Book Review: Fatal Frost

From the Back:

Following in her absentee father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan has just recovered from being shot in the line of duty. And, unbeknownst to her, her father's recent reappearance in her life has put her in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang. Her boss assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent--Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until her safety can be guaranteed.

Unaware of the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark, it isn't until a freak ice storm strands them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy to put them in great danger. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?

My Reflections:

Nancy Mehl pens another fast and furious romantic suspense with her newest novel, Fatal Frost. Join Mercy Brennan, strong-willed and tenacious U.S. Deputy. Her mission is to fight against crime in St. Louis, where criminals are abundant, and gangs and drugs are winning the battle of good and evil.


Mercy tries to live on the fringes, she is a self-proclaimed loner, even in her closest relationships we see this bent towards extreme independence and self-preservation. Mercy always has an agenda and is super keen on keeping her life organized and streamlined, these skills along with her tough as nails attitude keep her going as she faces the worst criminals in the city of St. Louis.

We soon find that Mercy has some serious hurdles to overcome, mainly with her anger and resentment regarding her father, Nick. There are always two sides to every story, and this one is no exception. Nancy Mehl is so talented at penning her characters so that they are real to life and have a commanding presence in her novels. I felt very connected and was so disappointed when the story came to a close. 

Another characteristic I love about this author is her ability to keep her readers entertained and have descriptive statistics and scenarios throughout the novels. This makes the reader really feel immersed in another life and diverse professions. I will never be a U.S. Deputy but was able to experience the thrills, danger and high throttle adrenaline these professionals face on a daily basis. Makes my dull farm existence seem a little less dreary!

If you are looking for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and entertained this Christmas season, I would highly recommend Fatal Frost. Although you may want to pick up another good book as well as this one will most likely be completed sooner than you anticipate.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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THE AUTHOR

1. 
   

   Nancy Mehl

   Nancy Mehl is the author of twenty-one books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to learn more.

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Book Review: Overcoming Toxic Parenting

From The Back:

You can break the cycle of toxic parenting
Parenting is hard enough when you had good role models in your own parents. But what if your parents were absent, neglectful, or abusive? Are you doomed to repeat their mistakes with your own children? As a parenting expert and someone who experienced negative parenting firsthand, Rick Johnson answers that question with an emphatic "No!"

Anyone can be a good parent, even if they didn't have one. In this compassionate and practical book, Johnson shows you how to identify the ways in which your past experiences affect your own parenting choices. Then he walks you through the process of healing the emotional and spiritual wounds toxic parenting has left behind. Finally, he outlines healthy habits and practices to take the place of the negative ones that were modeled for you.

With Rick as your sympathetic guide, you can break the cycle of abuse, neglect, or absenteeism and create a positive family environment now and for the future.

My Reflections:

If you come from a less than stellar upbringing and want to do better for your family, I would highly recommend picking up this book by Rick Johnson.
Johnson is no stranger to relationship building he is the founder of Better Dads, and a well-known speaker on relational topics.
I found this to be an easy to read and understandable book, filled with knowledgeable facts and an actual workable plan. Sprinkled with humor, you can't go wrong picking up this book!
I find often times self-help books are good at telling you what is wrong and the reasons behind the fracture, but lack in the follow through. I think it is safe to say we all need a good scaffolding in order to make real and lasting change in our lives. 
Rick Johnson gives us this in his newest book, paired with healing and a framework for better parenting, this book is one of the better ones I have read on this subject.

This book covers matters like:

When Parents Fail
How Our Past Affects Our Own Parenting
Healing Our Wounds
Action Steps to Healing
Healing Our Emotions
New Parenting |Stratigeis
Good Kids, Bad Kids
Healthy Relationshi[ Practices
Thoughts for Women: Why You Matter
Thoughts For Men: Why You Matter
Conclusion: Better Parent, Better Families, Better World.

I really valued that the author had real life experience in the material he was writing about, it was helpful and validated his points. 
I love his quote "Your Past Does Not Dictate Your Future"
This has been a very encouraging and uplifting read, I came out of reading this parenting book, energized and ready to make some small baby steps into new territory. 
If you are looking at healing from your past, and changing the way you parent or are being proactive and reading this book before you even have children or a husband, I would highly recommend Johnson's book. This would also be beneficial to spouses of wounded partners, as it will help them understand the pain behind the actions.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

THE AUTHOR

1. 

   Rick Johnson

   Rick Johnson is a bestselling author of That's My Teenage Son, That's My Girl, 10 Things Great Dads Do, and Better Dads, Stronger Sons, as well as Becoming Your Spouse's Better Half and Overcoming Toxic Parenting. He...

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Book Review: Shadow of the Storm

From the Back:

In the darkness of the storm's shadow, only truth can light her way. 
Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mount Sinai. When the people rebel by worshipping a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to assist a midwife. When the experience awakens a new desire in her, she defies her mother's wish for her to continue in the family weaving trade and pursues her heart's calling as an apprentice midwife.

But when a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself in an impossible situation and bound to a man who betrayed her. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira comes face to face with the long-hidden pain of her past. Can she let go of all that has defined her to embrace who she truly is and believe in a hopeful future?

My Refections:

Connilyn Cossette does not disappoint with her second novel in her series Out From Egypt. Shadow of the Storm was such a joy to read. Multi-Layered plot lines and real to life themes make this novel stand out among the many that I have read. Due in part to the sheer depth and drama played out within the pages, you just cannot put it down. 

Shira continues to shine from within, her strength and determination despite her circumstances make this book really resonate with your soul. This character has braved slavery, lived through an attack that took her innocence and changed the very shape of her future. Through all this, she continues to have a yeilding and beautiful compassion for others. Her willingness to put others before herself and her own comfort, make her one special character. 
These traits would be shallow without the real to life struggle, though, and we see her humanness as she continues to struggle with the past and things she has no control over. Her calling to be a midwife rips off old wounds, but at the same time heals her and makes her realize her future. 

It was wonderful to be reunited with characters from book one (Counted with the Stars). Kiya, Eben and Jumo were such well-rounded additions to this story, and gleaning more details about their lives and pasts made this story just that much better.

I also enjoyed the kinship between Shira and Kiya, this brought depth to the story and was one of my highlights. The antagonist Dvora, made me so angry and at times I wanted to reach through the book and throttle her, but her perspective is key and I completely understood why she was such an important part of the story, besides that we always need a good antagonist, right?

Speaking of love-hate relationships I found that I was experiencing just that with Ayal, this hero was a complete jerk for so much of the novel. His actions caused such heartache for Shira. Can she overcome his heartless actions and move into the future? Will his word and actions of change be enough to soften her heart towards him?

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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THE AUTHOR

1. 
   

   Connilyn Cossette

   

   When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better...

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Book Review: Wild Montana Skies

From the Back:

"Watching Kacey and Ben maneuver past hurts and fall back in love made for a perfect afternoon reading. Wild Montana Skies is a wonderful love story."--Dee Henderson, author of Taken

The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.

But her mistakes aren't so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.

Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn't realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart.

Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song?

My Reflections:

When I started this book I joked that I had a "date" with Susan May Warren. I knew from the start that I would be hooked, and would need a chunk of time to devote to this novel. I was correct in my assumption and enjoyed my little date until I flipped the very last page. Now I have a new series to love and to look forward to!

When I requested this novel I was unaware that there was sub-story, on the characters Sierra and Ian, I missed out on a whole other novella.  Although not needed for the story to flow well it would have been an nice addition to the plot had I read these books in order. 

To receive your copy of the free novella you can visit the link here: 

(This book was free at the time of publication)

free ebook

Wild Montana Skies will most definitely catch your attention with its cast of unforgettable characters coupled with a touching story of love and redemption. 

Ben and Kacey have a long and choppy past, misunderstandings and disappointment have broken not only their lives apart but has also affected the life of their daughter. Aspirations to better themselves have also fuelled that fire, but have made them who they turned out to be; successful in their own ways. This story packs so much into its pages, from exploring the depths of Gods love for us, to trust in each other, shame, forgiveness and then to love and redemption.

Just  heads up the ending is not the satisfying aah... I hoped for, but I am sure this will be remedied in the next book, just have to be transparent here...I'm a happy ever after kinda country girl.

So grab your cuppa Joe and settle in to the small town of Mercy Fall, Montana. The scenery of Glacier National Park, coupled with unforgettable characters and a hint of mystery will keep you entertained well past the bottom of your cup.  

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

THE AUTHOR

1. 
   

   Susan May Warren

   Susan May Warren is the ECPA and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels, including Wild Montana Skies, with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Readers'...

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Book Review: Waves Of Mercy

From The Back:

Haunted by the Unknowns of Their Pasts, Two Women Search for Answers Along the Shores of Lake Michigan Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiancé. Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry.

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago. As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys. Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them.

My Reflections:

Lynn Austin is a master storyteller and her past and experiences shine through the pages of this novel, with her attention to detail and her character development she was able to pen a captivating dual storyline.

I usually don't care much for twin stories, I am a one story at a time kinda girl. Austin made it easy for me with her ability to make the plot flow smoothly, maybe that or else I was just primed by all the dual stories I have been reading as of late. I think this may be an author trend, so I better get my twin brain in gear!

1897 Miss Anna Nicholson has travelled to Hotel Ottawa on the shores of Lake Michigan to lick her wounds after a jilted love. William her former fiance has broken the engagement due to the fact that their religious beliefs don't line up. Being from the upper class, she is expected to attend a respectable church. The problem is that, she has found a place to call home where the faith is vibrant and the God they serve is very real and present. Anna must consider what her future holds, now that all her dreams and plans have been lost. While at the resort she meets an interesting seminary student, named Derk. He is an employee at the Hotel and consequently the neighbour of Geesje's. The two become acquainted an the past touches the face of the present, impacting everyone involved.

Geesjse  is one of the original immigrants to Holland, Michigan. Her family had to flee from religious persecution in the Netherlands in the 1840's. Geesjse's son, along with the Michigan Central Committee encourage her to write a memoir of her life. This story of heartbreak, love, loss and endurance are nestled into the present day of 1897 and weaved into Anna's story.

God is good and faithful and this story makes one reflect on the fact that a prayer no matter how long you have prayed it will get answered, one way or another.

If you are looking for a unique storyline, and a change of style I would definitely recommend Lynn Austin's Waves Of Mercy. Good plot, not overly predictable, and purposeful faith message. It is not the grab you from the first page kind of read but well worth your time none the less. Great book for those people who have read everything and are looking for something a little different.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

THE AUTHOR

1. 

   Lynn Austin

   Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been...

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Book Review: Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart

From the Back

You Can Connect With Your Child's Heart Through Discipline Parents want to raise respectful, responsible, and faith-filled kids. But when kids misbehave, parents often feel lost and confused, and don't realize that their discipline can make things worse in the long run.

Jim and Lynne Jackson, founders of Connected Families, teach four powerful principles for discipline that shape both behavior and your kids' hearts. You'll learn to communicate--even when your kids are at their worst--that they are safe with you, loved no matter what, capable of wise choices, and responsible to make right the things they've made wrong. As you impart these messages, you'll create strong relationships, build lasting wisdom and character, and bring God's grace to life in your home!

My Reflections:

Jim and Lynne Jackson's new book "Discipline that Connects With Your Child's Heart," is a comprehensive and refreshing read. This book speaks to the core matters of not only discipline but also the relationship after the consequences are over.

We all strive to raise well-behaved, respectful children who will ideally grow into functioning and happy adults.
Parenting is hard at the best of days, mostly we rely on our own upbringing and the ideals of  friends and family, however, this is not enough.
We need to be intentional in our parenting journey and always strive to learn and grow as God leads us.
I find I sometimes bring baggage from the past and this often trips up my best of intentions. Reading parenting books can either go one of two ways, they can encourage and inspire or make you feel like a complete failure.

This book is the encouraging, and uplifting type, and I feel any parent can benefit from reading it.
I appreciated that this book centers on our relationships with our children, and not just the reasons behind the behaviors.

I want to be able to look at my grown children and still see respect and love looking back at me.

This book is divided into four core subjects titled:

Foundation: You Are Safe With Me

Connect: You are Loved No Matter What

Correct: You Are Responsible for You Actions

The last two sections are my favorite:

Rebuilding and Reconciling

and

Wisdom for Specific Challenges


I really enjoyed the message that it is never too late to reconnect and repair any past hurts. Every section in the book delves a little deeper into growing your relationship and learning from your past mistakes.
This parenting book is informative and encouraging. I valued the honesty of the authors, no family is perfect and through trials and tears, we learn and are able to better our parenting style the next time.

No book has a magic formula that will instantly transform your child into Brady Bunch perfection, but this book is a practical, faith-based approach that seems to just make sense.

If you are looking for some new tools for your parenting tool box or just a refresher for your existing style, this may be just the encouraging read you are looking for.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc


THE AUTHORS

1. 

   Jim Jackson

   Jim and Lynne Jackson (www.connectedfamilies.org)have conducted over 1,300 workshops for parents and privately coached more than 1,000 parents since the early 1990s. They are media spokespeople for a variety of parenting issues, frequently speaking at churches...

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Autism: President's Choice Children's Charity: (Superstore) Helping Local Families.

My girl's best friend

I recently had the opportunity to meet a very important superhero named Adam Hues. Adam works at the local Super Store, as the store manager.

But I am getting way ahead of myself, let me start from the beginning.

Our beautiful girl and her trusty sidekick love to be outside together. like any child, she is adventurous, daring and has a penchant for animals. Her love for nature and the great outdoors has been quite limited due to the fact that we live by a dangerous body of water.

Her sidekick that fluffy ball of energy has a keen eye for his girl. He is highly skilled at keeping her safe and secure. He is however when not working and out of harness a dog, and being such, has a love for chasing critters...wildlife ...or chickens...He is, after all, a poodle, and poodles are retriever type dogs, historically they were bred for wild game hunting, and they are very good at it too!

Don't get me wrong this poodle is something special, he can calm a meltdown before it starts, he can soothe a bad day with his warm and comforting "hug" This dog is one of a kind special.

My girl would be lost without him!
Frankly, so would our family.
He is truly my girls "best friend" Always present, always loving and non-judgemental.
Children on the spectrum often have a hard time developing these kinds of relationships with their peers.
Autism Assistance Dog guides are phenomenal at bridging the gap. Kids bond with and are able to have a relationship that they may never otherwise experience. These dogs are remarkable in skill and ability, making a child with Autism's life more meaningful and enjoyable.

Families truly experience a new "leash" on life, often finally getting to go out without the added concern of safety issues, as these dogs are taught to keep children safe from running away when frightened or having a meltdown.

To learn more about these special dogs you can visit this website:Lions Foundation For Dog Guides

Our family has been hyper-vigilant trying our best to keep everyone safe and secure, and due to the safety concerns the yard was not always a safe place to play. This is where Adam Hues and President's Choice Children's charity came in.

I had applied to Children's Charity to see if we could secure funding to help us build a safety fence. I didn't really know what to expect since I had never done anything like this before.
I was completely blown away when Adam himself called and told us the good news! I literally had no words...it was such an amazing moment!

I can't say enough about how this simple fence has changed our lives for the better, we no longer feel the underlying panic of a possible escape and we all can relax just a little bit knowing everyone is safer.

I also want to thank the dedicated and professional people at True Line Fencing their skills and dedication to quality have provided our family
with a custom fence that is secure and lockable. Ben and his team listened to our needs and designed a workable system that keeps everyone safe and secure. Thank you True Line fencing. You can visit his website at the above link.

So what do you say to a superhero?
I have no words other than...

Thank you, Adam Hues!

To learn more or donate visit the official website:
President's Choice Children's Charity

Book Review: This Road We Traveled

From the Back:

"An unforgettable story of hardship, survival, and the bonds of family, based on true events. Tabby's indomitable spirit proves that women, as well as men, helped to tame the West."--Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of Anna's Crossing

Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon--even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.

My Reflections:

Set in the 1840's Jane Kirkpatrick's newest novel titled "This Road we Traveled," is just the kind of book that excites me.
I absolutely adore books written about the wagon trail. Right from my early reading experiences this time period and setting has inspired and encouraged me throughout the ruts and broken dreams of my life's journey.
This story is so unique from other Oregon wagon trail stories I have read. The historical background and character development really drew me in and I became instantly entwined with the great challenges and tragedy these pioneers faced.

The story centers around matriarch Tabitha Brown who is mother and grandmother to the family. Tabitha or Tabby for short is a fiercely independent sort who wants to help to support her family in any way she possibly can. Tabby's vibrant faith and strength coupled with unimaginable courage are exemplary!

I enjoyed that this story was told by different perspectives; mother daughter and granddaughter. You really get to experience the kaleidoscope of dynamics all taking place at the same time. It made me really ponder the different stages of ones life and how the perspectives motivated or hindered ones life story.
Will I be regretful and bitter as I age or will I be reflective and content, able to open up to the younger generation with love and compassion?
Such great concepts to ponder.
So this book was so much more than a historical fiction read for me, it was enlightening and encouraging as well as a great story to relax with.

It is no surprise that Jane Kirkpatrick is well known for her moving and historically accurate writing. It is always a joy to read a well-written novel and "This Road we Traveled" is certainly a worthy read.

THE AUTHOR

Jane Kirkpatrick

1. Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have been...

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Operation Christmas Child, Pack Your Shoe Box Today

One of our favorite family things to do at this time of the year is pack our shoeboxes!

We pick up our shoeboxes the kids all pack their own box for their gender, so we always have 2 girl boxes and one boy box in the same age catgories as my children.

Thes boxes impact the lives of over 730,000 children. Make a huge diffrence in the lives of children with this easy activity!


Operation Christmas Child National collection week is November 14-20 
#OCC_Canada #ilovepackingshoeboxes

To learn more you can visit:
http://www.grafmartin.com/operation-christmas-child-more-than-a-shoebox/

Book Review: Lady Unrivaled

From the Back:

Amid the Unforgettable Cotswolds, the Final Grasp for the Fire Eyes Diamonds Could Threaten Them All
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won't wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life . . . but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those intent on destroying them all?

My Reflections:

This is the third and last book in Roseanna M Whites series "Ladies Of The Manor."  It has been such an unexpected pleasure to journey back in time and experience a novel so filled with charm and intrigue. 

This novel has a magnitude of events and characters to navigate, but this author does a splendid job of creating a cohesive blend of personalities and events, the flow is smooth and seamless, making for an enjoyably diverse read. 

I utilized the Character list and sub-lists extensively! I have to say, I usually get lost in a mire of characters and end up confused and discouraged, but this was not the case with this novel, it is extremely well layered.

How I would love to glide along the lavish hallways of such a marvelous manner, and reading Roseanna M white's novel was the next best thing to actually experiencing this luxury.
This was such a welcomed break from my reality. I won't go into great detail about all the characters but I will highlight my favorite attributes, of a select few. 

Ella Myerston exudes a charming self-assurance that makes you feel every event she faces with strength and an audacious boldness.  It has been awhile since I have really loved a character as much as I did Ella. 

Cayton is another favorite from this novel. Charmingly handsome, admirably dedicated and willing to do what it takes for his daughter, and let's not forget slightly broody. Such a fine mix of a hero! I so enjoyed this painter slash father who had been through oh such heartache, yet strived to do what he thought was best.
I must say this series ranks highly, and will stay perfectly ordered in my library collections. 
You can't go wrong with this book, it's fusion of romance, mystery and fine cast of characters will certainly entertain you!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

THE AUTHOR

1. Roseanna M. White

   Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is...

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Book Review: Traces Of Guilt

From the Back:

She's turning up the heat on Carin County's cold cases . . .
Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective . . . mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . .

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

My Reflections:

Dee Henderson's novels have been hit or miss for me for the last couple of years. Her previous books were so jam packed with spine-tingling suspense that I have found her newer books a little lackluster, as the same qualities just were not in her newer books. This book, however, has captured the thrill of Henderson's past. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series "An Evie Blackwell Cold Case"

Most people shirk at the thought of working a cold case, not Evie Blackwell, she delights in the challenge of unsolved mysteries. 

I do not recommend this book for audiences under 19 due to some of the disturbing content that revolves around sexual abuse and pedophiles. No specifics are gone into in detail but the subject matter is disturbing especially for survivors of abuse.

Though Evie seems like the main character she actually does not steal the limelight. The story revolves around many side characters, all of whom have experienced trauma in their pasts. Henderson has done a fine job of laying her scaffolding for the next installments of this series!

I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the months to come.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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THE AUTHOR

1. Dee Henderson

   Dee Henderson is the author of numerous novels, includingTaken, Undetected, Unspoken, Full Disclosure, and the acclaimed O'Malley and Uncommon Heroes series. Her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards,...

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Book Review: The Wish

About

"You really think this is a gut idea, goin' clear out there, spendin' time with folk who've left the People?"

Leona wondered if she was getting the carriage before the horse. Even so, she was willing to do whatever she could to bring Gloria back home--where she belonged.

Leona Speicher got the "sister" she always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be the answer to Leona's prayers--until Gloria's father is expelled from their Old Order Amish church for reasons no one will discuss. Much to Leona's dismay, the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear. Then, after a silence of several years, Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona, who makes up her mind to go after her friend. Yet Leona's fiancé--the deacon's son--is alarmed. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing?

My Reflections:

I thought I was over my Amish fiction addiction, then I read this book. 
Beverly Lewis consistently draws me in straight off the first page, her sweet stories carry me to a world of simple bliss. This novel is sure to lift your spirits and brighten the dreary fall doldrums.
Though a uniquely Amish tale the thread of this story can be found in any life story. 
If we are honest from time to time we all yearn for the things we don't have. two characters two hearts desire to live the others life.

Leona personifies all things Amish, she is self-sacrificing, disciplined, dutiful and loyal, but what secrets lay await in her tender heart? As a wee girl Leona and her dear friend Gloria were as close as best friends of that age typically are, then one day she is gone. Three years pass without so much as a letter to explain, then Gloria gets in touch with Leona. Is it too late? Is Gloria too English to relate too?

Will Gloria rejoin the Amish life? Will the Amish community welcome her back? I'm not going to spoil the plot for this fabulous tale! 

With a captivating storyline, endearing characters, and strong 
faith themes this makes for an uplifting and nourishing read.
If you are a Beverly Lewis fan or need to feed your Amish fiction addiction this one is a sure bet. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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THE AUTHOR

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   Photo courtesy of Aimee Christenson

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in twelve languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and...

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