End Games

By Kelly Bridgewater

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there's a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them.


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From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I enjoy a thrilling chase through a suspense novel. I have tried Rachel Dylan before, and I didn't enjoy her novels. But this is a new series, and I thought I would give her another try. Again, I was quite disappointed. The novel begins with three women talking, which I assume are the three heroines in this series. Then readers are taken to a dead body where I meet the hero of the story. The plot instantly jumps into the procedure of finding the killer of the dead body. Interview and then thinking. Then interview. Not quite the high action I want in a suspense novel. Because of these things, the plot left me wanting a lot more. The romance was told not shown to us. It didn't grow organically between the two characters. Dylan had to tell us when they started to like each other, and it appeared to be not natural to the storyline. As for the characters, there wasn't much transformation in their personalities over the course of the story. Also, I really didn't empathize with any of them.They were static characters on a page moving around. Overall, End Game by Rachel Dylan did not read like a suspense novel. It read more like a report on the incident from someone who heard it third hand. I didn't really enjoy this novel. Pick up a book by Lynette Eason. More much action.

I received a complimentary copy of End Game by Rachel Dylan from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Click here to purchase End Game

Monday, December 16, 2019

Susan Sleeman: Seconds to Live


By Kelly Bridgewater

When cybercriminals hack into the US Marshals' Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses' personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness's help, as she's the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom's identity.

Trouble is, she's a witness under the care of US Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom claims he knows where the witness is hiding and will kill her, so to stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must work through their personal pain and learn to trust each other. . . . The seconds are ticking down before someone dies.

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From Goodreads


My Thoughts:

Suspense is my ultimate genre of choice. I love when a story keeps me guessing from page one. Susan Sleeman's first novel with Bethany House Publishers' Seconds to Live captured my attention from the first page. Sleeman thrusts readers into the suspense with a shove and a chase through the town. The procedure to find the Phantom is detailed and makes readers trust the hero and heroine as they work together to follow the clues. The plot was wonderfully woven together. The only issue I had with the plot is that the Phantom is introduced in the first chapter to start the action, but I wanted and needed more background on what he has done. Maybe a actual scene of when he butchered his previous partner I kept waiting for a scene where the Phantom showed his feelings. Something to give me a moment to empathize with the villain. The romance sprinkled a little as the story progressed into the predictable ending. Overall, Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman is a fast pace glance into the world into the dangers of computer hacking while showing the inner workings of a hunt for a killer.

I received a complimentary copy of Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Seconds to Live

About the Author:

Susan Sleeman
From Amazon
SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over thirty-five novels with more than one million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts TheSuspenseZone.com. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law, and an adorable grandson.
 
To learn more about Susan's books sign up for her monthly email that includes exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and other goodies. http://www.susansleeman.com/susans-newsletter/ (Taken from Amazon.)

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Mary Connealy: Aiming for Love


By Kelly Bridgewater

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister especially is frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. David's father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

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From Amazon


My Thoughts:

The cover of Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy captured my attention, and I couldn't wait to read the story inside. I'm really glad I did. Connealy created conflict between three sisters who don't know any better and the Warden's. The external and internal conflict was different than anything I have ever seen before. And that says a lot because I read a lot. The conflict was driven majority by the characters who have never learned the proper way to interact with other humans. They were completely cut off from everyone else. I was fascinated with  Jo 's story, and I'm really curious about Ursula's story. She has major issues to work through. The romance between Jo and David was going on nicely and believable, but than Connealy wrote that they had their perfect happily-ever-after ending. Since this is a three-book series, I would have liked to see their relationship stretch a little more. Maybe be married in the second book or even the third book. Overall, Aiming for Love is a wonderful story on helping others when they need if even if you don't honestly know them. A delight to spend a couple of hours with.

I received a complimentary copy of Aiming Love by Mary Connealy from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Aiming for Love

About the Author:

Mary Connealy
From Amazon
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison's Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages and Sophie's daughters, and has man other books.
She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She's a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She's got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.
Find Mary online at:
Her website: maryconnealy.com
Her blog for aspiring writers: Seekerville
Her blog for lovers of western romance: Petticoats & Pistols
Sign up for her newsletter at maryconnealy.com/newsletter
Mary is on Facebook at facebook.com/maryconnealy
And Twitter at twitter.com/maryconnealy
(Taken from Amazon.)

Monday, September 30, 2019

Tracie Peterson: What Comes My Way


By Kelly Bridgewater

Ella Fleming is on the run from her past and the secrets that could tear her family apart. As a member of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, a wild west show comprised of all-female performers, her uncanny talent for trick riding impresses the viewers. Only while performing can she forget the truth about who she really is--the daughter of a murderer.

Phillip DeShazer blames himself for his father's death and has done his best to bury his guilt in work and drink. Realizing he needs something more, he seeks answers and finds support and kindness from the beautiful Ella Fleming. However, the more she comes to his rescue, the more his guilt grows. He's fallen in love with her and feels confident that she returns his feelings, but until he can overcome the past and let God guide his future, Phillip knows he's not worthy of Ella's love.

Uncertain of what will come their way, Ella and Phillip must learn to trust God even when the road they travel takes them in different directions. Only then can love be a part of their journey.

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From Goodreads


My Thoughts:

What Comes My Way by Tracie Peterson is a wonderful way to end the Brookstone Brides series. I loved hanging out with these characters and watching them change and fall in love by the end of the series. With What Comes My Way, Peterson tied up a lot of loose ends and allowed the predictable romance to follow its path. Even though I knew how the romance would play out, I was still invested each of the characters' lives and couldn't wait to see how the story ended. Not much a spiritual element to the plot, but overall, the characters lived out God' s love in their stories. Organically included in the story. I enjoyed it that way. The plot was wonderfully written, and I really can't wait to buy all three novels and place them on my keeper shelf. I believe anyone who enjoys historical stories should pick up this novel and leave reality for a couple of hours.

I received a complimentary copy of What Comes My Way by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars