Review: At Love's Command

At Love's Command

"Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her."

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: Hanger's Horsemen (book 1)

"He's fought through ruthless outlaws and injury. 

But with her, he's tempted to surrender."

I really loved the connection between the Horsemen! I feel like we don't see a ton of this kind of relationship between guys in Christian fiction, so it's definitely a refreshing theme to see! 
I CANNOT wait to read the rest of the Horsemen's stories!

I liked the main characters! Both characters were strong, a just a smidge stubborn, but in a way that worked with the other. They complemented each other.

The romance was super quick in this story, but the whole book was fast paced! From the first page until the last, it was an action packed book. I'm kind of glad the romance kept up with the rest of the story. it didn't bog it down at all. 

As always Karen wove a STRONG Christian message into the book, and I LOVED IT! I love reading her books to see what lesson she's going to remind me of. This one had strong "let go & let God" message for me. It's a reminder we all need from time to time. (I might need it day to day sometimes)

I hope we see Charlie get a bit of a love story. (Novella, Karen? 😉)

Overall, it was a great introduction into this new series! I cannot wait to see how it goes! 
I rated this a 4/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: A Temporary Engagement

A Temporary Engagement

"Elena is a thriving pharmacist who is completely confident in her single status. Well, relatively confident. But when her best friend calls in a favor for a needy brother-in-law, Elena can't say no. How hard can it be to fake an engagement for one evening?

Mason is not one to beg for a date. In fact, he prides himself on his natural charm and charisma. But when his big mouth gets him into trouble, he needs some last-minute help. He just didn't expect his rescuer to be quite so attractive. Or so completely uninterested in him.

What happens when this one night sham turns into more than these two planned for?"

Author: Summer Dowell

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Series: Fake Love Series (book 3)

A fake fiance is supposed to stay that way: fake.

AHHH!! All of the heart eyes! Y'all know this is one of my favorite troupes EVER!!

Writing this review is making me all smiley just because I'm replaying the book in my mind, and I just loved it!

The wit & banter between the characters was EVERYTHING! There was such amazing chemistry between the main characters! There was also amazing chemistry between the side characters, which made me love the book even more.

I love that this series is centered on one family. The sibling relationship, even the parental relationship, in this book was such fun. I could totally put my family in these roles, so I was having a grand time reading this story.

Elena & Mason were such fun characters! They clicked on the page instantly, and I loved every minute of their story!

The story had a chick-lit movie vibe, and I was HERE FOR IT!

I would've loved some more history/back story about the main characters. (especially Elena's)
BUT for the size and purpose of the book it was perfect!

This was an amazing clean read! I'm so glad I have the other book in the series on my bookshelf already.
I think Summer is a new favorite contemporary author!
I rated this book 5/5 stars!

(Though this is a series, the books can definitely be read alone)

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Story Hunter

The Story Hunter

"In the wake of a deadly coup, the capital city of Urian has descended into chaos. Heartbreak and bloodshed await Tanwen and her friends as they discover the unlikeliest leader now rules Tir.

If they want to save the realm, Tannie and the Corsyth weavers must rescue Queen Braith and unmask the Master, ending the strife once and for all. But the success of their hunt depends upon an ally no one trusts.

The Master has a new target in sight: fragile, trauma-scarred Digwyn, whose unique weaving ability could turn the tide of any war. When the desire for vengeance proves too powerful for Digwyn to resist, Tanwen must face a terrifying truth: the fate of Tir rests in the hands of a volatile, shattered girl."

Author: Lindsay A. Franklin

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Weaver Trilogy (book 3)

Redeeming the past is a fatal quest.

How does one begin to describe this story ? This whole series? (Especially without spoilers...😜)

If you haven't gotten on 'the Weaver Trilogy' boat, I don't know what you're doing?! From the first page of book one, until the last word of book 3, this series will take you on adventures like you've never seen before. 

SO much was packed into this last story! 
Character growth. Heartache. Restoration. Healing.

The story came alive, just like the stories in the book. The words wove their way around until they crystallized into the masterpiece that can sit on our shelf forever!

I would LOVE to go into detail, but because spoilers are a REAL thing, I'll keep my thoughts and feelings slightly contained.

This series was glorious, but this story was beautiful! Definitely my favorite of the series. 
I'm going to miss this world with my whole heart! My greatest wish is that a few novellas will be written, so we can get another glimpse into this place.

I cannot wait to see where Lindsay takes us next!
I rated it a 4.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own* 

Review: Her Hidden Hope

Her Hidden Hope


 "With only two weeks to renovate her family’s Colorado B and B, struggling single mom Addie Ricci can’t turn away help. Especially not when it’s her handsome high school sweetheart, Evan Hawke, who’s offering to pitch in. As they repair the B and B, Addie and Evan also begin rebuilding their relationship…until a secret from their past threatens to bring it all crashing down."

Author: Jill Lynn

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Colorado Grooms (book 4)

She once trusted him with her heart…

but will she ever trust him with the truth?

I'm coming to find that books with "old flames hiding something from the other" are not my type of stories. I struggled with it in this story, but I love Jill's writing style so I always stick it out.

One thing that I love about Jill's characters is that they grow SO much throughout the story. In God, as people, the shabang!

I'm CRAZY excited that Charlie is getting her own story! I cannot wait to get my hands on that book.

It was a cute story overall! (I didn't expect anything less) I loved seeing Jace again, and the brother/brother scenes were the BEST!

The B&B renovation was a fun story line! (And I loved the dog 😉😆)
3/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Finding the Road Home

Finding the Road Home

"To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?"

Author: Tina Radcliffe

Genre: Contemporary romance

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (book 1)

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh start with roadblocks around every corner?

I ADORE Tina. She always has the best towns, the best townsfolk, and the best main characters.

Daisy and Mitch were adorable! They were both hurting terribly, but were making great efforts to get better.
They learned that life is hard and God doesn't instantly make everything better, but He helps you heal. Life isn't perfect, but they were working towards making lemon meringue pie out of life's lemons.

The kids were an adorable touch in this story. I loved that everyone just fit like a puzzle. It all clicked, and they all fit together perfectly.

I LOVED the side characters, and I hope they all make an appearance in the series again. I'm anxiously awaiting the rest of the Rainbolt sibling stories!

Also, REAL mac & cheese was discussed in this book. I'm a happy girl. 😄
4/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Quotes:

"Surely you look in a mirror on occasion. You're single and handsome. You wear a uniform that includes a Stenson. Women swoon over that stuff."

Review: The Land Beneath Us

The Land Beneath Us

 "In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for--fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family--the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?"

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Historical Romance 

Series: Sunrise at Normandy (book 3)

"In the midst of a global war, 

two forsaken souls search for personal peace"

This series has been EVERYTHING! I already want to experience the whole thing again. 😍

This book was SO good! There was so much depth woven into the story. I loved all the biblical parallels! This was the perfect conclusion this amazing series.

Both characters grew so much as the story progressed. They learned about themselves, while still falling in love with each other. (THROUGH LETTERS!! *swoon* 😍😍😍)
I LOVED the support system they created through the letter they wrote to each other!

Y'all know how I feel about the marriage of convenience troupe, but the letter writing was a new addition. And its one I can now add to the top of my favorite list!

Leah's growth was definitely the greatest! She had places where she was getting under my skin because of her immaturity,  but she grew and matured into a wonderful young woman.

The family aspect was my FAVORITE! I loved the redemption and forgiveness arcs!

This truly was a wonderful book!
5/5 stars

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: A Girl's Guide to the Outback

A Girl's Guide to the Outback

"Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but below the surface, he’s still recovering from the blow of a failed business and insecurities he can’t shake. His coworker, start-up expert Kimberly Foster, is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but years of personal rejection have left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds—or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks sure do fly. 

When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and heads home to Australia to help his sister, Jules, save her struggling farm. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. Together they strike up a deal: If Kimberly comes to work on Jules’s dairy farm and lends her business brains to their endeavor, then maybe—just maybe—Sam will reconsider his future with the church. 

As Kimberly tries her hand at Australian farm life, she learns more about herself than she could’ve ever expected. Meanwhile Sam is forced to re-evaluate this spunky woman he thought he already knew. As foes slowly morph into friends, they wonder if they might be something even more. But when disaster strikes the farm, will Sam find it within himself to take a risk that could lead to love? And will Kimberly trust God with her future? "

Author: Jessica Kate

Genre: Contemporary Romance

How far will a girl go to win back a guy she can’t stand? 

AH! This book was amazing! 

At first glance you'd think it was just a quick, fluffy, chick-lit rom-com then poof you're done. No siree! There was so much more to this delightful, and delicious book!

While there were MANY a swoon worthy moment, we also got heart, pain, confusion, and the human feelings. This book was real, every feeling and emotion that rolled across the page was real!

There were some great, meaty conversations about trusting God! And I loved every one of them! There were so many quotable moments in this book. Lessons we could all apply to our lives! 

I loved the premise, and the "hate to love" troupe is one of my favorite troupes ever. Especially when we get TWO romances in one book! *insert ALL the heart eyes* 😍😍😍

Both story lines were written beautifully. Neither one felt like it was missing anything, or the other got more love than the other. (Though I'm partial to Kate & Sam's story because...well...Sam...😍)

There were misunderstandings and miscommunication galore (like any good rom-com), but they always got to the point that they talked it through.

Jessica is a crazy talented author, and I can't wait to see where she goes next!

4.5/5 stars! 

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Quotes:

"Whatever happens, God won't desert you. You aren't alone."

Review: Storing Up Trouble

Storing Up Trouble

"When Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix's safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos."

Author: Jen Turano
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The American Heiresses (book 3)

***

OH MAN. OH MAN. OH MAN. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO STINKIN' MUCH!! 
I think it's my favorite of the series!

I really wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Norman at the beginning of the book since he was very close minded. BUT! He turned out to be one the sweetest, most thoughtful, adorable quirky, and unusual hero. I LOVED watching him change and work really hard, but never losing HIMSELF. He just made me smile.

Beatrix was a hoot! She was quirky and fun. I loved really seeing her in this book. Her spunk and determination really made her enjoyable.

Aunt Gladys and the ladies she took under her wing were spectacular! They really added the Turano flare, SO MUCH character, and many giggles to the experience! (The cats were a wonderful touch as well)

It was really fun to see some real towns that I know of, and actually live near, mentioned at the beginning of the book. It was a cool touch!

😍😍😍😍
I just loved ALL. THE. THINGS.
😍😍😍😍

5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Silent Shadows

Silent Shadows

 "Pecca Gallegos moved to the tiny town of Walton, Georgia, to protect her son and escape the dangerous lifestyle that once defined her. When a series of strange circumstances evolve into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally--her stubborn patient.

Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the undiagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.

With this suspenseful new story, Natalie Walters welcomes you once more to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret."

Author: Natalie Walters
Genre: Romantic Suspense 
Series: Harbored Secrets (book 3)

"They're running from their pasts into an unknown future.
But first, they'll have to survive the present."

ALL of the actual feels! I adored this book so much.

The characters were built so well! The suspense line was everything...
It was SUCH a nice twist on a pretty common plot line.

I loved the growth that took place throughout the story! The growth that took place throughout the series as a whole.

The romance. The banter. 😍 Beautifully done. 
The wit and banter between the side and main characters was SO good! I think the dialogue was my favorite part of the whole book. (Though the kissing scenes weren't to shabby either 😏😉)

I honestly get a little misty eyed when I think of how much Natalie has grown since book 1 came out. I'm so proud of her, and I cannot wait to see what's coming down the line from her!
4.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Story People

The Story People

 "When Ben Palermo inherited his uncle’s bookstore in small-town New Holden, Indiana, it was like stepping back in time. The nostalgia, however, is tainted by a painful past, one that Ben would rather leave behind. Can he stay in this town and run the business that holds so many conflicting memories for him? Or will he finally sell? When a group of well-meaning women make it their mission to keep him in town by finding him a wife, his life is about to get more interesting ... and complicated.

Rosemary is a children’s author and illustrator with a painful history of her own. When she meets Ben, she is overwhelmed by his disarming charm ... and familiarity. But when a series of events casts Ben in a suspicious light and a persistent friend makes claims on her heart, Rosemary must discover the truth in order to finally reconnect with her past. 

The Story People is a celebration of the connection forged when a book is opened, loved, and shared and the vision and purpose found when letting God use you wherever you are."

Author: Heather Kaufman

Genre: Contemporary Romance

***

This book has that "small town" feel, and I loved it. I could totally see this playing as a spring/summer hallmark romance! It has all the perfect makings for a cute one.

It was a cute story, with a fun unique premise! I loved the flashback scenes that began each chapter! 

Each character, especially the side characters really played a part in making the small town come to life on the page!

I've talked about this before, one of my biggest pet peeves is lack of communication, and this book had quite a bit of that so the story dragged on a bit for me. It picked up towards the middle once I actually got into the story.

I liked that each character had to learn a life lesson on their OWN first. And I LOVED that they had spiritual mentors that they could, and did, turn to!

I was a really cute story, and I liked it!
3.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Blizzard Bride

The Blizzard Bride

"Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.
 
Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.
 
All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?"

Author: Susanne Dietze

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Daughters of the Mayflower (book 11)

A Blizzard Changes Everything

The Daughters of the Mayflower stories have been the perfect thing to pass the time. They're the perfect size to get a cute story, based around big events in history!

 This book was a great addition to the series. It was a cute story, though it was a bit slow in the beginning for me. 

I think things would've moved a little faster if communication between the characters had played a bigger role, but once they started the story started moving.

The romance was cute! I really enjoyed the troupe that the author used. I liked that there was a bit of action at the end of the book! 

I loved that forgiveness was such a huge aspect of the story. Abby struggling with it made her a little more relatable. Though the fact that she would keep bringing it up, even after she said she'd forgiven them started to bug me a little bit.

Overall, it was a cute enjoyable story to add to my collection!

3.5/5 stars

*I received the book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Isaiah's Legacy

Isaiah's Legacy

"At eight years old, Shulle has known only life in a small village with her loving but peculiar father. When Uncle Shebna offers shelter in Jerusalem in exchange for Shulle's help tutoring King Manasseh, Judah's five-year-old co-regent who displays the same peculiarities as her father, she's eager to experience the royal court. But Shulle soon realizes the limits of her father's strict adherence to Yahweh's Law when Uncle Shebna teaches her of the starry hosts and their power.

Convinced Judah must be freed from Yahweh's chains, she begins the subtle swaying of young Manasseh, using her charm and skills on the boy no one else understands. When King Hezekiah dies, twelve-year-old Manasseh is thrust onto Judah's throne, bitter at Yahweh and eager to marry the girl he adores. Assyria's crown prince favors Manasseh and twists his brilliant mind toward cruelty, beginning Shulle's long and harrowing journey to discover the Yahweh she'd never known, guided with loving wisdom by Manasseh's mother: Isaiah's daughter, the heartbroken Hephzibah. Amid Judah's dark days, a desperate remnant emerges, claiming the Lord's promise, "Though we're helpless now, we're never hopeless--because we serve El Shaddai." Shulle is among them, a girl who becomes a queen through Isaiah's legacy."

Author: Mesu Andrews

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Series: Of Prophets and Kings (book 3)

"No place is beyond Yahweh's reach - including a man's heart."

Mesu is an AMAZING author! She does her research, and you can see it. You can see her heart and soul in each story, but more importantly you can see God and his amazing love in each and word!

I really enjoyed this story! Though it was a tough bit of meat to get through . It's definitely an eye opening story to sin that raged heavy in biblical times, but a WONDERFUL reminder of the beautiful grace of God and his redemption!

Menassah being on the autism spectrum was such an unique touch, and I really enjoyed reading it. It worked really well in this stroy.

There were so many moments when I felt God while reading this book! I just want all the people to read it. All of them. Mesu's books are ALWAYS worth the time!

I can't even put all my thoughts into words, which I've come to find is normal with Mesu. She leaves me speechless and a bit changed every time! 
5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Quotes:

"Can you trust My love when you don't know My plan?"