Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Review: Waiting for Spring by Amanda Cabot

Waiting For Spring 
by 
Amanda Cabot
Westward Winds, Book #2

Description:
After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker's shop to lie low and make a living.  When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer, Charlotte feels drawn to him.
If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.
Sonn the past comes to call, and Barrett's plans crumble around him.  Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face?  Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?
Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett


My review:
I highly recommend the first two books in the Westward Wind Series by Amanda Cabot .  I took the time to read book #1-Summer Of Promise before reading book #2 Waiting For Spring. I am so glad I did because Charlotte's story starts in the first book and continues in book #2 as she is given a second chance at love.  If you enjoy historic Christian romance and suspense you will love both of these books which I give 5 stars each.
The covers on these book are really beautiful and made me want to just right in and read. There is something to be said for a book with a pretty cover. 

I received this book from Net Galley, Baker Publishing, Revell for my honest review. I was not paid in any way for my review.


About the author:




Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses, Scattered Petals, Tomorrow's Garden, and Summer of Promise, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the cofounder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler. She lives in Wyoming.

  You can purchase this book at these sites:



Westward Winds, Book #1
















Westward Winds, Book #3





Re: Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Millie's Treasure
 by Kathleen Y'Barbo
Harvest House Publisher
Publish date: Aug 1, 2013

Description:
From bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo comes Millie’s Treasure, the second book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, a new set of novels involving romance, adventure, and hidden identity.
Memphis 1890—Bookish heiress Millie Jean Cope is as clever as she is beautiful. Unfortunately, though adept at solving puzzles and cryptograms, she doesn’t realize her new fiance isn’t who he claims to be, but instead is a charming scoundrel. The infamous Will Tucker is presenting himself as a British gentleman, Sir William Trueck, though in reality he is a crafty criminal looking for a hidden map to a secret treasure.
Pinkerton agent Kyle Russell has been on Tucker’s trail for years. At last Kyle believes he has Tucker cornered, but he is uncertain whether the lovely woman on the con man’s arm is an unsuspecting victim or willing accomplice. Finding reasons to spend time with Millie is easy. Keeping himself from falling in love with her is another issue entirely.
A fun and entertaining story of how God can shine the light of truth on the most cryptic circumstances. 


My Review:
Millie's Treasure, book #2 in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker by Kathleen Y'Barbo takes us on an adventure with Kyle Russell and Millie Jean Cope.  Kyle is an inventor and Pinkerton agent.  Millie is a very forward thinking young lady who loves reading, science and things frowned upon for a young lady in the late 1800's.  On New Years Eve Millie goes up on the Cotton Exchange roof and comes across a mystery man who is testing his flying machine.  He quickly realizes that Millie is not an empty headed female and is drawn to her.
  Millie's adventures begin when he takes her for a ride on his flying machine.   

 I do not write spoiler reviews so I will let you read this highly entertaining book for yourself. You will be very glad you did.  I give this book 5 stars and plan to read book #1 in the series.

I was given an ebook of Millie's Treasrue by Harvest House and Netgalley for my honest review.  I was not paid in any way for this review.


You can purchase Millie's Treasure at the links listed below.
 Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of fifty novels with almost two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad and nominations including a Career Achievement Award, Reader’s Choice Awards, Romantic Times Book of the Year, and several Romantic Times Top Picks. A proud military wife and tenth-generation Texan, she now cheers on her beloved Aggies from north of the Red River. Find out more about Kathleen and her
book on her website.


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Review: Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Stealing the Preacher
by 
Karen Witemeyer
About this book:
A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.


My Review:
Once again Karen Witemeyer has written an entertaining romp with lovable characters who have a heart for God. I loved the totally unique way that JoAnna Robbins and Rev. Crockett Archer meet.  Crockett is sure he knows God's plan for his life. He soon learns that God's timing and plans are not always the same, but are always the best. I rate Stealing the Preacher 4.5 stars and will recommend the book to my teen grand daughters. 

I received this book from Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing for my honest review.  I was not paid in any way for this review.

You may purchase Stealing the Preacher at these sites:



About Karen:




Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.
After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.
Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. Her books have consistently hit bestseller lists and have garnered awards such as the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the Christian Manifesto's Lime Award for Excellence in Fiction. In addition, she is a multiple RITA and National Reader's Choice finalist. Karen is also a sought-after speaker for national writing conferences and regional workshops.


Review: Stranded by Dani Pettrey



 Stranded
Alaskan Courage, Book #3
by Dani Pettrey
Bethany House



Description:
 When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn’t satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn’t lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn’t the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances. 
Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more Gage fears they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

My Review:
To say I was excited about receiving my copy of Stranded, Book #3 in the Alaskan Courage Series by Dani Pettrey would be putting it mildly. Once again Dani delivered a 10 star book in a 5 star rating system.  The adventure, suspense and romance of Darcy and Gage make this book a wonderful continuation in the lives of the McKenna siblings. I love how Dani weaves the characters in the previous books into the next book but also leaves us with a hint of who's love story might will be next. One mark of a good book is that it leaves you looking forward to the author's next work. Stranded does that. 

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  I was not paid in any way for this review.

Your can purchase Stranded at the below links:

My book review  book #2.
I also read book #1 and became a Dani Pettrey fan for life. :)













Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.







Review: The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Governess of Highland Hall
Edwardian Brides, Book #1
Carrie Turansky
Multnomah Books

About This Book

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226884#sthash.igdH4Hiz.dpuf

 About the book:
Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?
 
Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?

My review:
I spent a pleasant day reading The Governess of  Highland Hall,  book #1 in the Edwardian Brides Series by Carrie Turansky.  Julia Foster is a character that has a great faith in God and a very caring nature.  Having spent 12 years in India as a missionary with her parents has allowed God to mold Julia into a women who can be used by Him to minister to others. Upon her arrival at Highland Hall she soon has Sir William Ramsey's children, Andrew and Millie happy to have her as their governess. Sir Williams cousins who Julia is to also teach are not so quickly won over. Being a governess is a sometimes confusing roll, because Julia is not upstairs family nor downstairs help. Sir William is drawn to Julia and finds it hard to trust because of his deceased wife's behavior, but he finds Julia very easy to confide in. God is no respecter of persons or social class and when he puts love in a heart, it is a love worth fighting for.
Clark Dalton and Sarah, Sir Williams sister are two of my favorite characters in
this book. I would have loved for them to have their own book, but their romance was an added bonus to this book.
If you like Downton Abbey you are sure to love The Governess of Highland Hall.
I look forward to the next book in this series. I give this book a high 4.

I received my review copy from Multnomah Books and Blogging For Book for my honest review.
I was not paid in any way for this review.

You may purchase The Governess of Highland Hall at the links below.


You can find our more about 
Carrie on her Website.


About the author:
Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of ten novels and novellas, including Snowflake Sweethearts and Along Came Love. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award and the International Digital Award. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor and the author of several parenting books. They have five adult children and three grandchildren. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=174914#sthash.jOumQkaj.dpuf
Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of eleven inspirational romance novels and novellas. She has been a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Crystal Globe Award.
Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of ten novels and novellas, including Snowflake Sweethearts and Along Came Love. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award and the International Digital Award. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor and the author of several parenting books. They have five adult children and three grandchildren. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=174914#sthash.jOumQkaj.dpuf
She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, speaker and counselor. They have five young adult children. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys gardening, reading, flower arranging, and cooking healthy meals for friends and Family.

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of ten novels and novellas, including Snowflake Sweethearts and Along Came Love. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award and the International Digital Award. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor and the author of several parenting books. They have five adult children and three grandchildren. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=174914#sthash.jOumQkaj.dpuf

About This Book

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226884#sthash.igdH4Hiz.dpuf

About This Book

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226884#sthash.igdH4Hiz.dpuf

About This Book

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226884#sthash.igdH4Hiz.dpuf

About This Book

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226884#sthash.igdH4Hiz.dpuf

About This Book

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226884#sthash.igdH4Hiz.dpuf

About This Book

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226884#sthash.igdH4Hiz.dpuf

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Review: Sisters of Mercy Flats by Lori Copeland

Sisters of Mercy Flats
by
Lori  Copeland

Description:
From noted author Lori Copeland (more than 3 million books in print) comes a romantic new story of God’s faithfulness when hope seems lost.
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man. Unfortunately for Abigail, she’s grabbed by a twit of a shoe salesman, Mr. Hershall Digman. She steals his horse and rides off to the nearest town, not giving him another thought…until she discovers those secret papers in his saddlebags. Could Mr. Digman be a Confederate spy?
As if to prove it, the man who comes storming after her is no shoe salesman, but a handsome captain who wants his papers back…at any cost. And Abigail wants a ride back home. Together they embark on his mission, determined not to trust each other…or the God who won’t seem to let them go.

My review:
Wow!  Sisters of Mercy Flats is a must read for all Christian book fans who love lots of humor to go with a great romance. I loved every page of this book. The adventures starts on page one and just keep getting better. I dare you not to laugh out loud as the story progresses. Just wait until you meet Hershal E. Digman. Thank you Lori for all the smiles and laugh out loud moments I enjoyed. I am having a hard time waiting for the other McDougal sisters stories. I would give this book a 10, but the book sellers only go up to a 5, so...
I give this a 5+++++ out of 5 stars. lol

I received this book from Net Galley and Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I was not paid in any way for this review.



About the author:

Lori Copeland is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books’ Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, and their three children and seven grandchildren.

Lori's website


You can purchase this book at the below links.




Busy summer

I have had a very fun filled summer, but also a stressful one with much work to be done around the farm. We had a much better blueberry crop this year and it was great to see my previous pruning has help this improve. Much more pruning to do on the back 2 rows. DH still has to cut the trees down that are stealing the sunshine from them. Tough job and certainly one I can not do. The trees are
on an incline and getting them to fall the right way will be a challenge. 

I finally got our network and internet issues fixed today.  I installed the new Airport and it seems to be working out well so far.  I have been trying unsuccessfully for most of the spring and summer to get us up to speed. Having to unplug the router and dsl every hour does not leave much time to get my reviews posted and other thing taken care of on the computer.  I have read many of my review books though, so playing catch up with my reviews, which have been written in my old paper notebook. Technology is great when it works, but paper and pencil work when all else fails. lol

I was thrilled to see my Davis and Farmer families, but three back to back trips were not much fun. Visiting John's family(Davis') is always emotional for me and the girls. Santana and Sara were able to go with us this year. Hope to have Savannah with us on our 2014 trip to the reunion. I cried when I saw my brother at the Farmer reunion. I miss him so much. We have not been able to see each other for 3 years. Time sure flies when you get my age.  Hope to spend some quality time with my brother this fall. Which mean I better get my reviews all posted. I have learned that I can use my wireless keyboard with my iPod, so hopefully will be able to type them easier if I am away from home. Hard to tote a big desktop on a plane. ( I knew there was a reason I should have gotten a laptop.) 

Enough chatting and on to posting reviews. See ya. 8-o



Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Review: The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson

The Icecutter's Daughter
(Land of Shining Water, Book #1)
by 
Tracie Peterson
 Bethany House Publishers
Pub Date   Mar 1 2013
Description:
As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father’s horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she’s been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.
When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.
Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?


My Review:
The Icecutter's Daughter is the first book in Tracie Peterson's new series Land of the Shining Water. I found it to be a wonderful mix of adventure and romance.  I was quickly drawn into the story on the first page, as Merrill is helping one of their Belgian mares through a difficult birth.  Merrill was described as a "handsome women" and not the typical heroine but Rurik was still drawn to her and soon sees her inner beauty.  I also enjoyed learning about the process of ice cutting in 1885 Minnesota, which was something I had never heard of. 
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to reading the other books in this series.

I received this book from Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing for my honest review.

You may purchase this book at these sites.

About Tracie:
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over ninety novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana