You're the One That I Want ~ Review

You're the One That I Want
A Christiansen Family novel #6
By Susan May Warren

Owen Christiansen had it all until he lost it in an off-ice match gone wrong.  Owen has been running from his problems and his mistakes ever since.  But working as a crabber in Alaska is giving him a chance to finally rebuild his life.  Owen is determined to not be the man he once was.

And Scotty McFlynn is giving Owen a reason to stand firm and return to the roots of his youth. But Scotty isn't a marrying type of girl and she's known it her whole life.  But something about Owen could make her question what she believes.

Casper has determined to find his younger brother and make him finally own up to his mistakes.  When Casper finally catches up to Owen he lets Owen know the true extent of his wrongs and the pain and grief he'd caused.  But Casper has problems of his own that are about to derail his carefully laid-out plans for his future with Raina and Layla.

Tasked with escorting the Christiansen brothers back to Deep Haven, Scotty is about to experience all the drama of the Christiansen family as they deal with Casper's legal issues.  For Scotty family is a totally new and unexpected experience, one which has her longing for what she is experiencing.  But is she willing to take the chance on love?

This is the sixth and final book in the Christiansen family series which has taken us on a roller-coaster of ups and downs as the Christiansens navigate life with all its joys and trials.  Though this is Owen's story Casper also plays a starring role as both brothers navigate their roles in the family and with one another.

The Christiansens are not an idealized family they deal with issues as do all families.  There are differences of opinion, personality clashes, and real life issues to deal with as they all discover, for themselves, the people they are meant to be.  Get ready to laugh and to cry in this final book.

I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.

Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after—especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama—and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.

But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.

Undaunted Hope ~ Review

Undaunted Hope
Beacons of Hope #3
By Jody Hedlund

Tessa Taylor has a position as teacher for the mining community of Eagle Harbor, Michigan.   Located in the northern reaches of the Upper Peninsula, Tessa feels that she will finally be free from the mistakes of her youth.  But Eagle Harbor has never before hired a woman to be a teacher and Tessa fears that the first impressions she's received may mean that her position isn't as secure as she once thought.

Mining was not an easy life and many were born into the life starting to labor beneath the surface as soon as they were able to do the work.  But Tessa was determined to offer not only her students but the entire community the chance at something better, something less taxing, something safer.  But bringing change into reality is never as easy as one hopes.

As one of the few single women Tessa has gained the attention of many of the men of Eagle Harbor, but one of the stipulations of her contract forbids her to court or to marry.  Tessa is to be above reproach in her conduct.  Unfortunately certain local lighthouse keepers are determined to convince Tessa that marriage is just what she needs.  Tessa refuses to entertain any idea of tying her life once again to a lighthouse.  But Alex and Michael Bjorklund are nothing if not persistent and Tessa has become the prize in their sibling rivalry.

But Michael's two young children have developed a fondness for Tessa and have begun their own matchmaking attempts.  Attempts that endear them to Tessa while bringing her face to face with her greatest fear - fear that has hidden itself in the cloak of intense dislike.

Facing her fears may give Tessa her greatest weapon when the lives of those she has come to care for are endangered by a powerful enemy.  An enemy who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Though this is the third book in the series you can pickup this book and start reading without getting lost if you haven't read the previous books.  You can easily go back and read them after reading Undaunted Hope.  Each book in the series only gets better in my opinion.  Fans of historical or romantic fiction will delight in reading these books.

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

About the Book:
Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won’t be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can’t help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him.

Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she’s the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

The First Hostage ~ Review

The First Hostage
A J.B. Collins novel #2
By Joel C. Rosenberg

Everything suddenly went wrong - the peace summit in Amman, Jordan, has been the target of a devastating attack that claimed the lives of many high ranking officials from both the region and the United States.  Even more troubling the president of the United States is missing and presumed a high value hostage of ISIS!

And New York Times journalist J.B. Collins finds himself on the front-lines of this deadly attack.  But the potential destabilization of the region is but one possible outcome.  Throw in a hostage situation with the American president at the mercy of ISIS and the whole world could become destabilized.

Time is in short supply as ISIS makes its demands.  But before any action can be taken a traitor must be found and dealt with. And the evidence takes an unexpected turn.

This is a fast-paced book that will keep the reader in suspense as to the outcome.  How does one find a hostage when the perpetrators have such vast resources and means at their disposal?  This is a book that will appeal to many as it is a contemporary setting.  ISIS is a daily news story and this book looks at a what-if scenario that is not unbelievable.

This is the second J.B. Collins novel, but reading the first book The Third Target is not necessary to following this story.  This is in fact the first book by Joel C. Rosenberg that I have ever read and I had no problem with following the story.  Though I will admit I did order a copy of the first book (last night) as I enjoyed both this book and the writing of Mr. Rosenberg.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

“The president of the United States . . . 

                                                                                      is missing.”

With these words, New York Times journalist J. B. Collins, reporting from the scene of a devastating attack by ISIS terrorists in Amman, Jordan, puts the entire world on high alert. The leaders of Israel and Palestine are critically injured, Jordan’s king is fighting for his life, and the U.S. president is missing and presumed captured.

As the U.S. government faces a constitutional crisis and Jordan battles for its very existence, Collins must do his best to keep the world informed while working to convince the FBI that his stories are not responsible for the terror attack on the Jordanian capital. And ISIS still has chemical weapons . . .

Struggling to clear his name, Collins and the Secret Service try frantically to locate and rescue the leader of the free world before ISIS’s threats become a catastrophic reality.

War for the Waking World ~ Review

War for the Waking World
Dreamtreaders #3
By Wayne Thomas Batson

A Dream Come True...

Can Be a Real Nightmare

Archer Keaton has been a Dreamtreader for several years and on occasion been known to work around the rules to get the job done.  But his past is about to catch up to him at the worst possible time - the Rift has torn through into the Waking World and reality and the dream have mixed together.  But can Archer and his fellow Dreamtreaders repair the damage before it becomes irreversible?

But Archer has an enemy working against him even more dangerous than the recently defeated Nightmare Lord. And his one-time-best friend Kara has most certainly betrayed him both within the Dream and without.

Archer, Kaylie, and Nick are about to engage in a war for the waking world and time is running out. With some unexpected allies they just may have a chance to reverse the Rift, but there is a cost to just such an undertaking but the survival of the world depends on them.

The War for the Waking World is the concluding book in the Dreamtreaders series and it is an adventure packed book that will keep you guessing at the ultimate outcome until the very end. This is a series that you must read in order to 1) follow the series and 2) to truly know who the various characters are.  This book is targeted to the juvenile audience but fans of fantasy will appreciate this story and its complexity.

I would recommend both the book and the series for ages 12 and up (or younger readers who are advanced readers).  Perfect if you're looking for a book to occupy the kids when they get bored with our wacky winter weather.  Would also be a great family read-aloud book for some good quality family time.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Would you be willing to fight for your dreams?

Fifteen-year-old Archer Keaton has the ability to enter and explore his dreams. He is a Dreamtreader, one of three selected from each generation. Their mission: to protect the waking world from the Nightmare Lord who dwells beyond the Slumber Gate. But as Archer’s dreams become more dangerous and threatening, so too does his waking life.

In this fast-paced conclusion to the exciting fantasy trilogy, the dream world and the waking world bleed into each other when a rift is formed between the two. People in the real world suddenly find their waking lives resemble their wildest dreams. Now it’s up to Archer and his fellow Dreamtreaders to race to reverse the rift before too much damage is done and to battle Archer’s ex-best friend, Kara, who sits on the throne of the Nightmare Lord. Kara is building an army of her own. Will Archer be strong enough to stand against her?

The Golden Braid ~ Review

The Golden Braid

By Melanie Dickerson 

Rapunzel and her mother have never stayed in any one village for any length of time.  If Rapunzel starts to form a friendship or attract the attention of any man they leave almost immediately.

When Gothel decides that they need to move yet again, Rapunzel has hopes that by moving to Hagenheim she may get her heart's desire - the chance to learn how to read.  But the several day journey is fraught with dangers that Rapunzel and Gothel must face before they can enter the safety of Hagenheim.  When the women are attacked by a pair of men they are rescued by Sir Gerek, a knight in the service of Duke Wilhelm.  But there is one problem with Sir Gerek he is a man and Rapunzel has been taught from a young age that men are not to be trusted.  But Sir Gerek did come to their aid and insisted on seeing to their safety for the rest of their journey.

What follows is a delightful twist on a well-known fairy tale that takes place during Melanie Dickerson's previous book The Princess Spy, but this time the focus is on some of the background characters from the castle and on Rapunzel, Gerek, and Gothel.  We also learn about the tragedy that Duke Wilhelm and Lady Rose experienced over 15 years.  

Melanie Dickerson will draw you into this medieval world she has created with the first word set to page.  Though most of her books deal with Duke Wilhelm and his family if you have not read any of her books before don't worry about pick up The Golden Braid first as you can easily follow the story and get caught up at a later date with the other books.

This is truly a lovely book one that you'll want to read again and again.  I would recommend this book to most readers 13 and up.  Younger readers with greater reading skills and comprehension who aren't scared off by the 300 page length would also enjoy this book. I know I would have devoured a book like this when I was 9.  This book would make a perfect gift or library addition.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Thomas Nelson is exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower.

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to read.

After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted.

After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige.

But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change everything—except her happily ever after.

About the Author:

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama. 

Visit her on-line at melaniedickerson.com
Facebook: MelanieDickersonBooks,
Twitter @melanieauthor.

Streams of Mercy ~ Review

Streams of Mercy
Song of Blessing #3
By Lauraine Snelling

Blessing, North Dakota, is recovering and rebuilding from the tragedy that struck the town in book 2 (A Harvest of Hope) which I somehow managed to miss leaving me a little bit in the dark.  I highly recommend read the series in order.  But the town is prospering, the hospital is still training intern doctors and nurses from Chicago.  Life for the most part is good.

Anji Moen and her children are living with her sister Rebecca and brother-in-law Gerald.  She is sharing the knowledge that she gained from her late husband by teaching Norwegian history in the high school.  Her growing friendship with Thomas Devlin has become an added blessing in her life. Thomas is an Anglican minister from Ireland who has called Blessing home for a short time. Thomas's heart is drawn to the ministry but in recent years he has been without a church, instead he has been putting his carpentry skills to use in Blessing both as a carpenter and as a teacher.

But Blessing is about to undergo yet another time of testing when some unexpected "visitors" arrive in the night.  The skills of doctors Astrid and Elizabeth Bjorklund will be tested as they fight against an unknown and deadly illness that threatens Blessing.

Taking place in 1907 when medicine and modern living as we know it were in the early stages of becoming a reality for all, Blessing is on the forefront of this growth.  But no matter the time one lives in tragedy is a fact of life.  Blessing is a town that one could definitely find a home for ones heart.  The caring that the residents share for one another is heartening and often sadly missing from much of life as we experience it today.  

Often people refer to living a simpler life, but life isn't simpler rather it is less encumbered by the pressures and demands that we have allowed to gain such a foothold in our lives today.

I really enjoyed Streams of Mercy and look forward to hopefully further installment from Blessing. In the meantime I'm going to backtrack and read what I missed in book 2.  This series is highly recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction.  Would make an excellent gift or addition to any local library.

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

About the Book:
The Heartwarming Drama Continues in the Song of Blessing Series
Anji Baard Moen, a recent widow, returns from Norway with her children. She quickly settles back into life in Blessing, teaching Norwegian history in the high school and writing articles for the Blessing Gazette. When tragedy strikes, Anji steps in to run the newspaper and soon finds a kindred spirit in the widower who owns the printing press. As they spend time together, Anji wonders if there's something more than friendship growing between them.

But Anji has also caught the eye of a recent arrival to Blessing. He has put his carpentry skills to good use on the town's building projects, including Anji's house. But Anji is torn between her feelings of loyalty to someone who needs her and the chance to build a new life with this intriguing newcomer.

Where will her choice take her?

Chivalrous ~ Review

Chivalrous 
Valiant Hearts #2
By Dina Sleiman

Gwendolyn Barnes hopes to someday earn her father's love.  She scorns the duties of being a lady, longing to instead to be a knight like her brothers.  But seeking to right the wrongs is not in her future, rather an arranged marriage of her father's choosing is her fate.  And her father is sure to choose someone like himself - domineering, cruel, and unloving.

Allen of Ellsworth has left Lady Merry and the Ghosts behind seeking to find a new cause to fight for and woman to whom he could offer his heart.  A tournament for knights in Edendale offers Allen a chance to prove not only his skill as a knight but also the honor of his heart.  Allen's selfless act while in the tournament brings him to the attention of not only Gwendolyn but also that of Duke Justus.

But when treachery finds its way into Edendale the new path that Allen's life has taken takes an unexpected turn.  And this turn could leave his heart again bruised.  But Allen is determined to do his duty for his new home, even if it means denying his heart's desire.  But can he allow Gwendolyn to remain in her father's control if he can prevent it?

Gwendolyn is determined to not be crush in spirit by her father's decisions.  But she is hopeful that her mother and perhaps the Duchess can sway him in another direction.  But as far as her father is concerned his only daughter has little value except as a marriage pawn to get him greater power and influence.

Can Gwendolyn and Allen see the path that God has set before them or will they instead follow the path set before them by men?  The fate of their hearts and a people may rest on what they do.

This is the second book in the Valiant Hearts series and is as good if not better than the first book Valiant. This book / series should appeal to YA readers who are looking for clean fiction.  This is an enjoyable book that captures the reader's attention from beginning to end.  Though one doesn't have to read the first book to enjoy this book it is recommended so that one can fully appreciate Allen and where he is coming from.

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


About the Book:
Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit. 

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.