Surprised By Love

I have always done my very best to make sure I am kind and honest in my appraisal of the books I review. I understand that everyone has different opinions and tastes in what they read and that every author will write books we like and books we don't...

I'm thrilled to have read many very glowing reviews of Surprised By Love and as I am a HUGE fan of Julie Lessman I'm bummed I can't give it my highest rating, but that doesn't mean it won't be a win for you.

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

I absolutely devoured Julie's first six books. I mean, I really had a hard time putting them down. They are wonderfully written and the characters are deep, rich and intriguing. This new series promised much, though was an intended departure from her pervious style--less passion between characters, etc. Unfortunately, for me this new setting and these new people seemed almost to be a new "version" of the family (and setting) from the previous books which in a way I found confusing. The things they did and the way they communicated (playing games as a family, the heroes giving the heroines pet-names), things that were such a hallmark of the previous family/books-- drew me away from the story. I had a difficult time being hooked into the plot and following who everyone was because of this difficult-to-explain lack of individuality so to speak.

Here's the blurb:

"Shy and unattractive as a child, Megan McClare has always been teased by her classmates. But when she returns home from her senior year in Paris, the wallflower has suddenly blossomed into a beauty. With ambitions to become a lawyer or doctor, Megan accepts an internship at the district attorney's office only to discover that she will be working with Devin Caldwell, a boy who mercilessly mocked her at school--and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. She turns to her dear friend Bram Hughes for support and advice. But Bram's vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a kid sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?"

There's a lot of fun to be had with this idea, but for me, it wasn't a hit.

I don't mean to steer you away from this book or this series, I think everyone needs to come to their own conclusion. This is just the way I felt about this. The first two books were fun, quick reads, but again, just a very different style from her first books.

Have you read it? What did you think? I do absolutely love Julie and I'm looking forward to what she has coming up in the future. :)

(I'm glad this is via cyberspace...that way if you throw tomatoes at me it won't leave a stain. LOL)

Happy Reading!
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The Pelican Bride

I have been looking forward to reading this book from the moment I saw the cover. WOWZA! Its got to be one of the top-five BEST covers so far this year, don't you think?

Overall, this is a sweet little tale, but with a few bumps for me.

It was tough, however in the end I decided I had to rate it thus...

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

This new author has a really great style and did a fine job choosing an exciting era and setting. Unfortunately, it was so unique at times that I found myself a bit confused. You know that happens to me easily.... I admit it, OK?!

I had such a hard time trying to figure out how to pronounce some of the French names/words (some Native American names as well) that it pulled me away from the story, but that might only be an Amber problem. (Give a girl a break OK, I took Spanish, not French... LOL)

The relationship between the heroine and her sister--which occupies a great deal of the story--was not as warm and endearing as I would have liked and at times I found the younger sister's jealous attitude a bit of a turn off. The heroine Genevieve was genuine and very likable with a secret in her past that was a nice twist!

Now.....let's talk about the hero for a second, shall we?! Tristan Lanier was all kinds of rugged-awesomeness, so that was a huge plus there. However, I was disappointed he wasn't in the book very much. I tend to prefer stories where the H&H have lots of opportunities to be together and this one didn't have much of that in my opinion. As well as, there were lots of characters and (again) I had difficulty remembering who everyone was.

Now, lest you begin to think I am a woman of little brain ("Holy cow, Amber couldn't figure out who everyone was??") I shall call to your remembrance that I have not been well of late and will blame said cloudy-brain on that--and the lack of French lessons.

Overall, it really is a nice read and a fun beginning to a series--which of course is the reason for all the characters I couldn't remember. *wink*

OK. Your turn. Thoughts???

(Thank you to the publisher for a free copy to review)

Happy Reading!
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The Captive Maiden

Before I launch into this review, I'd like to just say my aforementioned "spidey senses" were off on this one. *slanted smile* Has that ever happened to you?

I was VERY excited, due to the beautiful cover and honestly believed I would love the actual story, however, as much as I tried to like it, I found it did not meet my expectations as I'd hoped.

(Disclaimer: I am a firm believer in the fact that not all books are for all readers, and I know that this author has a strong following and this story is generally well-liked, so this is in no way meant to dissuade anyone from reading this book--it is simply my opinion!)

Allow me to explain myself....

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

The beginning of The Captive Maiden started off smashingly. I was drawn in and for the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down....

And that's when it started to crumble. The story itself had GOBS of potential which kept me reading, but by the half-way point (cue the ominous music "dun, dun dunnnnnnn"), I had a difficult time continuing--and not just because the plot slowed. The writing style of this author had me exquisitely puzzled. It seems almost as if it were written for a younger audience, because even though there were distinct points of view, I couldn't grasp the characters due to the prevalent passive "voice" and the many times the author spoon-fed me the emotions and situations instead of making turn into a "movie" in my mind. IE: "show, don't tell."

(Disclaimer two: There is nothing inherently wrong with writing that way, and she is obviously a very talented writer with a strong love of Christ and the scriptures which I greatly admire, so don't be hatin' on me! LOL I feel quite compelled to make sure I am honest in all my reviews.)

The other factor that made it difficult for me to love this novel, was the border-line preachy nature of the story. Don't get me wrong here folks--I love a great Christian message in stories like this--its one of the main reasons I read them, HOWEVER, this one seemed forced and drew me away from the story because it just didn't seem to fit. (Disclaimer three: refer to disclaimer two.)

Also, the plot didn't move forward after things got rolling. It almost seemed as if the characters were doing the same thing over and over--struggling to escape the clutches of the devilish villain.  I was soooo bummed that I wasn't able to love this the way I wanted.*sniff*

I might have had to give this book my lowest, rating but folks, IT'S CINDERELLA!! My all-time favorite fairly tale. Of. All. Time. ALL TIME!

I would highly recommend this book to younger readers or someone who just wants a simple, mild story.

Have you read this? What did you think? Should I give her other books a try?!?!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!!!

Fair Play

'Member when the teeny-tiny novella-ish teaser of this book came out last year? Oh man, that got me excited!!! I gave it Best of the Best!

Wish that excitement could have lasted *sniff* a bit more *sniff again*....

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

Oh ladies, ladies. I had SUCH great hopes for this story, and as you well know I am a huge fan of Dee's, but this story fell kinda flat for me.

The hero and heroine were enjoyable to a degree, but there wasn't much to entice me to continue reading about Billy Jack and Hunter Scott. For me, the "fair" kinda did a number on the story, as it had done in the first book. It took too much of center stage for me to be able to sit back and just get lost in a story about a boy and girl, you know what I mean? Not that having great historical facts, settings, etc. are bad, but it seemed like a third wheel and distracted me from the story.

Also, the initial premise seemed to get lost as the plot continued and therefore my interest got lost along with it.

Now, please know that again, its a great clean story and its got some super cute scenes, (also some super sad ones...) and as always I encourage readers to give it a try and see for themselves if they will like it--because if you look at the Amazon reviews, its got a lot of good ones! This might fit your bill!

Did you read her first "Fair" story, what did you think of it? Are you interested in reading this one--or if you HAVE read it--what did you think?

I will continue to give Dee a try, even though her last few have been a bit of a bummer. Onward and upward!

(Thank you to the publisher for my free review copy!)

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

To Whisper Her Name

Friends!

Wow, has it been a while--or has it been a while?! FEW! I was beginning to wonder if I would ever be able to review again! *sniff*

But, this forced hiatus has been GREAT for my TBR pile! It's only about three stories high now, as opposed to five. That's improvement, right? ;)

If you have followed me for a while you know that this book (TO WHISPER HER NAME) has taken me a looooong time to get excited about. I know, I know--its Tamera Alexander! She's amazing--what's the big deal, Amber?

I LU-HUVED her first books, but these newer ones..... I just can't get excited. Am I the only one that can't do any more post-Civil War stories--from the South?! After this one, I think I am done. At least for like twelve years. OBVIOUSLY, there's a huge market for them and I'm not who they are catering to.... but I digress...

I know this review won't be popular with the masses, but I need to "mine own self be true"...or however that saying goes.... *slanted smile*

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

First, PLEASE let me say that I know in most circles this book is extremely popular and in truth, there is nothing inherently wrong with this story. It's beautifully written and the hero and heroine are well developed--which for me was the saving grace. Annnnnd there was some great romantic tension in parts, as well as a few FAB-ulous kisses. *wink, wink*

As much as I enjoyed Olivia Aberdeen and the likable hero, Ridley Cooper, I found most of the plot quite slow and in the end--there was nothing to compel me to continue reading. Not a super great sign--I like a book to consume me. If I have to stop reading to change the laundry over or break up a fight, I want to be gagging to get back to the book. It was just too easy for me to put this one down.

I know a lot of my reader friends out there found this one to be fabulous! So, I'd love to hear from you. Please tell me what it was about this story that you enjoyed!

Be looking for more reviews in the coming weeks!!!

HUGS and
HAPPY READING!!
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No Place for a Lady

I was very excited to start this book thanks to a recommendation by my very dear HCR friend, Candy!! Candy has great taste and we have very similar "likes" in books, so I knew I would enjoy this one--and I did!!

Overall, I'm a big Maggie Brendan fan. I've read several of her books, though not all. This particular novel was intriguing enough, but I picked up on a few writerly things that made the story less fabulous than it might have been otherwise . . .

Allow me to explain.

Book Rating: Somewhere between Up All Night'er and Here a little, there a little

Maybe being a writer taints me as a reader, I don't know. But when I started this book I noticed right away a few things that turned me away from the story no matter how engaging it was. I won't spend much time on those things, but let it suffice that I found the actual writing passive and telling a lot of the time which pulled me out of the story.

The basic plot--girl with no family goes to a Colorado ranch and ends up needing to run the place. Honestly, even though there are almost too many of these plots to count, I still like them! There's great conflict, and just so many fabulous opportunities for romance, don't you think? *grin* The premise and setting were intriguing enough to keep me interested, but honestly it was the characters that I found less so . . .

The heroine, Crystal, didn't really come alive to me. I didn't get to know her and "feel" her emotions and struggles as I would have liked, but I think that might have been due to the writing style. Again, this is just my opinion. As for the hero, it's hard not to fall for a cowboy--am I right?! In this case, Luke is pretty great. However, even though their relationship just didn't have to spark I was looking for. But again, that might have been due to the writing style--or maybe it's just an Amber thing.

There were some really great scenes that I don't think I've ever really seen in another book--won't say what they are cuz I don't want to give it away . . . but in that repsect, I found it a very enjoyable read.

Thank you, Cathy for this fabulous recommendation! And please, if any of you ever have a recommendation please let me know--I'm always excited to learn about new books!

Happy Reading!
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With Autumn's Return

It's hard to place a book below my two highest ratings, but sometimes it just has to be done. For the most part I'm a pretty big Amanda Cabot fan. Unfortunately, this novel couldn't keep me interested. Bummer.

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

When it comes to series books, you like to see the last one go out with a bang, because--heck--its the last one and you expect it to be good, right? Well, for me, this one just didn't have what it takes to keep lil' Miss Amber gagging for more. The first two books in this series were nice--but this one reminds me more of book one (Summer of Promise) which was fairly mild romance-wise. I thought book two (Waiting for Spring) was more exciting in the "lovey dovey" department as well as the excitement/drama department. But you'll just have to read it yourself to make your own decision.

The heroine, Elizabeth Harding, is sweet enough. And the hero, Jason Nordling, is all right . . . but the romance (in my opinion) was flat and there wasn't much of interest to keep me wanting more as far as the plot was concerned. I didn't ever think, "I have to keep reading to know what happens next!"

Annnnnnnnnnd, that's when I start skimming.

Let's talk about skimming for a second. I think we all do it to some degree or another, and with some books it's more tempting to do than others. How often do you skim and are you a page by page skimmer or do you just do paragraphs? Frankly, if I am really bored I'll skip entire pages, scanning for words that seem interesting and if I don't find anything, I usually just skim to the end.

But . . . enough of that. Back to the book. Amanda Cabot typically has a much milder style in both her actual writing and in her plots and characters--and that's a good thing. We need different kinds of authors because there are all kinds of different readers, right? If you are looking for something real sweet, and something you can pick up and put down over time--because you have chores and screaming kids that need you, then this is it. *wink*

If you've read it--let me know what you think!!

~Thank you to Revell for my free copy in exchange for my honest review~

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

The Miner's Lady

A ridiculously beautiful cover. My self-esteem dropped a few notches--OK, it was like ten notches--when I glimpsed the more-than-gorgeous girl on the cover. Yet, the story itself, unfortunately, really didn't capture me.

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

This story followed a very similar theme as in book two of the series, The Quarryman's Daughter. Two families feuding, tragedy at the mine, etc. I suppose it would have been fine if I hadn't read book two, but this idea/plot seemed a bit old for that reason. Also, I don't know what it was, but the Italian family thing didn't do much for me either. Which is weird, cuz I love all-things Italy.

Chantel is a kind, sweet girl and when her younger sister Isabella falls in love with the son of the Calarco family, she agrees to help her sister spend time with Orlando. However, after an incident with Dante--the other Calarco son, Chantel isn't sure what to do. She can't deny the attraction between them--but two relationships between the Panetta's and the Calarco's can only mean trouble.

For me, there simply wasn't enough romance. Bummer, I know. The Christian element was there, and very strong as in all of Tracie's books, but again, it just wasn't the plot for me.

You know I am huge fan on Tracie Peterson and even though this particular story didn't tickle my fancy, that doesn't mean you won't like it. She's a great author and I plan on reading more of her books for sure.

Have you read this? What did you think--am I off my rocker?

~~Thank you to Bethany House for my free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.~~

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Two Reviews Are Better Than One

Good evening, ladies!

I've been doing a bunch of reading lately--is that any surprise?! *wink* And I would like to devote this post to two books I've finished in the past week.

The Wedding Journey

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

I thought this little LIH was very cute. If you are needing a quick read, lots of adorable romance and a fun setting, this has it. However, for me the heroine was a bit too blunt and at times naive for my taste. (But the hero sure seemed to like it! *teehee*) Cheryl St. John is a talented writer, conveys the emotions and situations very skillfully, but her style really wasn't my cup of tea.
All of that being said, its a sweet story and I would recommend reading it.
(Buy it!)

The next story, however . . .

Sisters of Mercy Flats

Book Rating: Meh. . .

It has been a V-HERY long time since I've rated a book in my lowest category. And, as you know I really don't like to do it. This little story had a lot going for it, but in the end, well, I found everything completely lacking.
The heroine Abigail, in my opinion, had nothing going for her and I hate to lay blame at her door, but I must--she did this story in, in my opinion. I suppose the author was trying to create a relationship between the hero and heroine that was full of jocular sparring, but I didn't see it. As for the hero, he had too many issues (that were mentioned too late in the book) for me to relate to him.
It was a quick read, very short and very fast. There was some good adventure, but it was tainted by Abigail's tedious personality.
Again this is all my own opinion.

Feeling adventurous? (Pun intended *teehee*)
Buy it!

Wrangler in Petticoats

These McClellan woman are tough. Frankly, I'm intimidated.

But, I still love 'em. *wink*

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little


Mary Connealy knows how to get to you hooked, that's for sure. There is great action, and GREAT romance, no doubt about it. If you want excellent on-the-edge-of-your-seat stuff, well, look no further.

Sally McClellan is a tomboy who couldn't care less about "girlie" things...until she meets a dashing young artist, Logan McKenzie. Logan comes to Sally's rescue when her traveling party is attacked in the Rocky Mountains, and the two of them try to fight their budding attraction while running for their lives from a pair of "ruthless" outlaws.

Now, how awesome does that sound?

I really enjoyed this story just as I enjoy all of Connealy's books. However, as exciting as it was, I felt a bit overwhelmed. And like I said in the beginning, I really like the McClellan girls--I did from the very beginning when I read Petticoat Ranch, but they are SO tough and what they go through is SO crazy, that sometimes I have a hard time finding a way to bond with them. I don't know, maybe its just me. Also, as far as heroes go, Logan was good, but not my favorite. Not every hero can be Levi Grant, I know that, but I didn't really know why Sally liked Logan.

This is TOTALLY just my opinion here, because I know a lot of people just love these stories. So please, if you love Connealy like I do, then you really need to read all of her stuff because its all good. Not every story is going to be your fave, and that's ok.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

A Matter of Character

It was about time for me to sit back, relax and enjoy a Robin Lee Hatcher story. So that's just what I did! *wink* A mom's gotta look out for herself, right?

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

OK, now if you have ready most of my reviews on Hatcher's stories, you know I am a huge fan. For me, this story was almost too slow. But don't let that disway you...every Hatcher book has great romance, fun characters and a good spiritual message. This book fits the bill, but it wasn't as tension/drama filled as I would have liked to see.

Daphne McKinley is a writer (dime novels!) but she doesn't want anyone to know! She's been writing a series loosely based on local lore, and her books are fairly popular. When Joshua Crawford comes to town, searching for the "man" behind the novels that are defaming his grandfathers name, Daphne has to rethink her tactics--and what she wants out of life!

So, give it a try! You might love it!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Love in the Balance

Hmmmmmm.....

I have such a hard time being critical of any author when I know they put their heart and soul into their stories. But I do want to give my honest opinion, so here I go.

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

I really enjoy Regina Jennings' style, and if you enjoyed her first book SIXTY ACRES AND A BRIDE then you might really enjoy this also. I thought I would...but for me, it wasn't my cup of tea.

The more I read, the pickier I get, I guess. The scenario of this book intrigued me, but it ended up taking a turn that I didn't like, and I just couldn't get over it. I have almost considered changing my rating system to a simple "I'd read it again" or "I won't read it again." And this story I wouldn't read again.

The conflict in this story is very strong--and that's a good thing of course--but the kind of conflict, mainly from the heroine, came across in such a way that made me not care for her and that's what soured the story for me. Molly Lovelace came across as quite self-centered for a large portion of the book--to me, anyway. Also, I found myself frustrated at the fact that Bailey (her long-time love interest) is trying his best to avoid temptation, but Molly doesn't seem to be trying as hard. At least that's the way it felt to me. I hate to say it, but frankly I couldn't see what Bailey saw in her. *gulp*

This is a clean book, but with a lot of adult themes, just so you know...

Now, again, all of these things being said, there are very nice things about the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Bailey's character. I thought he was honorable, and really continued to strive to do what was right most of the time. For me, he is the one shining element of the story.

So, if you are up for it--read it, and then tell me what you thought!

Thank you to Bethany House to my review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

When the Heart Heals

Gotta love post-Civil War romances!

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

This was my first Ann Shorey book, and it won't be my last. Her writing style is beautiful and very easy to read--nothing heady or flowery (not that that's bad by any means). I found it very easy to picture what was happening and where--and for me, that's a big deal. Not every author can pull that off to satisfy my tastes.

Rosemary Saxon is a gifted nurse who knows her way around an herb garden. But certain people aren't so quick to appreciate her skills and someone in particular is not happy to have her in town--and let's her know it! The doctor, Elijah Stewart, needs help with his practice, but he finds his new assistant to be quite outspoken and unconventional. Not to mention beautiful and intriguing. Then, when the threats against Rosemary deepen, she had to decide if she can stand strong or if she will leave--and change her future forever.

Well you know me. "I gotta have my drama". (Say it like the old POPS cereal commercial...) For me, this book had a tendency to drag and I was gagging for more romance between the characters. For that reason, I have to give it this rating. BUT...that being said, the story is very sweet. Great for those looking for something on the mild side.

PS. I like the cover. Do you?

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

I'm grateful to Revell for giving me this book in exchange for my honest review.
Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Snowflake Bride

Holy romantic tension, Batman!!

Book rating: Here a little, there a little

Ladies, let me tell ya, Jillian hart knows how to write a beautiful story. Her style is full of elegant prose, and like I said before, she can weave romantic tension worthy of Margaret Mitchell! The only thing I found to be a disappointment was the lack of excitement--which of course, being that I'm a drama queen, I must have in an HCR. *teehee*

And so, the absence of good old fashioned drama made the story drag s bit, which is the only reason I can't give it a higher rating. That being said, her other books like Calico Bride are loaded with excitement!!

In this sweet story, Ruby Ballard is looking for work to help her family's farm and serendipitously lands a job at the house of a man she's secretly in love with. Problem is, every girl in town is in love with the dashing Lorenzo and Ruby knows he will never be interested in a poor girl like her. (Can anyone say Cinderella?! That's what this story reminded me of...in a way...)

Lorenzo (hello! love that name!) is SO debonair! Love him! He has been in love with Ruby since he first laid eyes on her, but she will hardly give him the time of day. However, he won't give up that easily, and he strives through the course of the book to "win her heart"...little does he know he already has!

If you prefer a slower pace, this will be right up your alley. I did think the characters were fun and completely lovable. You could easily read this in a day (if your kids don't ever get hungry...) and you will be swooning your way through the book, believe you me.

Happy Reading!
Buy it! (kindle edition)

A Home in Drayton Valley

There’s a Ned for every Nelly.

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

First of all, I want to thank Bethany House for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review. I always appreciate being a part of their blog tours.

As my opening comment suggests, there’s someone for everyone. In turn, I believe there is an author/book for every reader. Unfortunately, I do believe that Kim Vogel Sawyer and I are not a good match as far as reader/author are concerned. I have read only two of her other books, and even though I rated one pretty high, I think I am done reading her stories. But I don’t say that to discourage you. Because again, she might fit your style just swimmingly.

If you will read many of the other reviews about this book, you will find they are glowing. Honestly, I had a hard time finding many things that I liked about this book. But again, that’s just me I guess. And, I know you hear this from me all the time, but…I think I must have a serious disease when it comes to how I feel about a book’s cover… This cover didn’t help my preconceived notions about this story one iota. Of all the covers of HCR’s I’ve seen so far this is the one I liked the very least.

Tarsie Raines—the heroine in this story—loses her dearest friend on the way to Kansas and promises to care for her children…and her husband.  Pretty fun plot, although we’ve seen that before. Had the potential for fabulous romance. But for me it didn’t deliver. Tarsie wasn’t really a character that I enjoyed. She had a thick accent (as did many of the characters in this book) and for some reason that made me disconnect with her. I’ve read other books where characters had accents and it didn’t bother me, but her accent bothered me. I simply could not bond with her. I tried—I really did!

Also, the stories where mom’s die are always hard for me since I am a mom and the thought of dying when my kids are still so young is just too much for me, so that aspect I didn’t like. 

As for Joss—the leading man… how do I say this nicely…. I didn’t like him at all. He was coarse, and he drank a lot and didn’t care about his kids and was brash and mean at times... Yikes. For me, that’s not the kind of leading man I warm to. Of course, he turns around at the end, but for the most part I was discouraged at his behavior and it made me not care about what happened to him. Does that make sense? I understand that we like to see characters that are flawed, but in my opinion he was too flawed.

The gospel aspect of the story was strong, so if you are just looking for a great "historical christian" you may enjoy it.

I feel bad having to write such a review, but so it is.  If you have read any others of hers and love them, and think I ought to give it a try let me know! Otherwise, I will say "so long" to Vogel Sawyer.

Happy Reading!

Buy it!

A Promise to Love

I would categorize this book in the "mildly satisfying as far as romance is concerned" category.

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

As my opening statement suggests, I read this book looking forward to a great romance--cuz it had AH-MAZING potentiel, but in my opinion it fell short. Let me explain why...

Ingrid Larsen is looking for her brother who has disappeared into the lumber camps of Michigan. (This was a fact that I felt was not touched on too greatly for a large portion of the book actually...) She "crosses paths" with Joshua Hunter--a man who has just lost his wife and has been left with five children. She offers to marry him and whammo--they are husband and wife--and they don't even know each other! I was expecting there to be tons of great romantic tension, but I just didn't really feel it...bummer.

There is a lot of fun mystery and excitement surrounding Joshua's former wife's death. In fact at times I thought it was a bit creepy, but in the end I just felt plain sorry for the woman. I don't want to give too much away--but I wasn't clear on whether she had a condition that made her that way, or if she was just "bad." (You'll have to tell me what you think!)

Ingrid was a likable gal. However, the fact that she spoke such broken English made it difficult for me to connect with her for some reason. I also almost got this feeling that she was too strong and didn't really have any weaknesses. I like to see a heroine really growing in some way.

And Joshua, well, I liked him alright, but he wasn't the kind of hero that makes your knees go weak or anything. I had a hard time getting close to his character as well. Am I the only one that feels this way?

As for the spiritual aspect of things, I thought it was very nice and I found it uplifting and encouraging.

I do really like Miller's style and I thought she kept the action going and did an excellent job of keeping me hooked, but I just would have liked a lot more romance.

Happy Reading!
Buy It!

*Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free review copy*

Beauty for Ashes

Oh man. This is a tough review to write...

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

I really thought this book would be a winner. Unfortunately, I couldn't like it.

Carrie Daly is a young widow--her husband died at the Battle of Shiloh. She's trying to move on with her life although there's an emptiness that surrounds her. As far as leading ladies go, I really hate to say it, but she is one of my least favorites.  First of all, I had a hard time remembering she was a widow--because she hardly talked or thought about her deceased husband at all, whether she liked or didn't like him, missed or didn't miss him. Either way, I didn't get much of a sense of her feelings about it, so in that respect she wasn't established well. And she seemed to move aimlessly through the book without a real established conflict/goal, etc.

Also, there was A LOT of contention between characters many of the characters. Carrie's brother Henry marries at the beginning of the book, and the woman he marries is also a widow who has two boys. *huff* If there is anything that really gets my goat, it's very naughty children who's parents do not discipline them! That's exactly what happens with those boys (arg!), and they do so many bad things, I literally could not stand it!  Sorry, I may be getting carried away, but really--their behavior caused a lot of anxiety for many of the characters and that was a bit of a problem for me. (understatement!)

Griff Rutledge, the leading man, was an honest fellow and a good guy, but I didn't feel like he was in the book a whole lot. I would have liked to see more interaction between the two main characters. This lack of interaction, for me, made the romance pretty "blah".

The spiritual nature of the book was the one very good thing. I enjoyed the references to Christ, scriptures, etc. It was indeed inspiring in that respect, so if you read it for no other reason than that, you won't be sorry.

I really don't like writing reviews that are not glowing, but I find that the more of these that I read, the more particular I get. Do you find that happens to you?

Anyway, if you read this book--let me know what you think. I may be off-base here, so tell me what your opinion about the story is.


Happy Reading!
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When Love Blooms

Every book has a twin, right?

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

WHEN LOVE BLOOMS is strikingly similar to HEART OF GOLD. I mean, so incredibly striking they could almost be twins…that is, with a few minor discrepancies.

This tender love story about Gavin Blake and Emily Harris is so sweet and…

Irrrrrrrrrk (tires screeching…)  wait, what?

"Did you say Gavin is MARRIED for HALF of the book?!"  Yes, you heard me right. The leading man is married to someone else for a major portion of the book.

Take a moment to digest that.

It took me by serious surprise as well, and made liking the book somewhat difficult. Of course, being that it’s a Christian story, one need never worry about anything untoward happening, but still. Having the leading man and leading lady begin a relationship when one of them was married did not sit well with me. Again, nothing bad happens. Keep in mind, Gavin's wife actually wanted them to eventually have a relationship, seeing as she was close to dying and wanted her children to be raised in a happy home. Gavin and Dru were not really in love...never had been. So, if you are curious...you'll want to read it.

When Dru died, the romantic tension between Gavin and Emily got pretty good and stayed very strong until the end. But, I just couldn’t get over that whole married thing. It was too weird for me.

There’s a great faith thread throughout the story, as with all of Hatcher’s novels, so you will be uplifted by that, for sure.

If you read it, please let me know what you think. I always love to hear what other readers have to say!

Happy Reading!
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To Have and To Hold

I have had this book since it was released last September, and I just now got around to reading it!  What a fool I was to wait so long!! I fell in love with the cover right away—talk about dreamy romance! *sigh*  I love it! I know you will fall in love with the story too. *wink*

Book Rating:  Up All Night'er

This is a great novel!! If you are looking for something with a quick start, this might not be it, but there is a lot of fun action, and some mystery, too.... You will enjoy it for sure!

I must say that Peterson always does a wonderful job with the spiritual aspect of things, and you will always be uplifted and enlightened by her Christian message!!

Audrey’s father is suffering from the effects of his life of alcohol, and will soon die.  They've recently moved back to his ancestral home on Bridal Veil Island, and now investors are trying to buy up the land to build a resort...

Marshall Graham—holy crud, love that name!—is a contractor and Audrey’s father asks him to “look out for her” when he’s gone.  At first Marshall thinks Audrey will want nothing to do with him…but that eventually changes!!  *teehee*

There is excitement, and mystery, etc.  It has all the elements of a good story! Read it and let me know what you think!!

Happy Reading!
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The Husband Tree

It was difficult for me to settle on a rating for this book.  At first I really enjoyed it, but as it went along I found myself less interested.  Overall, it was a nice story, but not one that I am likely to read again.

Book Rating:  Here a little, there a little

Connealy’s books are fabulous.  So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed them all.  For some reason, I didn’t like this one quite as much.

Belle is a character you first meet in the previous story, MONTANA ROSE.  She has had a very hard life, (as do 90% of the characters in these books…) and she finds herself husband-less…again.  But, for Belle, that’s really not a bad thing.  She’s been running her ranch by herself (with the help of her girls) for many years, and she is laboring under the belief that men just cause problems, so she is thankful her third husband is gone.  She will NEVER get married again.  Famous last words…

Silas Harden is a good guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and needed to get out of New Mexico to avoid a sham wedding!  He finds himself in Texas and in need of work.  He ends up signing up for Belle’s cattle drive.  Little does he know what he is in for! 

Both of these characters want nothing to do with anyone of the opposite sex.  Can you guess what might happen?  Yeah, they eventually get together.  You got it, bravo!  *teehee *  Overall, there was a smooth story-line and plenty of excitement to keep a person reading.  But eventually, I was tired of hearing how much she hated men, and how difficult everything was for her.

Frankly, I know I would have never made it as a pioneer/frontier woman.  Natural childbirth?  Forget it.  Natural childbirth outside, in the middle of nowhere?  Not even going there.  Natural childbirth, with three other children, while having to nurse a baby you have just 18 months ago, and drive cattle—not to mention take care of basic every-day needs?!  I’m having serious nightmares just thinking about it.  I admire beyond words what those women did and their struggles humble me exceedingly, and that includes "Belle", but as I read I felt kind of overwhelmed by the difficulties she had faced.

I liked the spiritual nature of the story, but it didn't seem as clear or as specific as some of the other messages I have seen in her books.  It was good though, so in that respect I think you will be pleased.

Out of all of Connealy’s books this would be my least favorite I think.  But, I do recommend giving it a try.  You may find you really enjoy it.  I know for sure you will laugh a lot.  That’s always something fun to expect from Connealy.

Happy Reading!

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