Book Review: A Man With A Past

 

From the back:

He must piece together his past if he's to have any chance at a future.

Falcon Hunt traveled west, compelled to start a new life by a surprise telegram that promised him an inheritance and a family in Wyoming. But shortly after arriving, he wakes in a river, completely unaware of who or where he is. As he tries to regain his memory, he meets two men who claim to be his half brothers and the prettiest woman in the area, Cheyenne Brewster. Only trouble is, a few flashes of memory make Falcon wonder if he's already married.

Falcon immediately draws Cheyenne's ire as he so closely resembles her no-good stepfather who swindled her out of inheriting her mother's property. But despite her resentments, she has to admit these newcomers' presence has some appeal, especially after Falcon steals a kiss.

When shootings start happening on the ranch, it's clear someone is gunning for the Hunt brothers. Falcon and Cheyenne set out to find who is behind the attacks, but it'll take all their savvy and skill to deal with their enemies and the potentially forbidden love growing between them.

My Reflections:

In Mary Connealy's second book "The Brothers in Arms" series, you will expect to be entertained for many solid hours. I have to admit this author consistently has me reading well into the wee hours of the night, I simply must keep reading! 

This book is no exception, in this series the plot builds onto the first book "Braced For Love." Readers can expect a good recap, for this reason, I would suggest this not be read as a standalone, read them in order to get the full benefits of the story!

A Man With A Past continues with the story of the Hunt Brothers. Falcon Hunt seems to have lost his memory putting him in a rather awkward situation. He can't recall the two men who claim to be his brothers, but he sure wants to get to know the beautiful lady named Cheyenne. When flashes of his past life come to light Falcon struggles with his building interest in this beautiful lady. Being the honourable man he is, he tries to live by his deep-rooted values hoping to remember enough of his past in order to build a future.

Cheyenne is the half-sister to Wyatt Hunt she is a firecracker of a woman who holds her resentment close after being cut off from the ranch she was raised on. When more confusion comes her way in the form of a handsome cowboy with no memory, things get really interesting!

I love that Mary Connealy weaves other characters into her novels interconnecting stories to add to her future series. I can't wait for book three! If you are looking for a novel packed with handsome cowboys, adventure and a sprinkle of humour this just might be the book you are searching for!

Book Review: When Twilight Breaks

 

From the Back:

Munich, 1938

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

My Reflections:

Sarah Sundin has certainly done her homework in her newest novel 'When Twilight Breaks'This novel will give readers a glimpse into the tumultuous year before the official start of WW11.

Gripping storyline, powerful immersive writing and courageous characters round out this novel Beautifully. Sarah Sundin has a way of penning her stories so that the reader is completely entranced, her writing is so atmospheric I dare readers to put this book down!

Evelyn Brand a foreign reporter finds herself working in Munch Germany year 1938. She is striving to keep up and excel in a man's profession. She finds herself having to balance how she writes, too much will not only put her career in danger but also herself as well.

Peter Lang is the "hero" in this story. He is clever, hard-working and puts the needs of others before his own. What more could you ask for? I enjoyed watching his faith blossom throughout the entirety of this story.

Sarah Sundin presents an overall gripping read that packs a punch. With just the right amount of suspense, danger and a little pinch of romance, this book will not disappoint!

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

Book Review: All My Tomorrows

From The Back:

Stories of Love That Will Last through Every TomorrowKaren Witemeyer, Jody Hedlund, and Elizabeth Camden are among the most acclaimed authors in the historical romance genre--their novels have won a RITA award, a Christy Award, a Christian Book Award, and multiple Carol Awards. These beloved writers offer for the first time ever in print three unforgettable historical novellas that celebrate true love:

Karen Witemeyer's "Worth the Wait" takes readers to the Harper's Station women's colony, where a single mother must overcome pain and fears of the past in order to trust a gruff but kind freighter who has helped the women expand their business.

Jody Hedlund's "An Awakened Heart" follows a young widow into the shadows of New York's tenements, where she and a newly appointed minister spar over the best way to care for the poor and orphaned.

Elizabeth Camden's "Toward the Sunrise" finds a female medical student trying to overcome the ramifications of a decision that leaves her at the mercy of a stubborn but handsome attorney.

My Reflections:

My Reflections:
These three authours are some of the best in the Christian fiction industry. I am incredibly blessed to be a part of the Graf-Martin reviewers team and as such have the awesome opportunity to review all of the best books on the market!

Three stories all different yet have the same threads, hope, integrity and strong, forward-thinking women. I don't have a favourite out of the trio and found they complemented each other quite remarkably. I love Christian fiction it most always features good values, wholesome characters and great values. When I read secular fiction, I am always shocked at the amount of bad language and sexual content. You won't find that in these novellas. 

Worth the wait written by Karen Witemeyer: 
Join the lovable ladies back at Harper's Station as Ben and Tori flesh out the pain from their pasts This story is about redemption. It is an uplifting, encouraging read. I enjoyed the banter and fun sprinkled within the folds of the plot. I love how God takes a situation and turns it right around to his glory!

An Awakened Heart by Jody Hedlund:
Close to my heart is where this story sits. God will care for the orphaned and widowed. This story centers on guy and Christine two unlikely characters who champion in a gritty unlikely setting. This story highlights the fact that God is everywhere, he cares, he always wins in the end, even when it is not apparent. An endearing read with inspiring characters!

Toward the Sunrise by Elizabeth Camden:
I absolutely adore tales centring around the medical field, and this one has a very forward thinking, strong-willed heroine who paves the way for women in medicine. Julia, a delightful character who boasts a soft heart for the ill and suffering be it people or animals. Now I want a goat again, darn! 
Ashton, the lawyer, tasked with the job of getting Julia to apologize for actions at the college she was expelled from is an equally fascinating aspect. This novella is definitely a fun read, I don't have a favourite but I certainly loved reading this story and felt a strong connection with the characters!

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

                             Karen Witemeyer

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three...

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Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a...

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Elizabeth Camden

Elizabeth Camden is the author of 11 historical novels and two historical novellas and has been honored with both the RITA Award and the Christy Award. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and...

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Book Review: More Than Meets The Eye

From the Back:

When Her Family Is Threatened, She Doesn't Expect Falling in Love to Be Their Best Defense
Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Evangeline has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Evangeline has two--Seth and Zach, fellow orphans she now counts as brothers. 

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. And when Hamilton's unique sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time they cross paths, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

My Reflections:

A delightfully engaging storyline that is sure to please! Karen Witemeyer has once again immersed me into her world right off the first page. This story opens with a heart squeezing prologue that had me fully engaged right up to the very last satisfying page. 

I am so in love with Witemeyer's newest series "A Patchwork Family." I am a sucker for orphan stories, and this one was brilliantly executed. All of the characters in this little knit together family were perfectly depicted. 

Seth, his frail health condition which hampered his ability to live fully. Made up for it all in heart and brains. 

Zach the tough hardened from life "brother" who would do anything to keep his promise. He managed to keep his family safe and provided for. His exterior was not very convincing because Evie had him wrapped right around her finger!  

Evie was so easy to love, sunshine and bubbles. Her heart is soft even though she had endured so much. She was basically shunned because of her two mismatched eye colors and lived quite a sheltered life, yet her heart shone through every set of trials. 

Then we have Logan, set on revenge, with one goal in mind. That is until he meets the effervescent Evie who proves to be quite the distraction.

Although the "love" story happens rather quickly and forgiveness seems easily won, I absolutely adored this novel. It was exactly what I would be looking for in a historical romance. I was swept away for an all too short a period of time, my heart is still caught up in the characters and the plot. So what now? Alas, I am eagerly awaiting the next sequel to "A Patchwork Family." Please, please let it be centred on Seth! 

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

Karen Witemeyer

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three...

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Book Review: A Chance At Forever

From the Back:

Determined to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child, Mercy McClain finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the worst of her childhood bullies, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against his getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking the forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the children's best interests at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron overcome the past in time to battle the threats against the future of the town's orphans?

My Reflections:

This is the final book of the Teaville Moral Society series. In it, we delve into not only the red light district and helping others better themselves, but also the subject of bullying.
Everyone most likely has experienced the devastating after-effects of bullying. It can devastate self-worth and confidence it is all too common in our society, and I found this topic a great platform to craft a story around. Melissa Jagears always manifests original characters. They are usually not the norm and leave me amazed and entertained all at the same time.

Mercy McClain is no stranger to hurt. Her childhood has been shaped by the wordsand actions of Aaron Firebrook. His hurtful behaviour and vicious verbal attacks still haunt her even as an adult.
Mercy has come a long way with a job she adores. She relishes the ability to have an impact in the lives of children at the orphanage. She has finally left the past where it should be, behind her, that is until Aaron Firebrook walks right back into her life.

Aaron has returned home a different man, he is determined to show the world his improved self Will he be able to shuck the layers of harm he has inflicted?
Is there really a second chance at new beginnings?
Aaron is determined to amend for his past and show Mercy that he is genuinely sorry for his youthful actions.

I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book in this series. I have read each and every instalment with anticipation I'm sad the journey of this series has come to an end.
Jagears writes with such clarity and depth. I enjoy how she weaves her stories around characters and events, a true masterpiece. Well done. I am eagerly anticipating a new series!

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

Melissa Jagears

Carol Award-winning author Melissa Jagears is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian historical romance into the wee hours of the night. She's the author of the Unexpected Brides series, the Teaville Moral Society series, and Love by the Letter, a...

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Book Review: A Borrowed Dream

From The Back:

There is no such thing as an impossible dream . . . 
Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the local doctor's treatments killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries bravely on as Cimarron Creek's dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life where dreams rarely come true.

Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He's managed to keep his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart, he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.

With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.

My Reflections:

A Borrowed Dream is book two in Amanda Cabot's Cimarron Creek Trilogy, another captivating read, as expected!

I love how Cabot weaves her novels together with the expertize of a seasoned writer. This story although separate from book one merges her characters and events together seamlessly, so I feel this novel would be best enjoyed as a series, read in order. This will allow for an informed reading experience. Cabot does include a map and genealogical chart to help readers figure out the complex cast and give a visual of the setting and backstory.

This story opens with newcomer Austin Goddard a widow, plastic surgeon along with his young daughter, who has just moved to Cimarron Creek to a ranch. That brings suspicion in its self, I mean why would a surgeon move to a small town to a remote ranch? Protection. Austin is hiding something, but he is determined to protect his daughter at all costs. 

Town school marm Catherine Whitfield, has secrets of her own. Her heart is weary of doctors after her mom was mistreated by Cimarron Creek's only doctor, resulting in her death after a "bloodletting" procedure. Will Catherine's heart obey her reasoning?

This book does not disappoint. It is quite complex and holds some deep subject matter. (murder and rape) For this reason, I would recommend it for readers of 14 and up. The story is clean otherwise and very well written. Filled with researched historical detail, you'll want to pick this one up for your next rainy spring read!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart, as well as the Texas Crossroads series, the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the...

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