Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt

About the Book

★★★★★

Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple's journey down the aisle to "I do."

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father's military career. She's overcome what her mother called "the biggest mistake of her life" and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

Once I started, I could not stop reading Beth K. Vogt’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love. It is a simply wonderful, well-written romance. I loved the main characters - Vanessa Hollister and Logan Hollister, high school sweethearts coincidentally bearing the same last name - from the very beginning and as they began to cross paths time and time again, I only wanted the best for them - though Vogt kept me guessing about how exactly that would work out. Vanessa and Logan each have lessons to learn and challenges to overcome, as their pasts - both from their time together and their time apart - continue to stir up fears and insecurities. And as they grow in understanding, love and forgiveness, their overall story is quite touching and even left a few tears brimming in my eyes. I would certainly recommend Crazy Little Thing Called Love to fans of contemporary romance and certainly look forward to reading more in Vogt’s Destination Wedding series.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Crazy Little Thing Called Love and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. To read other opinions, be sure to check out what other reviewers think here, and purchase a copy of the book here.

About the Author

Beth K. Vogt believes God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." A 2015 RITA® Finalist and a 2014 Carol Award finalist, Beth is a contemporary romance novelist with Howard Books. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher's Weekly's Best Books of 2014. In 2015 she introduced her destination wedding series with both an e-novella, Can't Buy Me Love (May), and a novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love (June).

Visit Beth online at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Direct Hit by Mike Hollow

★★★★★

On the first night of the Blitz, a body is discovered in a van in the back streets of West Ham. DI John Jago is called to the scene and recognizes the body as local Justice of the Peace and businessman Charles Villiers. Shortly afterwards a blast destroys the scene. Jago quickly establishes that Villiers’ wife and adult son Edward both have possible motives, and that there was a rift between Villiers and his brother Arthur. But as he begins the investigation, Jago is annoyed when his boss tells him to help an American journalist who’s writing about public morale – even more so when he finds it’s a woman, Dorothy Appleton. As Jago and Appleton follow leads, they realize that the dead man held many secrets, some of which reach back to World War I. Rather a lot of people wished Villiers dead – and an air raid is a good time to bury bad news.

I love reading books set anywhere in the time period of World War II, so needless to say, I really enjoyed Mike Hollow’s compelling novel, Direct Hit. With fascinating characters entrenched in gripping mystery amidst historical details of the Blitz, this novel had me turning page after page from start to finish. A great overall read with a steady pace, Direct Hit offers a fantastic choice for fans of historical mystery and I would certainly recommend it to interested readers.

Thanks to Kregel Publications, I received a copy of Direct Hit and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Love Takes the Cake by Betsy St. Amant

★★★★★

She’s known for her delicious cakes, but there’s no recipe for dealing with the new man in her life.

Charlotte owns the best bakery in Louisiana, and clients come from near and far for her renowned wedding cakes. And while the wedding scene is Charlotte’s place to shine, her own love life is duller than ever. After a string of failed relationships – and men who actually were too good to be true – she has decided to throw herself into her craft and leave love and marriage to her clients.

Will is a successful entrepreneur but devotes much of his spare time to caring for his sister. He knows he doesn't have much time left with her, so he has done everything he can to guard his heart from relationships. And what girl would understand that he needs to spend all his time with his sister? But when his best friend calls in his help for his September wedding, Will can’t refuse. He's always been there for those closest to him. And when he finds out they don’t have a wedding cake yet, he knows exactly where to go – the bakery owned by the beautiful, mysterious young woman he buys treats from.

Charlotte assumes Will is just another party boy who flirts with all the bridesmaids. But is Will hiding something that explains his behavior? And despite their reservations, will they be able to deny the chemistry between them?

Another deliciously pastry-filled romance from Betsy St. Amant, “Love Takes the Cake” makes a great addition to A Year of Weddings. In this novella, Charlotte and Will see if they can take their once-a-week friendship and attraction beyond the walls of her bakery. With a fair share of miscommunications and fears to cause problems - and a Bridezilla, to boot - this couple does not have an easy go at romance, but their story is all-around delightful to follow. I really enjoyed it. Cute and quick, “Love Takes the Cake” offers a great afternoon read and will surely please any fans of the Weddings novella collection.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “Love Takes the Cake” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Waiting on Wednesday: Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty & Counting on a Cowboy

Hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine 
to spotlight eagerly-anticipated upcoming releases.

Title: Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty

Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

Publisher: Bethany House

Expected Publication Date: 1 August 2015

After sending his army to besiege another king's capital, King David forces himself on Bathsheba, a loyal soldier's wife. When her resulting pregnancy forces the king to murder her husband and add her to his harem, Bathsheba struggles to protect her son while dealing with the effects of a dark prophecy and deadly curse on the king's household.

Combining historical facts with detailed fiction, Angela Hunt paints a realistic portrait of the beautiful woman who struggled to survive the dire results of divine judgment on a king with a divided heart. 

Title: Counting on a Cowboy

Author: Debra Clopton

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Expected Publication Date: 11 August 2015

After losing everything dear to her, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy spurs her to wonder if maybe love is worth the risk. Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the homey town of Wishing Springs, Texas, after her favorite advice columnist found love and a home there. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby too… if she's brave enough to reach out and take it.

Bo Monahan isn't interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become – or the women who might be looking at him like he's their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn't looking for serious romantic commitments. But unexpectedly the young child he never knew about appears on his doorstep and Bo's world is turned upside down. This confirmed bachelor might not need a wife, but he sure needs a woman… and newcomer Abby Knightly is definitely a woman. When she comes to his rescue to help him navigate fatherhood, he slowly uncovers her own history. And suddenly Bo's thinking maybe, just maybe, together they can help each other work through the problems of the past to create a future of their own.

The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks

★★★★★

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey has become the target of a serial killer who believes he's been appointed God's executioner.

In Copper Creek, Montana, Gwen Marcey is struggling to put together her life after cancer and divorce. When her dog retrieves a skull of a murder victim and leads her to the victim's grave, Gwen uses her forensic art ability to identify a serial killer. She is horrified to discover all the victims look like her fourteen-year-old daughter.

The murderer is a "lone wolf," a member of the terrorist group Phineas Priesthood – and he has a score to settle with Gwen. Unraveling the tangled Christian Identity movement, where race – not grace – provides salvation, Gwen is in a frantic rush against time. She must use all her skills to uncover the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy her and everyone she loves.

Carrie Stuart Parks’ second Gwen Marcey novel, The Bones Will Speak, offers quite an exhilarating read. A forensic artist, Gwen Marcey stumbles into a case with victims looking strikingly like her daughter and a serial killer focused on her for an unknown reason. As she works to discover the identity of the serial killer and protect her family, the case takes many twists and turns - with plenty of unexpected surprises and revelations. Well-paced and full of action, The Bones Will Speak kept me thoroughly intrigued and guessing from start to finish - even though I didn’t read the previous novel, A Cry from the Dust. This novel is still an excellent read on its own and is the perfect choice for readers looking for a suspenseful thriller. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of The Bones Will Speak and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Warrior Chicks: Rising Strong When Life Wants to Take You Down by Holly Wagner

About the Book

★★★★✩

There is a lot in life we cannot control – a cancer diagnosis, the choices our children make, a spouse who leaves, disappointments in our career, a broken heart. But in those tragedies, big and small, we still have a choice:

Lie down and give in or stand up and fight.

In this inspiring call to arms against victimhood, Holly Wagner challenges women to enlist as Warrior Chicks. She shows women that they are beautiful just the way they are, they are destined to be overcomers in this life, and that the battle is already won for us. She shares the secrets of being equipped to fight the good fight and do more than just survive. As one who has battled many things in her life, including breast cancer, Holly shows how you can be either a casualty of the pain or a warrior who overcomes.

So what's it going to be?

In life, hard times in whatever form they come are inevitable, though generally unwanted, and in facing such times, every individual has a choice to make. In her book, Warrior Chicks: Rising Strong When Life Wants to Take You Down, Holly Wagner motivates and encourages readers to take the challenges of life head on. With interesting stories to reinforce her points, this well-written book offers an inspiring, powerful, worthwhile read for women. I would recommend it.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of Warrior Chicks and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

Holly Wagner is copastor of Oasis Church in Los Angeles, California, and reaches thousands of women each year through conferences, books, and other resources. She is a popular conference speaker known for her challenging, humorous style and honest approach to real-life issues. Holly has written four books, including GodChicks and Daily Steps for GodChicks. She and her husband, Philip, have two children.

Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories by Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love & Elizabeth Musser

Four best-selling novelists bring tales of four Southern women who face near impossible choices on their journeys in life and in love during the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history in Among the Fair Magnolias. Don't miss this collection of stories from Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser.

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!

About the Book

★★★★★

In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women – destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war – face near impossible choices on their journeys in life… and in love.

“To Mend a Dream” by Tamera Alexander: Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.

“An Outlaw's Heart” by Shelley Gray: When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he's determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother's homestead, he discovers she's very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

“A Heart So True” by Dorothy Love: Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

“Love Beyond Limits” by Elizabeth Musser: Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

Sigh. Among the Fair Magnolias is a delightfully Southern and romantic novella collection and I enjoyed every bit of it. With their distinct and captivating storytelling styles, Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love and Elizabeth Musser all wonderfully detail aspects of life before and after the Civil War in their individual stories. They fascinated me with a wide array of great characters, each with an intriguing backstory and facing interesting circumstances. Their brave heroines willfully faced their challenges - of family obligation, dangerous pasts, racial tensions, well-hidden secrets - while their charming heroes behaved nobly and encouragingly. A splendid summer read, Among the Fair Magnolias will not disappoint readers of inspirational historical romance looking for quick yet heartwarming stories. I would certainly recommend it.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Among the Fair Magnolias and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. To read other opinions, be sure to check out what other reviewers think here, and purchase a copy of the book here.

About the Author

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee. Learn more at her website, Facebook and Twitter. 

Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. Learn more at her website, Facebook and Twitter. 

Shelley Gray is the author of the Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. Learn more at her website, Facebook and Twitter. 

Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls 'entertainment with a soul.' For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams. Learn more at her website, Facebook and Twitter. 

In Good Company by Jen Turano

★★★★★

After spending her childhood in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm tend to bring about situations that have employers looking askance at her methods. After her most recent dismissal, Millie is forced to return yet again to an employment agency.

Everett Mulberry has suddenly and quite unexpectedly found himself responsible for three children he’s never met. Attempting fatherhood while also pacifying the less-than-thrilled socialite he intends to marry is made even more complicated when the children scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance –with each other. Everett is wary of Millie’s penchant for disaster, and she’s not entirely keen on another snobby, grumpy employer, but they’re both out of options. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges and tries to stay one step ahead of them, Everett is more focused on achieving the coveted status of society’s upper echelons. As he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the children’s parents’ death, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

My first experience reading one of Jen Turano’s novels (but certainly not my last), In Good Company had me laughing out loud more than any other book I’ve read recently. Wandering with the main characters, quirky, unconventional Millie Longfellow and serious, driven Everett Mulberry, through the scenarios they both create and encounter, as well as hearing their witty exchanges of dialogue, makes for a reading experience I enjoyed immensely. This fun and funny book involving great character development is one I would easily recommend to fans for historical romance - it won’t disappoint its readers and leave them eager for more of Turano’s writing.

Thanks to Bethany House, I received a copy of In Good Company and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

★★★★★

She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer... an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.
 
His sweeping Catholic church reformation – condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage – awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself. 
 
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different. 
 
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love. 
 
Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.

Martin Luther is one of those historical figures I’ve heard mentioned quite a bit, yet still never knew much about his personal life. In Luther and Katharina, Jody Hedlund tells a fascinating tale of this well-known religious reformer, as he meets the woman who will become his devoted wife, and I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to become better acquainted with the history. She brings both Luther and Katharina to life in vivid and imaginative detail - with flaws and all. Their love story certainly has its share of challenges, including continual death threats, social class differences and heated (and witty) verbal sparring, yet proves to be heartwarming and intriguing. An all-around outstanding and captivating read, Luther and Katharina will not disappoint fans of historical romance - it’s a novel I would not hesitate to recommend.

Thanks to Blogging for Books, I received a copy of Luther and Katharina and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Tattered and Mended: The Art of Healing the Wounded Soul by Cynthia Ruchti

How can the wounds that keep us from living the life we want to live be mended and healed? In Tattered and Mended, Cynthia Ruchti walks readers through a gallery of reclaimed and restored art as well as broken and restored lives of those who have gone before us. With a gentle touch and personable wisdom, Cynthia shows how even the most threadbare soul can once again find healing and hope.

Celebrate the release of Tattered and Mended with Cynthia by entering to win her Reclaimed Treasures giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Tattered and Mended
• A vintage flatware key ring
• A handcrafted "broken china" charm bracelet
• A recycled guitar string bracelet

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 27th. The winner will be announced July 28th on Cynthia's blog.

Plus, now through mid-July, sign up for Cynthia's mailing list for a five-day virtual tour around Madeline Island for the chance to win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack. Each day begins with an email from Cynthia that introduces where you'll be “visiting” that day (all key places from As Waters Gone By) with various interactive elements, including“I wish you were here” postcards, trivia quizzes, and an ongoing Island scavenger hunt. The person who interacts the most will win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack (valued at more than $200).

 

That includes:

• The letterpress block Hope sign from DaySpring
• A set of 6 Hemmed in Hope notecards showing a hope-themed Bible verse
• A leather “I can’t unravel, I’m hemmed in hope” journal
• Signed copies of each of Cynthia’s books, fiction and non-fiction

About the Book

★★★★✩

A crumbling statue. A torn tapestry. A discolored painting. 

Artisans can reclaim exquisite beauty from the broken, frayed, and hopefully shattered - perhaps once thought beyond repair. But what about us? What of the wounds that keep us from living the life we want to live?

In Tattered and Mended, readers walk through a gallery of reclaimed and restored art as well as broken and restored lives of those who have gone before us. With a gentle touch and personable wisdom, Cynthia Ruchti shows how even the most threadbare soul can once again find healing and hope.

After reading the fictional As Waters Gone By just a couple months ago, I found picking up Tattered and Mended: The Art of Healing the Soul, a nonfiction title by the same author, Cynthia Ruchti, provided for an interesting reading experience. With a similar message of hope and healing, as well as excellent storytelling, Tattered and Mended proves to be as engaging as As Waters Gone By. Ruchti compellingly shares stories from both personal experiences and the Bible to highlight God’s desire to heal, restore, mend our brokenness, hurts, tatters. Though the book seemed a bit repetitive to me after a few chapters, it offers necessary reminders and encouragements to see the art and beauty of God’s work to mend. Overall, I enjoyed Tattered and Mended and I would recommend it as a worthwhile read.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Tattered and Mended and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. To read other opinions, be sure to check out what other reviewers think here, and purchase a copy of the book here.

About the Author

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories "hemmed in hope." She's the award-winning author of sixteen books and a frequent speaker for women's ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin.

Find Cynthia online at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

Can Silas and Kate overcome their rocky start and experience healing—and possibly love? Discover the answer in Melissa Jagears' new book, A Bride at Last. Neither Kate nor Silas is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light as they attempt to prove nine-year-old Anthony's paternity to the court. Can their wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

Celebrate the release of A Bride at Last by entering to win a $100 Memory-Making giveaway and RSVPing to Melissa's August 4th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 gift card to Netflix (for a family movie night), Shutterfly (to create a family memory book), or TablePlayGames (for a family game night)
• One copy of A Bride at Last

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4. The winner will be announced at Melissa's 8/4 A Bride at Last Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Melissa and fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

About 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?

Books like Melissa Jagears’ A Bride at Last make my heart so happy. I just can’t help falling in love with a good Western historical romance novel - especially after loving its preceding novels (in this case, A Bride for Keeps and A Bride in Store). In this novel, Jagears revisits Salt Flatts, Kansas, and gives Silas Jonesey his second chance at love. Silas makes appearances in the previous Unexpected Brides novels, and after undergoing encouraging improvements, becomes quite a dashing main character. As he bonds with his love interest, the cautious, caring, opinionated Kate Dawson, through a series of natural misunderstandings and interesting challenges, their romance blossoms hesitantly, as fears from the past pop up to threaten hopes of the future. Yet, in this story of facing fears, finding family and trusting God, the romantic development and conclusion are certainly satisfying and heartwarming. I enjoyed every page of A Bride at Last and have no doubt that fans of the series will be pleased. I recommend it.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of A Bride at Last and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. To read other opinions, be sure to check out what other reviewers think here, and purchase a copy of the book here.

About the Author

Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade and the author of A Bride for Keeps and A Bride in Store, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She's a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly.

Find Melissa online at her website and Facebook.

Waiting on Wednesday: Shades of Doon & The Memory Weaver

Hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine 
to spotlight eagerly-anticipated upcoming releases.

Title: Shades of Doon

Author: Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

Publisher: Blink

Expected Publication Date: 1 September 2015

After cheating death, Veronica Welling is determined to savor every moment in her idyllic kingdom with both her true love and best friend by her side at last. At the same time, Mackenna Reid is enthusiastically building her new life and a theater with her prince. But just as their dreams of happiness are within reach, the world Vee and Kenna have chosen is ripped away, leaving them to face their most horrific challenge yet – their old lives.

Thrust out of Doon, the best friends are confronted with tormentors from their past and no way to return to their adopted land. When the MacCrae brothers rush to their rescue, the girls’ situation turns from nightmare to modern-day fairy tale. But their happiness could be short lived: unbeknownst to them, someone in their closest circle is aiding the witch of Doon in her bid to destroy the kingdom once and for all.

Title: The Memory Weaver

Author: Jane Kirkpatrick

Publisher: Revell

Expected Publication Date: 1 September 2015

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave – and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

A House Divided by Robert Whitlow

★★★★★

A father's mistakes nearly cost his children everything. Now his children must unite to take on the most important case of their respective careers.

Corbin Gage is slowly drinking himself into the grave while running a small law practice in a small Georgia town. The assistant DA in the same community is his son Ray, poised for a professional breakthrough based on a job offer to work for the best law firm in the area. Roxy is Corbin's daughter, a rising star associate in Atlanta for an international law firm that specializes in high stakes, multi-million-dollar litigation.

Against the advice of everyone in his life, Corbin Gage takes on a toxic tort case on behalf of three boys who have contracted non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to an alleged chemical exposure. The defendant, an herbicide/pesticide/fertilizer company, is the largest employer in the area. Because of the lawsuit, Ray's job offer evaporates, forcing him to go to work with his father. Roxy's expertise in complex litigation draws her into the drama.

As their investigation uncovers an audacious conspiracy to conceal dangers to their community, Corbin, Ray, and Roxy come to a personal treaty in their pursuit of justice. But they soon discover that burying a problem can have explosive results.

Every time I read a legal novel, I have to wonder why I don’t read the genre more often - it always manages to keep me fascinated with drama from start to finish and I’m not usually disappointed. This certainly applies to Robert Whitlow’s intriguing new novel, A House Divided. After burying its matriarch, a dysfunctional family of lawyers embarks on a much-needed time of healing, faith and forgiveness. Each main character has clearly established flaws and interacts with the legal profession differently than the others, yet they all go about their daily lives and one major case sparks changes - in the individuals and the family as a whole. A House Divided is an interesting and engaging story that offers plenty of surprises within its pages and I couldn't help but root for the Gage family. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel and I think it’s definitely worth a read.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of A House Divided and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore

★★★★★

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?

Janice Cantore’s Drawing Fire certainly drew me into its story of interconnecting cases from the start and I just had to keep reading to discover its resolution. Homicide detective Abby Hart and private investigator Luke Murphy both do very well in their individual professions, driven by passion, faith and the same haunting cold case. As they cross paths in the pursuit of justice, they complement each other well with an undeniable chemistry and I enjoyed following both of these characters throughout the action-packed plotline. A thrilling and suspenseful novel with nearly satisfying resolution, Drawing Fire does not disappoint - though it will definitely leave readers hoping to see Abby and Luke again in a future novel. Still, I would not hesitate to recommend Cantore’s newest novel to fans of suspense.

Thanks to Tyndale BlogNetwork, I received a copy of Drawing Fire and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman

★★★★★

When Livy O’Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-Fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she’s helping to run an orphanage. Now she’ll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself. 

Sheriff’s deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy – literally –while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town – as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off – Jake doesn’t have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better… but Livy isn’t willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

As a consistent fan of historical fiction, I can easily say I just loved Pam Hillman’s Stealing Jake. It’s an all-around charming historical read with a touch of suspense, adventure and romance, and I would not hesitate to recommend it. Within the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, Livy O’Brien and Jake Russell act as wonderfully dynamic main characters, each dealing with certain issues presented by the street children of the day. As these two set to overcome both external and internal challenges, Hillman masterfully tells their story with captivatingly easy storytelling and kept me turning pages from start to finish. Quite the delight to read, Stealing Jake would be a great book for any readers looking for inspirational historical fiction. It’s an entertaining read that cannot be put down easily - and certainly has me interested in reading more from Pam Hillman in the future.

Thanks to Tyndale BlogNetwork, I received a copy of Stealing Jake and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

About the Book

★★★★✩

In an uncertain time, she faces a choice that will change her life forever.

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die – until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice – stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

Exploring a unique slice of history, Rebecca DeMarino transports you to the wild land that would eventually become Long Island, New York.

I wanted to like Rebecca DeMarino’s To Capture Her Heart so much more than I actually did. Now, I did enjoy it for the most part, and the historical detail and suspense fascinated me. Yet, it still fell a bit short of my expectations in terms of the romantic elements. As the novel progresses, the narrative passes times rather quickly, jumping weeks and months in certain parts. I felt like this detracted from some of the character development and didn’t allow for adequate evidence and explanation of feelings - within the love triangle, the characters seem to have certain feelings all of a sudden, out of the blue. Also, much more of the story focused on the daily lives of the Horton family than I expected based on the back-of-the-book summary. Still, To Capture Her Heart is a pleasant read and I’m sure fans of A Place in His Heart, the first Southold Chronicles novel, will enjoy it. (Interested readers, be sure to read A Place in His Heart before To Capture His Heart.)

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of To Capture Her Heart and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Author

Rebecca DeMarino is the author of A Place in His Heart, book one of the Southold Chronicles, a series inspired by her ninth great-grandparents, Barnabas and Mary Horton.She inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother; a love of horses, reading, and writing from her dad; and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Rebecca lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Tom. Learn more at her website.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson

About the Book

★★★★★

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents' cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can't be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver's death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family's cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She's mourning her father's passing but can't let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family's belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family's history.

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.

Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.

Melanie Dobson’s Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor tells a touching multi-generational story, spanning from the mid-1950s to the present day against a picturesque English country backdrop. Dobson enchanted me with her intriguing combination of mystery and romance, as well as a well-rounded cast of flawed yet deeply caring characters, and I just couldn’t put this novel down. The characters make tragic mistakes and keep heartbreaking secrets, yet the discovery of long-hidden truths brings about hopeful healing and reconciliation as pieces of the familial puzzle come together. An emotionally rich read that momentarily brought tears to my eyes a few times, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor certainly won’t be the last Melanie Dobson novel I read. I highly, highly recommend this novel - it’s well-worth a read.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. To read other opinions, be sure to check out what other reviewers think here, and purchase a copy of the book here.

About the Author

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.

Find Melanie online at her website, Facebook and Twitter.