Review: Talon by Ronie Kendig

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Talon

by Ronie Kendig

A Breed Apart, Book #2

Description:
Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland wants her brother back—dead or alive. Instead she adopts his combat tracking team dog, Talon. But after the attack that separated dog and handler, Talon is afraid of his own shadow. Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has spent his life running from the truth. Now it’s the only thing that can save him—and rescue Austin Courtland—if he dares to face the past. Dane and Aspen need each other to untangle the web of lies. . .and they both need Talon. But can Talon overcome his fear—or will he put everyone in danger?

My Review:

Talon by Ronie Kendig is packed full of adventure. This is a new genre and author for me, but I will be reading more by this author.  First up will be Trinity, book #1 in the A Breed Apart Series, which introduces the reader to the world of military war dogs. 

The suspense, romance and danger kept me reading long after I should have been asleep.  With the unforgettable characters of Cardinal, Aspen and the "star" of the book Talon, this is a book and series for men as well as women and sure the please both.  I give Talon a 5++ rating.

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

Author Website

 You can purchase Talon at the below links:

B/N

Amazon

Christianbook

Review: A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano

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A Most Peculiar Circumstance 

by Jen Turano

The Ladies of Distinction Series, Book #2 

Description:
Private Investigator Theodore Wilder is on a mission to find Arabella Beckett. But this feisty suffragette may be more trouble than he bargained for! 

Miss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women’s suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.
Private investigator extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. He is already in a less than pleasant mood, and when Hamilton’s sister turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he’s at his wit’s end.
Much to their chagrin, Theodore and Arabella’s paths continue to cross when they return home to New York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly can’t be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.

My Review:

I was ready and waiting for book #2 in The Ladies of Distinction Series, A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano. I have read and reviewed A Change of Fortune, the previous book in series and could not put it down. Yep it was that good.  As expected Jen did not disappoint and I found myself being totally amused by all the delightful characters once again, especially Miss Arabella Beckett and Mr. Theodore Wilder. If you like to smile, laugh and be happy when you read a book then A Most Peculiar Circumstance and the rest of the series are sure to please.

I really hope to be able to review book #3. Thank you, Jen. You are on my favorite author list. I give this book a 5+. (I wish the rating when higher)

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing In exchange for my honest review.

You can purchase this book at the locations:

B/N

Amazon

Christianbook

About the author:
Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She pursued a career in management for nine years before switching to full-time motherhood after the birth of her son. When she's not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.jenturano.com.

 
 

Coming soon~ 8 more book reviews.

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I have 8 more book reviews to post. I had lots of time to read while my back and "Marcelle" as I have dubbed my hemi-vertebrea has been giving me fit. If I did not have my spinal cord stimulator I would have made several trip to the ER already.  I have been swelling up also which I need to get checked out. Sitting at my computer seems to make it worse. I have been taking some Standard Process products the help, but lying down seems to be be the best cure. Melissa is worried and want me
to go to the real doctor.  I wish Dr. Boz could check it out as I can not find a GP who will take on a disabled back patient on Medicare. Well I have rambled enough. I am falling asleep sitting here.
Our out of town company wore me out, but we were so very happy to see them. Before I go here are the books I have read and have reviews for.

Good night,  sleep tight,
Jan

 

Here are the books I am now reading. Stealing the preacher is on my favs list. I love all Karen Witemeyer's books. It you like Mary Connealy you will also enjoy Karen's book.

Here are the books I have and will be reading this week.
 Another favorite author is Kathleen Y'Barbo and the others are all author's I have read before  and enjoyed.

 I am really saying good night now. lol
Good night. :O ( that is me yawning) rofl in my sleep

Review: Though My Heart Is Torn by JoAnne Bischof

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About the book:
Settling into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O’Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interrupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob—and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon’s rightful wife.

As Gideon wades into the depths of his past choices, Lonnie is stunned by the revelations. She has no choice but to navigate this new path, knowing that surviving the devastating blow will take every ounce of strength  she has.

While Gideon’s guilt  and his bitterness towards Cassie threatens to burn up his fledgling faith, Lonnie wrestles to find the courage to trust the God who brought them together in the first place. Will their hard-earned love be able to conquer all? 

Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan?

My Review

I loved Be Still My Soul,  book #1 in The Cadence of Grace Series. by Joanne Bischof and was excited to also review book #2, Though My Heart Is Torn.  Once again I was drawn quickly into the  story of Lonnie and Gideon.  I'll admit that at first I did not like the way the story continued but soon realized that God had a plan for this book and He used Joanne's talent as a writer to lead us "through the valley" He chose for the unforgettable  characters of Lonnie and Gideon.  It is always a joy to stand back and watch God work in the heart of a author to show us our way is not always His way.  I look forward to where God lead Joanne in the next book in this series.  This one is a keeper that I will read again. I give Though My Heart Is Torn 5 out of 5 stars. 

I received this book through Blogging For Book and Waterbrook/Multnomah for my honest review.

I was not paid for my review in any way. 

You can read the first chapter of Though My Heart Is Torn 

You can read my review of Be Still My Soul, book #1 in The Cadence of Grace Series here.

About the Author

Married to her first sweetheart, Joanne Bischof lives in the mountains of Southern California where she keeps busy making messes with their home-schooled children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, writing, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. Be Still My Soul is her first novel.
Joanne's website

You can purchase the book at the below links.
 B/N
Christianbook
Amazon

Waterbrook/Multnomah

Review: Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate

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Firefly Island 

by 

Lisa Wingate

 SOMETIMES LOVE TAKES YOU ON AN ADVENTURE COMPLETELY OFF THE MAP

Mallory Hale's life quickly veers off course when she falls hopelessly in love. After a whirlwind romance, Mallory finds herself leaving the bustle and action of Capitol Hill for the remote town of Moses Lake, Texas--with husband, stepson, and a U-Haul in tow.

A sweet, mishap-filled journey into marriage, motherhood, and ranch living ensues, and Mallory is filled with both the wonderment of love and the insecurities of change. But what she can't shake is the unease she feels around her husband's new boss, Jack West. Jack's presence--and his mysterious past--set her on edge, and when hints of a scandal emerge, Mallory finds herself seeking answers . . . and comes to realize that the middle-of-nowhere home she wasn't sure she wanted is the very place she'll risk everything to save.

My Review:

Firefly Island was the first Lisa Wingate book I have had the pleasure of reading and will not be the last.  I loved Mallory and Daniel's love story. What comes next?  Total culture shock. You will have to read this highly entertaining book yourself to find out why. I have been in situations similar to Mallory, so found myself laughing out loud many times. I especially loved the growing relationship between Mallory and Nick. God does not take long to soften Mallory's heart to Nick. You will find Firefly Island a highly entertaining romance with a few mysteries to keep you guessing. Firefly Island is book #3 in the Moses Lake Series.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

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

You can purchase Firefly Island at these below locations:
Lisa Wingate website
B/N
Amazon
Baker Publishing
Christianbook

Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker and national bestselling author of several books, including the ACFW Carol Award-winners Never Say Never and Dandelion Summer. Lisa and her family live in central Texas.

Review: A Cowboy at Heart by Lori Copeland

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A Cowboy at Heat 

by

Lori Copeland and Virgina Smith

The Amish of Apple Grove #3

Description:
A Cowboy at Heart, an engaging Amish-meets-Wild West adventure from bestselling authors Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith, weaves a clever and romantic tale of new starts and second chances.
1886--Jesse Montgomery is beginning to feel restless. Though he's grateful to his friends Colin and Emma for helping him get on his feet again after a few bad choices and some hard living, surely the Lord doesn't want him to stay in Apple Grove forever. Doesn't the Almighty have plans for this reformed rowdy cowboy to build a life of his own?
When an unscrupulous cattle baron tries to steal Amish land, Jesse intervenes and is wounded. Lovely Katie Miller, the young healer in the district, attends to him while trying to guard her heart. This sweet Amish widow cannot risk falling in love with an Englisch cowboy, charming though he may be. And yet--she believes God has a life for her too that is more than what she can presently see. Could there be a future with Jesse only He could bring about?

My Review:
 I highly recommend, A Cowboy at Heart, book #3  in the The Amish of Apple Grove series.
I loved the ending because it was unique and did not end like I thought is would.  No spoilers from
me you will have to read it.  Fans of Amish fiction will love this one. I look forward to reading the first two books in this series.
I give A Cowboy at  Heart 4 out of 5 stars. 

I recieved this book from Net Galley and Harvest House Publishers for my honest review.

 Lori Copeland

 

 Virginia Smith

You can read more about Lori and Virginia here.

You may purchase this book at the below links:

B/N

Christianbook

Amazon

Review: Jennifer by Dee Henderson

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Jennifer

(An O'Malley Love Story)

 by Dee Henderson

Pub Date   May 1 2013

Description:
After finding God and falling in love, life is good for Dr. Jennifer O'Malley. But can her faith--and her family--survive the challenges ahead?

My review:
Jennifer by Dee Henderson is love as it should be.  I have read all the other O'Malley family books more than once and will also read this again.  I was happy to finally read the beginning of Jennifer's love story.  I highly recommend this book and all the others in the O'Malley series. They are all filled with romance, suspense and so much more.  I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars  for being the start of an A+ series.

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

You can learn more about Dee and her books here:

You can find the book at the below links:

B/N

Christianbook

Baker Publishing

Amazon

Review: Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell

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Unrivaled

by 

Siri Mitchell

Description:

Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager--a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy’s skin. Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget.

My Review:
Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell wa a very enjoyable read. I enjoyed being taken into the world of candy making, which was a totally unique plot line. This is a book about love and forgiveness. I found myself not being very forgiving of Charlie's father, who left his family when Charlie was only seven, which left Charlie with old wounds to heal with his father.  Lucy was a very headstrong young women that I admired.  This was the first Siri Mitchell book I have read and it will not be the last. I give Unrivaled  a 4 out of 5 stars.

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


You can purchase Unrivaled at these links:
B/N
Amazon
Christianbook
Baker Publishing

 About the author:
 Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area.

Review: Swept Away by Mary Connealy

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Swept Away

Trouble In Texas ~ Book #1

by Mary Connealy

About

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.
Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she’s going to have to go with him.
But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

My Review:
I have never read a book I did not love by Mary Connealy and her new Trouble In Texas: Book #1,
Swept Away is no exception.  Ruthy and Luke are the perfect hero and heroine.  Mary takes us on a delightful adventure that is sure to continue throughout this series.  I love that we are "introduced" to the characters that will be in future books.  Ruthy was most certainly "Swept Away" in more ways that one.  I look forward to the other books in the series.  Thank you, Mary for the many smiles on my face as I was "swept away" by Swept Away.

I received this book from Net Galley(ebook) and Bethany House  (paperback) for my honest review.




Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated...

 

You can purchase Swept Away by Mary Connealy at these sites:

B/N

Amazon

Christianbook

Baker Publishing

Review: Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall

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Forsaken Dreams 

 Escape to Paradise Series #1

by 

MaryLu Tyndall

Description:
They left everything behind to build a new Southern utopia. . .
Colonel Blake Wallace has seen enough death to last a lifetime. Weary and disillusioned, he slumps beneath the weight of defeat and loss. With his entire family murdered by the North and his name appearing on a list of officers wanted for war crimes, Blake organizes a shipload of southerners who, like him, long to escape the horrors of war and start a new life in a verdant land called Brazil.
Eliza Crawford can barely remember the days of her youth spent in opulence and comfort at her Georgian home. She can’t help but wonder how different her life would be had she not met her late husband, Stanton Watts, a general in the Northern army. Now a war widow, Eliza is rejected by both North and South. Desperate to keep her marriage a secret and escape her past and pain, she hopes to start over again in Brazil.
But once the voyage begins, troubles abound. Dangers at sea and enemies from within threaten to keep Blake and Eliza from the new life—and love—they long for.

My Review:
Forsaken Dreams the first book in the Escape to Paradiese Series by MaryLu Tyndall is a book that has it all.  It gave me a look at the mindsets of the people from the north and south and how they related to one another after the war was over.  The families that were affected by the Civil War were not soon to forgive. Forsaken Dreams is a book that allows us to see God working in the characters lives as He causes them to be more forgiving of others. We plainly see that it is the internal character that matters and not the external. The book also gives us a look at the spiritual warfare that abounds on the ship and the strong faith of those who recognize it. I give Forsaken Dreams 5 out of 5 stars.

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


You may purchase Forsaken Dreams at the below links:
B/N
Amazon
Christianbook


About the author:
Many other miracles have happened in my family since I gave my life
to Jesus, and all I can say is I truly look forward to every day.
MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist, and best-selling author of the Legacy of the King's Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but open people's eyes to their God-given potential. MaryLu is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. For more information on MaryLu and her upcoming releases, please visit her website.