Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends One-Pan Wonders Cookbook

It's no secret that I'm a big Wanda Brunstetter fan. I love her Amish fiction books and I also enjoy the many cookbooks that she's published over the years. Mention a new Wanda cookbook and I'm eager to see what's in store! Her newest Amish Friends cookbook was released May 1st and it's dedicated to one-pan recipes! What could be better than preparing delicious food and not having a lot of dishes and pans to clean up?!?!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Keep It Simple. Put It All in One Pan.
 
New, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a new cookbook that feature ways to simplify meal prep and cleanup.
 
When you are busy and don’t want the hassle of a multi-step, multi-dish meal, keep it simple and put it all in one pan. A brand-new compilation of recipes from Amish cooks will help you manage mealtime with ease.

Over 200 recipes include:

Breakfasts

Soups

Casseroles

Sheet pan meals

Skillet meals

Salad as the main dish

and even some desserts.

Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks of all ages will find this cookbook to be a valuable addition to their collections.

Wanda generously shared some of these recipes with her Facebook friends so I'm allowed to share them with you on this blog.  I made the Shortbread Delight for Memorial Day, but I didn't have fresh strawberries to serve with it so I substituted peach slices instead. It was easy, low cleanup, and delicious. My family loved it! 

I loved that I had all of the ingredients on hand. I hate it when I'm longing for a certain dish and I don't have everything to fix it right then!

Shortbread Delight is the perfect name for this dessert! Not too sweet and there are so many possibilities in the way you choose to serve it!

Some of the other recipes that I'm hoping to try soon are Amish Beef Stroganoff, Speedy Brownies, and Special Request Breakfast Casserole.

This new cookbook is the answer for all of us who enjoy preparing homecooked meals for our families but don't love a sink full of dishes waiting for us when the meal is done!

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends One-Pan Wonders Cookbook is available from many vendors, including    Amazon     Barnes & Noble    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

His Most Tender Touch (The Tender Series, #1) by Tanya Stowe

ABOUT THE BOOK

Is his faith strong enough to save them both?

Lacy Butler is graced with the gift of healing yet fails to save her mother. Rejecting her gift, God, and society, she's content to live alone high above the mining town of Harperville. But her solitude is shattered when Royce Darnell builds a water flume through the middle of her mountain. With the livelihood of the miners and their families depending on his project, Royce refuses to stop building, no matter how good the reason. Besides, he's convinced God wants Lacy to use her gift for good and not be a recluse afraid of human contact. But first, she must learn to trust, and Lacy doesn't trust anyone, not Royce and especially not God. Soon Royce finds himself in a battle to save the two things he loves the most…Harperville and Lacy.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

Great characters, exciting adventure, and a special gift! Does Lacy Butler have a gift for physical healing or was this gift given only to Jesus? Author Tanya Stowe offers an intriguing story about a young girl who feels cursed by her special power and chooses to live away from the world. She knows that she can heal but she blames God for not allowing her to help her own mother. Enter Royce Darnall, a very special person in his own right. He wants to help the people of Harperville and he longs to help Lacy accept the gift that God's given her. Will his Christian witness convince Lacy to turn back to her Heavenly Father?

His Most Tender Touch is set in the High California Sierra in 1861. It's a well-written story filled with historical details, an inspiring faith message, and a tender romance. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction and I look forward to the next book in The Tender series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

Learn more by visiting Tanya's   Website     Facebook   Twitter     Pinterest   

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Loving the Rancher's Children (Hope Crossing, #3) by Mindy Obenhaus

ABOUT THE BOOK

A short-term solution could lead to long-term love

When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she’s surprised to find herself agreeing to become a nanny to Jake Walker’s children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli’s trust, and she’s avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli begins to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?

MY THOUGHTS.....

This book takes us back to the fictional Hope Crossing, Texas, a great place to visit and an 'idyllic place to grow up'. Alli and Jake were once neighbors and best friends but time and circumstances have a way of altering relationships, and Jake's actions certainly changed theirs. Seventeen years later, Jake is in need and we glimpse just how special Alli is. Setting her hurts aside, she agrees to help care for his two young children. Alli may have doubts about Jake but there's no question how she feels about Maddy and Connor!

Loving the Rancher's Children is a heartwarming story of forgiveness, letting go, and second chances. I loved Alli's generous heart, Jake's efforts to repair the damage he inflicted on her giving heart, and the special bond that develops between Alli, Maddy, and Connor. Are these two young children the keys to closing the door to pain and opening a door to love and happiness?

Once again, author Mindy Obenhaus inspires us with a touching story of hope and renewal. Grab a copy of Loving the Rancher's Children today and be prepared to fall in love with Hope Crossing!

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer, and the occasional coyote, mountain lion, or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, and watching the Hallmark Channel.

Connect with Mindy

website | facebook | twitter | pinterest | goodreads | bookbub

HOPE CROSSING 

The Cowgirl's Redemption

A Christmas Bargain

Loving the Rancher's Children

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His Sweet Surprise by Angie Dicken

ABOUT THE BOOK

All he wants is a fresh start But the past has other ideas…

After leaving city life and heartbreak behind, Lance Hudson’s come home to his family’s apple orchard. And ex-girlfriend Piper Gray is there for the same reason. But the spirited single mom has her own secrets…including that Lance is the father of her sweet-faced little girl. But can Piper spill the truth without upsetting the applecart?

MY THOUGHTS.....

The beautiful little redheaded girl on the cover made me smile and the mention of a sweet surprise made this book even more inviting! Author Angie Dicken shares the touching history of a friendship that teenagers Piper, Sydney, and Lance enjoyed before they each went their ways as adults. Eight years later, Piper and Lance are back in Iowa, older, wiser, and a little battered! Will their special friendship be renewed? Can Hudson Orchard become their place of healing?

It's no secret that I love to read and sometimes I just want a feel-good contemporary story. This is what I found in this book! It's a lovely tale with imperfect characters, second chances, hope, and forgiveness, plus the best surprise ever! I recommend His Sweet Surprise to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England. Now living in the U.S., she's an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer's Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie. 

You can learn about her new releases by visiting her Website 

Facebook     Instagram

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The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

ABOUT THE BOOK

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away--in jail--Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye--and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers--especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

MY THOUGHTS.....

How would you feel, and how would you deal with learning that your father had recently died, instead of years ago? Could you adapt to a small backwoods town after being a city dweller all of your life? Lillian Doyle's life turns upside down after she learns that her entire existence has been filled with secrets and pretenses. Her "widowed mother" wasn't married to her father, her father recently died in jail, and she may just have become "a swindler's daughter and heiress"!

The Swindler's Daughter is listed as historical fiction but it's also a study of emotions. Lillian is shocked to learn the truth about her parents, and she's forever changed by the startling revelations. Is it any wonder that she thinks that "her entire life was a sham"? Stephenia H. McGee grabbed my attention from the beginning with this intriguing story that's set in Georgia in 1912, during the time when Prohibition was law, bootleggers thrived, and corruption existed. This is a captivating book and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian suspense.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR  

Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook.

Learn more by visiting her   Website     Facebook    Twitter     Instagram

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In This Moment (Timeless, #2) by Gabrielle Meyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until, that is, she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of an influential senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a Navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she's asked to join a hospital ship being sent to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon, yet unable to use her modern skills in her other paths.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era. The mysterious British gentleman. The prickly, demanding doctor. The charming young congressman. She's drawn to each man in different ways, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer.

With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Gabrielle Meyer introduced readers to time travel and time crossing in When the Day Comes, and I was awed by her ability to show Libby living two different lives, by going to sleep in one time period and waking up in another. Amazing, right? Now, Meyer has taken it a step further by having Libby's daughter Maggie living three, YES, three separate lives in three different times: 1861, 1941, and 2001. Can you imagine the research required to accurately portray events relating to the Civil War, WWII, and 9-11?

In This Moment is a stunning tale of history, romance, and the reminder that sacrifices are often necessary. Maggie may be blessed to have three different families and experience three different lives, but she also realizes that she will have to decide which one she will keep. What life will she choose on her 21st birthday? Which families will she say goodbye to? I admit that I was guessing until the very end!

This is a mesmerizing, intriguing, and unforgettable novel that you don't want to miss. I can't wait to read the third book of this Timeless series!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

You can also follow her Gabrielle on Facebook     Twitter    Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of In This Moment, the author is giving away a prize package from the Pearl Harbor Memorial! To enter, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and sign up at the link below.

https://bit.ly/43WhfaF

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Tracking the Tiny Target by Connie Queen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catching a kidnapper takes teamwork…and a K-9’s help.

When a three-year-old boy is kidnapped, deputy sheriff Chandler Murphy and his search-and-rescue K-9 partner are on the case. And when the child’s mother, Bristol Delaney, insists on helping, he can’t turn her away. But someone is dead set on stopping the investigation. Can Chandler guarantee Bristol’s safety and rescue the missing child before the trail goes cold?

MY THOUGHTS.....

Bristol Delaney realizes a parent's worst nightmare when she hears that her little boy is missing. She believes that she knows the identity of the kidnapper and she's determined to get her three-year-old son back, but it certainly isn't going to be easy. Tracking the Tiny Target has all of the elements that mystery lovers love: intriguing characters, both good and bad; puzzling clues to keep us guessing; and an ending that I didn't see coming. Author Connie Queen knows how to keep readers turning the pages!

But wait, there's an unexpected bonus in the help and support that Bristol gets from a deputy sheriff and his K-9 bloodhound. Chandler Murphy is one special guy and who wouldn't love a dog named Tucker? (My daddy's nickname was Tucker!). Watching these two work so hard to unite a little boy with his Mommy is especially heartwarming, and this partnership may be life-changing for all of them!

Tracking the Tiny Target is the perfect choice for anyone wanting thrills, chills, and clean romance! I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connie Queen spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn't until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Nebraska with her husband, and Nash, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.

Visit her Website or follow her on   Facebook     Twitter     Instagram

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Clarissa: A Clean & Wholesome American Historical Romance by Jean Jacobsen: Review & Author Interview with iRead Tours

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Clarissa: A Clean & Wholesome American Historical Romance by Jean Jacobsen
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+) ,  324 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Jean Jacobsen
Release date:   Feb 2020
Content Rating: G: Wholesome

Book Description:

Tragedy brings them together. Will love tear them apart?

New York City, 1832. Clarissa Tanner is carefree and lighthearted until the sudden death of her parents. Forced to pay off family debts or lose her horse farm, she's given one choice: auction off her beloved horses or reluctantly enter 1830s New York Society social season to face the dreaded marriage market.

Nicholas is a man on a mission, searching for his missing brother. Fearing Liam may be the victim of foul play, Nicholas needs to keep a low-profile while conducting his search. He takes a position as a dance instructor, providing refresher lessons to the beautiful but distracted Clarissa.

​Clarissa and Nicholas find a connection through grief and movement as they fight their attraction to one another. Will they give in to their desires and find true love or will family obligations keep them apart?

Buy the Book: Amazon      Bookbub

MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Jean Jacobsen gives readers mystery, history, and sweet romance in this enjoyable tale that's set in 1832 New York. Clarissa is a young woman who's dealt two unexpected blows: the sudden tragic loss of her parents and the shocking discovery that her once comfortable lifestyle may be in jeopardy. What follows is an enlightening peek into high society, when young women attempted to find suitable husbands. Would Clarissa succeed in finding a wealthy husband, or would her heart be captured by the man who'd been hired to be her dance instructor?

The dance sessions between Nicholas and Clarissa, their undeniable attraction, and the peek into 19th-century courtship are perfect for readers wanting romance but Jacobsen creates added interest with twists. turns, and unanswered questions. Clarissa is the beginning of the Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley series so there should be much more reading enjoyment ahead!

I received a complimentary copy from the author via iRead Book Tours. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Meet the Author:

Jean Jacobsen is an award-winning storyteller of Sweet, Historical Romance. Featuring strong female characters, roguish heroes, and 19th Century adventure tales. She pens stories that transcend the heart and always have a happy ending. Because of Jean’s deep passion for history, she includes real events from the time period, making her stories come to life as they transport you to a by-gone era. Join her on the next adventure.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ bookbub ~ goodreads 

Author Interview:

Jean Jacobsen is an exciting new voice in the clean and wholesome historical romance genre. Her debut novel, Clarissa, has captured the hearts of readers with its strong heroine, roguish hero, and captivating storytelling set in 19th-century America. In this interview, Jean shares insights into her writing process, inspiration, and upcoming projects.

Q- What inspired you to write your debut novel, "Clarissa”?

I was inspired to write my debut novel, "Clarissa," when she popped into my head and wouldn't leave me alone until I wrote her story. 

Q- Can you describe how you balance romance with adventure in your novels?

Just like in real life, my characters have situations they must navigate which make the story come alive.

Q- How do you approach writing strong and independent female characters in a historical setting?

The characters must be believable, not subservient. They each have their own personality.

Q- What do you hope readers take away from your books?

My books reflect real life with love, loss, and a sense of hope. Always with a happy ending.

Q- Can you share a sneak peek or hint about any future projects you are working on?

“Liam”, a story about a missing brother in the Hudson River Valley is straight out of the first book, “Clarissa”. He called to me to tell his story which is quite an adventure of a treasure hunt and so much more!

Enter the Giveaway:

Clarissa by Jean Jacobsen Book Tour Giveaway

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Breaking McKinley’s Curse (The Mountain Protectors, Book 2) by Mindy Steele

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Woman Cursed
Plagued by a century-long family curse, Mammoth Cave Wildlife Conservationist, Josie McKinley has a reason to distrust strangers. But when a charming Warden arrives with a hundred-year-old photo and a dog, Josie must face the past chasing her to make room for the future she's been waiting for.

A Man Searching
On leave from Virginia Fish and Wildlife, Reed Montgomery agrees to help his older brother with his biggest flip ever, converting an early eighteenth-century Baltimore church into apartments. Finding a mysterious secret room, an heirloom desk, and a hundred-year-old photo, compels Reed to travel deep into Kentucky cave country to seek out the family to which it belongs.

Uncovering the secrets surrounding Josie’s great-grandfather’s disappearance will prove impossible as a stranger from the north decides the past is better off hidden in this page-turning romantic suspense novel

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

Is it possible to fall in love with a photograph? Do you think that people can be cursed in love? These questions and so many more are a part of this new suspense novel by author Mindy Steele. Breaking McKinley's Curse has a dual timeline, incredible characters, and a fantastic setting. What better place for a Kentucky conservationist and a Virginia game warden to find friendship than a National Park that is also one of the seven wonders of the new world? Yes, Mammoth Cave, in my home state of Kentucky, has star billing and Steele's vivid descriptions made me want to visit there again!

But wait!  Another reason to keep turning the pages was to see if the disappearance of Eliza McKinley's husband in 1923 was truly the start of a curse that would continue to plague the future generations of McKinley women. As the plotline alternates between 1923 and 2018, we find Eliza's great-granddaughter Josie McKinley refusing to think of ever trusting, or loving, a man! Famous last words after Reed Montgomery enters her life. Talk about a dream walking! Throw in an adorable canine named Janie, a century-old photograph with a mystery behind it, twists and turns you didn't see coming,  and you have a thrilling story that will leave you wanting more. More of the Mountain Protectors series and more of Steele's books. She's known for her Amish fiction books but this story proves that she's mastering the genre of romantic suspense!

I received a complimentary advanced reader copy. There was no obligation or a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best-selling author and the winner of the 2022 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy-ever-after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within her pages.

Learn more about Mindy by visiting her Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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Counter Attack (Pearl River #1) by Patricia Bradley

ABOUT THE BOOK

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

AMAZON     BAKER BOOK HOUSE     B&N     CHRISTIANBOOK.COM

MY THOUGHTS.....

She's been working as an undercover cop in Chattanooga, but Alexis Stone has her heart set on becoming its first female chief of police. Hopefully, a short stint as the interim chief deputy in her hometown will add to her resume and increase her chances. Easy peasy...right? What she doesn't count on is becoming bait for a serial killer and needing the protection of the Pearl Springs police chief, a man that she once loved.

Counter Attack is the first book of a new series by veteran suspense author Patricia Bradley and it doesn't disappoint! It has well-developed characters, twists and turns, a peek into the dark web, and a serial murderer obsessed with the game of chess. I'm not a chess player so I was very intrigued with the Queen's Gambit Killer's calling card: a white pawn and a chess move for the police to ponder! I was also eager to see if the embers of a past relationship were strong enough to be ignited once again. Alexis and Nathan Landry definitely shared a powerful connection but is it enough? Will they turn to God for guidance in planning their future?

This book is a must-read for anyone wanting a thrilling adventure, a Southern setting, and inspiring romantic suspense. Counter Attack will keep you turning the pages to see if the Queen's Gambit Killer can be outwitted, and it will leave you anxious for more Pearl River novels!

I received a copy from the author and a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. There were no obligations for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff, Obsession, Crosshairs, and Deception, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist, and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. 

Learn more at her      Website.     Facebook     Twitter    BookBub  

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Murmur in the Mud Caves (Chaparral Hearts, #4) by Kathleen Denly

ABOUT THE BOOK

He came to cook for ranch hands, not three single women.

Gideon Swift, a visually impaired Civil War Veteran, responds to an ad for a ranch cook in the Southern California desert mountains. He wants nothing more than to forget his past and stay in the kitchen where he can do no harm. But when he arrives to find his employer murdered, the ranch turned to ashes, and three young women struggling to survive in the unforgiving Borrego Desert, he must decide whether his presence protects them or places them in greater danger.

Bridget “Biddie” Davidson finally receives word from her older sister who disappeared with their brother and pa eighteen years prior, but the news is not good. Determined to help her family, Biddie sets out for a remote desert ranch with her adopted father and best friend. Nothing she finds there is as she expected, including the man who came to cook for the shambles of a ranch.

When tragedy strikes, the danger threatens not only her plans to help her sister, but her own dreams for the future—with the man who’s stolen her heart

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is the fourth book in the Chaparral Hearts series and it's another exciting adventure from author Kathleen Denly. She never fails to fully transport readers to the time and place that she's writing about so I was there, in 1873, as Bridget "Biddie" Davidson and her friend Lucy travel from San Francisco to a ranch in Southern California. I could feel the uncomfortable ride in a freight wagon, the dismay in finding that my new home was a dilapidated ranch, and the terror of being kidnapped by rustlers! Not to mention being taken to the mud canyons and mud caves, where "men were swallowed up by the land and never seen again." One reason that I love historical fiction is that I always learn something new, and these mud caves are definitely new!

Denly helped me experience all of this in Murmur in the Mud Caves but there's so much more than just action and danger. There's a budding romance between Biddie and Gideon Swift, a poignant look at adoption, and a touching reminder of how much we need family and friends. Grab a copy of this book if you're looking for well-defined characters, an unusual setting, and a clean romance with a strong faith message. You're in for a treat!

I received an advanced reader copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Denly writes historical romance to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews, and more at www.KathleenDenly.com.

Kathleen lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart, and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

Learn more by visiting Kathleen's Website Bookbub Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

Chaparral Hearts Series

Waltz in the Wilderness

Sing in the Sunlight

Harmony on the Horizon

Murmur in the Mud Caves

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