Back in the Saddle ~ Review

Back in the Saddle
Double S Ranch Book #1
By Ruth Logan Herne

Colt Stafford is back at the Double S Ranch. He left years ago at his father's request, vowing never to return again but with the latest downturn in the stock market Colt has no choice. His father's ill and his help is needed.

But there are surprises waiting for him at the Double S - the first being a welcome with a gun aimed in his general direction by a stranger - a woman giving him instructions in Spanish!

Angelina Morales has little use for Wall Street money hunger types. What she's heard about Colt and the suit arrives in do little to convince her he's any better than someone out for himself. And she's very protective of her employer Sam Stafford and she holds his sons absences against them even if Sam is a hard-head.

Grey's Glen and the Double S Ranch need each other and it's time for them to all realize just who much.  And Colt's return just might be the catalyst that is needed along with a change of heart among the Stafford men on the Double S.  Trouble is coming and it will need everyone to come together is they are to overcome it.

Back in the Saddle is an engaging and entertaining book.  Fans of contemporary fiction and westerns will find much to enjoy.  There is also the slightest hint of a mystery for the characters though as a reader you will be aware of what is going on.  This is above all else a book about family - what brings us together and what drives us apart.  The characters are believable and likable and ones I wouldn't mind revisiting in the future.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

The Prodigal Is Coming Home 

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

About the Author:

Ruth Logan Herne has more than half a million books in print, including fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels. Back in the Saddle is the first book in her new western romance series. Ruth is a founding member of Seekerville, a popular writing collective blog. A country girl who loves the big city, Ruth and her husband live on a farm in upstate New York.

King's Folly ~ Review

King's Folly
The Kinsman Chronicles #1
By Jill Williamson

For those who like the feel of paper between their fingers as they traverse their way through a book - this book is for you. This brings the first three parts (Darkness Reigns, The Heir War, and The End of All Things) of the Kinsman Chronicles which were released in a digital format into a physical book format.

Darkness has covered the land in which the Five Realms dwell and the long foretold Five Woes seem to be coming forth as if in response to the evil brought forth by the King Echad of Armania. Echad rules with a cruel glee - no one is safe from his whims or his worship of Barthos, even his own children.

Strife rules the court of Armania as the remaining sons are locked in an undeclared war to secure the title of heir. Prince Wilek, eldest son of Echad, longs to be named Heir and to bring an end to the sacrifices his father insists upon. Second son Janek has a cruel streak that would make him a ruler similar in nature to his father. Third son Trevn, is a teenager who has a great love and loyalty for his older brother Wilek. Trevn also has determined to rebel against the expected by actually caring for the people around him.

But a series of disasters is throwing the Realm of Armania into chaos - endless quakes, massive sinkholes, floods. The Five Realms are teetering on the verge of war, chaos, and utter destruction if the old prophecies are to be believed. They are after all just old prophecies, but the troubles that are slowly spreading throughout the lands could be the fulfillment of what they long ago decided to ignore or abandon.

There are many forces at work both for and against Armania within and without the palace. Who can be trusted is of utmost importance as the end draws near. But who do you trust in a court where no one trusts anyone and everyone seeks only their own advancement? Betrayals, deceptions, and divisions rule but the truth is available to those who search it out. And discovering these truths may be the only thing that can save the Realm.

As the crisis hits, long hidden secrets are discovered. Who will survive the Five Woes is in doubt as the world they've always known comes to it end.

I have several characters whom I have really gotten to like Wilek, Trevn, Zeroah (Wilek's intended bride), Mielle (Zeroah's honor maiden), and Trevn's companions/aids Sir Cadoc Wyser and Hinckdan Fuluk.

Each new offering from Jill Williamson becomes a new favorite and the Kinsman Chronicles is no exception.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
About the Book:

The gods are angry. . . . 

Volcanic eruptions, sinkholes, ground shakers--everything points to their unhappiness. At least that is what the king of Armania believes. His son, Prince Wilek, thinks his father's superstitions are nonsense, though he remains the ever dutiful First Arm of Armania.

When a messenger arrives and claims that the town of Farway has been swallowed by the earth, the king sends Wilek to investigate. But what Wilek discovers is more cataclysmic than one lost city. Even as the ground shifts beneath his feet, Wilek sets out on a desperate journey to save his people and his world. But can he do it before the entire land crumbles?

The End of All Things ~ Review

The End of All Things
The Kinsman Chronicles #1.3
By Jill Williamson

The End of All Things picks up where The Heir War left us.  Wilek is still being held by the Magonia's and soul bound and under compulsion to Charlon.  Natural disasters are destroying the land as they know it.  The time of the Five Woes has come and time is running out for the Five Realms.

Janek is moving against Wilek and Trevn in his attempt to be named heir to the throne of Armania. And Janek has no inhibitions using any and all means to gain his goal - even murder.

But there are many forces at work both for and against Armania within and without the palace. Who can be trusted is of utmost importance as the end draws near.  With Wilek missing and Father Tomek Trevn must find allies he can trust.  But betrayal comes in many forms, taking years to implement and someone is determined to stop Trevn - the question is who.

The End of All Things brings the crisis to a head - who will survive is in doubt as the world they know ends.  Secrets come to light and lives will be lost, but more questions will be raised.

Each new offering from Jill Williamson becomes a new favorite and this latest part in the Kinsman Chronicles is no exception.  I love this serial release format so that one doesn't have to wait as long between books. Get ready to be enraptured with The End of All Things! But don't expect to have all your questions answered the next installment is coming July 5th!

I was provided an advanced uncorrected copy of this book by the author Jill Williamson in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
With the Five Realms on the brink of total destruction, everyone faces a final mad scramble to find a safe haven. The realm is divided on what should be done. Wilek and Trevn join those who are preparing the realm for a seaward evacuation, but the king stands in their way. Wilek must battle against his own father to try and save the people of Armania.

Annabel Lee ~ Review

Annabel Lee
A Coffey and Hill Novel #1
by Mike Nappa

This is an interesting book, somewhat creepy at parts as one would anticipate from the cover. And there is an intriguing Edgar Allen Poe thread that runs throughout the book.

Eleven years ago something was hidden away, something that needs to stay hidden.  But someone is determined to find Annabel Lee and they will do anything to find her.  Annabel has been on her Uncle Truck's farm as long as she can remember. People either respect her uncle or fear him - Annabel loves him.  She loves him as much as she fears the dog. 

But in a single night everything changes.  Annabel is hidden away from every living thing except the dog and a warning from Uncle Truck - open this door for no one without the secret code.  Something is very wrong and Annabel is about to discover who she truly is...

When her ex comes back into her life Trudi Coffey is less than thrilled.  But she has a message to relay to Sam Hill concerning an old friend of Sam's.  What Trudi doesn't expect is she is about to be pulled into a mystery that could very well cost both her and Sam their lives.  But something about this stranger - this Dr. Smith, doesn't sit well with Trudi and her investigative senses kick in.  But she needs Sam to get to the bottom of this case, she just doesn't realize how much

This is the first book in a new series.  There is suspense, mystery, and the barest hint at fantasy.  This is a book that will keep you up at night, I know because it kept me up.  There is a bit of violence throughout, which may be a deterrent to some readers, but overall it was an excellent story.  Each chapter is labeled for the character whose point of view is being presented. This book is worthy of the Poe thread running through it.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Fourteen miles east of Peachtree, Alabama, a secret is hidden.
The secret's name is Annabel Lee.

She doesn't know why her enigmatic uncle has stowed her deep underground in a military-style bunker. He's left her with a few German words, a barely controlled guard dog, and a single command: "Don't open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me."

Miles away in Atlanta, private investigator Trudi Coffey is visited by a mysterious older man calling himself Dr. Smith. He's been trailing a man for a decade--a man she met through her ex-partner Samuel Hill--and the trail has led him to her office. The last thing Trudi wants to do is to contact Samuel. But it will take both of them to unravel this mystery--before it's too late.

A Powerful Secret ~ Review

A Powerful Secret
The Worthington Destiny #2
by Dr. Kevin Leman

           Jeff Nesbit

All Sean Worthington has every wanted is his father's approval, his love.  As his older brother's campaign manager, Sean may have found a path to what he desires. But when Will unexpectedly pulls out just as he is expected to announce his candidacy, Sean knows whom his father will blame and it won't be Will.

What Sean doesn't know is someone has targeted the Worthington family - focusing on Will, Sean, and their sister Sarah.  Even more shocking is just how far this elusive someone is willing to go to destroy this powerful family.

A Powerful Secret is the second book in The Worthington Destiny and if you haven't read the first book don't worry it is easy to get caught up in this one. (I know because somehow I missed the first book)  This is a book that will quickly pull you into the story.  There is a bit of mystery throughout that will keep you wondering at the identity of certain people.  And then there is the Worthington family and the ties that hold them together and how they play-out as different stresses and issues come into play.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one, but in the meantime I plan on obtaining a copy of the first one.  In my opinion that is the true test of how well one enjoys a book - willingness to read the previous books in a series.  

I think readers who enjoyed Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley's Restoration series will find much to appreciate in this series.  Family dynamics are explored and examined from the perspectives of the various characters in how they relate to one another.

Things that are hidden will be revealed...

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Sean has always felt like an outsider in his own family.
Now he must risk never achieving what he wants most--his father's love.

Billionaire globe-trotter Sean Worthington is stunned when his older brother suddenly abandons the Senate race in New York and walks away without a backward glance. As campaign manager, Sean's left to handle the media feeding frenzy with no answers. Worse, their father--as usual--backs Will, the "perfect" son.

Frustrated by his father's lack of belief in him, Sean determines to finally move on and forge a unique path. But when a powerful secret is revealed, threatening everything Sean has counted on, he must wrestle with shocking truths . . . and combat the power brokers behind the scenes who have the Worthington family in their crosshairs.

By the Stars ~ Review

By the Stars
By Lindsay B. Ferguson

A once-in-a-lifetime love,

a raging war,

and a promise...

From the moment he first saw her Cal Morgan knew Kate Clayton was special. She was his ideal as he went through school. But Kate was beyond him, too beautiful, too popular, too perfect for a farm boy.  But he had something to offer that no other man had offered Kate.  He offered her friendship and in return he got to know the heart of the young woman who captured his.

Kate is determined to never fall in love, but there is something about Cal that calls to her, that threatens to break through the wall that she has erected around her heart.  But friendship with Cal seems like an acceptable compromise.  Time is short with World War II soon to take him into the dangers of the Pacific Theater.

When Kate's deep-rooted fears keep her from acknowledging that she and Cal have something special, he heads out with a broken heart.  But Cal's absence makes Kate realize just how much she is giving up.  And she is determined to let Cal know just how she feels before it is too late.

With the promise of Kate's love awaiting him Cal faces the horrors of war in the jungles of the Philippines.  The struggle to survive and yet remain true to himself and God drives him.  But his greatest strength lies in his hope of a future with Kate.

This is a love story that spans the years and faces the uncertainties of the future of a world at war. This is a story that rings true and will touch your heart.  This is Cal Morgan's story -- the love story that made his life.  A beautiful and touching story that one won't want to miss.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

He was lost. Lost in those

deep brown, beautiful eyes.

As clear as day, Cal heard a voice

inside his head: "That is the girl

you are going to marry."

 

When Cal finally gets a chance with Kate, the girl he’s loved since grade school, their easy friendship quickly blossoms into a meaningful romance. But World War II soon cuts their time far too short, and Cal prepares to part from her -- possibly for good. With Kate's memory willing him on, Cal must put his trust in God to survive if he hopes to ever return to her. Inspired by a true story, By the Stars is a romance that stands the test of time and the most intense obstacles.

About the author:

As a Communication graduate from the University of Utah, Lindsay Ferguson worked as a PR and marketing writer for a computer software company for several years before resigning to focus on raising her family. As a contributor to Deseret Digital Media, she has had lifestyle articles published by ksl.com, Deseret News, and FamilyShare.com. She lives in a suburb of Salt Lake City with her husband and four children. By the Stars is her first novel.

The Calling ~ Review and Author Q&A

The Calling
A Seer Novel #2
By Rachelle Dekker

Fear is a powerful sedative for rebellion

A year and a half has passed since Carrington Hale and Remko Brandt left Authority City behind.  But the city is not so far removed that they are free from its reach.  And they have lost many friends to the new leadership - Damien Gold has started a new reign of fear against the Seers and anyone remotely connected to them.

But Remko has a secret - he is a prisoner to his fears and his anger.  Each loss of a Seer to Damien's ever increasing campaign against them brings a greater sense of failure to Remko.  As Remko's sense of inadequacy grows the tensions within his camp grow.  Just how far Remko can go before he breaks is of utmost importance to Damien.

Breaking the spirit of the rebels is Damien Gold's goal but sometimes a broken spirit is the key to healing and freedom.

In The Choosing we are introduced to Carrington and Renko.  We are taken on Carrington's journey to a life that Aaron and his Father have introduced her to.  The Calling is Renko's journey.  Before he was following the woman that he loved.  But is love enough to keep him with the Seers in the face of doubts and opposition?  Remko's path to faith will not be easy but it is one that needs to be taken.

The Calling is the second book in the Seer series.  Though told from several character's perspectives, the main perspective is Remko's followed by Carrington's, Damien's, and Jesse's.  Remko and Carrington have grown since the first book - they've married, become parents, and have become leaders within the Seers.  There are losses, joys, betrayals, and unexpected twists throughout the book. This is a book that you won't want to put down until you get to the last page.

But be warned this book will leave you wanting book 3.  This is most definitely a cliffhanger that will have you wondering what will come next.  Highly recommended reading not to be missed.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

Remko Brant had never been so sure of anything as escaping the Authority City with Carrington Hale. But bravado comes easy when you have nothing to lose. Now a husband, father, and the tactical leader of the Seers, Remko has never had so much at risk.

As he and his team execute increasingly dangerous rescue missions inside the city, they face growing peril from a new enemy. Recently appointed Authority President Damien Gold claims to be guiding a city shaken by rebellion into a peaceful, harmonious future. But appearances can be deceiving. In order to achieve his dangerous ambitions, Gold knows he must do more than catch the rebels—he must destroy the hope their message represents . . . from the inside out.

With dissension in his own camp—and the City Watch soldiers closing in—Remko feels control slipping through his fingers. To protect those he loves, he must conquer his fears and defeat Gold . . . before one of them becomes his undoing.


About the Author:
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. The Choosing is her critically acclaimed debut novel. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full-time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. Visit her online at rachelledekker.com.

Q and A with Rachelle Dekker

Remko struggles with his anger often throughout the book. Is this expression of anger connected to his fears? If so how?

Anger is just a natural reaction to the circumstances Remklo faces. Sometimes being afraid can stir up anger because it makes feel weak or out to control. This is definitely true for Remko in The Calling.

Carrington struggles with the pain that comes from watching Remko miss the Truth that was so clear to her. What encouragement would you give to others that have loved ones who do not yet share their faith? 

Everyone needs to take the journey. For some, truth comes more easily, and others have to struggle to see it. It can be incredibly hard to watch someone you love miss the truth right in front of them, but don’t forget that the Father is still God, and He holds them in His hand. So love those that struggle restlessly and trust that the Father is ever-present, even in the darkness. 

In the book you talk a lot about surrendering to fear. What does this look like and how does this help us not to be afraid?

I think sometimes the natural reaction to fear is to hide from it, or try and push it away. Its the idea that if we can't see it then it must not be there, but we all know that unless dealt with the unseen things often come back to bite us. The only way to face fear is to walk through it; surrendering to Father God and letting Him reminds of our true identity. Only then do we really see that the light within us is always greater than the fear we face.

Do you relate to any of the characters in The Calling in terms of how you've faced and handled fear in your life? How so?

Of course, every character I write ends up having some reflection of things I've faced personally. You can only write what you know, as they say. I, very much like Remko, have the tendency to be in "in my head" too much when faced with fear, and I struggle to let go of the need for control and simply surrender. That's one of the main reasons I decided to write this story.

What do you hope readers will take away from the story?

I hope they take a moment to see themselves as children of the Father. I hope they see that true freedom and fearlessness rest in surrendering, and that when they stand with the Father than nothing can stand against them. There is incredible peace in that truth,and I hope, like I am beginning the experience, that readers feel that same peace.

About the Author:

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. The Choosing is her critically acclaimed debut novel. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full-time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. Visit her online at rachelledekker.com.