Betrayal

I must say that this book was quite a pleasant surprise.

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

It's no secret that I'm a BIG Hatcher fan. Her novels are always sweet and full of inspiration.  This novel was no different, and it got me really excited for the last book of the series which comes out in the next several months, I think. (There's a few pages of Beloved--the next book--at the back of this book, and I was SO hooked!! I have a feeling this will be my favorite of all Hatcher's series....)

The two main characters, Hugh and Julia are marvelous! Their struggles were very real, and I loved the romance. Though I have to admit--and this might just be me--but, I REALLY wanted more drama! LOL (Have you heard me say that before?) More kisses, more danger, etc. That being said, I still think you will love this!

Hugh Brennan is trying to hide a difficult past as he searches for his lost sisters. On his way to Boise he stumbles upon a young widow who needs some help on her ranch. Julia tries not to let her heart be stolen by this dashing and somewhat mysterious stranger. He is very kind and attentive, yet her previous marriage was so hard she cannot allow herself to trust another man again.

Oh, I highly, HIGHLY recommend this! The end will touch your heart, and you will be gagging for the next book, believe you me!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

A Vote of Confidence

I'll cast in my vote for this story. *teehee* (I couldn't help myself.)

Book rating: Up All Night'er

As you know, I like Hatcher's stories. They don't have the typical drama-dripping, edge-of-your-seat kind of romantic tension that I typically devour, but they have a simple charm that I enjoy.

This is one of the stories in the Sisters of Bethlehem series, and it has the least amount of "excitement" per se, however the characters were likable and the Christian message was very sweet.

Gwen Arlington is a kind, independent woman living in the quaint town of Bethlehem Springs. She teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper--and she's happy with the quiet life she leads--until she feels God calling her to...run for mayor!! And in 1915, that's going to be a challenge!

Morgan McKinley needs to finish his health spa--and he's sick of the delays! Running for mayor is sure to help him with his dilemma.

Now, can you see where the conflict is gonna come in? *wink* It's great fun and I'm sure you will like it, too. This isn't the kind of story that will absorb you shoes-and-all, but it is something you can fly through pretty quick.

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!

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!
Buy it!

Belonging

If you ever want a fabulous read--one that is low on “heavy” and high on “fabulous” pick up a Hatcher book.  Belonging is the first in a three book series (I am reading them in order this time…go figure!) and it’s a great start!

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

This lovely story takes place in a wonderful little town in Idaho.  Felicia Kristoffersen is the new school teacher, and even though she is thrilled to be there—and determined to do her very best, she knows that there are some people who aren’t thrilled about her arrival.

Colin Murphy was devastated by his wife's death five years ago.  Now, he has only one concern: his daughter Charity.  He wants her to get a good education, but he is afraid that Felicia is inexperienced, and more concerned about getting married than really being a teacher, and he knows it will break Charity’s heart.

This beautifully simple romance will sweep you away to a delightful world.  The characters seem very real to me, and I love that the spiritual message is so clear.

So, find yourself a nice little bowl of your favorite night-time treat (in my case, some homemade granola… Hey, there’s nothing boring about that, compadre!), grab this book and relax.  You deserve it!  Bon appetit!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Heart of Gold

Oh, wow.  Over Christmas I was introduced to Robin Lee Hatcher’s books and I was so hooked!  Her style is fabulous.  Her stories are so real—they feel like they could really happen to people and that’s why I find that I just can’t put them down.

Book rating:  Best of the Best

I read this book in two days.  It would have been more like one day, but I had to do laundry.  I was captivated by all the characters--I had to see what was going to happen next!  It’s a beautifully simple story about a girl from the south who’s father is a preacher and moved the two of them to Idaho for him to work there.  Shannon (the girl) is not at all excited to be there and believes that all “Northerners” are essentially enemies.  The main-man, Matthew, has a predicament of his own with his sister and nephew, and he needs Shannon’s help.  (Sorry folks, that’s all the details I’m gonna give ya!)  Can she get over her prejudices and learn to love everyone as God has asked?

Their relationship is so sweet and develops with a good amount of romantic tension.  Gotta love the tension!  And I LOVE how much mention is made of Christ and the scriptures.  I felt my love of God growing as I read and I came away feeling like I really wanted to do better-- putting more of my trust in Him.  This is another one of those books where a supporting character really impacted me.  Namely, Alice.  Her trust in God in the face of death is amazing to me.  Oh!  I'm giving too much away!  Wait, I guess that much is on the back of the book.  OK, I don't feel so bad.

The characters grow and change and, simply put, it’s beautiful.  Again, I cried.  Am I the only one who cries in books like this?  Am I weird?  (Don’t answer that.)

Happy reading!

Buy it!