Easter is Coming ~ Review

Easter is Coming
By Tama Fortner
Illustrated by Wazza Pink

This is a delightful story about Easter that is presented so that even young children can learn that it was a gift of love from God. Children are taken on a short journey through the Bible starting with Creation and the first sin and the message of the prophets. The main focus of this book though is the life of Jesus and that Easter is coming.

This is a board book that measures approximately 8.25" x 8.25" (or 21 x 21 cm). The cover is padded so easy to hold while reading. The illustrations are colorful but soft perfectly complimenting the story. At 23 pages it isn't too long for short attention spans while sharing a powerful and important message Easter is Coming and it is the proof of God's love for us today. Perfect for bedtime reading or as the start to your day. This is a good family time book whether shared with a parent and child or a grandparent and a slew of grandchildren scattered round about.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Did you know?... Easter is coming!

This special day is more than bunnies and baskets. It's about God and a love so great that He planned to send His Son to save us...right from the very start.

Designed to be read and reread on the days leading up to Easter, this book teaches little hearts to celebrate and anticipate the true joy of Easter.

Justice Mission ~ Review

Justice Mission True Blue K-9 Unit series #1 Lynette Eason

Sophie Walters is a target after she witnesses a stranger messing with Chief Jordan Jameson's K-9 graduation notes. But why said stranger would feel the need to kidnap her and when that fails to silence her forever is a question that NYPD Luke Hathaway is determined to find the answer to.

Soon the entire K-9 unit and the NYPD force is looking for Chief Jameson and his K-9 partner Snapper. But as time creeps by Sophie and her personal protector Luke (with his K-9 partner Bruno) begin to fear that finding the Chief alive and unharmed is becoming less likely.

Now anyone who has Lynette Eason in the past knows that she is well able to spin a well-crafted suspense-filled read. Well, Justice Mission is no exception and as this is the first book in the True Blue K-9 Unit series don't expect to have the case wrapped up in this book. The basic story that deals with Sophie and Luke does come to a satisfying conclusion - and if you want a hint just remember that this is Love Inspired Suspense. Sophie, Luke, and Bruno aren't the only members of the unit one is introduced to - there is Chief Jameson's brothers, his wife Kate, and several others including a special some-to-be new member of the canine variety that is about to surprise them all. Get ready to add 9 books to your to-be-read (TBR) pile because this will be one series that I suspect you'll not be able to stop at just one.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Caught in a killer’s sights…

Introducing the True Blue K-9 Unit series After K-9 unit administrative assistant Sophie Walters spots a suspicious stranger lurking at the K-9 graduation, the man kidnaps her—and she barely escapes. With Sophie’s boss missing and someone determined to silence her, NYPD officer Luke Hathaway vows he and his K-9 partner will guard her. But he must keep an emotional distance to ensure this mission ends in justice…not cold-blooded murder.

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh ~ Review

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh
Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1
By Carolyn Miller

If one read Carolyn Miller's previous book The Making of Mrs. Hale the opening chapter borrows a scene from that book in which we are introduced to Caroline Hatherleigh and Edward (Ned) Amherst. And from this chapter, a set of actions is put into place - one that finds Caroline being sent from London to Sidmouth, Devon, to the home of her grandmother Lady Aynsley. Fearing that Caroline's reputation could be tarnished by her association with Ned her mother would brook no opposition to her plan.

Gideon Kirby has taken refuge with his sister Emma in Sidmouth hiding he hopes from society and any chance of his true identity being discovered. Gideon has no time for courting or matters of the heart. He has come to the coastal region for two purposes - protect his sister and make a scientific discovery of renown. But his sister Emma has other plans once she makes the acquaintance of Miss Hatherleigh.

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is every bit as engaging a story as Carolyn Miller's previous Regency Brides series have been and it promises to an equally delightful series if this first book is any indication. This book doesn't have much in the way of interactions with previous characters as it mainly focuses on Caroline, Gideon, Emma and Lord Kenmore (friend of the Kirbys). I really liked how Caroline grew as a person through her interactions with her new acquaintances/friends. This change allowed her to see herself in a new light - one of a spiritual nature rather than through the looking glass of society.

This book falls in the gentle reads category but there are a few scenes that deal with the harsh realities of a world that is home to evil and sin. Overall a highly recommended read for any who enjoys Jane Austen, Regency fiction or historical English fiction.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher Kregel with no expectation but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society and she's always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her—and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won't willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister's illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount's daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected—especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he's falling for in order to protect his beloved sister's secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers' cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences, or will the trust they've withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

Interception ~ Review

Interception
Javin Pierce Spy Thriller #5
By Ethan Jones

Javin Pierce is back in action and about to get back into the good graces of CIS if he manages to complete his current mission - a mission that finds he and Claudia working with the Chinese intelligence agency. There is potentially a traitor in their midsts and he or she has managed to take out two of China's agents. China wants answers and justice for their murdered agents.

To bring the truth to light Javin and Claudia must bring a Chinese hacker into their fold - they can't trust him but they need him and his cyberbending skills if they are to bring their unknown target down.

But a traitor isn't Javin's only concern - he has managed to make an enemy (which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has read the previous 4 books). And now Javin's got a target on his back that threatens his current mission. And this mission is about to take him from China to Mongolia to France and finally Monaco. And there is an interesting scene involving a priest and a very expensive sports car that you'll just have to read to fully appreciate!

Interception is one thriller that will keep you reading from the first word until the last...


About the Book:

They’re tracking you… 

Back into service after going rogue, Javin Pierce and his partner Claudia are working with the Chinese intelligence agency to discover a traitor among their ranks. Paired with a team they can’t trust, the agents are facing a crafty hacker that moves in the darkest shadows of cyberspace. As Javin and Claudia get closer to discovering the traitor’s identity, they realize this is only the beginning…

As they now go head-to-head against a man determined to sacrifice all others to save himself, how will Javin and Claudia outwit the hacker and bring down the traitor posing as a patriot?

Her Colorado Cowboy

Her Colorado Cowboy
Rocky Mountain Heroes #3
By Mindy Obenhaus

Lily Davis is determined to give her kids the summer that they deserve while hopefully giving her son a reset on his attitude and behavioral issues. Issues that can be squarely placed on her ex-husband's lack of interest in their kids. And his betrayal has her level of trust in others, especially men at a fairly low level. Ouray Colorado seems the perfect place to get away from their normal and where they won't be known.

When Lily's children Colton and Piper talk her into letting them go horseback riding at Blessed Assurance Ranch their summer is about to change for the better. When Colton attempts to steal something from the ranch and then lies about it Noah Stephens isn't about to let this pass but he is sure Lily Davis is going to be like most well-to-do parents and try to buy her son a free pass on the consequences of his actions. Surprisingly Lily is all for Colton having to work off his punishment at the ranch.

The only issue Lily has with having to spend more time at the ranch is her fear of horses. A fear that Noah thinks he can help her overcome but there is just this little issue of trust involved and Lily just doesn't know Noah well enough to trust him. As summer progresses Noah needs the assistance that Lily's life in Denver has afforded her experience in - event planning is what he needs for the grand opening of his rodeo school. The rodeo school is his dream - a chance to help kids who need an outlet that instills responsibility and confidence.

Though neither Lily or Noah wants a second chance at love this summer just might give them the chance to find it. But Noah's heart still belongs to the wife he lost more than a decade ago. And Lily doesn't want to end up in another marriage in which she is merely an accessory until something better comes along. But there is something about Ouray Colorado that just makes those who visit want to call it home.

This is the third book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series and another enjoyable visit with the Stephens family in Ouray, Colorado. Find a cozy corner and visit for awhile you too just might want to stay.

The book can be read on its own and you won't miss too much by not reading the other two books first as this book focuses mainly on Noah and not the rest of the Stephens family. But I'm sure after reading this one you'll want to backtrack and catch up with all the doings in Ouray and the Stephens clan.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Lassoing the single mom’s heart… 

Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses. But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school. As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?

Author: Mindy Obenhaus 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: April 1, 2019 

ISBN: 9781335539137

Romancing Lord Ramsbury ~ Review

Romancing Lord Rambury
Brides of Brighton #3
By Ashtyn Newbold

Grace Weston has a vast knowledge of courtship and romance and she has determined that her elder sister Harriett is the perfect match for Mr. William Harrison. But Harriett has determined that her happiness is dependent upon marrying a gentleman with a title and a large estate of which Mr. Harrison has neither.

But her sister's reluctance is not a deterrent to Grace who agrees to Harriett's challenge that she romance Lord Ramsbury with her acquired book knowledge. If Grace could secure a proposal of marriage then she would agree to three meetings with Mr. Harrison.

Lord Ramsbury, Edward Beaumont, the future Earl of Coventry, is considered by all to be the most sought after bachelor in Brighton and the trail of broken hearts in his wake showed he was not one to be easily ensnared by marriage-hungry misses and their social climbing mothers. His disreputable ways have brought him an ultimatum from his father - marry and before his father's death and his position as heir to the Coventry title and estate would be restored. But his father's quickly failing health leaves him little time to court, propose and have his offer be accepted.

Three years prior Lord Ramsbury broke Grace's heart and earned him her eternal scorn. Now, Grace finds herself in a position she never expected - playing the simpering fool to Lord Ramsbury's attentions. But she has determined to break his heart by securing his offer of marriage and then refusing him in an attempt to show him that he can't toy with a heart without consequences.

But Lord Ramsbury isn't about to no for an answer and determines to convince Grace that he is more than the scoundrel who broke her heart three years ago. And as his title and wealth weren't an inducement for Grace to accept his offer he is determined that she accept him as himself instead. But can he win Grace's heart in time to satisfy his father's requirements or will his title be lost before Grace agrees to be his wife?  And would a lord without a title or lands be enough to win any lady's heart? Only time will tell.

I've absolutely been waiting for this book. In A Convenient Engagement, Lord Ramsbury's proposal of marriage to Amelia was turned down and when he offered courtship advice to Philip Honeyfield in Marrying Miss Milton I wanted to know Lord Ramsbury's story as one could tell underneath his showy facade there was a caring hurting person hidden away. And this book was well worth the wait - loved it!

About the Book:

Miss Grace Weston has read countless books involving courtship and romance. Putting her knowledge into practice, she offers her assistance in finding a match for her sister, declaring herself an expert in romance. She is well-read on the subject, after all. 

When a bargain between sisters is struck, Grace is unable to resist a challenge. She must prove her expertise by gaining a proposal, one she plans to reject, from the man whose fleeting flirtation left her heart in ruin years before: Lord Ramsbury, the next Earl of Coventry. 

But Lord Ramsbury's pride does not take well to rejection, especially when he learns he must marry to keep his inheritance. And so he undertakes a challenge of his own: He will change Grace’s mind. In a battle of pride and proposals, his heart becomes more involved than he ever thought possible. To win the battle and Grace’s heart, he must employ his most harmful weapon. 

But what is so harmful about a bit of romance? 

The Deputy's Holiday Family ~ Review

The Deputy's Holiday Family
Rocky Mountain Heroes #2
By Mindy Obenhaus

Lacie Collier's life has once again been upended. Since her sister's death, she has been caring for her 5-year-old niece Kenzie. And now she finds herself in search of a new job - not that it should difficult to find a new one with her experience in interior design. But first, she needs to give Kenzie the best Christmas she can but with her mother's ban on all things Christmas Lacie has a problem if she plans on spending Christmas in Ouray.

Matt Stephens is surprised when Lacie Collier arrives in Ouray with her young niece in tow. But he's even more surprised when he discovers that she's going to be in the play that he's just agreed to direct. And her experience is just what he needs if he doesn't want to fail or further prove his father's less than positive assessment of him as true.

When Matt meets Kenzie there is something about her that is familiar and it's not that she looks like her mother Marissa. But when he stumbles upon the truth he and Lacie will have to work past the tension and past hurts to provide Kenzie with a Christmas she'll never forget. But Lacie's sure of one thing she's not about to lose her heart once again to Matt Stephens and maybe if she keeps telling herself that she'll succeed. But how do you tell your heart to stop caring?

Matt's determined to be in Kenzie's life after missing out on the first 5 years. But with Lacie searching for a job on the other side of the state he has some serious thinking to do. Could he convince Lacie that Ouray has everything she could ever need or want, with him at the top of the list? It may take a Christmas miracle to bring these holiday wishes true.

This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series and it is just as enjoyable as the first book Their Ranch Reunion. Matt is living with the pressure of just never quite measuring up to his father's standards and he wants more than anything to earn his father's respect and pride. Lacie is determined to be the best mother she can for her niece but doing it all on her own comes with its own issues and she's just not sure how to do it all on her own. This is a second chance for two people who took a wrong turn along the way. I liked how this book seems to pick up fairly close to where the first book ends. For those who are wondering this is a clean gentle read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A Family for Christmas

Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt…if they can open themselves to the possibility of love,

Author: Mindy Obenhaus Genre: Contemporary Romance Publisher: Love Inspired Release Date: December 1, 2017 ISBN: ​9780373623198