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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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!
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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

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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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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Touching the Sky

Bethany House was kind enough to give me a copy of Tracie Peterson’s book TOUCHING THE SKY to read and review.  It’s the #2 book in the series called Land of the Lone Star.  A great series! And isn't the cover pretty?  I typically don't like to see faces, but this one didn't bother me.

Book Rating: Up All Night’er

The overall story was fabulous! I really got hooked into the plot very fast! The characters are wonderful (can you say Brandon...yum!) and the romance was great--but I would have done with another kiss! *teehee*

Laura Marquardt is the older sister of Carissa, who is marrying a former Confederate.  Laura suspects that all is not well with her sister’s fiancé Malcolm—she overhears him talking suspiciously and isn’t sure what to do about it.

Captain Brandon Reid (Hello, ladies!  Another man in uniform—love it!) is told to keep an eye on Malcolm, which he does gladly.  But, at the same time he’s falling for Laura and he’s worried that she will think he is only interested in her so he can have more access to Malcolm.  Are you following all of this?  Good.

Over time the two love-birds begin a relationship, as you may have guessed.  There really is good tension, no doubt.  Great excitement and a captivating storyline! I really had a lot of fun with the action at the end!

So, bottom line: should you read it?  Most definitely.

Happy Reading!

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Chasing the Sun

I read my first Tracie Peterson book over the weekend: CHASING THE SUN.  It’s the first book in what I believe is a three book series…the last book isn’t out yet.

Book Rating:  Up All Night'er

A fun book with a good beginning to a series! I love series books because you get to know the characters and see them for longer than just 300 pages. *giggle*

Hannah Dandridge is under a great deal of stress caring for her younger siblings, while trying to run a Texas Ranch, all with just having learned that her father has been taken prisoner.  (This takes place during the Civil War…)  A wounded soldier returns to claim his ranch—and finds that it’s been given to Hannah and her family—will he be able to turn them out of his home once his land is returned to him, or is his growing love for this Southern Belle making it too hard to let her go?

This story was fun, but I just wish there could have been more romance. Then again, as you know I'm a romance junkie. LOL Not to say there isn't romance in the story--there is, but I could always go with another kiss or two thrown in there. *wink*

The Christian element was VERY good, which is this book's shining star.  So, if you wanna give it a shot, I say—go for it!  And then tell me what you thought!

Happy Reading!
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A Lasting Impression

Here is another one of those books that I was reluctant to read.  I thought it was gonna be about something totally different, just because of the cover.  Lame, I know.  Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, right?  Guilty as charged.

Book rating:  Up All Night’er

Claire Elise Laurent is a beautiful, talented young artist who has been forced by the hand of her father to be an art forger.   Weird, I know, but stay with me.  She isn’t at all keen on the idea but what else can she do?  After her father’s gallery is robbed she makes a break for it, and goes to Nashville to begin a new life.  And she does just that—hoping her past will never find her.

In the aftermath of the civil war, Sutton Monroe is trying to get back his family's land.  He is a determined and successful young lawyer who works for the rich and powerful Adelicia Acklen.  Not to mention a very eligible bachelor.  Yum!

When Sutton and Claire’s paths cross the first time, neither of them thought their lives would be so deeply intertwined.  There is wonderful chemistry between these two characters, and this book was very reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel. That of course, is a good thing. 

It’s a very intricate plot, and there are a lot of characters.  If it had been any more complicated than it is I think I would have had a harder time liking it—but again, I’m simple minded.  (Don’t judge.)  It’s set at the Belmont Mansion, which is a real place and even Adelicia Acklen (a prominent character in the book) was a real person.  Alexander does a great job in orchestrating a lovely story with a lovely Spiritual message.  I thoroughly enjoyed it all.

Happy Reading!

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Beyond This Moment

I love books where the leading man is in law enforcement: Texas Ranger, Sheriff, all of the above!  So hot!  And boy, does this book deliver in the romance department, let me tell ya.  This is the second book in Alexander’s Timber Ridge series, by the way…it comes right before Within My heart…just FYI.

Book rating:  Up All Night’er

First off let me say, that as much as I loved this book it was almost too difficult for me to get through!  Molly Whitcomb has a secret.  A secret that, given her circumstances, really shouldn’t be a secret at all!  And she kept it a secret for FAR too long in my opinion, and I could hardly stand it!  But, this book has so many other wonderful elements that it’s definitely a must-read, no matter how uncomfortable it may make you.

James McPherson is the Sheriff and he can tell Molly is hiding something.  Even though it may hurt his reputation, he is willing to take the risk and open his life and his heart to this lovely professor from Georgia.

There are some great “to the rescue” situations in this book.  I just love those, don’t you?!  James is a truly wonderful character—in fact I think he is my very favorite character in the whole Timber Ridge series.  He is strong, lovable, kind and forgiving.  Molly is one lucky girl!

Alexander always includes a wonderful spiritual message in her books, so you will never be disappointed there.  If you can read the books in order I recommend it, but its not necessary by any means.  

Happy Reading!

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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!

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