Category:

Genre:
Romance

Northern Lights
by Sharon McGregor

-From Goodreads-

Maddie Smart is at a crossroads. Her job and her relationship have both suddenly ended. On the advice of a friend she flies to a northern fishing lodge to recoup and plan her next move. Here she meets fishermen who don't fish, a policeman who does, a man who says he's seen Sasquatch and a lodge owner who sets her pulses racing.

She finds herself running headlong into danger with no idea of who she can trust. Her feelings for Lodge owner Rupert are clouded by his hot and cold moods, and her growing suspicions of his right hand man's involvement in a bear part harvesting ring. Maddie must face her deepest fear before she can find answers. She also must learn to trust again before she can find her own happy ending.

ASIN: B00VGWWBI0

It was only going to be a short term job...

A simple easy to listen to romance set in the wilds of northern Canada. I think that's probably the best description of Northern Lights audiobook which was written by Sharon McGregor. At around 64 pages for the e-book and a little under two hours for the audiobook it's also a pretty fast read as well.

While I can't say that I was all that excited by the story, though there was a touch of danger and mystery, I did enjoy the narrator's voice which was a pretty good match for the heroine herself and for her age.

This Book received a 3 Bark rating.

Sharon McGregor

All in all, it wasn't a bad way to spend a couple of hours keeping my mind busy while I my hands were occupied with boring tasks.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Northern Lights by Sharon McGregor a 3 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - The Collins Case by Julie C. Gilbert

4/17/2020

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

The Collins Case
Heartfelt Cases book 1
by Julie C. Gilbert

-From Goodreads-

Working for the FBI certainly isn’t a “normal” job, but Special Agent Julie Ann Davidson has never encountered a case as personal as this one. Although not officially assigned to the case, Ann and her partner, Patrick Duncan, take up the cause of finding Rachel, Jason, and Emily Collins. As if that task wasn’t enough, Ann and Patrick also have a baffling case of internet thievery to investigate.

Who is Christopher Collins and what about his past is endangering his family? Where are Rachel and the kids being held? Where is God in the midst of chaos? Will Ann and Patrick arrive in time or will they find only pain?

ASIN: B00NMSWZCI

Are the theft and kidnapping cases linked?

Weeell, I'm not exactly sure how to write this one. Don't get me wrong, I was kept entertained by the audiobook of The Collins Case and I'll probably be listening to more of the Heartfelt Cases series. I did enjoy the suspense elements and the awkwardness between two characters as their relationship changed into something more. But... I'll be honest... I found certain scenes, and the characters' reactions to certain events, to be pretty unrealistic to the point of being frustrating at times. The audio production, while not terrible, was not the best either.

This Book received a 3 Bark rating.

Julie C. Gilbert

Was this audiobook a winner for me? No, not really. Will it stop me from checking out more books from Julie C. Gilbert? No, it won't. Overall it was OK and, like I said, I'll be listening to the rest of the books in the series that have been released on audiobook.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Collins Case by Julie C. Gilbert a 3 Bark rating.

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Book Review - A Light So Lovely by Sarah Arthur (Non-Fiction)

8/30/2018

Genre:
Non-Fiction / Biography

A Light So Lovely
The Spiritual Legacy Of Madeleine L'Engle
by Sarah Arthur

-From Amazon-

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time has captured the imagination of millions - from literary sensation to timeless classic and now a major motion picture starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Storm Reid, and Mindy Kaling. A Light So Lovely tells the story of the woman at the center of it all - her imagination, her faith, her pattern of defying categories, and what readers today can learn from her legacy.

Bestselling and beloved author Madeleine L'Engle, Newbery winner for A Wrinkle in Time, was known the world round for her imaginative spirit and stories. She was also known to spark controversy - too Christian for some, too unorthodox for others. Somewhere in the middle was a complex woman whose embrace of paradox has much to say to a new generation of readers today.

A Light So Lovely paints a vivid portrait of this enigmatic icon's spiritual legacy, starting with her inner world and expanding into fresh reflections of her writing for readers today. Listen in on intimate interviews with L'Engle's literary contemporaries such as Philip Yancey and Luci Shaw, L'Engle's granddaughter Charlotte Jones Voiklis, and influential fans such as Makoto Fujimura, Nikki Grimes, and Sarah Bessey, as they reveal new layers to the woman behind the stories we know and love. A vibrant, imaginative read, this book pulls back the curtain to illuminate L'Engle's creative journey, her persevering faith, and the inspiring, often unexpected ways these two forces converged.

For anyone earnestly searching the space between sacred and secular, miracle and science, faith and art, come and find a kindred spirit and trusted guide in Madeleine - the Mrs Whatsit to our Meg Murry - as she sparks our imagination anew.

ISBN-13: 978-0310353409

A light in the darkness...

This Book received a 3 Bark rating.

Sarah Arthur

I'll admit that I don't read a lot of non-fiction, and definitely not as much as I should, but when I read the blurb on this book and found that it was about the author of one of my absolute favorite characters of all time, Meg Murry, I knew that this was a book I wanted to read.

To be completely honest, my reaction to this book when I finished it was quite mixed. On the negative side, conservative Christians and believers in young earth science may find themselves fairly irritated as they are painted in a rather unflattering light by the author's personal opinion. On the positive side, I found the insight into Madeleine L'Engle's life, faith, writing, and the impact she has made on other authors, to be simply fascinating. I was first introduced to the Murry family, and Calvin O'Keefe, as a little girl when my dad read A Wrinkle In Time and A Wind In The Door aloud to my younger brother and I. I truly fell in love with plain Meg Murry who never seemed to fit in anywhere but found herself called to act in extraordinary circumstances. To find out that she wrote about so much more came as a surprise as did the magnitude of the opposition she faced from Christian and Secular circles alike. Who would have ever thought that one of childhood's best loved books had so many people clammering for it to be banned.

The look into Madeleine's faith was especially enlightening and the positive impact she has had on 3 generations of children as well as being a bit of a pioneer in fantasy/sci-fi fiction, especially in the Christian realm, not to mention to impact she has had on a wide variety of authors, the author Sarah Arthur included, proves over and over that Madeleine was indeed A Light So Lovely.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Light So Lovely by Sarah Arthur a 3 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Hiding Places by Erin Healy

6/24/2018

Genre:
Suspense

Hiding Places
by Erin Healy

-From Amazon-

The Harrison lodge is full of hiding
places where young Kate can discover
all the secrets no one wants her to know.

Eleven-year-old Kate keeps her knowledge to herself—one sister’s stash of marijuana, the other’s petty cash pilfering, her grandfather’s contraband candy bars. She protects her mother and Gran, too, screening out critical comments from the hotel suggestions box. But suddenly the stakes are raised; her grandfather’s best friend is murdered the day after Kate heard the two men arguing.
At the same time, far from the quiet mountain resort, a homeless man sees a robbery gone wrong . . . a gang member seeks revenge for the death of his son . . . and a boy chooses the worst time to wield spray paint on a store window. In a strange and spiraling sequence of events, their disparate worlds collide at Harrison Lodge.
Kate offers shelter to one of them, unaware of the terrible consequences to the family she loves. But people can hide in all kinds of ways, sometimes even in plain sight . . . and some secrets are just waiting to be exposed.

ISBN-13: 978-1401689605

All choices have consequences, sometimes dangerous ones...

This Book received a 3 Bark rating.

Erin Healy

I'm going to be honest right off, I really had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story for the first half of the book and as a consequence it took me a LONG time to read it. The second half of Hiding Places, however, really took off and did quite a bit to make up for the slower start. The final showdown in the lodge was tense, dramatic, chilling, and kept me glued to the page desperate to find out if Kate and her family would make it or not.

This was not my first Erin Healy book, and I loved the previous one I read, so I'm not going to let my difficulties with this one deter me from reading more of her books when I get the chance. Hiding Places had a less of a spiritual element, delving more into the lives and thoughts of a very dysfunctional family, especially the oldest and youngest members whom I really came to like by the end of the book.

While this book didn't have a strong Christian message it did have important themes of love, sacrifice, this importance of family, and of doing what is right even when faced with strong opposition and potentially dire consequences.

This gritty and sometimes dark story from Erin Healy is likely to appeal to fans of Ted Dekker so if you enjoy his books, Hiding Places just might be for you.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Hiding Places by Erin Healy a 3 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Always Watching by Lynette Eason

2/28/2016

Genre:
Suspense

Always Watching
Elite Guardians book 1
by Lynette Eason

-From the back cover-

INTENSITY. SKILL. TENACITY.
THE BODYGUARDS OF ELITE GUARDIANS
AGENCY HAVE IT ALL.

When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians to protect his son. But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owners Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap.

Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him – including Olivia. But in her mind, even more dangerous than the threats to her life is the hold her handsome client has on her heart.

ISBN-13: 978-0800723262

The danger is closer than they think...

Always Watching starts out with a real bang and goes straight on from there. From the dramatic cover to the last page readers are taken on a wild ride of danger and suspense. Lynette Eason has penned a tale that will leave you glancing over your should and reconsidering dark places.

This Book received a 3 Bark rating.

Lynette Eason

Website

One of the overwhelming themes in this book is the importance of family. Wade will do anything to protect his daughter and Bruce does what he has to to protect his son and granddaughter. On the opposite end Olivia hasn't had much of a family since childhood and she continually pushes away anyone who tries to get close to her.
I think Amy was probably my favorite character. Her normal teen reactions provide a touch of humor to an otherwise darker storyline.

Always Watching is a chilling suspense novel that will keep readers breathless, desperately hoping that the stalker will be caught before it's too late.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Always Watching by Lynette Eason a 3 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Gone Without A Trace by Patricia Bradley

7/14/2015

Genre:
Suspense

Gone Without A Trace
Logan Point book 3
by Patricia Bradley

-From the back cover-

THE PAST IS REPEATING ITSELF – AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT

It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator's missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she's finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she'll have to find a way to work with Alex – before it's too late.

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps you on the edge of your seat with a case – and a relationship – that is anything but certain.

Can they find women before it's too late?

We FINALLY get some answers and find out what really happened to Robyn Martin. I've been anxiously awaiting the conclusion to this thread in the Logan Point series since it first popped up in book one.
I have to admit that it was a little hard for me to get into the story at first but by the exciting climax I was turning the pages quite quickly. And the ending was definitely filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing from one page to the next.

This Book received a 3 Bark rating.

Patricia Bradley

Author's Website

Forgiveness is a big theme in Gone Without A Trace. Each of the main characters struggles in one way or another with forgiveness, holding on the past hurts, and just coming to understand and accept those closest to them for who they are. Patricia Bradley has penned a story that doesn't focus just on the romance but also the other relationships between family members.

I really liked the cover for this book. It's so dramatic! All of the covers for this series have been lovely. The contrast of black and the bright, bold, colors, in this book purple and green, are really eye-catching.

Fans of suspense will enjoy Gone Without A Trace, a story filled with the danger and romance that Patricia Bradley is known for.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Gone Without A Trace by Patricia Bradley a 3 Bark rating.

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (July 7, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0800722825
ISBN-13: 978-0800722821

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Book Review - Traces Of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

12/30/2013

Genre:
Historical

Traces Of Mercy
Mercy Medallion Trilogy book 1
by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

-From the back cover-

DANGEROUS SECRETS,
A FORGOTTEN PAST

As the Civil War ends, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Awaking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy, for the mercy medallion found around her neck. She wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past but when the town's most eligible bachelor comes courting, she decides to look instead at the future. Life seems filled with promise until a handsome stranger comes into town, a man who knows her history... who knows things that could destroy her.

As a fan of the Love Comes Softly movies, I was looking forward to this book, co-written by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley, and while it was a good a book I think it would have made an even better movie script. The entire time I was reading, the thought that kept coming to mind was, “This should be a movie.”

At times it was a little hard to connect with the characters but the story was interesting.
A girl not knowing her name or what she might have done, tries to figure things out while not understanding some of her own reactions. As she slowly starts putting things together she comes across two very different men – one she falls in love with but her past might destroy everything – and the other holds valuable information on who she is and could cost her everything.
I found it interesting that, while the book is populated with Christians, the heroine doesn't necessarily have a textbook Christian fiction conversion. She has been through a lot, much of it unknown to her, and thus finds herself struggling with God and everyone else.

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This Book earned a 3 Bark rating.

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Michael Landon Jr.

Visit Michael's Website
HERE

Cindy Kelley

No Website Found

One of the best things about this book is the post Civil War history. The story takes place mostly in St. Louis and talks about the resentment and even fear after everything that happened during the war. Each character has their own story of pain, betrayal, fear, secrets, and will have to face both the past and the future.

On the whole Traces Of Mercy is a good story and since the ending was a real cliffhanger I will be looking forward to reading the next book so I can find out what happens next to 'Mercy', Elijah, Rand, and Isaac.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Traces Of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley a 3 Bark rating.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (October 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0781408695
ISBN-13: 978-0781408691

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Book Review - Warning Signs by Katy Lee

12/24/2013

1 Comment

Genre:
Suspense

Warning Signs
Love Inspired Suspense
by Katy Lee

-From the back cover-

GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT

When a drug-smuggling ring rocks a small coastal town, the DEA sends Agent Owen Matthews to shut it down. A single father with a deaf son, Owen senses that the town's number one suspect – the high school's new principal – doesn't fit the profile. Miriam Hunter hoped to shrug off the stigma of her hearing impairment when she returned to Stepping Stones, Maine. But her recurring nightmares dredge up old memories that could prove her innocence – and uncover the truth behind a decades-old murder. Yet Owen's help may not be enough when someone decides to keep Miriam silenced – permanently.

Another good read from Love Inspired Suspense!

Miriam is determined to do her best, better than her best. After a rather traumatic childhood at the hands of people that didn't understand her, she has decided that not only will she compete but she will also succeed in the hearing world. She can and will help her students and catch whoever is bringing drugs into her school.
Owen came to Stepping Stones for a job, he will help a friend catch the people running drugs and then he will be gone. He has his own inner demons, he feels responsible for the death of his wife in the accident that also cost his son Cole's hearing. He is beginning to have suspicions about who is smuggling the drugs but those suspicions aren't going to make him very popular with the locals.

This Book earned a 3 Bark rating.

Katy Lee

Visit Katy's Website
HERE

Warning Signs wasn't only an entertaining read but I also learned some new things. Until reading the book I had never heard of TTY phones before, what an amazing invention! It was interesting to enter the world of a modern deaf person, I have read books about Helen Keller but technology sure has come a long way since then. There were things in the story that I had wondered about and also some that, as a hearing person, I had never thought of.

The cover for Warning Signs is one of my favorites, it incorporates locations and themes in the story very well.

So, find yourself a copy of this book, enjoy it, and don't forget to study the cover for awhile.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Warning Signs by Katy Lee a 3 Bark rating.

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Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (October 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0373445598
ISBN-13: 978-0373445592

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Book Review - A Woodland Christmas novella collection - with GIVEAWAY!

11/29/2013

9 Comments

UPDATE:
The NEW winner is
ROBIN IN NC
Entry #56

Genre:
Historical/Christmas

A Woodland Christmas
Romancing America
Four-In-One-Collection
by Ramona K. Cecil, Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery, Tamela Hancock Murray

-From the back cover-

Four Couples Carve a Niche for Love
in the Piney Woods of East Texas

An itinerant woodcarver, moves from town to town in the woodlands, delivering “sawdust sermons” that hold even more value than the furniture he crafts. Will the advice he dispenses help four couple find their way to the miracle of love at Christmas?
Bridget O'Keefe leaves Chicago to teach Indian orphans in Texas. She is astonished by the hostility the Comanche face from locals like Seth Krueger who blame them for the death of his parents.
Mary “Polly” Jessup holds onto a promise of marriage made five years ago, but when Joseph “Joey” Carpenter returns from law school with a new outlook and a new girlfriend, her future hopes are dashed.
Emma Pickett is on a quest for vengeance, but meeting Caleb Kelley sidetracks her for a moment and tempts her to forgive and forget – until she learns the man she seeks is his father.
Gabriella Noell is on a mission – to find her grandfather and reunite her family. R.C. Sparks, a wealthy businessman, has been convinced by his sister to take Gabriella along on their journey, but he refuses to let anything impede his business.

A nice collection of four holiday themed novellas. Each story is separate but one character makes an appearance in all four stories, Gabe Noell is a kindly older man who dispenses wisdom and beautiful carvings to those in need of both.

These stories explore the theme of forgiveness, restoration, and peace. Each novella is sweet, romantic, and perfect for the Christmas season.

A Woodland Christmas 344 pages but is a surprisingly quick read, I enjoyed most of it on a cold November afternoon and evening.

If you enjoy Christmas stories, historical fiction, or the works of any of the four authors A Woodland Christmas might just be the book for you to curl up with a cup of cocoa or tea and read.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Woodland Christmas by Ramona K. Cecil, Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery, Tamela Hancock Murray a 3 Bark rating.

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This Book earned a 3 Bark rating.

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Ramona K. Cecil

Visit Ramona's Website
HERE

Darlene Franklin

Visit Darlene's Website
HERE

Janelle Mowery

Visit Janelle's Website
HERE

Tamela Hancock Murray

Visit Tamela's Website
HERE

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Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc (September 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1602609705
ISBN-13: 978-1602609709

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Book Review - A Place For Family by Mia Ross

9/20/2013

Genre:
Romance

A Place For Family
Love Inspired
by Mia Ross

-From the back cover-

Hometown Girl Returns...
With A Secret

One suitcase is all that Amanda Gardner has to her name when she ends up back in Harland, North Carolina. No one knows how the high-powered ad exec, the girl who couldn't leave town fast enough, lost her glamorous life in California. Everyone's curious – except John Sawyer. He's done enough wondering about his childhood best friend over the years. Why she never called...or wrote...or visited. But John's instinct is to protect Amanda, and something tells him she's in deep trouble. Will she feel safe enough to trust him – and lean on his strength?

A sweet family-filled love story...

Amanda is a likable heroine. As a girl that has happily stayed in her hometown it was a little hard to identify with her desire to leave. Amanda has been citified but she genuinely tries to fit in when she comes limping back to Harland. She takes a job as nanny for the niece and nephew of her childhood best friend, John, and she throws herself into it with all she has.
John is a good guy. He never left the area he grew up in, instead he works with his brothers and brothers-in-law on the farm that has been in the family for well over a century. His faith has kept him going during the good times and the rough spots. He has dated quite a bit but never quite forgotten the girl that moved away.
Will Amanda tell John her secret, and if she does, how will he handle it?

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This Book earned a 3 Bark rating.

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Mia Ross

Visit Mia's Website
HERE

This book is all about family. The Sawyer family, including Tucker the dog, is a big rambunctious group of hard working, fun loving, people of faith. They do their best to take care of each other and their friends. Amanda is treated like one of the family which is just what she needs.

Another enjoyable offering from the Love Inspired line. A Place For Family is a relaxing and fun story. I read it at night just before bed and it was a perfect story to wind down on. Since I rather enjoyed A Place For Family, I plan on looking for the related books previous to this one.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Place For Family by Mia Ross a 3 Bark rating.

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Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (February 19, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0373878044
ISBN-13: 978-0373878048

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Book Review - Undercover Bodyguard by Shirlee McCoy

9/9/2013

Genre:
Suspense

Undercover Bodyguard
Heroes For Hire
by Shirlee McCoy

-From the back cover-

“YOU'RE IN DANGER.”

Bakery owner Shelby Simons can't deny a stalker is after her. Still, knowing she's at risk is one thing. Admitting she needs a bodyguard is quite another. Especially when the Bodyguard is Ryder Malone.

The former SEAL is too big, too tough, and way too attractive. Yet Ryder won't take no for an answer. If she can't find a place for him in her life, he'll make one, working undercover to protect Shelby and find her attacker. But as Ryder and Shelby get closer to answer – and each other – the killer starts closing in....

A great little before-bed read.

A quick and fun read, Undercover Bodyguard will keep you on the edge of your seat with the danger and licking your lips at all the bakery goodies.

The characters were likable, each has their own struggles but they also have their faith. Shirlee McCoy did a nice job teaching lessons on trusting God and taking a chance on people in an entertaining way.

One thing I enjoyed about this book is the location. How often do you see a novel set in Spokane, Washington. Having lived not too far from there as a child it was fun to read the somewhat familiar places, South Hill, Manito Park, Deaconess Hospital, the Union Gospel Mission.

If you are looking for a story with some danger and romance...and mouth-watering bakery treats without the calories, then Undercover Bodyguard just might be for you.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Undercover Bodyguard by Shirlee McCoy a 3 Bark rating.

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This Book earned a 3 Bark rating.

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Shirlee McCoy

Visit Shirlee's Website
HERE

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Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (April 3, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0373444842
ISBN-13: 978-0373444847

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Book Review - A Bride's Flight From Virginia City, Montana by Murray Pura

1/10/2013

Genre:
Historical

A Bride's Flight From
Virginia City, Montana
by Murray Pura

-From The Back Cover-

A beautiful woman who harbors secrets
Too Shameful To Share...
A brave man determined to protect two children who are witnesses to murder...
And the ruthless outlaw who threatens their survival.

It's an ordinary day on the range until Zephaniah Parker, owner of the Bar Zee Ranch, finds two children alone and cowering in fear. Young Cheyenne and Cody Wyoming managed to evade the vicious Raber Gang — led by notorious Seraphim Raber, aka the Angel of Death — but after witnessing a cold-blooded massacre by the gang, the children aren't safe. And neither are the inhabitants of southwest Montana.

Sweet Blue Meadows rancher Charlotte Spence is determined to see Cheyenne and Cody out of harm's way and back among their Amish relatives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. But she'll need Zeph's help. Together, the two begin a long journey east, fraught with danger — and unexpected emotions.

When Zeph and Charlotte find their relationship deepening into romance, can they keep their heads, hearts, and lives together long enough to see their journey through?

Or will evil designs and one shocking confession divide them forever?

This is the first book that I have read by Murray Pura but I doubt it will be the last... I chose this as the first one purely on the title, I live in Montana and I have been to Virginia City.

This Book earned a 3 Bark Rating.

Murray Pura

Visit Murray's Website
HERE

This isn't exactly your typical Amish story. For one thing, it's set in the 1870's so the normal technology vs. The Faith isn't an issue, everyone rides horses and plowing is done the long and hard way. Another difference is the fact that this book is a Western and most of it takes place far from the usual Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana Amish communities. Since this book is a Western there is a lot of gunplay which, again, isn't quite typical in an Amish story.

The hero is a pacifist of sorts, refusing to use a gun (he has his reasons stemming from the Civil War), but he will do whatever it takes to protect the heroine and the children. He's a good guy, wanting to be left to run his ranch in peace, and by the end of the story raise a few kids with a pretty girl in the hills of Montana.

The heroine is gentle and kind but there is also a good bit of steel in her. In the first few pages she manages to shoot a mountain lion that is attacking her, not only that but she fires right after she falls of her horse and she actually manages to hit something! There were some shades of a Louis L'Amour heroine in that scene.

If you can't decide between a Western or an Amish story to read before bed, try A Bride's Flight and you can have both.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Bride's Flight From Virginia City, Montana by Murray Pura a 3 Bark Rating

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Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; (January 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1616265337
ISBN-13: 978-1616265335

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Book Review - Chasing The Sun by Tracie Peterson

12/28/2012

Genre:
Historical

Chasing The Sun
Land Of The Lone Star book 1
by Tracie Peterson

-From The Back Cover-

Hannah is desperate for help...
William is determined to regain his family's land...

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible for not only for her younger siblings but also for the Texas ranch her father recently acquired. A marriage of convenience could ease her predicament...but is it the true desire of her heart?

Wounded soldier William Barnett returns home only to find out that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angered at this turn of events, he is surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.

Despite these circumstances, Hannah and William form an uneasy truce...and an undeniable attraction builds up between them. In a land where loyalties are divided by a country already ravaged by war, is there any hope that the first blush of love can survive?

This one took a bit of time to finish... OK, OK, maybe that had something to do with reading a couple of suspense books at the same time ;)

I had to admire Hannah's determination to do what was right. Every difficult situation that was presented to her did the right and Christian thing to do.

William was the same way. When he came home and found his family's ranch in the hands of another family, he fought for his rights with respect and integrity.

This Book earned a 3 Bark Rating.

Tracie Peterson

Visit Tracie's Website
HERE

(Minor Spoiler)
The villain was so despicable I do wish the author had given him a suitably swift demise. But I wonder if he will escape prison and come back in one of the other books from this trilogy? Hmm, I guess I will just have to find out... (End Spoiler)

The descriptions of the land and ranch made 1860's Texas come alive for me. The little movie that runs in my mind while reading had plenty to work with in this book!

Though not as engrossing as Tracie's Alaska series's, Chasing The Sun is a good Historical Novel with lovely detail and a nice touch of adventure.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Chasing The Sun by Tracie Peterson a 3 Bark Rating.

I will be reading the next two books in the Land Of The Lone Star series soon so be looking for my reviews of Touching The Sky and Taming The Wind in the coming weeks

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Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 076420615X
ASIN: B00A18JJVW

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Book Review - The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

12/15/2012

Genre:
Amish

The Memory Jar
Seven Brides For Seven Bachelors book 1
by Tricia Goyer

-From The Back Cover-

For Five Years,
Love Has Passed Her Up.
For One Moment, Can She
Put Down Her Guard?

Every year, 30--40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

It took me a little bit to get into the story at first but then it got rolling and I got reading.

To me this book was about allowing yourself to dream, following those dreams to where God wants you, and working to achieve those dreams. Also, make your memories, each little thing is precious and someday may be the best thing you have.

Sarah always wanted to make 'fancy' cupcakes in her own bakery but after the death of her friend Patty, she buried her dreams and went on with her life until...
Jathan, the youngest son of a hardworking Amish family in Ohio comes to Montana to give himself time to think and plan a little, his family is demanding more than he might be able to give.

This book earned a 3 Bark Rating.

Tricia Goyer

Visit Tricia's Website
HERE

Both Sarah and Jathan have a lot of pressure put on them by their church, community, and even more by family. Will they have the courage follow their dreams and still follow God's plan or will they give up?

At times I wanted to shake some sense into both of them. Yes they needed to respect their families and church but sometimes...

The ending was a little too neat and quite predictable but sweet nonetheless. And the Epilogue left me tearing up a little.

Patty was very wise for such a young woman and we could do well to take her thoughts to heart. I will finish with a quote from her letter to Sarah:
“I'm speaking of allowing God to form you. We, God's people, are His highest creation, but it's easier to tend our gardens than our souls. Not that I have everything all figured out, but I have been watching you. God has made you a unique design. Never forget that. Also know that God's made someone else to be your fit, see your specialness as I do. Sometimes you're a timid little thing, but if you find the right guy, be bold. Be bold! You don't want to look back at your years with regrets. Regrets have no place in your memory jar.”

On the whole, The Memory Jar was an enjoyable read and I will be looking for the next book in the
Seven Brides For Seven Bachelors series.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer a 3 Bark Rating.

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