Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides: Christmas Hearts\Mistletoe Kiss in Dry Creek by Jillian Hart

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides by Jillian Hart& Janet Tronstad


Two young women Mercy and Maeve are on a train heading to men whom they have never met to marry. They have written a few letters and decided for better or worse this will be the best for their futures. They become friends on the train...

Mercy has a 7 yr old son who is interested in horses and life on a ranch, he also wants a father and this move will give him both of those things.
Cole Matheson has a daughter whom he wants a Mother to help her be a young lady, the children like one another right away and this helps the adults draw closer too. you will enjoy reading this story and seeing how they mesh as a family and each is more fulfilled. I know I did. thanks Jillian for a great story once again....


Maeve meets her young man Noah Miller in Dry Creek where everyone knows everyone and no one stays a stranger for long. Noah doesn't want a wife only a good cook for his ranch hands. truth be known the men wrote the advertisment to get a wife who was a cook for him. Maeve has a 4 yr old daughter and she wants a family. Noah cannot be deceitful so he tells her about the men and how they want a cook. they both decide to wait a bit before getting married to get to know one another. Noah even has thoughts of maybe just letting her be a cook and not marry till he sees many of the men want a wife and would gladly take her. You must read this story and see how the two get along and Noah gets a daughter and a wife.
Thanks Janet for a great story , I love your stories set in Dry Creek with all the wonderful folks there.



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Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series Timber Ridge Reflections written by Tamera Alexander, book #3 "Within My Heart"

Rachel Boyd is one determined woman and that is probably why she is able to do the work of a man on her ranch after her husband dies.  She misses him terribly and wants to keep the ranch going for their sons.  This woman has a problem asking for help especially from one young doctor that moves her heart in a way that confuses her...

Dr Rand Brookston is a talanted man who chose to work as a country doctor though he had been asked to work in a large city hospital making lots of money.  He chose to come to this beautiful country and fell in love with the people here.  He yearns to help Rachel and feels the boys need the guidance of a man in their lives.
Rachel's father was a doctor and she always felt left out of his life because of his busyness,that she doesn't want to care for this doctor and when she finally lets him into her life a little she realizes that he is NOT her father or anything like him..He takes time for his patients and his friends.  Rachel knows something about doctoring herself having been around her father and is happy when she is helping in that field.  Can she let go of her husband's dream and look to her own in life...Rand is sure hoping one day that will happen.

Ben and Lydia run a general store in town and are loved by all that know them, they lost a boy and girl one wintry night and their lives had never been the same.  Losing a child has to be the hardest jolt in life for a young couple.  I was so touched when Ben had heart problems and the doctor helped him by doing a procedure to pull liquid from the lungs, almost unheard of in that time.  His courage at deaths door will warm your heart.

Mainly this story is about Rachel and Rand and her young boys, you will love reading about them --I know I did.

No one tells a story as well as this author has done and I am thankful I picked up this book to read even though it is book #3 and I had not read ones before.  It is a story in itself worthy of reading.


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Trouble in Store by Carol Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trouble in Store a novel by Carol Cox

Melanie Ross is a governess because she likes small children and it is a good way to support herself.  In earlier days there were not too many ways for a young woman to do that.  Being a governess was short-lived when she was fired abruptly and told to leave...NOW

Melanie sifted through the few items she had from her family as she packed with tears rolling down her cheeks..."Where will I go"?  Her hands picked up a forgotten letter and as she reread the old words she remembered a cousin who had always said if she needed help come to him, then another letter from his partner told her of his death but that he had his things and would keep all for her if she should ever be able to come to Arizona.  smiling through the tears she thought " I have somewhere to go", with her last pay she travels to the man who just might give her a job in his store...

unbeknownst to her the partner had died also and his nephew had inherited the store, Caleb had a small son and had settled in running the store when all of a sudden Melanie arrives saying her cousin owned part of the store and she had inherited his share.

Life soon becames all topsy-turvy for Caleb and he wants things to stay the same.  The customers come to like this spirited young woman and as she settles in she finds she likes Arizona just fine.

The town becomes unsettled when there is a death on the back step of the store and soon they have put two and two together and decided there have been too many deaths in a short period of time and the sheriff has hard time keeping them from forming a group that will take the law into their hands before they know all the facts.

Reading this book gives us so much to think on, a young woman needing help..so helpless.  a young man raising his son needing help but not wanting to accept it...  can these two see through all there troubles and find a way to help one another.

Are the deaths murder?  accidental?  what is happening in this little peaceful town, come read and enjoy the story of Caleb and Melanie as it all gets straightened out...


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Amanda Weds a Good Man by Naomi King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series One Big Happy Family by Naomi King, book #1 "Amanda Weds a Good Man"

Amanda is a young widow with three daughters to raise, after her husband was killed in accident with farming equipment so suddenly.  One day they were one big happy family and the next he was gone and she was struggling.

Amanda was allowed to work with pottery which she had a talant for making pretty pieces from.  With the monies from this and help from a nephew that she had raised from a child when his parents were killed, they were able to keep the place going though it was run-down and needed work it was livable and they were happy.

Wyman lived in Cedar creek and he was a widower with 5 children and he decided to court Amanda if she would have him as he thought her a strong honest good woman.  He just knew they could help one another raise these kids.  Wyman had lost his wife and his youngest daughter had been mute ever since seeing the accident that took her life.

The children all seemed to get along together but you never know what will happen when you put them together under one roof.  come along and read with me how this good man and woman pull together to raise their families.

Changes had to be made for all concerned in this move and they did well until a hard strict bishop came in wanting changes that seemed unusual to both Amanda and Wyman, read how Mother nature intervenes and life changes drasticly for this couple.

I received this book from another blog and was happy to be able to read this author that is new to me, I am ready to read more about this "Big Happy Family"...


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The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden


I loved getting to know Claire and Daniel when they were just kids but the story really rocks when they meet again after twelve long years and much living in between for both of them.

Claire is the daughter of a preacher and lives the good life as she grows up while Daniel comes from a family that is of a lower class, his dad works at the steam mill, Daniel likes to tinker with things and has been known to work on the machinery at the mills to help it keep running at times.  When an accident at the mill happens and his father dies, he is devastated and blames the owner of the mill.  He lets the hate and anger consume him as he goes into adulthood and becomes a wealthy man from patents. I think of the verse in the Bible about "having the whole world but losing your soul," Is appropiate here...

Claire worries for Daniel when they reunite and she sees how vengeful a person he has become, when she tries to steer him towards the church, he will have nothing to do with it.  Their love of music is a bond that enriches their lives and they strive to build on it.

Unions cause much conflict in the city where they live and when Claire goes missing He blames his old boss first and formost and spends lot of time looking to find the love of his life.

We are introduced to "Bane" in his younger days here and his work in the opium business, his cruelty learned from a man that had abducted him and held him captive so many years.  I was amazed at how Claire finally touched his soul.

Thank you Elizabeth for another wonderful rich story filled with Love along with the darker side of life.   I love to read this author and once you find her stories you will too.


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Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Into the Whirlwind written by Elizabeth Camden


Some of the scenes in this story had me wondering how Elizabeth would save her characters...your emotions will definately be engaged as you read about the great Chicago fire and of the folks that survived it.

Mollie was just a young woman when her father died and she had to take charge of his business that had grown with his fellow survivors of war, they named the business 57th Watch company in honor of that group.  His employees were a small group that had disabilities and she felt like a "Mother Hen" many times as she looked out over the guys...  They not only made watches but they made fancy beautiful ones..

There were many hardships after the fire destroyed so much of Chicago and many were displaced living in tents and shelters, anyplace they could find to lay their heads.  Mollie and her group found a burned out church they stayed in that had no roof.  Sophie was a young rich spoiled girl they found along the way that they took under their wing to help, she was often disruptive and not a happy child to be around yet Mollie wanted to help and care for her, knowing she was probably scared to death in the horrific fires.  Sophie has a story within this story and watching her change is a sight to behold.

Zack had fallen in love with Mollie from afar, he loved her courage and the way she lives her life.  He helps her along the way as the fire rages and she is in awe of his strength and his courage to help when he could have went home and been safe.  but...He helped her through the streets to the lake through the inferno and danger.

Zack came from a questionable background and felt he owed his boss who helped him become an attorney and pulled him up by the bootstraps -so to speak-into a better life.  This sometimes gets in the way of doing what he wants to do with his life.  Many times he helps without being rewarded or even had it known that he was the one helping when Mollie needs a helping hand.

You will be in awe as you read the story of Mollie and Zack and then wonder how it all will change when another man steps in to help Mollie rebuild her business.  two men have hopes of winning the lovely Mollie,who will be honored to stand beside her...who will let her be herself and love her despite her strong character.

Thank you Elizabeth for such strong characters that I grew to love before finishing reading this book.  I am so glad that I found this author and you will be glad too if you have not read her and pick up this one to read.


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The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

This is an American Tapestry story telling of a time in history,of wars,spies and the men and women that had their lives changed forever.

A story of war and conflict in the days of the war between the states -sometimes brother against brother as the south and north clashed...
Then the british with their shiny red uniforms got in the mix and there was much confusion.  tariffs-fees-taxes all thought to be wrong by the southern elite as many plantations were burned to the ground and slaves either killed,ran away or joined the British armies.

Lydia.s father was uncertain how he would get his large estate harvested with the few that were left to work it, even his girls had to help or they would not have enough to live on for another year.

Lydia Caswell lived in a plantation (Caswell Hall) near the James river and  at the beginning our our story ,one night as she looksout her window she sees british ships going by on the river. "Father said they had left Virginia,what is happening-why are they here",  she went outside to get a closer look and while walking heard noises that led her to a man half frozen to death on the bank- in her heart she knew she must save him and this she did with the help of Elisha (slave).  They hid him away on the grounds and feared he would be found when a group from the british army came to their home and stayed making it their headquarters.  Lydia's parents were believers of the King and felt their property would be saved if they helped.

Lydia never knew she was harboring a spy and had put them into much danger by helping, this was only the beginning of changes that would be made in her life and the lives of friends and family.

Melanie takes us back to a time in history that some may have forgot and shows the bravery of the men and women in that period.
Thank you Guidepost-Goodreads.com and Melanie that I was able to read this book and remember....


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The Guardian by Beverly  Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A new series Home to Hickory Hollow with book #3"The Guardian" by Beverly Lewis

I was honored to see this author when she came to Statesboro Ga on book tour for this book, she is such a quiet genteel woman just as I assumed she would be.  I have read many of her books and this one was just as good as the others, she tells the amish stories well.

A little different this time we see an english person coming into the amish area to house-sit for friends and she spies a very young girl all dirty and without her dress all curled up under a tree when she goes running one morning...this will drastically change her life.

Jodi Winfield has lost her sister recently and now feels she cannot pray or feel close to God as she did before. she and her sister were so close and the memories invade her thoughts daily.  Jodi is a school teacher without a job and she looks for schools while being in Lancaster Pa by computer.  She has a betrothed that has chosen a year apart to work in another country as a school teacher, they are at odds because Jodi feels she does NOT want to be a mother and he must accept this revelation before they marry..it puts a damper on their relationship.  Jodi after theloss of her sister feels to love a child that she might lose is more then she can bear...

The little girl lost Sarah comes from an amish family and speaks only Pa dutch so is unable to communicate with Jodi when found but they seem to bond when she takes her home with her and cleans her up and feeds her.  Jodi has strong feelings towards the child and her heart strings are tugged as she helps find the family and reunite them again.

Sarah tells everyone that her angel has found her and all the family seem to concur.  They are so thankful she was found and returned unharmed.  Sarah is the last of the children of MaryAnna as she lost her husband in a farm accident.
I think Jodi was meant to find this family and they helped her find God again in her life.  Her caring of Sarah and their bonding helped her to see that a life without children would be empty indeed.
I have not read all the books in this series but the story was a great one as stand alone.  I am sure I will read the others though as I so enjoyed this glimpse into Hickory Hollow again.



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Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series Road to Kingdom, book #3"Unforseeable" by Nancy Mehl

Romance and mystery the ending is Unforseeable, you will be quite surprised...I know I was.

This book begins with a body being found and an investigation soon follows leaving the folks in Kingdom feeling a little unsecure.  A feeling that this little community was not used to.  They were a close knit group of folks and most spent time at the resturant where Lizzie says "Murder and Meatloaf just don't go together".
Callie Hoffman grew up in Kingdom Kansas with a very strict father after her Mother left them years ago.  She was just beginning to see life a little differently after her father dies and Levi ask her to marry him..Callie has loved Levi since she as just a little girl and never thought he would ever take a second look at her.
Life has its ups and downs even in Kingdom and you will enjoy reading this story that Nancy writes so well.


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Return to Me by Lynn Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Return to Me", book #1 in series The Restoration Chronicles by Lynn Austin

Lynn brings the old Testament to vibrant life as she tells the story of the exile to Babylon for the jews of Jerusalem and their return to build God's temple..

Iddo has had nighmares of the exile and what he saw as a child when his family was lost to him.  In exile he married his beautiful Dinah and they had sons that grew up away from the temple and their beloved lands, many though taught of the God of their father had grown distant in a distant land, one grandson Zechariah whom all called Zaki showed much promise in his love of the Lord and was put to studying the Torah at a young age.  He loved his grandfather, there seem to be a special bond between the two throughout this story.
Iddo was a strict man leaning on the rules of God more then his Love and it worried Dinah, I felt she helped him see God is Love and though laws need to be kept -compassion and love must be there too.
Zaki was fond of a young girl named Yael who was fearless it seemed, she lost her Mother at a young age and as her mother was dying even a seer was used to help her, Yael became enamored by the woman and was taught some of her ways to read the stars.  Yael grew up growing away from God and leaning towards the way of the world.  Zaki cared for her always and tried to show her how she was dabbling in something that could get her stoned were the jews to know she was doing it.
Will God remain true to Zaki as he befriends this girl who is not a true believer?
After an exile of almost 70 yrs the jews were told they could go back to Jerusalem and would be given the treasures of Gold that has been taken from them so they could build God's temple.  Many had become conplacent living in Babylon and didn't want to go, even Iddo's sons. Zaki was given the choice to make if he wanted to go with his grandfather or stay. He had a vision on the day of his bar mitzmah and chose to go knowing in his heart that God wanted this.
Zaki spent much of his youth studying the Torah and he and Yael grew apart.
When they returned to the lands of Jerusalem they had many problems with the samaritans and were unable to build the temple for many years.  Their hearts remained true to God though and they knew one day it would be built.
Dinah worked as a midwife and saved life of a young samaritan girls baby when they would have let it die,the child had a crippled foot and girls were not that important to the samaritans. Dinah took it home with her and adopted the baby loving her and helping her grow into a beautiful young lady.

I felt like I was walking the streets of old through this book and the ways of our past generations became close for me.  I am thankful that Lynn has done so much research and made this story come to life.

I received this book from the Bookclub network and Bethany Publishing to read and review, thank you.


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Fired Up by Mary Connealy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mary Connealy series Trouble in Texas book #2"Fired Up"

Mary has a way with western stories, living on a ranch in Nebraska probably helps some too.  I know I am going to scratch my head and wonder, now why did she put that in there but she always manages to pull her characters out of danger and make them move lovable to her readers.
This series is about Regulators grp that teamed up together while they were in Andersonville Prison camp that came about in Ga at the time of War between the states, Dare-Luke-Vince&Jonas tried to keep law and order among the prisoners there.
Dare had doctoring experience-Luke some of lawyering and Jonas was the clergy of the group.  Somehow they all ended up in Broken Wheel and you are in for an adventure in this book.  Glynna has two children and wants to run a diner to support them- yet she cannot cook...The town didn't care because she sure was "Purty" to look at.
We will read about an avalanche and a fire that almost kills Dare and then he gets shot, who is trying to kill him?  Big question of the day and many are trying to find the answer.
 Everyone knows when a doctor who attracts danger and falls for a cook who is determined she will not come under the spell of a man again, there is going to be "Trouble in Texas".

I received this book from the Bookclub network and BethanyHouse publishing to read and review...Thank you


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An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling


This book was a prequel to the Red River of the North series that I had read before and knew I wanted to learn more about the character of Ingeborg Strand....Lauraine took me back with ease and I loved getting to know the young girl before she came to America.
If you love reading about strong families you are going to love this story.  I loved the way the whole family loved and helped one another esp when they went to the high mountains in the summers and worked there.  Most were just young kids but they had awesome responsiblilities and they did not shirk their chores, each knew what they were to do and if they didn't, they learned from older ones.

Ingeborg loved the mountains and the outdoors more then anything and when she came up to the mountains she excelled.  It was here that she met Nils, a young man that had been trapped after a bad fall and she and her family rescued him and nursed him back to health.  He had been a little spoiled by his family when he had came to the area but grew up a lot after seeing all that the family did.  He fell in Love with Ingeborg and they were to see one another again when he returned home to his family.

I won't tell you all there is between Nils and Ingeborg you will see for yourself as you read this story and if you are like me you will cry before the story is finished.
I am sure I will go back one day and re-read some of the early books of when Ingeborg came to America.

I was given this book by Bethany Publishing to read and review and thank you so much for the opportunity to do so.


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The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander


My first read by this author and really loved the story, it will make you want to keep reading even when you get to end of chapter...

This was a marriage of convenience wasn't it???? What a kiss after being proclaimed husband and wife, Keara looked at Elam thinking oh my what have I got myself into...

They were friends so when she found out her home farm had been gambled away and she would have no where to go she turned to her friend first.  Marry me Elam because you need the help with your children and home and I need a home...This was supposed to be a marriage of convenience to both.

You will enjoy reading this wonderful story that has adventure along with the romance and keeps you on your toes to see what will happen next.  I look forward to another book from this author.


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White Christmas in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

White Christmas in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad


A trip back to Dry Creek is always fun catching up with the small town folks.  This book is loaded with dragons-prince's and princess's along with the holidays-snow and a Christmas play at the local church with a mean old King.
Renee had recently came back to this community with her little girl to heal some old hurts and start anew...she doesn't want any handsome prince to disrupt her life but here he is on her front porch and needing help..
Can she help and not get involved?  But..Tessie one little girl that does want a prince in her life is determined they will help.
Rusty Calhoun has come back to town after many years and knows the prayers of mrs Hargrove's put him on this path.  When he opened his eyes and saw angel wings he was sure he was in the right place.  If only others in the town will agree.
You will enjoy reading another wonderful story by Janet about small town folks that open their hearts, I know I did.


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The Doctor's Christmas Quilt by Kathi Macias
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Doctors's Christmas Quilt written by Kathi Macias



Author Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.

This book combines a Mothers Love with pro-life issues, adding historical issue told story form of the first American Dr who was a woman and of her struggles to become one....

A surprise weekend Megan comes home from med school to talk to her Mom earlier then she had planned as Thanksgiving was soon and she could have just waited til then. Megan faces many changes after learning she is pregnant after she breaks up with boyfriend,Alex.  She wants and needs to talk about how she will handle the changes.

Mother and daughter are very close after they lost two of their family, Husband-Father,Son-brother.

Dr Laura Branson is a workaholic and works in a clinic for the poor, sometimes so busy she forgets to eat.
When Dr Laura finally takes some time and stops at a friends gift shop for lunch she hears the story told by the owner,Jenny of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman American Doctor, she weaves her story while working on a Quilt with bits and pieces of her life.  When finished it will go to one who should have it, not known till it is finished.

I think this story will make you think of many things as you read the pages but mainly Forgivness and Faith are at the forefront.

I received this book from New Hope Publishers and the Bookclub Network to read and review, Thank you


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Love Stays True by Martha   Rogers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series The Homeward Journey-book #1 "Love Stays True" by Martha Rogers

Can Sallie and Manfred overcome the distance that the war has put between them and find Love?

This question looms as we read the story...Sallie waiting day after day not knowing if Manfred is alive or dead.
Manfred along with his brother Edwin are in a prisoner of war camp being treated worse then animals, the only good spot in their dismal days with meager food is one soldier has a moment of kindness and returns their Bibles to those that had them.  I believe that the faith of these men helped them to get through unspeakable conditions in war times.
The war finally ends after many long years and many lives gone, many disabled.
Manfred and Edwin start their long journey home by foot and it is amazing to read of the many kind and helpful folks they find along the way.  It had been a trying time for all yet they would offer food and lodging thus restoring the mens faith in their fellow men.  Both young men wanted to repay kindness and helped along the way.  Hearts that could have been bitter filled with love....
On the homefront families had been torn apart, homes lost, fear at every corner as folks tried to live their lives and rebuild what once they had.  Sallie stays true to her feelings for Manfred and though she hears little from him, believes he will return and she will wait for that day.
Martha told a wonderful story about life after the Civil war of folks waiting at home and of the soldiers returning.
I was given this book by The Booketeria to read and review...I have enjoyed reading it.


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Katie's Forever Promise by Jerry S. Eicher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series of Emma Raber's Daughter- book #3 "Katie's Forever Promise" by Jerry Eicher


~I think Jerry is quitely racking up quite a number of well written books that the public is finding delightfully "Good reads".  His childhood of growing up amish and teaching in amish and mennonite schools has made a solid background for this man ~

I have enjoyed reading the stories of Emma and her daughter in this series. Katie now has a job as a teacher and is settled into life more securely since the time when she lost contact with Ben Stoll, a young man whom she felt very intense feelings for and just knew they would be together one day.  Ben got mixed up with some "Friends" who were going to help him have fun and make money...he soon found out that their ways were evil and he wanted out, esp after meeting Katie.  Ben could tell that Katie was a strong Believer and being around her helped him to become a better person.
While Katie was on a trip out of the country with mennonite friends she got news that Ben was in jail and this devastated her.

Book #3 tells of Ben coming home and trying to make up for all his past mistakes...some don't want to let him do that and he is in danger.  The family calls Katie to be a friend to Ben after he is shot and they are very concerned, though she has put Ben into her past.
Katie Raber is a young woman facing decisions that may change her life forever no matter what she decides...what would you do in a situation like this...come read the conclusion and see if Ben and Katie have a future...


I received this book to read and review from Harvest House Publishers,thank you so much for the opportunity to get to know this author a little better.


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Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series The Blue Willow Brides book #3 "Perfectly Matched" by Maggie Brendan

I have not read the other books in this series but each book is about a mail-order Bride so they can be read stand alone..

#3 is about Anna Olsen who had been living with a sister till she was eighteen and then decided she needed a home of her own, choosing the path that her sisters had taken ...she chose to be a mail-order Bride.

Anna and Edward wrote letters back and forth getting to know one another that way and she just knew he had a wonderful heart and they would get along..

Anna is a feisty young woman that would rather be outdoors having an adventure then homemaking chores like cooking and cleaning.  This will take a lot of getting used to when she meets Edward in person and finds out he is very particular and soon after becoming a Bride she was given a list of chores that she would need to attend to.
Now these two seemed like a mismatched pair of socks one blue and one green but as we all know when you put the two together they give a nice shade of purple so Anna and Edward learned to compromise as the months went by...becoming Perfectly Matched.
The book touches on the society began long ago to help abused animals called ASPCA, Anna had a heart to help creatures that couldn't help themselves so began a chapter to help in their community.  She had much help from the community and even Edward's heart began to soften.
This is a wonderful story showing us how we don't always have to be so strict but with a willing heart can compromise and get done what is needed along with what we choose to add to our lives..
I loved reading the story of Anna's experience and know you will too.
I am sure I will go back and read the other sister's stories sometime as I like reading about Mail-Order Brides....


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Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ann Gabhart outdid herself on this novel, "Words Spoken True"


I loved the story of Adriane Darcy as she grew up in her fathers shadow around the pressroom, you see he was a newspaper man, they say that this little girl could set type at a young age.
This woman stands ready to defend her daddy's newspaper no matter what, even if it means losing out on Love.
Yes, romance comes into the picture with Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial style of reporting, he works at a competing newspaper and he and she seem to be always at odds with one another...sparks fly.
Neither one is ready to admit there could be a relationship somewhere in the middle of those sparks.
There are stories of a serial killer in their midst, and a ruthless man has political aspirations and doesn't care who he steps on or over to get there.  Civil unrest everywhere as a secret group band together to challange beliefs of the common man.
you will want to read this amazing story with all the emotional paragraphs and words spoken true, I hope we will hear more about Blake Garrett and Adriane in Ann Gabhart's words.


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Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Rebellious Heart" by Jody Hedlund

I love to read this author, she weaves historical facts into a fictional story that we can enjoy and makes us think back to history.  this story is written with the courtship of John and Abigail Adams.  They wrote many letters to one another throughout their courtship and their marriage, they truly were friends.

Susanna Smith like Abigail had a spirit of adventure and loved to read and learn more each day...she would stand outside room where her brother was being tutored and listen- hoping to learn some too....girls were told to master the skills of a home and didn't need lot of education.
Susanna and her mother did try to help the poor in the community and had caring hearts, this probably helped in her decision to help a young woman she met in the orchards near her home-shoeless and looking like a homeless waif.  She later learned she was an indentured servant running from a cruel master but this did not stop her from helping, she cared too much to just turn her away and put herself in danger to help.

Benjamin Ross came from a proud but poor family and has tried to better himself by becoming a lawyer, at the beginning of the story he is helping a hermit who has been accused of murder when several young girls in the area become assaulted and murdered viciously.  He believes The man not guilty of this crime and goes out of his way to help him.  Ben and Susanna had known each other as children and she likes his character but knows in her heart that she must marry someone who has a background and monies to give her family stability for the future, so when the two have feelings toward one another they try to put them behind them and just be friends.  Can a man and woman be "Just friends"?

Taverns and dark streets, British soldiers riding their horses along these streets spying on everyone.  Are their goods being brought into the harbor and secreted away so as to not pay taxes and fees that have risen so highly?  Ben finds himself trying to help a group secretly and there are many clandestine visits, He must not be found out or his life will be changed forever..

Two such strong caring people make this book a joy to read, thanks Jody for all your wonderful research and giving us both enjoyment and a history lesson.  It made me take a second look at the lives of John&Abigail Adams as I am sure it will others too..


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Threads of Love by Andrea Boeshaar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series Fabric of Time, book #3 "Threads of Love" by Andrea Boeshaar

Whenever I find a book by this author, I smile thinking of how much I am going to enjoy reading...though this is #3 and I had not read the other two-I was still anxious to read.
Emily Sundberg has her life all planned out, wanting to be a teacher,choosing whom she will marry and settling in to have a nice quite life until one US Deputy Marshal comes back into town, John Alexander Kirk Edgerton.
Their first meeting is quite traumatic as he runs her over literally knocking her to the ground.  When she is able to breathe again and stand up she realizes she knows this man.  He had been 13 when he visited his grandpa years ago and they became friends.
When he left town he took a piece of her heart with him and she always wondered what had happened to him..now here he was, larger then life and twice as handsome.
Threads once started become stronger when interwined and they had began when this couple were young, can they get back the closeness they once had?  This story lets us know we can go back and life can be richer the second time when time unfolds misunderstandings and brings them to light.
You wont want to miss this book by Andrea, you don't have to pass a story up just because you have not read others in the series -this one is great stand alone.


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FALL INTO LOVE ULTIMATE GIVEAWAY

26 AUG 2013 ON MARKETING, NEWS, WEBSITES AND MARKETING TAGS: BETHANY HOUSE, CONTEST, FALL INTO LOVE, GIVEAWAY, JEN TURANO, JODY HEDLUND, MELISSA TAGG, NANCY MEHL, NOVELS, TRAICE PETERSONCOMMENTS: 8 COMMENTS

Announcing the FALL INTO LOVEultimate giveaway!

Join us as award-winning authors Tracie Peterson, Jody Hedlund, Nancy Mehl, Melissa Tagg, and Jen Turano take us on a journey for love in their upcoming novels. To celebrate the September/October book releases, we’re hosting FIVE incredible giveaways with ONE fantastic grand prize drawing.  Enter all five contests and receive FIVE entries into the grand prize drawing with additional chances to enter the FALL INTO LOVE ultimate giveaway throughout the month of September!

The Prizes:

ONE GRAND PRIZE winner will receive the FALL INTO LOVE prize package – a $500 value! – containing everything you need to snuggle up with a great book…

• A 16GB Kindle Fire HD for all the books you want, right at your fingertips
• Fall into love as you fall into this beautiful free-standing wooden hammock
• A Sherpa & Micromink cream throw to keep you warm as the weather turns chilly
• A selection of gourmet caramel apples
• A copy of each novel represented (Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl,Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund, A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano, The Miner’s Lady by Tracie Peterson, and Made to Last by Melissa Tagg).

FIVE INDIVIDUAL PRIZE PACKAGES!   Fall into love with these beautiful stories from 5 amazing authors, and enter each contest for your chance to take home a meaningful part of their story.  To learn more about each novel and to enter visit www.FallIntoLoveContest.com.

1) The Miner’s Lady:   From award winning author Tracie Peterson, comes a beautiful story rich with the comfort of good food, the love of family, and the struggle for faith and forgiveness. Have a seat in Nonni’s Italian kitchen with a basket of cultural delicacies and experience both the flavor and heart of Italian America with The Miner’s LadyGiveaway!   ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1st!

2) Unforeseeable:   Settle into your favorite reading chair with author Nancy Mehl’s delicious story of intrigue, danger, and suspense, all set against the serene setting of the small Mennonite town of Kingdom. Enter theUnforeseeable Giveaway to bring the delicious tastes of Mennonite life right into your home…    ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1st!

3) Made to Last:   From author Melissa Tag comes the story of Miranda Woodruff, star of a home-building television show who apparently has it all, until it all threatens to fall apart. Read, laugh, and enjoy the hilarious misadventures of a heroine with a tremendous amount of skill, a lot to lose, and even more to discover about her own heart. As part of the Made to Last Giveaway, experience the joy of having the right tools, the right guides, and something beautiful to reward yourself with on a job well done.   ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 15th!

4) Rebellious Heart:   From Best selling author Jody Hedlund,Rebellious Heart brings the history of 1763 Massachusetts to life with the story of socialite Susanna Smith and poor country lawyer Ben Ross. When Susanna’s decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben’s growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice. Bring the fight for justice and liberty to your home with this meaningful prize package.   ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 15th!

5) A Talent for TroubleGiveaway:  Set in the early 1900′s, Jen Turano’s spirited new book,  A Talent for Trouble, will leave you feeling like you have lived in the Victorian era of New York City, strolled through Central Park with your best hat on, and had a hilarious and unpredictable adventure with a new friend. With the prize package for A Talent for Trouble you can continue the adventure and bring some of Felicia’s journey home with you.  ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE OCTOBER 1st!

How to Enter:

Click on one of the banners or visit www.FallIntoLoveContest.com to submit your information. Each week during the five-week contest, we will reveal a new method of entering and increasing your chances for the grand prize.

Week 1: Enter one or all of the individual novel giveaways. For every individual giveaway you enter, you gain one entry into the grand prize drawing. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 2: Like one or all authors on Facebook. Every author liked gains you one entry into the grand prize. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 3: Refer a friend. One grand prize entry awarded per friend, per contest. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 4: Submit a review of any book by one (or all) of the five featured authors. 3 entries awarded per review per author (limit one per author). (Possible grand prize entries: 15) **

Week 5: Pin a picture of you with one of the 5 featured novels. One grand prize entry awarded per picture per novel. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

To enter via the methods available week 2-5, visit each individual giveaway and submit your information through the entry form. Follow the prompts for completing your bonus entries.

**Reviews can be submitted to Amazon, Goodreads, or your own blog. To enter the contest via this method, paste a URL to the review in the entry form where indicated. Entries will be verified before final grand prize drawing.

More Information:

For details about the contest, prize packages, entry methods, or contest rules, visitwww.FallIntoLoveContest.com.

Love Finds You in Daisy, Oklahoma by Janice Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love Finds YOU in Daisy Oklahoma by Janice Hanna

I must confess I love to read these LOVE books..do YOU?

There was an orphanage in Daisy with the most unruly children that I have ever heard of.  The Sheriff Gene Wyatt and his wife had taken two of the boys to raise and not long after he lost his wife and the boys became the worst of the lot of them.  The whole town was against having the orphanage there because the children were so mischevious, they thought sure they would take over the town, have you ever heard the likes of this?
It seems all that come to take care of the orphange soon leave, not being able to handle the children...until Rena came to town.
Rena had lived with her brother and felt God leading her to care for the children here in Oklahoma so she applied and got the job.  She felt sure LOVE would conquer all.
Come read this wonderful adventure of how she helps the children,the town and herself too as life unfolds in Daisy, Oklahoma..


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Coming September 2013!

Pre-Order Now!

In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she’s ever wanted, except one thing: an education.

Because she’s a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She’s determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Ben Ross grew up a farmer’s son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn’t see how he’ll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he’s drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna’s decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben’s growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.

  I have read many books by this author and am ready for this next one, she takes facts and turns them into a wonderful fiction book that we love to read and learn ...thank you Jody