Life, Love and Books

                            Her Secret Hope                                 By Shelley Shepard Gray In book 3 of A Season in Pinecraft, we find Lilly Kurtz returning to live at Pinecraft to be closer to her friends and their families. Wanting to start afresh as a new and improved, Lilly accepts an position as a housekeeper at the inn. Excited to spend time with her friends, she does not expect to make a new friend along the way.  Eddie Byler came to Pinecraft with his eccentric grandmother for a long awaited vacation. One day he runs into Lilly and is very intrigued by this newcomer to the inn. Her personality and love of life brings a breath of fresh air to him. Lilly's struggle with being adopted has held her back all of her life, now its something she has to face down as she may have found the love of her life in Eddie. But Eddie i...

                         The Warsaw Sisters                    A Novel of WWII Poland                                       By Amanda Barrett In this novel set in World War II Poland we meet sisters, Antonia and Helena whose lives are uprooted by the war. Within days th e world they know is shattered by the bombs, causing the sisters to take a second look at their lives. When confronted with  the reality  Antonia makes a hard choice to help the precious little ones that have been forced behind the walls of the Ghetto. But it means losing an relationship with her sister to protect those who are also risking their lives to save the children. With her sister following a different path in life, Helena finds herself drawn into the  underground secret army. Finding h...

  Letters From My Sister                                  by Valerie Fraser Luesse This is the first book I have read by Valerie Fraser Luesse, the title drew me in and I was hooked from page one. This is one book I would recommend to anyone who loves to read an historical read.  As we open the book we meet the Bullock sisters Emmy and Callie who live a very rich and fulfilled life. One day their lives are turned upside down, when their family opens their home up to the granddaughter of one of their servants. Lily McGee was born with an exotic beauty and has a secret of her own she is trying to protect; her unborn baby.  Shortly after Lily has her little girl, terror visits the Bullock household and Callie suffers from short memory loss. The only image she can remember is an image of her sister Emmy standing on the riverbank holding Lilys baby girl in her arms. Having to take the steps to...

  Hopefully Ever After  by Beth Wiseman In the third book in the An Amish Bookstore series, we find Yvonne and Abraham opening their humble home up to Yvonne's sixteen year old cousin. Eden Hale is looking forward to starting anew and overcoming her past circumstances. Her hopes of being seen as who she is, comes true when she meets Samuel a young amish guy.  Samuel has grown up in  a very strict home and is looking forward to seeing what is out there in the "Englisch" world. So when he meets Eden, Samuel is excited to learn more about what's out there from her. But Samuel's parents are not very thrilled to have their son spending time with an outsider. As Samuel's and Eden's friendship grows, so does the disapproval of Samuels parent's.  Eden and Samuel start to share their dreams and struggles with each other, which brings to light Samuel's slipping away from his faith. Will Eden and Samuel be able to make the decisions  that will lead them down ...

  Counter Attack  by Patricia Bradley In the latest series by Patricia Bradley we are taken to Pearl River, an quaint little town in Russell County, Tennessee. Alexis Stone has other plans than coming back home to fill in as interim chief deputy after  her grandfather collapses. But when the Queens Gambit Killer follows her to her hometown, Alexis has to join forces with Pearl Springs Chief of Police Nathan Landry to solve this case. Nathan is surprised to see his high school sweetheart back in his life, but now has has to protect her from the danger that has come to their beloved hometown. If you are looking for an book that not just checks all the boxes, but also keeps you turning the pages to the end this the one for you. I have to say I was not able to put this book down, without wanting to know what was going to happen next. I truly cant wait for the next book in this series comes out. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book the publisher and did not receive...

  The Swindler's Daughter  by Stephenia H. McGee This is the second book that I have read by Stephenia H. McGee and I have to say that her  books are very much a delight to read. In The Swindlers Daughter we meet a precious young lady,  Lillian Doyle who has just  learned the truth about her father. Her journey to see the inheritance left behind, turns into a path of  finding her freedom and following her dreams. Along the way she finds the love of family and the hope of having a future with Jonah. But there is some obstacles in Lillian and Jonahs path that they each have to face down. Wil they each be able to place their hope in God as they face down what is in front of them? Oh my, I loved reading this book!! It has a mix of romance, mystery and action all rolled into one. I didn't want to put it down, before I got to the last page. I would recommend this book to all who loved reading a mix of romance with a dash of mystery. I  was provided a complim...

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon  In the third installment of the Triple Threat Series, we find Grace Reilly working as a Forensic Pathologist in rural Missouri. She has had her share of very unusual cases, but when  she finds a pattern in the deaths of several elderly residents it makes her question her findings. With the help of the very skeptical Sheriff Nathan Cox, Grace runs with her theory that there is someone out there killing the elderly.  Nathan Cox is very intrigued by Grace that decides to take another look at the recent deaths of several elderly residents.  With very little clues to go on they start digging to find out what happened to these dear residents. As they start to put the pieces of the puzzle together, Grace and Nathan get closer to finding out who the killer  The killer turns their sights on taking out Grace before she discovers who they are.  Will Nathan realize that the answer to the case is right under his nose and get help to Gra...

Anything But Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher In Anything But Plain, Suzanne Woods Fisher takes the reader back to our dearly loved Stony Ridge. We meet the bishops daughter Lydie Stolzfus; a delightful young lady who has struggled with understanding where she belongs. She does not feel like she fits in with the other Amish girls and secretly plans to leave. When Lydie is given an opportunity to work for the local doctor for  few months, she sees it as chance to form her goodbye to a dear friend. Nathan Yoder has been more than just an next door  neighbor to  Lydie; their friendship has grown over the years until recently. Nathan is confused by Lydies actions and has started to believe that his childhood friend is in love with his brother. After spending time with her niece, Dok has come to a realization that Lydie may have a rare disorder. Will her brother allow her to take the steps to help Lydie or will he reject her assistance. Will Lydie come to see that her home is wit...

Sunburst By Susan May Warren  In the second novel of the Sky ranch Series we find Ranger Kingston on a mission to rescue his brother Colt. To his surprise he recognizes one of his brother's fellow hostages; the one woman he has not been able to forget. Noemi Sutton is on a mission of her own, she was taking her young charge back to be reunited with ther family. But then they was captured by a group of terroiusts that very dark plans for their captives.  Putting the skills that her father drilled into her over the years, Noemi  puts together a plan to escape to get help. But unbeknownst to her, there is a team out  there that is working towards rescuing the captives. Ranger and his fellow team members are able to rescue the captives, but in the midst of the chaos someone falls behind. Noemi is not willing to let her charge fall prey to the terrorist's, so she fights Ranger to go back and help her. This causes them to miss their  pickup time and sends them on a jo...

Critical Alliance By Elizabeth Goddard When she receives an cryptic message from her past warning her of trouble for her family's tech company, Mackenzie Hanson heads home for the first time in many years. But it seems that trouble has arrived before her when her brother is found dead. Also her sister is refusing to speak her about what is going on. Mackenzie has to figure out another way to investigate what is going on in her families company.  Returning to Montana, Alex Knight is looking forward to some time of decompressing from his last mission. But when he starts to relax,  Alex is drawn into a mystery full of threats, suspicious deaths and hints of espionage. All of them have one thing in common, the beautiful Mackenzie who is trying to figure out things on her own. When things turn deadly, can Alex and Mackenzie piece the clues together; before danger catches them off guard?   The third book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series is as nail biting as the first two bo...

Among The Innocent By Mary Alford Ten years ago tragedy struck the small town and left behind a lone survivor, a teenage girl. All grown up now, Leah Miller has found a career as a deputy with the police force. But when an amish teenager is found murdered with the same MO as the family ten years ago, it brings to question was the wrong man blamed for the deaths.  As the new police chief, Dalton Cooper has an alternative motive to why he chose to take the job. But he did not expect to be working along side the daughter of the murdered family, Leah. Their time spent together has drawn Dalton and Leah closer, but their secrets may tear them apart or even help them work towards finding the truth. Is there a copycat or was the wrong man accused of murder? Mary Alford writes a read that keeps you turning the pages to see what is next. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense read. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell and did not receive anythi...

    The Prince and The Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith   This is a retelling of the biblical story of Joseph alongside the story of his eldest brother Judah.  We find Joseph being trained to take over as the heir to his fathers flocks. Which causes much strife between Joseph and his elder brothers  to the point of causing grief for their elderly father. Joseph finds himself in a very foreign land as an servant to powerful man. While back with his family, eldest brother Judah is struggling with the guilt that came with selling his younger brother to slave traders. Weighed down with seeing his father grieving for his beloved son, Judah chooses to move away and settle in a different land. Each of the brothers are taken on very much different journeys that leads them down a path that intersect later in life. Jill Eileen Smith takes a well known bible story and gives us a deeper insight to it. She helps us to see deeper into the relationship between Joseph and his elde...

          The Lady of Galoway Manor by Jennifer Deibel In this novel we go back to the 1920's Ireland; where we meet Annabeth DeLacy, a young lady whose family moved from Britain. Having an interest in working with craftsman, her father gets her an apprenticeship with the family who descended from the creator the famed Claddagh ring. Stephen Jennings has grown up with the shadow of romance and love all around him. After having his heart broken he no longer want to follow in his fathers footsteps of creating jewelry.   When Annabeth walks into his family's workshop, Stephen  is not happy take on a privileged young lady as others in his village are struggling to survive. After being appointed by his father to teach the jewelry making to Annabeth, Stephen choses to do his best to see that she is bored of it. But what he did not realize is that Annabeth is thrilled with a challenge. The more time Stephen spends with Annabeth, he starts to se...

Sunrise By Susan May Warren We return to Alaska in the newest series by Susan May Warren;  where we meet one of the three  Kingston brothers, Dodge.  His fathers recent accident has brought Dodge back home to give his dad a hand with the family business. His return back to Sky King Ranch brings back many memories, good and bad. Echo Yazzie is a true Alaskan, raised by a father who made sure she knew how to live off the land. The love of her life walked out of her life several years ago, so Echo chose to  dedicate her life to being a research guide.  Coming back home has not t been easy for Dodge, the memories from his past are still fresh in his mind. When he sees Echo for the first time, his feelings for her return full force. Dodge does not fully approve of Echo's choice of work. But when  one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo is   determined to find her. Dodge longs to protect Echo from the dangers that are in the Alaskan wildern...

Never Leave Me By Jody Hedlund We return to the Waters of Times series and find Harrison Burlington caring for the dying Ellen Creighton. While Ellen has accepted that she is dying, she is still struggling with the deaths of her sister and father who have been taken by the quest for the healing waters. Harrison has kept hidden his true feelings for Ellen; so he desperately continues the search for the Holy Water to save his one true love. . But when he finds 2 more vials, Ellen is still not convinced that they actually contain the Holy Water. Harrison makes a decision to demonstrate his everlasting love by drinking one of the vials. When she witnesses the healing properties of the Holy Water, Ellen is unable to  deny the truth in front of her.  But there some dangerous criminals that will do anything to get their hands on a vial of Holy Water. Harrison and Ellen soon learn they will do anything, even sending Ellen back to the past to get more of the Holy Water for them.  ...

Hostile Intent By Lynette Eason In the 4th installment of the Danger Never Sleeps, we meet Ava Jackson who has had to make a very difficult choice to leave the military to spend time with her ailing mother.  One day after a visit at the home where her mother is at, Ava is attacked by a strange man. Not knowing why she is a target Ava turns to an friend from her past FBI Special Agent Caden Denning.  Caden knows that Ava holds the key to solving the murders that landed on his desk and needs her help to save another life. But it seems that Ava is also a target of a killer with an agenda. Ava has been hiding some secrets from all of her friends, but these secrets are going to be what she needs to help Caden solve this case. Can Caden find the killer before he gets to Ava? Will Ava figure out what is the connection to her family and the killer?  Lynette Eason has written another suspense filled novel, her series truly takes you for a thrill ride.  I was provided a compli...

At Lighthouse Point By Suzanne Woods Fisher In the last installment of the Three Sisters Island, we find the youngest Grayson sister Blaine coming back home from Paris. She is ready to fulfill her dream of bringing culinary flavor to Camp Kicking Moose. But to her dismay the kitchen has been remodeled into a chef's worst nightmare. Unable to tell her family, Blaine throws herself back into working at the Lunch Counter. Her time in Paris has taught her so much that she wanted to give back to the friend that pulled her back from the edge. But life in America has not been very nice to her friend Jean- Paul. It seems that around every turn is a mishap for her dear friend. Along with those mishaps brings a very familiar face, along with a very cold shoulder from Dr Artie Lotosky. Artie and Blaine's friendship started in college, but when Blaine took time off from culinary school their relationship fizzled out.. Elated to see her beloved friend Artie, her joy shattered upon the coldn...

To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette   I love reading stories written in the bible times, Connilyn Cossette has became one of my favorite authors to read. She takes stories out the bible and helps us to see it in a very different outlook. Her latest series Israel had any Kings and the Prophet Samuel still leading them. We meet 2 philistine siblings, a young brother and sister; who were directed by their beloved nurse to follow the ark. Their journey takes them far from the homeland to a very strange land with customs that are very foreign to them. When an Israelite family take Eliora and her brother as their own, she finds hope and safety for the first time in a long while. But she still struggles with feeling like she does not belong. When tensions start rising in the nation of Israel, over the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. A group of Hebrews  come to Kiryat-Yearim under the guise of attending the festivals. Levite Musician Ronen ...

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham This is my first time ever reading a book written by Rachel Fordham, I truly love getting to read new to me authors. The first thing that draws me to this book is the cover which portrays an genre that I have loved since I was a little girl, the genre historical.  As you open to the first page you are drawn back to a time when things were very different than they are know. A time when things were more simple, but also women  only had some many choices of what they could do in their life. Our heroine Agnes Pratt has a deep secret that sent her running away from the life that she had dreamed of. It has led her to the small  town of Penance, where she has established herself as the beloved schoolteacher of the their kids. Life has settled into a rhythm for Agnes and she has built friendships in the six years in her new home. But when her life is upset by the arrival of her childhood friend, things turn upside d...

Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard In the third installment of the Uncommon Justice series, we return to the McKade ranch in snowy Wyoming. Liam Mckade has returned to his childhood home to find out what he want to next in his life. Never did he ever think when he came back home to see his brothers did he think he would run into the one woman he didn't want to see again. Rae Burke's sister in law has disappeared for the second time and Rae's investigative reporter skills have been called upon by her brother. The clues lead her to the wintery Wyoming and its busy  ski slopes. But she was not prepared to run into someone from her past, that she has caused pain in their life. As Rae discovers clues along the way about her sisters in law past, that make her wonder if she ever knew  her sister in law at all. Her search starts to lead her down some very dark  twists and turns that lead her head on into danger....