BOOK REVIEW- NOT BY SIGHT

BOOK REVIEW- NOT BY SIGHT-With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack. 
And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.  AMAZON

A slow developing story.  Jack wasn't exactly what/who Grace thought he was.  She had her back up though when it came to those who refused to do their part in the war effort.  She giving Jack that white feather both helped and hurt Jack but he never forgot her.  Grace matures throughout the story as she begins to learn more about what others have to go through in the real world unlike her somewhat sheltered world.  Most of that came about as she goes to work helping made sure war horses have the food supply that they need.    The women that she meets at that farm not only make a great addition to the story but also help open her eyes.  Over time she gains some real girlfriends. There were a few twists and unexpected turns in the story that were good.  I liked both the main characters, Jack and Grace.   And even Sir Marcus as a secondary character was good.  The ending satisfies.  
For those that want to know, yes, God is also a part of the story.  A few scriptures and forgiveness being a part of it too.  It doesn't come across as preachy though.  

I was given a copy of this book via Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

MORE ANGELS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE EARTH TO ASSIST YOU!

 
The Elijah List
A SHIFT HAS OCCURRED. MORE ANGELS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE EARTH TO ASSIST YOU! 
Dawn Baker, Founder, CEO of Integrity Physicians
https://www.facebook.com/dawn.baker?fref=ts

Why is it we look at being a child of God as some dull, straight line, no fun relationship? Our God is an ALL CONSUMING FIRE! 

He is so bright that Moses couldn’t look upon Him and when Moses came down from his meeting with Him Moses glowed! GOD HASN’T CHANGED! THAT God captivated my heart at 7 years old and ever since I have wanted my friends, everyone I come in contact with, to just meet Him. I knew that just one encounter with the True & Living God will forever change you! And, He isn’t an insurance policy, where you glide through life on a flowery bed of ease, exempting you for pain, hard times or turmoil.

God hooks up with you to GO THROUGH all of your life driving the bus (so to speak), empowering you, offering you a partnership with a guaranteed GREAT OUTCOME, all based on Love and Trust! What an exchange we get!

Recently I wrote of an experience where I’d sensed something I couldn’t put into words, couldn’t quite describe and asked God to clarify. I hesitated to use the word “shift” with it being used so frequently. Clarity came and what I had sensed was a portal, a shift in the supernatural and the natural realms where angels had been dispensed to earth to aid or assist us now, a release from heaven to earth. Now I don’t know about you but that has my spirit AWAKE and EXCITED!!

Continuing to seek God, I’m hearing, “launch”. Where we are now, as the Children of the MOST HIGH GOD, is where He is about to launch us into the GREATER WORKS.

We’ve all been aware of what Jesus said, “Greater works will you do” and our hearts have cried out for the True & Living God to SHOW HIMSELF STRONG, that the people now will see HIM. How many of you, like me, have been so aware of the story of Elijah? Elijah was unwilling to waver in His knowing who was True & Living! He was willing to stand alone! God knew Elijah’s heart. I so identify with Elijah.

Approximately 5 years ago, after experiencing a lifetime of so much excruciating pain, I suffered the biggest sucker punch imaginable when my only family, my daughter, was used to test my stance. I’ve been through a time when I have stood unwavering in my position of “You alone Lord God are my God and there is NONE before You!” Many of you can identify; we all have stories, and God has signed on with us aiding and assisting in our going through all of them. It’s been a time of purifying and preparing us.

Now, we are about to be launched, entrusted with a time like none other where we, together with God, will do Exploits! There have been things held on reserve, gifts, empowerments, more anointing and destiny appointments, all for the greatest harvest of SOULS we have ever seen! God WILL show Himself Strong. He is Not mocked concerning His promises!


GOD IS “DOWNLOADING INVENTIONS, CREATIVITY, AND BUSINESS IDEAS!

A few weeks ago I dreamed I was in heaven and there were huge angels throwing boxes on a conveyor belt. These were all different shapes, sizes, etc., and the stance and expression of the angels was one of intense focus! They were diligently working as though they’d been given an assignment with a deadline. I asked God, “what is going on?” He said, “I am downloading inventions, creativity, business ideas to all who will get under this download”.

Get ready my fellow comrades! We are in for the continuation of the GREAT ADVENTURE!

Dawn Baker

BIO: Dawn Baker is a God chaser; a sold out lover of Yeshuah; having met Jesus at 7 yrs old, her life is one reflecting great pain yet the immeasurable faithfulness of the God she met. Dawn didn’t come from the “right family”, have the right name or connections. In fact, Dawn grew up in a broken home in the 60’s when she was one of the only children in school having divorced parents. Dawn studied with Royal Conservatory of Music from the University of Toronto, Canada, became organist of her church at the age of 12, furthered her passion of music earning a Bachelor’s degree in Christian music. After surviving an abusive marriage, Dawn moved to a new city with a baby, $100 and 2 suitcases, all she had. After being cold and hungry, it is a testament to the God Dawn met at 7 yrs old that she is now the Founder and CEO of Integrity Physicians, a national physician recruiting company with 20 yrs of experience in placing physicians.

Dawn Baker
Founder and CEO of Integrity Physicians
www.integrityphysicians.com

BOOK REVIEW- Small Town Secrets

The graduating class of Cherry Lake High School is celebrating their freedom with the traditional camp-out in the Jackson Cherry Orchard on the banks of Flathead Lake, Montana. Among the revelers are four cousins, the grandchildren of town founder and patriarch Nate Jackson, a man who knows first-hand how a life can change on grad night and the personal sacrifices that may be necessary months later. 
Joining him on his annual vigil as twilight descends is Pansy Oppenheimer, a free spirit, who left Cherry Lake after graduation to wander the world. She mysteriously returns years later when Nate needs her friendship the most. As they keep watch at the edge of the orchard, they reminisce about their lives and choices; none of them easy, but all of them necessary. Nate and Pansy feel that they are guardians of the town, its children and keepers of their secrets. 
Little does anyone know that they harbor a secret of their own… AMAZON

This story started slowly and to  be honest as I began it, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. 
It does go back and forth between the current time of 2006 and times past (1956-1992), so you will have to get used to that.  But as I did it wasn't really all that hard to follow.    I found that I really liked Pansy with her wide open loving heart.  And responsible, tenderhearted, Nate who longed for something more than what he got.   I'm glad I kept reading the book because it went from "just okay" (in my mind) to I liked it.  A bitter-sweet kind of story.  

Dream Painting (p)

 
DOUG ADDISON

Shadow Horse (p)

 
FATHER's EYES

Horses Running...(p)

FATHER's EYES

Animal Friends (p)

There's nothing better than having a good friend around when you're down and out.   Things That Matter

Father/God's Heart (p)

  

International House of Prayer

BOOK REVIEW- Counting on a Cowboy

BOOK REVIEW- Counting on a Cowboy-

After losing everything dear to her, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy spurs her to wonder if maybe love is worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the homey town of Wishing Springs, Texas, after her favorite advice columnist found love and a home there. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby too . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it. Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But unexpectedly the young child he never knew about appears on his doorstep and Bo’s world is turned upside down. This confirmed bachelor might not need a wife, but he sure needs a woman . . . and newcomer Abby Knightly is definitely a woman. When she comes to his rescue to help him navigate fatherhood, he slowly uncovers her own history. And suddenly Bo’s thinking maybe, just maybe, together they can help each other work through the problems of the past to create a future of their own.   AMAZON

This is a clean story, there will be pain but no sex scenes explicit or otherwise.  I found it intriguing that the author included something that you don't often see mentioned. The sleep deprivation that often comes to those who are going through grief after the death of a loved one.   A friend of mine went through the loss of her husband several years ago and was very transparent about some of the things she was going through.  This was one of them. 

Pebble Hanover  was a really likable owner of the local Sweet Dreams motel where Abby stayed when she first hit town.  She had a lot of wisdom, that she shared with kindness without pushing.    Ends up Pebble also had some emotional things that she has and will be working through in this story.  I liked the closeness of Bo's family, how that was part of the story too.   How the family all pulled together to take care of Pops (their grandfather) and all the brothers were working together to remove remaining debt from the ranch.  They were all pulling together in their own ways, with their own sets of skills.  The author did a good job of showing the feelings of loss and also the pain of Pops being in the middle part of Alzheimer's.  Abby was deep in guilt as well as grief but I liked how she made what some thought was a unusual move to jump start her life.    It hurt and it was working but it also wasn't easy.  Abby was trying to release things to God and lean on Him but found she wasn't doing it as much as she wanted.   There were plenty of likable, interesting characters all around in the town Wishing Springs.  Also a part of the story is the heartbreak that alcoholism brings. 

I would like to point out that there were quite a few times that I had to check who was speaking when a conversation was going on.  It got a little confusing at times.  It would start out with one person speaking and you knew who it was and then it would run into someone else answering wihout making that clear. It seemed to run on, into each other.   I hope that makes sense..it just made it kind of choppy. 

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.   

Christ vs karma (p)

  

LINK

BOOK REVIEW- HER SECRET LOVE

BOOK REVIEW- HER SECRET LOVE-Small business owner and metalworks artist Damon Brand finally has his future in sight when his past rattles into town in a broken down car stuffed with designer clothes and sky high heels. The last time he saw Jess, he declared his undying love. In return, she stranded him by the side of the road, taking his boots, pants and the tattered remnants of his heart.

So much for the bright lights of LA. Failed actress Jessica Palmer arrives back in Cherry Lake, Montana homeless, destitute, and desperate. She’s hoping her grandfather will let her have her inheritance early so she can make a fresh start—anywhere but Cherry Lake. No deal. She has to stay for six months and get a job to prove she’s matured. Not easy in a town where she flamed all her bridges in order to flee a wild child reputation and her high school sweetheart.

With every door that’s slammed shut in her face, Jess grows more determined than ever to prove she’s changed, even if it means she must turn to her first love, Damon, for a job at his gas station. Surely 10 years is enough time for him to forgive and forget…AMAZON  *** 3 Stars is what I'm giving it on Amazon when it comes up for Sale on 9/1/15.

This story was an emotional one.  There were plenty of wounds to go around when it came to Jessica (Jess) and Damon.  I liked both Jess and Damon, even as different as each one was.  Jess was the flighty appearing one.  She felt deeply but also had  deep insecurities.  Damon was the intense, hardworking, responsible one.   She brought light and fun to things and Damon was so busy he almost had no time for fun.    I had to give Jess credit for grit staying in THAT town.  Yes, I know she was desperate but man there were some humiliating times for her.  She did rise to the occasion many times, often showing her own unique style.  There were also more than a couple times that the story made me smile as well.


I received a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.  

WAR ROOM (p)

  

Isn't it time to start fighting battles the right way? You may just find yourself starting a different kind of DIY project after you See War Room this weekend!

War Room

Paulette Reed: 'I Am Calling My Women Out of the Caves'

Paulette Reed: 'I Am Calling My Women Out of the Caves'

Intro From Julie A. Smith:

It has been prophesied by many voices that women are coming to the forefront and God is highlighting them in this hour. This word from Paulette Reed will speak to many, many women and will both touch and tug at your heart. At the beginning of this year, I spoke at a women's conference, and the Lord had me say several things to the women there. One being: "Your value is not based on any circumstance."

That truth is a hard one, I think, for men and women both. We base our value on our circumstances in the here and now, which could mean any brokenness we may be going through, lack of finances, failure, or rejection, etc. – we base our value on these types of "temporary" circumstances! Let me remind you that a circumstance is not the destination...it's just a quick stopping point on the journey. Being a runner I get this concept quickly.

While running a race, you may feel fatigued and sore, aches and pains...but you look forward to the aide stations along the way to get refueled, and then you just keep running! God too has aide stations for any temporary challenges we face on our journey so that we can get refueled, refreshed, and then you keep going...

Hear this now word from Paulette Reed: Recently, one morning, I heard Holy Spirit say to me, "I am calling My women out of the caves." As I prayed into this word from Heaven, the Lord showed me hundreds of women hiding in caves because of fear, failure, or fatigue. I then saw the women running from the caves with good news. It was clear that many had overextended their season in the caves and what was intended to be their secret place had become their hiding place. Today, God is calling you out of hiddenness and to the frontlines.

This immediately makes me think of the millions of women and children caught into slavery, poverty, and trafficking around the world...or those neglected right in our own communities. Who will reach out to them with courageous hearts of compassion and nurture them back to life? And who is God going to place on the frontlines, in positions of influence, to shift these types of challenges and many others the world is facing today?

Women are a gift from God and are simply wired with hearts of compassion and mothering, nurturing, and courageous spirits. Have you ever seen a mama bear protect her cubs in nature? Yikes, you don't want to mess with a mama bear!

As you read through this word by Paulette Reed...let me ask you – where is God calling you? Where does He need you to be?

The world needs you...come out of your cave!

Julie A. Smith, Managing Editor
The Elijah List 
http://www.elijahlist.com 

Enjoy! And thanks for forwarding this to your friends! They cansubscribe just below...

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News 
http://www.elijahlist.com

P.S. – Oh, and a Quick Note to our readers: To have daily, encouraging prophetic emails from The Elijah List sent to your inbox, just CLICK HERE or go to: http://elijahlist.com/subscribe. PLUS: HEY! Please EXPLORE our more than 4,000 Christian Prophetic books, CDs, and gifts at: elijahshopper.com.

"I Am Calling My Women Out of the Caves"

Paulette Reed, Surprise, AZ

The Women

Recently, one morning, I heard Holy Spirit say to me, "I am calling My women out of the caves." As I prayed into this word from Heaven, the Lord showed me hundreds of women hiding in caves because of fear, failure, or fatigue. I then saw the women running from the caves with good news. It was clear that many had overextended their season in the caves and what was intended to be their secret place had become their hiding place. Today, God is calling you out of hiddenness and to the frontlines.

In the New Testament we find that Jesus had a group of female disciples who followed Him, whom Luke called "the women" (Luke 23:55; Acts 1:14). And since Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, then of course female disciples are still following their Savior wherever He leads. As God releases the great company of women commanded to share the good news in Psalm 68:11, we will see thousands more following Christ out of love, adoration, and devotion to Him. Women are being released to step into a new boldness in the Lord.

Run for Your Life

A couple memorable cave experiences can be found in the book of 1 Kings. Remember that the murderess Jezebel was going to have the prophet Elijah killed but God provided protection and provision, as He still does for His people today. 1 Kings 18:4 says, "For when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water."

Unfortunately, the spirit of Jezebel is still active in the earth today. The Body of Christ made great strides in overcoming this spirit several years ago; however, as we have relaxed following the victory, and as an Elijah company is arising, we are seeing this spirit frequently raise its ugly head once again. As we live out Acts 2:17, God pouring out His Spirit on all people, and as we prophesy, let's stay alert and remember that this spirit is out to kill the prophetic. We are never to tolerate it (Revelation 2:20).

Go!

One of the reasons that many women are in caves is because of hurts and rejections they have experienced throughout life. I can't even begin to count how many people have shared their stories of hurt and pain with me, and while they were wounded many inadvertently made ungodly covenants as they ran into caves. The confession usually goes something like this: "I'm so hurt. I'm just going to love the Lord and worship Him in my secret place because I sure struggle with His people right now."

I do understand that hiding in a cave can make a person feel safe, but in actuality it's a false security and it does not line up with the Word of God. In the Great Commission we are commanded to go into the whole world, and 1 John 4:20 says that we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ: "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." So, beloved, we must love our brothers and sisters as we go and serve Christ in them.

Let's rejoice in the fact that there is always a genuine safe place for all Believers—it's in the shadow of the Almighty's wings. This true security is a supernatural act of protection, not an excuse to hide. We must learn to love and serve the Bride of Christ even with all of her spots and wrinkles, for our gifts are not to be hidden for ourselves but they are to be given away to others. Come out, come out, wherever you are!

Developed in the Dark Room

It's wonderful to know that the character of Christ can be formed in us, even if we're in a cave season. We can learn a lot if we remain teachable and determined to become better and not bitter:

• We learn to stay in the safe place after slaying giants (1 Samuel 24:3).
• We learn to love (1 Samuel 24:10).
• We learn not to touch God's anointed (1 Samuel 24:10).
• We learn mercy and forgiveness (1 Samuel 24:10).
• We learn of the Lord's provision (1 Kings 18:4).
• We learn when to cry aloud to the Lord (Psalm 57:1).
• We learn that miracles can be birthed in caves (Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:1–7).
• We learn humility (Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:1–7).
• We learn to delight in hiddenness and live to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7).
• We learn to hear the Lord's still small voice (1 Kings 19:9–12).
• We learn there is a season to all things (1 Kings 19:13).

What Are You Doing Here?

As the Lord releases a great company of women throughout the earth, let's take a look at 1 Kings 19:13–16 (NLT) to see what happened to Elijah as he was hiding in the cave. God asked Elijah a question as he stood at the mouth of the cave:

And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied again, "I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with You, torn down Your altars, and killed every one of Your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." Then the Lord told him, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as My prophet."

In unpacking these Scriptures, it's great to see that God didn't lose track of His elusive servant, though Elijah had been hiding in a cave for quite some time. God had been watching over him and supernaturally ministering to his needs. But the cave season was coming to an end. Elijah had been resting, giving time to get his heart and soul right, so that he could continue on in his destiny and now God calls him back to the mountain to take a stand.

His heart must have been pierced by such a searching question from the Almighty: "What are you doing here?" I believe the Lord is asking many of us that same piercing question today: "What are you doing here?" Or perhaps we need to ask ourselves, "Am I in the right place?" Are you sensing a nudge from the Lord that's making you uncomfortable? If so, let's remember that the Lord often comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. Our faith, spiritual gifts, and Christ-like character grow by being stretched, not by lying dormant in a cave.

And then, in the solitude of Mount Sinai, perhaps at the same "cleft of the rock" that Moses hid in thousands of years before as God's glory passed by (Exodus 33:22), God showed up to give direction to His prophetic servant. It is amazing that God told Elijah to go back on the same road and along the same path that led him to the cave. Oh, how different this trip would be! Elijah was no longer fatigued or frightened by Jezebel; rather, he left the cave anointed by God and ready to be a heavenly force to be reckoned with.

I hear the Lord saying, "Go! Get your eyes off of yourself. Here are your new marching orders: love, serve, anoint, appoint, and raise up successors."

Exchanging Grave Clothes for Bridal Armor

John 11:44–45 tells us of the raising of Lazarus from the dead: The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, and let him go.' Therefore, many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him."

This is a season where God is exchanging your grave clothes for the armor of God. I declare to you today: "Come forth now, with boldness, with purity of devotion and passion after God. Exchange the grave clothes that held you in bondage for pure, white linens, the righteous acts of God's holy people, and declare the Good News of the Kingdom of God so that many will believe in Him!"

Just think what would have happened if Jesus had stayed in the cave. Thank goodness He arose from the dead and walked out of the tomb in resurrection power. In Romans 8:11 the apostle Paul makes it clear that the Holy Spirit, the agent of Jesus's resurrection, lives within every Believer: "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."

I speak life to dreams, marriages, businesses and families today. Come forth! You shall live and not die!

Psalm 57:1 is a beautiful tribute regarding David as he fled from Saul and hid in the cave, and it's valid for you and me today: "Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by."

Destruction has passed you by, beloved, and you are commanded to arise and shine. The Lord has softened your heart and given you a breastplate of righteousness. You're a radiant Bride, soft on the inside and tough as nails on the outside. A heavenly, royal wedding gown covers the armor as you march in the great army of women. God is calling His women out of the caves.

Paulette Reed
Prophetic Arrow Ministries
Email: info@propheticarrow.org
Website: propheticarrow.org

Paulette Reed is a powerful preacher, prophetic minister, encourager, and author. She is a full-time revivalist/evangelist. Her passion is to share the love of Christ and unite people to the inexplicable love of our Heavenly Father, exhorting them to arise and shine! She is an extremely accurate prophetess who has been raised up to bring hope and healing to the Body of Christ. Without a vision the people perish, so the Lord is using this handmaiden as His mouthpiece to speak forth individual and corporate vision, catapulting people into their destinies. Paulette loves to see God's people awakened and proclaim the active extension of the Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. She ministers in the revival anointing accompanied by revelatory ministry, healing, miracles, signs and wonders.

Create Happiness (p)

   
This one made me smile!
LINK

BOOK REVIEW- PRIMAL FORCE

BOOK REVIEW- PRIMAL FORCE-Passion is always worth fighting for…

Jori Garrison trains dogs for Warrior Wolf Pack, which provides service animals for disabled veterans. Four years ago, she was wrongly convicted of a crime--thanks to her no-good ex- fiancé. Now she just wants to live her life in peace with her beloved dogs. No men, no complications. But it's hard to play it cool when a lethally hot male is on her tail--and the attraction is fierce, mutual, and dangerous….
PRIMAL FORCE
Lauray "Law" Batisse is a Military Police veteran who was wounded in Afghanistan. Haunted by the loss of his K-9 partner in combat, he's reluctant to accept a service dog named Samantha into his life. But once he meets her trainer--the gorgeous Jori Garrison--he can't fight his primal instincts. And neither can Jori. This sexy alpha male might be the only man strong enough to unleash her desires. And when unseen enemies start hunting them down, he and his new K-9 partner might be her only hope…to survive.  AMAZON    ***** I will be giving it 5 Stars on Amazon.

Wow, what an intense book. Loved it.  Definitely an adult read, mainly because of sexual action and some blunt language.    The saying about "No man is an Island" never met Law Batisse.  Both Law and his half sister, -- had been raised in a really strange way, without much real love, compassion or kindness.  What happened after that in wartime had only made that worse.   He didn't need anyone or anything; his walls were up monumental in height.    But then he met Jori and while all the walls didn't come down, she did manage to sneak in a bit.  One thing was that she could make him laugh at the same time that he thought he never would again.  He wanted her and afterwards pushed her away, for her own sake of course.   I thought the author did a pretty good job  when it came to making the reader almost feel what Law went through with some of his challenges.  Both the PTSD, panic and his loss of leg and use of prosthesis challenges.    I liked the three different P.O.V's in the story.  You might be thinking 3?  Yes, Law, Jori and Samantha (Sam) the  Service Dog.  I really enjoyed Sam's addition to the story a lot.  I didn't count the cat because there weren't too many thoughts there.  Another thing Law told himself was that he didn't need any useless, fluffy Cheese Doodle dog.   Such an unmanly dog to be saddled with.  Something that also caught my attention was how Law was described in one instance, "he reflected the primal instinct of a survivor".   I talked so long about Law but I really can't leave out Jori.  What a great heroine, loving person with so much hope for her future until she was set up to take the fall.    Years got stolen from her because of it but she was pulling herself into a better life as best as she could.  Then she met Law as a service dog trainer through Warriors Wolf Pack and her life was never the same again.  I really liked Jori's part in the story as well as some of the training information that was included concerning the Service Dogs for veterans.
There is an Epilogue to the story.  It was good but I was hoping for more of course but it did end well.  

I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

BOOK REVEW- ALMOST PERFECT

Back in high school, Liz Sutton was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Then she'd stolen the heart of the most popular boy in town, and their secret romance helped her through the worst of times. Until Ethan Hendrix betrayed her and everything they'd ever meant to each other. Devastated and pregnant, Liz left Fool's Gold, California--forever, she thought....Now Liz must return to town and face the man who doesn't know of their son's existence. And this time she won't have the option of making a quick getaway. Ethan and Liz can't deny their passionate attraction, even after all these years. But will their desire be enough to spark a second chance at love?  AMAZON

Didn't like Ethan. It was often said that he stepped up and took responsibility..  Yes, I know he didn't know about his son and he was angry.  But man, he sure was immature. I don't think I ever really warmed up to him.   On one side it was said he was responsible man but on the other hand we often saw that he was acing like a petulant child.  For me, that got old pretty quick.    He just always seemed to keep doing stupid things just adding to Liz's pain.  And after his family got over being mad at Liz for not telling them about his son; they pointed out that he had to be the stupidest man on the earth.  I silently agreed.   Maybe even quietly cheered.   Okay, so he wasn't all bad but he sure spent enough time saying, Hey, I'm the good guy".  Some of the townspeople treated her like crap.  Common judgmental things that often happen in small towns. They thought it so they felt free to speak it.   But on the upside some people stepped up and she begin to find the beginnings of some true friends.   On a level about getting the emotions involved it did a good job.  As far as being a favorite?  Not so much.   Okay, time to try another one of her books, because the town of Fool's Gold still had some interesting people and stories left.

Book Review- The Price of Scorn

Fairy tales do not always end happily. Cinderella Series - The Evil Stepmother 
Did you ever wonder why Cinderella’s Evil Stepmother was so vile? So mean? 
Fourteen years after Prince Charming and Cinderella are crowned as Chalmers King and Queen, Cinderella, Pricilla and Esmeralda gather at their mother’s deathbed. 
Lady Hildegard Roche has nothing but resentment and scorn for the stepchild who culminates all that was stolen from her.   Stunned silent, the sisters learn how tragedy shaped their mother into the woman she became. The question is: Can the sisters forgive her?    AMAZON   I gave it 4 Stars on Amazon.

I have read the stories of the Princesses: Cinderella,  Pricilla and Esmeralda.   I never dreamed that there would be a story about their mom and step mama (the evil one).   Didn't see that one coming and when it did, I wanted to read it!    Wow.  What a story.  How much abuse and loss can one woman stand?    It really tugged at the emotions.  Twists and turns kept happening, none of them working in a good way for Hilda.  More than once she wished for death.  Betrayal every where she turned; it caused her to harden her heart; and become the unpleasant woman that she became.   She didn't start out that way, but her father was the first one to treat her harshly and cruelly without any mercy.  Yes, I did cry a few tears over this story.    I guess you could call it a Dark Fairytale.   One that caused Cinderella, Priclla and Esmeralda to come to an understanding of their own pain  that she caused them.  With understanding and compassion came some peace.  

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Overloaded w/Books

 

BOOK REVIEW- FINDING PERFECT

When Pia O'Brian's best friend dies, Pia expects to inherit her cherished cat. Instead, the woman leaves Pia three frozenembryos. With a disastrous track record in the romance department and the parenting skills of a hamster, Pia doesn't think she's meant for motherhood. But determined to do the right thing, Pia decides to become a single mother. Only to meet a gorgeous, sexy hunk the very same day.  A former foster-care kid now rich beyond his wildest dreams, Raoul Moreno runs a camp for needy children in Fool's Gold, California. After his last relationship, Raoul thought he was done with women and commitment. Still, he can't get sweet, sexy Pia out of his mind—and proposes a crazy plan. But can such an unconventional beginning really result in the perfect ending?   AMAZON

BOOK REVIEW- FINDING PERFECT- Yep, I liked this one too!  Just as unorthodox as the book information promised.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  Even the town who is outnumbered with women; women who had taken on the traditional roles that men usually filled.    They enjoyed it and were good at it.  It was mentioned once again the unique bar that Jo owned.  Men were shocked when they walked into the girly bar , that of course had girly colors and catered  to women with even soap operas and shopping channels on T.V.   And they were on Big Screen TVs no less.  They only started breathing again when they scurried to the back where it was more like a man cave.    I really liked both Raoul and Pia.  Pia told Raoul he was a really nice guy, and then she told him she really didn't trust nice guys.  Yes, they had some interesting conversations.  One of my favorites was when he asked her if she had coffee today and she said, "No.  This isn't me hyped on caffeine.  I'm doing this all myself."  Yes, they will have a HEA but it sure will be fun getting there.  And hint, hint, they won't be there alone! 

  

BOOK REVIEW- WORD GETS AROUND

BOOK REVIEW- WORD GETS AROUND-Lauren Eldridge had avoided returning home to Daily, Texas, until her father confesses to being in over his head. Paying back an old favor, he's invested in a horse that's supposed to be the star of a new Hollywood movie. Only the horse won't behave. And Lauren is the best trainer in the state. Convinced to return, she soon finds more than she bargained for when the movie's screenwriter turns out to be leading-man handsome. 
This movie may be Nate Heath's last shot at turning his career around. He didn't have high hopes at first, but the town of Daily may be just what everyone needs to find hope and healing. And maybe even a little romance.  AMAZON


This is a different kind of story, a different bits of flavors if you will.  Big Time Hollywood celebrities meets down home Daily, Texas.  Hollywood famous actor Justin comes to save the day  bringing his best friend/script writer Nate with him.   Justin is all excited but Nate as seen this before.  Justin on a high of a new project and then not delivering, running for the hills.  With Justin's past of substance abuse, Nate was worried about where this trip would lead.  Especially since the script he was supposed to rewrite was viewed as poison by others.  It had  been passed over time and again.  Justin has a big personality but he also encounters some other big over the top personalities in Daily.  Lauren's aunt is just one of them.  There were a few times where it felt like the story slowed down almost as slow as some of the Texans drawls but I did enjoy the book.  There was plenty of pain for so many people to overcome.  Both Justin and Nate carried baggage from being foster kids even though they did get lucky when they finally landed up with  Mama Louise.  But they both still had negative voices speaking in their heads from past hurts.  Lucky Strike carried a lot of his own fear and pain and his part in The Horseman movie can either make or break the promised movie.  There was a lot riding on him.  The emotions in this book were handled really well.  The romance between Nate and Lauren was slow, more a developing friendship first although the attraction was there. Really only a small amount of what you would think of as romantic settings.    I did like some of the phrases that the author used.  Let me think of an example that I can use.  "Aunt Donetta (Netta) stretched words out like taffy..."  There were plenty of those kind of goodies.    Of course there will also be some conversations that others might think were a little bit too corny but it all seemed to work.  There is also some references to God and a few Scriptures as well.  

Something that I really liked was the motto that Aunt Netta had painted over one of her mirrors ," God uses small things for great purposes." 

Later someone put a post it note and it changed it to say, "God uses all things for great purposes".

Woman, Feel Like this? (p)

SO Funny!  Been there, felt like that!  Thank God, He delivered me and it was of short duration!

Jennifer Eivaz

Not Going to Church cuz..? (p)

Finding Favour

Lord, It's Schooltime Again (p)

Stormie Omartian  As a new school year approaches, 

our children need our prayers now more than ever.

Pray for them to grow not only academically, but spiritually as well.

—Power of a Praying Parent http://c.stormie.co/PPI

As I pray this, I'm also adding this to it:

Yes, and my grandchildren too! 

Protect their heart against bullying.

 And keep them from following the crowd and being the bully.

BOOK REVIEW- Special Agent Maximilian

BOOK REVIEW- Special Agent Maximilian-In this electrifying romantic suspense set in the steamy streets of New Orleans, Lieutenant Commander Nik Baudin, accidentally meets up with an identical twin he never knew existed. When his brother Max goes missing, Nik assumes his identity as Special Agent Maximilian. This gives him access to FBI files making it easier to arrest the gangsters who attacked his brother and to stop their trafficking of underage girls. Being that Nik has specialized commando training, he’s the perfect man for the job - that’s if his PTSD doesn’t kick in and leave him cowering in a corner. 
Special Agent Maya Barnes can’t believe it when she spots her partner, Max Foster, wandering along the French market without a care in the world. Since he’d been beaten and had gone missing weeks earlier, they all believed him dead. There’s only one problem… though this man might look exactly like the missing agent, she knows differently. In all the years they’ve worked together, she’s never wanted to have mind-blowing sex with her partner before.   AMAZON



I really liked the book dedication; it was sweet and added a nice touch to intro the story. Loved Maya.  Loved Nik.
Maya was such an interesting person and the skills that she learned from her step-daddies was so much fun.  Those skills showed up in some interesting times and ways.  As you can tell, this story was action packed and came through as promised.   Action packed with a romance developing as well as a family becoming reacquainted as well.  I'm really trying not to say too much because I don't want to spoil it for the readers to come.
What a life both Max and Nik had lived through in their earlier days.  And Nellie, the mother?  She had suffered so much too.  She had quite the unusual reaction to extreme stress and shocks.
Another interesting person in the book was Julian or Juli as he was often called.  He just always seemed to pop up unexpectedly and had such a flamboyant personality.  As I was reading, I was also busy trying to figure out how he figured into the story.  I didn't get it right in my imaginings so that was a nice twist right there.  Its not the only twist in the story either.


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW-YOURS FOR CHRISTMAS

BOOK REVIEW-YOURS FOR CHRISTMAS- Famous former NFL stars don't date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She'll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott's muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he's not just hot...he's also generous, funny, nice. The whole package--tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he'd lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he's all wrapped up in Bailey's sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together...AMAZON

This is one of the stories that I wanted to read; to continue in the series about the people in the town of Fool's Gold.  While I did like it, it probably wasn't a favorite. Kenny was such a nice guy but he sure fought  hard against falling in love.  It wasn't that he didn't WANT to fall in love again, it was just no single mothers.  No kids, no way, no how.    It was nice to revisit some of the people of the town and catch up with what and how they were doing.    Mayor Marsha was still running the town and up her her usual "helping" people.   Well, I'm on to another one of the books in this series.  And because of what I also read in this book, its probably best to read these in order, if you can.  It gave away some of the other outcomes of other people's stories.  It was as I guessed but now I want to see how they got there. 

Tessa Dare: "Romancing the Awkward"

 Adrian Liang on August 21, 2015

 As readers of the Spindle Cove and Castles Ever Afterseries know, bestselling author Tessa Dare has an affinity for odd heroines and the men who fall in love with them.

Below, Dare reveals why these heroines are so close to her heart—and the hearts of her readers:

Romancing the Awkward

“Why must this be so mortifying? Oh, that’s right. Because it’s my life.”

—from Romancing the Duke

When I first started planning my latest book, When a Scot Ties the Knot, I envisioned the heroine, Madeline, as a beautiful, sophisticated heiress with dozens of suitors.

Hah. I should have known. As I tried to write the story, it became painfully evident that I have no idea what it’s like to be a beautiful, sophisticated heiress. So Maddie became a different sort of heroine altogether: an illustrator for naturalists who suffers from severe social anxiety. She’s so painfully shy she that she created the Regency version of a Canadian Boyfriend—a fictional Scottish sweetheart—to escape society altogether. (Imagine her surprise when this not-real Highland lover shows up at her front door.)

Why do I write these weird characters? Well, whether it’s LARPing friends, a fascination with the reproductive habits of sea creatures, or the habit of sneezing like a flea… it seems I can only write what I know. And I know how it feels to be weird.

What began as authorial necessity has become a mission of sorts. I’m writing romances to affirm what I consider to be an essential truth: Awkward people not only need love, we deserve it. Just as much as anyone else. The most beautiful part of it is, the more quirks and insecurities I explore through my characters, the more love the world seems to send me in return.

This summer, I met two readers at a book signing who’d become close real-life friends after discussing one of my books online. Their point of bonding? I’d written a heroine with mismatched breasts—two different sizes and, er, personalities. (The hero, of course, was enamored with both.)

I dedicated A Week to be Wicked, which featured a supremely nerdy heroine, “To all the girls who walk and read at the same time.” Despite the fact that it’s not even part of the story, it’s probably the most popular line I’ve ever published. Every time a reader tags me on Twitter or posts to tumblr saying, “Hey, this book is dedicated to me!”—I get the goofiest smile, and my heart warms. Those little messages let me know I’m not alone.

None of us are alone. No matter how isolated the world can make us sometimes feel. That’s what the romance genre, at its heart, is all about.

—Tessa Dare         LINK