Dashing Through the Snow

I received a copy of Dashing Through the Snow by Paige Rion from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wynn Murphy has been in love with Zane Anders since the day she laid eyes on him. But just when she begins to hope their casual relationship might turn into something more, a misunderstanding pushes her away.

At first sight, charming and handsome, ad executive, Zane Anders has been secretly infatuated with bake shop cutie, Wynn Murphy. This Christmas, he's determined to tell her.

Join Wynn and Zane in this delightful holiday novelette as Zane goes dashing through the snow in an effort to capture Wynn's heart.

This was a good quick read to help get me into the Christmas mood.  Wynn and Zane have been getting to know each other over the past 5 years.  They each have been slowly falling in love but neither are brave enough to tell the other.  Will failed relationships be the turning point for them?

Murder Tightly Knit

I received a copy of Murder Tightly Knit by Vannetta Chapman from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As fall blankets the Pumpkinvine Trail with leaves of brown, gold, and orange, a local Amish man is found dead on the path. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—toward the local survivalist group and toward the Amish Village—specifically the village’s knitting shop, The Cat’s Meow. The police call in a federal investigator, and he quickly puts everyone on the suspect list. Amber Bowman and Hannah Troyer know who isn’t guilty—they know this community down to the last buggy, but can find the guilty party before someone else is in danger?

While Hannah helps Amber solve the mystery, she and Jesse Miller continue courting. But when Jesse’s prodigal brother returns to their farm, Jesse becomes distracted by family troubles. He and Hannah will have to overcome the tension in order to keep their relationship alive. And Amber and Hannah will need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.

Another good book.  I like the perspective that Vannetta Chapman gave on the Amish way of life.  There were several examples of where the Amish would chose to not get into a fight.  Something we should all try harder to do.  They all pitch in to help anyone or family that needs it.  Another good example for the rest of us.

The Wishing Season

I received a copy of The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Living side-by-side, a fledgling chef and a big-hearted contractor find a delicious attraction.

Trouble is, their chemistry could spoil their dreams.

Spirited PJ McKinley has the touch when it comes to food. Her dream of opening her own restaurant is just one building short of reality. So when a Chapel Springs resident offers her beloved ancestral home to the applicant with the best plan for the house, PJ believes it’s a contest she was meant to win.

Contractor Cole Evans is confident, professional, and swoon-worthy—but this former foster kid knows his life could have turned out very differently. When Cole discovers the contest, he believes his home for foster kids in transition has found its saving grace. All he has to do is convince the owner that an out-of-towner with a not-for-profit enterprise is good for the community.

But when the eccentric philanthropist sees PJ and Cole’s proposals, she makes an unexpected decision: the pair will share the house for a year to show what their ideas are made of. Now, with Cole and the foster kids upstairs and PJ and the restaurant below, day-to-day life has turned into out-and-out competition—with some seriously flirtatious hallway encounters on the side. Turns out in this competition, it’s not just the house on the line, it’s their hearts.

PJ and Cole are competing to win the ancestral home in Chapel Springs.  PJ wants to turn the home into an upscale restaurant and bed and breakfast while Cole wants to use the house as a home for foster kids that have aged out of the foster system.  When the home owner isn't able to decide who to wins the contest she gives them each a level in the home and a year to put their ideas into action.  Can they live in the same house without killing each other?

Sister Eve, Private Eye

I received a copy of Sister Eve, Private Eye by Lynne Hinton from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sister Eve knows God moves in mysterious ways. And Eve adores a good mystery. Especially a murder.

Two decades into her calling at a New Mexico monastery, Sister Evangeline Divine (pronounced Diveen) breaks her daily routine when a police officer appears, carrying a message from her father. Sister Eve is no stranger to the law, having grown up with a police captain turned private detective. She's seen her fair share of crime—and knows a thing or two about solving mysteries.

But when Captain Jackson Divine needs her to return home and help him recover from surgery, Sister Eve finds herself taking on his latest case.

A Hollywood director has disappeared, and the sultry starlet he's been running around with isn't talking. When the missing man turns up dead, Captain Divine's case escalates into a full-blown murder case, and Sister Eve's crime-solving instincts kick in with an almost God-given grace.

Soon Sister Eve finds herself soul-searching every step of the way: How can she choose between the vocation in her heart and the job in her blood?

This is a very good book that pulls you in from the beginning.  I could relate to Sister Eve because I've found myself doing a job that wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  Who hasn't?  Another reason is don't we all have family that we struggle to get along with?  Sister Eve begins to relish her time with her father and the private investigative work her father does.

Love Without End

I received a copy of Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his seventeen year old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious fifteen-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of become involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.

When 84-year-old Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet's families at last discover a love without end.

What a good book this was.  Kimberly and Tara moved to King's Meadow to start over again.  Kimberly doesn't want to be in a ranching community because she loves city life.  Tara has always loved horses but living in the city she wasn't ever able to have one.  When they moved to King's Meadow she has a horse given to her.  Since Tara's not ever been on a horse Kimberly askes Chet Leonard to give her lessons.  The only problem is Kimberly doesn't have a job and can't pay for the lessons.  Can they work out an agreement that works for everyone involved?

Hawk

I received a copy of Hawk by Ronie Kendig from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Raptor’s communications expert, Staff Sergeant Brian "Hawk” Bledsoe is struggling with his inner demons, leaving him on the verge of an other than honorable” discharge. Plagued with corrupted intel, Raptor team continues to track down the terrorist playing chess with their lives. Afghan pilot Fekiria Haidary is devastated when a systems glitch on her aircraft forces a weapons launch on a safe target. And when the deadly bombing separates Brian from the team, he must make an impossible choice: save his brothers-in-arms, or save the woman and children depending on him to survive a brutal snowstorm.

The second book in The Quiet Professionals series is another great book.  Sergeant Brian "Hawk" is facing a dishonorable discharge because he can't control his temper.  In a streak of bad luck he obeys a direct order to stand down and 2 officers are killed as he watches.  This takes a huge toll on him.  When he returns to his team his bad luck continues.  He gets trapped with a female pilot and her friend who teaches 4 young girls.  Hawk and the women end up running for their lives in a deadly blizzard.  Will they make it out alive?

An October Bride

I received a copy of An October Bride by Katie Ganshert from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

She wants to make her father's dream come true. She doesn't realize her own dream has been in front of her the whole time.

Emma Tate isn't a risk taker, so everyone in her small Midwest town is surprised when she suddenly becomes engaged to lifelong friend Jake Sawyer. No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they're getting married-so Emma's dying father can walk her down the aisle.

While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications-the biggest being their true feelings for each other.

In this novella by award-winning author Katie Ganshert, a young woman must reconcile her dying father's dreams with her own dreams for love and for her future.

This is the first book I've read by Katie Ganshert and it was a good book.  Emma's dad doesn't have much time left.  While he and her mom are out of town Emma finds her dad's bucket list and decides she can help to mark one off his list.  Her long time friend offers to help her.  Will everything go as planned?

A July Bride

I received a copy of A July Bride by Beth Wiseman from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Can she forgive the man who left her at the altar?

Alyssa Pennington dated Brendan Myers for three years before she accepted his proposal. For almost a year, Alyssa's friends and family helped her plan a lovely wedding to take place in the church she'd grown up in. It was the happiest day of her life when she walked down the aisle to be united with the man of her dreams. But when Brendan left her at the altar, Alyssa was consumed by humiliation, embarrassment, and a broken heart that wouldn't allow her to trust anyone. Especially Brendan.

Brendan Myers knows he will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did to Alyssa, the only woman he's ever loved. Without her, his life is empty. In one fateful moment, he'd panicked, destroyed their future, and ruined everything. Now he plans to win her back.

But winning back his bride might prove much more difficult than he can imagine. And even if he does get her to the altar again, will she think turnabout is fair play?

Another quick read but well worth the time.  Alyssa and Brendan have planned their wedding for almost a year.  At the very last minute Brendan walks away.  He regrets it the next day.  For the next few months Brendan does everything he can to win Alyssa back.  Will she ever change her mind?

A November Bride

I received a copy of A November Bride by Beth K. Vogt from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sadie McAllister is fastidious to a fault-but that serves her well as a personal chef to her clients in Denver. But her earliest attempt at managing romance was a bust when Erik Davis declined her invitation to the school's eighth grade Sadie Hawkins Dance.

Having celebrated the big 3-0 by ending a relationship, Sadie is tired of romantic relationships-by-text. The only man she knows willing to put down his iPhone and have face-to-face conversations with her is Erik. It's time to put a 21st-century twist on the Sadie Hawkins' tradition of a woman going after her man. He may not be the hero of her romantic dreams, but she can propose to Erik and achieve some sort of happily ever after with her best friend.

Erik is good at two things: his freelance job and maintaining casual, no-one-gets-hurt relationships with women. What is Sadie thinking, proposing to him? This is marriage-not a middle school dance. Erik decides to show Sadie what romance looks like when the man takes the lead. And while he's at it, he'll prove just how wrong they are for each other. But when he realizes he's fallen for her, can Erik convince Sadie his just-for-fun dates were the prelude to "'til death do us part"

How come we all can't marry our best friend?  Sadie doesn't seem to think it would work despite wanting to be more than friends with Erik.  What Sadie doesn't want to admit is change is good.  Can Erik break down her wall?

Trading Secrets

I received a copy of Trading Secrets by Melody Carlson from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Micah and her Amish pen pal, Zach, have been trading secrets since fifth grade. Now that they plan to meet face-to-face, she'll have to admit the one secret she's never shared.
This is the first book about the Amish I've read.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  Micah has been writing to Zach since they were in fifth grade.  They're both 18 now and want to meet face to face.  The problem is that Zach thinks Micah is a boy.  When Zach invites Micah to send a few days over spring bread with him on his farm she takes him up on his offer and dresses like a boy.  She revels her secret and not surprisingly is not warmly welcomed by this family.  She does win his Dad over by helping him plant corn.  Zach's Mom is another story.  The more time Micah spends on the farm with Zach the more she finds out he's not happy being a farmer.  When she finally gets a ride home Zach goes along.  He then finds out that being "English" isn't all he thought it would be.  He now has to figure out if he wants to go back home and farm or not.

A September Bride

I received a copy of A September Bride by Kathryn Springer from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Annie's always wanted a home and a family. But will pretending to be a bride get her closer to her dreams?

All Annie Price has ever wanted is a place to call home. Growing up in the foster care system, that dream seemed far away, but now Annie's dream may be coming true. A friend she met in an online book group wants to retire and has offered Annie a fresh start managing her little bookstore. Believing the opportunity is an answer to prayer, Annie packs her suitcase and moves to Red Leaf, Wisconsin.

The residents of Red Leaf welcome Annie into the fold . . . everyone except the bookstore owner's son, Jesse Kent. But Annie refuses to let the handsome deputy keep her from embracing her new home with open arms. She even volunteers to help the local historical society refurbish an old church and agrees to be the "bride" for a special reenactment celebrating the museum's open house.

Jesse Kent can't believe his mother has handed the keys to her business over to a woman she met on the Internet. Annie's beautiful, of course, and smart as a whip, but what do they really know about her, anyway? What if she's come to their town just for his mother's money? The only way to see if his suspicions about Annie Price are true is to keep a close eye on her-even if it means he has to marry her! Planning their mock wedding will give him the chance to uncover Annie's motive for moving to town. But as the day of the wedding approaches and secrets come to light, Jesse must face the truth. He wants Annie to be his September bride . . . for real.

Annie grew up as a foster child.  The only time she felt a part of a family was for a very short time.  She moves to Red Leaf to find a place to call home.  Everyone welcomes her but the police officer Jesse.  When he finds out his Mom has hired Annie to run her bookstore he can't believe it.  And to top it off his Mom met Annie on the internet!  Can he accept Annie like the rest of the town?

An August Bride

I received a copy of An August Bride by Debra Clopton from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kelsey vowed never to love a cowboy again. But then she meets Brent.

After a cowboy broke her heart, Kelsey Wilcox traded in her boots for flip-flops and a bistro on the beautiful sandy beach of Corpus Christi. Two years later, still not believing in happy endings, she is about to endure a weekend of torture at her cousin's beach wedding. Not only will she be forced to watch yet another wedding, but her great-aunt and her two best friends-aptly nicknamed "the matchmaking posse of Mule Hollow"-are coming to the wedding, and Kelsey is sure to be on their radar.

Brent Corbin has had his share of bad luck with women and isn't looking for love or looking forward to the weekend of wedding festivities as a groomsman for his friend. When he sees a commotion on the beach and what appears to be a mermaid in distress, he doesn't hesitate to dive to the rescue. His attention is instantly captured by the woman he's saved and it turns out they're part of the same wedding party. But the instant Kelsey spots his soaking wet boots she wants no part of him.

Thrown together through the weekend and with the meddlesome encouragement from the matchmakers, Brent is determined to pursue Kelsey and change her mind about cowboys. Sparks fly at this August wedding as Kelsey and Brent dance a rocky Texas two-step toward a beach wedding of their own.

This was an easy read but worth it.  Kelsey's heart was broken by a cowboy and has sworn off all cowboys.  When she tries to rescue her great-aunt's dog she ends up needing a rescue.  Luckley a cowboy named Brent is there to help.  They both feel something for each other from the very beginning.  Neither wants to admit they have feelings for the other.

Deceived

I received a copy of Decieved by Irene Hannon from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A chance sighting convinces Claire Marshall that the son she thought she lost is still alive--can former Secret Service agent Connor Sullivan help her uncover the truth?

For three years, Kate Marshall has been grieving the loss of her husband and their four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on an escalator in the mall, she is convinced it is the son she thought was dead. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan. The former Secret Service agent is dubious but agrees to investigate. Digging into the case he discovers that the incident may have been no accident at all. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may be willing to go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

This is the 3rd book in the Private Justice series.  I've enjoyed each book in the series.  Kate lost her son and husband 3 years ago.  She moved to St. Louis for a new start and while at the mall one day sees who she thinks is her missing son.  She goes to mall security and the police only to be laughed at.  When she can't get the boy off her mind she goes to a private investigator.  Connor Sullivan and his collage buddies agree to investigate.  Not only do they find the boy Kate and Connor find love along the way.

Skylanders: The Kaos Trap

I received a copy of Skylanders: The Kaos Trap by Ron Marz and Mike Bowden from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The #1 kids videogame and hottest-selling toy, Skylanders, is coming to your bookshelf in all-new comic book adventures!

Join fan-favorite characters Spyro, Stealth Elf, Trigger Happy, and more in these original, never-before-seen stories that tie directly into the videogames.

My daughter wanted to review this book because she has the Skylanders game and more characters than I can keep up with.  This comic book was perfect for her.  Many of her favorite characters were included in the book.  This is a perfect fit for any Skylander fan.

Angels Walking

I received a copy of Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s one true love Sami Dawson has moved on.

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer’s who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can such small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin…

What a great book to start a new series!  Karen Kingsbury has done it again.  She has a way of reminding us that God works in ways we never expect to get things done his way.  Tyler, Sami, Virginia and her family all find this out in the best way possible.  God brought them all together to help each one find the peace and new direction they each needed.  I can't wait until the next book in the series.

Angry Birds Comics Volume 1: Welcome to the Flock

I received a copy of Angry Birds Comics Volume 1: Welcome to the Flock by Jeff Parker and Paul Tobin fom NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Angry Birds are on the move by air, land, and sea in this exciting volume that collects the first four issues of the series!

Join Eisner-nominated creators Jeff Parker and Paul Tobin as they lead the flock through wild adventures across the birds’ island home.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Piggyland, the funnest place on the planet!

Discover the plots of the deceptive pigs as they attempt to swipe a nest-full of eggs! Feel the action as the Angry Birds crash through every page!

See it all in this awesome collection based on the best-selling game!

My daughter loves the Angry Birds game so I got this for her.  It didn't disapoint her at all.  All the characters from the game make an appearance.  She's looking forward to volume 2.

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

I received a copy of Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even curiouser string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.

I love Max Lucado's fiction books.  This was no exception.  Chelsea tries to make it on her own by reopening her family's coffee shop after separating from her NFL superstar husband.  She doesn't know how to run a coffee shop but she has a build in support group all round her.  All she has to do is allow the support group support her.  It's a good thing God supplies Chelsea with Manny.  Manny is Chelsea's guardian angel and just what she needs.

Elderberry Croft: The Complete Collection

I received a copy of Elderberry Croft: The Complete Collection by Becky Doughty from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Coach House Trailer Park is the last stop down the road of life for most of its residents. But a new girl sweeps into the neighborhood, charming them all with her wild nature, her elderberry gifts, and her outrageous laughter. What brings the mysterious Willow Goodhope of Elderberry Croft to this dead end place? From what—or whom—is she hiding?

ELDERBERRY CROFT: The Complete Collection (all twelve episodes) is the tale of one woman’s journey toward hope and healing, and the people whose lives she transforms along the way.

JANUARY BREEZE: There’s a new girl in town, and she’s breathing life into The Coach House Trailer Park, starting with the tiny cottage she christens Elderberry Croft. Kathy isn’t so sure about this wild child living across the way, with her generosity and exuberance for life. What is Willow Goodhope doing in a place like The Coach House?

FEBRUARY EMBERS: Richard and Patti Davis' days stretch out endlessly before them, but lately, Richard has taken notice of the new neighbor in Space #12. Will Patti lose the only man she’s ever loved to the green-eyed earth girl? Or will Willow steal both their hearts?

MARCH WHISPERS: Joe Sanderson believes that living simply is simply better living. He gardens, he cooks, he entertains Vivian. Everything is going just fine...then along comes Ms. Willow, with her whispering shadows and her elderberry pie, reminding him of what it means to be a man.

APRIL SHADOWS: The Cat Lady rarely sets foot outside her trailer during the light of day. But one morning, Willow shows up at her door, knocking her perfectly-ordered world off its axis. And when the stillness is further interrupted by the Shadowman, Shelly must confront her past in order to embrace her future.

MAY ENCHANTMENT: Managing The Coach House keeps Eddie busy, if not exactly fulfilled. But the new girl, with her red hair and crazy laugh, is stirring up the neighborhood. Willow's making waves, and Eddie's a little swept off his feet, too. When he comes face to face with the Shadowman in the middle of the night, Eddie questions everything he thought he knew about himself.

JUNE MELODY: Myra believes her doctor when he says she’s going to die, but when she encounters a deadly rattlesnake, she realizes that maybe she needs to start living again, rather than spending her last years sitting around waiting to die.

JULY MADNESS: Donny Banks is trouble with a big T. Edith keeps hoping if she helps her baby out one more time, he’ll get his head on straight. But big brother Eddie has had enough. This time, Donny’s knocking on the wrong door—one that belongs to Willow—and Eddie's having none of it.

AUGUST MEMORIES: Al's job keeps him busy during the day, and his Bud keeps him company at night. But Al is a prisoner of his past, and when one phone call changes his future, Al must choose to do the right thing. To his surprise, Willow Goodhope may just hold the key that will set him free.

SEPTEMBER LONGING: Prudence loves animal prints, big hair, and red nails. She also loves her man, Carney, but is beginning to wonder if he feels the same about her. When Willow Goodhope shows up needing a friend, Prudence gets the chance to reevaluate what’s important when it comes to matters of the heart.

OCTOBER MOURNING: The baby growing in Andrea's womb is a miracle, and she marvels at the way she’s changing from the inside out. But when faced with the knowledge that she can no longer manage on her own, will her pride allow her to receive help from Willow?

NOVEMBER AWAKENING: A Vietnam Vet, Doc suffers from severe post-traumatic stress, debilitating episodes that send him back to the bottle time and time again. When he discovers Willow on the verge of giving in to her own despair, he finds unexpected solace in stepping outside his comfort zone to comfort her.

DECEMBER DAWNING: It’s been almost a year since Willow moved into Elderberry Croft, and she can no longer ignore the shadows that drove her here. Is there hope for a new tomorrow?

What a great collection.  Willow is one weird duck but for some reason she fits in nicely at The Coach House Trailer Park.  She comes in with a bang and ends up helping everyone in the park.  Her healing seems to just be a side effect.  Why is it that it's easier to help someone else?

The Jokers Dozen

I received a copy of The Jokers Dozen by Laurie S. Sutton from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Joker transforms dozens of Gotham City citizens into laughing (and robbing) fools! Is the Dark Knight outnumbered, or can he even the odds? Should he use a Batarang or another high-tech weapon? Can the Caped Crusader save the city, or will the Clown Prince have the last laugh? In this interactive story, YOU CHOOSE the path Batman should take. With your help, hell take down The Joker's Dozen!

My daughter picked this book to review.  She's really got into comic books lately and says this one was really neat since you can choose how the story goes.

Maggie's Miracle

I received a copy of Maggie's Miracle by Karen Kingsbury from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Megan Wright spent one unforgettable summer week with a boy when they were both teens. And despite a lifetime of heartache and bad choices, she has never let go of his magical definition of love, even if she has trouble believing in it. After college Megan settled for a relationship of convenience. Now she's a high powered attorney and, after the death of her husband two years ago, has been looking for help with her lonely young son.

Across town, Casey Cummins is still dealing with the tragic loss of his wife. His search for meaning and hope leads him to contact the Manhattan Children's Organization, who connects him with a fatherless child. Life suddenly takes a series of unusual twists, and soon Megan will learn that the teenage boy from all those years ago actually kept his promise, and the miracle she prayed for as a girl is only a breath away.

Another great book by Karen Kingsbury.  I love that she's taken the red gloves from Gideon's Gift and created a series.  I didn't realize it until I finished this book.  Once again you get lost in the story and in the end learn a great lesson about love.

Gideon's Gift

I received a copy of Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One long-ago Christmas, Earl Gibson lost the two things most precious to him: his wife and daughter. Angry and heartbroken, he ended up living on the streets and abandoned any belief he'd once had in God.
Ten years later Big Earl meets Gideon, a seven-year-old leukemia patient who believes with all her heart that "Christmas means never having to ask God how much he loves us." Gideon is determined to reach this lonely and hurting man who hates Christmas--and he is just as determined to rebuff her. It will take a miracle for Earl to come to understand the true meaning of Christmas. But if he can accept what Gideon wants to give him, he might find that he can return the favor with a precious gift of his own.
In GIDEON'S GIFT, Karen Kingsbury reminds us that Christmas is still a time of miraculous possibilities if only we reach out to those around us.

This is such a good book.  Karen Kingsbury has a way of telling a story and teaching you a lesson at the same time.  Gideon has a spirit that can't be broken even when she finds out her leukemia has come back worse that before at Christmas time.  Earl soon finds this out and does what he can to help her and her family have the best Christmas ever.

Between Us Girls

I received a copy of Between Us Girls by Sally John from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome to Casa de Vida—eleven quaint bungalows located three blocks from the Pacific Ocean in tiny Seaside Village, California. Owner Liv McAlister never advertises vacancies beyond a small hand-lettered sign out front, preferring to trust that God will send the right tenant at just the right time. And He always does.
Meet Jasmyn Albright—she’s had more than her share of bad breaks lately, beginning with the tornado that demolished her farmhouse. Emotionally fragile and feeling utterly alone, Jasmyn heads west, hoping to outrun her heartbreak. And she doesn’t stop until she notices a small sign that reads “Vacancy.” Before she’s quite aware of how it all happened, Jasmyn finds herself the newest tenant at Casa de Vida. She hardly dares to hope that her fortunes might be about to change…but of course when God is at work, anything can happen, and new beginnings are one of His specialties.
Sometimes among strangers, family happens. And sometimes, when we least expect it, romance is a welcome guest.

Boy was this a good book!  Jasmyn has had a tough life and after a tornado destroys the last thing she has left she's told to take a vacation.  When she gets to California she finally feels like she's home.  After her rental car and everything else she owns is stolen she meets Liv, owner of Casa De Vida.  Liv and all the residents of Casa De Vida welcome Jasmyn into their 'family' and temporarily move her into Cottage eleven.  The longer Jasmyn stays at Casa De Vida the more at home she feels.  After her vacation is over she goes back to Valley Oaks to find she's homesick.  Can she make Case De Vida her permanent home?

Take Back the Morning

I received a copy of Take Back the Morning by Evan Howard from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

IS IT REALLY DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN?

OR IS THE DEEPEST DARKNESS FOREVER?

The answer has been kept secret.

Until now.

A corrupt stockbroker on the run…

An economy in turmoil…

And a mysterious pendant sought by the richest woman on Wall Street.

Terrified of going to jail, Justin Connelly faked his death and fled the seductions of Manhattan for the quiet corners of Providence, Rhode Island. His only keepsake was an antique pendant engraved with strange markings.

But then a sailing accident almost kills him for real. In his near-death state, Justin is taken into the darkness of hell itself, where he sees things that drive him out of hiding and back to his abandoned wife in New York.

But Tori has moved on, and his old enemies on Wall Street are not happy to see him. They want the pendant, which, in the wrong hands, could destroy humanity—and Justin’s former boss definitely has the wrong hands.

The only way out is to swallow his pride, and his doubt, and work with Tori and her new fiancé to expose the truth.

As world economies—and his own soul—hang in the balance, Justin must decide whether to sacrifice everything for the light he has found.

I was surprised by this book.  The beginning was a little hard to follow and get a feel for the story line.  Once I got into the book more it really grabbed my attention and didn't let go.  As Tori and Justin find out more about the pendant the more I wondered if what they found could be true.

When Camels Fly

I received a copy of When Camels Fly by NLB Horton from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A mother’s Fatal Shot. A daughter’s deadly choice. In Israel, archaeologist Grace Madison shoots her daughter’s abductor moments before a handsome shepherd drops from the sky to kill a second assassin. Running for their lives, the women pursue an evil prepared to sacrifice millions of people. Endangering family and friends while confronting old loves, they soon realize nothing is as it seems. Even each other. Because choosing what’s right is all that’s left.
This book wasn't my kind of book.  I was never really able to get into the story.

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Falcon

I received a copy of SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Falcon from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

SEAL Team Six and Thomas Crocker are back hunting their most elusive adversary yet: The Falcon.

SEAL Team Six operative Thomas Crocker is no stranger to missions of the highest national importance and the gravest danger. But this time, the mission hits close to home. The Iranian terrorist he and his squad are chasing is the same man who kidnapped his wife months before-the Falcon, who has been stealing Libyan nuclear material and is laying plans for a devastating attack against America. The hunt takes the team from Bangkok to Caracas in hot pursuit of the Falcon and his forces.

Meanwhile, Corcker's estranged father--a former firefighter and hell-raiser who was kicked out of the Nacy as a young seaman--reappears, forcing Crocker to acknowledge his life outside the shadows of SEAL operations. Doing so isn't easy when duty calls over three hundred days of the year, and when it's this essential to take an enemy down.

Hunt the Falcon ups the ante for Crocker and the rest of SEAL Team Six as never before. The bullets fly, the action is relentless, and by the end Crocker and his crew will be put to the ultimate test: surviving captivity under the most depraved of men and taking the fight to the Falcon's doorstep, deep in the heart of Iran.

Hunt the Falcon by Don Mann is a frightening journey into the battles we never hear of, the heroics and sometimes seemingly foolhardy risks taken by soldiers fighting the battle against terror. This time out, these brave men will face their own humanity as well as bullets as Don Mann fleshes the team out, allows heroes to be tortured, to die and to be permanently scarred for life. Will the memories they will always have slivering through their minds be too much?

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Scorpion

I received a copy of SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Scorpion by Don Mann from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thomas Crocker and SEAL Team Six are back for another adrenaline packed adventure from former SEAL commando Don Mann.

When a nuclear device goes missing, and surfaces in the clutches of known terrorists, the United States calls on its most prized anti-terrorism force: Navy SEAL Team Six . Thomas Crocker and his squad from HUNT THE WOLF are called into action, protecting the world from terrorist threats.

With the same real life insight and pulse pounding action he brought to INSIDE SEAL TEAM SIX and HUNT THE WOLF, Don Mann takes readers inside the most elite combat unit on the planet and on an action-packed ride that is sure to appeal to fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor.

Mann and Pezzullo have written engaging characters with Tom Crocker and his squad however the plot is overwhelming and, at times, overly complex. The authors seem to become so involved in the minute details that the primary story becomes blurred and lost. Readers will enjoy the book more if they learn to skim the details and heavy-handed descriptions and instead focus on the dialogue and action scenes because this where the book really shines. In this case the SEALs are on a mission against pirates who seek the critical ingredient in making nuclear bombs. This storyline is incredible and the highlight of the book.

Readers are also invited into Tom Crocker’s life on a more personal level in Hunt the Scorpion because his wife becomes a very important character. The mission facing Crocker and his squad is to free the hostages, capture and pirates and save the day however the mission becomes personal when we learn (and this isn’t a spoiler because it’s in the synopsis) but Crocker’s wife and a good friend are two of the American hostages. I loved the Mann included this deeply personal aspect into the story because it did heighten the reader’s emotional connection to the story and deepen the experience.

SEAL Team Six: Hunt The Wolf

I received a copy of SEAL Team Six: Hunt The Wolf by Don Mann from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Navy SEAL Team Six commando Don Mann infuses his debut military thriller with the real-life details only a true insider can reveal.

In the midst of a grueling training exercise, Thomas Crocker, USN, unearths a pocket of terrorism that leads straight from the slopes of K2 to the cities of Europe and the Middle East. Crocker and his team, who are trained for the most intense kinds of combat in the most extreme environments, must blaze through a perilous web of terrorist cells to track down a ruthless sheikh who is running an international kidnapping ring before his captives pay the ultimate price. 

I intended to read this series from the first to the last book, but mistakenly read the last book first.  This book fills in a lot of the questions I had.  This is a very serious series and pulls you in from the get go.

Here to Stay

I received a copy of Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he'll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he's stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events...

If there's one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it's Whisper Shore. For years, she's been stuck running her family's inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn's the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade--she'll help with the Festival and he'll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who's done running away joins forces with the girl who can't wait to leave.

This is the first book I've ready by Melissa Tagg.  I really enjoyed the book the more I read it.  I do wish it was as easy as Blake made it to talk things through with everyone.  I have the same problem Autumn does of getting mad and then not saying what I should.

One More Last Chance

I received a copy of One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After ending a tumultuous engagement, Sarah Cooley returns to the one place where nothing changes--or so she thinks.

Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it doesn't change. After an engagement gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and fascinating characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites readers back to Last Chance for a soul-searching, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of small-town life.

This was a very good book.  I can relate to Sarah when it comes to change.  I don't like it but it always seems to happen anyway.  Don't we all wish we had a support system like Sarah's Gran?  I was so glad when Sarah finally found out the truth about Brandon.

Meant to Be Mine

I received a copy of Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When bull rider Ty Porter comes face-to-face with the one woman he could never forget, can he convince her he's finally ready for love?
Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.
The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood.
Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.
How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?
This is a great book and easy read.  I'd love to find a man that is open and honest about how he feels like Ty is.  It's nice to read about a couple that can get back into church and build on their faith together.

One Perfect Spring

I received a copy of One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A heartfelt letter meant to spark a long desired reunion sets in motion a chain of events that opens the door to an unexpected love.

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he's used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn't asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire's will become--nor how one little girl's kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs--the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

This book was not what I expected.  It started out about with 2 very workaholic men that don't know how to live outside of work.  They both live very boring lives and seem to like it.  Then a plea for help from an 11 year old changes everything for them both.  They never expected their lives to change so drastically for the better - if they let it.  

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SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Jackal

I received a copy of Seal Team Six: Hunt the Jackal by Don Mann from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When a senator's wife and teenage daughter are kidnapped, Thomas Crocker and SEAL Team Six are sent to Mexico's lawless countryside, where federal agents protect instead of hunting down violent narcotics kingpins. The two women have been kidnapped by the Jackal, a drug lord drunk on power and influence. He also happens to be a self-styled modern Che Guevara, who has undergone plastic surgery to disguise his looks and justifies his brutal methods and Machiavellian drug empire with the politics of social revolution. The Jackal is as ruthless as he is colorful, and he must be stopped.


Crocker and the SEALs have only a matter of hours to track down and rescue the two innocent civilians held at the mercy of this madman. With dirty cops, dangerous cartels, lavish tropical estates, double-crosses and plenty of bullets,Hunt the Jackal places the team in perilous new territory and demonstrates how elite warriors can adapt to and fight in any situation.
With insight into sensitive intelligence so top-secret it can only be hinted at in fiction, Mann and Pezzullo's extensive knowledge has for several books offered a look behind the curtain at the life-or-death, black-ops missions executed by only a handful of the bravest soldiers. Now, with Hunt the Jackal, the authors focus their lens even closer to home upon the dangers that lurk just across the U.S. border in a pulse-pounding thriller that ups the ante even as it sheds light on the real-life heroes and villains of the fight against narco-terrorism.

Raptor 6

I received a copy of Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when Dean's mission and team are threatened, his Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military's secure computers and networks isn't an option. Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, compromising the US military, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart - a move that might come at the highest cost.
I love every one of Ronie's books that I've read.  This one is no exception.  The characters and story line are so well developed I feel like I'm right beside them and can't put the book down.  I only have one complaint about Raptor 6 - we were left hanging at the end.  It's worst than a season finally of NCIS when it's a to be continued episode.

The Word Exchange

I received a copy of The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the not-so-distant future, the forecasted “death of print” has become a reality. Bookstores, libraries, newspapers, and magazines are things of the past, and we spend our time glued to handheld devices called Memes that not only keep us in constant communication but also have become so intuitive that they hail us cabs before we leave our offices, order takeout at the first growl of a hungry stomach, and even create and sell language itself in a marketplace called the Word Exchange.
Anana Johnson works with her father, Doug, at the North American Dictionary of the English Language (NADEL), where Doug is hard at work on the last edition that will ever be printed. Doug is a staunchly anti-Meme, anti-tech intellectual who fondly remembers the days when people used email (everything now is text or videoconference) to communicate—or even actually spoke to one another, for that matter. One evening, Doug disappears from the NADEL offices, leaving a single written clue: ALICE. It’s a code word he devised to signal if he ever fell into harm’s way. And thus begins Anana’s journey down the proverbial rabbit hole . . .
Joined by Bart, her bookish NADEL colleague, Anana’s search for Doug will take her into dark basements and subterranean passageways; the stacks and reading rooms of the Mercantile Library; and secret meetings of the underground resistance, the Diachronic Society. As Anana penetrates the mystery of her father’s disappearance and a pandemic of decaying language called “word flu” spreads, The Word Exchange becomes a cautionary tale that is at once a technological thriller and a meditation on the high cultural costs of digital technology.
This was a really hard book for me to get into.  I just couldn't follow the story because it didn't speak to me.

Dog Gone, Back Soon

I received a copy of Dog Gone, Back Soon by Nick Trout from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When Dr. Cyrus Mills returned home after inheriting his estranged father's veterinary practice, The Bedside Manor for Sick Animals, the last thing he wanted was to stay in Eden Falls, Vermont, a moment longer than absolutely necessary. However, the previously reclusive veterinarian pathologist quickly found that he actually enjoyed treating animals and getting to know the eccentric residents of the tiny provincial town-especially an alluring waitress named Amy. 

So Cyrus is now determined to make Bedside Manor thrive. Not an easy goal, given that Healthy Paws, the national veterinary chain across town, will stop at nothing to crush its mom-and-pop competitor. And the rival vet practice isn't Cyrus's only competition; a handsome stranger shows up out of nowhere who clearly has a mysterious past with Amy. To top it off, Cyrus finds himself both the guardian of a very unique orphaned dog and smack in the middle of serious small town drama.

This charming sequel to The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs is a wild and delightful ride through one jam- packed week, where Cyrus must figure out how to outsmart the evil veterinary conglomerate, win back Amy's heart, solve several tricky veterinary cases, find a home for an orphaned dog, and detangle himself from an absurd case of mistaken identity. DOG GONE, BACK SOON brims with Nick Trout's trademark humor, charm, and captivating animal stories, and is proof that all dogs, lost or not, on four feet or two, deserve a second chance.

Dr. Cyrus Mills is a very different person.  He's not used to working with people and pets.  His past occupation was in the lab figuring out the problems with the data given to him. Once he takes over his Dad's veterinary practice he finds that dealing with data is much different than dealing with people.  He has to learn how to speak in layman's terms and to relate to the person.  His biggest hurdle is his love life, or rather the lack there of.

What Follows After

I received a copy of What Follows After by Dan Walsh from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the outside Kevin Harrison's life looks perfect, but it's falling apart. Just as he thinks he's lost everything, a crisis forces him to confront what matters most.
In October 1962, Colt Harrison and his little brother, Timmy, hatched a plan. They would run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Savannah, Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents got back together. But things go terribly, terribly wrong. Colt's mother and father must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their broken marriage.
Another great book by Dan Walsh.  I've read several of his books and they are all great.  This one is a sad story with the best possible ending.  It's nice to see everyone pitch in and help each other.  Dan has a way of telling a story that's entertaining and also makes you think.  His characters are always easy to relate to and associate with.

Love Comes Calling

I received a copy of Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

A girl with the best of intentions. 

A heart set on Hollywood. 

An empty pocketbook.

That's all it takes for Ellis Eton to find herself working as a telephone operator for a look-alike friend. For Ellis, this job will provide not only acting practice but the funds to get her a start in the movies. She's tired of always being a disappointment to her traditional Boston family, and though she can't deny the way he makes her head spin, she knows she's not good enough for Griffin Phillips, either. It's simple: avoid Griff's attentions, work, and get paid. But in typical Ellis fashion, her simple plan spirals out of control when she overhears a menacing phone call...with her very own Griff as the target.

I must admit I was frustrated with Ellis for most of this book.  She's not able to concentrate on anything no matter how hard she tries.  This doesn't make her a bad person just someone who isn't able to get anything done.  I can see how she thinks she's a disappointment to everyone around her.  Griff doesn't see her this way but how long will it take for Ellis to understand this?

Death by the Book

I received a copy of Death by the Book by Julianna Deering from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When the family lawyer is murdered and discovered with an unusual clue, can Drew and Madeline solve the case before the hatpin murderer strikes again?
When the village of Farthering St. John is stunned by a series of murders, Drew Farhtering is drawn again into the sleuthing game.
Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement. Instead, he finds himself caught up in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered, an antique hatpin with a cryptic message, Advice to Jack, piercing his chest.
Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl's tearful confession point to the victim's double life, but what does the solicitor's murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem--except for another puzzling note, affixed with a similar-looking bloodied hatpin.
Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn't at all certain they have the right suspect in custody. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?
This book was a little hard for me to follow at times because it's based in England.  There were a lot of English slang terms that I didn't get.  I was completely caught off guard by the ending.

Lip Reading

I received a copy of Lip Reading by Harry Kraus from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.  

This book was very easy to get into from the beginning.  There was a lot of medical research terminology but it didn't hinder the story line at all.  As we learned more about the characters and their history the more intrigued I became.  I love how both Rebecca and Noah have a terrible experience in high school and they both come out of it with a life long goal to focus on a way to save millions of lives.  What they don't realize at first is they're both working on the same goal but from different angles.  Once they put money and fame aside they find out how much faster the goal is met when working together.  I have to admit I really didn't like the ending.

A June Bride

I received a copy of A June Bride by Marybeth Whalen from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

It takes a reality TV show for Wynne to realize love isn't just a game.

Wynne Hardy never thought she'd get engaged on a reality TV show, but when she met Andy on The Rejection Connection, the two of them hit it off. Now he's asked her to marry him, much to the public's delight and fascination. They're all set to wed on live TV in a seaside ceremony at the height of the wedding season.

But just as Wynne thinks all her dreams are coming true, her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life at the worst possible time. Steve broke her heart years ago, and she's still sorting through her feelings for him. Her heart isn't as clear as her head that it's past time to move on-even though she's engaged to Andy.  At a local TV talk show appearance, Wynne meets Meredith, who won another reality TV show-Marathon Mom-proving herself nothing short of a superhero. As Wynne's beach wedding plans spin out of control, Meredith offers to help, unknowingly stepping on Wynne's secret feelings . . . and exposing some secrets Meredith has been keeping to herself. Can these two reality stars get real about their feelings? Will Wynne go through with her televised wedding and be the perfect June bride the network is looking for? 

I can totally relate to Wynne.  I have ideas of how things should be - always perfect.  I constantly try to make everyone happy and do what I think I should to make things perfect.  Like Wynne I need to remember God is the only one who's perfect.  If I'd just lean on him and let his plans play out everything would end up perfect.

Butterfly Palace

I received a copy of Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Austin, Texas—1904: Abandoned by the love of her life and still mourning the loss of her mother, Lily Donaldson has turned her back on the pain and come to Austin for a fresh start, working for the Marshall family as a kitchen maid in their luxurious mansion, the Butterfly Palace. The tasks before her are legion, and her mistress less than pleasant, but at least Lily’s new life will be, if nothing else, distracting.

But one night, while serving at a dinner party, Lily recognizes the man who abandoned her, Andy, her liaison from the livery stable, the blacksmith’s son . . . sitting among the distinguished guests. Though he recognizes her, Andy does not acknowledge her aloud, and Lily is left reeling, flabbergasted, and irate.  But before she can get an explanation, the path of the Servant Girl Killer swerves very close to the Butterfly Palace, sowing terror among the maids. Having come to Austin to start anew, Lily suddenly feels trapped in a spider web. How can she know who to trust in a house where lies come dressed in fine suits and deceit in silk gowns the colors of butterfly wings?

I normally don't read books set in the early 1900's, but I've really like the other books by Colleen Coble so I took a chance.  It was difficult to understand some of the terminology at first, but I got the hang of it after a chapter or two.  This was a much different book compared to the others I've read.  It wasn't overly romantic but more on the mystery side.  I didn't see the ending coming so that kept me reading.  I also really liked that Coble put a little letter to the reader at the end explaining how the idea of the book came about.

The Daniel Plan

I received a copy of The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 is an innovative approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle where people get better together by optimizing their health in the key areas of faith, food, fitness, focus and friends.

This is not your typical diet book.  Rick Warren decided he needed to eat better and brought it up in one of his sermons.  To his surprise most of his church went on the journey with him.  Warren tells how you don't only need to focus on food, but your faith, fitness and friends if you want to get fit.  I have to admit it's the best diet book I've ever read.

An April Bride

I received a copy of AN April Bride by Lenora Worth from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.A charming wedding novella set in the spring. What will happen when love and wedding plans come together this April?  War changes everything . . . even their love.  Bride-to-be Stella Carson can't wait to marry her longtime sweetheart Marshall Henderson. But Marshall has been away serving his country and has suffered a head wound. After being diagnosed with post-traumatic disorder, he has distanced himself from Stella, asking her not to visit him in the Washington, D.C. hospital. Marshall returns to Louisiana just four weeks before the wedding, but as the big day draws near, Stella wonders if the man she's loved for most of her life has become someone else.  Can true love conquer all for Stella and Marshall? Even the tragedy of war?  This was a good story about how to deal with a loved one with  post-traumatic disorder.  Stella not only had a wedding to plan but had her groom come home after suffering a head wound in battle and he didn't remember her at all.  Planning a wedding is stressful on any couple but to have him not remember you is something I can't imagine dealing with.  Stella's parents and her soon to be in-laws all worked together to help Marshall regain his memories.