About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

The Ruby by(Sisters of the Porcelain Doll, 4) Cara Grandle

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Secrets threaten to destroy their future unless they trust each other.


Cora Mae Reynolds flees to Oregon Territory to escape an arranged marriage. She hopes to reunite with Rose, one of her Porcelain Doll Sisters, and create a safe, new life. Her plans are upended when she suffers a wagon accident. As Cora Mae recovers with no memory of her past, she wonders where she was headed, who placed the engagement ring on her finger, and who might be looking for her.


Reed McCormick struggles to save his ranch while caring for his sister and two nieces. He’s about to lose it all when a dark-haired beauty crashes into his life. His family takes her in, an arrangement that helps all involved. But he’s keeping a secret.

Working together to unravel her past and his family mystery, Cora Mae and Reed must find a way to discover and live the truth…before his loan is called due and her jilted fiancĂ© hunts her down.


Purchase Links

READ | Amazon | Barnes & Noble



MY THOUGHTS.....

Fleeing from an arranged marriage, escaping by a wagon train to the Oregon Trail, and a bout with amnesia.... how much more can a young woman endure? Apparently. much more if you are Cora Mae Reynolds! Author Cara Grandle shares Cora's, aka Sunny's, adventure in an exciting tale that's steeped in history, sweetened by romance, and flavored with a classic villain! Archie was determined to avenge his sister's death and marrying Cora was the way to accomplish it. I was repulsed by his actions but able to see why he yearned for revenge!

This is my first time reading a book by this author and I was impressed with her character development. Cora May felt betrayed by her father and longed to be reunited with "the only people in the world who cared about her fate: Rose, Heather, and Rebecca". There were so many obstacles and so much to overcome! Would she ever remember why she was running away? Could she survive the journey and find the peace that she longed for?

The Ruby
is the fourth book in the Sisters of the Porcelain Doll series, but it's written as a standalone. If you enjoy historical romance that keeps you turning the pages, grab a copy of this book!

I received a complimentary copy but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cara Grandle is an author of inspirational historical romance novels set in 1800s Oregon Territory. She loves to weave heartwarming tales where the underdog overcomes.



Author Links

Instagram | Facebook | Newsletter | Website


Extra

Spotify




View all my reviews


Monday, October 14, 2024

River of Peril (Spies of the Civil War, #5) by Sandra Merville Hart

River of Peril (Spies of the Civil War)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Amnesia stole his memory, and now he’s fighting for the wrong side.

Orphaned and alone at sixteen, Felicity has found solace in serving others as a volunteer nurse. When she discovers her Confederate soldier beau, Luke Shea, among the wounded in her ward, her worst nightmares come true. Luke's shrapnel wound has stolen his memory, leaving him with no recollection of their love or his past. As Felicity struggles with the loss of the man she once knew, she turns her attention to the service of her broken country. But the more she learns about the brutal war, the more she realizes she can no longer stay silent. She becomes a Union spy, plunging herself into danger.

When Luke Shea awakens in a hospital with no memory of the last five years, he’s shocked to hear he's been fighting against the Union he once so strongly supported. And when he learns of his past courtship with his nurse, Felicity, he struggles to understand the man he was, and what the amnesia seems to be hiding from him. Unable to pursue a relationship with Felicity until he uncovers his past, Luke throw himself back into the service of his country—this time as a Union Spy.

Will the danger lurking at every turn rob them of a second chance for love and the future they both crave?





MY THOUGHTS.....

This is the fifth book in the Spies of the Civil War series and author Sandra Merville Hart has never been better! River of Peril is loaded with drama, brimming with emotions, and charged with romance, but the historical accuracy is what I appreciated most! This book proves once again just how devastating the Civil War was. Hart's intensive research is evident in her vivid portrayal of the fear and misery that Vicksburg citizens experienced as the Union Army continued to invade Mississippi. The constant danger and extreme anxiety could have been crippling but Hart includes a message of faith, hope, love, and forgiveness!

If you enjoy history and suspense that's buffered with hope, faith, and inspiration, grab a copy of River of Peril. Hart makes history come alive in this captivating historical Christian romance!

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


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-Winning and Amazon Bestselling Author Sandra Merville Hart is thrilled that her next Civil War series “Spies of the Civil War” will release in 2022! Book 1 of the series, Avenue of Betrayal, is set in Washington DC in 1861. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger (Books 2 & 3) are set in Richmond, Virginia, in 1862. Actual historical spies will influence the lives of fictional characters in a series where everyone has secrets.

Sandra is on the Planning Committee for Faith & Fellowship Book Festival. She served in the past as Executive Editor for DevoKids.com where she also contributed many historical articles. She teaches writer workshops. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and other writer groups.

Sandra Merville Hart loves to uncover little-known yet fascinating facts about our American history to include in her stories and drags her husband along on her adventures. Thankfully, he also enjoys these fact-finding missions.

Connect with Sandra on her blog, Historical Nibbles, where readers find posts relating to historical food/recipes, book reviews, and American history.

Follow Sandra on    Facebook      Twitter     


Please check out my reviews of the other books in this series!

SPIES OF THE CIVIL WAR

River of Peril

Sunday, October 13, 2024

An Amish Christmas Table: Four Amish Christmas Sweet Romance Stories by Mindy Steele, Tracy Fredrychowski, Rachel J. Good , and Jennifer Beckstand

An Amish Christmas Table: Four Amish Christmas Sweet Romance Stories
ABOUT THE BOOK

Step into the cozy, snow-kissed world of Amish country with a collection of heartwarming Christmas stories by four of your favorite Amish storytellers. This holiday season, let the spirit of love, family, and faith fill your heart with these enchanting tales:

An Ideal Christmas by Mindy Steele

Ina Graber has decided on the perfect Christmas gift for her sister, Lavina, and she knows exactly who needs to build it. Now if she can only convince her childhood crush to help her when he doesn’t even know she exists.

Orders are piling up on local furniture maker and widower, Abner Fisher, but when a young woman from by a nearby community asks him to do the impossible, Abner discovers anything is possible this Christmas.

Gathered Around Love’s Table by Rachel J. Good

Miriam Lapp can’t bear to face a lonely Christmas table, which once held her large family, who’ve all gone to Pinecraft to care for her ill grandparents. Miriam has stayed behind to keep her rebellious seventeen-year-old brother, Abraham, out of trouble during Rumspringa. She decides to fill the seats at her holiday table with lonely and homeless people. Little does she know that this simple act of giving will lead her on a journey to warm her aching heart and provide healing for her brother.

One of her guests, Jerry Gingerich, has been struggling since he left the Amish. Reluctantly, he accepts her invitation, but the welcoming atmosphere and kindness he finds at the Lapp home begins to break through his walls. Miriam’s generosity becomes a beacon of hope to him as well as to the others she asks to share her table. But can Jerry open his heart completely, not just to the spirit of Christmas, but to the greatest gift of all – God’s love and forgiveness – so he can find healing, redemption, and love?

Trouble at the Christmas Table by Jennifer Beckstrand

Eleven-year-old twins Alfie and Benji Petersheim are in big trouble. They’re stuck in the cellar because intruder Zeke Hostetler is sleeping in their bedroom. Worse than that, Zeke is in love with their schoolteacher Sarah Zimmerman. But the worst part is Alfie and Benji accidentally put a long scratch in Mamm’s new kitchen table, and Mamm is going to be very angry when she sees it. Zeke Hostetler comes to the rescue and agrees to secretly fix the table if Alfie and Benji will help him woo Sarah Zimmerman. Unfortunately, if they help Zeke, they’ll lose their favoritest teacher in the world. But if Mamm sees that scratch, she’ll probably put them up for adoption or, worse, give them the spatula.

Alfie and Benji are going to need binoculars, walkie-talkies, three chickens, an unruly dog named Tintin, and a lot of luck to get themselves out of this mess.

Love Beneath the Pine by Tracy Fredrychowski

In the heart of Amish County, among the enchanting snow-covered landscape of Willow Springs, Hannah Schrock’s kitchen buzzes with activity and delightful aromas as Christmas approaches. Overwhelmed by her baking orders and devotion to her ailing grandmother, Hannah finds an unexpected ally in Isaac Kauffman, a gentle soul whose silent love for her has endured for years.

Isaac discovers an antique table in the barn. Even amidst Hannah’s refusal to help him, Isaac embarks on a journey to restore it, uncovering hidden secrets and heartwarming tales of its past owners along the way.


MY THOUGHTS.....

Just seeing this cover and the names of four respected authors made me want to read this book and I'm thrilled to have the chance! An Amish Christmas Table is a collection of four short stories but this review is for An Ideal Christmas, a novella by Mindy Steele. I loved this return to Miller's Creek, and a chance to catch up with one of my favorite characters, Hazel Miller! Who wouldn't love this Amish matchmaker, who admits to sometimes being an "Amish meddler"? I loved this reunion with Hazel and also meeting Abner Fisher and the young woman who's loved him since she was a girl. Ina Graber has little hope of catching Abner's eye but it won't hurt to try, will it?

Steele shares a heartwarming story with a perfect blend of romance, humor, and inspiring Christmas magic! An Ideal Christmas is a great holiday read and I look forward to reading the other novellas in An Amish Christmas Table!

I received a complimentary ARC but there was no obligation for a review. These are my honest thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Raised in Kentucky timber country, Mindy 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 the pages of her Amish fiction or romantic suspense novels.

Learn more by visiting Mindy's Website
You can also follow her on Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter




Tracy Fredrychowski
is a country girl, author, homesteader and everything simple living. She has a passion for writing about the simpler side of life, much like the life she lived growing up in rural Pennsylvania.
Her life has always been intertwined with the Amish, and it’s only fitting that she has a genuine passion for their simplicity, sense of community and God-centered lives.
Growing up in Northwest Pennsylvania she spent her childhood immersed deep in Amish Country.  The clip-clop of horse and buggy woke her each morning as Amish men drove past her childhood home on their way to work. As a young woman, she was traumatized by an Amish murder that involved a family member and changed her life forever.
Even though she currently lives in South Carolina her travels take her through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin’s Amish Country every year. During those stops, she researches the communities she visits and prides herself on writing Amish fiction that truly represents the Amish culture. She considers herself very fortunate to have made friends in those communities and values the information they share and wants nothing more than to represent their lifestyle as accurately as possible.

Follow her on Facebook     Twitter    Pinterest    Instagram or visit her Website

USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.
Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities. In searching for the best Amish soft pretzels, she’s visited many Amish markets, auctions, and mud sales. Because of her love of Amish food, she tries to include recipes in her books &/or newsletters as often as possible. When she’s not traveling, she spends time with family and writing.
Along with her Amish novels, she’s written more than 65+ books for both children and adults under several pen names. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter and connect with her on Facebook.
Rachel enjoys meeting readers and speaks regularly at book events, schools, libraries, churches, book clubs, and conferences across the country. She also loves talking 
Learn more at Rachel's Website     Facebook


Jennifer Beckstrand
is the USA Today Bestselling author of clean romantic comedies, sweet historical Westerns, and Amish romances. Her popular books include Dandelion Meadows, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, The Amish Quiltmaker series, and Cowboys of the Butterfly Ranch series. Jennifer is a two-time RWA RITA® Award finalist, a Carol Award® finalist, and a #1 Amazon bestselling Amish author.
Learn more at Jennifer's Website     Facebook


View all my reviews

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Indescribable Atlas Adventures: An Explorer's Guide to Geography, Animals, and Cultures Through God's Amazing World by Louie Giglio

ABOUT THE BOOK

With more than 50 infographic maps, this illustrated world atlas for kids from bestselling author Louie Giglio will stretch your children's understanding of the world as they discover more about God, science, and His amazing world!

Indescribable Atlas Adventures offers a self-guided tour for your favorite explorer throughout the seven continents and over 50 countries. Easy-to-read maps, more than 1,500 facts, and a world map that helps kids identify each continent and country will help your child to think globally and discover new insights into God's incredible creation.

Each map includes:

  • an overview of each country's population, languages, and prominent features;

  • key facts about the country's capital cities; neighboring countries; and the national bird, tree, and dish;

  • notable people and their amazing achievements;

  • the country's terrain, climate, wildlife, contributions to space exploration, cultural hallmarks, and Christian faith traditions; and

  • biblical and inspirational pieces, like devotional thoughts, prayers, and Bible verses that highlight how amazing God and His world are.



Indescribable Atlas Adventures is for ages 6 to 10 and spotlights several fascinating ecosystems, like the Sahara, Amazon, and Great Barrier Reef. This book has a large trim size to help kids explore fun details on each page and is a perfect "my first atlas of the world" gift for curious kids.

    Sound like something you'd like for your children or grandchildren? 


MY THOUGHTS.....

This book is oversized in not only appearance but also in content! Indescribable Atlas Adventures is a beautiful hardback book that's filled with colorful maps, fun illustrations, intriguing facts, and a wealth of trivia about the countries and cultures that make up our world. It is a wonderful introduction to geography, but author Lou Giglio doesn't stop there. He reminds all of us that faith and science should never be considered two separate things because each country or region in our world is "remarkable and one-of-a-kind" because of God's handiwork. Seven continents, the oceans surrounding them, and all of the inhabitants are unique through God's creation!


    Teaching children geography is certainly a goal but this atlas  is a great way to answer questions about current news events. They see where Ukraine is located and learn about the people who are still under attack. 

    Did you know that there is NO national bird for Ukraine but they view nightingales as the symbol of new beginnings!

    I learned that Vladimir the Great was the first Christian ruler in the region!





Fun facts about our country!
Did you know that you can't drive to Juneau, Alaska? Alaska's state capital is accessible only by plane or boat!

Inspiration 
Whenever you need to remember how wide, long, high, and deep God's love for you is, picture how great the Grand Canyon is!





This book targets children ages 5-10 but I was also intrigued with some of the facts and trivia that are shared. Indescribable Atlas Adventures is a wonderful addition to home libraries and a valuable resource for parents who are homeschooling their children. It is also perfect for gift-giving!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via FrontGate Media. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Louie Giglio is the pastor of Passion City Church and founder of the Passion movement, which inspires a generation to live for Jesus. Since 1997, Passion Conferences has gathered college students across the U.S. and globally, with over 50,000 attending in person and 1 million online in 2022. Louie has authored over a dozen bestselling books, including Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table and Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science. Known for impactful messages like "Indescribable" and "How Great Is Our God," Louie is an Atlanta native with degrees from Georgia State University, Baylor University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Shelley, live in Atlanta.

Learn more by visiting Lou's Website







View all my reviews





Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Brave: the Story of Ahinoam (King David's Brides,#1) by Mesu Andrews

Brave (King David's Brides, #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a fierce and unconventional Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her dagger-wielding father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab, only to encounter hardship and betrayal. 

Amid the unforgiving Judean wilderness, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister, Zeruiah. Through her Kenite metalworking heritage, Ahinoam gains respect among David's army, and the soldiers' wives offer friendship. However, scarred by painful past relationships, Ahinoam isolates to avoid new friendships and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to love Israel's next king? Bestselling author Mesu Andrews presents a gripping biblical-era series, weaving a narrative of resilience and the transformative power of faith.


MY THOUGHTS.....

I always appreciate an author who makes me eager to know more about the topic they're writing about, and I love it when it's based on a well-known story in the Holy Bible, but being introduced to a lesser-known story is especially rewarding. This is what Mesu Andrews does in "Brave: The Story of Ahinoam"! She uses two verses in 2 Samuel 3: 2-3 as the foundation for a captivating story about Ahinoam and Abigail, the first two wives of King David, but his first wife, Ahinoam, is the primary focus. From these few verses, she's created a story that kept me turning the pages, searching the scripture, and pondering "what-if?" I was captivated by this young woman who loved her husband wholeheartedly but realized that she would never be able to lay claim to all of his. She was dedicated, brave, and strong, and in most cases would have been enough for any man, but sadly, she would be the first of David's six wives. Appalling in today's society but acceptable because we know that it was all a part of God's Plan!

There are several authors that I trust and respect in the biblical fiction genre and Andrews is one of them! What did I especially enjoy about Ahinoam? Each chapter begins with Bible scripture, there's more scripture scattered throughout the book, and the story is told through both David's and Ahinoam's viewpoints. True historical and biblical facts are deftly woven with fiction, and I found myself checking my Bible often as I continued to read! Brave is a fascinating story that's made me want to learn more about King David's Brides. I just wonder if any of them will be as brave or appealing as Ahinoam?

If you enjoy fiction that's engaging, enlightening, and entertaining, grab a copy of Brave! I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy historical biblical fiction.

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mesu Andrews is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah's Daughter and her deep understanding of, and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy. She stays connected with readers through newsie emails, fun blog posts, and frequent short stories. 

For more information, visit her Website      Facebook     Twitter   Instagram







View all my reviews

Sunday, October 6, 2024

A Hope Unburied (Treasures of the Earth, #3) by Kimberley Woodhouse

A Hope Unburied (Treasures of the Earth, #3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

In the bustling world of paleontology in 1916, Eliza Mills defies societal expectations to pursue her passion. Having published her early groundbreaking papers anonymously, she has finally earned her place at the Carnegie Museum and seizes the opportunity to work at Dinosaur National Monument with a renowned paleontologist. But things in Jensen, Utah, aren't what they appear. When Eliza gets the chance to dig up bones at a ranch with a dark history, it sparks a chain of events that will rock the very fabric of her carefully constructed world. 

Devin Schmitt, Eliza's closest friend since childhood, harbors unspoken feelings for her but knows he will never be able to win her heart. Just as he vows to give her up for good, Eliza begs him to visit her in Utah for another grand adventure. He reluctantly agrees, and within a few days of his arrival, he and Eliza find themselves entangled in a web of danger where the stakes are much higher than they ever anticipated. In a race against time, Devin and Eliza must hold on to God as their hope as they navigate a treacherous terrain of betrayal to unbury the truth and save Eliza from those who wish to see her fail.

Bestselling author Kimberley Woodhouse sweeps you away on a breathtaking journey through the perilous landscapes of the Bone Wars era, where love and ambition collide.


MY THOUGHTS.....

Treasures of the Earth has been a wonderful series! I've loved the different women paleontologists who wouldn't take no for an answer, along with the people who've supported them, but the two main characters in this book are special indeed! There may be a happy ending in A Hope Unburied, but it wasn't going to be easy! Oh, Devin Schmidt always knew that he loved Eliza Mills, but he'd promised her grandfather that he wouldn't pursue a relationship with her. He was truly a man of his word, but even an honorable man has his limits and that is when this story became so poignant!


I loved Eliza and Devin! She was determined to fulfill her dreams but paleontology in 1916 was truly a cutthroat occupation, and women paleontologists were unacceptable! Deception, danger, and even death were some of the plot twists in A Hope Unburied but there was also extreme devotion and powerful faith. And, oh my, the sweet romance shouldn't be ignored. I was captivated by Eliza and Devin!

I've said this before but author Kimberley Woodhouse excels in combining facts and fiction! A Hope Unburied is historical fiction and it's apparent that she was deeply involved in her research for this book and series. I learned so much about Earl Douglass, the Bone Wars, and the Dinosaur National Monument, and I enjoyed that Andrew Carnegie was a key character in Devin's efforts to help Eliza! This story was the perfect conclusion to the Treasures of the Earth series, and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

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


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than twenty-five books who loves the JOY of story. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past, and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate. She's spoken to more than 2 million people at more than 2,500 venues and has taught the craft of writing around the country. Married to the love of her life for thirty-plus years, she makes her home in the Poconos. 

You can connect with Kimberley at her Website     Facebook     Instagram    Twitter

TREASURES OF THE EARTH

Set in Stone
A Hope Unburied



View all my reviews

Friday, October 4, 2024

Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace by Deb Burma

ABOUT THE BOOK

From acclaimed author Deb Burma, this women’s devotional journal features 100 daily devotions, as well as reflection questions, journaling prompts, prayers, activity ideas, and challenges.

Forgiven in Christ, motivated by the Gospel, and empowered by the Spirit, women will be inspired to live out the "immeasurably more" that Jesus provides for them (Ephesians 3:20–21).

​​​​​​​Journal can be used individually or in a group study.


In Ephesians 3:20, Paul tells us that God can do ”immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (NIV). Deb Burma beautifully reveals what this means in her relational, conversational, richly scriptural devotional created for you. 


MORE FROM THE PUBLISHER


Across 100 devotions with journaling and prayer prompts, you—individually or with your sisters in Christ—will discover God‘s immeasurable...

  • Grace
  • Love
  • Power
  • Provision
  • Purpose
  • Peace
  • Joy
  • Gifts
  • Rest
  • Life
Forgiven in Christ, motivated by the Gospel, and empowered by the Spirit, you will be inspired to live out the ”immeasurably more” that Jesus provides for you. 


Interested in your own copy? Here's the  PURCHASE LINK


Want to learn more? Check out this Book Trailer!




MY THOUGHTS.....

Immeasurably More is a collection of 100 devotions that focus on God's Grace, and it is a lovely book, inside and out! The cover is gorgeous, and the devotions are truly a blessing! In her introduction, author Deb Burma reminds us that "God is able to do immeasurably more...by his power at work in us". Each devotion follows the same format: a Bible verse at the beginning, the author's thoughts and recollections, a journal prompt, and a suggested prayer. Burma's conversational writing style makes me feel like we are sharing a conversation, and I find myself encouraged, motivated, and reminded of just how blessed I am to be a recipient of God's immeasurable grace!

Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace is a wonderful resource for individual devotion time or a women's Bible study group, and it's also perfect for gift-giving.

I received a copy of this book from the author and FrontGate Media. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars





How many times have I read this but never considered that God, the One who created the universe, is also the One who works in me?










Joy. One of my favorite words! There are 10 devotionals devoted to this wonderful gift! I may not always be happy but I can always have joy!! I just hope others can see it in me!!




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


With infectious warmth and wit, Deb Burma speaks with authenticity and passion. Faithful to God‘s Word, she shares His extravagant grace in Christ as she touches the hearts of women, meeting them in the moments of their everyday lives. 

Author of bestsellers, JOY: A Study of Philippians, and Living a Chocolate Life, Deb has penned an assortment of Christian-living books, Bible studies, retreat kits, and devotionals, including Be Still & Know, Leaning on Jesus, and her latest 2024 release, Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace, all published by Concordia Publishing House (CPH). Her work has appeared in several periodicals, including Today's Christian Living.

Raised on a ranch in South Dakota, Deb and her family shared adventures residing in five different states before calling Nebraska home. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor's wife, and the proud mother of three amazing young adults. She's a blogger, a women's ministry leader, and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur. (She never travels without chocolate in one hand and a flavored hot latte in the other!) Above all, Deb is a grace-filled woman of God.

Visit Deb at her website, Extravagant Grace: www.debburma.com
Follow her on    Facebook     Instagram



Thursday, October 3, 2024

A Wife for the Rancher (High Country Ranch, #3) by Jody Hedlund

A Wife for the Rancher (High Country Ranch, #3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

In the high country of Colorado, hardships are a given, but love has a way of overcoming all the losses.

Millionaire heiress, Genevieve Hollis, has everything she wants except one thing, freedom, because her guardian stepmother insists on overseeing every move she makes. When Genevieve sees a newspaper advertisement from a rancher seeking a mother for his baby, she jumps at the chance to escape, even if that means hiding her true identity.

Ryder Oakley has suffered the repeated misfortune of losing the people he loves most, so now that he’s a single father with a newborn baby, he’s determined not to lose his son. When a woman shows up in answer to his advertisement, he quickly forms a marriage of convenience—one without all the entanglements of a real relationship.

Attraction starts to grow between the newly married couple, but the secrets of their pasts threaten to catch up to them. Ryder finds himself in a custody battle over his baby, and Genevieve struggles to outwit her stepmother. Will they be able to overcome the odds and find a way to be together before it’s too late?





MY THOUGHTS.....

Have you ever needed temporary relief from all of the tragedy, sorrow, and downright ugliness that seems to be ever-present in our world today? I have the solution for you! Find a copy of A Wife for a Rancher and settle in for a take-me-away reading fest with author Jody Hedlund! This is the third book in the High Country Ranch series so you know that there are cowboys and horses, but this story has so much more! There's sweet but sizzling romance, characters that you either love or detest, and the drama and adventure that's customary in a Western story. One-time ladies' man Ryder Oakley is now dedicated to finding a mother for his baby boy and millionaire heiress Genevieve Hollis longs for freedom from her domineering stepmother. Could this Colorado rancher and New York heiress be the answer to each other's prayers...or is there a disaster waiting to happen?

I loved this marriage-of-convenience story that began with a mail-order bride scenario but soon evolved into an honest-to-goodness love match. But wait...it couldn't be that easy, so Hedlund added misunderstandings, attempted murder, and even a custody battle. Whew, or should I say Whoo-ee? I certainly wasn't bored, and I hated to see their story end! Grab a copy of this book if you enjoy chemistry-laden but clean Western romance.

I received a complimentary e-copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats.

When's she not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
 

Learn more at Jody's Website     

Goodreads    Facebook

Twitter     Pinterest     Instagram     BookBub


HIGH COUNTRY RANCH SERIES

Waiting for the Rancher 

Willing to Wed the Rancher

A Wife for the Rancher

Wrangling the Wandering Rancher

Wishing for the Rancher's Love

View all my reviews