Book Review: The End Run by Christy Hayes

About the Book:

Tutoring college athletes at Southeastern State University is more than a job for Jenna Peterson; it’s a way to pay it forward after long-ago tragedy struck too close to home.

Golden boy, Zach Chamberlain, isn’t the first jock Jenna Peterson’s tutored with cover-boy good looks, and he won’t be the last. When Zach’s storybook life begins to unravel, Jenna discovers he’s more than just a gifted athlete with a pretty face. A sprig of mistletoe and a searing kiss pits the playmaker against the rule maker. When secrets are revealed and the game is on the line, will they follow the game plan, improvise, or make an end run around their hearts?

Formerly published in 2014 under the title, “A Kiss by the Book,” this book has been extensively revised from the original.

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My Thoughts:

The End Run by Christy Hayes focuses on Zach and Jenna who first appear in Stalling for Time, book one of the Kiss & Tell series. While The End Run could stand alone because a lot of background information is given, I recommend reading the novels in order.

The End Run is a fun, flirty contemporary romance. Because I had read Stalling for Time, I expected college life realities, such as casual sex and drinking, as well as sexual content with details that push the boundaries of clean romance. I enjoyed the zap of attraction between Jenna and Zach, but I was put off by the edgy content right at the beginning. As the story progressed, I appreciated Jenna’s character, but found Zach immature. I did enjoy the teasing banter and swoony moments (ones that did not involve a play-by-play of Zach’s wandering hands or aroused mind and body).HavH While The End Run by Christy Hayes was too edgy for my taste, many readers will enjoy this novel filled with college life, football analogies, and flirty romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Stalling for Time by Christy Hayes

About the Book:

What’s a girl to do when her best friend is making a huge mistake?

College sophomore Emily Dilbert has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since the second grade. When she finds an engagement ring in Dylan’s backpack, she panics and vows to do whatever it takes to stop him from marrying a girl he barely knows.

Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother’s girlfriend, Emily, since they were kids. When his brother asks for help planning a surprise proposal, Dylan knows it’s time to bury his feelings and finally let Emily go. If only his heart would cooperate.

After her roommates fail to lure Dylan away from his girlfriend, Emily is forced to confront him directly. When she accidentally puts them in a compromising position, will Dylan reveal his long-buried feelings, or will Emily realize she’s dating the wrong brother?

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My Thoughts:

Stalling for Time by Christy Hayes brims with romantic tension. This novel held my attention from beginning to end, largely due to the romance. Emily and Dylan suit each other, but her long-term relationship with Zach, Dylan’s older brother, creates a sensitive love triangle. From the start, I wanted her to end up with Dylan and rooted for that throughout the novel.

The plot moves quickly as a response to all the romance. Between the attraction, secret feelings, and tension, I wanted to finish this book in one sitting. Limited character development occurs in the second half of the novel as the characters struggle with what they truly want, how to be honest, and who to commit to.

Overall, I enjoyed Stalling for Time, but I was surprised by some of the content. One make-out scene had excessive detail that pushed the boundaries of clean romance. The novel also depicts college life realities: casual sex, drinking, fake ids, etc. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review & Giveaway: The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall

About the Book

Book:  The Hesitant Heiress

Author: Dawn Crandall

Genre: Christian Historical  Romance

After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy in her hometown of Seattle, Washington, disappearing before her very eyes. Now, the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: Marry within the year to inherit the immense fortune of her estranged grandmother. 

Amaryllis reluctantly moves in to her aunt’s Boston home and rubs shoulders with fashionable society. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men–Nathan Everstone, the envy of every eligible female, whose father has haunted her dreams for the decade following her mother’s tragic death. 

However, Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems…and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been managing her life isn’t who she thought at all.

Click here to get your copy!

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My Thoughts

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall brims with interesting characters and swoony romance. Amaryllis captured my attention immediately as she contended with her expulsion and her inheritance stipulations. This interesting character developed through the novel, though I admit character development played second fiddle to the unfolding romance (for me).

The novel's amazing romance thread featured strong tension between Amaryllis and Nathan. I reveled in their attraction and rooted for them to get together. The romance made me reluctant to put the book down. Then came the steamy kissing and I stayed up too late reading this novel.

Reading The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall was pure enjoyment for me! It stands as the first novel in the Everstone Chronicles series. Shortly after finishing this book, I purchased physical copies of the rest of the series and cannot wait to read them! Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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About the Author

Dawn Crandall’s debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, The Hesitant Heiress, was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, The Bound Heart, received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.

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More from Dawn

Some things just float your boat, you know? What are some of yours? I’m thinking, for many of you, having piles of awesome newly released novels to read is one of those things. Do you remember what it was that you loved to do more than anything else… when you were a kid? Well, for me, at least, it hasn’t changed much. I remember being in third grade and KNOWING that I was meant to write books. But having ADD in the 80’s and feeling like I was a pretty lousy student through most of my school years sort of put my dreams of being a published author in the category of “pipe dream”. Then during my senior year of college, I had one glorious spring break week of creative thinking, and I came up with the name of the heroine I would (hopefully) write someday—Amaryllis Brigham. And I also came up with the last name of the hero, and the family I would write a series about—the Everstones.

Five years after I graduated from college, I got married. And because I had lots of extra time at that point, I decided to check out some books about character development from the library. Which was the first clue to my husband that I wanted to write a novel. Yes, I hadn’t even told him! Then another five years went by while I worked full time at a daycare. I had definitely thought more about writing it by then, but I didn’t really know how to start.

But then I did. At the age of 32, during January 2010, I finally started writing The Hesitant Heiress. I just dove in, half planned and half one-chapter-at-a-time. I love history so much, when I’m doing research the world as it was just comes to life in my imagination and the story possibilities are endless! And really, I wrote Nathan and Amaryllis’s story for myself—for the joy of writing! Creating story, I found, was my favorite hobby beyond reading them! I did have a dream once during the two year process of writing THH, and I very vaguely saw a cover face out on a shelf. But again, to me it seemed like an impossibility, and I just kept focused on the joy I attained from writing it. If you would have told me back then that that first novel I loved writing would be traditionally published and on the market two and a half years after I finished writing it, I would have laughed in your face! And then, when I first saw Amaryllis on the cover of that first book in my series of five… I thought back to the dream I had that one time, and she was it. The way Amaryllis Brigham is situated on the cover of my published novel was very similar to the vague book cover of my dream. God had done it; He had taken the biggest desire of my life, given me a dream even when I was too cautious to hope, and He had made it a possibility.

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Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 11

Worthy2Read, February 11

Inklings and notions, February 12

Mia Reads, February 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 13

Labor Not in Vain, February 13

A Baker’s Perspective, February 14

deb’s Book Review, February 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

Rachael’s Inkwell, February 15

Rebecca Tews, February 16

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Blogging With Carol, February 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 19

Bliss, Books and Jewels, February 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 20

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 20

For Him and My Family, February 21

Simple Harvest Reads, February 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Beauty in the Binding, February 23

Hallie Reads, February 24

Guild Master, February 24

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dawn is giving away the grand prize package of the complete Everstone Chronicles series in paperback and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10744/the-hesitant-heiress-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review: The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski

About the Book:

As the eldest daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has always played by the rules. Her little sister, Ellie, lives to break them. After running away to Paris, Ellie has disgraced the Whitfords by taking up with a Nazi officer and living in luxury as the world around her burns. Ellie has no intention of returning to a life dictated by the British upper class, but Kat is determined to change her reckless sister's mind -- and save her family's reputation -- even if it means stealing into Nazi-occupied France.

On her first night in Paris, Kat meets Scotsman Barrett Anderson -- the owner of a local bar and an undercover agent training Resistance fighters. In addition to his political identity, Barrett has a secret he's keeping from the two sisters: their father has hired him to return them safely to London. If Barrett proves successful, the payout will afford him a chance at a new life and an escape from his dark past -- an opportunity he cannot afford to lose.

When Barrett discovers that Kat's social wiles could be useful to the cause, they join forces to infiltrate the Nazis' inner circle. Neither Kat nor Barrett expects to fall for the other, but when Kat discovers Barrett's secret, she questions his motives and the wisdom of her feelings. Can she trust Barrett with her heart, or is he using her and her family's name to climb the very social ladder that has betrayed her?

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My Thoughts:

The Socialite, the first novel I’ve read by J’nell Ciesielski, captivated my attention immediately. Although the story takes place in Nazi-occupied France during WWII and the sad happenings of that time are depicted, I appreciated that the storyline isn’t overwhelmingly dark. The plot focuses not on the atrocities of that time, but on the characters and their relationships. I quickly found myself invested in the lives of Kat, Ellie, and Barrett. Kat and Ellie’s sisterly bond persisted even through times of disagreement and danger.  Kat and Barrett suited each other. I enjoyed their blossoming romance and how they prodded each other’s personal growth.

The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski is written for the general market as a clean historical fiction novel with underlying inspirational themes. This beautiful novel oozes historical research and earns a five-star rating from me. I had a hard time putting it down and would love to reread this novel in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Sweet on You by Becky Wade

About the Book:

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?


My Thoughts:

In Sweet on You, Becky Wade delivers a beautifully written friends-to-lovers novel filled with a unique mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, stirring character development, and sizzling romance!

The friends-to-lovers trope worked especially well in Sweet on You because Britt is such a well-developed character. Her personality is complex as are her reasons for avoiding romance with Zander. Beyond fear of ruining their friendship, much of Britt's reluctance to be more than friends derives from her life experiences and personality. She undergoes a character transformation as the novel progresses, but especially near the end of the book. It is only through these changes that the she finds faith to trust God and open her heart more fully to Zander.

Sweet on You caught my attention at the beginning and I read it in two nights. In some ways, it felt like an ode to chocolate and love. However, not everything was light and sweet. Embedded in the plot and character development are themes about trusting God, God's faithfulness, and letting go of one's pride and abilities. The novel also addresses the short-term and long-term effects of trauma. I loved the combination of sweet romance with deeper themes and issues.

Lastly, Sweet on You is the third and final novel in Becky Wade's Bradford Sisters Romance series. I enjoyed reading Britt's love story and the follow-up glimpses into Nora and Willow's lives. Though Sweet On You by Becky Wade could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order. They're all good and Falling For You is my personal favorite of the three.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

Ishma, a name meaning desolation, proves sadly appropriate for a five-year-old, traumatized orphan. With only herself and her friend, Yaira, Ishma arrives in the prophet Isaiah's home so deeply wounded that she has lost her words. It is there she meets the young prince Hezekiah, whose own wounds have paralyzed his mind and body. Almost immediately, Prince Hezekiah and Ishma bond on a deep level. In each other, they find restoration and confidence. As they grow older, they challenge each other, play together, and fall in love. However, Ishma's status as an orphan makes her an unsuitable match for Hezekiah until Isaiah adopts her and renames her Hephzibah, meaning delight of the Lord. But the friendship is only the beginning of a lifelong relationship that will be challenged by war, disease, and infertility. As Zibah's future unfolds, she struggles between the prophetic meanings of her names: desolate and delight of the Lord. Will she be able to trust in the One who holds life, death, kings, nations, and her own heart? Read more in Isaiah's Daughter: A Novel of Prophets and Kings by Mesu Andrews.

I started reading the Biblical book of Isaiah about the same time I started reading Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews. As far as I can tell, Isaiah's Daughter is well-researched and lines up with the Scripture. Both books contain times of great beauty and dark desolation. Throughout Isaiah's Daughter, the author addresses prophecy versus opinion. Characters grapple with discerning the line where prophetic truth ends and opinion begins. They struggled, they prayed, they questioned, even doubted. Just as we do in our lives today.

Likewise, I found a beautiful parallel for the lives we desire to live today in Hezekiah and Zibiah's relationship. The reader observes Hezekiah and Ishma/Zibah grow from wounded children into full-grown adults dealing with the issues of ruling a kingdom. Their relationship is based on solid friendship and respect. Therefore, when romantic love grows, it is infused with loyalty, devotion, and mutual admiration. Through the hard times they remain true to each other, and true to Yahweh.

Isaiah's Daughter is the fourth book I've read by Mesu Andrews and it is my favorite. I recommend this back to all fans Christian fiction. It is a beautiful, moving read that will not only entertain, but draw the reader closer to God.

Read an excerpt from Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund

John Newton is a youthful, adventurous sailor when he first encounters Polly Catlett. Her sweet voice and pretty face draw him, but it is her personality that captivates him. Devout and responsible, Polly is Newton's opposite in many ways. As they interact, attraction and passion begin to bind them together. But Polly's concerns regarding Newton are realized when his drunkenness gets him caught and impressed into the English Navy's service. As time passes, Newton's waywardness intensifies and Polly must choose to lay aside her hope of a joint future with Newton. Will Newton and Polly spend their lives pursuing desires that keep them apart from each other? Or will they embrace an amazing grace that can bring love and restoration into darkness and shame? Read more in Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund.

Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund snagged my attention at the beginning and carried it along a path to the depths of human depravity and the heights of miraculous, life-altering grace. The journey was unpleasant at times. Newton's irresponsibly was annoying and his later actions were disgusting. Even after his conversion, I found it difficult to really like him. That being said, I appreciate that Hedlund stuck reasonably close to the known historical facts and didn't gloss over Newton's behavior to make him more palatable. Some elements of the story that I enjoyed were: the humorous banter between Newton and Polly, Polly's character development, Newton's conversion, Mr. Catlett's stand for moral integrity, and the spiritual themes of grace triumphing over sin.

While Newton & Polly is not my favorite book by Hedlund, I do think it is well-written. I'm sure there are some readers who can can stomach Newton's descent into depravity better than I did and I don't seek to dissuade anyone who enjoys reading historical romances from reading Newton & Polly. My dislike of the story is based more on Newton's character than Hedlund's writing.

Read an excerpt from Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig

Danielle Roark served her country faithfully, experienced brutal torture, and escaped with vital information about the enemy. However, when she returns to the United States, she is accused of espionage and forced to return to Venezuela to gather evidence for her own defense. Former Green Beret medic Canyon Metcalfe is haunted by memories of the past. Drawn to Danielle, he pushes for Nightshade, his team, to accompany Danielle on the mission. Things go terribly wrong from the beginning of the mission and once he and Danielle are seperated from his team members, the chances of survival appear slim. Fighting mistakes of the past and present, Canyon must persevere without distraction to save Danielle's life. Will he be strong enough for both of them? Or is he condemned to fail because of all of his past mistakes?


I almost passed over the opportunity to review Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig, but I am so glad I didn't. I generally don't go for military/war type stories. However, this one was so good, I'll probably be borrowing the rest in the series from the local library very soon. The suspense of the plot is tantalizing while the vivid characters are extremely real. No idealized or superficial characters here. Danielle and Canyon both make mistakes, but ultimately, the story is about owning up to those mistakes and trusting God to take care of the rest. There were a few plot twists that I wasn't expecting and it elevated the seriousness of the story. Overall, a great read for fiction and romance lovers alike.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson

Kimberly Claybourne Tucker didn't want to be swept away by the magic of Cedar Key, Florida. A painful divorce and the responsibility of rearing two sons leaves Kimberly stressed and without the answers as to why things happen. When a judge orders her sons to spend five weeks with their father, Kimberly's father pushes her to visit Cedar Key, a place she has avoided for years because of the bittersweet memories. Her goal is to visit the area as quickly as possible and return. However, a chance meeting with Steven Granger, her first love, disrupts her plans. As she spends time in Cedar Key, she discovers the need for faith, the shadows of the past, and that sometimes there are second chances.

I thoroughly enjoyed Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson. I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida so I easily identified with the atmosphere and vivid imagery. The intricate stories of the characters drew me back to this book until I finished it. There's no doubt that Everson is a talented author, but I wish there was more closure to the plot. The book is well-over three hundred pages, yet the story is incomplete when the book ends. Thank goodness there is a sequel planned. The first chapter of it is in the back to the book.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fiction with a mixture of romance, sisterhood, and life issues.

Click here to read an excerpt from Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson.

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller, from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

Sarah Caldwell reluctantly agreed to her father’s plan for her to distract a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwrights. However, when she realizes that the ranch hand is Cord Wainwright, one of the heirs of the ranch, Sarah knows the stakes have escalated and barely manages to rationalize her family’s actions. Unfortunately, Cord isn’t feeling so rational. A quick trip into town finds Sarah under citizen’s arrest by Cord. Living as his prisoner is terrible, but as the days pass, she begins to see Cord as more than an angry rancher. Growing affection between the two complicates their lives. Having a relationship would mean betraying their families. Are they willing to give up their families in the name of love? As Cord comes to terms with his father and Sarah begins to realize how unhealthy her family is, there seems to be a hope for their future. However, when Cord’s cattle begin to disappear, they both struggle in the newfound relationship. Will their relationship survive? Or will they continue the patterns set by their families so many years ago?

When I read the back cover of A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan, I thought it was going to be a Christian version of Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. I am happy to say that it is far more than a simple story of two people from feuding families who fall in love. The plot included plenty of romance fused with character development and spiritual lessons. I appreciated the author’s realistic depiction of a dysfunctional family. I have personal experience with dysfunctional families and I can say the author was right on target with her depictions. To someone outside of a dysfunction family (i.e. Cord), Sarah’s love and actions may seem irrational. However, in a family like Sarah’s, her actions and emotions make complete sense. The way the author brought Sarah around to a healthy mindset was perfect. I really connected with Sarah’s character and in a way the book reaffirmed some personal decisions I have made. I will definitely be keeping this book and reading it again!

I can recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Christian romances.

Click here to read an excerpt from A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Expelled from her father's house, Mariah Aubrey has no place to live except an old, musty gatehouse on her aunt's estate. The separation from her family is difficult for Mariah and she escapes reality by writing novels. When Mariah's aunt passes away, her cousin inherits the estate and starts exacting a rental fee. Mariah's writing and small allowance from her father barely cover the rent. Then Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate with the intent of buying it. Draw together by their common ground, figuratively and literally, Mariah and Matthew develop a kinship that could lead to more than just friendship. However, rumors are rampant about Mariah. Will Matthew risk his reputation, his heart, and his dreams for the mysterious Mariah?

I loved The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen. I found the uniqueness of the individual scenes refreshing. One of my favorite scenes in the entire book was when Mariah and Matthew read a theatrical script by Simon Wells. So romantic and sweet. I also enjoyed that there was more to the plot than just the relationship with between Mariah and Matthew. The sub-plots about Captain Prince, Lizzy Barnes, and Mrs. Dixon enhanced the main plot and created a pleasurable reading experience. I would have liked to have seen more spiritual development. There were multiple mentions of the Mariah's and Matthew's spiritual issues that were never resolved later in the book. However, I immensely enjoyed The Girl in the Gatehouse and I heartily recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical romances.

Click here to read an excerpt from The Girl in the Gatehouse.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Kiss for Cade by Lori Copeland

Cade Kolby has spent years as a bounty hunter and plans to spend the rest of his life doing the same. Afterall, bounty hunters can't exactly retire - too many enemies looking for revenge. When his sister, Addy, dies and leaves behind four children, her last directive is that Cade should decide who will care for her children. Addy's best friend, Zoe, immediately takes custody of the children while they await Cade's return to Winterborn. Zoe loves the children as her own and intends to convince Cade that she should have custody. She's determined to be polite and professional despite her tumultuous past with Cade. Unfortunately for Zoe, sparks fly immediately upon Cade's arrival. Will Zoe and Cade be able to move beyond their past? And even if they could, would Cade ever be able to provide a safe and stable environment for her and the children?

A Kiss for Cade by Lori Wick was definitely an entertaining read. The chemistry between Cade and Zoe was excellent. My only complaint was that at one point, which I won't exactly specify because it would be a spoiler, there was plot twist that seemed cheesy. Had that part not seemed so cheesy, it might have been humorous. Overall, A Kiss for Cade is enjoyable and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances.

Click here to read an excerpt from A Kiss for Cade.

A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan

April McBride may be a spoiled rich girl with a life of ease, but she is passionate about horses. When she arrives in Lewistown, Montana, she finds Wes Owen training a horse and immediately objects to his method. Fortunately for Wes, April is nearly late for her brother's wedding and must save further objections for a later time. The ensuing encounters between April and Wes are no less dramatic and confrontational. Strangely enough, April's feelings toward Wes move from frustration to intrigue. Will April look past the obvious differences between Wes and herself to find a common ground?

Normally, I absolutely love a well-written historical romance. However, A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan is what I would call an “okay” book. It was diverting enough, but very predictable. I enjoyed the romantic moments of the book and April's transformation from spoiled child to kind young woman. However, I felt the story lacked authenticity. Some situations/things just seemed too convenient while others seemed downright strange. Unfortunately, I never really felt like the book grabbed me and drew me in. I recommend renting A Love of Her Own from the library before buying.

Click here to read an excerpt from A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan.

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

McKenna Ashford has spent most of her life trying to be a mother to her younger brother, Robert. After a series of disasters, McKenna and Robert journey to Copper Creek, Colorado to be near their cousin, Janie Talbot. McKenna's hopes for a bright future are suddenly crushed by the death of Janie and her husband. Per Janie's request, McKenna agrees to care for Emma, Janie's daughter, and inherits their homestead. As she begins life in Copper Creek, she encounters the intriguing and somewhat dangerous U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon. Trying to keep her distance from Marshal Caradon, moonlighting as an entrepreneur, parenting a rebellious brother, and keeping the farm together proves to be more than McKenna can handle. When it seems everything has fallen apart and McKenna is about to lose a precious treasure, will she have the strength and faith to do what is necessary?

The Inheritance carries on Tamera Alexander's tradition of integrating history, romance, and the personal issues of her characters. This is the second book I've read by Alexander and I find that in her stories, it seems the plot is coming to a close when she suddenly throws in an unexpected element or situation that tests the character's resolve and keeps the story moving. I thought the plot flowed well and the characters were authentic. It was interesting how Alexander incorporated the Chinese culture of the time and area with her story. I felt like Alexander used the book to advance awareness of the pain and maladies caused by the Chinese practice of binding young girls' feet. Overall, The Inheritance is an entertaining read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances.

Click here to read an excerpt from The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander.

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist

Anna Ivey strongly suspects Hoke will eventually attempt to rape her and she will kill in him. Opting to avoid that particular situation, she agrees to travel with Asa Mercer to Seattle, Washington, where she will work as a cook for Mr. Joe Denton and his lumberjack employees. When Anna arrives in Seattle and discovers that Joe is expecting a wife, she is less than agreeable. Her refusal to marry Joe not only inconveniences him, but also endangers 320 acres of his land. Can Joe overcome Anna's aversion to marriage? There's plenty of attraction between Anna and Joe, but will love enter the picture?

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist manages to be a classic, historical romance while avoiding many of the cliches that commonly accompany a storyline like this. Authentic characters, romantic tension, and just a tad of suspense make this novel difficult to put down. I can definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance.

 
To read an excerpt from A Bride in the Bargain, Click Here.

Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater

Emily Rose Denny grew up searching for her parents' approval. As a college graduate attempting to build her resume, she recognizes that she's still seeking to measure up to her parents' standards. Success, no matter the cost, is her goal. She's not ruthless, just very determined. She takes joy in her temporary job in Callahan Crossing as she works to set up the town's new museum. She also enjoys the people of the city, especially one handsome cowboy, Chance Callahan, maybe a little too much. Chance appreciates spending time with Emily too. In fact, within a few times of meeting her, he knows he's going to marry her. Unfortunately for him, Emily plans to leave for the big city in a few months and really isn't interested in having a pointless relationship. Will Chance be able to convince Emily to stay? Will Emily learn that true contentment is found in love rather than in a misplaced obsession with success?

Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater is a sweet love story. There are a lot of feel good moments in this book. However, the story didn't captivate me. I think it would have benefited the story if the main characters had not been quite so perfect and if there had been more tension. If you like romance novels with predictable and fairly perfect characters, you will probably like this book. However, I recommend renting it from the library before buying.

Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck

Joy Ballard didn't grow up dreaming of being on television or cooking for a living. To fulfill her father's dying wish, Joy took over his televised cooking show. The only problem is that she can't cook. Through careful editing and the help of co-workers, Joy has successfully hosted the popular cooking show for several years. However, her nemesis, Wenda Devine, knows Joy's secret and is determined to bring her down. When Luke Redmond enters the picture, Joy thinks she may have found her way out of the deception. Luke is her handsome, new co-host and best of all, he can cook! If he took over all the cooking, she could just do the hosting. Unfortunately, Joy's secret is outed on national television before she can put her plan into place. With her career in shambles and Luke gone, Joy slowly realizes that her tragedy has the potential to be a blessing.

I loved Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck. The book was filled with humor and romance, but also a spiritual lesson about trusting God and finding one's worth in Him. Joy's character was authentic, savvy, and well-written. She was a mixture of mischief, delight, and charm. The author's use of unique situations, various characters, and humor made the book irresistible. In fact, I read it in under three days. I really have nothing negative to say about this book and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an inspirational, romantic read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

 Christmas is a time for joy, giving gifts, celebrating Christ's birth, and spending time with family. Cora Crowder is all for celebrating Christ's birth, but her Christmas cheer is lacking. She considers the fact that her dysfunctional family lives states away to be a mixed blessing; yet, at times she would enjoy companionship. A last minute trip to the book store turns out to be an interesting interaction with her distant co-worker and a strange experience with the store's unique owner. When she discovers a ticket to the mysterious Wizard's Ball inside her purchase, she is intrigued, but not interested in attending. She happily gives her ticket to her co-worker, Simon Derrick, who plans to take his younger sister. Through a chain of events, Cora ends up spending time with Simon and his sister, Sandy. The more time they spend together, the more that Cora sees her misconception of Simon. Will Simon and Sandy bring the Cora the Christmas joy she's been looking for or will everything be ruined by the sudden appearance of Cora's sister?

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul mixes Christianity, magic, and a little bit of fairy tale story-telling. I'm not a big fan of the magic/fantasy genre, but this book had an interesting combination that worked well. While not believable, it was amusing. If I could change one thing about this novella, it would be the book mix-up. Somehow Cora's purchase gets magically mixed up with Simon's purchase. I really expected this to come up later in the story and be significant, but it never did.

Overall, the book is a cute little read for someone looking for a holiday romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

To read the first chapter of this book, Click Here!

Heart of the Lonely Exile by BJ Hoff

Evan Whittaker did not anticipate that one trip to Ireland would change his life forever. An unexpected immigration to America with Nora Kavanagh and her son certainly was not on his list of expectations. As he and Nora each struggle to find their places in this new land, Evan finds himself drawn to Nora. However, the handsome Irish policeman, Michael Burke, intends to keep his promise to Morgan Fitzgerald to marry Nora. Nora's childhood friendship with Michael is strong and her young love for Morgan Fitzgerald still abides deep in her heart. Meanwhile, the growing affection she feels for Evan is unexpected, but not unwelcome. The conflict in her heart escalates with the news of tragedy in Ireland. Nora must let go of the past to reach her future, but is she willing to?

I enjoyed reading Heart of the Lonely Exile. Many of the characters from the previous book returned and Annie Delaney was a delightful new addition to the cast of characters. I found the tone of this book to be lighter than the first even though it still deals with multiple tragedies. There is so much more to the plot of this book than I can cover here, but the the twists, turns, and characters create a poignant read. This book is a keeper that I will definitely read again!

Heart of the Lonely Exile is the second book in the Emerald Ballad Series by BJ Hoff. This book could certainly stand alone, but I recommend reading, Song of the Silent Harp, the first book in the series prior to reading this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans

Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans is a story of one man's unfailing love. Although Beth Cardall's world rapidly disintegrates, an unexpected visitor brings hope to the darkness surrounding her. Beth meets Matthew at a 7-11 in a chance encounter. She's sure she's never met him before, but he seems to know so much about her. He keeps showing up and insisting on spending time with her; yet, Beth is reluctant to open her heart to him. Her daughter is plagued by an unknown sickness, she's grieving her late husband and his infidelity, and her financial problems seem to be mounting. Does she really need any more complications in her life? What she finds is that she does need Matthew – more than she could have imagined.

From the beginning of Promise Me, there is a delightful suspense due to a few carefully placed tidbits of information. As the story continues, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit into place. However, until the final, powerful twist, the reader is kept guessing about what some of those opening statements mean. Personally, I found the suspense delightful. It cultivated interest in the story and kept me turning the pages. I also liked the character of Matthew. I wouldn't consider him a stereotype, but he definitely falls into the “ideal man” category – handsome, understanding, faithful, loving, etc. 
 
Another great read from Richard Paul Evans.