Why some Prophetic people suffer depression- Rick Joyner

One reason many prophetic people suffer depression is because they pick up on so much spiritually around them that they think it is their problem and fail to distinguish this as the gift working. - Rick Joyner

SAY THIS, NOT THAT !- KCM

You can change your circumstances by saying this, not that! Learn to choose and speak the right words and change your future!

  Kenneth Copeland Ministries

BOOK REVIEW- HEAT OF TEXAS (Volume 2): Caroline's Child\Dr. Texas By Debbie Macomber

AMAZON- paperback version  4 STARS





1st Book-  Caroline's Child  (Kindle edition)    AMAZON

A good place to raise a family, Promise still has a few secrets hidden beneath its everyday exterior. In the third book of the Heart of Texas series, the question is: Who's the father of Caroline's child? Everyone in Promise wants to know, but no one's ever asked or ever will. Maggie's five now, and Caroline Daniels has kept her silence all these years. It doesn't change how the people in this community feel about Caroline. They're protective of her and Maggie; they care. Especially rancher Grady Weston, who's beginning to realize he more than just cares. 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK-
What a great little town, Promise and with really interesting people in the community. 
The two main characters were the best kind of people; everyday people who have been members of this town for many years.  
Caroline has had her eye on Grady Weston for some time now.  She is the postmaster of their town although she seems to have a more liberal title of Postmistress.  Her daughter Maggie doesn't like Grady.  His big booming voice and loud personality scares her. She likes his brother, Richard so much better.  But that is only one fly in the ointment.    For every step forward that the two main characters make, something happens and then they are several steps back.  Actually it's more accurate to say that they are back to the starting line.  
But there are plenty of family issues going on for Grady and he is such an honorable man.  He has had to take hit after hit especially when it comes to his brother Richard. At least his tenderhearted sister Savannah is a different kind of person.  
It was interesting to see other romances and their difficulties going on for some of the other people in the story.  It wasn't overwhelming though, it was blended nicely.  One of those people struggling is a very nice person Dovey Boyd and it had to do with her "relationship" with Sheriff  Frank Hennessey.  Dr. Jane Dickinson and her struggles to become part of her new community is also a part of this story.   And will continue in another book, "Dr. Texas" unless you are able to get a hold of the Heart of Texas volume 2 book which has both.  
I enjoyed my "time" in Promise and found it an endearing story.

    AND

2nd Book - Dr. Texas (Kindle Edition)  AMAZON

Return to Promise, Texas, a ranching community deep in the Hill Country, in book 4 of this classic series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

They call her Dr. Texas. She’s Jane Dickinson, a newly graduated physician from California who’s working at the Promise clinic but just for a couple of years. Then she’ll head home. They call him Mr. Grouch. Cal Patterson was left at the altar by his out-of-state fiancée, and he’s not over it yet. Too bad Jane reminds him so much of the woman he’s trying to forget.

Yes, there’s a mystery or two hidden beneath Promise’s everyday exterior, but what town doesn’t have its secrets?

Originally published in 1998

MY THOUGHTS-
The story that began in Caroline's Child completes in this book, along with at least one wedding. Although, the two main characters of that book do finally get together, more questions are answered in this book.  I was able to read a book that had both stories in it so I didn't feel cheated at all.  I didn't have to wait for the rest of it.  
It sure seems like the men of this town are scardy cats when it comes to romance and love.  But at least in a few cases, I could see the "why" of it.  
Like I said though, many things will be answered and even solved in this book.  Dr. Texas (Jane Dickinson)  has her work cut out for her making a place for herself in this town but she is making headway.  Cal Patterson has been burnt big time and he makes no time for dating women.  Too bad the times he's been around Jane, she makes him hoot with laughter.  Oh, yes that is where there is a romancing humming but of course it won't be easy. 


AMAZON

Cute Little Crafts: Free Crochet Pattern: 10 Minute Scrubber

Cute Little Crafts: Free Crochet Pattern: 10 Minute Scrubber: This little scrubber can also double as a soap saver and you can make it in a very short amount of time. It only uses a small amount of ...

Jeremy Camp - He Knows (Lyric Video)

BOOK REVIEW- CARRYING THE GREEK'S HEIR by Sharon Kendrick

From the moment hardworking Ellie Brooks met mogul Alekto Sarantos her
life has gone off the rails. First she was fired. Now she's pregnant
with the ruthless Greek's baby!

It was only supposed to be one wild, passionate night. Yet when Ellie
shows up demanding Alekto legitimize their unborn child he shocks
himself…and agrees to her outrageous request!

Catapulted into a world she wasn't meant for, with a husband she
shouldn't desire, Ellie's resolve wavers. Until a tiny kick from
within reminds her why she made a deal with this handsome devil: her
baby, his heir…AMAZON 3 STARS

The story had all the necessary emotions and challenges but sorry to say it didn't really draw me in very much.  It had potential with all the mysteries about Alekto's childhood but it just didn't push all the buttons for me.  Alekto was so often so cold to Ellie and shut her out so much and as the story goes on we begin to understand why.  But I just didn't feel the spark.
Even Ellie began to feel kind of lukewarm to me as well.  
There is a surprise towards the end of the book but except for that the story was somewhat predictable.  That doesn't  mean that I won't read other books by this author but this one just didn't do it for me. 

The Marvel Bunch Lyrics!!!!

BOOK REVIEW- KISSING KELSEY by Lacy Williams

He only remembers he loves her…

A head injury and resulting amnesia have ended Sergeant Matt Hale’s military career. He can’t remember the man in the mirror, the sister and brother he’s told about, or the family ranch. But when he comes face-to-face with his girlfriend, memories of their high school romance return. With Kelsey by his side, he can deal with all the unknowns.

Except Kelsey Whitley isn’t prepared to stand by the man she walked away from a decade ago. When Matt only remembers their time together and not the breakup—which she was responsible for—his injury and vulnerability keep her lips sealed. Those and the amazing welcome-home kiss he lays on her.

It isn’t long before Matt realizes the truth—and asks Kelsey to stay. Will the hometown girl leave him behind a second time?   AMAZON  5 STARS


I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book.  It was a smaller book that just pulled me right in.  It was packed pretty well with a lot of story.  And now I want to read more in this series.
But I'll get back to that later.

The main characters were great!  I liked the different approach that the author took in the beginning when it came to Matt and his amnesia.  As the pages opened and we were getting his point of view- it was written as The Man.  Like The Man opened his eyes and didn't know where he was or The Man looked in the mirror and didn't recognize himself.  Good expressions of how lost he was.  His terror came across pretty well.  Even with all of that, he was still a good guy and easy to like.  But he was also someone who had a lot of more pain headed his way.  

Kelsey was a runner, it was something that helped her escape and she was good at it.  Too good, because when things got too much for her even emotionally, she took off.  Of course when it came to physically running she had benefited by it.  As I got to read more about her, it was easier to see why she made some of her decisions.  To understand and even sympathize at times. 

Kelsey and here sister bump heads more than once which makes for another depth to the story.   Carrie and her daughter Scarlett add more to the story too.  Scarlett, was one really cute little girl and made me smile more than once.  There is another story in the back ground about Carrie and Trey.  He loves her but things aren't working out very well in that area.  "Courting Carrie" is Book 2 that goes into that and one I want to read as well.  

BOOK REVIEW- LAST CHANCE COWBOY by Leigh Riker

Why couldn't Shadow have stayed away? 

Rancher Grey Wilson has fought hard to rebuild his life in the ten years since that horrible night she left, the night their love, their families, their whole town was torn apart by tragedy. And he's almost succeeded. But now that Shadow Moran is back in Barren, everything seems to be going wrong. The family ranch his father entrusted to him is struggling. Worse, Shadow still blames him for what happened that night, and Grey's starting to have his own doubts about his innocence. Then Shadow reveals a secret that shakes him to his core…AMAZON 3.5 STARS

I wanted to like this story more but I'm sorry to say it just didn't draw me in. Oh, the emotions were there as were the struggles for both of the main characters.  They both had a lot on their plates separately even before the Big Secret gets revealed. 

Shadow's family was dysfunctional to the max and for a lot of the story I didn't like her mother at all.   At one point I thought, "Geesh , she's useless".  For the longest time she was so deliberately helpless and was just another anvil on her daughter's shoulders.  And although Shadow didn't get everything right, she did the best she could from a very early age. 

Grey has been battling the silent and not so silent accusations of murdering Shadow's brother.  And the pile just kept getting higher with the rustling that was going on.  

I guess one of the things that dragged the story down for me was all the repetition of the regret and angst of their past.  It just felt like it went on way too long and often.   I will say that it is a clean read with touches of romance.


I voluntarily read a copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it. 

BOOK REVIEW- SHADOW FALLING (Scorpius Syndrome) by Rebecca Zanetti

Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her trust in her fellow man had gone from shaky at best to nonexistent. Her mysterious rescuer wants to convince her he’s the exception. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.

If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk. And the way his arms wrap around her tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .AMAZON 5 STARS

Amazing, simply amazing.  Where does this author get this stuff?  You almost feel like you are in the middle of it all.  If you know going in that it's going to be gritty, sometimes dark, everyone with their own agenda trying to survive then you should be okay with reading this book.  But there will be high tension, edge of your seat action pretty much throughout the book.  Even when the  leadership in Vanguard Territory know their enemies, there is also another surprise that comes out of the woodwork.  

Not only does this book have all the deep action, fighting, chasing and being chased, it also has pretty good character development. 
Jax Mercury and Lynne Harmony are still a big part of this story as well because of course he is the leader of the Vanguard group. It was good to see that continue having been introduced to them in a prior book.  That said, I think a new reader wouldn't have that much trouble getting right into it.  But they might enjoy it even more if they had read Jax and Lynne's story first, it just would have given even more depth.  It's not a deal breaker though.  

I think the author did a great job of getting it across to the reader just how hard it was to survive in this new world.  They had to scrounge for everything and even finding lotion was a huge unexpected luxury.  

Now getting down to the main characters of this book.  Vivienne Wellington,  still suffering nightmares and flashbacks from the torture at the hands of the self-appointed president.  All the heavy duty drugs that were pumped into her during that time, make her wonder half the time if she is even in her right mind.  The first chapter starts out with a bang, really showing her terror.  

Raze is a highly skilled, highly valued warrior in the Vanguard compound but trusted?  No, he has too many secrets and Jax just knows he's got his own agenda going on.  He's just not sure what it was.  Yet.  He just knew that if it endangered his people, he would end him.  Vinnie ever the profiler knew that he was dangerous and he's hiding things but still can't stay away from him.  Against all common sense, she trusts him to keep her safe.

There are plenty of other people in the story who are of interest but I didn't feel overwhelmed by their addition.  One person I would like to see more of and maybe to understand more about is Lena.  A little girl who doesn't speak but does give odd rummaged small gifts that seem to be prophetic in nature. 

Around Chapter 34, I'm going, "No, no no."Things took on an even more dangerous turn.  I think I actually gasped and took a breath in as I read it.  

I'm going to take a small breather and then look up the next book which had a small excerpt in the back of this book.  "Justice Ascending" is about Tace Justice who has been a supporting character through out most of the books.  And there have been hints about Sami and now it sounds like she has some MAJOR secrets that could really turn things upside down.  The two of them together could be really explosive.  

BOOK REVIEW- DARK VISION by Susan Vaughn

Undercover…
Shrapnel damage to DARK Officer Matt Leoni’s eye could cost him his vision and the only family he has, his colleagues. Chafing at desk duty, he jumps at a gig to find a traitor in the U.S. embassy of a small Mediterranean country. But Matt’s undercover role means working with Nadia Parker, a documentary filmmaker who believes he betrayed her five years ago to get evidence on her father. Worse, Matt still wants her and has orders to spy on her.

On the run…
Despite Nadia’s anger at having Matt in her film crew, she can’t deny her renewed attraction to him. When rebels set off an explosion in the crown princess’s office, embassy security believe Nadia and Matt are the bombers. In the smoke and confusion, Matt pulls Nadia to safety and they flee into the streets of Washington.

He’ll risk everything for her.
Unable to rely on DARK or the authorities, Matt is determined to protect Nadia, clear her name and find answers. As the two of them work together, trust grows between them and leads to passion, but both harbor secrets that could tear them apart. A bold plan to foil the traitor’s assassination plot could place Nadia in the crosshairs, and time is running out.   AMAZON 4 stars


This book starts out strong and keeps on going.  Matt and Nadia have a history and it's not ALL good.  There is a lack of trust between the two main characters and for some good reasons.  Matt and Nadia are both good, strong characters, whose attraction is still there.
The story is emotional and at times pretty intense.  One of the questions that they struggle with is "who can I trust?"  That becomes even more of a problem for them as they go on the run from their enemies. And even those that are supposed to be on their side, quickly become part of the problem. 

The story comes to a satisfying conclusion after a lot of fast paced action, romance, some humor and plenty of drama. 




I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

BOOK REVIEW- CLOSE CONTACT (A Body Armor Novel) by Lori Foster

MMA fighter Miles Dartman’s casual arrangement with personal shopper Maxi Nevar would be many men’s fantasy. She seeks him out, they have mindblowing sex, she leaves. Rinse, repeat. Yet lately, Miles wants more. And when Maxi requests his services via the Body Armor security agency, he’s ready to finally break through her defenses—and protect her day and night.

Receiving a large inheritance has brought chaos and uncertainty into Maxi’s life. Her ex has resurfaced, along with lots of former “friends,” and someone is making mysterious threats. Then there’s Miles, who doesn’t ask for anything…except her trust. Pleasure is easy. Now Maxi has to give her heart as well as her body…or risk losing a man who could be everything she needs.  AMAZON 4 STARS

I liked this book but I can't say that it is my favorite of the series.  The book information caught my attention.  As did the opening chapter, it was a dramatic beginning.  When Miles and Maxi meet up again, it kept the tension going.  There will be plenty of tension and action in the story.

I did like both of the main  characters and Maxi sure did have a lot on her plate.   I have read other books in this series so it was nice to see some of the other people "visiting" in this one.  Sahara, the bodyguards boss shows up as well and always adds a little bit of sparkle and grit to the story.   Even with the additional people, I think that the story can stand all on its own without having read any other books in the series.

I guess a drawback for me, was how much time was spent on the regret and shame that Maxi felt for walking out on Miles earlier and leaving him high and dry.  Of course, he was angry because he knew almost nothing about her except 3 nights of incredible sex.  He had no way of contacting her and he wanted to.  However, so much time was spent on Maxi's regret I felt like it slowed the story down a lot.  It was too repetitive for my liking.  But that's just me. 

BOOK REVIEW- THE COMMANDERS CAPTIVE by Alix Nichols

He saved her life. But he must hold her captive. Screaming and kicking. Hating him. Craving him… 

Lady Nyssa Sebi lost her parents in a freak accident. 
Her brother is unjustly condemned to death.
Locked away in Commander Heidd’s residence, Nyssa is the hostage of corrupt thugs who rule the land.
Oh, how she hates them!
But the one she abominates above all is her captor. 
During the war, Heidd was her brother’s commanding officer. He was Nyssa's idol, her biggest crush… 
Until he betrayed everyone. 

Commander Jancel Heidd sacrificed his honor to protect Nyssa. 
It’s killing him to see her so miserable, so disgusted with him.
But she’s safe.
Jancel will do anything to keep it that way. 
He’ll shield his spunky captive from the depraved police chief, the ruthless governor, and the deadly cyborgs. 
The only monster he can’t save her from is himself.

THE COMMANDER’S CAPTIVE is the second novel in a series of connected sci fi romances. This volume features Nyssa and Jancel’s complete story, and concludes Etana and Areg’s (THE TRAITOR’S BRIDE). AMAZON 4.5 STARS

All right the story continues and it gets even better!  This winds up what happens to Areg and Etana but who knows maybe there could be more about them in future stories.  Maybe they will have future adventures. But it's done for now.  I do have to say that when we first find out what happened to Areg in this book, it's a doozy.  It's a major surprise!  But this book is mainly about Jancel and Nyssa, so I will get on with it.  

There is plenty of action, secrets and danger in this book.  But it's also about Nyssa fighting her attraction to Jancel because she's fully convinced he's a traitorous dog.  Even though he seems to be protecting her, where was he when it came to protecting her much beloved brother?  But Jancel has been keeping secrets too, but its because he has to in order to protect others.  
There are several good secondary characters in the book but I do have one question?  When is Chief Ultek going to get his?  A truly bad guy in the story but he isn't the only one.  So you can see there are others that need to be taken down and they weren't...yet.   But I enjoyed this book and see it as a happily ever after for now ending.  There are more adventures to come is the way I see it. 


 I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

BOOK REVIEW- HARD REVENGE by Jason Stanley

Sick at heart. . . Mad to the bone. . .Witness to her brother’s murder, Michelle is dead set on revenge. But how?

Neither a gangster or a cop, she’s just a regular person, an “everywoman.” Now, she’s also hunted and homeless.

Her life in shambles Michelle discovers the hero living in the heart of each of us. She uncovers the strength we know we’d have if faced with the same life destroying disasters.

Full of determination but lacking skills, street savvy, and information she sets out to exact the revenge the killers so richly deserve.

Powerful women all, Michelle and her two lifelong friends buck the odds of street crime, life in the hood, dirty cops, and crappy boyfriends.

The system is stacked against them. Steeped in messages of distrust, failure, and being lesser, can these friends succeed where generations of others have fallen prey to the easier way out?

Rated R for language (she's from the hood and has a potty mouth).

AMAZON

Previously released as Sister's Revenge by Lori Jean Grace


What a dramatic start to the book.  Then when we see  Michelle again after 3 years, and what a change those years have brought.   And we see that in the dramatic opening in chapter 2. 

I have to say that this book was kind of a mixed bag for me.   I had things I liked about it. Michelle had to toughen up really fast.  And she doesn't take any guff off of anyone but still I liked her.  Michelle's two lifelong friends,  Deja and Nikky really did have her back and were such loyal friends.  That puts it into the plus column. Michelle's uncle G-Baby was another plus.  Even the fact that Michelle is living a double life maybe even what you could say was a tripe life was an unexpected plus as well. 

Now I knew this was going to be an adult story because of the warning in the book blurb about the R rated language.  And that was fair warning because the language was definitely raw as was some of the conversations.  There is a lot of action and violence but it was also a bit darker at times than what I was expecting.   Some of these things made it harder for me to decide how many starts to give it.  I decided 4 stars just because overall the writing was good.   


I just have to mention that the eBook cover was something that got my attention right away.  Nice touch.


"I received this book in exchange for a review."

BOOK REVIEW- THE INTERCESSORS HANDBOOK by Jennifer Eivaz

How to Pray with Boldness, Authority, and Supernatural Power
In a world full of desperate need, we turn expectantly to prayer, hoping to witness the realities promised in Scripture. Most of us, however, seldom see the results we hope for. Why don't our prayers make more of a difference?

Beginning with her own experiences of breakthrough, Jennifer Eivaz offers much-needed direction and the biblical context for prayer that does make a difference--explaining the intervention of angels and demons, prophetic manifestations, and much more. She helps believers take hold of their authority and spiritual giftings and use them in the battle for victory. The Kingdom principles and study questions will help every believer navigate the spiritual realm of prayer by using the tools that make it truly effective.
AMAZON 4 STARS


I found this to be a good, easy to read and relate to book.   I feel that it's good for both newer Christians and for those that have been around for a while.   It was both basic and had depth in other areas which I know can be difficult to express.  Not in this book though.  It does encourage the reader to go deeper in the things of God.  
It has good scriptural references and also experiences of the author and her husband as they ministered.  I also liked that the book had at the end of each chapter, Kingdom Prayer Principles which are a summary of the main points of that chapter.  Questions or thoughts for reflection, was also at the end of each chapter.  The questions were direct, short and insightful. 
Although I have been a Christian for many years and an intercessor as well, I did find many nuggets in this book.  It was both encouraging and caused a stirring back up, that I hope does the same for others.
Chapter 8 "Fasting is a Game Changer"was such a refreshing handling of fasting.  Preparing to fast was such a sensible and biblical approach. It's one that I'm not sure has been addressed this way before.
As the chapters go on, so does the meat  or the maturity of the material.  Now, some may not be ready for some of that, so my advice would be to read it and set that part aside until you need it.  And expect Holy Spirit to bring it back to your remembrance when you need to re-visit it.
On a side note, I got several revelations as I read this book.  One big one answered a question that I had years ago.  A church I went to had a pattern of every 3 years a pastor would leave  It was almost like clockwork, a pattern that was seen but not understood.  It was so much more than just differences between the pastor and his congregation but no one realized what was going on.  Myself, included.  But this book opened my eyes to what had happened. 

Do It Again (Acoustic) - Elevation Worship

BOOK REVIEW- A REAL COWBOY NEVER SAYS NO by Stephanie Rowe

 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Rowe delivers a heartwarming new series set in Rogue Valley, Wyoming, home to the Stockton brothers, a clan of fiercely loyal and honorable men, and the women who touch the hearts of these rugged, loner cowboys. 

The only reason rancher Chase Stockton and his brothers survived their brutal childhood was because they protected each other. Nothing will ever come between them…until a sudden tragedy calls in a life debt Chase can't ignore, forcing him to make a choice that could destroy the very bonds that hold his family together. 

Mira Cabot has never asked for help, but when a sexy, protective cowboy makes her an offer she can't afford to refuse, she finds herself on her way to Wyoming to be the shotgun bride of a man she has every reason…and no reason…to trust. 

The sizzling connection between Mira and Chase turns a rescue mission into something dangerously addictive, one that could either heal two broken hearts, or shatter them forever.  AMAZON 4 STARS


What an emotional story.   And not just on Chase's side only. Mira has had to share of grief but she did have one thing that Chase didn't have.  A loving family as she grew up.  She also had seen what it was like when two people had a loving relationship.  Her mother and father were that wonderful example.  

One thing that the main characters had in common was their friendship with one man, A.J.   And what a link that was.  They had known about each other for about 10 years but had not met before the opening scene.  Which was another dramatic moment.  

There are quite a few times of Chase and Mira see sawing back and forth when it came to the help that they could give to each other.  Is there any other way to help each other than what they were considering?  Both had been so hurt, that they weren't sure they could trust each other long enough to stick around for more than a couple of week.  Maybe.  Sure, they knew about each other for 10 years but they really didn't KNOW each other did they.  A lot of what they knew came through A.J.  Someone who trusted very few people and for very good reasons.  I felt a couple of times that the see sawing went on a bit too long.  But it was well established, the doubt, the fear, the lack of trust.  There was also Chase's hurting brothers that he had to take into account.  His mission was to help rescue them and Mira just added a new level to that problem.

Alan was A.J.'s father and what a violent, sick man he was.  He was also rich and powerful. And violent, I did mention that he was violent didn't I?   Always plotting, threatening and seeking revenge against anyone who tried to stand in his way. You could almost taste the rage and loathing that Alan had against Mira.   He is a definite danger to her.

There is a dramatic end to the book, in more ways than one.   

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it.  

BOOK REVIEW- LOVE ME TENDER by Mimi Barbour

A young mother’s eight-year-old secret… 

Anne Pichette is an eighteen-year-old exchange student who goes to live in Texas for a year. Rose Walsh, her host mother, treats her like a daughter and Anne believes her life is perfect. Rose’s teasing, devilishly handsome son, Clint, on whom Anne develops a crush, has a lot to do with this belief. One night, Anne shares her tender passion with Clint, but sadly, he’s too inebriated to remember. A week later, she returns to Paris devastated—and pregnant. Anne fully intends to tell him about her condition except her plans are deterred due to a letter arriving announcing his impending marriage to a pregnant woman he loves. Eight years later, Rose appears in Paris to beg Anne to come back to Texas to help her through her final days of cancer. Unable to refuse her dear old friend, Anne accepts. Now she’ll have to divulge that her boy, Max, is Clint’s son.

Clint Walsh might be hardened and embittered but he knows he has a good reason for acting this way. After all, his wife, the slutty woman he believed was his true love, leaves him with their daughter and never looks back. So how’s a man supposed to handle that kind of treachery? Especially after they’d shared one beautiful night of lovemaking he’s never been able to forget. Or, due to his state of intoxication—clearly remember.  AMAZON 4 STAR


I enjoyed this book.  Anne and Clint both made for good main characters.  I liked that it wasn't exactly what you would expect when it came to a "you kept my child from me" story.  

Rose Walsh was a delight and so was the moments that we got to see of Anne's father.   Clint's daughter, Debbie was so shy and kind of fragile until she began to realize how much Clint loved her.  It takes a while and it takes some challenges to get there but they do.  Of course, Anne and her son Max help a lot in that as well.  .  Max was an unusal 8 year old.  All boy but also with two cultures and languages under his belt. His grandfather helped form some of his French manners and way of thinking.  And that was a good thing.

Speaking of challenges there will be more than one.  One of them is the fact that Clint is no longer, the charming, easy going, teasing guy that Anne remembers.  He's closed off, somewhat bitter and not ready to allow others to get all that close to him again.   It also got in his way for a while when it came to relating to Debbie.  It's what he knew though, it was how his father related to him.  He was harsh, rigid and tough on people.  But he also learned from his mother Rose how to be kind and tender.  

I liked how the song figured into becoming the title for this book.
By the way what a beautiful cover for the eBook. 



I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.  

BOOK REVIEW- THE PERFECT DUCHESS by Erica Taylor

Andrew Macalister, oft regarded as the Stone Duke of Bradstone, hates his annual birthday ball tradition. He dislikes facing those around him who only see him for his title, and has given up on a chance to live a normal life. That is, until he spots Lady Clara Masson across the ballroom. Clara's twin sister is the woman who infamously jilted Andrew at the altar five years ago, but little does Clara know, Andrew had been smitten with her since childhood, and he finds her presence a ray of sunshine in a dreary dukedom. 

When Clara's life is threatened by her evil brother, Johnathan, Andrew must do the only thing he can think of to save her: propose marriage. Between Clara's trust issues and Andrew's battle with societal norms, two find romance under dangerous circumstances.  AMAZON 4 STARS



Both of the main characters were interesting and well drawn. I liked both of them, and got caught up in history of their lives pretty easily.  They grew up together and Clara had a major crush on him for many years.  But so many things got in the way.  And her twin sister is only one of those things.  Her brother Jonathan hates her with a passion and is incredibly violent.  And that violence has been escalating.   Clara's other brother Patrick might try to help her but he's too far away.  That's when Andrew finds out about it and steps in and literally saves her life.  Because her brother does want her dead.  Some of the reasons are quite the surprise.  And he does make for an evil but clever adversary. 

Clara at times has a hard time relating to the new Andrew, who had to become the "Stone Duke" just to survive those wanting to use him.  But she remembers the real Andrew and that's the one she longs to see more of.   That's the man she trusts.

Andrew had to take on the responsibility of family and title at a very young age.  He also had quite a few siblings and did the best he could.  His family added an interesting quality to the story.  He wanted Clara but there were so many misunderstanding between them.   

At the end of most of the chapters there was a "Gentle Reader" addition.  It's what a gossip rag was saying at the moment; it was full of speculation and rumors. 

There were a few times when it felt like it dragged a bit but over all I liked it.  There was at least one time when I thought they were a bit careless with her protection towards the end.  But they made up for it and had many people like an "invisible group" looking out for her and looking for her. That makes for some more secondary characters but it didn't feel overwhelming to me.  

Several surprises are waiting for the reader as we get close to the end.  
The H.E.A. isn't the surprise but how they got there is.   Because there will be a lot of danger as well as romance.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- BEYOND SCANDAL AND DESIRE by Lorraine Heath

At birth, Mick Trewlove, the illegitimate son of a duke, was handed over to a commoner. Despite his lowly upbringing, Mick has become a successful businessman, but all his wealth hasn’t satisfied his need for revenge against the man who still won’t acknowledge him. What else can Mick do but destroy the duke’s legitimate son—and woo the heir’s betrothed into his own unloving arms . . .

Orphaned and sheltered, Lady Aslyn Hastings longs for a bit of adventure. With her intended often preoccupied, Aslyn finds herself drawn to a darkly handsome entrepreneur who seems to understand her so well. Surely a lady of her station should avoid Mick Trewlove. If only he weren’t so irresistible . . .

As secrets are about to be exposed, Mick must decide if his plan for vengeance is worth risking what his heart truly desires.   AMAZON  4 STARS

A good story with a huge, startling surprise at the end. It was one that I never saw coming and I thought I had some of it all figured out.  I did wonder how Mick and Aslyn could ever get together but I never figured out how that could happen.  I liked that the author came up with a creative solution. 

Both Mick and Aslyn were great main characters.  It didn't take long to get drawn to Mick; he was quite the interesting person. He really had pulled himself up by his bootstraps.  He began to become quite the wealthy businessman because of his vision, insight, his ability to read people and understand the business world.  Of course, vengeance was part of what was fueling him.  Also wanting something better for his Mum and his other "loosely adopted"  bastard brothers and sisters.  They also added some flavor to the story. In this area and several areas of the book it was emotional and at times heartbreaking. 

 It took a little longer for me to be drawn to Aslyn because she was so over protected that she seemed to have very thoughts of her own.  And when she did, she kept it in tight lock down out of affection to her guardians.  But as time went on, you could begin to see that she had courage and a lot of goodness with just a touch of naughtiness too.  Which Mick and Aslyn do some exploring with, the naughtiness that is. 

It's always a delight when the author goes so far as giving a good Epilogue at the end of the book.  I appreciated this one a lot.

BOOK REVIEW- SOUL DECREES by Katie Souza

The book you hold in your hands is small but mighty.

The principles within these pages changed my life. I believe with all my heart they will change yours, too. I offer this book with my fervent prayer that it will bring healing to your soul and enable you to begin living in daily victory.

Inside, you’ll find scriptures you can read and decree daily and those scriptures will bring massive, supernatural might and miracles into your life. You will release an inflowing of healing power into your body and soul and you will begin to experience restoration of relationships, supernatural health, financial prosperity and victory in every area of your life.

From my own experience, I can tell you that the authority of God’s Word will establish your victory and bring healing to every issue you face. I wrote this to give you powerful decrees that, when spoken, will establish healing in your body, your marriage, your family, your business and every part of your existence.   AMAZON 5 STARS

This book is something that deserves more than a quick read through.  Because of a time restraint I had to run through it pretty quickly but what I found encouraged me greatly.  I will be re-reading it again.

I liked how she brought home the fact of Jesus gave us more than just the cross; it was also about the empty tomb too.  The resurrection power that flowed to accomplish that.  Her scripture use was enlightening especially Philippians 3 :10 that says in part, "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection". 

 This makes for a good study book as you can read and break down a scripture as you go.  Part by part until you get a better understanding of it.   It's also easy to read and understand. 

There is just so much meat in this little book.  It's a keeper.   

BOOK REVIEW- LOVE ON THE RISKY SIDE by Mariah Ankenman

Falsely accused of the murder of her best friend, Kayla Jenkins is on the run for her life. She ends up lost in dark, snowy woods off some backcountry road in the middle of nowhere. Frightened and colder than she’s ever been in her life, she almost thinks she’s hallucinating when a warrior on a white steed saves her.

In all his years as the sheriff of Peak Town, Colorado, Jake Ryder has never come across a half-frozen woman alone in the woods. She’s terrified…and lying to him, yet something about her calls to him on a primal level.

Even with her trust of law enforcement lower than the harsh temperature, Kayla finds it difficult to keep her secrets hidden from the kind and far too handsome sheriff. But as her faith in Ryder grows, she not only risks the real murderer finding her, but losing the one thing she has searched for her whole life and only just found…love.  AMAZON 4 STARS

This book had good main characters who were easy to connect to.  I liked the dual points of view.   And listening in to their inner dialogue was often pretty funny. 
The people who were secondary characters were interesting as well.  The two that really got my attention was Lizzie and Maggie.   Lizzie was described as a zany, outgoing, very pregnant fun person.  And she was all of that including her own made up words.  That made me smile.  Maggie was always telling her, that's not a word.  But in Lizzie's dictionary it was.  It simply was two words put together to form a new one. 
You know who the bad guy is from the start but he is a clever, violent bad guy.  He seems to enjoy hurting people and pity the person who gets in his way. And Kayla is definitely in his way.

There is an instant attraction between Kayla and Ryder even when he knows from the start that she was lying to him.  The sheriff part of him knew it but his gut instinct also told him that she was essentially a good person.   His criminal radar was not going off when it came to her. He's nobody's fool but he is a very caring man. 

The book comes to a dramatic end with a very satisfying H.E.A. for Kayla and Ryder.   I liked how she saw Ryder as a warrior.  And she proved how smart and brave she could be when the chips were down.

I enjoyed this book and this introduction to this author.  I don't think I have read any of her books before. 

Oh a side note, her dedications page was really sweet.  Wow, she had dreams of writing since she was nine years old.  I'm glad she got her dreams to come true. 



 "I received this book in exchange for a review and these are my honest thoughts. "

BOOK REVIEW- THE TRAITOR'S BRIDE by Alix Nichiols

 A passion that defies the stars. . .

Four weeks ago, ex-army Major Areg Sebi was thrown into prison.
Now he’s on the scaffold, laying his head on the block.
No public trial for the disgraced war hero. No cyborgs from the League of Realms to whisk him away.
No help. No escape.
A priestess chants a prayer for the major’s soul, even as a judge cries out, “Death to the traitor!”

In the crowd below, laundry maid Etana Tidryn stares into Areg’s eyes.
His lips were hot against hers last night. His hands roamed her body, worshipped her, pleasured her. 
She’s falling for him, hard and fast. 
She’s still hoping, even if he’s given up…
Can Etana transcend everything she knows — transcend life itself — to save him?
Can she rise to meet her destiny?

THE TRAITOR’S BRIDE is the first novel in a series of connected sci fi romances. This volume features Etana and Areg’s love story, and introduces readers to the world of Xereill.

AMAZON  4.5 STARS


This is one intense story.   It's also filled with a lot of action and surprises, which is something that I like.  Of course, because of the life and death struggle some of those surprises aren't all that good for the main characters.  Oh and before I forget there will be romance too, which I like.  Danger and romance what's not to like? 

Etana is one smart cookie and someone with one big heart and a lot of courage.  She was in the class called menial and that pretty much gives you a  good idea of what her life has been like.  Because of the caste system, her future doesn't look all that hopeful.  But when she hears Areg at a meeting supporting his friend who was hoping to change things, it changed her.  It spoke to things that she just knew weren't right.  It also caused her to have also have a crush on Areg.

Areg is a noble and a hero.  So on the opposite end of the caste system from Etana.  But he is a hero right down to his bones and he is a protector who cares about people.    He fights the enemy and he ends up finding more enemies than he ever dreamed of in his very own surroundings.  Those that craved power to rule forever were more than willing to let other people do whatever they wanted too get there.   Ultek, the sadistic police chief, was more than happy to run rampant.  Each of the baddies was well drawn and you knew for the most part where they were coming from.

Don't despair though, there are plenty of other people who aren't buying the lies and some even have some power to help.  

I knew going in that this was not a stand alone story.  But when I was considering it, I just kept being drawn back to it.   Part of the book blurb even tell us, "THE TRAITOR’S BRIDE is the first novel in a series of connected sci fi romances. This volume features Etana and Areg’s love story, and introduces readers to the world of Xereill."  And that is pretty much what it does.  

I've read a few other books by this author but nothing quite like this and I thought she did a pretty good job.  The world building, the personalities of both the main characters and the surrounding ones were really good.  I cant wait to read the next, finishing book to find out what happens.  Yes, going there next.



What a nice touch to have a Glossary in the back of the book. Although, it seemed to be pretty easy to figure much of it out.  

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.