BOOK REVIEW- TEXAS TALL by Janet Dailey

  4.5 star
She can’t forget him.

The born rancher who stole her heart, her ex-husband, the tough, tender father of her child . . . Tori Tyler can’t let Will Tyler go to prison for a crime that was a simple accident. But she can’t deny that her feelings for the man run much deeper than loyalty, and her desire for his strong, sure embrace has never died. Protecting him is second nature, until an unexpected terror threatens to shatter them both . . . and Tori needs Will’s fierce love more than ever before.

He can’t let her go.

The sassy, sexy wife he never meant to drive away, the gorgeous woman who haunts his memory and his fantasies . . . Will can accept the blame for the destruction of his marriage, but he can’t believe that he and Tori won’t have a second chance to make it right. With the ranch in trouble and his freedom on the line, somehow fighting for her is the only thing that matters.   AMAZON  4.5 STARS


 I really liked this book.  It was emotional, with lots of action and dangers.  The main characters were really great and that included Will and Tori's daughter Erin.   And the other people in the family were so close to each other no matter what the problems were.  And there was a boatload of trouble stacking up against Will.  And the pile just kept on getting higher and higher.  He had made a dangerous enemy, Stella who was screaming for his blood.  And not just his blood would do.  Stella wanted the whole family to pay.  And she had the evil means to make it happen without any remorse.  She had some blackmail information on several of the key players for Will's defense team to overcome.

For 8 years Will and Tori had both done whatever they could to make Erin's life as peaceful and stable as they could.  Even though they were still hurting from the wounds of their divorce, they would do anything for their beloved daughter.

This book had plenty of action, twists and turns and surprises.  And I liked that it had a surprise of 2 Epilogues.  That is not something that you see every day. But my favorite also had to be the second Epilogue, it left you with a knowing of what was going to happen there.  Nice touch, author. 

BOOK REVIEW- THE MARQUESS' ANGEL by Julia Sinclair

Everyone knows that good missionary girls are plain and dull. 

And that's just the way Blythe likes it! 

.

Lady Blythe Dennings has craved adventure her entire life, but due to her relation to the powerful Carrow family, there was no way she was going to get it.

So... she became a missionary.
Blythe's prim missionary act gives her plenty of freedom to go to the cruelest parts of London to have her own adventure quests.
But her plans are thrown into chaos when her uncle dies ... 

.
This leaves her as one of the richest heiresses London has ever seen! 

.

Suddenly, everyone's looking at her.
Including a dangerous enemy.

But ... the person looking the hardest is Thomas "Demon Tom" Martin, Marquess of Amory, the eldest son of the Martin family--the Carrows' sworn enemies.

Thomas loves gambling,
he loves trouble,
and maybe, he loves this supposedly prim little missionary as well!

Too bad Blythe belongs to the Carrows. 

.

Can Blythe survive the darkness and danger around her?

And will their love be enough to quell an ancient feud between the two families?  AMAZON 5 STARS

This book has a good dramatic, active start to it.  It kept me on the edge of my seat in the beginning and kept me there for almost all of the rest of the book.  My interest never lagged.

I totally enjoyed both of the main characters and their unique personalities.  There were a few other good people in the story, which added depth to the book.  Georgiana, who is the sister to Thomas and Tristan, who is cousin to Blythe are just two of them.   There is a hint of something going on between those two but that is for another day and hopefully another book.   

What can I say about Blythe?  Well, for one thing she sure had everyone fooled for quite a long time.  She also had quite a few "adventures" under her belt even before she met Thomas.  She was brave, honorable, compassionate and smart.  Oh, and she knows how to swing a weapon or two when needed.  It didn't take me long to really like her and to be rooting for her.

Now Thomas was a charming rogue but there was also so much more to him.  Right off the bat, he was intrigued with Blythe and spent quite a bit of time trying to figure her out.  He liked and admired her adventurous spirit although there was sometimes she scared him too.  Scared him because of some of the things she waded right into the middle of. He actually began to understand what motivated her pretty well.  I liked the two of them together, although that family feud is going to cause them a lot of agony.  

Clashes between Tristan (who is also her guardian) and the villain who was after Blythe were well done. I had suspected who the villain of the piece might be and I was right.  But the way it was revealed and how he struck at Blythe was a really good unexpected twist. As was the Epilogue, which I always like to see added to any book. 

I know it probably doesn't matter to everyone but I really liked the cover of the eBook.  So soft and pretty, which was also another side of Blythe. 

BOOK REVIEW- RESISTING NICK by Kris Pearson

A man with a shattered soul becomes total temptation for a girl with a marshmallow heart.
Fitness center entrepreneur Nick Sharpe is under siege. His business is going ballistic and his PA has left without giving notice. He’s offered to donate bone marrow to his desperately ill niece and been told he’s not genetically compatible. Not related. Reeling from the shock of finding he was adopted, Nick has no patience left for his new temp, Samantha – however much she attracts him or rubs him up the wrong way. 

Sammie Sherbourne’s sure she can cope with her demanding new boss for the next week or two. Finally free to spread her very cramped wings after a long family crisis, she wants a short-term job until her passport arrives so she can follow her travel dreams. But the possibility that she might hold the key to unlock Nick’s true identity eats at her – far more than his money or spectacular body do. 

WARNING: Contains sexy games in beds, bathrooms, and on balconies.   AMAZON 3.5 Stars


This story starts out fairly slowly but it does make for a good foundation for the book.  At times, it almost seemed too slow for me.

Nick and Sammi have a history, but they don't realize it at first. Well, Sammi begins to suspect who he is before Nick does.  I liked both of the M.C's and their struggles about their different goals.  Nick knows what he wants, more time with her but Sammie just CAN'T give up her dream to travel the world.  It's a long held dream that has had to be delayed way too many times because of family issues.  There were times when it felt like that was repeated just a few times too many.

Nick was feeling like he was gut punched when he found out he was adopted.   Like  Nick said, it explained a lot of why he didn't seem to fit with his "family."  His yearning for answers was gnawing at him too.  Also the fear that after 30 years he might never know his true parentage, or why he was tossed away.  


Tyler was an additional good secondary person in the book.  She is a VERY pregnant woman who was Nick's former assistant.  She helps Sammie get into the swing of her job. She appears in the story from time to time. 

There is a good, unexpected twist towards the end of the book

BOOK REVIEW- THAT HEALING TOUCH by Kit Morgan

Jack Carlson spied for the union army for four, long years and what did he get for his trouble? Blindness. Battered by the war and lost without his sight, he seeks refuge in Cutter’s Creek, Montana. There he hopes to heal his bitter heart. But he’s going to need a lot more help than what he can come up with. His cousin, the local preacher, thinks so too and sends off for a mail-order bride for him, praying a wife will do the trick. 
Willow Bennett has been in love with the same man all her life. As a young girl she followed Jack Carlson and his friends until they managed to out run her. As a young woman…well, a girl can dream, can’t she? Imagine her surprise when she becomes a mail-order bride and discovers Jack is her intended! That’s not the only surprise she gets in this story of forgiveness, hope and love.
That Healing Touch is the first book in a new series written by multiple authors. Enjoy these introductory novellas of sweet historical western romance, and get to know the folks in Cutter’s Creek, Montana!
AMAZON 3 STARS


This book was a charming quick story.   I liked it and how it showed the challenges that Jack and Willow had to face, both separately and together.  But I wouldn't say that it was a real deep story.

Willow had to change course a bit when she finds out Jack doesn't know that she came as his mail-order bride.  And Jack is angry about being blind and needing any help at all.  He is thankful for his cousin Howard and his wife Mary for taking him in though.  And Howard being a preacher, also tries to remind Jack about how God is there for him, even though some difficult things have happened to him. I really liked how Howard loved him so much without being judgmental towards him. 

Willow knew it probably wasn't going to be easy just showing up to someone she had known.  But it was a lot harder than she thought it would be.  Several times she thought about giving up but for the most part she just hung in there. 

This a Christian story, and it does come across as a clean story with no sex or sexual innuendo.  But it does show you the beginnings of a hard fought for relationship.

By the way, I really liked the cover for this eBook. I think that it's really attractive.

BOOK REVIEW- IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE by Amelia Grey

Nearing thirty, the Duke of Rathburne is finally ready to make amends for the wager that caused him and his best friends such scandal—but taking on a ward who needs a husband is a feat he’s not sure he can manage. The last he saw of Miss Marlena Fast, she was a spirited little ruffian, not the sort of bride most bachelors on the marriage mart sought. But one glance at the lovely lady she has become is enough to convince him otherwise…

Orphaned young and shuffled from family to family, Marlena counts on her fierce independence and quick wits to keep herself content. Being the responsibility of a notoriously wicked duke who upended so many lives is an unexpected challenge when she realizes he arouses her decidedly feminine desires. Marlena must be careful. She has her own scandalous secret to protect. If he finds out, will it shatter her chances of a happily-ever-after with the notorious rake?

It's All About the Duke is the next Regency romance in The Rakes of St. James series from Amelia Grey.

AMAZON   3 STARS

I'm sorry to say that this book just wasn't my cup of tea.  It was just okay although it had possibilities.  The plot idea wasn't a bad one but I just couldn't get with it. 

Both of the main characters were good people in their own ways.  The Duke does feel bad about his youthful prank but figures it is long over and no one was really hurt long term.  He has grown up quite a bit and is more careful now but he still is not a by the book duke in some ways.   Marlena is a faithful friend to many people and she tries to help those around her.  But having grown up with older sort of "adopted" brothers she has not one speck of cowardice about her.  When she was ten everything changed in her life and she had a guardian who she had to please.  He allowed her a lot of freedom but she had all the society deemed lessons that she would need when she entered society.  She was well educated because of that. 
One bump in her road is her pushy cousin companion Justine.  What a self centered social climber.  She wasn't necessarily hateful but she sure was clueless.  Nothing was really important unless it was about her.  

The story DID have a good ending, with several problems creatively solved.

 "I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- I FLIPPING LOVE YOU by Helena Hunting

Rian Sutter grew up with the finer things in life. Spending summers in the Hamptons was a normal occurrence for her until her parents lost everything years ago. Now Rian and her sister are getting their life, and finances, back on track through real estate. Not only do they buy and sell houses to the rich and famous but they finally have the capital to flip their very own beachfront property. But when she catches the attention of a sexy stranger who snaps up every house from under her, all bets are off…

Pierce Whitfield doesn’t normally demo kitchens, install dry wall, or tear apart a beautiful woman’s dreams. He’s just a down-on-his-luck lawyer who needed a break from the city and agreed to help his brother work on a few homes in the Hamptons. When he first meets Rian, the attraction is undeniable. But when they start competing for the same pieces of prime real estate, the early sparks turn into full-blown fireworks. Can these passionate rivals turn up the heat on their budding romance—without burning down the house?   AMAZON 3.5 STARS

There was a fun, unexpected beginning to the book.   Misunderstandings begin to pile up making for some unusual conversations.   And some of the amusing conversations kept right on happening.  In fact they were downright funny.

I liked being able to read each of the main character's P.O.V, which were completely separated. 

Rian, just can't seem to catch a break when it comes to men.  The "hot guys" she tends to like end up being what she calls, "A-holes".  And the  dating apps that show her "perfect" match, are SO wrong it's laughable.   And when there is a comparison on the app between Rian and Pierce it comes up with a really low rating.  

Pierce's sister, Amalie was a hilarious addition, she was a free spirit with a great sense of humor and style.  She only shows up a few times but she adds to the story. 
 Rian was "prickly" according to Pierce but he liked that.  Her mouth gets her into trouble more than once but once again Pierce finds that amusing.   And to be honest quite a few times she gets into funny situations that end up embarrassing her.

It's interesting that Pierce has spent so much of his time in a job he doesn't like.  It's all to please his father and the whole time he is miserable. You can even see in high school he played football JUST because his father wanted it.   All of that is kind of sad to me but he is trying to find a way out of a job he hates.
It sounds like Rian's sister Marley and Pierce's brother Lawson have some traits in common.  Being free spirited, although Lawson seems to be a bit more focused when it came to buying up houses.  Of course Pierce was there mainly as back up to get the places fixed and as a breather from his job. 

This ended up being just a fun summer read for me.  Just to let you know there is some very adult language in the book too.

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

BOOK REVIEW- HARD RAIN by B.J. Daniels

Sooner or later, every family secret comes to light… 

When Brody McTavish sees Harper Hamilton's runaway horse galloping across the pastures, he does what any good cowboy would do—gives chase and rescues her. Unfortunately for him, the woman he's secretly loved for years didn't need saving, and she's just reached her limit with people treating her as hopeless. But they soon have bigger problems when they make a gruesome discovery—human remains revealed by a recent rainstorm. Remains that will dredge up old Hamilton family mysteries…and bring about a scandal that could threaten all Harper's loved ones. 

With her father running for president, every move Harper makes is under scrutiny. But despite the risks, she's determined to uncover the truth about her family's role in a long-ago murder. If she can trust him enough, Brody will be more than an ally. He could be the only thing standing between Harper and an enemy intent on keeping the past buried forever.    AMAZON 4 STARS


Another intense book in the series of the Montana Hamiltons.  I didn't realize it of course when I picked up the book.  But since I had read other books in this series it was good to read this part.  As I read it, I remembered that I had read these books out of sequence (of course, since I tend to do that)  and had already read the book that told all.
It was good to get this missing part of the story though.  It was an emotional book with plenty of mystery and action.

It was so endearing that both Brody and Harper had been crazy about each other for years. Like Brody told her though, he had been waiting for her to grow up.  It made me smile when Harper told him she made up her mind at 9 years old that she was going to marry him.  They were both interesting, honorable people who were not going to have an early way of it to make a life together. 

There were plenty of interesting secondary people to the story.  As was the look into memories of people in the story like Harper's grandfather, her grandmother Grace, Maggie and even some of the memories that Harper's mother Sarah did remember.   It let us look into what hadn't been known or revealed yet and some things that would never be knows.  

BOOK REVIEW- MARKED (DARK PROTECTORS) Book 7 by Rebecca Zanetti

Janie Kayrs has known Zane almost her whole life. He was her friend in the dream world. She trusted him. But that was before he kidnapped her, spiriting her away to an isolated cabin to learn what her dreams never told her. Like how dangerous he looks. How he got on the wrong side of the negotiating table. And how much sexier he is in real life. . .

Zane is a battle-hardened warrior, used to command and solitude. But Janie has drawn him from the minute they met. His need for her could destroy everything he's worked for, but the risk is too sweet not to take it. They call her the Chosen One. But when it comes down to the questions of peace or war, life or death, safety or passion, it will be Janie who makes the choice. . .AMAZON 5 STARS


LOVED, LOVED this book.  It got my attention during the unusual start with the dream world and it hooked me and never let go.  It was an INTENSE, EDGE of the SEAT, WILD RIDE of a story and I loved every minute of it.   I hated it when I had to lay the book down to go do "stuff."  

There was plenty of action both physical and emotional in this book.  Zane had been through some incredible stuff when he had to go live with his sadistic uncle,  Suri.  But it was a good thing that had some good years with a loving vampire father before that.  Some of the memories of those years and his times in the dream world with Janie helped him keep some of his sanity.  He wasn't so sure of his humanity though.  He had to do a lot of things he didn't want to in order to keep his mother and two brothers alive and safe.  That's what made him The Ghost, the assassin, something that he hated. 

Janie was loved and protected but she also did all she could to be a fierce warrior on her own.  The weight of responsibility when it came to being The Chosen One was heavy.   It didn't take long for me to be pulling for the two of them as the story went on.  This book was also character rich when it came to the secondary people in this book.  It didn't go super deep into their stories but enough to care about them too. 
There were so many surprises, twists and turns that it almost took my breath away.  But in a good way.  There are so many people with their own motives that it keeps things moving.
 It seems that time after time, Janie and Zane bucked the odds.  Especially Janie, whatever was said couldn't be done, she did.  It made me smile wondering what her next surprise was going to be.

There is a great Epilogue or two at the end of the book that made me smile, again.

There is a quick look into another book by this author called, "Wicked Ride" The Enforcer Realm series.  It sounded so good I already have it set to read soon.  

daily word - scanner

daily word - scanner

BOOK REVIEW- ROYAL MESS by Jenna Sutton

In Royal Match, Prince Leo’s icy demeanor has earned him an amusing nickname—the Polar Prince. Unfortunately, the king doesn’t see the humor. If Leo wants to secure the throne of Alsania, he must improve his image. Participating in an organ donation campaign seems like a good start. He expects to donate his organs on his deathbed, so he’s surprised to be matched with a complete stranger who needs his help now.

Tessa Lulach hates to admit it, but she’s a damsel in distress. When a handsome prince offers to save her with a hunk of his liver, she joyfully accepts. She can’t wait to feel like herself again and return to her beloved flower shop. Instead, her identity is revealed, and the quiet life she loves is turned upside down.

As Leo and Tessa deal with the nosy public and ruthless paparazzi, she realizes the Polar Prince is much warmer than he seems—scorching hot, in fact. He willingly gave her a part of his liver, but can he give her his whole heart? 

In Royal Catch, everyone loves Prince Marco of Alsania, despite his reckless antics … or maybe because of them. So why does sexy schoolteacher Cassie Lulach prefer a boring investment banker over him? Wounded by her indifference, he has an erotic encounter with a masked woman at a royal ball who reminds him of the one he really wants. 

After another failed relationship, Cassie is frustrated with immature, inconsiderate guys. Wanting to escape reality, she attends a masquerade ball and finds herself alone with a masked stranger. For the first time in her life, she acts on impulse, only to end up pregnant and absolutely clueless about the identity of her baby’s father. 

When Marco learns of Cassie’s pregnancy and her plans to raise the baby alone, he promises to be there for her, hoping she’ll finally see him as more than just a playboy prince. But then he discovers she’s the woman from the masquerade ball and panics. Will the truth destroy his chance to win over Cassie, or will he convince her that they can have their own happily ever after?  AMAZON 4 STARS


I enjoyed both of the stories in this book.  They were fun, interesting and even funny at times even though some serious things were also addressed. 
I liked all of the main characters and the author did a great job when it came to being descriptive of the different locales and settings in the stories.

I especially enjoyed the author's writing style.  It was quirky and made it easier to "see" what the characters were experiencing.  
Oh on a final note, there will be sex.  Definitely an adult story not only  because of of all of the sex, there is also some adult language, and a few sexual fantasies. 


I loved the cover of this eBook,  it just grabbed my attention.  I thought it was a good choice by the author.


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

Eternity in Our Hearts

Eternity in Our Hearts: What do prayer and ministry look like outside the boundaries of time?

BOOK REVIEW- LADY CHARLOTTE'S FIRST LOVE by Anna Bradley

From spirited young woman to reckless widow, the beautiful Marchioness of Hadley remains a force to be reckoned with. But beneath her antics lies a broken heart . . .

Since her husband’s tragic death, Lady Charlotte Hadley has embarked on a path of careless behavior and dangerous hijinks from which no one can divert her . . . until suddenly, her first—and only—true love reenters her world. Their fiery romance was so scandalous Charlotte had no choice but to marry another, more suitable man. Surely now they are both free to pick up where they left off . . .

Julian West has returned to London a hero after making a name for himself in battle at Waterloo. Every woman is vying for his attention—except the one who stole his heart. No matter, Julian has other obligations. But when Charlotte’s sister, Eleanor, charges him with protecting the widow from ruin, what ensues is another kind of battle—one that leads a chase from London’s bars and brothels to the finest country estate as Julian and Charlotte untangle a host of secrets, regrets, and misunderstandings. For could it be that the love they’ve forced themselves to forget is exactly what they need to remember? . . 
AMAZON. 4 STARS

I have to say that as this book began I didn't like it.   From what Charlotte had been to what she was now, it was kind of hard to read.  But both of the main characters had done a lot of wounding to each other and that came through loud and clear.   A lot of it came not only because of misunderstandings, miscommunication or no communication and flat out pride.   Of course other people got hurt in the process too.

This book was definitely emotional and it was pretty easy after a while to get caught up in the torment of those emotions from both sides. 
Not all of his torment for Julian happens directly because of Charlotte though.  He has wartime memories making it worse for him. 

There is a good somewhat predictable ending to the story, although it didn't ruin it for me because the emotional part of it was so well done.  It  also has a short Epilogue, which I always enjoy.  

BOOK REVIEW- WHEN GOD MADE LIGHT by Matthew Paul Turner

Let there be light!' that's what God said. And light began shining and then started to spread." Wild and creative illustrations from top children's illustrator David Catrow pair with Matthew Paul Turner's lyrical verse in this message of a God-made light that cuts through darkness to bring vision and hope to all young readers. This light radiates, chasing away the shadows, providing the wonder and fun of stargazing or firefly chasing. Most important, this light appears in each child--an inner God-given spark that grows and will be used to change the world.   AMAZON  5 STARS


What an amazing little book.  But maybe I shouldn't say little because it is full of beautiful illustrations, simple but good rhyming with easy to follow words.  The quality of the illustrations was a welcome surprise.  Although I shouldn't have been surprised after seeing what the cover was like. This book is charming from beginning to end.  It feels light and tender and fun when you read it.  

BOOK REVIEW- THE HIGHLANDER'S BRIDE by Michele Sinclair

BOUND BY DUTY

Highland laird Conor McTiernay had always dreamed of an enduring love. But the reality of women who desired him only for his title and lands made him swear off marriage forever. That is until he first set eyes on the Englishwoman his men found hiding in the forest. Beneath the dirt and grime it was clear Laurel Cordell was beautiful. But would she prove to be yet another beguiling seductress or had Conor finally found the one woman who could lay claim to his heart?

DRAWN BY DESIRE

Laurel trusted that the Scottish chieftain would keep her safe from the cruel laird from whom she had escaped. Looking deep into Conor’s silver eyes she saw not only his calculating warrior ways but his quick arousal to passion. But before they can explore the growing desire between them, their newfound love is threatened by secrets from her past…AMAZON   4 STARS

I enjoyed this book and a lot of that had to do with the really strong main characters.   Both Conor and Laurel were strong leaders in their own ways.  They both had a commanding presence although it just looked different.  Conor had long declared that he would NOT marry, he had plenty of brothers to carry on the line and his needs could be met without marriage.   But Laurel turns everything upside down for him and he denies for a long time that his attraction to her is any deeper for her than just a quick tumble.  The more he knows her, the harder it is for him to deny his feelings but he does his best to fight against it.  He feels protective and possessive of her and his emotions do a wild up and down most of the time.   He is used to saying something and it being done without question.  Too bad that doesn't work with Laurel.

Laurel has had quite the unusual upbringing.  She may have lived in England but she was half-Scot and that is where her heart lies.   She remembers with great affection her Scottish grandfather and the things that he has taught her over the years.  That was before her connection was  by her English father.  She is beautiful and often fragile looking but she is far from fragile.  She has a strength that many overlook until they come face to face with her temper when it is riled.   She also begins to make friend after friend with Conor's clan after he rescues her.  She had a lot of good ideas to help Conor and his clan but so often it just made him mad.  Too many times he wouldn't let her explain what was going on, so of course their clashes intensified.  There were plenty of good secondary people in the story, which added so much to the book.  Some of those were Conor's many brothers and trusted personal guardsmen. 
The story kept me interested all the way though until the stunning conclusion of it.  It's a good thing that Connor and Laurel were both sharp witted because towards the end they were really going to need that to overcome their enemies. 

BOOK REVIEW- THE ACCIDENTAL GUARDIAN by Mary Connealy

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he'd finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He'd 
hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 

Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together--yet every day approaches the moment she'll leave forever.  AMAZON 4 STARS


When I saw this book was by Mary Connealy I snapped it right up. I will say that it does have a slower pace but it does give the reader time to get to know the people in the story.  I liked this book although I can't say that I would rate it as a favorite.

Trace had quite the rough start as a young man,  He had been left with few resources all on his own.   But at least his father had taught him some things that helped him survive.   He was used to being alone for many years until he ended up meeting Utah and Adam and they now were friends who worked for and with him.  He has no experience being around women so it was sweet to see how shy he could be especially around Deb.  I also liked the  the cover for this book and it showed kind of a tenderness.


Deb and Gwen were used to working hard and getting little if any credit or money for it.  Their father was more than happy to preen before his community, while they worked their butts off.  Deb ran the printing press, gathered the news and took care of the accounts.  Gwen ran the household and neither got even any thanks for it.  Deb was tired of it, being a servant to a thankless man and she was yearning to build something for herself and her sister. 

Black and Wolf were good non-human additions as well as the human characters, Maddie Sue and Ronnie (the young children).  



The title of this book had the meaning that I originally guessed at, that he became an accidental guardian to Deb, her sister Gwen and the two little ones.   But as I read it also became clear that he was the unofficial, accidental guardian for those in the traveling wagons.  He wanted to protect them from what he had experienced and he also had a score to settle.  He called it justice but he knew it was also mixed with revenge.  He wanted the murdering and looting to stop. 

I also liked that there were several different creative ways the phrase "a voice crying in the wilderness" was used.




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

Joy that Strengthens...Joy That Overcomes All Negativity

When joy and peace partner together, not only do they eradicate negativity, they also guarantee an increase in our trust and faith with the Lord. These along with the rest of the Fruits of the Spirit are who God is, and therefore they are all already present in our new man.

As we learn to connect with all things pertaining to the life of godliness that lives within us, we will experience peace and joy connecting together in our hearts. This moves us out of need and into strength designed to overwhelm all circumstances and overpower all opposition.

For more on experiencing this joy in the majesty of God’s nature, watch the video above.

Your Image of God by Graham Cooke

Discovering the language of the Kingdom by Graham Cooke 
Graham Cooke link

BOOK REVIEW- STONE DEVIL DUKE by K.J.Jackson

The Hold Your Breath series begins.
A thousand reasons to hold your breath, and one to let it go.
Historical romance with strong women, undeniable men, and hold your breath adventure

London, 1819
Marked for death, Lady Augustine Christopherson finds herself scouring the slums of London in a desperate search to find the men who killed her father, and are determined to dispose of her. To protect her family, to protect herself, she is determined to find the men before they find her. 

The last thing she wanted was an entanglement with a duke that threatens her very survival… 

Hardened long ago, the last thing the Duke of Dunway wanted was an entanglement with a chit of the ton. But in the flash of a pistol, his fate is altered as he finds himself honor-bound to protect Lady Augustine from, of all things, herself.  AMAZON 5 stars


Wow, what a great story.  I loved it all. This book had depth to it.
Devin the duke liked everything simple but does that ever get tossed on its ear when he encounters Aggie. The opening chapter starts out with a bang and really gets things moving.  And the action and danger just keep going.  
Devin was a surprise too.He even surprised himself that he quickly became intrigued with Aggie and also how very protective he became.  Now that was a role that he never saw coming.   He was jaded and easily bored with the ton but Aggie was definitely not like any other woman that he had ever encountered. 
Aggie was such a great character.  She was bold, meeting danger head-on.  Not because she wanted to but because she had to.  She was over her head but she had developed some skills when it came to going into dangerous places. She really just wanted to live quietly and safely.  She was basically all alone in the mission to protect her family but also seek justice.  I really liked both main characters and admit that there was more than once that their interactions caused me to smile.  
I would also like to say that this book provided some surprises that I wasn't expecting and I liked those twists.  
I really like how this series of books was called A Hold Your Breath Novel.  What a creative and also accurate description of of at least this book in the series.  Action, danger and romance all designed to make you hold your breathe for sure.  It truly kept me involved in their story and I enjoyed every minute of it.  The ending chapters were great! 

BOOK REVIEW- LADY ELEANOR'S SEVENTH SUITOR by Anna Bradley

Two sought-after sisters, a slew of suitors—and a vow to hold out for true love. How many proposals will it take to get to “I do”—especially when the stakes are high . . .
 
There have been six suitors so far, all vying for the attention—and generous dowry—of the beautiful, elusive Eleanor Sutherland. What does this woman really want? Who has what it takes to melt the heart of the so-called Lady Ice? These are the questions Camden West keeps asking himself. But rather than wait for answers, Cam takes matters into his own hands . . . for he has a secret weapon. 
 
Cam knows that Ellie’s sister, Charlotte, harbors a scandalous secret—one that could bring ruin to the Sutherland name. If Ellie marries him, Cam promises to keep mum. But is she willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her sister’s reputation? 
 
To Ellie’s surprise, it becomes clear that Cam doesn’t need her money, nor is he interested in her status. Soon, what begins as a sham engagement transforms into something deeper, and more passionate, than Ellie could have imagined. Is it possible that all Cam truly wanted was her? And is that reason enough to say yes—or is handsome Cam hiding something else? Even for a lady in love, only the truth will do . . .
AMAZON  4.5 STARS


I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best when I picked this book to read.  It was a good choice because I ended up really liking it a lot.   Why did I cross my fingers and hope?  Because I have read books  with a somewhat similar idea.  An attempt to coerce a woman into marriage. I was hoping that this book would be more than the usual and it was.  It was emotional and had depth to it that I enjoyed. It also had other interesting secondary people as well.

I liked that Cam finally admitted that he was both a good man AND a villain; that he was both.   He was a complex man with a lot of pain in his past.  He is a clear cut realist, a man who sees everything as business and believes in an eye for an eye.  Someone must pay and he is often pretty cold about it.  His cousin Julian tried to talk him out of his planned course but couldn't even though the two of them were as close as brothers.  In his relationship with Julian and eleven year old Amelia, he shows how deeply he CAN love.  

Ellie is caught between a rock and a hard place and she's fighting with everything that she has to outwit her pursuer.  And she is often very clever.  She is tired of being called Lady Frost by those who don't understand why she turned down some many men's marriage proposals.  She was looking for love and had a pretty good handle on those who were after her for the wrong reasons.  Ellie is also a woman who loves her sister fiercely and wants to protect her even when Charlotte has done something wrong.  Charlotte is also looking for love but her flirting and sometimes outrageous behavior keeps getting her in trouble.  And now in order to protect Charlotte's reputation, Ellie is placed in this tough spot.  And emotions are running high in all the the characters.  That includes Julian, Charlotte, and Amelia as well as the main characters. 
Ellie and Cam will get their H.E.A. but it won't be easy and it won't be before some painful truths.  Being a romantic person and wanting a H.E.A. for everyone, I wasn't happy about what happened at the end with Charlotte.  But not to worry, it looks like she gets her own story.  At the end of this book is a quick look into that story called, "Lady Charlotte's First Love".  I have to say it looks pretty good and is already on my T.B.R. list.

BOOK REVIEW-- FURY BORN by Claire Legrand

The stunningly original, must-read fantasy of 2018 follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world...or doom it.

When assassins ambush her best friend, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing herself as one of a pair of prophesied queens: a queen of light, and a queen of blood. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven elemental magic trials. If she fails, she will be executed...unless the trials kill her first.

One thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a fairy tale to Eliana Ferracora. A bounty hunter for the Undying Empire, Eliana believes herself untouchable—until her mother vanishes. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain and discovers that the evil at the empire's heart is more terrible than she ever imagined.

As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them ultimately determine the fate of their world—and of each other 

AMAZON  5 STARS

I'll be honest at first I didn't think I was going to like this book.  I found quite a few of the beginning chapters confusing, I wasn't liking the story and almost gave up. I'm so glad that I kept going as it became quite an interesting story.  I finally began to get drawn into the main characters and didn't want to stop.   Also the intensity of the story and the need to survive kept me going too.
The world building, the "myths" and the fantasy of the story was well done.  So was was the magic and all the horrible "tests" that Rielle had to go through.  But that is only part of the story; there is so much more.
The world that Eliana now lives in is very well built as well, the harsh realities and even what she had to survive and keep her family safe.

I liked how there was a chapter for both Rielle and Eliana that switched back and forth, first one and then the other.  It very made very clear whose life you were looking into.   And both people had their very own really good secondary people in it.  Rielle  Audric, Ludivine had grown up together and they make for a tight group even years later.
Tal, and Corien are they friend or foe?  As the story unfolds that will become VERY clear.  

In Eliana's part of the story she has her little brother, Remy, The Wolf who she is hunting and Navi comes into the story as well.  There are also people she fears like, Rahzavel, The Emperor just to name a few.  
As I look back, I can see that I've named quite a few people (but not all) but don't worry as the story rolls along it's not overwhelming.  

For those that want to know, at the end of this book there is what I consider "A Victory for Now" ending.  Now you can either see that as a cliffhanger or if this story has hooked you, it's just the first adventure.  Either way it is a really FULL book. 


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

BOOK REVIEW- SICARIUS SOUL by Jade Kerrion

Some grudges live forever, and the worst enemies are the ones you didn't know you had…

Alpha empaths are dying, executed by an assassin who leaves no psychic trace. Zara Itani derides the mystery as sloppy investigation until Danyael is injured by the assassin’s bullet. If he died, his empathic death throes would have driven everyone within ten miles to suicide.

The only solution is to imprison Danyael beyond the reach of assassins, damning him to physical solitude and emotional isolation. Zara, however, bets on her ability to use Danyael as bait to draw out the murderer. Kill the assassin, end the threat, right?

But nothing is ever easy in a world transformed by the Genetic Revolution. Sins of the past transcend decades and centuries to coalesce into a threat no one can contain. A vigilante driven by hate demands absolute vengeance—the suicide of millions of innocent people—and it will begin with Danyael’s death.

This is a standalone futuristic thriller set in the award-winning world of the Double Helix.  
AMAZON   5 STARS

 I really liked Danyael but boy he sure can't seem to catch a break.  It sure doesn't help him much to be one of the most powerful people living.  He is so self-sacrificing but gets hurt time after time; both physically and emotionally and even financially.  
His relationship with Zara is one complicated deal.  To his way of thinking though, he can't trust her and she doesn't want to love him.  But it was so unique that as an alpha empathy he saw Zara through emotions in color like she was living art.  It's quite the dilemma when if his emotions are unchecked he could kill anyone who wasn't shielded.  And even as tough as the assassin that she is, Zara had no innate psychic ability.  So, that means no ability to have shields.  

I was saddened to read that his former friend Lucien was just that, a former friend.  I didn't see that one coming.  It seems I missed reading that book. 

Maya was quite the surprise from the beginning and was a great addition.  I'll let you read the book to find out why.

If you are looking for a book with a lot of action, this book has it.  Looking for a story with a lot of intrigue and emotion.  This book also has that too.  I guess, my final words on it would be that it is INTENSE and I loved it!



 "I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.”   
And I want to read more of this series.

BOOK REVIEW- FROM GOD'S HANDS TO YOUR LAND by Jeanette Strauss

 In another informative, educational and revelatory book, Jeanette Strauss not only poses and answers these timely questions, but she gives you step by step directions for "Restoring the Land" Break curses off the land. Make a new covenant between the land and the Lord, Record a new title deed in the courts of heaven. These topics and more are covered so you can uncover the "new name" God wants to give your land! Does God want to Bless your land: Scripture says that He does! (Gen. 1:28). Can there be a curse on your land? Scripture says there can! (Gen. 3:16-17) Does this affect the fruit of the land? Scripture says it does! ( 2 Chron. 6:26).  AMAZON   5 STARS

In one word: Eyeopening! I have been a Christian for many years and I am always learning.  I'm not afraid to say that.  Walking in Kingdom ways takes time and study.  Yes, I already had learned some about the need for repentance, standing in the gap, repentance on behalf of ancestors, generational curses and the power of the Blood of Jesus.  But this was applied in a way that I hadn't thought of before.
This book may be small but it was pretty powerful. It was based in scripture and as I read it the information it sat well with my spirit.   A friend had mentioned this book and I'm glad I followed up and read it.  I had mentioned to her that I was experiencing something in my home and I had already applied the blood of Jesus to my home and sent what I was discerning out of the house.  I couldn't understand why there was still an influence of it from time to time.   Now I understand what was going on, it was on the land.  
God is so gracious and has already given me the new name of my land and I will be following up with what the Lord shows me when it comes to the instructions that were given in this book.  
I also appreciated the section on people who are renters, since I have several Christian friends who are. 

BOOK REVIEW- EYE OF THE TIGER by Diana Palmer

Eleanor Whitman had been a young girl with a crush, offering Keegan Taber her heart on a platter. Then he'd made it ruthlessly clear he wanted nothing to do with it. Eleanor hated the memory—and she hated him. And yet even four years later, the sight of Keegan made her weak in the knees. Only, now she was no girl….

Keegan had never forgiven himself for how he'd treated Eleanor. He'd give anything to have her love him again. But Eleanor had moved on and was with another man. All Keegan could do was hope that man didn't put a ring on her finger before he could win her back….   AMAZON 3 STARS

Wow, was Eleanor ever bitter!  And she remains that way through most of the book.  It made for some sharp wit being exchanged between her and Keegan. But more than a few times, that got a bit old.  Of course she felt that he had used her so I got that.  Of course quite a few times Keegan wasn't helping his cause with some of the things that came out of his mouth.  It made me think more than once, "dumb much?"

No matter how hard Ellie fought it and pushed Keegan away, the attraction was still there.  She did finally start to date someone else just he just wasn't Keegan. The other man caught on fairly quickly but he does like her enough to try to help her.  

Her father also tried to help her but his  low key "matchmaking" wasn't working.   Too bad because her dad and Keegan spent a lot of time together at her house.  Playing chess mainly but its more than that of course.

I liked the fact that Ellie remembered reading somewhere that revenge was like the eye of the tiger, seeing with narrow vision.
What a nice salute to the title of the book.