Life, Love and Books

Under Fire  By Lynn H Blackburn Under Fire is the third book in the Defend And Protect series and it does not disappoint at all.  We get to see Special Agent Zane Thacker  and Tessa Reed face down danger and romance, along with several glimpses of characters from the first two books in the series. I love that this book touches on the struggle with alcohol that our heroine Tessa dealt with and the healing that she walked thru. Also how the hero Zane  had to work thru some issues with his feelings for Tessa. Will Zane be able to stand by Tessa and still do the job of protecting the president from the threats of danger? I was provided a complimentary copy of this book the publisher and did not receive anything in return  for  my honest opinion of the book. The opinions expressed here are completely of my own are without any influence.

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...

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson When I picked up this book, the title was not something I was looking to read at this time. But then I opened it to the first page and was hooked. The storyline hooked me line and sinker, so that I did not want to put this book down. The friendship between Tucker and Penelope is a breath of fresh air for all of us. It reminds us that friendships are something important and they can overcome so much in our lives. Our hero and heroine have both overcome so much as a team that they have a bond that is so deep that it has built their love for each other. Life has not been easy for Tucker, so he has had to fight for what he wanted to do in life. But with the pretty Penelope by his side, he has had the courage to face so much. As the owner of a security systems, Tucker has been able to see the need for a new sheriff in town. So when he is challenged to run for Sheriff, he jumps to the challenge. But what Tucker did not see ...

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...

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette In the last installment to the Cities of Refuge, we find the youngest daughter of Moriyah and Darek all grown up. Tirzah is a strong willed woman, whose life did not go as planned. Her beloved was killed by the enemy that had driven them out of their homes. Now her hearts longing is to join her people in the fight to drive the enemy out of the land of Israel. When her older brothers give in to her request, they train her for a very dangerous mission. Tirzah infiltrates the Aramean commanders household, with the talents  of cooking that her mother has taught her. One reckless decisions puts Tirzah and others in danger, hope of a rescue seems to be very hopeless.  When the  word of danger reaches her brothers ears, they are in need of someone who can get into the stronghold of Shechem unseen. The perfect spy walks right into their village in the form of the son of an old family friend. Liyam has arrived home...

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot The Mesquite Springs Series is a delight to read and Amanda Cabot spins a storyline that keeps us turning the pages. Evelyn Radcliffe has lost her home for the second time in 10 years, Her worst fears are confirmed that the watcher has found her, when the orphanage she was living in is burned to the ground. The only thing she knew to do was to keep moving to protect herself and her little charge. When they are found by horse rancher Wyatt Clark, it seems they have found refuge from the demons that was chasing them. Wyatt Clark has plans to set money aside for his sister and his mother to live on, while he goes out to explore the world around him. But he did not have any plans on falling in love and running for the mayor of Mesquite Springs. When Evelyn chooses to settle down and open restaurant like her parents owned, she did not expect it to take off like it does.  Even though she has felt like she has found a safe haven, da...

Still By Jenny L Donnelly Do you struggle with worrying? Do you struggle with dread of upcoming events in your life?    Does the pressures and stress of your everyday life trigger anxiety in you?  These are several of the questions that this book addresses.  Jenny teaches us how to find and experience the true life giving peace that can be found in the midst of the chaos surrounding each of us. She will help you to see that rest is not just something we do, but it is also a place we can find. By sharing her own personal story of struggles,  Jenny introduces us to the true source of peace that is found in Jesus Christ.  She takes us thru the steps to take in any situation to find the rest we are so longing for in our lives. By revealing how to operate that place deep down inside each of us that will power our identity and creativity in our lives.  This book will help you to find the rest that is so longed for by so many. ...

Collateral Damage By Lynette Eason Oh my, Oh my...this one is truly a breath taker to read. I just finished reading book and I was not able to put it down because I wanted to know if they finally caught the bad guys. In the first installment  of the Danger Never Sleeps series; we meet Brooke Adams,  a military psychiatrist who is wounded in a café bombing. Several months later she is still facing down the fears that follow at times after having a traumatic incident. Having made a decision to join a practice with a fellow colleague, but when she walks into the office one day to find her friend dead on the floor, her life is turned upside down again.  As a  former Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James has faced down many things in his time in the military. But now he is struggling with the one thing that is most needed by the body, sleep. Realizing he needs to find someone who can help him to face down this nightmare. When he mak...

Unscripted by Davis In the latest release by award winning author Davis Bunn, we meet the main characters Danny Boyd and Megan Pierce. It delves into the glittering world of Hollywood with the storyline. Both characters are dealing with brokenness and seeking redemption in their lives. Danny is a line producer who is well known in the movie production world for being savvy and creative in getting projects done. As a LA lawyer, Megan has put her all into proving to impossible bosses that she can get the job done. When life throws these two go-getter a curveball, they each have to take a second look at their careers and lives. With his reputation in tatters, Danny is given the one chance to redeem himself and restore what was lost.  An unbeatable opportunity drops into Megan's lap, she realizes that she needs to grab it.  Megan has to take Danny's case and defend him in court; but they didn't realize that they bo...

Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne The second book in the Double S Ranch series brings us back to Gray's Glen, Washington. We find the town still trying to rebuild after the disaster that has struck them. At the same time the Stafford brother Nick, has put his whole focus on working his family ranch and is now struggling to raise his daughters on his own. Ruth has done it again and written a story that pulls you in to the book. The little girls struggling with the issue of not having a mother in the picture, then all of sudden she reappears in their life. This story deals with a issue that is not touched very often in fiction. The struggle of a doting father trying to make the right decisions for his daughters without causing them more pain in the long run. Also the pain of having a parent that leaves and then chooses to reinsert themselves in their child lives for alternative reasons. I loved the way she created her characters to each have their own uniqueness a...

Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson Marie Carrington is running from her former life, scared to death with nowhere to turn she finds hope on Prince Edward Island. Befriended by a older gentleman, Jack Sloane; he offers her a job decorating his bed and breakfast. To Marie's surprise she has to work alongside Jack's nephew Seth as they try to get the inn  ready for opening day. Using her talent for decorating she finds several key items to bring the inn a unique look of it's own. Seth has his own misgivings of this women who has found her way into his uncles life. After having been burned by his former fiancée', it is hard for him to trust another women without seeing his former fiancée' in their face.  As they spend time together Seth and Marie start growing closer as they work toward common goal of getting the inn up and running. Will these two find healing for the pain in their lives and see what is right in front of them. This is a beautifully written story of...

        The Calling  by Rachelle Decker In the second book of the Seer Series, we find that a year and half has passed by and a daughter has been born to Remko and Carrington. The following of Seers has grown to a larger number and keeps growing as the people are more oppressed by the new president of Authority City. Anyone who chooses to disobey and follow the rebel Aaron is executed and the people are forced to watch the executions.  As the tactical leader Remko faces many challenges leading his team to perform many missions inside the city. Also as a father he faces the challenge of protecting his family from the danger that faces them. From the day that I finished The choosing, I couldn't wait to read the next book in  the series. I loved getting to see Remko's side of the story, it gave a different outlook to the story. The timeline has moved forward a year and half after Remko and Carrington left authority cit...

A Sweet Misfortune  by Maggie Brendan The second book in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West takes a step into the world of dancehall girls. Rachael Matthews is homeless and alone, with no where to go she turns to the world of dancehalls to support herself. When he brother finds out she has become a dancehall girl, he sends a concerned letter to his best friend with a plea for his best friend to rescue his sister from the life she has turned too.  Cattle Baron John McIntyre is focused on acquiring as much land as he can to build his ranch as the best in Montana. The las thing on his mind is dealing with his best friends kid sister who has turned to the profession of  being a dancehall girl. But his devotion to his best friend urges him to go and play the prince on horseback.  Stubborn Racheal sees John as someone who is trying to stop her from earning a living, until he tells her that he holds  the deed to her parents land. Determined to get t...

The Gift of Friendship  By Dawn Camp This book takes a deep look into friendships and how it effects women of all walks of life. A collection of stories that has been gathered together from an amazing group of women who took time out to share some of the ways other have touched their lives. Take some time out of your busy day and dive into this book for a breath of fresh air. Learn to cherish the friendships that we have and to build other along the way. I truly loved getting to read this book, it made me think back on the many friends I have made in my life. This book was given to me for a free review from Revell Reads.

Hannah's Choice by Jan Drexler As the eldest daughter, Hannah Yoder has shouldered alot of the responsibilities  in her family. Striving to bind the threads of her family back together with her mothers depression, her sisters rebellion and her fathers worries, she becomes the strong one. She loves the settled and peaceful life that her family has living along the banks of the Consetoga Creek. Believing that at some time she will settle down with her best friend and have a family in the same area as her family is settled. When suddenly her father is offered a chance at moving west  closer to a amish community by another fellow amishmen that is moving. Along comes a young amish man that truly believes Hannah is the one he is to marry. Forced to face making a decision of staying behind near her beloved home or following the one who promises her life of adventure following God's call west. Will Hannah choose to stay with what is familiar or choose to follow her heart ...

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage by Dr Greg and Erin Smalley Looking for hope toward having a marriage filled with passion and advenure, look no further Dr Greg  and Erin Smalley bring a fresh look to the issues  that face many couples.   The newest edition to the resources at Focus on the Family, brings a new outlook to marriage and the issues couples face. Each of the 12 secrets are broken down and discussed in a very real language that is very understandable to all. Dr Greg Smalley even inserts bits of humor into the chapters that will give everyone a laugh, while being able to see the thoughts he has given. Erin provides a female perspective into each of the secrets for marriage.  This book opened my eyes on several on the secrets, I will truly apply this book to my marriage and pass it on to my friends. I loved the way authors shared about their marriage and used the term war as a thought of marriage. Truly we are in a war to keep our marriag...

Shelia Wraye Gregoire has done it again, she has written another amazing read for all wives out there. If you feel like there is no hope out there for you or you are just looking for a way to better your marriage this is the book for all of you. Each of the nine thoughts that she outlines in her book comes with action steps for each thought and plenty of real life stories to go along with them. She takes the pat answers that so many people try to give us to help us thru our struggles and turns the light onto the answers. Each of these truths are written out in a language a wife can truly understand from a wife that truly understands. I found this book to very helpful with the struggles that I am facing in my marriage, I would recommend this book to all wives out there looking for hope in their marriages.  I received this book for free for a honest review by blogging for books. 

Mermaid Moon(A Sunset Cove Novel) by Colleen Coble Mallory Davis has not been back home for fifteen years, after getting a phone call from her father has he is dying; she decides to return home to find out the truth. With the help of her high school sweetheart Kevin O'Conner a game warden in down east Maine; she embarks on a path of finding out who killed her father.  Willing to keep Mallory safe and out of harm while holding her at a arms length away form his heart. As Mallory starts receiving death threats against her and her beloved daughter, it draws Kevin to want to protect both of them more. Their search deepens and more clues are uncovered leading to more questions on the past. Can Mallory and Kevin find the healing for their hearts, while trying to keep out of danger? Colleen Coble has written another spine tingling book that you will not be able to put down till the last page. I can't wait to read her next book. 

Golden Braid  by Melanie Dickerson Rapunzel is a multi-talented girl, she can throw a knife, paint beautiful paintings and sing like a bird with a voice that can put a animal to sleep. But there is two things she longs for to learn how to read and to marry. Her mother rules the household and choses when and where they live and work. When a young man proposes to Rapunzel, her mother packs up everything and shuffles them both off on a long journey to a new place.  That journey brings danger and adventure into Rapunzels life, on the road to the kingdom of Hagenheim they meet up with a knight. Sir Gerek. Sir Gerek and /Rapunzel's lives seem to be intertwined, after saving their lives Rapunzel in turn saves Sir Gereks life with well placed thrown knife. As a thank you to Rapuzel, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to her by teaching her to read.  As Rapunzel adjusts to the changes of living in a big city, she uncovers a mystery that will change her life. This...

Coming into my marriage, I truly thought is was going to be the most beautiful thing in my life. I would be swept off my feet by this prince charming and carried off to live happily after. We would spend our honeymoon making wondrous and beautiful love just like the couples in the harlequin books  that I read when I was a teenager. Yeah Right!!! Reality  struck on our first day of our honeymoon, the man I thought I had married was not who I thought he was. He was flawed, he was not the prince charming or the amazing lover I had dreamed of. Our first big fight happened on our honeymoon, I was devastated  my dream of a beautiful time together was ruined. The months passed by and things justed seemed to get worse for us. I was working away from home and when I came home all I wanted to do was spend time with my dear hubby. His thoughts was he wanted to spend time with his family and friends, not this woman who was being very demanding with him. This is not what I thought...