A Bride at Last By Melissa Jagears

Back of the Book

Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony--until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

My Thoughts

This is definitely my favorite book by Melissa Jagears.  After overcoming his drinking addiction Silas has become a hard working, kind and peaceful character and was just hoping to fix his past actions. Kate is a sweet, independent and hardworking woman.  Silas and Kate's personalities are a great match as they work together to let go of the past and put their trust in the future.   A Bride at Last is definitely worth reading, Jagears did a wonderful job at addressing the struggles one faces even years after overcoming an addiction.  While this book takes place in the same city as Jagears past books, it can be read as a stand alone novel, and while I would suggest reading the other books first, it is not necessary.

I was given this book free from Bethany House publisher for my honest review.

The Wonder of You By: Susan May Warren

Back of the Book

Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance―even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

My Thoughts

After the crazy end in the last book (Always on my Mind) I was wondering were Amelia's story would go and it seemed throughout the book, so did Amelia.  With past books involving all the Christiansen family and the progression of their lives, this book focuses mostly on Amelia and her struggles.  With just small glimpses into the rest of the family's lives.  I loved the family comradery when Roark shows up and how that evolves. I have come to expect a lot from a Susan May Warren books, and this one delivers.  With a wonderful story line and great scenes this is a must read.   

I was given this book free from Tyndale Publishing for my honest review.

Gone without a Trace By: Patricia Bradley

Back of the Book

It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts Livy concerning a missing senator's daughter who was last seen in Logan Point, she notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. But with self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of Jennings, Livy is finding this investigation an uphill battle. With her future in law enforcement on the line, can she find a way to work with a man who is her polar opposite?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the outcome of the case--and the relationship between Livy and Alex--which is anything but certain.

My thoughts

Gone without a Trace was a wonderful thriller with an edge of creepiness that only Patricia Bradley has learned to perfect.  With peeks into the killers life, and little tidbits about them, I was on the edge of my seat.  Every time I felt I had it figured out I was wrong.  Livy and Alex are well written, intriguing characters, with intertwined pasts that add a great blend to the story.  Gone without a Trace is the 3rd book in the Logan Point series and while characters from the last books are in the story  you don't need to read them to love this book.  I will warn you once you have read one book in the Logan Point series you will have to read them all, over and over again.

I was given this book free from Revell Publishing for my honest reveiw.

Drawing Fire By Janice Cantore

Back of the Book

One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.

With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby’s best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she’s anxious to talk to him about a cold case that’s personal to her―one Luke is interested in as well.

As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents’ lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?

My thoughts

Drawing Fire has an intense addictive plot, with wonderful dialog and scenes that are well thought out and perfectly scripted.  You will not be able to put this book down.  Abby is a great, hardworking, strong person that is well respected in her field. Luke is the all around hero type and it drives Abby crazy in more ways than one.  Cantore wrote equally entertaining side characters, and a case that just when you think you have it figured out, a new clue comes to light that makes your head spin.  While a conclusion is made on the case, in the end there seems to be enough dangling to make the next book.  If you love a great suspense and don't mind a few stones unturned then grab this book and start reading, but if you need it all cleared up in the end wait for the next book to come out and then start reading.

I was given this book free from Tydale Publishers for my honest review.

Once Upon a Summertime

Back of the Book

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.

My thoughts

A sweet, clean Hallmark-style summer read that would be great to take with you to the beach.  Once Upon a summertime takes a little time to get going but once I got into the plot it was a cute book.  Anna seemed like a sweet girl but almost a little to hung up about her hometown.  Sean was a great balance and seemed like the perfect, kind person anyone would like to meet.  I wish more had been written about some of the side characters, they just seemed to pop up randomly, and then as soon as the scene ended they were gone.  Even her grandmother seemed to have fallen into the same black hole once the book got rolling.  If you are looking for a simple summer read this is the book for you.

I was given this book free from Revell Publishing for my honest review.

In Firefly Valley By: Amanda Cabot

Back of the Book

Marisa St. George is devastated when she is a victim of downsizing and has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it's a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But will her dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers who he really is?

Romance readers will love this warm and witty story of mistaken identity and second chances from bestselling author Amanda Cabot.

My Thoughts

I wanted to love this book, but no mater how hard I tried, I just could not do it. The idea of forgiveness, trust and the example we have on others was great, it just never came together.  Marisa and Blake just seemed to clash so often, that I almost wished they could find people more suited for them.  I never felt sorry when they were on the outs, I just figured it was bound to happen.  The plot, story lines, and characters, are well thought out, but some of the scenes just seemed thrown in to fill the pages and are not really part of the story.  I actually enjoyed the side characters lives more and felt they truly made the story.

I was given this book free from Bakers Publishing for my honest review.

No Place to Hide By: Lynette Eason

Back of the Book

She'll defend her friend until the bitter end--but is she in over her head?
It's not every day you see your childhood friend and onetime crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name. Unfortunately, she's not the only one looking for him. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to prove his innocence and prevent a catastrophe. 

Lynette Eason delivers nonstop action as Jackie and Ian travel a dangerous road--one that may lead straight to destruction.

My thoughts

This book is intense from the first page to the last.  No Place to Hide has such realistic descriptions you feel the tension through the pages, I wanted to close my eyes because I could feel that moment before you know someone is about to jump out.  Jackie is a spit fire character with an intriguing back ground, while Ian is the once bullied kid who changes his life around.  With a few surprises that will send you reeling, and with no idea who to trust or where to turn, there really is no place to hide.

I was given this book free from Revell Publishing for my honest review.